Title
Approval of Ordinance Adopting Sea Level Rise Flood Damage Reduction Regulations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends the City Council approve adoption of the Sea Level Rise Flood Damage Reduction Ordinance.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the adoption of the Sea Level Rise Flood Damage Reduction Ordinance on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve additions to OMC, Chapter 16 for regulations related to Sea Level Rise for buildings in the designated downtown area providing protection of buildings through floodproofing to a maximum 16' elevation.
Staff Contact:
Todd Cunningham, Building Official, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8486
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-established flood hazard areas of the City of Olympia are subject to periodic inundation that can result in property damage, loss of property, creation of health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base. All of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the city. Downtown Olympia has a history of nuisance flooding during heavy storms, high winds and tidal events. These events can be exacerbated by climate change effects, specifically conditions created by long-term sea level rise.
Over the long-term there is a concern for continued Sea Level Rise (SLR) related to climate change and the potential to increase flooding in downtown Olympia. While it remains difficult to predict the level or timing of SLR, the City continues to increase its understanding of Olympia-specific implications. The City Council has been briefed numerous times on the subject of SLR and the need for protection of build...
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