11-23-15 Agenda, Packet & Committee Meeting Notice

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Staff Report I 1/5/2015 APC # 2761-15 Owner: APC Initiated Location: Text Amendment Jurisdiction: City of South Bend Public Hearing Date: 11/17/2015 Requested Action: An Ordinance initiated by the Area Plan Commission of St. Joseph County, amending Chapter 21,Zoning, Section 21-12, Floodplain Regulations, of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend, St.Joseph County, Indiana. Staff Comments: The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)has made a number of changes to the Model Floodplain Ordinance, and has requested that communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program adopt the changes. The Department of Natural Resources is coordinating that effort for Indiana communities. A new floodplain ordinance must be adopted by December 16, 2015 in order for communities to remain in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. The primary purpose of this replacement ordinance is to specifically include within identified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA's)and other flood prone areas insured by the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA),those locations identified on the St. Joseph County Flood Insurance Rate Map dated January 6, 2011 and on any future updates, amendments or revisions prepared by FEMA. It should be noted that this replacement ordinance does not change, or in any other way affect, the existing penalties. The substantive changes consist solely in adding and deleting certain definitions, rephrasing and clarifying some language, and most importantly, incorporating FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map of January 6,2011 and assuring that all updates amendments and revisions prepared by FEMA shall be included within designated floodplain areas. All changes are per recommendation of either FEMA or IDEM, so there was little discretion in drafting. The FIRM maps, effective as of January 6, 2011, remain in place. Agency Comments: Chuck Bulot, Floodplain Administrator, has reviewed the changes and recommends approval. As of the date of this Report,the Department of Natural Resources is still reviewing the ordinance for conformity to the model floodplain ordinance. Recommendation: Based on information available prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends that the petition be sent to the Common Council with a FAVORABLE recommendation. Analysis: This ordinance addresses required changes in the community's floodplain ordinance and is required for continued eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program. APC # 2761-15 Page I of 1