03-11-10 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 11, 2010 FLOODPLAIN The City Planner presented an amendment to the City's Zoning Code ORDINANCE revising its standards to regulate the Floodplain District. The Planner UPDATE reported that the new regulations are the result of the Federal Emergency Management Association's (FEMA) update of their Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). In order for Little Canada to remain participants in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the City must update/revise its existing floodplain ordinance. The City Plamier reported that the draft amendment is based on the State's model. Currently the City's regulations exist in three different dish•icts, and the State's model proposes two plus eliminates land that is not subject to flooding as well as does a betterjob of identifying the uses allowed in the floodplain and floodfringe. The City Planner recommended adopting the amendment of Chapter 916 as presented. He indicated that he is waiting for some additional information from the DNR relative to the ordinance, however. The Planner indicated that the State's model requires that the City keep track of the value of improvements to non-conforming structures in the floodplain, given the limitation of improvements up to only 50% of the value ofnon-conforming structures is allowed. For example, if there were improvements. The Planner noted that this is a burdensome requirements, and reported that the DNR has alternative language that exempts cities from this requirement. The Planner noted that the City has very few structures that are subject to flooding. Knudsen asked the downside of not adopting the new regulations. 'I"he Planner reported that properly owners within the City that are in flood zones would not be able to purchase flood insurance. Knudsen recommended adoption of the ordinance amendment Chapter 916 of the Little Canada Zoning Code, establishing revised standards to regulate the Floodplain District within the City including the DNR language which would opt the City out of the trac]<ing procedures. Motion seconded by Duray. Motion carried 5 - 0. 2010 GOAL Duray reported that a 2010 Goal Setting Session was held in February SETTING and reviewed the top eight goals that were identified. The City Clerk noted that Action Plans will be prepared for the top eight goals and presented to the Council for review and approval Work will not be limited to the eight goals. Council and staff will work toward completing many of the goals identified at the Goal Setting Session. -4-