The Planning Board recommended approval of amendments to Chapter 151 to align with the 2026 NFIP model ordinance and to meet new Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective Feb. 5, 2027; staff said the changes aim to preserve NFIP participation and earn CRS points that can lower flood-insurance premiums.

Resiliency planner Andrea Candelaria told council the village must adopt state‑mandated changes tied to Florida bill SP180 and new FEMA/Miami‑Dade flood maps effective Feb. 19, 2027; council approved the ordinance on first reading at the zoning hearing and the related LPA resolution earlier.

Christina said the village applied for two Resilient Florida grants, including a $4,500,000 request for a stormwater park. Members debated whether pursuing a separate watershed master plan is redundant with the stormwater master plan and whether it is required to gain CRS points to lower insurance ratings.

FAU and city floodplain staff presented a watershed master plan tied to the Community Rating System; staff said the plan and related documents will be submitted to FEMA (inspection on Oct. 8) with the goal of increasing CRS credits and raising the current 15% flood‑insurance discount (class 7) toward 25%.

The council adopted amendments to the city's flood damage prevention ordinance to incorporate FEMA-required language and support entry into the Community Rating System; planner Rachel Lazo said the changes reiterate a 1-foot freeboard and clarify elevation/floodproofing requirements that could reduce flood insurance costs.

Council approved first reading of an updated flood damage prevention ordinance to document existing higher standards and support the city''s entry into FEMA''s Community Rating System, which yielded a preliminary rating of 7 and could provide residents with a 15% flood-insurance discount.

City discusses compliance with FEMA flood regulations to protect lives and minimize expenses

Garvin Pittman and the Water Institute presented a package of nonstructural actions to the Amite River Basin Commission on Feb. 10, proposing a Flood ID forecasting rollout north of I‑12, CRS participation, grant-management training and a public model repository while cautioning integration and ROI must be clarified.

Jefferson Parish enhances flood insurance education and receives a higher community rating class.