§ 38-105. Evaluation of existing floodplain management program.

The city is engaged in a number of floodplain management activities, in keeping with the regulations of the NFIP. The following is a summary of these activities.

(1)

NFIP participation. The city is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. As such, regulations have been adopted for regulation of the floodplain as listed below.

(2)

Development regulation. A floodplain development permit process has been incorporated into the flood damage prevention ordinance requiring submittal of plans and other information pertinent to evaluation of the impacts of development on the floodplain. These materials are submitted to the floodplain administrator for review and approval.

All new residential structures must be constructed so that the lowest floor is elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation. All new commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structures must be constructed so that the lowest floor is at least one foot above the base flood elevation or be designed to be floodproofed to at least one foot above the base flood elevation.

Manufactured homes may not be placed within the floodway. Manufactured homes placed within the floodplain (but outside the floodway) must be elevated such that the lowest floor is at least one foot above the base flood elevation and securely anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement. Manufactured homes to be placed within an existing manufactured home park or subdivision must be elevated such that the lowest floor is at least one foot above the base flood elevation and securely anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement, or be supported on reinforced piers to an elevation at least three feet above grade, and securely anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.

As required by the NFIP, no encroachments in the floodway are permitted that would result in any rise in the base flood elevation unless a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) is applied for and approved by FEMA. In addition, the city does not permit floodplain modifications that would remove property from a special flood hazard area until a CLOMR is applied for and approved by FEMA. In either case, the city requires the developer to obtain a LOMR after construction is complete.

(4)

Elevation certificates. The floodplain administrator maintains a file of elevation certificates as they are made available. While the file is not likely complete, any new elevation certificates that the city is able to obtain are placed in this file.

(5)

Little Fossil Creek. The city is working with the Corps of Engineers to develop plans for improvements to Little Fossil Creek. The target is to contain the 100-year flows within the improved channel from State Highway 121 to Midway Road. These improvements will virtually eliminate the existing flood hazard in this area of the city as described earlier in this report. The proposed approach was presented to citizens at a public meeting on June 21, 2001. A bond election was presented to the voters on November 6, 2001 to fund this and other projects. Because the bond election passed, the Corps of Engineers will proceed with their study, followed by design and right-of-way acquisition. It is currently estimated that construction will begin in the summer of 2005.

(6)

Big Fossil Creek. The city is currently participating in a consortium of local communities to study Big Fossil Creek and determine the improvements necessary to alleviate flooding along Big Fossil Creek on a region-wide basis. Because many of the communities along Big Fossil Creek are relatively small, and the watershed encompasses many communities, this approach will ensure a more cohesive long-term plan for addressing flooding conditions along Big Fossil Creek. This participation in the consortium is a positive step toward a regional solution. While there appear to be few significant flooding issues along Big Fossil Creek itself within Haltom City, there are a number of locations where there are significant erosion problems.

(7)

Drainage maintenance program. The city currently engages in a limited drainage maintenance program. Primarily it consists of vegetation management by means of an annual contract to spray herbicides as necessary to keep onerous vegetation in check and maintain the flood carrying capacity of the channels. In addition, the city street department staff does limited clearing of culverts and streams, primarily in response to citizen requests.

(Ord. No. O-2002-017-16, § 1, Exh. A, 5-13-02)