The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working with the City of Ames to present preliminary floodplain maps to Ames and Story County citizens. 

 

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. It is vital that property owners understand their risk and take advantage of tools or programs available to them, including flood insurance. These preliminary maps are an update of the existing maps, which date back to 2008, and will become the basis for local community’s floodplain management measures. Insurance companies will use the maps to determine flood insurance rates for buildings and contents.

As a result of these map changes, some buildings throughout the City of Ames may, for the first time, be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area. This may result in those affected property owners being required to purchase flood insurance.

 

***UPDATE***

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered final versions of the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)for consideration and approval by the City of Ames. The new study that updates the topography of the area within Ames with new FIRMs have been prepared and are slated to become effective on January 15^th 2021. The new FIRMs establish new boundaries for the Floodplain in Ames.  Floodplains within the city include Skunk river, Ioway Creek, Clear Creek, College Creek and Worle Creek. Additionally, several Unnamed small streams including the Tea Garden outlet stream were included.  The current Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and FIRMs were adopted in 2008 and a focused update study for College Creek and Worle Creek was adopted in 2014. Therefore, the City must adopt these maps in order to remain in compliance with the NFIP.

 

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review and give recommendation on the proposed new FIRM as well as associated text amendments to the City’s Flood Plain Ordinance in Chapter 9 of the Ames Municipal Code on Wednesday September 16^th at 7pm. This meeting will be held virtual via Zoom. The meeting link is provided below. A link to the Planning & Zoning Commission Report is located here. https://www.cityofames.org/home/showdocument?id=58489

 

Zoom Meeting Information:

 

https://zoom.us/J/269-616-678

Or telephone by dialing (for higher quality), dial the following number: US: 1-312-626-6799

 

Zoom Meeting ID: 269-616-678

 

Maps

Existing flood plain map with proposed changes.
Individual FIRM Index Maps can be found here.

 

December 17, 2019
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reviewing an appeal to the preliminary FIRM Map that was submitted by the City of Ames regarding the land immediately adjacent to Ada Hayden Lake. A letter confirming the appeal under review is linked here.

 

Upcoming Events 

Check back here for updates and future events.

 

More Information 

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
515.725.8333

Jason Conn: Jason.Conn@dnr.iowa.gov

City of Ames Planning Department

Justin Moore: Jrmoore@cityofames.org
515.239.5400

 

FLOOD PLAIN DEVELOPMENT

The City of Ames participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. This program allows all property owners in the City to obtain flood hazard insurance for their structures and contents. In some instances, the purchase of flood insurance may be mandated by your mortgage lender. 

The Special Flood Hazard Area is determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency following a hydraulic and hydrologic study of the community. The most recent study was released on October 16, 2014. Its maps were adopted by the City Council as the City’s Flood Plain Map. The map identifies the areas in which there is a one percent chance of a flooding event in any given year (also known as the 100-year flood). Currently, the City is reviewing new proposed maps for all of Ames. more information can be found here.

 
Most activities in the Special Flood Hazard Area are regulated by Chapter 9 of the Ames Municipal Code. Any excavating, filling, grading, construction of new structures, or remodeling of existing buildings requires submittal of a Flood Plain Development Permit Application. In general, allowed activities within the Floodway are severely restricted. Activities within the Floodway Fringe may be allowed if they meet certain performance standards. These standards usually involve elevating or floodproofing a structure.

Please use the Staff Contacts link at the left to contact Justin Moore with questions.