Madison Preliminary Flood Map Open House Community Meeting

Transcription

1 Madison Preliminary Flood Map Open House Community Meeting December 9, 2010

2 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Madison County, AL Preliminary Flood Map Open House Meeting The Office of Water Resources (OWR), in partnership with FEMA and local Community Officials, want to give you an opportunity to view your property with the new flood data to observe the current risk to you property, ask questions, and make comments on the preliminary FIRMs OWR in conjunction with FEMA and your local community officials want to inform you of your recourse options based on the risk shown on the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (There are four scenarios that will be applicable to everyone)

3 PLEASE KEEP IN MIND... Preliminary (draft) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) will go through review by FEMA, Community Officials and Citizens. The FIRMs will not become effective for insurance rating purposes until around April/May of It is Mortgage Company or Lender prerogative on requiring flood insurance on a structure outside of the ZONE AE and ZONE A (1% annual chance) Floodplain that is financed by a federally backed mortgage. Homeowners Insurance (for damage, fire, etc.) does not include flood insurance. If there is not a federally backed mortgage on your home or business you are not required to carry flood insurance on that structure. Flood Maps (FIRMs) map the risk of being susceptible to flooding, specifically the 1% annualchance flood area. This flood area is developed based on current standard engineering and scientific methodologies, computer analyses and tools. No one can predict flooding and no structure is completely safe from flooding. Having flood insurance is a good option to protect your property from the devastation of flooding.

4 PRESENTATION POINTS Why Floodplains are Developed Identifying Flood Zone Designations on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Determining your Risk / Suggested Steps to Follow Who to Contact Locally

5 OPEN HOUSE MEETING SET UP The purpose of the meeting today is to provide, you, the citizens, an opportunity to view your flood risk based on the preliminary flood maps, inform you of your options based on your risk and collect comments on the preliminary maps. Areas of assistance Include: Preliminary FIRMS / Property Viewing Stations Informative Presentation National Flood Insurance Program Area

6 WHY FLOODPLAINS ARE DEVELOPED The regulatory standard for the National Flood Insurance Program s (NFIP) components of mapping, insurance, and regulation is the base flood or the 1 Percent Annual Chance Flood. The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or flood proofing of structures. The relationship between the BFE and a structure s elevation determines the flood insurance premium.

7 WHY FLOODPLAINS ARE DEVELOPED Floodplains are low ground near streams that naturally convey rain waters to larger streams and eventually the oceans. The NFIP definition of a flood is the temporary inundation of usually dry ground. Floodplains have been conveying water since the first rain event. These events vary in magnitude and frequency. For the purpose of Flood Protection the NFIP uses the flood with a 1% (1/100) chance of occurring each year. It is know as or frequently called the 100 year flood. The NFIP attempts to protect U.S. Citizens in participating Communities by allowing property owners (commercial/private) to purchase flood insurance for structures (buildings) in and out of the 1%-annual-chance floodplain. The FEMA requires property located within a Special Flood Hazard Area and backed by a federally secured mortgage to be covered by an NFIP Flood Insurance Policy (44 CFR Part 59.2)

8 FREQUENTLY USED TERMS & ACRONYMS WYO - Write Your Own SFHDF - Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form SFIO - Standard Flood Insurance Policy ICC - Increased Cost of Compliance BFE - Base Flood Elevation H&H - Hydrologic & Hydraulic CRS - Community Rating System CTP - Cooperating Technical Partner DEM - Digital Elevation Model DFIRM - Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map FIRM - Flood Insurance Rate Map FIS - Flood Insurance Study GIS - Geographic Information System LOMR-F - Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill TSDN - Technical Support Data Network LOMC - Letter of Map Change LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program NAVD 88 - North American Vertical Datum of 1988 EC - Elevation Certificate SFHA - Special Flood Hazard Area SOMA - Summary of Map Actions PLS - Professional Land Surveyor PE - Professional Engineer LAG - Lowest Adjacent Grade LFD - Letter of Final Determination LFE - Lowest Flood Elevation LOMA - Letter of Map Amendment LOMR - Letter of Map Revision PMR - Physical Map Revision

9 DEFINITIONS Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM): A collection of all digital data required to reproduce a hardcopy Flood Insurance Rate Map according to FEMA standards and specifications. It includes such information as base map data, flood data, graphics, text, and shading. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): The insurance and floodplain management map produced by FEMA that identifies, based on detailed or approximate analyses, the areas subject to flooding during the 1 percent annual chance flood or base flood depths.

10 INDENTIFYING ZONE DESIGNATIONS Zone AE Areas subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood event as determined by detailed methods. Base flood elevations are shown within these zones.

11 INDENTIFYING ZONE DESIGNATIONS Zone A (dark shaded) Areas subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood event as determined by approximate methods.

12 INDENTIFYING ZONE DESIGNATIONS ZONE AO Identifies areas subject to inundation by 1 percent annual chance shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are 1 3 feet.

13 INDENTIFYING ZONE DESIGNATIONS Zone X (unshaded X) Areas of moderate or minimal flood hazard. Zone X (shaded light grey) Areas subject to inundation by the 0.2 percent annual chance flood event or areas subject to inundation by the 1 percentannual chance flood event with average depths less than one foot or with drainage areas less than one square mile; and areas protected by levees from the 1 percent annual chance flood.

14 INDENTIFYING ZONE DESIGNATIONS Floodway (diagonal hashlines) The stream channel, plus any adjacent floodplain areas that must be kept free of encroachment so that the 1 percent annual chance flood can be carried without substantial increases in flood heights (no greater than a 1.0 foot increase in the BFE).

15 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

16 EVOLUTION OF THE NFIP Prior to 1940: Flood control provided by structures (levees, dams, dikes) 1965: Congress passed the Water Resources Planning Act, which established the Water Resources Council 1966: Congress House Document (HD) 465: created a Unified National Program for Managing Flood Losses Recognized structural measures were not enough Declared: Floods are an act of God. Flood damages result from acts of man. 1968: National Flood Insurance Act establishing the NFIP 1973: Flood Disaster Protection Act established mandatory flood insurance and required NFIP participation for certain types of disaster assistance 1977: Executive Orders Floodplain Management Wetlands Protection 1994: Galloway Report

17 MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE NFIP New mitigation insurance benefit, Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) created Compliance with mandatory purchase requirement improved Flood Mitigation Assistance program created Flood insurance coverage limits increased Community Rating System codified Flood insurance policy waiting period increased to 30 days Study of economic impact of mapping erosion hazard areas required Federal disaster assistance prohibited in certain cases if flood insurance was not maintained Study of economic effects of charging actuarially based premium rates for pre-firm structures required

18 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

19 Madison Flood Map Project Specifics 3. DFIRM Database 1. Flood Insurance Study (FIS) 2. DFIRM 2. FIRM

20 WHY UPDATE MADISON CO MAPS? Madison County s current flood risk maps are dated April 1998 Risk of flooding in many areas has increased due to changes in drainage patterns relating to land use, surface erosion, and other natural forces Updated flood maps more accurately represent the risk of flooding

21 PROJECT SPECIFICS

22 FLOOD STATUS GURLEY Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 65 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 2 Parcels Still in the SFHA 57 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA Estimated from Madison County Parcel Data Total Number of Town of Gurley Parcels: 708

23 FLOOD STATUS HUNTSVILLE Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 3,472 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 1,272 Parcels Still in the SFHA 7,765 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA 74,686 1 Estimated from City of Huntsville Parcel Data Total Number of City of Huntsville Parcels: 87,195

24 FLOOD STATUS CITY OF MADISON Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 249 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 207 Parcels Still in the SFHA 835 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA 14,706 1 Estimated from City of Madison Parcel Data Total Number of City of Madison Parcels: 15,997

25 FLOOD STATUS MADISON COUNTY Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 5,098 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 1,985 Parcels Still in the SFHA 13,618 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA 152,971 1 Estimated from Madison County Parcel Data Total Number of Madison County Parcels: 173,672

26 FLOOD STATUS NEW HOPE Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 441 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 0 Parcels Still in the SFHA 256 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA 1,494 1 Estimated from Madison County Parcel Data Total Number of Town of New Hope Parcels: 2,191

27 FLOOD STATUS OWENS CROSS ROADS Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 0 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 23 Parcels Still in the SFHA 385 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA Estimated from Madison County Parcel Data Total Number of Town of Owens Cross Roads Parcels: 1,226

28 FLOOD STATUS TRIANA Estimates of Impacts to Parcels Relative to the Special Flood Hazard Area Status Number of Parcels 1 Parcels Added to the SFHA 3 Parcels Removed from the SFHA 20 Parcels Still in the SFHA 33 Parcels Still Out of the SFHA Estimated from Madison County Parcel Data Total Number of Town of Triana Parcels: 724

29 2008 / 2009 NOV JUN Scoping Meeting: 11/13/2008 Scoping Meeting: 6/24/2009

30 2010 SEP NOV DEC Preliminary Packages issued to Communities Transmittal Letter FIRMs FIS SOMA (if needed) Community Coordination Officers Meeting: 11/03/2010 Open House Meeting: 12/09/2010 Informational Presentation Preliminary FIRM Viewing

31 Appeals and Protests Defined Appeal the community refutes the proposed BFEs by submitting data to show that the BFEs are scientifically or technically incorrect. Protest An objection to the Preliminary DFIRM and FIS that does not involve the proposed BFEs; protests will generally involve changes to corporate limits, roads, and floodplain boundary delineations (ZONE A). Appeals and Protests can be referenced in Part 67 of the NFIP regulations 44 CFR 67.6

32 Comment Period Comment period begins on the date the preliminary maps were received by the Communities. Comments from the Communities to correct the FIRMs due on the date of the PDCC meeting. Examples of comments: updated corporate limits, road name changes, stream name corrections, dispute of Floodplain Boundary Delineation, etc. Please send comments to the Office of Water Resources via your local Floodplain Administrator by December 31, 2010.

33 Appeal Period Required Statutory 90 Day period for submission of scientific or technical data to dispute or change the proposed Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) published within the Federal Register. Newspaper Notice of Proposed BFE changes run twice in a 7 10 day period. After proposed Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) are published within the Federal Register each Community affected by the proposed BFEs will receive a letter informing them of: The date, volume and page number of the Notice of Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations published in the Federal Register The dates of two (2) Public BFE Notice Ads running in the local paper (The Huntsville Times) The right of the Community/Citizens to appeal the proposed Base Flood Elevations and additional information on appeals

34 Letter of Final Determination by FEMA FEMA issues the LFD when the 90 day appeal period ends, all appeals and protests have been resolved, and all followup actions are taken. The LFD is sent to the community CEO, floodplain administrator, the State NFIP coordinator, and the FEMA Regional office. The LFD notifies all users that the proposed BFEs are considered final. The community compliance period (6 months) is also initiated when the LFD is issued. The effective date of the DFIRM is set by the LFD

35 2011 MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Estimated 90 Day Appeal Period Two (2) Ads informing citizens of proposed BFEs run in The Huntsville Times within 7 10 days. 2 nd Ad begins 90-Day Appeal Period Appeal Resolution Time End of 90-days to submit appeals Proposed BFEs Published in the Federal Register (projected)

36 2011 JUL SEP OCT NOV DEC Appeal Resolution Time The appeal period ends when submitted appeals are resolved. Community Compliance Period After completing the FEMA QA/QC process the Letter of Final Determination is issued (projected)

37 2012 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 6 Month Community Compliance Period Effective Date of the FIRMs is six (6) months after the date of the Letter of Final Determination (projected)

38 Four (4) Scenarios Presented Today Determine your property (home) location relative to the floodplain on the current effective FIRMS and the preliminary FIRMs. Your property will either be within the floodplain or outside of the floodplain on either set of FIRMs. Four (4) Scenarios: Within the Current Floodplain, and Within the New Floodplain Within the Current Floodplain, and Outside the New Floodplain Outside the Current Floodplain, and Within the New Floodplain Outside the Current Floodplain, and Outside the New Floodplain Based on the above scenarios we will describe steps for property owners to ensure their flood risk and resultant flood insurance requirement is accurate.

39 In the Current Floodplain & the New Floodplain

40 INSIDE THE CURRENT FLOODPLAIN, INSIDE THE NEW FLOODPLAIN Determine the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) on the preliminary FIRM affecting your property (home). Compare this preliminary BFE to the current BFE. Flood elevations may have increased or decreased from the current effective There may be an adjustment to flood insurance premium if there is a lapse in coverage or if the property (home /office) is substantially damaged or improved after the preliminary FIRMs are effective. Check the FIRMs after the effective date to ensure floodplains have remained the same. Floodplains can change due to additional data considered in the flood study, caused by appeals.

41 In the Current Floodplain & Out of the New Floodplain

42 WITHIN THE CURRENT FLOODPLAIN, BUT OUTSIDE THE NEW FLOODPLAIN If you currently have flood insurance keep you policy in force. Your lender/mortgage company may still require flood insurance if your property is Close to the floodplain. If you decide to keep flood insurance on your structure (home or business), request a Preferred Risk Policy now that your structure is no longer within the floodplain. You may have an option of applying for a LOMA if your lender/mortgage company still requires you to purchase flood insurance for your structure based on the new effective FIRMs. Your lender/mortgage company can still require you to purchase flood insurance for your structure, even with a LOMA from FEMA. You will be eligible for a Preferred Risk Policy at a reduced premium. Check the FIRMs after the effective date to ensure floodplains have remained the same. Floodplains can change due to additional data considered in the flood study, caused by appeals

43 Out of the Current Floodplain & In the New Floodplain

44 OUTSIDE THE CURRENT FLOODPLAIN, BUT WITHIN THE NEW FLOODPLAIN Get flood Insurance NOW! The policy will be based on the current effective FIRM (reduced risk). If you feel your property (home or business) may be outside of the floodplain on the preliminary FIRMs you may request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA. Keep your flood insurance policy in effect until any LOMA efforts are completed. Your lender/mortgage company can still require flood insurance after you receive a LOMA from FEMA. If this is the case, you will be eligible to purchase a Preferred Risk Policy at a substantially lower rate. Check the FIRMs after the effective date to ensure floodplains have remained the same. Floodplains can change due to additional data considered in the flood study, caused by appeals.

45 Out of the Current Floodplain & Out of the New Floodplain

46 OUTSIDE THE CURRENT FLOODPLAIN, OUTSIDE THE NEW FLOODPLAIN If you currently have flood insurance keep you policy in effect. Be sure to check the new FIRMs after the effective date to ensure your flood risk is the same. Floodplains can change due to additional data considered in the flood study, caused by appeals. Your Mortgage Company/Lender may require flood insurance based on your property s proximity to the floodplain.

47 FOUR (4) SCENARIOS IN SUMMARY If Maps Show Change from low or moderate flood risk to high risk ( flood zone B, C, or X to zone A, AE, AH or AO, V, VE) These Requirements, Options And Savings Apply Flood insurance is mandatory. Flood insurance will be federally required for most mortgage holders. Insurance costs may rise to reflect the true (high) risk. Grandfathering can offer savings. The National Flood Insurance Program has grandfathering rules to recognize policyholders who built in compliance with the flood map in effect at the time of construction or who maintain continuous coverage. Sometimes, though, using the new flood maps can actually result in a lower premium, especially if the home is high enough above the BFE. Change from high flood risk to low or moderate risk (e.g., flood zone A, AE, AH, AO, to X or shaded X) Flood insurance is optional but recommended. The risk has only been reduced, not removed. Flood insurance can still be obtained, and at lower rates. About 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low-risk areas. Conversion offers savings. An existing policy can be easily converted to a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy, if the building qualifies. Note that lenders always have the option to require flood insurance in these areas. Increase in the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) An increase in BFE can result in higher premiums; however, grandfathering can offer savings. The National Flood Insurance Program grandfathering rules allow policyholders who have built in compliance with the flood map in effect at the time of construction to keep the earlier base flood elevation to calculate their insurance rate. This could result in significant savings. No change in risk level No change in insurance rates. However, this is a good time to review your coverages and ensure that your building and contents are adequately protected.

48 Local Floodplain Administrators Community FPA Name Address Phone Gurley The Honorable Stan Simpson 235 Walker Street Gurley, AL Huntsville Mr. Gary Gleason 320 Fountain Circle Huntsville, AL Madison City Mr. Gary Chynoweth 100 Hughes Road Madison, AL Madison Co. Mr. Richard Grace 266 C Shields Road Huntsville, AL New Hope Ms. Karen Williams 5496 Main Street New Hope, AL Owens Cross Roads The Honorable Curtis Craig 9032 Old Hwy 431 Owens Cross Road, AL Triana Mr. Tom Dozier th Street Madison, AL New Hope, AL You may also contact Phillip Hicks with the Alabama Office of Water Resources at (334)

49 Website Resources Website Resources: Local Websites: (City of Huntsville) Direct Link to View Preliminary FIRM data: Alabama Office of Water Resources Website :

50 Website Resources: Website Resources: FEMA Website on Mapping: For general information about flood insurance: (The Flood Risk Estimator on this website uses the current maps, not the new preliminary maps, so the level of flood risk estimated may not be representative.)