View
32
Download
1
Category
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
Preparing for the NEXT BIG ONE in Scituate. Powerpoint prepared by Laura Harbottle , Town Planner, with thanks to Vin Kalishes, Conservation Agent and Neil Duggan, Building Commissioner for pictures and information on current Building Code and local regulations. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Citation preview
Preparing for the NEXT BIG ONE
in Scituate
Powerpoint prepared by Laura Harbottle, Town Planner, with thanks to Vin Kalishes, Conservation Agent and Neil Duggan, Building Commissioner for pictures and information on current Building Code and local regulations.
So, how are we preparing for the NEXT BIG ONE ?
• Some history of storms in Scituate • What the Town is doing:– Regulations– Programs– Next Steps
The Perfect Storm of 1991 also brought severe losses to Scituate. Loss of homes may have
been the hardest and most immediate impact.
How are we addressing the coastal storm threat ?
• Regulations:– State Building Code is currently stricter than FEMA
requires. 2’ elevation above BFE required in Velocity Zones.
– Zoning Overlay District created in 1972 prohibits new construction in flood prone areas (Flood Plain and Watershed Protection District.)
– Local Conservation Commission bylaw requires 1’ elevation above BFE.
Besides regulations we have…
• Programs:– CRS participation, with an active committee and
ongoing meetings– Elevation Grants– Weather station connected to NWS for early
warning on Nor’easters
FEMA Elevation Grants
• The Planning Department has been very involved with the FEMA Elevation Grant Program. Requirements for homeowners include:– Homeowners must maintain flood insurance currently
and promise to maintain it in the future– Improvements must comply with State Building Code,
Conservation Commission and FEMA regs– Homeowners must apply to Planning Dept., so
property can be included in their application to FEMA
Background on the program:
• There are multiple programs available, including Flood Mitigation Assistance, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the Severe Repetitive Loss program
• Funding is provided from flood insurance payments and for some programs, also federal tax revenue
• FEMA is generally looking to assist properties with a positive benefit-cost ratio
The Grant Program for homeowners:
• Home elevation is eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of cost, or $40,000, whichever is lower.
• Utility elevation is eligible for reimbursement of up to 75% of cost, or $10,000.
• Generally, to meet the benefit-cost ratio, homeowners must be able to show a record of losses equal or greater to the grant amount based on insurance claims or other records.
“Secrets” of our success:
• Many town officials lived through some critically severe storms and support strong enforcement of the building code, zoning and local wetlands bylaw
• The Town has promoted programs to help citizens – CRS and flood elevation grants
• Our successes have come from many people’s efforts
Recommended