Updated Flood Hazard Regulations

Updated model flood hazard area regulations are now available on the VT DEC website:
http://www.vtwaterquality.org/rivers/htm/rv_floodhazard.htm

If a community is updating their flood hazard or zoning regulations then these models may be valuable to the work of the Planning Commissions.

The table below briefly describes the four models and includes links to pdf versions of the texts.

Model 2 is appropriate for a municipality that does not have zoning and does not have access to Fluvial Erosion Hazard Maps. Model 2 includes administrative text and can be adopted under Chapter 117 §4411 and/or §4424.

Models 3 and 4 are appropriate for municipalities that have existing zoning and Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zone maps. Model 3 assumes that the municipality has little current exposure to flood hazards and may permit new structures outside of the floodway and the Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zone where such structures are accessible by dry land access.

Model 4 clearly prohibits new structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area and the Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zone, and is less complex to administer.

Model 5 is for communities with zoning that do not have access to Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zone maps.

Links to Models
(PDFs) NFIP Compliant? Use Address Erosion Hazards? Cumulative
Benefits / Cost
for Town VT DEC Recommended?
2.0 Inundation Hazard
Yes Stand Alone No High Yes
3.0 Inundation and Erosion Hazard
Yes Zoning Attachment Yes Moderate Highly
4.0 Flood Hazard
Yes Zoning Attachment Yes High Highly
5.0 Inundation Hazard – Zoning
Yes Zoning Attachment No High Yes
For Word .doc versions of the models please contact ned.swanberg@state.vt.us

The models provide recommendations from VT DEC for flood hazard area regulations that meet or exceed the standards required for the National Flood Insurance Program. VT DEC recommends that Planning Commissions adopt the models and make changes as needed to remove any other contradictions or confusing elements in their effective texts. Communities can further integrate the language with existing zoning or make other changes as appropriate. When the Planning Commission has a final draft text, please forward the text to VT DEC ( ned.swanberg@state.vt.us ) for review. The review will identify any areas that do not meet or exceed the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. After the Planning Commission makes any necessary changes it should be reported to the Selectboard for adoption.

Communities in Chittenden and Washington Counties now have a Preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Studies available. Community officials are encouraged to review the data and submit any requests for corrections before the end of November. Planning Commissions should schedule their work so as to complete adoption by the Selectboard of the updated flood bylaw by the end of March 2010.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Ned Swanberg
Flood Plain Management – River Management Program
802.241.4596 Phone
802.241.4537 Fax
ned.swanberg@state.vt.us

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