The City is proposing an amendment to its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (FDPO) to align with a new U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standard that mandates more rigorous determination of design flood elevations for new construction. The intent of this new standard is to increase resilience to flooding and reduce the risks to human lives and properties associated with flooding. Currently, the City requires 1 foot of freeboard above the base flood elevation (BFE). The proposed amendment seeks to increase this requirement to 2 feet of freeboard above the BFE for developments within the special flood hazard area. Additionally, the amendment includes updates to ensure clarity, such as adding new definitions to the ordinance, and other revisions recommended by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The new HUD standard will be enforced for all new construction starting January 1, 2025. The City requests adoption of the revised ordinance to coincide with the effective date of the new HUD standard.

Recommend approval of FDPO amendment.