Matt's Blueprint for FEMA CRS Class 2 Rating
Enhancing Floodplain Management for a Safer Community and Lower Insurance Premiums
The Goal: A Class 2 Rating
Achieving a Class 2 rating offers a 40% premium discount on flood insurance for policyholders in Largo.
The Blueprint: A Phased Approach
Comprehensive Review
Conduct a detailed assessment of all current activities and the associated credit points Largo receives under the CRS program to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Targeted Gap Analysis
Identify the specific activities and credit point thresholds needed to achieve a Class 2 rating by thoroughly reviewing the CRS Coordinator's Manual.
Establish Dedicated Team
Assign a dedicated team or expand existing staff responsibilities to focus on CRS enhancement, working closely with Pinellas County's FRMPIWG and considering expert vendors.
Develop Detailed Plan
Outline SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for each of the four CRS categories to systematically increase the city's credit points.
- Expand Outreach: Build on the Flood Guide with social media campaigns, podcasts, utility bill inserts, and library materials. Ensure all materials are ADA compliant.
- Community Engagement: Conduct frequent workshops on flood risk, insurance, and mitigation, including DIY high water marking programs.
- Enhance Real Estate Disclosure: Go beyond minimums to include past flood damage history and information on unpermitted work.
- Promote Flood Insurance: Actively encourage residents to purchase and maintain flood insurance, explaining Risk Rating 2.0 and CRS benefits.
- Use Enhanced Data: Fully integrate and publicize Pinellas County's advanced flood maps (incorporating tidal, rainfall, and surge data).
- Strengthen Regulations: Consider adopting stricter rules, such as increased freeboard requirements and regulating development in localized flood areas not on FEMA maps.
- Meticulous Record-Keeping: Maintain comprehensive records of permits, elevation certificates, and substantial damage determinations.
- Regularly Update Ordinance: Ensure the city's floodplain ordinance is consistent with NFIP best practices and reflects recent code changes.
- Implement Mitigation Projects: Acquire and demolish/relocate flood-prone structures, elevate buildings, and protect natural floodplain functions.
- Manage Drainage Systems: Implement a proactive plan for maintaining and improving the city's drainage system to reduce localized flooding.
- Promote Property Protection: Educate residents on measures like dry/wet floodproofing and installing backflow valves.
- Explore Regional Solutions: Investigate opportunities for regional stormwater facilities and promote low-impact development (LID).
- Enhance Warning & Response: Review and update flood warning systems (e.g., Alert Pinellas) and emergency response plans.
- Promote Evacuation Planning: Educate residents about evacuation zones and routes, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Strengthen Post-Flood Recovery: Refine procedures for rapid damage assessment and permit processing, using lessons from past hurricanes.
- Streamline Assessments: Ensure the substantial damage assessment process is efficient and adequately staffed.
Implement the Plan
Execute the identified actions within each CRS category according to the established timeline.
Document All Activities
Maintain thorough documentation of all CRS-related activities for the crucial recertification process.
Monitor & Evaluate
Continuously monitor progress and evaluate effectiveness, making adjustments to the plan as needed.
Annual Reporting
Ensure timely and accurate submission of the CRS annual recertification report to FEMA.
Seek Technical Assistance
Leverage the expertise of Pinellas County staff, FEMA, and other CRS experts throughout the process.
Engage the Community
Keep residents informed about the city's efforts and the resulting benefits in flood insurance discounts.
Important Consideration
The recent removal of the "cumulative substantial improvement" determination from the city's code may present a setback in earning CRS points. This requires a particularly strong focus on excelling in other credit-earning activities to compensate for this potential loss.