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9.A. - Page 2 <br /> Ordinance to bring it up to date with the model ordinance provided by FEMA. This <br /> ordinance amendment is a prerequisite for continual participation in the NFIP. <br /> The City's current Floodplain Management Ordinance, among other things, requires the <br /> Administrator to insure that all new structures in the floodplain be raised above the <br /> elevation of base flood. If the structure cannot be raised, then the structure has to be <br /> flood - proofed by FEMA standards. The proposed amendment includes clarification on <br /> development permit, development of substantial improvement, flood openings, garages <br /> and accessory structures, and standards for manufactured homes and recreational <br /> vehicles. <br /> Flood Map Update Process <br /> As noted in the introduction section, the FEMA "California Coastal Analysis and <br /> Mapping Project" is completely unrelated to the subject requirement to adopt the <br /> attached ordinance. However, since the subjects are similar (related to flood hazard <br /> insurance), staff is taking the opportunity to update the Council and community on the <br /> ongoing FEMA analysis and mapping process. <br /> Based on "detailed coastal engineering analysis" of the nine (9) Bay Area counties, <br /> FEMA recently released updated /proposed Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for <br /> local review. Although still not updated to reflect projected sea level rise, in San Mateo <br /> County, the updated maps show an inland shift to many of the historical flood lines. If <br /> the updated maps are adopted, buildings within the FIRM areas would be required to <br /> meet stricter building and insurance requirements. <br /> FEMA is in the beginning stages of the input process. Currently, FEMA has shared <br /> "work maps" with jurisdictions in San Mateo County and is only seeking informal <br /> comments. After receiving City input, FEMA will consider making changes to the maps <br /> and release the revised maps for general community input. FEMA delegates the <br /> community input process to the local cities, therefore City staff will be reaching out to <br /> individual property owners and the greater community in 2015. The study and maps will <br /> therefore be the subject of community review throughout 2015. The attached FEMA <br /> handout outlines the proposed map update process in greater detail. <br /> ALTERNATIVES <br /> The City must comply with the regulations and statues governing flood protection, and <br /> comply with standards as established by federal and state law. There is no practical <br /> alternative to meet this mandate. <br /> FISCAL IMPACT <br /> The implementation of the Ordinance Amendment will not have any direct impact on the <br /> City's budget. The City will continue, as it always has, to administer the program. <br />