PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.—On Nov. 29 the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to adopt amendments to the county floodplain regulations. The changes include new floodplain maps and an increase in the minimum "freeboard" height of structures within the floodplain.
Adoption of the regulations and the new floodplain maps developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will ensure the county remains eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program. Residents may use the floodplain maps to investigate their flood risk status and determine whether to make modifications to flood insurance coverage. The maps become effective on Dec. 16, 2011, and may be viewed online at http://www.co.cal.md.us/government/departments/technology/gis/maps.asp.
The new freeboard height is a factor of safety and calls for a structure's lowest floor to be two feet above the estimated 100-year flood level (freeboard), up from a one-foot freeboard previously specified in the regulation. The two-foot freeboard requirement was recommended by the Calvert County Planning Commission and adopted by the BOCC.
For more information on the county's floodplain program, visit http://www.co.cal.md.us/government/departments/planning/floodplain_management/.
Source: Calvert County Commissioners