CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to floodplains; adopting interim regulations consistent with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations; adopting updated National Flood Insurance Rate Maps to allow individuals to continue to obtain flood insurance through FEMA's Flood Insurance Program; and amending Chapter 25.06 and Section 25.09.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, the City is required to update its floodplain development regulations to regulate development in special flood hazard areas in accordance with standards established by the National Flood Insurance Program and the Washington State Department of Ecology and areas identified as flood-prone in subsection 25.09.012.B of the Seattle Municipal Code; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds and declares that:
A. On February 19, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the City that it must adopt updated regulations and updated Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) with an effective date prior to August 19, 2020 in order to maintain its standing in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) program, which is a necessary precondition for residents to be eligible to obtain Flood Insurance.
B. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) worked closely with FEMA administrator in developing these proposed amendments.
C. SDCI was still working with the FEMA Administrator to obtain FEMA's review and concurrence of the proposed amendments as recently as July 6, 2020.
D. It is necessary to adopt these regulations on an interim basis to maintain the City's standing in FEMA's NFIP program, enabling citizens to continue to be eligible for flood insurance while preventing development incompatible with City goals related to development in the floodplains.
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