REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2060 to Repeal Chapter 15.45 (Prevention of Flood Damage Code) and Adopt the New Floodplain Management Ordinance Establishing a New Chapter 15.45 (Floodplain Management Regulations) of the Santa Clara City Code. (CEQA: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), Projects Which Do Not Have the Potential for Causing a Significant Effect on the Environment)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
At the May 9, 2023 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2060 was passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812 and Government Code Section 50022.3, a summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2060 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on May 24, 2023, and May 31, 2023, and copies were posted in three public places.
DISCUSSION
Proposed Ordinance No. 2060 would replace the City's existing floodplain regulations with new regulations recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) in order to maintain the City's "Community Rating System" rating, which affects flood insurance rates. Among other things, the new ordinance will clarify that a one foot freeboard requirement applies to all residential buildings constructed or reconstructed in a special flood hazard area. The ordinance will repeal existing City Code Chapter 15.45 (Prevention of Flood Damage Code) and replace it with a new Chapter 15.45 (Floodplain Management Regulations) to coordinate with the California Building Standards Code; adopt flood hazard maps; and designate a floodplain administrator.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) as the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on ...
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