Asheville Reporter

On January 28, the Asheville City Council approved amendments to Chapter 7 of the city's Code of Ordinances. These changes aim to clarify floodplain regulations, ensuring alignment with State law and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. The modifications also seek to streamline development language, facilitating a smoother permitting process.

Interim Public Works Director Amy Deyton emphasized the importance of these updates in her presentation to the council. She warned that failing to make these changes could jeopardize Asheville's status with the NFIP and the Community Rating System (CRS), which offers discounted flood insurance premiums for city residents. “The longer the City’s ordinances are not clearly aligned with NFIP requirements, the more risk we place on flood insurance policyholders and their eligibility for flood assistance and flood insurance, as well as our eligibility for public assistance,” Deyton stated.

Communities suspended or withdrawn from the NFIP face significant sanctions: residents cannot purchase federally backed flood insurance, existing policies won't be renewed, and no federal grants or loans can be issued for developments in designated flood hazard areas. Additionally, federal disaster aid will not cover repairs for buildings damaged by floods in these zones.

The amendments address three key issues:

1. Elevation requirements mandate that structures be elevated two feet above base flood elevation, complying with North Carolina building codes and recommendations from FEMA.

2. The lookback period for assessing substantial damage remains one year.

3. Historic properties may obtain variances from elevation requirements through a quasi-judicial review process.

In response to recent flooding from Helene, Asheville has established the Floodplain Assistance Support Team (FAST). This team will assist property owners affected by flooding as they navigate rebuilding processes under current regulations. FAST will reach out to those who have experienced significant damage and submitted permits currently on hold.

A recording of the council meeting is available on Asheville's YouTube channel.