Flooding & the Floodplain Overlay District

Floodplain Overlay District

The Floodplain Overlay District applies to properties that have been identified on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) as being in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The land area covered by the floodwaters of the base flood is the SFHA.

There are two flood zones in the Town:

1. Floodway - The land immediately adjoining the watercourse channel that is the natural conduit for floodwaters; and
2. 100-year Floodplain - Any area of land that is susceptible to a one % (1%) chance of flooding annually. The most recent FIRM for the Town of Vinton was completed in 2007.

National Flood Insurance Program

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves in the event of a flood. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

Updating the Ordinance

The Town of Vinton is a participating community in the NFIP. In order to continue participating in the program, the Town must maintain an ordinance that meets the requirements mandated by FEMA. When necessary, the Town must update its floodplain ordinance to remain in compliance with FEMA regulations. If the Town does not meet those requirements, the Town would no longer be able to participate in the NFIP, and property owners in Vinton would no longer be able to purchase federally backed flood insurance policies.

Floodplain Overlay District Regulations

• Current Regulations (Ordinance Numbers 949 and 950 adopted on April 15, 2014) (PDF)

Helpful Resources

If you have additional questions about the floodplain overlay district regulations email the planning and zoning department or contact them by phone at 540-983-0605