The City of Palm Bay (Growth Management Department) has submitted a textual amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Title XVII, Land Development Code (LDC) for changes to the Floodplain Ordinance (Section 174) to recognize an upcoming revision in the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) effective January 29, 2021, which includes a new Coastal High Hazard Zone (V-Zone) and a new Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) Line. Also, changes to Section 37 and Section 40 to acknowledge the relocation of the Floodplain Administrator/CRS Coordinator from the Growth Management Department to the Building Department. These changes are required by FEMA for the City’s continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The City participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) which currently allows property owners within the City to receive a 15-percent reduction in their flood insurance rates.

In 2018, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for all of Brevard County, and as a result, the FIRM maps have been updated. The maps now show Coastal High Hazard Zones in Palm Bay along the shoreline of the Indian River. In a letter dated July 29, 2020, FEMA directed the City to make the appropriate changes to its Floodplain Ordinance. Both the maps and floodplain ordinance are being revised to accommodate these changes.  It should be noted that no existing enclosed residential or commercial structures will be impacted by these new maps.

Given that the new FIRM maps will become effective on January 29, 2021, changes to the LDC should also have the same effective date.