Some points to consider from our City Engineer
FEMA Information Website: www.floodsmart.gov
- A property fronting the Belvedere Lagoon has been
designated by the new FEMA Flood Maps as Zone AE. If
you own a property that fronts the Lagoon, it will be
in listed in the new zone effective May 2009. The Zone
AE designation means that there is a 1% chance of
flooding annually.
- You are NOT required to obtain flood insurance
unless you have an existing loan backed by the federal
government.
- Flood insurance through the Federal Program is
available directly through your existing home
insurance agent.
- If you obtain flood insurance before May 9 you will
be locked into a significantly lower rate for the
future than if you initiate coverage after May 9.
- You may be eligible for an even better rate if you
can demonstrate that the lowest floor of your living
area is above the Flood Level. A registered engineer
or Surveyor must make this determination.
- The new flood zone designations are based on
information that FEMA has gathered since the last maps
were issued in 1977 this includes any recent projects
that have impacted the area.
- FEMAs maps now indicate that Belvedere Lagoon will
be impacted by flooding from both Belvedere Cove and
Richardson Bay. While we could raise the San Rafael
Avenue Seawall to prevent flooding from the north,
there is no reasonable way to create a barrier along
Beach Road at the Cove. Thus, flood insurance will
still be required, despite any raising of the San
Rafael Avenue Seawall.
- At a recent City Goals Meeting the City Council
decided to delay the San Rafael Avenue Seawall project
until FEMA makes a final determination of necessary
height and during that interim seek Federal Funding
Assistance for the project and make necessary remedial
repairs to the decomposite granite pathway.
- For more info please check the FEMA website at www.floodsmart.gov or by calling
888.435.6637
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