Pompano Beach Flood Hazard

This Information Could Save You Money!

The City of Pompano Beach

Flood Hazard

Flood Hazard PreventionAbout 85 % of the property in the City of Pompano Beach is located in a flood

hazard area. Your property is in or near the flood hazard area as mapped by the Federal

Emergency Management Agency. The following information may be of interest to you.

This information is offered to help protect your property and reduce potential losses

due to flooding. The City of Pompano Beach is dedicated to assisting our residents and

businesses to reduce the hazardous effects of flooding in our community.

Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage;

however, flood insurance is available in the City of Pompano

Beach. Flood insurance covers losses to your property caused

by flooding, such as structural and mechanical damage, flood

debris cleanup and floor surfaces (like tile and carpeting).

In addition, you can purchase separate coverage that insures

most of your personal property and belongings. You are eligible

to purchase flood insurance regardless of whether your

property has never flooded or has flooded several times in

the past. Most mortgage lenders require flood insurance for

properties in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). All

properties secured by a federally backed mortgage (FHA, VA,

FNMA, etc.) must carry flood insurance. It takes 30 days after

purchase for a policy to take effect, so it’s important to buy

insurance before the floodwaters start to rise. In high risk areas

such as ours, there is a 26% chance that a home will experience

a flood over the course of a 30 year mortgage.

2Pompano Beach F lood Hazards

Flood Insurance

INSIDE3 Flood Insurance About 85% of Pompano Beach property is located in a flood hazard area

3 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Overview Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage

4 Flood Hazard Over 85% of the residents of the City of Pompano Beach live within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

4 Natural and Beneficial Functions Flood plains should be considered in their natural context

5 Stormwater Management Master Plan Pompano Beach has experienced localized flooding problems for many years

5 Drainage System Management Proper drainage helps reduce the risk of flooding

6 Flood Hazard Information Affordable flood insurance (NFIP)

7 Map Determinations We provide Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) determinations to let you know if you are in a flood hazard area.

9 Property Protection Advice Get information on how to retrofit your property for a flood

9 Property Protection Measures Property protection measures should be taken

9 Flood Safety Avoid flood waters, fallen electrical lines, animals, gas leaks, etc.

11 Substantial Improvements Requirements Substantial improvement is defined according to the City’s Code of Ordinances

11 Flood Plain Development Permit Requirements The City has adopted regulations for floodplain development

11 Elevation Certificates Personnel are available to provide map determinations to advise you

12 Severe Weather Watches & Warnings Definitions These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide affordable flood insurance to people who live in areas with the greatest risk of flooding called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood

damage.

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a program developed by the Federal Insurance Administration to provide incentives for NFIP communities that implement more stringent flood SM plain management standards than the minimum NFIP requirements. The CRS rewards these efforts with discounts on flood insurance premiums for their valued

residents and businesses.

The City of Pompano Beach actively participates in the CRS program and currently holds a Class 8 CRS rating. This

classification equates to a 10% discount on new or renewed

flood insurance policies.

There are approximately 28,300 flood insurance policies in the

City of Pompano Beach. Annually the City’s CRS Class 8 rating

will generate approximately $823,000 in savings on flood

premiums for you, our valued residents and businesses. Further-

more, the City is pursuing a Class 7 CRS rating, which equates

to a 15% discount on flood insurance policies. This newsletter is

part of the effort to move to a Class 7 CRS rating.

Over 85% of the residents of the City of Pompano Beach live

within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The entire city can be considered flood prone. There are many different types of flooding that occur, and there are many factors that affect the type and severity of a flood. As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads and parking lots, it loses its ability to ab-sorb rainfall. Urbanization increases runoff two to six times over what would occur on natural terrain. The following are some of the more common types of floods experienced in South Florida, including the City of Pompano Beach.

• Canal Flooding: Some floods occur seasonally when rain fills canals with too much water, too quickly. Torrential rains from hurricanes or tropical storms can also produce canal flooding. The Pompano Canal and Cypress Creek Canal both have large drainage basins which include other cities besides Pompano Beach. Stormwater from these upstream communities eventu-

ally empties out into the Atlantic Ocean through these canals. The cumulative impact of stormwater from the upstream com-

munities can increase the likelihood of canal flooding in the City

of Pompano Beach.

• Tidal Flooding: Waterways are influenced by tides that con-

tribute to drainage/flood problems. When there is a high tide and heavy rainfall, the storm drainage systems will rapidly fill from both surface run-off and tidal waters, increasing the likelihood of flood conditions in our streets, swale areas and lawns. Much of the city’s storm drainage system empties/discharges into lakes and canals, which connect eventually to the Pompano Canal or

the Cypress Creek Canal.

• Severe Weather Flooding: A flood event is usually trig-gered by a large sudden downpour. The effects of the downpour are worsened when terrain will not absorb water. Reasons for lack of absorption vary due to soil type, lack of vegetation, slope, paved areas, or saturation of the soil by previous rains. Flooding is localized and water levels range be-

tween 1-2 feet.

3 www.mypompanobeach.org

Flood Hazard

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Overview


The City of Pompano Beach has experienced localized flooding problems for many years. The localized flooding problems are attributed to the relatively flat terrain, a high groundwater table and lack of drainage systems. As a result, the City hired Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan to prepare a Stormwater Management Master Plan.

Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan analyzed the City’s drainage pat-terns and divided the City into 33 major drainage basins. The 33 major drainage basins were further sub-divided into a total of 112 sub-basins. The sub-basins were analyzed to determine appropri-ate remedies. The analyses took into consideration both qualita-tive and quantitative factors including historic drainage problem areas, runoff quantity, water quality and groundwater recharge potential. Each sub-basin was evaluated for its overall perfor-mance and then ranked in order of it’s problem severity.

Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan performed engineering analy-ses to recommend design improvements and cost estimates on the top twenty priority sub-basins. Suggested improvements included both structural and non-structural controls that ad-dress the stormwater management problems previously iden-tified. Improvements include installation of positive drainage pipes, exfiltration trenches, commonly known as French drains,

swales, retention/detention ponds and enhanced operations and management practices.

The City of Pompano Beach completed the top twenty

priority projects and asked Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan to

perform the same engineering analyses for the next top twenty

priority projects. Phase 2 was completed in November 2002.

Between 2002 and 2008 over eight (8) million dollars was spent on the highest priority sub-basins. The City’s Capital Improvement Program estimates nearly nine (9) million dollars in drainage revenues will be derived from the Stormwater Utility through 2013. The estimated cost to complete the remaining second twenty (20) drainage projects is approximately 11.7 million dollars.

Properties annexed in 2000 through 2004 will be evaluated and considered in the 2011 stormwater master plan currently underway. Broward County is currently making major in-frastructure improvements (including drainage) in the an-nexed areas as part of the North County Improvement Program. Improvements have been completed in Cresthaven, and part of the Kendall Green area. Improvements in the Pompano Highlands and Leisureville/Pompano Estates are to be completed by 2013.

Stormwater Management Master Plan

Flood plains should be considered in their natural context. They

are more than just hazardous locations. Open and natural areas

absorb much more rain and floodwaters than urbanized areas,

reducing flood flows on downstream properties. Flood plains

can also be beneficial in their ability to recharge the Biscayne

Aquifer and replenish the City’s potable water supply. Wetland

plants, such as mangrove trees, filter stormwater runoff, making

it cleaner for those downstream. Sand dunes on the beach are

nature’s protection to inland areas from waves and tides

accompanying major coastal storms. Beach revegatation is an

ongoing process in the City of Pompano Beach. In both Broward

County and City of Pompano Beach, there are many policies

intended to protect coastal resources that could, in turn,

decrease the risk from storm surge and flooding.

Natural and Beneficial Functions

Proper drainage helps reduce the risk of flooding. It is a

violation of our City ordinances to dump debris of any sort,

including grass clippings into canals or storm drains. The

Department of Utilities inspects the drainage system and

removes blockages that are found or reported. You can

help keep swale areas and catch basins clear by not piling

debris on top or nearby. The City of Pompano Beach has

several stormwater providers, including the City, Broward County,

DOT, and private owners. All private stormwater management

facilities are required to maintain their own systems. For

more information and to report violations call Stormwater

Utility at 954-786-4637. Illegal dumping should be reported to

Broward County at 954-591-1499.


• Flood Warning System: The City of Pompano Beach and Broward County depend on the National Weather Service (NWS) for flood notification. The NWS will issue flood adviso-ries at least six (6) hours prior to expected heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The City has a citywide flood warning plan to provide early warning to neighborhoods that might experience exceptional flooding. Broadcast methods of emergency notices include Comcast Government Access channel 78. The City of Pompano Beach also utilizes the CodeRED Emergency Notification system, which allows the City to notify any geographical area, or any predetermined “target buildings” via telephone, of an impending emergency. All residents and businesses must keep the City informed of current telephone numbers for the CodeRED System. Evacuation routes include Atlantic Blvd., Sample Road, Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike.

Areas of Special Flood Hazards are defined as the land in the floodplain subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of flooding in any given year. These areas are designated on the city flood criteria map on the following page as flood hazard zones, AH, AE and VE.

• Zone AH: Areas subject to inundation by the one percent (1%) annual chance of shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are 1 to 3 feet. Base flood

elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.

• Zone AE: Areas subject to inundation by the one percent (1%) annual chance flood event determined by detailed meth-

ods. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.

•Zone VE: Areas along the coast subject to inundation by the one percent (1%) annual chance flood event with additional hazards associated with storm induced waves. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no flood depths or base flood elevations are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply

•Zone X: Areas identified as having moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flooding in the area, however, buildings in these areas could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall coupled with inadequate drainage systems. Flood insur-ance is available but is not required by regulation in these zones.

Residents can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to be issued to remove the structure from the SFHA, NFIP regu-lation which requires that the lowest adjacent grade (lowest ground touching the structure) be at or above the base flood elevation. To remove the entire lot, the lowest point on the lot must be at or above the base flood elevation.

Flood Hazard Information

Drainage System Management

The City of Pompano Beach provides

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

determinations to let you know if you are

in a flood hazard area. A generalized map

for the City of Pompano Beach is shown

to the right. The detailed Floodplain

Maps are available in the Building

Inspection Division. You may call

and request a flood hazard area

determination at 954-786-4670.

The City of Pompano Beach Flood Zone Map


Map Determinations


This product has been compiled from various source data from the City of Pompano Beach. However, this product is for reference purposes only and is not to be construed as a legal document or survey instrument. Any reliance on the information contained herein is at the user’s own risk. The City of Pompano Beach assumes no responsibility for any use of the information contained herein or any loss resulting there from.

Note: This map will be updated in September 2011. Once it’s been posted it can be view by visiting: www.broward.org/Regulation/Engineering/FloodZoneMaps/Pages/Default.aspx

Information on how to perform residential retrofitting or

commercial flood proofing is available at the Pompano Beach

Public Library. Building Inspection Division personnel are

available to provide information at no charge, on how to protect

your property from flooding. Upon request a representative will

visit your property to review potential flooding problems and

to explain options to prevent flood damage. Call the Building

Inspection Division, 954-786-4670, for more information.


Property Protection Advice

Do not walk through flood waters. Drowning is the

number one cause of death during a flood. Currents can be

deceptive; six inches of moving water can cause you to lose

your balance. If you must walk in standing water, use a pole

or stick to ensure that the ground is stable and level before

walking on it.

Do not drive through flooded areas. More people drown

in their cars than anywhere else. Do not disregard road

barriers as the road may be washed out or severely affected.

City police and public works employees, typically divert

traffic from flooded streets to protect vehicles in a flood

event. Driving through flooded areas will not only damage

your vehicle but will cause a wake forcing water into homes and

businesses, and thus causing damage.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The

number two killer in a flood after drowning is electrocution.

Electrical currents can travel through water. Report downed

power lines to Florida Power & Light (FPL) at 800-468-8243 or

to the Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-786-4200.

Flood Safety

Property protection measures should be taken with the onset

of a flood or if your home is susceptible to flooding,

retrofitting should be considered. If flooding is likely, and time

permits, move essential items and furniture to upper areas of

your home.

Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and

lumber handy for emergency waterproofing. This action will

help to minimize the amount of property damage caused by

flood waters.

Retrofitting involves modifications of surrounding terrain and

your home to minimize the risk of flooding. You should take

surrounding properties into consideration. Modification to your

home can include waterproofing the walls, elevating electric

panel boxes, air conditioning units, pool and irrigation pumps,

and washers and dryers to higher locations to reduce the

potential for flood damage to valuable equipment.

Flood-proofing, installing floodgates and making walls

waterproof are among the common ways to structurally

protect commercial property. Residential structures are

typically required to be elevated higher than anticipated

floodwaters.

Prior to hurricane season, take measures that protect against

high winds, such as installing storm shutters and reinforced

garage doors.

A Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant can be obtained to

assist residents in retrofitting their homes. Please contact the

Building Inspection Division, 954-786-4670 for more information.

Property Protection Measures

Have your electricity and other utilities, including gas, turned off. Some appliances such as television sets, hold electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Avoid using appliances or motors, which have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried. If you are advised to evacuate, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch any electrical

equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Be ready for the unexpected. Place important documents inside plastic bags or other water proof containers. Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage. Know what type of coverage you have. Most policies cover wind storm damage, but not flooding. Any policy change usually takes thirty

(30) days before going into effect.

Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.

Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very

slippery.

Be alert for gas leaks. If you use natural gas, use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles or lanterns or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Gas leaks can be reported to Teco Peoples Gas at 1.877.TECO.PGS (1.877.832.6747).

| Securing Boats• Ifyouownaboat, it isyourresponsibilitytosecure it.Asaboat owner, you should plan in advance to move your boat or arrange for its storage. Check with a local marina for suitable

alternatives. If possible, store it inside a garage or warehouse.

• If you must leave it outside, anchor the trailer firmly into stable soil, deflate the tires and ensure the boat is secure to the

trailer. If possible fill the bilge with water, which adds extra weight.

• Ifyouplantokeepyourboatinthecanal,besuretodouble the dock lines, leaving sufficient space for the tidal range, and put out extra anchors. Don’t forget to remove all marine electronics or other unsecured equipment.

• Sailboatersshouldremoveself-furlingsailsandBiminitops.

• Boats on davits should be preferably stored in an enclosed facility (dry dock or garage) or secured with extra tie lines to keep the boat from swinging during high winds.

| Pet safety tips• Remember during a flood or hurricane, most evacuation centers will not accept pets. So make plans in advance to board your pets in an animal kennel or with friends. In order to find a shelter that will accept your pet, you must pre-register with the Humane Society by calling 954-989-3977.

• PlanAhead:Talktoafriendorfamilymemberwholivesinanarea that is not expected to be affected by the hurricane. Ask if their home would be open to you and your pet should a storm threaten.

• Be responsible: Do not leave your pet at home during a hurricane. A secure room and a few days’ food and water do not necessarily mean safety for your pet. Keep a current picture of your pet for identification purposes.

| If you must evacuateMost importantly, evacuate immediately if told to do so. If you must evacuate, try to move to the house of a friend or family member not affected by the impending high waters. If you live in a mobile home, evacuate at first notice of the emergency. Rehearse your evacuation plan with all household members. Plan to leave early to avoid any traffic delays. Try to have a prearranged method of contacting your neighbors and family if you have to leave your home. If possible, before you evacuate, inform each other of places where you will be staying with contact phone numbers and addresses. For shelter information contact the Red Cross (Broward County Chapter) at 954-797-3800. Residents with special needs can register for a “Special Needs Shelter” by calling 954-357-6385

or TTY 954-357-5608.


Substantial improvement is defined according to the City of

Pompano Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 152.21, as “Any

reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement

of a structure, the cumulative cost of which equals or exceeds

fifty percent (50%) of the building’s market value before the

“start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes

structures which have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless

of the actual repair work performed.

The term does not, however, include (1) any project for

improvement of a structure to correct existing violations

of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifica-

The City of Pompano Beach has adopted regulations for

floodplain development. These regulations control the

alteration of the natural floodplains. They prevent and

regulate the construction of flood barriers which may

unnaturally divert floodwaters, or which may increase

flood hazards in other areas. These regulations also

restrict or prohibit uses which may increase erosion

resulting from flood heights and velocities causing damage

to structures.

tions which have been identified by the local code compliance

official and which are the minimum necessary to

assure safe living conditions; or (2) any alteration of a “historic

structure,” provided that the alteration will not preclude the

structure’s continued designation as a historic structure.

The building must meet the same construction requirements

as a new building. This includes minimum or base flood floor

elevations as determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to

the same standards.

The City of Pompano Beach regulates development within the

natural floodplains through the City’s development review

process whereby building or engineering permits are required

prior to construction, filling or otherwise altering the natural

elevations of a site. Prior to commencing any site development

or construction work, please contact the Building Inspection

Division at 954-786-4670 or Engineering Department at

954-786-4506, so that the appropriate permits may be

secured or to report violations.

1 0Pompano Beach F lood Hazards

Substantial Improvement Requirements

Floodplain Development Permit Requirements

The Building Inspection Division personnel are available to pro-

vide map determinations to advise you if you are in a flood

hazard area. Elevation certificates for new construction and

substantial improvements in the flood plain are also available

from the Building Inspection Division. Please call 954-786-4670

for more information

Elevation Certificates

• Flood Watch: High flow or overflow of water from a river is

possible in the given time period. It can also apply to heavy

runoff or drainage of water into low lying areas. These watches

are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at

least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended.

• Flood Warning: Flooding conditions are actually occurring or

are imminent in the warning area.

• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible in or close to

the watch area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for

flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy

rains have ended.

• Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is actually occurring or

imminent in the warning area.

• Tornado Watch: Conditions are conducive to the

development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

• Tornado Warning: A tornado has actually been sighted by

spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in

the warning area.

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are conducive to

the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the

watch area.

• Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thunderstorm

has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and

is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane/Tropical

Storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch,

usually within 48 hours of the onset of tropical storm force

winds. During a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan

for evacuation in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is is-

sued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane/Tropical

Storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the

Warning, usually within 36 hours of the onset of tropical storm

force winds. Complete storm preparations and immediately

leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.

• Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a

major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the

eye wall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate

shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

• Additional Watches & Warnings: Issued to provide

detailed information on specific threats such as floods and

tornadoes. Local National Weather Service offices issue Flash

Flood/Flood Watches and Warnings as well as Tornado Warnings.


Severe Weather Watches and Warnings Definitions

PRESORT

STANDARD US

POSTAGE PAID

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL

PERMIT No. 1146

City of Pompano BeachP.O. Drawer 1300

Pompano Beach, FL 33061SM

CITY OF POMPANO BEACH COMMISSIONMayor Lamar F isher : : 954 .786.4623 | V ice Mayor George Brummer : : D is t r ic t 5 • 954 .786.4618Commissioner Charlotte Burrie :: District 2 • 954.786.4625 | Commissioner Barry Dockswell :: District 1 • 954.786.4619Commissioner Rex Hardin : : D is t r ic t 3 • 954 .786.4649 | Commissioner Woodrow Poi t ier : : D is t r ic t 4 • 954 .786.4624

Development Services Director Robin M. Bird 954.786.4634 • Principal Planner & CRS Coordinator Jean Dolan 954.786.5554

Documents

Pompano Beach Flood Hazard