Flood Management

The City of Nederland is a participating community in the NFIP which means residents of the city can purchase flood insurance from the Federal Government to protect their property against the hazards of flooding. The City Inspection Department is also the Floodplain Administration Department. The Flood Ordinance, Chapter 50 of the City Code of Ordinances can be viewed in the following link: www.municode

As a Certified Floodplain Manager, the department is dedicated to informing individuals of the importance of having flood insurance, answering questions concerning when flood insurance is mandatory, analyzing the FIRM map for concerned individuals, informing individuals of the requirements for construction in a flood hazard area and enforcement of violations to the City’s Floodplain Ordinance. All new construction and substantial improvements of residential and non-residential structures located in a flood hazard area as specified on the community FIRM shall be required to elevate the lowest floor 18 inches above base flood elevation as shown on the FIRM. Two elevation certificates are required to prove the compliance.

The following are facts illustrating the important of flood insurance:

  • Floods can be caused by heavy storms, hurricanes, inadequate or overloaded drainage systems.

  • Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.

  • You do not need to live near water to be flooded.

  • Approximately 25% of all flood insurance claims are paid on properties rated as being low to moderate risk areas.

  • Most property insurance policies do not cover damaged caused by flooding.

  • Federal disaster assistance requires a Presidential declaration, which happens less than 50% of flooding events.

  • The most typical form of federal disaster assistance is a loan that must be repaid with interest.

  • A flood policy will pay covered losses even if a disaster is not declared by the President.
Flood Safety Tips:
  • Do not walk through flowing water- Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

  • Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridges may be washed out? Remember “Turn Around Don’t Drown”.

  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water.

  • Look out for animals. That has been flooded out of their homes and who may seek shelter in yours.

  • 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.  Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

  • Clean everything that got wet. Flood waters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, factories and storage buildings. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medicine can be health hazards. “When in doubt, throw them out”
As of September 1, 2012, FEMA has drafted a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map or FIRM for the entire Jefferson County. Some of the designated flood hazard areas in Nederland have been expanded. Once finalized and adopted by the City all new construction including accessory structures in the expanded area will be required to elevate the lowest floor 18inches above base flood elevation. This is verified through two elevation certificates performed by a licensed surveyor. For those locations that have existing construction in the area that at time of construction was not classified as a flood hazard area and are now shown in the preliminary FIRM map as located in a flood hazard area will be classified as PRE-FIRM, meaning flood insurance is obtainable with the construction as is at the time of the map change.  These properties should inquire about flood insurance. Please contact your local insurance agent about rates and the Inspection Department if you have any other inquiries. The following web sites you may find relevant including the maps.
Storm Water Management:
During the late 1980’s the Environmental Protection Agency revised Federal Water Quality Laws to reduce storm water pollution. Under the new laws, the City of Nederland is federally mandated to develop a storm water management plan. The City of Nederland Storm Water Management Program aims to reduce pollution that washes from buildings, vehicles, pavement and other surfaces that are impervious to rainwater. As part of the program, the city works to educate residents on ways to keep waterways clean. Construction sites 5 acres or more or sites within a larger project of 5 acres or more are required by the city storm water ordinance to secure a city storm water permit and a Notice of Intent from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ). The city is vigilant to protect our streams and estuaries from illicit discharges of hazardous material.
The Storm Water Ordinance, Chapter 106 of the City Code of Ordinances can be viewed at the following link:
www.municode.com
Storm water is defined as water derived solely and directly from rainwater or snowmelt and appearing as overland flow, flow in drainage conveyances, or flow over watercourses and manmade waterways.
Illicit discharge is defined as a discharge of liquid or solid wastes, or combination thereof, which is discharged to the storm water conveyance system without storm water permit or exemption from prohibition of such discharge as required by the City of Nederland Storm Water Ordinance.
Prohibition of illicit discharges It is unlawful for a person to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, create, cause, introduce or contribute to creating , causing or introducing and discharge that causes and /or contributes to a violation of applicable water quality standards.
Common contaminants from illegal discharges include:
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Detergents
  • Antifreeze, oils, brake fluids and transmission fluids
  • Herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, pet feces, yard clipping
  • Paper, rags, plastics

Did you know? 
One gallon of used oil can ruin a million gallons of fresh water, a year supply for 30 people.

To report possible illegal dumping into storm drains please call the Inspection Department at
(409) 723-1502.
REFERENCED WEBSITE:
www.tecq.texas.gov/assets/public/permitting/waterquality/forms
Applications and information forms:
Building permit application                                                                
Electrical permit application
Mechanical HVAC permit application
Plumbing permit application
Building Contractors Bond
Submission Requirements for Permit
City of Nederland Building Requirements Handout
Zoning Map