How to Prepare if You Live or Work in a Floodplain

This article provides comprehensive guidance for individuals residing or working in floodplains, detailing methods to assess flood risk, secure flood insurance, and implement property protection measures. It begins by explaining that low-lying areas near creeks and rivers are designated as floodplains, inherently carrying a higher risk of flooding. Property owners and residents are encouraged to determine if their location falls within a floodplain using resources like PortlandMaps.com or by contacting the Bureau of Development Services. These resources can identify if a property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or a 100-year floodplain, which has a 1% or greater chance of flooding annually. The article emphasizes the critical importance of flood insurance, noting that standard homeowners' insurance typically does not cover flood damage. It highlights that properties within Portland's 100-year floodplain automatically receive a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums due to the city's participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS). Portland's Class 5 rating in the CRS, placing it among the top 15 percent of participating communities, is attributed to its commitment to restoring natural floodplain functions, a comprehensive stormwater management approach, updated floodplain codes, environmental zoning, public information availability, and the designation of significant floodplain areas as parks and open space. The article advises checking for sewer backup insurance alongside flood coverage and directs readers to FloodSmart.gov for more information. Practical steps for protecting property from flood damage are outlined, including elevating belongings and mechanical systems above anticipated flood levels, removing items from basements and avoiding their use as living or workspaces, installing sewer backflow prevention, and physically elevating homes. The Bureau of Development Services staff are available for discussions on flood hazards and retrofit options. For construction activities within a floodplain, strict regulations apply to protect both the property undergoing development and adjacent properties. A permit is mandatory for building, altering, regrading, or adding fill, ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal requirements and preventing negative impacts on other properties. New residential buildings in floodplains must be constructed at least two feet above the 100-year flood level, with a one-foot minimum for properties in the Columbia River floodplain. No new construction or filling is permitted in a floodway unless a hydrologic analysis confirms it will not increase the base flood elevation, with a reference to Portland City Code for detailed regulations. The article also addresses flooding and drainage issues for properties located outside the 100-year floodplain, particularly in areas like SW Portland where hilly terrain and dense soils can lead to unmanaged stormwater runoff. Residents are advised to help maintain storm drains, green street planters, and ditches, and to report drainage problems to PBOT 24/7 Maintenance Dispatch. Environmental Services offers technical advice and property visits to discuss drainage solutions. Managing rain on one's property is also suggested as a proactive measure. Contact information for Environmental Services and for construction and development inquiries in floodplains is provided, along with links to related resources on flood safety, Johnson Creek flood gauge, landslides, and flood hazard regulations. #FloodplainPreparation #FloodInsurance #PropertyProtection #FloodplainRegulations #StormwaterManagement #CommunityRatingSystem #BuildingCodes #DisasterPreparedness #FloodplainPreparation #FloodInsurance #PropertyProtection #FloodplainRegulations #StormwaterManagement #CommunityRatingSystem #BuildingCodes #DisasterPreparedness