Flood damage is occurring more often, large scale protection will take time and will not cover all areas of Norfolk, and flood insurance rates are rising.

The proposed regulatory changes are largely administrative and procedural for existing property owners, but have significant impacts for new development or construction (3 feet of freeboard [elevation above ground and projected floodwaters] versus 1 foot).  Higher freeboard requirement can mean a significant savings in flood insurance premiums.

According to the city, the proposed changes will provide further discount to flood insurance premiums and that building with flooding in mind allows for construction to be resilient in the future.

Important dates for the new regulatory proposals:

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS

Friday, May 24, 2013, 2-4 p.m.  Workforce Development Center, 201 E. Little Creek Road
(Design Professional focused)

Thursday, June 13, 2013, 6-7:30 p.m. Titustown Recreation Center, 7545 Diven Street

PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, June 27, 2013, 2:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 810 Union Street downtown

For a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed changes, meeting flyer, and other information visit http://www.norfolk.gov/index.aspx?NID=2177