23-25 Amending Chapter 6, Article 9, of the South Bend Municipal Code to Update the Regulations for Flood Damage Prevention

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Filed in Clerk's Office BILL NO. 23-25 Bianca Tirado City Clerk, South Bend, IN ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,AMENDING CHAPTER 6,ARTICLE 9 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE REGULATIONS FOR FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT Chapter 6, Article 9 of the South Bend Municipal Code provides the regulations for flood damage prevention within the City of South Bend. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources ("IDNR"), has developed a model floodplain ordinance for adoption by municipalities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program ("NFIP") in connection with the Federal Emergency Management Agency("FEMA"). The tailored language of this proposed ordinance has been approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Following adoption of this ordinance,the ordinance will be sent to IDNR for submission to FEMA in connection with the National Flood Insurance program. This proposed ordinance provides a more comprehensive regulatory framework by detailing broader public safety goals, such as preserving flood storage and minimizing flood- related economic losses. The proposed ordinance also expands on key definitions and includes provisions for critical facilities such as hospitals and emergency services. The proposed ordinance incorporates detailed enforcement provisions, emphasizing proactive flood risk mitigation. The proposed ordinance also introduces a formal appeals process, specifying evaluation criteria and ensuring alignment with FEMA floodplain management standards. The proposed ordinance, as a whole,provides a more detailed, structured, and enforceable framework for managing flood risks. This ordinance amendment is necessary for the effective, efficient administration of the City's enforcement and regulation of the floodplain. This ordinance is in the best interest of the City and its residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA as follows: SECTION I. Chapter 6, Article 9 shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows: 1