Landrum approves updated flood ordinance

Published 8:29 pm Monday, December 27, 2010

The City of Landrum approved an updated flood ordinance and map last week.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updates flood maps every 20 years and the city must approve the ordinance and map in order for residents in flood areas to obtain flood insurance.

Landrum City Administrator Steve Wolochowicz told Landrum council members Tuesday, Dec. 14 new flood maps created with geographical information systems (GIS) technology indicate that Landrum currently has no homes located in flood zones.

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Landrum flood zone properties include some land in the areas of Spivey Creek and Wolfe Creek.

Landrum Mayor Bob Briggs said the new mapping shows Landrums flood plain areas are smaller than were shown on previous maps.

City council approved a resolution, an approximately 50-page ordinance and new maps during its meeting last week.

The resolution is as follows:

WHEREAS, the Landrum City Council recognizes that special flood hazard areas of the City of Landrum are subject to periodic inundation which results in a potential loss of life, property damage, health and safety hazards which adversely affects the health, safety and general welfare of our community; and WHEREAS, the Landrum City Council desires to update its regulations with the objective of minimizing potential loss of life and property damage in areas that are subject to flooding; and WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its recent Flood Insurance Study, has updated its maps and supporting data that are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this ordinance; and WHEREAS, FEMA also recommends improvements to the management of construction in flood hazard areas which are also adopted as part of the text of this ordinance; and WHEREAS, all of these amendments will produce a more effective ordinance that will meet the city councils objectives, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Landrum City Council approves this ordinance, related flood maps and supporting data.

To access the updated ordinance and flood maps, contact Landrum City Hall at 864-457-3712.