Submitted By: Payal Pandya
Presentation By: Sean Lanier
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Department: Engineering
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Introduce Ordinance 2025-34, amending Sec. 90-20, Code of Ordinances, City of Ocala, Florida, providing for limitations on enclosures under elevated buildings located in flood hazard areas
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Section 90-20 of the Code of Ordinances currently regulates buildings and structures to ensure that, within designated flood-prone areas, development occurs in a manner that mitigates risk.
Section 90-20 does not currently limit enclosures below elevated buildings in flood hazard areas, which would further mitigate flood risks during significant flood events. Regulations to limit enclosures below the base flood elevation have two objectives. First, they protect the structural integrity of the building from wave action or hydrostatic pressure. Second, they discourage property owners from finishing the area below the base flood elevation and storing valuable or hazardous items in that area.
While Ocala has no known structures in this situation (they are found mostly on the coast and along rivers), adding the paragraph in the attached redline version to our ordinance increases our points towards the goal of achieving a Community Rating System (CRS) Class 2 level for flood insurance purposes. We are currently at CRS Class 3. Advancing to a CRS Class 2 level would potentially decrease flood insurance premiums for our residents and businesses.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
This amendment to Section 90-20, Code of Ordinances, will further the protection of health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Ocala, and potentially decrease flood insurance premiums for our residents and businesses. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
The ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney, William E. Se...
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