Changes to the city’s floodplain ordinance that take effect July 1 will create a more rigorous process for approving construction in the floodplain and remove previously allowed exemptions to what can be built there.
The floodplain is land near a stream that could be inundated by a so-called 100-year flood. The city’s ordinance continues to ban new development in the floodplain.
Revisions to federal and state regulations required several changes to the ordinance, which the Mayor and Council unanimously adopted in January. The changes require property owners in the floodplain to obtain a permit, which allows the city to set conditions on new construction, review and approve construction plans, inspect construction and obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency-required documentation. Floodplain construction of new public facilities and minor projects, such as utilities, fences and play or seating equipment, will now require permits.
City staff sent letters to owners of properties within the floodplain to explain the new permitting requirements. Staff is available to guide owners in making safer choices about placement and design of improvements to minimize potential flood damage.
Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/floodplain to learn more about the ordinance and to find flood preparation and safety tips and an interactive map that can help assess flood risks.