Flagler Beach to Consider Partial Change to Floodplain Management Ordinance. Builders Urge Full Repeal

Tomorrow, Flagler Beach will consider a repeal of portions of Ordinance 2015-03 which increased the minimum floor elevation. They should repeal the whole ordinance. Read why.

PALM COAST, FL – August 26, 2015 – Tomorrow, the Flagler Beach Commission, will consider a repeal of portions of Ordinance 2015-03 which increased the minimum floor elevation by 1 ft. Although this is helpful, the board is only considering a change for alterations of existing homes and plans to  leave new construction 2 ' above Base Floor Elevation (BFE). This change will add thousands of dollars to the cost of each new home.

I have been a member of the Flagler Home Builders Association for many years. I wrote about Ordinance 2015-03 when it was first proposed and passes. Story: Flagler Beach Votes Tonight on Ordinance Raising New Home Cost by $2,100.

FEMA NFIP Coastal rules mandate that "If an existing building is improved or reconstructed and the VALUE of the project exceeds 50% of the building's value, the building must be brought up to the same standards applied to NEW CONSTRUCTION." So, although the ordinance tries to address this issue, it is trumped by FEMA policy. That is why a complete repeal and return to 1' of freeboard for all construction is so important.

Owners will always have the choice to build higher if they believe it to be in their best interest.

In a Call To Action, the Home Builders Association is urging their members and Flagler Beach Residents to contact Flagler Beach City Commissioners to express their views. Reference Agenda Item #23.

Contact Info (Links will launch your email):

Commissioner Steve Settle
Commissioner Jane Mealy
Commissioner Joy McGrew
Commissioner Kim Carney
Commissioner Marshall Shupe
Mayor Linda Provencher