PREPARATIONS FOR A POSSIBLE FLOOD in Santa Rosa this year include more than having a disaster kit ready because residents will be asked to obtain flood insurance for newly designated flood-prone areas around the city.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency released preliminary flood maps for the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed on July 8. The new maps identify approximately 2,500 properties within specially designated FEMA zones called Special Flood Hazard Areas that would require owners to comply with new flood insurance requirements and stricter building regulations.
The city of Santa Rosa said in a statement Wednesday that it worked alongside FEMA, Sonoma Water, and Sonoma County to update the boundaries of flood maps by using the latest available hydrologic data to inform their decision-making process.
“This collaborative effort gives us a more accurate understanding of the potential for flooding in the Santa Rosa Creek watershed,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Coursey in a written statement. “Clear, science-based information is key to helping our community stay safe and prepared. While most of the changes impact areas within the city of Santa Rosa, it’s important that all residents understand what’s changing and what steps they may need to take.”
Those within the newly classified flood hazard areas will have the opportunity to learn more at a Sept. 6 virtual meeting where officials will provide further information about the changes and have time to answer the public’s questions.
Property owners and residents who wish to appeal the flood zone designation of their property will have the opportunity to do so during a 90-day window expected to open this winter. FEMA will invite the public to present scientific or technical data that challenges the agency’s assessments.
Santa Rosa city spokesperson Elise Miller said having the new Special Flood Hazard Areas will help open up new sources of federal disaster preparedness funding and will be incorporated into capital projects disaster resiliency plans. She also said additional work will be necessary to mitigate flooding during heavy storms to improve Santa Rosa’s flood infrastructure.
“Santa Rosa has a complex storm drain system and performs regular maintenance to maximize its performance,” said Miller. “The flood study is the first step, identifying risk, so that we can work as a community to develop long-term mitigation strategies and identify funding for future projects.”
Several business owners in downtown Santa Rosa were surprised by the news of a proposed flood hazard area being implemented in the area. Owners of boba shops, thrift stores, and cafes said they had not heard about the new FEMA plans.
Espressioso’s Coffee shop owner Nora Specioso said she could understand why the city and federal government would update old maps in the name of public safety. She said her background in the U.S. Air Force taught her every small rule and regulation had a purpose. However, she confessed the additional cost of flood insurance was not something she hoped for.
“Our biggest expense is PG&E, but bills like it and rent go up over time. Small things build over time,” said Specioso. “Then we have to decide whether the cost get passed down [to the customer] or we take it in.”
While Specioso has not personally seen flooding affect her local business, she acknowledges things could change that necessitate further analysis.
Samuel Wallis, deputy director at the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, said the typical flooding cycle in the area is around late fall to around March the following year.
Wallis said he believes climate change has had the biggest impact on the frequency and intensity of flooding in nearby rivers.
“We primarily are hit by atmospheric rivers, and that’s where we get a lot of our water on an yearly basis,” said Wallis.
According to Wallis, areas that have difficulty in draining an influx of precipitation can cause floodwaters to quickly accumulate. He said local jurisdictions like Santa Rosa are conducting routine assessments that will help the public in the long run.
Rainy season may not be here yet, but local leaders have urged the public to be prepared in case an unexpected disaster strikes. Santa Rosa and Sonoma County leaders hope these new changes to flood-prone zones will help mitigate any potential loss of life or property.