Granby Updates Floodplain Rules For First Time Since 2008

GRANBY, CT — Granby has updated its floodplain regulations for the first time since 2008 following changes to federal flood insurance maps.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 on Sept. 8 to approve amendments to Section 8.18 of the town's zoning regulations, which covers special flood hazard areas. The new regulations take effect Oct. 1.

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The changes were needed after the Federal Emergency Management Agency updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps used by Granby and other communities in the Farmington River watershed, according to the commission's meeting minutes.

Community Development Director Abigail Kenyon told commissioners that towns must update their floodplain management regulations when FEMA issues revised maps. The local rules must incorporate the new information and meet any additional federal requirements tied to the maps.

Granby's maps had not been updated since 2008.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reviewed the town's regulations and identified the changes needed for Granby to remain in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.

The federal program makes flood insurance available in participating communities. In return, those communities must adopt and enforce regulations that meet minimum federal standards for development in flood-prone areas.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify areas with elevated flood risk and can affect construction standards, development permits and flood insurance requirements. The impact on a particular property depends on its location and the type of work being proposed.

The regulations can apply to new construction and certain improvements to existing buildings within mapped special flood hazard areas. Property owners planning construction or renovations in those areas may need to provide additional flood-elevation information during the local permitting process.

No members of the public spoke during the Sept. 8 hearing, and commissioners approved the amendments without opposition. The application was filed as Z-4-26.

FEMA and state officials also held a regional open house Sept. 22 in Avon for property owners in communities covered by the updated Farmington River watershed maps, including Granby. Residents were able to review the maps and speak with flood-risk and insurance specialists.

Property owners can search an address and review available flood maps through FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.