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Title:
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Actions relating to repealing and reenacting Building Regulations in the Fresno Municipal Code
1. BILL - (For introduction) Related to Local Climatic Topographical and Geological Conditions Repealing Article 6 Section 11-627 and Reenacting Article 6 Section 11-627 of the Fresno Municipal Code
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REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, AICP, Director
Planning and Development Department
ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: ERIC FRAMPTON, Chief Building Official
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions relating to repealing and reenacting Building Regulations in the Fresno Municipal Code
1. BILL - (For introduction) Related to Local Climatic Topographical and Geological Conditions Repealing Article 6 Section 11-627 and Reenacting Article 6 Section 11-627 of the Fresno Municipal Code
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council consider the adoption of the Bill and Ordinance related to local climatic topographical and geological conditions repealing Article 6 Section 11-627 and reenacting Article 6 Section 11-627 of the Fresno Municipal Code as it relates to residential construction.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Article 6 currently regulates development in floodplain areas. However, Section 11-627 permits residential construction to be elevated only six inches above the base flood elevation (BFE), which falls short of current standards. Both FEMA regulations and the California Residential Code (Section R322.2.1) require a minimum elevation of one foot above the Base Flood Elevation. Updating the FMC to align with these requirements will enhance flood protection in Special Flood Hazard Areas and ensure the City remains compliant with state and federal regulations.
BACKGROUND
The Legislature of the State of California, through Government Code Sections 65302, 65560, and 65800, has empowered local governments to adopt regulations that promote public health, safety, and general welfare. In alignment with this legislative mandate, the City of Fresno is required to implement and enforce floodplain management regulations to reduce the risk of loss of life, property damage, health hazards, and disruption of essential services resulting from flood events.
Special Flood hazard Areas within the City of Fresno are periodically subject to inundation, which can lead to significant consequences including threats to public safety, damage to infrastructure, disruption of commerce and government operations, and increased public expenditures for emergency response and recovery. Such flood losses are often exacerbated by unregulated development within flood-prone areas, which can obstruct natural flood flows, increase flood heights and velocities, and displace water onto previously unaffected properties. Additionally, developments that are not properly elevated, anchored, or flood-proofed contribute to the severity of flood-related damages.
To address these risks, the California Residential Code Section R322.2.1 requires that all new buildings and structures located in Special Flood Hazard Areas have their lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus one foot, or the design flood elevation-whichever is higher. This elevation standard is a critical component of ensuring that new construction is resilient to flooding. Furthermore, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mandates that local jurisdictions adopt and maintain a floodplain management program as a condition of participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Continued participation in the NFIP is essential for the City of Fresno, as it enables residents and businesses to access federally backed flood insurance and disaster assistance.
This ordinance update reflects the City's commitment to safeguarding its residents, infrastructure, and economic vitality through responsible floodplain management and compliance with state and federal requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378
LOCAL PREFERENCE
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
N/A
Attachment:
Ordinance