COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Mike Wolfe, PE, Engineering Manager
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Action: Ordinance No. 26-1388 Amending Lake Havasu City Code Chapter 8.22, Flood Damage Prevention, to Add and Revise Definitions, Violations, and Overall Updating to Conform with Current Regulations and Practices (Introduction) (Mike Wolfe, PE)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
N/A
PURPOSE:
To consider introduction of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 8.22, Flood Damage Prevention, to conform to new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) standards.
BACKGROUND:
The Flood Damage Prevention chapter of the City Code was adopted in 1991 and last revised in 2008.
The Community Assistance Contact (CAC) at ADWR conducted an audit of the City’s Floodplain Management Program on May 1, 2026. ADWR is the State liaison for FEMA for cities in Arizona. The CAC reviews six components of the community’s floodplain management program. This includes:
• Floodplain Management Regulations
• Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) availability and accuracy
• Development Permit and Review Process
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Information and Verification
• Potential Deficiencies or Violations
• Any needed follow-up or community action
The audit concluded that Lake Havasu City has minor deficiencies in Chapter 8.22 that need to be corrected. The Engineering Division worked with Development Services, other Public Works Divisions, and the City Attorney to update the chapter to reflect current practices and regulations as well as address the minor deficiencies identified by the audit.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Updating regulations to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance No. 26-1388
Chapter 8.22 (tracked)
Floodplain Management Program Audit
POSSIBLE MOTIONS:Recommended Action
I move to introduce Ordinance No. 26-1388 amending Lake Havasu City Code Chapter 8.22, Flood Damage Prevention.
I move to not introduce Ordinance No. 26-1388.