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HomeMy WebLinkAboutADMIN 6/24/2008 10:12:33 AM Building ~ . . SPRINGFIELD \j1Tl OF SPRINGFIELD Planning Department December 29, 1986 Mr. Al Cockerline 3651 Game Farm Road ,', Springfield, OR 97477 ,,:,:, ,SUBJECT: Bui 1ding elevations in the flood plain '")'f'\;L',;: ;~1 ,.:;\ ',~ .', '~.' , Dear Mr. Cockerline, , , .- " "," ;.. , , ~')~'The .nclosed flood plain . , ",,':' CH2M-Hil1 Co., identifies property. The dark area ,,' two lighter areas (Zones I~. . respectively. map, each (Zone Band part of a comprehensive flood plain study prepared by of the various flood plain zones on and near your A6) is entirely within the 100 year flood plain. The C) are in the 100-500 and the 500+ year flood plains, ": I ., , . <;"; . In addition to these flood plain zones, the map also includes elevation contours which represent the estimated level of flood water in the event of a 100 year flood. You will note that I have annotated elevation figures between the map's contour lines. These figures represent the ranges of finished floor elevations that would De required for structures* Duilt in Zone A6. This requirement is derived from standardS established Dy the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and incorporated into City Ordinance by the adoption of Article 27 FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT of the Springfield Development Code. The City adopted this flood plain study and FEMA development standards on September 3, 1985 in order to remain eligible for Federal Flood Insurance. , . ".j I. , , ,,' During our telephone conversation of 12/29/86, you mentioned that you ha~ seen the :_City's flood plain maps and that the figures on these maps did not jibe with figures provided to you by an independent contractor who had shot elevations of your property. You emphasized this point by stating that your house had never been flooded and had a finished floor elevation of approximately 426 feet. Rather than dispute ynur figures I would just point out that your house is located in Zone C, an area that is subject to flOOding only once every 500+ years. To appreciate the severity of such a flood, the flooding which occurred in the early sixties. while fairly extensive, did not even achieve the magnitude of a 100 year flOOd. .- *Non-residential structures may be constructed below the level of the flood plain only if they are floodproofed: 1. As provided in State Structural Specialty Code, Chapter base flood level so that the structure is watertight impermeable to the passage of water; and 56. to one foot above the with walls substantially 2. Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and 3. Be certified by an engineer that the standards of this Subsection are satisfied. The certifications shall be provided to the Building Official as set forth in Section 27.040(3) of this Article. 225 North 5th Street · Springfield. Oregon 97477 . 503/726-3759 . . The other point you raised concerned the possibility of challenging the findings of the CH2M-Hill study. When the City adopted its' current flood plain standards (Article 27) the CH2M-Hil1 study was the only supporting documentation used as findings for approval. In fact, the federal government required the City to use this study as the basis for its' floOd plain ordinance or else lose eligibility for Federal Flood Insurance. The City Council held a public hearing on August 19. 1985, providin9 a forum tor anyone to speaK for or against either the proDosed Flood Plain Ordinance nr the findings of CH2M-Hill. Short of preparing an entirely new flood plain study ShDwlng tnat the CH2M-Hill study was no longer valid, and in so doing gain federal support, the City is not likely to jeopardize its' insurance status by making :;"('"" ;. individual adjustments to flood plain elevations. ., , , ,'.. . 'If I can be of further assistance, please call me at your convenience. Cordially, ~~.\Y~ G~ego~y ~. Mott . Development Code Administrator " I "J '. '. ..;