HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2022-027 Amend SCC 15.25 Floodplain Sponsored by: Staff
Public Hearing: November 8, 2022
Postponed: November 8,2022
Public Hearing: January 10, 2023
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-027
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL
AMEND PORTIONS OF SEWARD CITY CODE; 15.25 FLOODPLAIN
MANAGEMENT, ADOPTING RECOMMENDED LANGUAGE AND
REGULATIONS FROM THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY(FEMA)
WHEREAS, on March 29, 2022 the City Council approved the Planning and Zoning
Commission's priorities one of which included, "Make recommended updates to Title 15"; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update
the City zoning code; and
WHEREAS, FEMA has created this model ordinance to help communities meet the
minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP); and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward has identified flood hazard areas that are subject to
periodic inundation which may result in loss of life and property; and
WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this updated Floodplain code to promote public health,
safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flooding; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a joint public work session with
the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board on 10/17/2022 to discuss the recommended
model ordinance from FEMA; and
WHEREAS, on November 8, 2022 the Planning and Zoning Commission postponed
Resolution 2022-027 to wait for further feedback from FEMA regarding the proposed changes to
the Floodplain Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning
111 Commission that:
Section 1.The Commission recommends Ordinance 2023-XXX attached and incorporated
herein by reference,be forwarded to City Council for approval.
CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2022-027
Section 2. This o+ i e sliall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission this 10th
day of January, 2023.
THE CITY OF SEWARD,ALASKA
Clare Sullivan, Chair
AYES: Monaco, Staggs, Charbonneau, Hornseth, Sullivan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Verhey, Ulman
ABSTAIN: None
VACANT: None
ATTEST:
rends Ballo , MMC
City Clerk
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Planning and Zoning Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: January 10, 2023
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
Through: Jason Bickling, Community Development Director
From: Courtney Bringhurst, Planner
Agenda Item: Resolution 2022-027: Recommending the City Council Amend Portions of
Seward City Code; 15.25 Floodplain Management, Adopting Recommended
Language and Regulations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA)
Background and justification:
On March 29, 2022, the City Council approved the Planning and Zoning Commissions priorities, one
of which was to "make recommended updates to Title 15."
The Floodplain Management section in Seward City Code was last reviewed and updated in 2016.
The City of Seward has identified flood hazard areas that are subject to periodic inundation, which
may result in loss of life and property. FEMA has created this model ordinance to help communities
meet the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and to promote
public health and safety, and minimize public and private losses during flooding.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a joint public work session with the Seward Bear Creek
Flood Service Area Board on 10/17/2022 to discuss the recommended model ordinance from FEMA.
On November 8, 2022, the Planning and Zoning Commission postponed Resolution 2022-027 to wait
for further feedback from FEMA regarding the changes that had been proposed to the Seward City
Code Title 15.25 Floodplain Management.
Intent:
To provide a recommendation to City Council to update Seward City Code Title 15 regarding
Floodplain Management.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: Vol 1, Chapter 2.2.8 — City Government
"Continue to review and update the City code."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.8.1.2 — "Protect citizens from natural hazards by using
appropriate land use policies and regulations."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.8.1.4 — "Mitigate flood hazards"
Vol 1, Chapter 3.8.1.5 — "Control development on lands subject to risks from
seismic activity, floods, steep slopes prone to erosion, avalanches, landslides, and
saturated soils."
Strategic Plan: "Mitigate flood hazards." Page 11
"Actively participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)." Page 11
Recommendation
Community Development Department staff recommends approval of Resolution 2022-027
recommending the City Council Amend Portions of Seward City Code; 15.25 Floodplain Management,
Adopting Recommended Language and Regulations from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA).