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1. Who do I contact for more information on flood plans?

Please contact the City of Vassar at 989-823-8517 to obtain additional information about requirements for building in the floodplain.

2. What is the penalty if I don't secure all my approvals?

- You would not be able to occupy or use your building or parking lot until you received all required permits and passed inspections.
- You could be fined.
- The City may tear down the improvements constructed without permits and inspections and you would be assessed the cost of the demolition.

3. If I build an addition or deck outside my building do I need to raise my existing building?

The addition or new deck must comply with all floodplain standards. If the value of the addition and remodeling of the home or business exceeds 50% of the value of the existing home or business, the existing structure(s) must be elevated one foot above the 100-year flood plain or flood-proofed according to the City’s floodplain standards.

4. Are there special requirements in the floodplain?

There are two zoning ordinance requirements, which impact all properties in the city limits. There are also special floodplain requirements in the code as well as state and federal guidelines.

The building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes also contain special floodplain provisions. Plans prepared must show compliance with all of the standards that apply for your project

5. Can I build a lot in the 100-year floodplain?

If you wish to build a home or place a manufactured home in the 100-year flood plain, you may file for a zoning permit application. You must file a plot plan and submit building plans that show compliance with all floodplain regulations as well as other city standards.

All construction that is allowed in floodplain areas must have the lowest floor elevation at least one foot above the 100-year flood plain.

6. Why do the floodplain maps change?

The City of Vassar works with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update floodplain maps to show the areas that will flood during the 100-year flood in support of the National Flood Insurance Program. The changes in floodplain maps reflect changes in land use (such as increased building activity), changes in the waterways, and flood control improvements (such as detention ponds or other flood control measures).

As more lots are covered with more buildings and parking lots, the amount of water that flows into creeks and lakes increases because there is less vegetation to absorb the water when it rains. This is one reason why buildings that were not originally built in a flood plain are now in the 25-year or 100-year flood plain.

If the City or private property owners install flood controls or detention ponds, the amount of water going to creeks and lakes is reduced. Certain flood control measures have caused the 25-year or 100-year flood plain to be removed from some lots.

7. What is a 100 year floodplain?

If your property is in the 100-year floodplain, there is a one in a hundred chance in any given year that your property will flood. The statistical chance of flooding is not changed any one flooding event but repeated flooding may result in the floodplain being recalculated.

8. How do I find out if my lot is in a floodplain?

You can request this information from Vassar City Hall. The City Manager is responsible for the administration of Vassar’s floodplain programs. City Manager's Office

9. What is a floodplain?

A floodplain is the area adjacent to a river, creek, lake, stream, or other open waterway that is subject to flooding when there is a significant rain. Floodplains can be entirely within the waterway.