HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-12-27 PZC MINUTESCITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
December 27, 1977
I. CALL TO ORDER.
The Special Meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Com-
mission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Vice-Chairman
Eddie Tanguma.
Members present: Draper, Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams
Wanush, Ex-officio
Members absent: Lathrop, Owens, Pierson
Also present: Assistant Director Dorothy A. Romans
II. COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE
§22.4B Flood Plain
§22.8 Definitions
Flood Hazard Boundary Map H 01-04
Flood Insurance Rate Map I 01-04
CASE #28-77
Mr. Tanguma stated that the Public Hearing scheduled this
evening pertains to the amendment of the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance, §22.4B, Flood Plain, and §22.8. Definitions, and
the adoption of the Flood Hazard Boundary Map/Flood Insurance
Rate Map. Mr. Tanguma stated that anyone wishing to speak on
the matter before the Commission would please come to the
podium and be sworn in.
Williams moved:
Smith seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #28-77 be opened.
AYES: Williams, Draper, Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Wade
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Lathrop, Owens, Pierson
The motion carried.
Mr. Tanguma asked for the staff presentation.
Mrs. Dorothy Romans was sworn in, and testified that Public
Notice of the Public Hearing did appear in the official City
newspaper, the Englewood Herald Sentinel, and the flood plain
areas as depicted on the maps have been posted, giving notice
of the Hearing.
Mrs. Romans asked that the staff report for Case #28-77 and
the Certification of Posting be made a part of the record of
this Hearing.
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Mrs. Romans stated that with the increase in population, areas
which were heretofore undeveloped along the rivers and drainage-..
ways are now being developed. Property owners who were heavily ~
exposed wanted to be insured; but the insurance companies found
that they could not handle the insurance for these persons who
wanted to develop in the flood plain areas. The Federal Govern-
ment made studies of the need for insurance for property owners
in these areas, and Title 13, the Flood Insurance Act, was en-
acted in 1968. Flood Plain Management regulations were developed
by the Federal Insurance Administration, and municipalities
were given two years to adopt a flood plain ordinance and to
apply for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program;
the incentive for adoption was that insurance would be available
under the Federal subsidy program at a reasonable cost to
property owners. If a community chose not to participate in
the Federal Program, insurance was not available to property
owners in the flood plain in that community. Englewood adopted
the Flood Plain Regulations, §22.4B of the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance, by Ordinance #37, Series of 1971. Englewood was one
of the first communities to participate in the National Flood
Insurance Program, and on February 26, 1971, property owners
within the 100-year flood plains in the City became eligible
for the subsidized rate on Flood Insurance.
Because maps of the specific flood plain areas had not been
made available by the Federal Insurance Administration, the
entire City was designated as an area of special flood hazard.
With the adoption of the Flood Plain Ordinance, all building
permit applications would be reviewed to determine if the
property was in a flood plain area prior to issuance of the
Permit. The staff made use of studies on Little Dry Creek by
McCall-Ellingson, Inc; of studies of Big Dry Creek by V.T.N.,
and of the South Platte River by the Corps of Engineers in 1964,
to determine whether a specific property was in a flood plain
area. Flood Plain maps have not been adopted officially by
the City to this date.
The Federal Insurance Administration has revised the regulations
the Englewood Flood Plain Ordinance is based on and the F.I.A.
is requiring that all jurisdictions adopt these revisions before
February 1, 1978, to remain eligible for flood insurance subsidy.
Mrs. Romans reviewed the major changes in the proposed amended
Flood Plain Ordinance:
1. The Flood Hazard Boundary Maps and Flood Insurance Rate
Maps which have been prepared by the Federal Insurance Ad-
ministration, are declared to be a part of the Flood Plain
Ordinance.
2. If deemed necessary, approval from Federal, State, or other
local governments will be obtained before Building Permits are
issued within the Flood Plain.
3. No structure will be permitted in a floodway.
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4. "Special Exception Permits" have been redesignated as
"Development Permits" and the administration of the Develop-
ment Permit becomes the responsibility of the Flood Plain Ad-
ministrator. Because the criteria for issuing a Development
Permit is based on technical requirements, the Flood Plain
Administrator appears to be the logical enforcement agent.
Under the present provision, Planning Commission is
designated as the approving authority for Special Exception
Permits. To this date, no application has been made for a
Special Exception Permit.
5. A new section has been added which requires anchoring of
mobile homes and other protective measures in new or existing
mobile home parks. An evacuation plan for mobile home parks
must be prepared and filed with disaster preparedness authorities.
6. The Director of Community Development or his assignee is
designated as the Flood Plain Administrator rather than the
"Director of Planning". At the time the Flood Plain Ordinance
was adopted, the Department was "Planning" rather than "Com-
munity Development."
7. Certificates of Compliance must be issued before any de-
velopment in the flood plain can be occupied or used and
permanent records must be kept of these Certificates. Among
other information, the certificate must state whether or not
a structure contains a basement.
8. Requirements for Subdivisions in flood plain areas are added.
9. Variance procedures have been included and the Board of
Adjustment and Appeals is designated to hear and decide appeals
and requests for variances as they relate to the Flood Plain
Ordinance. This is not a new procedure, but it has been
clarified and criteria has been established to direct the
Board's action.
10. Certain additional definitions have been added which are
intended to assist in the interpretation of the Flood Plain
Ordinance.
Mrs. Romans stated that the staff has worked quite closely
with Mr. Douglas Gore, the Flood Plain Specialist with the
regional office in Denver. Mrs. Romans noted that if, after
working with the proposed amendments and maps, changes are
determined to be necessary, these changes can be accomplished
with the approval of the F.I.A.
Mrs. Romans indicated other key points in the proposed amend-
ment, such as the right cl. appeal to the Board of Adjustment.
Mr. Tanguma asked if there were questions from the Commission
of Mrs. Romans?
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Mrs. Wade asked how often changes would occur in the text and
map? Mrs. Romans stated that changes would be made as necessary.
She pointed out that this is the first time in seven years that
the City has been told changes had to be made to stay in compliance
with the Federal regulations.
Mr. Smith referred to the statement in the staff report that" If
deemed necessary, approval from Federal, State, or other local
governments will be obtained before Building Permits are issued
within the Flood Plain"; he questioned the necessity of this
provision? Mr. Wanush stated that in most instances, the
Federal or State governments would have no interest in the
issuance of building permits; it is only a requirement to check
to see if the proper procedures have been followed. Mr. Smith
asked "who deems it necessary?" Mr. Wanush referred to Page 4
of the proposed amendment, which states that the Flood Plain
Zoning Administrator must review all the building permits on
a case-by-case basis.
Mr. Smith questioned the definition of "floodway"? Mr. Wanush
stated that a floodway is different than a flood plain, the
floodway pertaining to the main flow channel of the water.
Mr. Smith questioned what "substantial improvement" means?
Mr. Wanush stated that this is in the present Flood Plain
Ordinance; a substantial improvement is an improvement worth
more than 50% of the value of the property before the improve-
ment is made. Mr. Smith suggested that the title for this
definition be changed to "Substantial repair, reconstruction
or improvement."
Mr. Smith asked if anything was discussed with Mr. Gore in
regard to giving notice that a property is in the 100-year
Flood Plain at such time as that property is listed for sale?
Mrs. Romans stated that this was not discussed with Mr. Gore.
Mr. Tanguma asked how many Federally subsidized insurance
policies have been sold to Englewood residents? Mr. Wanush
stated that around 38 policies have been sold --both commercial
and residential policies.
Mr. Parker asked if persons outside the designated 100-year
Flood Plain boundaries would be eligible to purchase the
federally subsidized insurance? Mr. Wanush stated that anybody
in the City is eligible to purchase this insurance if the City
participates in the Program.
Mr. Tanguma asked how the premiums are determined on the Floal
Insurance? Mr. Wanush stated that he understood the maps are
divided into zones, and 1he rates are determined by the par-
ticular zone and also the elevation of the property in relation
to the 100-year flood elevation.
Mr. Tanguma asked if there were any questions from the audience
to be asked of Mrs. Romans or of Mr. Wanush?
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Mrs. Donna Dutton
3165 South Elati -stated that she had seen the posting signs;
the maps do not depict Cinderella City as
being in any part of the flood plain. She stated that she was
"afraid my property is going to be wiped out before a flood
comes."
Mr. Wanush stated that the hearing pertains to the amendment
of the existing Flood Plain Ordinance; regulations already
pertain to areas that are in the flood plain as indicated on
maps available in the office. However, the maps depicting the
flood plain areas have never been officially adopted. This
hearing is concerned with the proposed amendment of the existing
Flood Plain Ordinance, and the adoption of the Flood Hazard
Boundary Map/Flood Insurance Rate Map. Mr. Wanush noted that
property owners whose properties in the flood plain that would
be damaged or destroyed by floods would be allowed to rebuild,
but they would have to follow certain regulations for flood
proofing.
Mrs. Dutton stated "you aren't here to make any plans that
are going to destroy homes?" Mr. Wanush reiterated that this
meeting is concerned with the ameudment of the flood plain
ordinance and adopting the flood plain maps. He stated that
the maps were posted on the signs in an effort to notify property
owners of what is proposed.
Mrs. Dutton asked "who initiated this; did the City invite
someone to survey the area?" Mr. Wanush stated that the
City has been concerned with the flood plain for some time;
the actual impetus to pass the ordinance was initiated by
the Federal Government, which said that they would provide a
means for property owners to obtain flood insurance, but for
those property owners to actually get that insurance, the
municipalities must conform with the Federal Regulations on
Flood Plains.
Mr. James Walsh
3242 South Elati -stated that some literature was circulated
in that area last summer suggesting alterna-
tives for flood control; he asked what the response was on this
questionnaire?
Mr. Wanush stated that the meeting this evening is not concerned
with the surveys and questionnaires of last summer. The meeting
this evening is concerned with regulations on the use of land in
the flood plain; the discussions of the previous summer were
concerned with "flood control", or methods to "reduce" the
Little Dry Creek flood plain area. This meeting has nothing
to do with what will prevent flooding on Little Dry Creek.
Mr. Robert B. Wiley
3223 South Santa Fe -stated that he was concerned about the
location of the flood plain as indicated
on the maps. He stated that he had been in the office in an
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attempt to determine whether or not his property was included
in the flood plain. He questioned that the flood plain would
actually spread out west of Santa Fe as is indicated on the
maps; he noted that there are the two trestles for the railroads
which would catch debris and a culvert under the highway to
carry the water. Mr. Wiley made reference to the ordinance
as it is proposed to be amended.
Mr. Tanguma asked Mr. Wiley to limit his comments at this time
to questions of Mr. Wanush or Mrs. Romans, inasmuch as Mr.
Wanush must leave shortly to attend a meeting in Sheridan.
Mr. Wiley stated that he would address his comments to the
Commission at a later time.
Mr. Homer Todd
3258 South Elati -stated that many of the people in this
particular area did not realize the purpose
of this meeting this evening. He asked if he understood that
the purpose of the meeting was "to get an ordinance in effect
so people living in the flood plain could get flood insurance?''
Mr. Wanush stated that this is the intent of the meeting.
Mr. Todd asked if persons living in the flood plain area at
the present time were or were not eligible for flood insurance?
Mr. Wanush stated that people are eligible for flood insurance
at the present time. Mr. Todd stated that he had applied for
flood insurance last summer, and was told by his insurance
agent that he did not qualify for the flood insurance. The
agent stated that a flood plain was not established at that
time.
Mrs. Dutton stated that she had contacted at least six insurance
agents in the City, and they were all unaware that persons in
I the City were eligible for flood insurance.
Mr. Yates
1074 West Dartmouth -noted that the maps he had showed the
Little Dry Creek and South Platte River
flood plain together; he asked if the construction of the
Chatfield Dam had had any effect on the South Platte River
flood plain.
Mr. Wanush stated that the maps do take into consideration
the Chatfield Dam. Mr. Wanush stated that if there are problems
with the mapping, he would suggest that testimony be given on
that matter at this time. The staff would then research the
questions and attempt to resolve the problems.
Mr. Maynard Jacobson
191 West Rafferty Gardens -stated that he noted that the Big
Dry Creek Flood Plain has been
delineated on the map. He said that recently some man con-
tacted him at his home and had stated that he wanted to change
the course of Big Dry Creek to allow building there. Mr.
Jacobson stated that his property is in the flood plain for •
Big Dry Creek, and that floods have come down that creek
that have taken out his fences and some of his trees.
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Mr. Wanush stated that the changing of a water course or a
flood plain would be regulated under the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Jacobson stated that he is a long time resident of the
area and has seen many floods; the Littleton Independent calls
him after every flood to ask his determination on how it com-
pares with past floods.
John Kucharsk
3428-1/2 South Bannock -asked how the flood insurance would
work --would they be reimbursed for
loss?
Mrs. Romans stated that the flood insurance would cover damage
and loss that is sustained as a result of a flood.
Mr. Tanguma stated that a great deal of the coverage would
depend on the type of insurance coverage they took out; it
would cover personal effects only if they applied for that
coverage. Mr. Kucharsk asked how to go about getting the flood
insurance. Mr. Smith stated that any regular insurance agent
is supposed to be able to write policies under this program.
If some particular agent is not able to do so, he would suggest
Mr. Kucharsk call the Federal Government or the staff for
assistance.
Mr. Smith stated that after the first of the year, the City
Council will go over the alternatives that have been presented
in the matter of flood control. Mr. Smith stated that there
will be public hearings on these alternatives, and there will
be publicity on these hearings.
Mr. Joel B. Huston
3290 South Galapago -asked if there was a legal description
of the areas that are in the Flood Plain?
Mr. Huston stated that he feels the map is ambiguous.
Mrs. Romans stated that the proposed amended ordinance would
apply to any flood drainageway in the city. Mr. Huston asked
"what is covered on the maps?" He noted that some people might
think this would apply only to a small area and do not realize
that their property may be included in the flood plain.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that the F.I.A. has adopted flood
boundary maps on Little Dry Creek, Big Dry Creek, and the
South Platte River; however, the flood plain restrictions do
apply to the entire city.
Mr. Huston stated that he felt the posting notification that
was given was mis-leading, and that residents were under the
impression they were to attend the meeting to discuss "flood
control'' and not the flood plain. He suggested that this be
corrected if another posting is needed.
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Mr. Smith questioned that the proposed amended ordinance does
in fact apply to the entire city. He stated that he felt it
applied only to those areas that are outlined on the maps; i.e.,
Little Dry Creek, Big Dry Creek, and the South Platte River.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that the proposed ordinance does state
that the flood plain regulations do apply to any drainageway
in the City whether it is mapped or not; this would cover the
Harvard Gulch drainageway, for example. She stated that any
application for a building permit would be reviewed to deter-
mine if it is in fact in a drainageway. Mr. Smith argued that
there would be major portions of the City that would be excluded
from this ordinance --it does not in fact apply to the entire
City. Mrs. Romans reiterated that the ordinance is very clear
that all building permits will be reviewed to determine if they
are in fact in drainageways. Mr.Smith asked why drainageways
have not been included on the mapping? Mrs. Romans stated that
drainageways have not been mapped by the F.I.A., and the City
Council has not provided funds for the mapping to be done.
She pointed out that the staff is using the information that
is available in the Engineering Department contained in the
various studies previously cited. She stated that funds for
the mapping of the floodways was requested in the Capital Im-
provement Program, but the request was not funded.
Mr. Smith stated that if the flood plains of the drainageways
are not identified and mapped, he felt the staff would be
making "arbitrary decisions."
Mr. Tanguma asked for statements on the text of the proposed
amendment at this time.
Mr. Robert Wiley stated that his concern with the proposal is
on the flood plain area as depicted on the maps for the area
of the South Platte River/Little Dry Creek confluence. He
stated that he had discussed his concerns with Mr. Wanush, an:l
was told that the City "didn't have any choice but to adopt
the F.I.A. maps". Mr. Wiley stated that on Page 11 of the
proposed text; pertaining to restrictions on mobile homes, his
concern is with the statement: ALL COMPONENTS OF THE ANCHORING
SYSTEM SHALL BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING A FORCE OF 4,800 POUNDS ••• "
He stated that this statement is very ambiguous, and he does
not feel that the City can adopt a statement like that --it
does not indicate what the components of the anchoring system
are; whether the 4800 pounds is "sheer strength" or tensil
strength". He stated that he did not see how this provision
could be complied with, and that it was ridiculous to adopt
this when the citizens cannot comply. Mr. Wiley referred to
Page 4 of the proposed definitions, and cited the definition
of "Floodway". He asked that this definition be explained to
him.
Mr. Smith stated that he would interpret the "floodway" to be
that area required for the passage of the flood waters, or the
a r ea that is mapped. Mr. Wiley asked if the floodway and
f ood plain applied to the same area, or to two different ar eas?
e .
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Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt the floodway would be that
area the water travels without anything impeding the flow --
the channel, in other words. The flood plain would be the
area water would cover that cannot be contained within the
floodway.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that the regulations state that no
mobile homes will be permitted in l the floodway, and in fact,
no new mobile home parks are permitted in the City of Englewood
and those that are in existence are non-conforming. She stated
that by definition, the floodway and flood plain are one and
the same.
Mr. Wiley questioned the need for separate definitions. Mrs.
Romans stated that both terms are used in the text of the pro-
posed amended ordinance. Mr. Wiley stated that if we are
going to have people who will try to follow the rules as they
are adopted, we must have rules and regulations that can be
understood without the expense of hiring a professional engineer.
Mrs. Wade asked Mr. Wiley if there was a channel within this
area he has referred to at San.t a ~e and Dartmouth? Mr. Wiley
stated that there is a six to ~nine foot deep channel along Dry
Creek, that is probably ten to twelve foot wide. Mr. Wiley
stated th~t the culvert under Santa Fe Drive drains into Little
Dry Creek. Mr. Wiley stated that he did not feel this area
could be classified as a flood plain "without looking at the
lay of the land". Discussion ensued. 'Mr. Smith noted that
the 1965 flood covered the area outlined by the Corps of
Engineers in their study of the South Platte River. Mr. Wiley
countered that the 1965 flood in this area came from the South
Platte River, and not from Little Dry Creek. The Chatfield
Dam has since been constructed, and should change the flood
plain on the South Platte River.
Mr. Dwight Yates asked if the flood plains of the Little Dry
Creek and the South Platte River could be indicated separately.
He stated that his property would be affected more by the South
Platte River flood plain than that of Little Dry Creek. He
noted that a map issued by the Urban Drainage shows Little Dry
Creek floods just back of the tressles and does not show the
Little Dry Creek flooding down to the confluence with the
Platte River. He agreed with Mr. Wiley that the construction
of the Chatfield Dam should have greatly reduced the flood
plain of the South Platte River. Discussion ensued. Mrs.
Romans stated that this particular map by the F.I.A. shows
the flood hazard boundary covering both the South Platte River
and Little Dry Creek. Mr. Yates stated he felt the flood
plains for the Platte River and Little Dry Creek should be
shown separately. Mrs. Romans stated that this can be dis-
cussed with the F.I.A. to determine if they will prepare
separate maps.
Mr. Maynard Jacobson stated that in 1933, there was a flood
on Big Dry Creek that took out the Broadway bridge and went
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through his property. Mr. Jacobson stated that he had a great
deal of information on the flooding of Big Dry Creek, and he
would be happy to leave his address and phone number so that
the staff could contact him at a later date rather than going
into all the information this evening. He stated that the
flooding on Big Dry Creek is a serious problem; he again mentioned
that a man recently contacted him about changing Big Dry Creek
to enable construction in this area. Mrs. Romans stated that
if construction does take place in a flood plain, the developer
must take steps to flood proof the structure.
Mrs. Wade asked Mr. Jacobson if the map of the flood plain
along Big Dry Creek was accurate? Mr. Jacobson stated that
it appears accurate to him.
Mr. Leadabrand
3281 South Galapago -questioned the accuracy of the mapping
of the flood plain on Little Dry Creek.
He noted that to the south of his property across Floyd Avenue
is the access to the lower level of the shopping center. He
pointed out that this map does not indicate a flooding possibility
in the lower level parking area and on the lower floors of
Cinderella City. Mr. Leadabrand stated that he has lived at
this address since 1959, and has seen some very heavy rains
where the water backs up into this area. He noted that Little
Dry Creek was boxed during the construction of Cinderella City,
but the box cannot carry all the water that flows through this
area. Mr. Leadabrand noted that the underground parking area
and the lower floors of the shopping center are all lower
elevation than the blocks north of Floyd Avenue that are designated
as flood plain on the map. Mr. Leadabrand noted that at the
time of the 1965 flood, persons living in this area were evacuated
as a precaution.
Discussion ensued on the method of mapping an area such as
this where the underground parking and lower levels would be
subject to flooding.
A recess of the meeting was called at 8:30 P.M. The meeting
reconvened at 8:50 P.M. with the following attendance:
Present:
Absent:
Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Williams, Draper
OWens, Pierson, Wade, Lathrop
Mr. Tanguma asked for further comment from the floor.
Douglas Gore
4645 Norfolk Way
Aurora, Colorado -stated that he is the Flood Insurance
specialist with the Federal Insurance
Administration. He stated that he was available to answer
any questions that the Commission or members of the audience
might have of him.
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Mr. Smith made reference to Mr. Wiley's concerns regarding
flood proofing of mobile home units, and the "components of
the anchoring system." He asked if this is defined anywhere
in the Federal regulations? Mr. Gore stated that these regu-
lations apply to the entire country.
Mrs. Wade entered the meeting and took her place with the Com-
mission.
Mr. Gore stated that the Federal regulations allow each juris-
diction to set their own standards, and noted that the City
of Englewood is in the process of developing specific require-
ments for anchoring mobile homes in the proposed Mobile Home
Ordinance. He stated that his office has been supplied a copy
of the proposed ordinance, and is in the process of reviewing
them to determine if the proposed standards would comply with
the Federal regulations.
Mr. Smith noted that several members of the audience had ex-
pressed concern .about getting the flood insurance. They have
contacted insurance agents and have been informed that they
are not eligible for flood insurance. He asked if there was
a specific insurance agent that should be contacted?
Mr. Gore stated that the National Flood Insurers Association
trains agents to write flood insurance policies. He suggested
that persons interested in flood insurance contact CNA Insurance
Company, 759-1500, for more information on which agents are
trained to write these policies. Mr. Gore stated that CNA
reviews every policy written in the State of Colorado, and
could give the interested person a list of agents qualified
to write the flood insurance policy.
Mr. Smith asked about the discrepancies in mapping that have
been pointed out, such as the flooding of the lower level of
Cinderella City. He stated that this must be passed by the
Commission at this meeting to meet the February 1, 1978, dead-
line imposed by the Federal Government. He asked if it would
be possible to get a time extension from the FIA? Mr. Gore
pointed out that "these maps have been with you for some time
--several years, in fact." What has happened since the hearings
on the initial Flood Plain Ordinance is that other studies have
been completed on the South Platte River, Little Dry Creek, Big
Dry Creek, and possibly on other drainageways, that have more
up-to-date information than the FIA has had available to it in
the mapping process. Mr. Gore stated that if these recent
studies are submitted to the FIA, the maps will be brought
up-to-date.
Mr. Parker stated that he felt accurate mapping is very important
to the property owner in a matter such as this.
Mrs. Wade noted there had been considerable discussion on the
flood plain as mapped for Little Dry Creek and South Platte
River; she noted that with the construction of Chatfield Dam
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some check and balance is leveled on the flood potential of
the Platte River. However, Bear Creek has not yet been con-
trolled by a dam, and this creek does drain into the South
Platte River. She questioned that the flood plain as mapped
should be changed until such time as Bear Creek is controlled.
Mr. Draper asked if the Federal Government regulates the
premiums for Flood Insurance. Mr. Gore stated that subsidiza:l
rates are available in communities in the Flood Insurance Pro-
gram. Mr. Gore discussed the method used to determine the
rate charged.
Williams moved:
Wade seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #28-77 be closed.
AYES: Draper, Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Lathrop, Owens, Pierson
The motion carried.
Mr. Williams asked if this matter was not recommended by the
Commission this evening, what would it do to the time element?
He noted that the Commission has been given a very short time
to consider this, and he did not feel it was fair to ask the
Commission to make a decision on things without an opportunity
to study the matter.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that the amendments to the Ordinance
must be passed and the maps must be adopted by February 1, 1978,
if the City is to retain its eligibility for flood insurance.
Mr. Williams stated that he questioned that some of the con-
cerns expressed by the audience this evening have been adequately
answered.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that some of ·the concerns dealt with
the Flood Hazard Boundary Map, and the regulations provide a
means of working with the Flood Plain Administrator on the
mapping disputes, or a property owner may appeal to the Board
of Adjustment for relief from the regulations.
Mr. Smith reiterated his question of whether a time extension
could be obtained? Mr. Gore stated that he felt it would be
difficult to do, but if it was needed he would attempt to get
the time extension. Mr. Gore stated that notices were mailed
to jurisdictions November 1st, giving jurisdictions three months
in which to comply with the new regulations. He acknowledged
that there was a mix-up in the mail for the Englewood and Sheridan
offices, and that possibly a time extension, if obtained, would
not exceed two weeks.
Mr. Draper asked what would happen to the 38 property owners
who have obtained the flood insurance if this proposed amend-
ment and maps are not approved? Mr. Gore stated that their .
policy could not be renewed, but would remain in effect until
the time for renewal. Mr. Gore stated that amendment of
e .
·e
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existing ordinances was expected to be completed in three months
time, and new ordinances were expected to be drafted and approved
within six months.
Mrs. Wade noted that there have been very few changes in the
wording on the proposed ordinance from what is in effect today.
It does not appear there are any major changes in the intent
or basic procedure. She questioned if the extension would
actually be needed. Mr. Williams stated that he had reserva-
tions on the mobile home provisions. He did not feel the
gentleman's concerns were satisfied. Mrs. Romans stated that
the proposed Mobile Home Park Ordinance is very specific as to
wind security requirements, and that Mr. Gore has been sent a
copy of this ordinance to determine if it does meet the Federal
Insurance Administration Regulations relative to tie downs for
flood protection.
Mr. Draper questioned the amount of "credance" that could be
given to the testimony presented this evening. He pointed out
that all those persons who spoke expressed concerns about the
proposed regulations or mapping, and did not speak in favor of
the proposed amendments or mapping. He pointed out that there
are only 38 property owners who have obtained flood insurance
policies, and all property owners will be bound by the proposed
ordinance and mapping. He stated that it seemed to him that
if the Commission takes these facts into consideration, they
would not be overly influenced by the comments of the staff.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that these are not new regulations;
they are in effect today. The purpose of the hearing is to
consider the amendments to the existing regulations which t~e
Federal Government 3ays must be adopted to continue the eligibility
for flood insurance. Mrs. Romans stated that there are many
times when the Commission seems to base their decisions on the
number of people present in the audience in favor of or against
a matter rather than on the overall merits of the individual
case. Mrs. Romans stated that she feels the Planning Commission
must listen to the people and act in the best interest of the
people, but they must also consider other information made
available to them pertaining to specific cases.
Mr. Williams stated that he agreed with Mrs. Romans statement
100%.
Discussion ensued.
Smith moved:
Wade seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City Council
the attached proposed amendments to the Compre-
hensive Zoning Ordinance, §22.4B, Flood Plain, and §22.8,
Definitions; the Commission also recommends adoption of the
Flood Hazard Boundary Map, H 01-04, and Flood Insurance Rate
Map, I 01-04, which were considered by the City Planning and
Zoning Commission at Public Hearing on December 27, 1977.
-14-
Mr. Smith stated that outside of the section pertaining to
the mobile homes, he saw no major problems with the proposed
amended ordinance. He stated that he did not agree that a
floodway and a flood plain are the same thing. He stated
that he felt that the Planning Commission should reconsider
portions of this at a later date in an effort to clarify some
of the provisions. He stated that he would hate to see people
deprived of the right to obtain flood insurance if this is not
approved, but he hated to make a hasty decision. He asked
that the matter be referred back to the Commission for their
further study and consideration. Mr. Smith stated he also
wanted to see some publicity on the availability of flood
insurance for those persons living in flood plain areas.
Further discussion on the floodway vs. the flood plain ensued.
Mr. Gore stated that the flood plain is the entire area that
would be inundated by a 100-year flood; in the middle of the
"flood plain" is a stream course, or floodway. Further dis-
cussion ensued.
Mr. Draper asked if the flood insurance is available to every
property owner in the City? Mr. Gore stated that it is; the
rates are lower for those property owners outside of the flood
plain. Mr. Gore pointed out that for property owners within
the flood plain, they must have flood insurance before they
can obtain a loan on that property. He added that communities
that do not participate in the program cannot get disaster
relief in the event of a disaster.
The vote on the motion was called:
AYES: Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams, Draper
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Lathrop, Owens, Pier8o n
The motion carried.
Mrs. Romans stated that the staff appreciated the cooperation
shown them by Mr. Gore in the preparation of the proposed amend-
ments for the Hearing. The Commission also expressed their
appreciation to Mr. Gore for his attendance at the meeting
this evening.
Mr. Williams moved: The meeting be adjourned.
The motion was seconded and carried. The meeting adjourned at
9:30 P.M.
Gertrude G. Welty ~ecording Secr~tary
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MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION OR
RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.
DATE: December 27, 1977
SUBJECT: Proposed Amendment of Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance and Adoption of the Flood Hazard
Boundary Map, H 01-04, and Flood Insurance
Rate Map I 01-04.
RECOMMENDATION:
Smith moved:
Wade seconded : The Planning Commission recommend to City
Council the attached proposed amendments to
the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, §22.4B, Flood Plain, and
§22.8, Definitions; the Commission also recommends adoption
of the Flood Hazard Boundary Map H 01-04, and Flood Insurance
Rate Map I 01-04, which were considered by the City Planning
and Zoning Commission at Public H~aring on December 27, 1977.
AYES: Parker, Smith, Tanguma, Wade, Williams, Draper
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Lathrop, Owens, Pierson
The motion carried.
By Order of the City Planning
and Zoning Commission.
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Gertrude G. Welty
·Recording Secretar y
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