The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Iowa DNR, provided revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The maps, which show the location of flood hazard areas across the City, were last updated in 2007.
FEMA has set the effective date for the new maps to be October 5, 2018. Iowa DNR provided the City with a set of updates to the existing floodplain ordinance. The changes are minor and provide for better definitions and clarity. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance update at their August 7th meeting. City Council has passed the 1st and 2nd reading of the ordinance. A third reading will occur on September 17th. Once adopted, staff will forward the updates to the Iowa DNR. This work maintains the City’s status in the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows for Newton citizens to receive discounted flood insurance rates.
