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be in a flood zone to purchase insurance. If a resident is not in a flood zone, it is less expensive to purchase flood insurance if the homeowners wishes. Board Member Bentz questioned if the map on display is the map used for insurance purposes now. City Planner Anderson explained the maps being used now are the maps from 1979. It does not distinguish between flood fringe and flood way. The new one does that. It also distinguishes between 100 year and 500 year flood levels. Board Member Bentz inquired if a GIF overlay could be included to make things clear for the residents. Board Member Hiatt asked if staff anticipates this will be an effect on some residents. City Planner Anderson responded flood insurance is federally mandated if a structure is in the 100-year flood plain. If only a portion of a lot is under the flood plain, then the insurance requirement is up to the lender. He said lenders seemed to be a bit more lenient before the housing crash, but have become more stringent since. The requirement of flood insurance is not a decision by the City, but is up to the lender if not federally mandated. There are instances where residents have obtained their mortgage without obtaining flood insurance. Then they have refinanced, and then are required to have flood insurance. He said he has had many conversations with residents about this. This is a change instituted by the lender. Board Member Bentz stated he would like to avoid the necessity of flood insurance for those on the borders of wetland. City Planner Anderson noted there are a surprising amount of wetland areas that are not part of a designated flood plain. He said just because there is a water body or a wetland doesn't mean there will be flood plain associated with that. Acting Chairperson Valentine pointed out flooding is usually associated with drainage and not a body of water. Board Member Hiatt referred to a case mentioned prior regarding a property battling flooding due to construction. He questioned if this situation should be included in the new Ordinance in order for the City to provide assistance. City Planner Anderson responded he cannot provide a blanket answer. These types of situations would be considered on a case -by -case basis. There may be some action toward drainage correction. He suggested if there is any hesitation by a Board Member to keep certain language in, or omit certain language in a certain section, they can ask for that amendment. Board Member Bentz questioned in the case already mentioned, would the homeowner apply for a variance and go through that process, or would it be better to go to Engineering and request help. City Planner Anderson stated if the language is not in the Ordinance, it is difficult to know how open the City will be to hear the case, or fix the problem. If that particular property is in a flood plain, it will be considered. He said if the property owner wanted it fixed, it would not be a Environmental Policy Board / September 21, 2015 Page 3 of 7