FEMA Related Information
Falls Township Floodplain Ordinance
Falls Township is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to adopt an ordinance regulating development within flood hazard areas. FEMA has developed new floodplain maps which reflect changes to the previous maps from May 18, 1999. The new floodplain maps which will go into effect on March 16, 2015 indicate properties located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Many, although not all property owners will be required to obtain flood insurance, even if there is no record of a flood on the property. The development standards limit development within flood hazard areas, including accessory structures and material stored outside.
Adoption of a floodplain ordinance is mandated by the federal government in order for properties within the jurisdiction to obtain federally subsidized flood insurance. If Falls Township fails to enforce the floodplain ordinance, no property within the Township will be eligible to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), including those who already have federally subsidized flood insurance. Properties in flood hazard areas that do not have floodplain insurance may not be eligible for a mortgage.
What does this mean for you?
In simple terms, if the Township fails to enforce this new ordinance, you may be unable to obtain a mortgage to buy or sell property in a flood hazard area. In the event of a flood, you will not have insurance to repair or replace damaged property. The following links will direct you to floodplain information regarding your property and NFIP information.
Links
- FEMA Map Service Center
Find your local flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) - Floodsmart.gov
Everything you need to know about the National Flood Insurance Program - Flood map information
- Adopted Ordinance #2015-1
- Letter of Map Amendment Information
- Flash Flood Safety and Damage Prevention Guide
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Search By Address
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