New Flood Maps Could Trigger Insurance Demands In Napa Valley, Meeting Scheduled

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Residents in areas that federal maps have identified as at-risk in Napa Valley could require flood insurance.

The preliminary maps reflect a new study of flood risk along the Napa River and its tributaries. The findings could change flood zone designations, insurance requirements, and standards for future development.

Proposed federal flood maps are expanding an area around Calistoga that could be at risk of annual flooding, potentially bringing new insurance requirements for property owners, according to Napa County officials.

They are asking property owners and residents in and around Calistoga to review the proposals and attend a public meeting where Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives and their mapping partners will present the maps and answer questions.

Buildings newly included in the area with at least a 1 percent annual chance of flooding may face flood insurance requirements once the maps take effect, depending on their mortgage or lender.

A formal 90-day public comment and appeal period is expected to follow the meeting. FEMA will announce the dates, resolve comments and appeals, and then finalize the maps and establish their start date.

Property owners can review the preliminary maps, compare existing and proposed flood boundaries, and find meeting updates at napacounty.gov/1895/Engineering-Division.

The meeting is scheduled Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Calistoga Community Center, 1307 Washington St.

For assistance, email Engineering@napacounty.gov or call 707-253-4417 and ask for the Engineering Division.