Agenda - Council - 11/24/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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included in the Ordinance Amendment and why. One of the major components of this proposed Amendment is the incorporation, by reference, of the new maps and flood study. The updated maps include an underlying aerial image and a much needed updated network of streets. Upon adoption of the Ordinance Amendment, the City will also gain access to Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) through FEMA, that should further assist in accurately determining whether a structure (or proposed location for a structure) is within a floodplain. On October 15, 2015, the City received a Conditional Letter of Approval from the MN DNR stating that the draft Ordinance complies with Statewide Standards and Criteria for Management of Floodplain Areas of Minnesota, Minnesota Rules, Parts 6120.5000 to 6120.6200, with two (2) minor revisions needed. First, the map panel nomenclature in Section 117-181(c) needed to be updated to insert a "C" after 27003. The second revision was to amend the definition of 'Dwelling, manufactured home' to clarify that this term does not include 'recreational vehicle'. Both of these minor edits have been incorporated in the draft Ordinance. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on October 15, 2015 and there were no written or verbal comments received regarding the proposed Ordinance. Both the Environmental Policy Board and the Planning Commission have recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance #15-15 to ensure that the City remains a participant in the NFIP and that flood insurance remains available to property owners or prospective property owners in the community. The Ordinance was introduced at the City Council meeting on October 27, 2015 and is now eligible for adoption. Alternatives Alternative #1: Adopt Ordinance #15-15 amending Section 117-1 (Definitions) and Chapter 117, Article II, Division 4, Subdivision III (Floodplain Overlay Districts). The Amendment includes a majority of the existing regulations in an updated format. In addition, the Amendment includes FEMA mandated language that was not included in the City's original adopted ordinance. The Environmental Policy Board and the Planning Commission support this option. Alternative 42: Adopt a revised version of Ordinance #15-15 amending Section 117-1 (Definitions) and Chapter 117, Article II, Division 4, Subdivision III (Floodplain Overlay Districts). There are a number of optional definitions and provisions that have either been included or excluded from the proposed Ordinance Amendment. The City Council may desire to make revisions to the draft Ordinance Amendment to add or remove one or more of these optional components. Staff would not object to this option as long as it would not delay the Ordinance Amendment from being adopted prior to December 16, 2015. Alternative 43: Do not adopt Ordinance #15-15. This would result in the City being suspended from the NFIP, which does have some significant impacts to property owners and the City. As noted previously, this would result in flood insurance not being available for anyone in the community. Thus, federally backed loans would no longer be available for property owners that have structures within the floodplain districts. This would make sellingibuying a home in the community, or even refinancing, very challenging. Finally, the City would lose its eligibility for federal disaster relief. Due to these outcomes, Staff, nor the Environmental Policy Board or Planning Commission, support this option. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of Staff s normal duties. Recommendation: