Important Information for Residents and Property Owners Regarding the Risk of Flooding in Oldsmar
Flood Emergencies: If you have a flooding emergency or drainage problem, call the Public Works Department for help. If maintenance of the City system is required, they can handle it or, if there is no system, they can refer it for further investigation. They can also explain ways to stop flooding and prevent damage on your property. There is also extensive emergency information provided in The Hurricane Guide which is typically available June through November at all city facilities.
Flood Safety: Stay away from flood waters! The #1 cause of death during floods is drowning. High water often conceals storm drain inlets and the depth of ditches. Fast moving water can easily knock a person off their feet.
Driving in Flooding Areas: More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Drive around flooded intersections or choose another route. Water depth of six to ten inches is enough to ruin an engine and carry your car (in fast moving waters).
Danger of Electricity: Do not approach electrical lines and never use electrical equipment or appliances that are wet! Remember to turn off your electricity, check for gas leaks, be alert for animals, and watch your step for hidden hazards.
Local Flood Hazard: If you live in or own property in the Special Flood Hazard Area – also known as the 100-year floodplain, you live in an area with a 1% (one-hundredth) chance of receiving a severe flood annually. Because you live in this area, you are required to have a federally-backed flood insurance policy (unless you do not have a mortgage on the structure). It means that you will be required to re-build your structure to current code requirements should you receive monetary damages to your property in excess of 50% of the market value of your structure.
Types of Flooding: Oldsmar is susceptible to “coastal” and “inland” flooding. Inland flooding occurs when lakes rise above normal levels or when depressions in the land are filled by rain and create “ponds”. Development is partially to blame as many natural surfaces become paved and do not allow for absorption into the ground at the normal rate. Oldsmar does require developments to account for this as directed by the Land Development Code.
Property Protection Measures: There are many methods for protecting your home and may include more than one of the following:
You can divert water from your property by regrading or by constructing an earthen berm, construction swales (a shallow ditch), retention areas (small, shallow depressions) and other alternatives. These methods may require permits and should be discussed with design professionals in the city's Building Department. In extreme events, you may need to use sandbagging or other materials to seal openings and cracks. Contact Municipal Services or the Fire Department to see if this service is provided during a storm event. If roof drains are causing a problem, gutters can help direct the run-off away from the house.
Drainage System Maintenance: Oldsmar is interfaced with a system of natural and man-made canals, ditches, and waterways that serve to direct and maintain the flow of water that will avoid flooding. It is most important that these elements of the floodwater drainage system be kept open and clear of debris and trash that could impede the flow of water in a flooding situation. Do not place any debris, lawn trash, or other materials in stormwater inlets, ditches, or other waterways. Dumping into the drainage system can easily create blockages that result in flooding during a severe rain – the house you flood may be your own! Dumping of debris or trash in the drainage system or alteration of the channels is prohibited. Violators should be reported to law enforcement or Public Works officers. Always check with the Building
Division before you make any changes such as grading, filling, or construction on your property.
Floodplain Permit Requirements for Development & Substantial Improvements: The purpose of the Flood Regulations of the Oldsmar Land Development Code is to restrict or prohibit uses and/or construction that is dangerous to health, safety, property, and general welfare due to increase in erosion, flood heights, or velocity waters. Oldsmar’s Building Division can provide you with the requirements that govern construction in flood hazard areas. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure in the Special Flood Hazard Area is required to have the lowest floor elevated to one foot above the base Flood Elevation. An Elevation Certificate, prepared, signed, and sealed by a registered land surveyor will be required. Development in the Coastal High Hazard Area or Floodway is also regulated by the codes
above. Additional criteria must be met for any new construction or substantial improvement in these areas. Past completed Flood Zone Determinations are available through the Planning and Redevelopment Department.
Obtaining Additional Information: If you want to know if your property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area you may view the City’s Flood Insurance Rate Map on the web site Fema Map Service Center or, view a paper copy in the Planning and Redevelopment Department or you may contact the Building Division with your questions pertaining to building in the SFHA at 813-749-1124. For copies of FEMA elevation certificates for buildings constructed in the floodplain since 1995 and for information on Flood Zones and Letters
of Map adjustment, please contact the Planning and Redevelopment Department at 813-749-1121. Select link for those Flood Elevation Certificates that are available on the City website Elevation Certificates.NOTE: The City does not have Flood Elevation Certificates and Letters of Map Adjustments for every property.
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