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FLOOD BILLS from page 1 ........................................... Amended versions of several major bills have DWR is developing that could be considered as now been published and can be reviewed by city an alternative to the process contained in AB officials. Hearings on these bills are scheduled for 1899. the next two or three weeks, prior to the antici- pated legislative summer recess. The dialogue at that meeting was productive, although at this time, no formal proposal is avail- The following is a recap of the main flood bills able. The League will continue to be very much and the issues being discussed: engaged in the discussions surrounding AS 1899 and other proposals. AS 1899 (Wolk). Show Me the Flood Pro- tection. AS 1899 will be heard in the Senate Local Government Committee on June 21 and if passed, AS 1899 is limited to the Sacramento and San will then be heard in the Senate Judiciary Commit- Joaquin Rivers watershed. It would require any tee hearing on June 27. new development in a greenfield area (i.e., not infill) that will flood to a depth of three feet or more AB 802 (Wolk). Flood Protection. General to have firm, 1 OO-year flood protection before the Plans. development is approved. The new amendments of AB 802 reflect many The measure would require a plan to be months of collaborative work between implemented that would provide 200-year protec- Assemblymember Wolk's office and the League, tion for that development in 10 years. In the CSAC, RCRC and APA. As amended, AB 802 interim, the developer would be required to pro- would require cities and counties to amend their vide notice to buyers that the area is at risk for general plans to include more robust policies on flooding and to provide flood insurance for the flood protection and mitigation. property until it reaches 200-year protection, but for no more than 10 years. For example, the measure takes several options from the General Plan Guidelines that The League has no position on AS 1899 at this address flood issues in the safety element which time. Assemblymember Wolk's office has ac- are currently optional and makes them mandatory. cepted a number of amendments requested by These items were selected because they are the League. City officials from the League's flood considered to be the type of basic topics that working group, as well as from impacted cities, safety elements should address. will meet in the League office to evaluate the bill and develop a recommendation on what position The bill also includes a provision to require that the League should take that will be considered by when a city or county receives its Regional Hous- League policy committees and the board of ing Needs Assessment (RHNA) number from the directors. Council of Governments or the California Depart- ment of Housing and Community Development Interesting, earlier this week, representatives (HCD), that the factors used to determine the from the League, the California State Association RHNA number include consideration of flood risk of Counties (CSAC), Regional Council of Rural on land available for housing and/or the cost of Counties (RCRC) and the American Planning housing. Discussions are still ongoing to craft Association, California Chapter (APA) met with language to authorize fees to be charged to cover representatives of the Department of Water the mandated costs to local agencies to comply Resources (DWR) to be briefed on a proposal with the bill. Continued on Page 6 Visit the league's Official Website--www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 5 June 2, 2006 - Issue #22 . __~.._,4M"'~'~."