HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0176.025 2006-2008 ~Tr or M~ Phone: (808) 326-5421
/ . Gti Fax: (808) 329- 4786
BRENDA FORD, ~ E-Mail: bford@co.hawaii.hi.us
Council Member, District 7
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HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL r_
County of Hawaii ~ `
Kai[ua Trade Center w
75-5706 Hanama Place, Suite 109 .
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
DATE: March 28, 2007
TO: Pete Hoffmann, Chair, and Council Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 y
FROM: Brenda Ford, Council Member District 7 l~l'~
RE: Public Works Department Committee Agenda
Information for the Council on Bi1151
Dear Chair Hoffmann,
I am requesting that Council Members be informed Flood Insurance and the FEMA Community Rating
System (CRS). Please give the attached information to all Council members as soon as possible so they
can be informed, prior to the next Public Works Committee meeting on April 3, 2007.
BF/dh
Comm. Ho. ~ ~
Ref. To:prea+rsse3 W12L
Ref. Cage A?R 0 3
Hawai`/ County /s An Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
Sri: FEM~4
Question:
What does it mean if my community does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
Answer:
('nmmunines that agree to ma_ age flood hazard areas by adoo[ine minimum standards can participate in the NFIP The
standards are contained in Section 60.3 of the NFIP regulations. Communities that do not part~ctpate aze sublect to the
sanctions outlined in Section 202(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. Section 202(a) makes flood
insurance, Fed ral grants and loans Federal disaster assistance and Federal mortgage insurance unavailable for the
ac uisition or construction of structures located in the flood lam shown on the NFIP ma s.
Question:
My family has lived in our house for many years, and we had a big flood that was called [he "100-vear flood." We
weren't damaged. ~v do I need flood insurance?
Answer:
The term "100-year flood" is often incorrectly used and can be misleading. I[ does not mean that only one flood of that
size will occur ever 100 ears. The term is a statement of probability that scientists and engineers use to describe how
one flood compares to o[ ers t at are likely to occur. Today, we use the phrase "1% annual chance flood." What it
means is that there is a 1 % chance of a flood of [hat size happening in any year. Over a 100-year period, it has a 63,5%
chance of occunring. Even more surprising is that over a 30-year period (typical mortgage period) the 1 % annual chance
flood has a 26% chance of occurring. This means a home in the ma ed flood hazard area is five times more likely to be
dam ed b flood than to have a major tre. To answer your question a out w y you nee oo insurance, you wou
need to look very care I y at what caused the flood and how high the water near your home rose. Because rainfall
amounts are different when a storm moves across an area, a "100-year flood" may occur in some places but no[ others.
There are many factors [ha[ can add to flooding, including debris in the waterway, small road culverts and bridges,
frozen or saturated ground, and others. If your area had a major storm and your home was not flooded, you may want to
check with your community's engineering or planning office. If other areas didri t flood, it may mean that the FIRMS
should be revised. You may also want to check to see if your home is eligible for a Letter of Map Amendment (COMA)
which FEMA uses when homeowners submit Elevation Certificates showing [hat their homes are out of the mapped
floodplain. W ith a COMA, your lender may choose to not require flood insurance.
Question:
a^°~ romm~nity participation in the National Flood Insurance Program mean and how does that affect a
homeowner?
Answer:
Communities, i.e., local governments, decide to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Specifically, communities that agree to manage flood hazard areas by adopting minimum regulatory standards may
participate in the NFIP. These standards are listed in Section 60.3 of the NFIP regulations.
If a communiri does not participate in the program property owners in that jurisdiction are not able to purchase
.~gu(} backed flood insurance Also federal grants loans disaster assts[ance and Federal mortgage insurance are
unavailable for the acquisition or construction of structures located to [he floodplain as shown on the NFIP maps.
Similarly, if a community does not participate in the program, property owners are not subject to federal requirements
of mandatory flood insurance. However, a lender is still required to inspect any flood maps to determine flood hazard
risk and provide notice of such risk. A lender may require a borrower to obtain flood insurance even in the absence of a
federally mandatory requirement.
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FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page I of 1
°."_~pe~ Management Institute , ~ I
Community Rating System Resource Center
Ni li3 Introduction f? Glossary i Samples i Tools
Community Responsibilities
To earn CRS credit, your community can do things like:
Preserve open space in the floodplain;
• ~ . • Enforce higher standards for safer new development;
• Maintain drainage systems; and
. Inform people about flood hazards, flood insurance, and
how to reduce flood damage.
Your community is probably already doing many of these things. To get credit,
prepare an application showing what's being done. Once the information is ver
provides the flood insurance premium discounts. The amount of your discount
what your community does.
Once it has submitted its CRS Application, a community must continue to implt
credited activities to keep its classification. Specifically, a community is respon
Designating someone who is familiar with the agencies that implement C
activities as the community's CRS Coordinator.
• Cooperating with the ISO/CRS Specialist and the verification procedures.
Recertifying each year that it is continuing to implement its activities.
• Submitting the appropriate documents with its recertification.
• Advising FEMA and its ISO/CRS Specialist of modifications in its activities
• Maintaining elevation certificates, other permit records, and old Flood In;
Rate Maps (FIRMS) forever.
Maintaining other records of its activities for 5 years, or until the next ve
visit, whichever comes sooner.
Participating in the cycle verification process.
Communities will receive periodic updates to the CRS Coordinator's Manual ant
materials. They are encouraged to order the background publications, attend C
workshops, and ask their ISO/CRS Specialists for help understanding the CRS
for their current and planned activities.
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C
Last Updated: 08/03/2006 06:12:02
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http://training.fema.gov/EMI W eb/CRS/m 1 s4main.htm 3/22/2007
FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page 1 of 1
Costs and Benefits
Communities should prepare and implement those activities which best deal with their local
problems, whether or not they are creditable under the CRS. Few, if any, of the CRS activities will
produce premium reductions equal to or in excess of their implementation costs. In considering
whether to undertake a new floodplain management activity, a community must consider all of the
benefits the activity will provide (not just insurance premium reductions) in order to determine
whether it is worth implementing.
a. Costs
No fee is charged for a community to apply for participation in the CRS. The only costs the
community incurs are those of implementing creditable floodplain management activities and the
staff time needed to prepare the CRS Application.
b. Benefits
It is important to note that reduced flood insurance rates are only one of the rewards a community
receives from participating in the CRS. There are several other benefits.
First, the CRS floodplain management activities provide enhanced public safety, a reduction in
damage to property and public infrastructure, avoidance of economic disruption and losses,
reduction of human suffering, and protection of the environment.
Second, a community can evaluate the effectiveness of its flood program against a nationally
recognized benchmark.
Third, technical assistance in designing and implementing some activities is available at no charge.
Fourth, a CRS community's flood program benefits from having an added incentive to maintain its
flood programs over the years. The fact that the community's CRS status could be affected by the
elimination of aflood-related activity or a weakening of the regulatory requirements for new
development, should be taken into account by the governing board when considering such actions.
A similar system used in fire insurance rating has had a strong impact on the level of support local
governments give to their fire protection programs.
Fifth, implementing some CRS activities, such as floodplain management planning, can help a
community qualify for certain Federal assistance programs.
http://training.fema.gov/EMI Web/CRS/m 1 s3main_a.htm 3/22/2007
FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page 1 of 1
Natural and Beneficial Functions
Floodplains perform certain natural and beneficial functions that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
The CRS provides special credit for community activities that protect these functions, even though
some of the activities may not directly reduce flood losses to insurable buildings. Two types of
"natural and beneficial functions" warrant protecting Floodplains in their natural state.
1. Floodplains in their natural state have an important impact on flooding. Flood waters can
spread over a large area in floodplains that have not been encroached upon. This reduces
flood velocities and provides flood storage to reduce peak flows downstream. Natural
floodplains reduce wind and wave impacts and their vegetation stabilizes soils during
flooding.
2. Floodplains in their natural state provide "ancillary beneficial functions" beyond flood
reduction. Water quality is improved in areas where natural cover acts as a filter for runoff
and overbank flows; sediment loads and impurities are also minimized. Natural floodplains
moderate water temperature, reducing the possibility of adverse impacts on aquatic plants
and animals.
Floodplains can act as recharge areas for groundwater and reduce the frequency and
duration of low flows of surface water. They provide habitat for diverse species of flora
and fauna, some of which cannot live anywhere else. They are particularly important as
breeding and feeding areas.
The CRS encourages State, local, and private programs and projects that preserve or restore the
natural state of floodplains and protect these functions. The CRS also encourages communities to
coordinate their flood loss reduction programs with Habitat Conservation Plans and other public and
private activities that preserve and protect natural and beneficial floodplain functions. Credits for
doing this are found in the following activities:
. 330-Outreach Projects: credit is provided for outreach projects that include descriptions of
the natural and beneficial floodplain functions of the community's floodplains.
. 420-Open Space Preservation: extra credit is provided for open space areas that are
preserved in their natural state, have been restored to a condition approximating their
pre-development natural state, or have been designated as worthy of preservation for
their natural benefits, such as being designated in a Habitat Conservation Plan.
• 430-Higher Regulatory Standards: regulations that protect natural areas during
development or that protect water quality are credited.
• 450-Stormwater Management: erosion and sediment control and water quality
requirements for projects that affect stormwater runoff are credited.
• 510-Floodplain Management Planning: extra credit is provided for plans that address
floodplain natural resources and that are coordinated with a community's Habitat
Conservation Plan.
http://training.fema.gov/EMI Web/CRS/ml s3main_b.htm 3/22/2007
FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page 1 of 2
Credit Points Awarded for CRS Activities
Maximum Average Maximum % of Communities
ACTIVITY Possible Points Points Earned Points Earned Credited (4)
1 2 3
300 Public Information Activities
310 Elevation 162 69 142 100%
Certificates
140 138 140 95%
320 Map Information
Service 380 90 290 86%
330 Outreach gl 19 81 61%
Projects
102 24 66 87%
340 Hazard
Disclosure 71 53 71 48%
350 Flood Protection
Information
360 Flood Protection
ssistance
00 Ma in & Re ulator Activities
410 Additional Flood 1,346 86 521 29%
Data
900 191 734 83%
420 Open Space
Preservation 2,740 166 1,041 85%
430 Higher 239 79 218 68%
Regulatory
Standards 670 98 490 74%
440 Flood Data
Maintenance
450 Stormwater
Mana ement
500 Flood Dama a Reduction Activities
510 Floodplain 359 115 270 20%
Mgmt. Planning
3,200 213 2,084 13%
520 Acquisition and
Relocation 2,800 93 813 6%
530 Flood Protection 330 232 330 69%
540 Drainage
S stem Maintenance
600 Flood Pre aredness Activities
610 Flood Warning 255 93 200 30%
Prog ra m
900 198 198 1%
620 Levee Safety
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/mis6main c.htm 3/22/2007
FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page 2 of 2
630 Dam Safety 175 66 87 81%
1. The maximum possible points are based on the 2006 CRS Coordinator's Manual.
2. The average points earned are based on communities' scores as of May 1, 2005, and do not
include growth adjustments or the new credits provided in the 2006 CRS Coordinator's Manual
3. The maximum points earned are the highest scores attained by a community as of May 1, 2005
and do not include growth adjustments. In some cases many communities have attained the
maximum points listed.
4. The ercenta a of communities credited is as of Ma 1 2005.
http://training.fema.gov/EMI Web/CRS/m 1 s6main_c.htm 3/22/2007
Quick Check - Page 1 of 3
Quick Check
piWAlii Print X Close
A Quick Check of a Community's Potential CRS Credit
a. Purpose
A minimum of 500 points is needed to receive a CRS classification of Class 9, which will reduce
premium rates. This quick check provides some basic information for local officials to determine
if their communities will have enough points to attain Class 9.
If a community does not qualify for at least 500 points, it may want to initiate some new
activities in order to attain Class 9. For example, some of the public information activities can
be implemented for a very low start-up cost. The quick check can identify where points can be
earned for new activities.
b. Quick Check Instructions
The section numbering system is used throughout all CRS publications. Sections 300 through
600 describe the 18 creditable activities. Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) is required of all
CRS communities and Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) is required of designated
repetitive loss communities. The rest of the activities are optional. Only the elements most
frequently applied for are listed.
If the activity is applicable, the average community score (which is in parentheses) should be
entered in the blank to the left to provide a rough estimate of the community's initial credit
points.
c. Minimum Requirements
. Section 211 (Prerequisites): The community must be in the Regular Phase of the
NFIP and be in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The
application must include a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Regional Office confirming that the community is meeting all of the latest NFIP
requirements.
. Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates): All CRS communities must maintain FEMA's
elevation certificates for all new and substantially improved construction in the
floodplain after the date of application for CRS classification.
. Sections 501-503 (Repetitive Loss Areas): A community with properties that have
received repeated flood insurance claim payments must map the areas affected.
Communities with 10 or more such properties must prepare, adopt, and implement a
plan to reduce damage in repetitive loss areas. The FEMA Regional Office can tell
whether this applies to any given community.
d. Other Activities
If the activity is applicable, the average community score (which is in parentheses) should be
entered in the blank at left to provide a rough estimate of the community's initial credit points.
Public Information Activities (Series 300)
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/QuickCheck.htm 3/22/2007
Quick Check Page 2 of 3
(69) 310 (Elevation Certificates) Maintain FEMA elevation certificates for all new
construction. Maintaining them after the date of CRS application is a minimum
requirement for any CRS credit.
(138) 320 (Map Information) Respond to inquiries to identify a property's FIRM zone
and publicize this service.
(90) 330 (Outreach Projects) Send information about the flood hazard, flood
insurance, and flood protection measures to floodprone residents or all
residents of the community.
(19) 340 (Hazard Disclosure) Real estate agents advise potential purchasers of
floodprone property about the flood hazard; or regulations require a notice of
the flood hazard.
(24) 350 (Flood Protection Information) The public library maintains references on
flood insurance and flood protection.
(53) 360 (Flood Protection Assistance) Give inquiring property owners technical
advice on protecting their buildings from flooding, and publicize this service.
Mapping and Regulatory Activities (Series 400)
(86) 410 (Additional Flood Data) Develop new flood elevations, floodway
delineations, wave heights, or other regulatory flood hazard data for an area
that was not mapped in detail by the flood insurance study; or have the flood
insurance study's hydrology or allowable floodway surcharge based on a
higher state or local standard.
(191) 420 (Open Space Preservation) Guarantee that a portion of currently vacant
floodplain will be kept free from development.
(166) 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) Require freeboard; require soil tests or
engineered foundations; require compensatory storage; zone the floodplain
for minimum lot sizes of 1 acre or larger; regulate to protect sand dunes; or
have regulations tailored to protect critical facilities or areas subject to special
flood hazards (e.g., alluvial fans, ice jams, or subsidence).
(79) 440 (Flood Data Maintenance) Keep flood and property data on computer
records; use better base maps; or maintain elevation reference marks.
(98) 450 (Stormwater Management) Regulate new development throughout the
watershed to ensure that post-development runoff is no worse than pre-
development runoff.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities (Series 500)
(115) 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) Prepare, adopt, implement, and
update a comprehensive plan using a standard planning process.
(213) 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) Acquire and/or relocate floodprone buildings
so that they are out of the floodplain.
(93) 530 (Flood Protection) Document floodproofed or elevated pre-FIRM buildings.
(232) 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) Conduct periodic inspections of all
channels and retention basins and perform maintenance as needed.
Flood Preparedness Activities (Series 600)
(93) 610 (Flood Warning Program) Provide early flood warnings to the public and
have a detailed flood response plan keyed to flood crest predictions.
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/QuickCheck.htm 3/22/2007
Quick Check Page 3 of 3
(198) 620 (Levee Safety) Maintain levees that are not credited with providing base
flood protection.
(66) 630 (Dam Safety) All communities in a State with an approved dam safety
program receive credit.
TOTAL ESTIMATED POINTS FOR THE COMMUNITY
If this quick check shows that the community could receive at least 500 points, it may want to
check its status in the NFIP with the FEMA Regional Office and apply for a CRS classification
using the CRS Application.
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http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/QuickCheck.htm 3/22/2007
FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page 1 of 2
All Hazard Mitigation
Communities with flood problems are also likely to be threatened by other natural and
technological hazards. The staff and programs that address flooding may also be responsible for
protecting the community from earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, drought, hazardous materials
incidents, and terrorism. Similarly, staff that work in programs related to other hazards may be
implementing activities that could support floodplain management programs.
FEMA supports an all-hazards approach to mitigation, as does the CRS. It makes economic sense
that mitigation programs address as many hazards as are appropriate. An all-hazards approach
also ensures that staff, programs, construction standards, and public information messages are
consistent and mutually supportive.
The CRS has become an important tool for mitigation as well as a mechanism for integrating
mitigation with flood insurance. This is consistent not only with grading systems that have been
successfully employed for many years in the insurance industry, but also with new industry
initiatives for relating insurance premiums to local community efforts to reduce losses due to
natural hazards. For example, adoption and enforcement of strong building codes as measured by
the insurance industry's Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule integrates building code
enforcement into the industry's premium rates.
The CRS has served as a model for all-hazards pre-disaster mitigation activities. Several local
officials have reported that the CRS was the blueprint for organizing their program to build a more
disaster-resistant community.
The 2006 edition of the CRS Coordinator's Manual highlights many opportunities for expanding a
flood-only orientation to address other hazards. These include:
. The 300 series of public information activities credits advising people about the risk of
flooding and other hazards and the mitigation measures they can take to protect their
properties;
Under Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure), disclosure of other hazards (DOH) credits advising
potential purchasers of property that there may be other hazards that could affect the
property, such as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands;
. The credit for placing references in the public library under Activity 350 (Flood Protection
Assistance) includes extra points for including documents on special flood-related hazards
such as subsidence and coastal erosion;
. Section 401 has an overview of the additional credits that are provided for mapping and
managing seven special hazards:
. Uncertain flow paths (alluvial fans, moveable bed streams, and other floodplains
within which the channel moves during a flood),
. Closed basin lakes,
. Ice jams,
Land subsidence,
Mudflow hazards,
. Coastal erosion, and
. Tsunamis.
. Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) encourages communities to keep hazardous areas
open and undeveloped;
. Credit is provided for the International Series of building codes (which have improved
protection standards for flooding, wind, and other hazards over previous model codes) in
Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), Section 431.m;
. Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) also credits extending V-Zone standards for
coastal storm surge and wind protection farther inland to include coastal A Zones (Section
http://training.fema.gov/EMI Web/CRS/m 1 s6main_£htm 3/22/2007
FEMA -Community Rating System Resource Center Page 2 of 2
431. p);
. Section 430LD (Land Development Criteria) increases the credit for land use and
development regulations in areas of mapped special hazards;
. In Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance), additional credit is provided for showing areas
subject to other natural hazards in the GIS or database management program;
More credit points are available for including other hazards in a mitigation plan that
qualifies for a floodplain management plan under Activity 510 (Fioodplain Management
Planning); and
Local warning and public information activities directed toward storms and tsunamis are
credited under the StormReady and TsunamiReady element in Activity 610 (Flood Warning
Program).
http://training.fema.gov/EMI Web/CRS/ml s6main_f.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 1 of 8
Samples
~~p~ ~ Print Close
Click on an activity below to access samples directly related to the activity.
General Samples
Activity 300: Public Information
Activity 400: Mapping and Regulations
Activity 500: Flood Damage Reduction
Activity 300: Public Information
Activity 310: Elevation Certificates
Activity 320: Map Information
Activity 330: Outreach Projects
Activity 340: Hazard Disclosure
Activity 350: Flood Protection Information
Activity 360: Flood Protection Assistance
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General Samples
General Samples Information Available Link
Annual Sample recertification worksheet that communities must use to
Recertification recertify by October 1 that it is continuing to implement the
Worksheet activities for which it has earned credit. 182KB
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Activity 310: Elevation Certificates
Resource Information Available Link
CRS Record-Keeping Checklists and guidance for keeping track of records and
Guidance annual actions, includes documentation and samples.
881KB
Elevation Certificates Copy of sample activity worksheet for elevation certificates
Activity Worksheet
152K6
FEMA Elevation Completed sample elevation certificate.
Certificate
2.57M6
http://training.fema.govBMI Web/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 2 of 8
Back to Top
Activity 320: Map Information
Resource Information Available Link
Coastal Barrier Resources Sample documentation that can be used as a flyer.
Information Sheet
22KB
CRS Record-Keeping Checklists and guidance for keeping track of records and
Guidance annual actions, includes documentation and samples.
881K6
Mandatory Purchase Informational tips that can be used as a flyer for
Requirement mandatory purchase requirements.
2ZKB
Sample Letter Map Sample acceptable method for providing map
Information information.
21K6
Sample Log of Map Sample log of walk in and telephone map information
Information Inquiries inquiries.
27KB
* Back to Top
Activity 330: Outreach Projects
Resource Information Available Link
After the Flood Sample handout to residents showing what a can be done after
a flood, provides guidelines for reentering flooded structures.
27KB
Are You Ready Sample outreach project that can be used as guidance and
Brochure easily reproduced. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen
Preparedness brings together facts on disaster survival 873K6
techniques, disaster-specific information, and how to prepare
for and respond to both natural and man-made disasters.
Are you ready fora Sample other agencies publications that can be used when
flood or a flash making them available to the public earning credit for OPA.
flood? 163KB
City of Floodville: Sample flyer outlining flood protection information. Creditable
Flood Protection under OPC.
Information 35K8
City of Tulsa Sample "official notice" mailed to all city residents containing
Newsletter flood hazard information. Creditable under OPF.
36KB
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 3 of 8
CRS Credit for A discussion of the credit under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)
Outreach Projects in the CRS Coordinator's Manual, with samples.
1.64MB
CRS Record- Checklists and guidance for keeping track of records and annual
Keeping Guidance actions, includes documentation and samples.
881KB
EPA Wetlands Fact Sample other agencies publications that can be used when
Sheets making them available to the public earning credit for OPA.
369KB
Flooding at Ft. Web site providing flooding information and assistance
Collins reference materials.
4.70MB
Flood proofing and Web site providing safety information to residents within a
Hurricane Safety designated flood hazard area.
Floods -The Sample way to make use of other agencies publications. Just by
Awesome Power obtaining copies of relevant information and making them
available to the public you can earn credit for OPA. 965KB
Maricopa County Sample outreach project done through County Annual Report.
Annual Report
369KB
Sample Evaluation Sample evaluation report for outreach project (AW-330-3).
Report
99KB
~8ack to Top
Activity 340: Hazard Disclosure
Resource Information Available Link
Check Before You Buy Sample text used in real estate agents' brochure.
29K6
Copy of Real Estate Agent Sample residential property condition disclosure statement
Disclosure Form that is creditable under Activity 340.
123KB
Sample Ordinance Sample ordinance that requires a city to disclose a flood
hazard.
24KB
Sample Ordinance Sample ordinance for other disclosure requirements
(ODR).
20KB
Stormwater Drainage Sample ordinance creditable under other disclosure
requirements.
23K6
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 4 of 8
Verifying Real Estate Fact sheet providing information about verifying real
Agents estate agents flood hazard disclosure. (dated Fall 2000)
26KB
~ Back to Top
Activity 350: Flood Protection Information
Resource Information Available Link
City of Palo Alto, CA Web site providing examples of CRS credited items.
EPA Wetlands Fact Sample other agencies publications that can be used when
Sheets making them available to the public earning credit for OPA.
369KB
Flooding at Ft. Brochure outlining flooding preparedness and safety.
Collins
4.70M6
Winter Storm The City of Palo Alto use this brochure to provide their
Preparedness Tips residents information for being prepared and protecting
themselves against flooding. lO1KB
Back to Top
Activity 360: Flood Protection Assistance
Resource Information Available Link
City of Floodville: Sample flyer outlining flood protection information. Creditable
Flood Protection under FPA.
Information 35K6
CRS Record-Keeping Checklists and guidance for keeping track of records and
Guidance annual actions, includes documentation and samples.
Retrofit Contractor Sample professional contractor resume.
Resume
27KB
Ten Tips for Making Sample flyer provided to residents that can be used for your
Sure Your Contractor flood protection assistance program.
Measures Up
What You Should Sample publication that can be provided to the community.
Know Such documentation, even though not developed by your
community, can be distributed/available and is still creditable 1.23MB
under Activity 360.
~ Back to Top
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 5 of 8
Activity 400: Mapping and Regulations
Activity 420: Open Space Preservation
Activity 430: Higher Regulatory Standards
Activity 430LD: Land Development Criteria
Activity 440: Flood Data Maintenance
Activity 450: Stormwater Management
Activity 420: Open Space Preservation
Resource Information Available Link
Deed Restriction Deed restriction under open space.
114KB
Open Space Documentation Documentation explaining parcel designated for
open space.
157KB
Sample Ordinance for Open Copy of ordinance that provides exemplary
Space description for how space is used.
83K6
Sample Ordinance Restricting Copy of ordinance that restricts development in an
Development open space.
142K6
? Back to Top
- _ .
Activity 430: Higher Regulatory Standards
Resource Information Available Link
Cumulative Substantial Creditable ordinance language for Cumulative
Improvement (CSI) Substantial Improvement.
154KB
Cumulative Substantial Record of building improvements that are being
Improvement (CSI) maintained and tracked.
24KB
Enclosure Limits (ENL) Photos of homes that qualify for ENL credit.
1.41MB
Freeboard (FRB) Illustration of floor, utilities, and ductwork above the
freeboard level.
lO1KB
Land Development Drawings of approaches available to avoid or minimize
http://training.fema.gov/EMI Web/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 6 of 8
Criteria (LDC) the number of buildings allowed in a floodplain that
would be credited under LDC.
116K6
Low Density Zoning (LZ) Documentation of development restrictions for low
density zoning.
238KB
Natural and Beneficial Illustration of permitted natural buffer under natural and
Functions Regulations beneficial functions regulations.
(NBR) 29KB
Protection of Critical Creditable ordinance for the protection of critical
Facilities (PCF) facilities.
138KB
? Back to Top
Activity 440: Flood Data Maintenance
Resource Information Available Link
Elevation Reference Copy of master list of elevation marks credit documentation
Mark (ERM) required for ERM credit.
377K6
Flood Data Documentation summarizing City's Flood Data Maintenance
Maintenance (FDM) Program.
187KB
Flood Data Elevation reference mark program that includes master list tied
Maintenance (FDM) to National Geodedic Reference System.
lO1KB
Flood Data Website of geographic information system (GIS) that updates
Maintenance (FDM) information electronically and displays map information.
* Back to Top
Activity 450: Stormwater Management
Resource Information Available Link
Water Quality Sample document outlining the best management practices used for
(WQ) controlling Stormwater pollution.
64KB
~ Back to Top
Activity 500: Flood Damage Reduction
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 7 of 8
Activity 500: Flood Damage Reduction
Activity 510: Floodplain Management Planning
Activity 520: Acquisition and Relocation
Activity 530: Flood Protection
Activity 540: Drainage System Maintenance
Activity 510: Floodplain Management Planning
Resource Information Available Link
Conway Sample Plan Hazard Mitigation Plan for City of Conway, South Carolina.
7.52MB
Gurnee Sample Plan Flood Mitigation Plan for Village of Gurnee, Illinois.
6.91MB
Huntsville Sample Flood Mitigation Plan for City of Huntsville, Alabama.
Plan
7.81MB
Lewes Sample Plan Flood Mitigation Plan for Lewes, Deleware.
645KB
Oregon City Sample Hazard Mitigation Plan for Oregon City, Oregon.
Plan
201KB
Oyster Bay Sample Town of Oyster Bay Floodplain Management and Hazard
Plan Mitigation Plan.
2.57MB
? Back to Top
Activity 520: Acquisition and Relocation
Resource Information Available Link
Property Acquisition Creditable documentation for acquisition/relocation.
122K6
~ Back to Top
Activity 530: Flood Protection
Resource Information Available Link
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
Samples Page 8 of 8
Flood Assistance Document can be used as an informational tool for providing Q
Rebate Program a flood assistance rebate program.
84K6
Activity 540: Drainage System Maintenance
Resource Information Available Link
CRS Credit for Creditable documentation for Drainage System Maintenance.
Drainage System
Maintenance 23K6
Jefferson Parish's Sample documentation for Jefferson Parish (City of New
CDR Procedures Orleans) creditable under CDR.
652KB
Orland Hills' CDR Sample documentation for The Village of Orland Hills, Illinois?
Procedures creditable under CDR.
1.83M6
Regulatory Language Example ordinance language as provided by actual
ordinances used by CRS communities.(Note: All ordinance
language should be reviewed by local legal counsel before 29KB
adoption).
Stream Dumping Example signage posted to regulate stream dumping.
Sign
856KB
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/Samples.htm 3/22/2007
FEMA: Community Rating System Page 1 of 3
FEI~?IA
Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary
incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that
exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted
to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the
CRS: (1) reduce flood losses; (2) facilitate accurate insurance rating; and (3) promote the awazeness
of flood insurance.
For CRS participating communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments of
5%; i.e., a Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium discount, while a Class 9 community
would receive a 5% discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives no discount).
The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable activities, organized under four
categories: (i) Public Information, (ii) Mapping and Regulations, (iii) Flood Damage Reduction, and
(iv) Flood Preparedness.
The CRS Resource Center is now available.
Credit points earned, classification awarded, and premium reductions given for communities in the
National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System.
Premium Reduction
Credit Points Class SFHA* Non-SFHA**
4,500+ 1 45% 10%
4,000 - 4,499 2 40% ] 0%
3,500 - 3,999 3 35% 10%
3,000 - 3>499 4 30% ] 0%
2,500 - 2,999 5 25% 10%
2,000 - 2,499 6 20% ] 0%
1,500 - 1,999 7 15% 5%
1,000-1,499 8 10% 5%
500 - 999 9 5% 5%
0-499 10 0 0
*Special Flood Hazard Area
**Preferred Risk Policies are available only in B, C, and X Zones for properties that are shown to have a minima]
risk of flood damage. The Preferred Risk Policy does not receive premium rate credits under the CRS because it
already has a lower premium than other policies. Although they are in SFHAs, Zones AR and A99 are limited to a
5% discount. Premium reductions are subject to change.
There are now 1049 communities receiving flood insurance premium discounts based on their
implementation of local mitigation, outreach, and educational activities that go well beyond
minimum NFIP requirements. While premium discounts are one of the benefits of participation in
CRS, it is more important that these communities aze carrying out activities that save lives and reduce
property damage. These 1038 communities represent a significant portion of the Nation's flood risk
as evidenced by the fact that over 67% of the NFIP's policy base is located in these communities.
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm 3/16/2007
FEMA: Community Rating System Page 2 of 3
Communities receiving premium discounts through the CRS cover a full range of sizes from small to
large, and a broad mixture of flood risks including coastal and riverine. The following table lists the
number of CRS communities by class as of October 1, 2006.
,a , ~ ~ * NffiIgn Elood Insuran NFIP) ~°~'k ~ w i~ P 'f r
A+ ~ d ~'~"F ~1~ h °°~n,n1u r .yw aq w~. fi a° 1 a ti i
i w , v~ 4;, zvo (,'Omml1011~1 ~1~S~18teI11 CRS }'1~."I895 ssxur ~ ~X,lit
~ ~ ti ° (C18S8~S effeCthe Oct ~F~! r~ 0061 ~"r` f s" §
9bo~' - X122 ~ - ~t .^s"
' °00,
S5°y 1049 Communities
r ~at;E~ 303
A,,30 , 67°; of NFIP Policies
~5p.
n!~~`, 207
` 200:.
.150.'
1oQ. 80
50~' 1 1 t 1
° p~f.4~ ~ wii~ Yr"~ 5~ k `k~~.1t~11 . r'~ .3 ~ ~f4~ , k°' {rH~ ^ I~X"~{^ r'`S~a f "tPo ~9h M r
yr, lase Clad ;tCla9s%~ N~~~y6,~,~Gla5' la '~~C4ss"2,^Cla'°i~r~
,h~ ~~~2~9%~°~ (40~',a Ix~4~+,. (89~'"',~;~39~ sHln~ ra , alas ~ ftorsevllle
Ir ~ r.
CRS Communities by Class as of October 1, 2006
. Class 9 = 303 (29%)
. Class 8 = 422 (40%)
• Class 7 = 207 (20%)
. Class 6 = 80 (8%)
. Class 5 = 33 (3%)
• Class 4 = 1 (Fort Collins, CO)
. Class 3 = 1 (King County, WA)
. Class 2 = 1 (Tulsa, OK)
• Class 1 = 1 (Roseville, CA)
. There are 1049 CRS communities as of Ocotber 1, 2006.
. CRS Communities and their Classes (PDF 200KB, TXT 92 KB)
These pages are from the most recent Flood Insurance Agent's Manual containing cunent and
historical listings of all CRS communities, their class, and insurance discount.
FLOODSMART.GOV
M official site of the National FVOOd Insurance Program
Consumer campaign kicks offl Visit the new NFIP web site F1oodSmart.gov
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm 3/16/2007