Action 2.
Special / Executive Session Flood Control District
Community Development
- Meeting Date:
- 08/27/2013
- Title:
- Smullins Floodplain Variance Request
- Submitted By:
- Rorri Perez, Community Development
- Department:
- Community Development
- Division:
- Floodplain
Presentation:
PowerPoint
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature NOT Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
0
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Karen Riggs
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
County Engineer
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Adopt Resolution FCD 13-03, granting the variance from elevation requirements for the proposed home improvements, requested by Mr. Smullins, prospective property owner, for the property located in the Richland Ranchettes area as the entire area around the existing house will be removed from the floodplain based upon the new maps approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Background:
The subject parcel lies within a current Zone A floodplain. Cochise County has been working to get the Richland Ranchettes area (between Sunsites and Cochise) accurately mapped for almost 20 years. The flood study that Cochise County produced (via consultant JE Fuller) has been approved by FEMA. We are now in the process of getting the maps updated, which FEMA has committed to do. It still is a long process, however.
The Smullins have a contract to purchase the property and plans to remodel and add on to the existing home. They do not feel that they are able to comply with the Floodplain requirement to elevate the proposed improvements.
The subject parcel will be mostly removed from mapped floodplain with the map revision and the entire area around the existing house will be removed. Based on the fact that this property (and many, many others in the Richland area) has been incorrectly included in Flood Zone A and is in the process of being correctly mapped, Floodplain staff recommends granting the requested variance from elevation requirements for the proposed improvements. We do caution however, that it is never prudent to ‘build at grade’. We would recommend that the finished floor be at least six (6) inches above existing grade, whether in a floodplain or not.
The Smullins have a contract to purchase the property and plans to remodel and add on to the existing home. They do not feel that they are able to comply with the Floodplain requirement to elevate the proposed improvements.
The subject parcel will be mostly removed from mapped floodplain with the map revision and the entire area around the existing house will be removed. Based on the fact that this property (and many, many others in the Richland area) has been incorrectly included in Flood Zone A and is in the process of being correctly mapped, Floodplain staff recommends granting the requested variance from elevation requirements for the proposed improvements. We do caution however, that it is never prudent to ‘build at grade’. We would recommend that the finished floor be at least six (6) inches above existing grade, whether in a floodplain or not.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
The variance will be recorded.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The Smullins will not be able to build what they need and will most likely not purchase the property.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please return a copy of the recorded documents to H&F, Attn: Teresa Garcia
Attachments
- Revised Richland LOMR Workmap
- Resolution FCD 13-03
- Executive Summary
- Request for Variance
- Richland LOMR Workmap
- Powerpoint