TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Krishna Namburi, City Manager
FROM: Kristin Retherford, Community Planning and Development Director
SUBJECT:
title
Annual evaluation of the City of Salem Floodplain Management Plan.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure.
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SUMMARY:
summary
A committee of City staff and community stakeholders completed an annual evaluation of the Floodplain Management Plan (Plan) in compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements for the Community Rating System (CRS). The annual review included an overall evaluation of the Plan, and a detailed review of the Program for Public Information (Appendix F) and the Flood Insurance Coverage Improvement Plan (Appendix G) components of the Floodplain Management Plan. The committee completed its evaluation on November 3, 2025.
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ISSUE:
Annual evaluation of the City of Salem Floodplain Management Plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
In order to comply with FEMA’s requirements for the Community Rating System, the 2023 Floodplain Management Plan must be evaluated annually. The annual review must include an overall evaluation of the plan, and a detailed review of the Program for Public Information (Appendix F) and the Flood Insurance Coverage Improvement Plan (Appendix G) of the Floodplain Management Plan The plans must also be updated every five years, which will be required in 2028.
2. The Floodplain Management Plan Committee is comprised of City staff and community stakeholders who have been involved in the planning efforts for the Floodplain Management Plan and its amendments. City staff on the committee included representatives from floodplain management, public works, building and safety, planning, emergency management, and public information. Community stakeholders included property owners, a representative from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, a Neighborhood Association chair, professional engineers, a real estate broker, a representative from the Home Builders’ Association, and an insurance agent. The committee members evaluated the Floodplain Management Plan at the November 3, 2025 meeting and provided insights, feedback, and recommendations for future updates. The Committee roster is attached to this report (Attachment 2).
3. The Floodplain Management Plan Committee meets the FEMA requirement for a review committee because at least half of its members came from a variety of community stakeholders, including realtors and insurance agents. This information staff report to Council meets the FEMA requirement for the annual report to “be submitted to the governing body, released to the media, and made available to the public.”
4. The status of the Floodplain Management Plan’s 42 action items were presented to the committee in three general categories: (a) Completed; (b) Ongoing or in process; and (c) Remaining. The Floodplain Management Plan status summary for each category is described in Attachment 1. Highlights to action items during this reporting period are summarized below:
a. Stormwater Standards Updates (PA2, PA12, PA14) - The City of Salem recently adopted updates to the minimum impervious area thresholds for providing stormwater treatment and flow control from 10,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. (Ordinance Bill No. 9-24). Additionally, updates to the Public Works Design Standards were adopted in March of 2025 that will further promote low impact development; improve clarity regarding infiltration testing and infiltration infeasibility; and will clarify submittal requirements for land use and design reviews.
b. Flood Species Assessment and Natural Floodplain Functions Plan (NR4, NR6) - In partnership with the Glen Gibson Watershed Council, a Floodplain Species Assessment and Natural Floodplain Functions Plan have been drafted and reviewed by Federal listing agencies, State agencies, conservation groups, and other interested parties. The plans identify listed species, their floodplain habitats within the City of Salem and the urban growth boundary and establish recovery and mitigation actions for identified species. A summary of the plans will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council in early 2026.
c. NFIP Endangered Species Act Integration in Oregon (PA9, PA10, PA14, NR2) - On the November 25, 2024, Council Meeting, guidance was provided to staff regarding implementation of the NFIP Endangered Species Act Integration in Oregon <https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/region-10/oregon/nfip-esa-integration?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery>. Based on this guidance, Ordinance 06-26 was adopted June 9, 2025, amending the City’s Floodplain Overlay Zone. These changes implement FEMA’s interim Endangered Species Act requirements in Oregon. Additional code amendments are expected to occur in 2026 after the final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision are issued by FEMA.
5. The status of the Program for Public Information twenty-three outreach projects and the Coverage Improvement Plan’s six projects were presented to the committee in an annual evaluation report format that meets the Community Rating System requirements. The annual evaluation reports are included within Attachment 1.
6. The Floodplain Management Plan Committee reviewed the status reports described above and did not recommend any changes to the Plan’s Action Items
BACKGROUND:
On December 4, 2023, Council adopted the City’s Floodplain Management Plan (Plan) through Resolution 2023-42. The Plan guides the City’s floodplain management programs. It identifies flood hazards throughout the community, evaluates the problems caused by those hazards, reviews possible mitigation activities, and creates an action plan to address and reduce those flood hazards. The Plan serves as a framework for coordinated efforts to improve flood resilience, protect lives and property, and ensure sustainable development in flood-prone areas.
The Floodplain Management Plan is integral to the City’s participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System. The Community Rating System reduces annual flood insurance premiums for property owners citywide based on actions and projects implemented by the City. By implementing the Plan’s actions, the City is eligible for additional Community Rating System credits that increase the City’s rating. A higher CRS rating translates to greater flood insurance premium reductions for property owners, fostering community-wide benefits. To maintain and improve the City’s CRS rating, the Plan requires an annual review and update to document progress, ensure compliance, and identify opportunities for further improvement.
Robin Dalke
Development Services Assistant Director
Attachments:
1. Floodplain Management Plan Annual Report 2025
2. Floodplain Management Plan Committee Roster