03-07-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS — Item #5 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 5 Date: March 7, 2016 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala Re: FEMA Floodplain Update Background The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began work in 2009 to update the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Anoka County, including Lino Lakes. The original FIS and FIRM for Lino Lakes were completed in 1981. The project was competed and City adopted the new maps and floodplain regulations in December of 2015. Since the effective date of the new maps staff has received numerous residential inquiries regarding the need for flood insurance. This has been predominately driven by mortgage company property review. Residents have received notice from their mortgage companies that they are required to obtain flood insurance. Flood insurance is required by law for buildings in high-risk flood areas as a condition of receiving a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender. This is happening countywide. It should be noted that in many of these cases the flood boundary did not change. However, it appears that a more diligent review on the part of mortgage companies has resulted in notification. Staff and WSB have developed a process to assist residents with their floodplain inquiries. The City does not make floodplain determinations. However we can provided property information such as surveys, grading and elevations, if available. In some instances property owners may be able to file a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) application with FEMA if it can be shown their property is elevated above the flood hazard elevation. Staff is continuing to work with WSB to review the updated flood studies that resulted in a flood level increase along the Chain of Lakes. While previously reviewed we are evaluating whether any additional studies are warranted. Staff anticipates have an additional update on this information in April. Digital copies of the FIRM and FIS report are available on the following website: https://msc.fema.gov/portal. The following list of panel numbers covers the City of Lino Lakes: