Download - Pompano Beach Flood Hazard
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The City of Pompano Beach
Flood Hazard
Flood Hazard PreventionAbout 85 % of the property in the City of Pompano Beach is located in a flood
hazard area. Your property is in or near the flood hazard area as mapped by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. The following information may be of interest to you.
This information is offered to help protect your property and reduce potential losses
due to flooding. The City of Pompano Beach is dedicated to assisting our residents and
businesses to reduce the hazardous effects of flooding in our community.
Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage;
however, flood insurance is available in the City of Pompano
Beach. Flood insurance covers losses to your property caused
by flooding, such as structural and mechanical damage, flood
debris cleanup and floor surfaces (like tile and carpeting).
In addition, you can purchase separate coverage that insures
most of your personal property and belongings. You are eligible
to purchase flood insurance regardless of whether your
property has never flooded or has flooded several times in
the past. Most mortgage lenders require flood insurance for
properties in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). All
properties secured by a federally backed mortgage (FHA, VA,
FNMA, etc.) must carry flood insurance. It takes 30 days after
purchase for a policy to take effect, so it’s important to buy
insurance before the floodwaters start to rise. In high risk areas
such as ours, there is a 26% chance that a home will experience
a flood over the course of a 30 year mortgage.
2Pompano Beach F lood Hazards
Flood Insurance
INSIDE3 Flood Insurance About 85% of Pompano Beach property is located in a flood hazard area
3 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Overview Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage
4 Flood Hazard Over 85% of the residents of the City of Pompano Beach live within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
4 Natural and Beneficial Functions Flood plains should be considered in their natural context
5 Stormwater Management Master Plan Pompano Beach has experienced localized flooding problems for many years
5 Drainage System Management Proper drainage helps reduce the risk of flooding
6 Flood Hazard Information Affordable flood insurance (NFIP)
7 Map Determinations We provide Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) determinations to let you know if you are in a flood hazard area.
9 Property Protection Advice Get information on how to retrofit your property for a flood
9 Property Protection Measures Property protection measures should be taken
9 Flood Safety Avoid flood waters, fallen electrical lines, animals, gas leaks, etc.
11 Substantial Improvements Requirements Substantial improvement is defined according to the City’s Code of Ordinances
11 Flood Plain Development Permit Requirements The City has adopted regulations for floodplain development
11 Elevation Certificates Personnel are available to provide map determinations to advise you
12 Severe Weather Watches & Warnings Definitions These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended
In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide affordable flood insurance to people who live in areas with the greatest risk of flooding called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood
damage.
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a program developed by the Federal Insurance Administration to provide incentives for NFIP communities that implement more stringent flood SM plain management standards than the minimum NFIP requirements. The CRS rewards these efforts with discounts on flood insurance premiums for their valued
residents and businesses.
The City of Pompano Beach actively participates in the CRS program and currently holds a Class 8 CRS rating. This
classification equates to a 10% discount on new or renewed
flood insurance policies.
There are approximately 28,300 flood insurance policies in the
City of Pompano Beach. Annually the City’s CRS Class 8 rating
will generate approximately $823,000 in savings on flood
premiums for you, our valued residents and businesses. Further-
more, the City is pursuing a Class 7 CRS rating, which equates
to a 15% discount on flood insurance policies. This newsletter is
part of the effort to move to a Class 7 CRS rating.
Over 85% of the residents of the City of Pompano Beach live
within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The entire city can be considered flood prone. There are many different types of flooding that occur, and there are many factors that affect the type and severity of a flood. As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads and parking lots, it loses its ability to ab-sorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff two to six times over what would occur on natural terrain. The following are some of the more common types of floods experienced in South Florida, including the City of Pompano Beach.
• Canal Flooding: Some floods occur seasonally when rain fills canals with too much water, too quickly. Torrential rains from hurricanes or tropical storms can also produce canal flooding. The Pompano Canal and Cypress Creek Canal both have large drainage basins which include other cities besides Pompano Beach. Stormwater from these upstream communities eventu-
ally empties out into the Atlantic Ocean through these canals. The cumulative impact of stormwater from the upstream com-
munities can increase the likelihood of canal flooding in the City
of Pompano Beach.
• Tidal Flooding: Waterways are influenced by tides that con-
tribute to drainage/flood problems. When there is a high tide and heavy rainfall, the storm drainage systems will rapidly fill from both surface run-off and tidal waters, increasing the likelihood of flood conditions in our streets, swale areas and lawns. Much of the city’s storm drainage system empties/discharges into lakes and canals, which connect eventually to the Pompano Canal or
the Cypress Creek Canal.
• Severe Weather Flooding: A flood event is usually trig-gered by a large sudden downpour. The effects of the downpour are worsened when terrain will not absorb water. Reasons for lack of absorption vary due to soil type, lack of vegetation, slope, paved areas, or saturation of the soil by previous rains. Flooding is localized and water levels range be-
tween 1-2 feet.
3 www.mypompanobeach.org
Flood Hazard
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Overview
4Pompano Beach F lood Hazards
The City of Pompano Beach has experienced localized flooding problems for many years. The localized flooding problems are attributed to the relatively flat terrain, a high groundwater table and lack of drainage systems. As a result, the City hired Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan to prepare a Stormwater Management Master Plan.
Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan analyzed the City’s drainage pat-terns and divided the City into 33 major drainage basins. The 33 major drainage basins were further sub-divided into a total of 112 sub-basins. The sub-basins were analyzed to determine appropri-ate remedies. The analyses took into consideration both qualita-tive and quantitative factors including historic drainage problem areas, runoff quantity, water quality and groundwater recharge potential. Each sub-basin was evaluated for its overall perfor-mance and then ranked in order of it’s problem severity.
Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan performed engineering analy-ses to recommend design improvements and cost estimates on the top twenty priority sub-basins. Suggested improvements included both structural and non-structural controls that ad-dress the stormwater management problems previously iden-tified. Improvements include installation of positive drainage pipes, exfiltration trenches, commonly known as French drains,
swales, retention/detention ponds and enhanced operations and management practices.
The City of Pompano Beach completed the top twenty
priority projects and asked Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan to
perform the same engineering analyses for the next top twenty
priority projects. Phase 2 was completed in November 2002.
Between 2002 and 2008 over eight (8) million dollars was spent on the highest priority sub-basins. The City’s Capital Improvement Program estimates nearly nine (9) million dollars in drainage revenues will be derived from the Stormwater Utility through 2013. The estimated cost to complete the remaining second twenty (20) drainage projects is approximately 11.7 million dollars.
Properties annexed in 2000 through 2004 will be evaluated and considered in the 2011 stormwater master plan currently underway. Broward County is currently making major in-frastructure improvements (including drainage) in the an-nexed areas as part of the North County Improvement Program. Improvements have been completed in Cresthaven, and part of the Kendall Green area. Improvements in the Pompano Highlands and Leisureville/Pompano Estates are to be completed by 2013.
Stormwater Management Master Plan
Flood plains should be considered in their natural context. They
are more than just hazardous locations. Open and natural areas
absorb much more rain and floodwaters than urbanized areas,
reducing flood flows on downstream properties. Flood plains
can also be beneficial in their ability to recharge the Biscayne
Aquifer and replenish the City’s potable water supply. Wetland
plants, such as mangrove trees, filter stormwater runoff, making
it cleaner for those downstream. Sand dunes on the beach are
nature’s protection to inland areas from waves and tides
accompanying major coastal storms. Beach revegatation is an
ongoing process in the City of Pompano Beach. In both Broward
County and City of Pompano Beach, there are many policies
intended to protect coastal resources that could, in turn,
decrease the risk from storm surge and flooding.
Natural and Beneficial Functions
Proper drainage helps reduce the risk of flooding. It is a
violation of our City ordinances to dump debris of any sort,
including grass clippings into canals or storm drains. The
Department of Utilities inspects the drainage system and
removes blockages that are found or reported. You can
help keep swale areas and catch basins clear by not piling
debris on top or nearby. The City of Pompano Beach has
several stormwater providers, including the City, Broward County,
DOT, and private owners. All private stormwater management
facilities are required to maintain their own systems. For
more information and to report violations call Stormwater
Utility at 954-786-4637. Illegal dumping should be reported to
Broward County at 954-591-1499.
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• Flood Warning System: The City of Pompano Beach and Broward County depend on the National Weather Service (NWS) for flood notification. The NWS will issue flood adviso-ries at least six (6) hours prior to expected heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The City has a citywide flood warning plan to provide early warning to neighborhoods that might experience exceptional flooding. Broadcast methods of emergency notices include Comcast Government Access channel 78. The City of Pompano Beach also utilizes the CodeRED Emergency Notification system, which allows the City to notify any geographical area, or any predetermined “target buildings” via telephone, of an impending emergency. All residents and businesses must keep the City informed of current telephone numbers for the CodeRED System. Evacuation routes include Atlantic Blvd., Sample Road, Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike.
Areas of Special Flood Hazards are defined as the land in the floodplain subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of flooding in any given year. These areas are designated on the city flood criteria map on the following page as flood hazard zones, AH, AE and VE.
• Zone AH: Areas subject to inundation by the one percent (1%) annual chance of shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are 1 to 3 feet. Base flood
elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
• Zone AE: Areas subject to inundation by the one percent (1%) annual chance flood event determined by detailed meth-
ods. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
•Zone VE: Areas along the coast subject to inundation by the one percent (1%) annual chance flood event with additional hazards associated with storm induced waves. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no flood depths or base flood elevations are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply
•Zone X: Areas identified as having moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flooding in the area, however, buildings in these areas could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall coupled with inadequate drainage systems. Flood insur-ance is available but is not required by regulation in these zones.
Residents can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to be issued to remove the structure from the SFHA, NFIP regu-lation which requires that the lowest adjacent grade (lowest ground touching the structure) be at or above the base flood elevation. To remove the entire lot, the lowest point on the lot must be at or above the base flood elevation.
Flood Hazard Information
Drainage System Management
The City of Pompano Beach provides
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
determinations to let you know if you are
in a flood hazard area. A generalized map
for the City of Pompano Beach is shown
to the right. The detailed Floodplain
Maps are available in the Building
Inspection Division. You may call
and request a flood hazard area
determination at 954-786-4670.
The City of Pompano Beach Flood Zone Map
6Pompano Beach F lood Hazards
Map Determinations
7 www.mypompanobeach.org
This product has been compiled from various source data from the City of Pompano Beach. However, this product is for reference purposes only and is not to be construed as a legal document or survey instrument. Any reliance on the information contained herein is at the user’s own risk. The City of Pompano Beach assumes no responsibility for any use of the information contained herein or any loss resulting there from.
Note: This map will be updated in September 2011. Once it’s been posted it can be view by visiting: www.broward.org/Regulation/Engineering/FloodZoneMaps/Pages/Default.aspx
Information on how to perform residential retrofitting or
commercial flood proofing is available at the Pompano Beach
Public Library. Building Inspection Division personnel are
available to provide information at no charge, on how to protect
your property from flooding. Upon request a representative will
visit your property to review potential flooding problems and
to explain options to prevent flood damage. Call the Building
Inspection Division, 954-786-4670, for more information.
8Pompano Beach F lood Hazards
Property Protection Advice
Do not walk through flood waters. Drowning is the
number one cause of death during a flood. Currents can be
deceptive; six inches of moving water can cause you to lose
your balance. If you must walk in standing water, use a pole
or stick to ensure that the ground is stable and level before
walking on it.
Do not drive through flooded areas. More people drown
in their cars than anywhere else. Do not disregard road
barriers as the road may be washed out or severely affected.
City police and public works employees, typically divert
traffic from flooded streets to protect vehicles in a flood
event. Driving through flooded areas will not only damage
your vehicle but will cause a wake forcing water into homes and
businesses, and thus causing damage.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The
number two killer in a flood after drowning is electrocution.
Electrical currents can travel through water. Report downed
power lines to Florida Power & Light (FPL) at 800-468-8243 or
to the Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-786-4200.
Flood Safety
Property protection measures should be taken with the onset
of a flood or if your home is susceptible to flooding,
retrofitting should be considered. If flooding is likely, and time
permits, move essential items and furniture to upper areas of
your home.
Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and
lumber handy for emergency waterproofing. This action will
help to minimize the amount of property damage caused by
flood waters.
Retrofitting involves modifications of surrounding terrain and
your home to minimize the risk of flooding. You should take
surrounding properties into consideration. Modification to your
home can include waterproofing the walls, elevating electric
panel boxes, air conditioning units, pool and irrigation pumps,
and washers and dryers to higher locations to reduce the
potential for flood damage to valuable equipment.
Flood-proofing, installing floodgates and making walls
waterproof are among the common ways to structurally
protect commercial property. Residential structures are
typically required to be elevated higher than anticipated
floodwaters.
Prior to hurricane season, take measures that protect against
high winds, such as installing storm shutters and reinforced
garage doors.
A Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant can be obtained to
assist residents in retrofitting their homes. Please contact the
Building Inspection Division, 954-786-4670 for more information.
Property Protection Measures
Have your electricity and other utilities, including gas, turned off. Some appliances such as television sets, hold electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Avoid using appliances or motors, which have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried. If you are advised to evacuate, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch any electrical
equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Be ready for the unexpected. Place important documents inside plastic bags or other water proof containers. Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage. Know what type of coverage you have. Most policies cover wind storm damage, but not flooding. Any policy change usually takes thirty
(30) days before going into effect.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very
slippery.
Be alert for gas leaks. If you use natural gas, use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles or lanterns or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Gas leaks can be reported to Teco Peoples Gas at 1.877.TECO.PGS (1.877.832.6747).
| Securing Boats• Ifyouownaboat, it isyourresponsibilitytosecure it.Asaboat owner, you should plan in advance to move your boat or arrange for its storage. Check with a local marina for suitable
alternatives. If possible, store it inside a garage or warehouse.
• If you must leave it outside, anchor the trailer firmly into stable soil, deflate the tires and ensure the boat is secure to the
trailer. If possible fill the bilge with water, which adds extra weight.
• Ifyouplantokeepyourboatinthecanal,besuretodouble the dock lines, leaving sufficient space for the tidal range, and put out extra anchors. Don’t forget to remove all marine electronics or other unsecured equipment.
• Sailboatersshouldremoveself-furlingsailsandBiminitops.
• Boats on davits should be preferably stored in an enclosed facility (dry dock or garage) or secured with extra tie lines to keep the boat from swinging during high winds.
| Pet safety tips• Remember during a flood or hurricane, most evacuation centers will not accept pets. So make plans in advance to board your pets in an animal kennel or with friends. In order to find a shelter that will accept your pet, you must pre-register with the Humane Society by calling 954-989-3977.
• PlanAhead:Talktoafriendorfamilymemberwholivesinanarea that is not expected to be affected by the hurricane. Ask if their home would be open to you and your pet should a storm threaten.
• Be responsible: Do not leave your pet at home during a hurricane. A secure room and a few days’ food and water do not necessarily mean safety for your pet. Keep a current picture of your pet for identification purposes.
| If you must evacuateMost importantly, evacuate immediately if told to do so. If you must evacuate, try to move to the house of a friend or family member not affected by the impending high waters. If you live in a mobile home, evacuate at first notice of the emergency. Rehearse your evacuation plan with all household members. Plan to leave early to avoid any traffic delays. Try to have a prearranged method of contacting your neighbors and family if you have to leave your home. If possible, before you evacuate, inform each other of places where you will be staying with contact phone numbers and addresses. For shelter information contact the Red Cross (Broward County Chapter) at 954-797-3800. Residents with special needs can register for a “Special Needs Shelter” by calling 954-357-6385
or TTY 954-357-5608.
9 www.mypompanobeach.org
Substantial improvement is defined according to the City of
Pompano Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 152.21, as “Any
reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement
of a structure, the cumulative cost of which equals or exceeds
fifty percent (50%) of the building’s market value before the
“start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes
structures which have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless
of the actual repair work performed.
The term does not, however, include (1) any project for
improvement of a structure to correct existing violations
of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifica-
The City of Pompano Beach has adopted regulations for
floodplain development. These regulations control the
alteration of the natural floodplains. They prevent and
regulate the construction of flood barriers which may
unnaturally divert floodwaters, or which may increase
flood hazards in other areas. These regulations also
restrict or prohibit uses which may increase erosion
resulting from flood heights and velocities causing damage
to structures.
tions which have been identified by the local code compliance
official and which are the minimum necessary to
assure safe living conditions; or (2) any alteration of a “historic
structure,” provided that the alteration will not preclude the
structure’s continued designation as a historic structure.
The building must meet the same construction requirements
as a new building. This includes minimum or base flood floor
elevations as determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to
the same standards.
The City of Pompano Beach regulates development within the
natural floodplains through the City’s development review
process whereby building or engineering permits are required
prior to construction, filling or otherwise altering the natural
elevations of a site. Prior to commencing any site development
or construction work, please contact the Building Inspection
Division at 954-786-4670 or Engineering Department at
954-786-4506, so that the appropriate permits may be
secured or to report violations.
1 0Pompano Beach F lood Hazards
Substantial Improvement Requirements
Floodplain Development Permit Requirements
The Building Inspection Division personnel are available to pro-
vide map determinations to advise you if you are in a flood
hazard area. Elevation certificates for new construction and
substantial improvements in the flood plain are also available
from the Building Inspection Division. Please call 954-786-4670
for more information
Elevation Certificates
• Flood Watch: High flow or overflow of water from a river is
possible in the given time period. It can also apply to heavy
runoff or drainage of water into low lying areas. These watches
are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at
least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.
• Flood Warning: Flooding conditions are actually occurring or
are imminent in the warning area.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible in or close to
the watch area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for
flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy
rains have ended.
• Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is actually occurring or
imminent in the warning area.
• Tornado Watch: Conditions are conducive to the
development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has actually been sighted by
spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in
the warning area.
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are conducive to
the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the
watch area.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm
has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and
is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane/Tropical
Storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch,
usually within 48 hours of the onset of tropical storm force
winds. During a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan
for evacuation in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is is-
sued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane/Tropical
Storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the
Warning, usually within 36 hours of the onset of tropical storm
force winds. Complete storm preparations and immediately
leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.
• Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a
major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the
eye wall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate
shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
• Additional Watches & Warnings: Issued to provide
detailed information on specific threats such as floods and
tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue Flash
Flood/Flood Watches and Warnings as well as Tornado Warnings.
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Severe Weather Watches and Warnings Definitions
PRESORT
STANDARD US
POSTAGE PAID
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
PERMIT No. 1146
City of Pompano BeachP.O. Drawer 1300
Pompano Beach, FL 33061SM
CITY OF POMPANO BEACH COMMISSIONMayor Lamar F isher : : 954 .786.4623 | V ice Mayor George Brummer : : D is t r ic t 5 • 954 .786.4618Commissioner Charlotte Burrie :: District 2 • 954.786.4625 | Commissioner Barry Dockswell :: District 1 • 954.786.4619Commissioner Rex Hardin : : D is t r ic t 3 • 954 .786.4649 | Commissioner Woodrow Poi t ier : : D is t r ic t 4 • 954 .786.4624
Development Services Director Robin M. Bird 954.786.4634 • Principal Planner & CRS Coordinator Jean Dolan 954.786.5554