Floodplains
Floodplain Map Update
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a multi-year floodplain study of Ramsey County in 2010, with updates in 2015. The study was conducted to update the county's floodplain maps, which were originally created in 1986. Floodplain maps are used as an assessment tool to help determine the different flooding risks in a community. Updates to these maps are necessary because of physical changes in the flood plains caused by land use, development, erosion, and natural forces.
Floodplain Ordinance
In addition to updating the floodplain maps, FEMA has also made amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations (Code 44, Section 60.3) dealing with flooding. FEMA required that municipalities update their floodplain ordinances to comply with the new regulations, which includes adopting the new floodplain maps.
The City updated its floodplain ordinance on May 10, 2010. The updates included the requirement to adopt new floodplain maps by June 4, 2010, minor changes to permitted uses in a floodplain, new administration requirements for issuing a permit in a floodplain, additional criteria for the City to authorize a variance in a floodplain, and additional restrictions on alterations to nonconforming buildings in a floodplain.