People in less vulnerable areas receive limited discounts. Residents who are not required to have flood insurance but still do are not eligible for any discount.
Starting in October, that will change. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which oversees the rating system, says all policy holders in a locality will receive the maximum flood insurance discount regardless of their flood risk or type of policy.
The City’s Community Rating System Coordinator, Ms. Whitney McNamara, recently sent the above letter to all homeowners living in flood prone areas of our City. The CRS is a national program and almost all of the cities in Hampton Roads are participants. One of the requirements of the program is civic engagement. The outreach letter contains a lot of helpful information, so please read it and its reference documents if you live in a flood prone area. Being part of the CRS program also brings along benefits for citizens in the form of reduced flood insurance premiums. The % saving is based on a points scale based on what actions the City is implementing. Virginia Beach is currently at a 15% savings rating and is continuously working towards improvement and more savings. You can click on the link below or the image above to read the entire letter.
As part of the CRS requirement, the City of Virginia Beach must provide the community with information and updates for the FEMA/HUD program. If you live in a designated flood zone, you should have received the following notice. It provides good information and links to other sites that are very helpful. One of the biggest changes you should already be seeing is the 15% discount in your flood insurance premiums. As the City continues to do more regarding flooding and storm water improvements, this discount should also increase to 20% and maybe even 25% over the next several years.
CRS ?
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.
You may recall we’ve been lobbying for it since 2014. An article on our website here.
You may also have attended one of our meetings with reps from CoVB doing a presentation followed by a Q&A. Check out more posts about CRS on this website here.
The news about CRS at VBGov.com.
The CRS uses a 10-level (or point) scale to evaluate efforts. Each level below 10 receives a 5% discount on flood insurance premiums. The City will join the program as a Class 7 community, which reflects the significant investment being made to mitigate flooding issues throughout the city.
View the PDF of the presentation slides made to City Council.
The PDF includes contact info for the amazing Whitney McNamara if you have questions.
btw – with more work there’s a chance VB might be able to earn a 20% discount.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.25.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 25, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation –
Virginia Beach Comprehensive Sea Level Rise and Recurrent Flooding Planning Study
Charles J. Bodnar and Sue E. Kriebel of the city’s Stormwater Engineering Center will discuss the results of the $3 million City funded study being worked by Dewberry consultants. The study shows seven major areas of the City that could have heavy financial impact from future SLR and flooding. Suggested solutions include storm surge walls along the beach from Fort Story to Little Creek with gates at the Lesner Bridge. This along with others projects could cost the upwards of $2 billion. Mr. Bodnar and Ms. Kriebel will also discuss next steps for this study which will include public input and conversations regarding funding and project ranking.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Bayfront Beach Replenishment Update – The bid has been awarded to dredge the Lynnhaven Inlet and to use the sand to replenish the Cape Henry Beach. Updates on the project start and finish dates will be provided as they are shared.
Community Rating System (CRS) – Official release of Virginia Beach status and initial ranking will be provided in April. Estimates show we should be in the 10% to 20% cost savings to a property’s annual flood insurance premium.
4th of July Fireworks for Cape Henry Beach – Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association officers and the Bayfront Advisory Commission Chairman met with Councilman Jones, Deputy City Manager Cover and City Entertainment contractor IMG to request that the 35 year old annual event become a City managed and operated show. State Fire Marshal regulations, lack of pyrotechnic company support and insufficient funding have become too restrictive for the event to continue to be held at the State Park and coordinated by residents.
New Business –
Windsong Apartments Redevelopment – The 14+ acre site located between Pleasure House Road and North Hampton Blvd. currently contains 272 units and are approximately 40 year old. The developer, Bonaventure, is requesting a rezoning to allow the number of units to increase by 160 to a total of 432. Along with the new units, the developer plans to renovate the old units that it will keep. A presentation of this project by the developer has been scheduled for our April 29th SDCC meeting.
Dog Leash Law for Beaches – The City’s Animal Control Department is asking for a change to the City’s Dog Leash Law that will require all dogs to be on a leash when on any City’s public beach. On Bayfront beaches, dogs would need to be leashed at all times during the off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day) and between 6pm and 10am during the season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Dogs are prohibited to be on the beach at all from 10am to 6pm during the season. A public hearing will be held on Wed April 10th at 630pm at the City’s Law Enforcement Training Facility.
Meeting of Three Commanders – A Virginia Historical Highway Marker commemorating the Sept. 18, 1781 meeting of Washington, Rochambeau and De Gasse was placed in the Lynnhaven Colony Park along Shore Drive and dedicated this past Wed. March 6th.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 25, 2019.***
Special Presentation – Windsong Development Plans by Bonaventure
click here for a printable version of the agenda – 2.25.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 25, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation –
Shore Drive Corridor Improvement Phase 3 (CIP 2-117) – Lesner Bridge to Great Neck Rd.
Come out and see the final designs, learn when construction will start and how long the project will last. Mr. Bill Purcell, City Project Manager, will provide an update on the next big construction project for Shore Drive and will hold a question and answer session after the presentation. This project begins at Vista Circle, near the eastern end of the Lesner Bridge, and extends eastward through the Great Neck Road intersection and terminates at Croix Drive. This project will improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and safety in the roadway and intersections; improve storm drainage; include a multi-use trail, 5-ft sidewalk and on-street bike lanes; and enhance the corridor with aesthetic elements such as landscaping and lighting. For more information – http://cipstatus.vbgov.com/ProjectDetail.aspx?id=1833
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Dewberry Study on Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Ms. Sue E. Kriebel, PE, Stormwater Engineering Center Department of Public Works, has agreed to attend our March meeting and present an update on the study, details on recommendations for our Bayfront area and next steps that include public engagement.
Bayfront Beach Replenishment Update – Has the contract for the Cape Henry Beach replenishment been awarded and what is the start time.
Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on when we will know our rating and when it will take effect.
New Business –
Shore Drive 35 MPH Speed Limit 10th Anniversary – Update on request for fatality numbers over the past 10 years. Discuss on planning an anniversary event for Summer 2019. The speed limit was reduced as part of a trial study period in 2009 then followed by permanent implementation.
Development Updates – Delta by Marriott at old Resort Hotel location and new apartment development at old Marina Shores Marina site.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday March 25, 2019.***
Special Presentation on Dewberry Sea Level Rise Study
Click here to for a printable version of the agenda – 1.28.19 sdcc agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday January 28, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – No Presentation Planned
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Dewberry Study on Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Dewberry presented a draft plan to City Council on Jan. 15th. The plan has been posted on SDCC.info. The plan identifies alternatives that have an average cost of $3.0 Billion. One of the key components is added flood walls to the Bayfront Beaches and to add flood gates to the Lynnhaven Inlet. SDCC has asked that public engagement be a critical component as this process moves forward. According to the City, the ASERT program – Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow, will be used but how and when hasn’t been identified.
Short Term Rentals (STRs) – On Jan 15th, City Council approved the Planning Commission’s recommendations for changes to the City Code regarding STRs. Council did remove the requirement for a log and set the Grandfathering date back to July 2018. More details of the code changes can be found at SDCC.info.
Bayfront Beach Replenishment Update – On Jan. 22nd, City Council was briefed on Bayfront Beach Replenishment plans. We will discuss the upcoming work schedule and identify which beaches will get sand and when. Cape Henry Beach is next on the list.
Community Rating System (CRS) – Big news is coming soon. This is the Federal Govt. plan that allows localities to apply for the system which results in a reduction in resident’s flood insurance premiums. SDCC asked City staff several years ago to join this program since we were one of the only cities in Hampton Roads not participating. According to City Manager Hansen, we will be pleasantly surprised at the level we achieved.
New Business –
Tree Canopy Bill – HB2333 – Replacement of trees during development process; exceeding requirements to meet certain water goals. Authorizes a locality to adopt an ordinance exceeding the minimum tree canopy requirements for tree preservation, planting, or replacement during the development process in order to assist in achieving certain specific water quality or water quantity goals identified in the ordinance.
Shore Drive Community Coalition Future – What should be our future model for SDCC? Will new leaders step forward to help continue as is? Is cutting back to every other month or quarterly meetings a possibility? Would a website presence with emergency meetings model work? We will discuss this issue to help us move forward.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday February 25, 2019.***
Here’s the 1 page PDF of the letter sent to FEMA.
You’ll find more info about CRS at Search & Hot on this website.
Presentation made about CRS by the very capable and friendly Whitney K. McNamara Virginia Beach Planning Department.
View and download 8 page PDF here.
View more about CRS at SDCC.info/Hot.
The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.
As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:
Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation
A presentation on Virginia Beach’s participation in the FEMA/HUD Community Rating System (CRS) will be made by Ms. Whitney McNamara, City’s Environment and Sustainability Office. Ms. McNamara will be providing an update on City’s progress in joining this program that will help residents save money on their flood insurance premiums and help improve overall city flood management plans.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Monday June 26th at 7:30pm in the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad hall (3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455)
Additional background information regarding CRS program and efforts to date can be found below:
We hope you can attend this informative meeting on a very important topic for the Bayfront neighborhoods.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 6.26.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 26, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD’s CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business–
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Presentation made by developer to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) at June meeting. Project lawyer informs that the dredge transfer easement will be included in the zoning boundary that includes the wetlands and open space.
Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board. Request was withdrawn. No new date has been scheduled.
Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT. Route operating times shown below.
Daily, May 21 – Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 – October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes
Pleasure House Point Management Plan – SDCC has asked City staff for the most up to date information regarding the management plan and the CIP that identifies the creation of a wetlands mitigation bank, parking lot, rest rooms and kayak launch. SDCC has also requested the reconvening of the PHP Management Task Force that helped create the draft of the management plan.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Civic Engagement Opportunities:
Community Meetings to discuss options for the new City Hall (more info here)
July 26 5-6 pm Virtual – on Facebook Live
July 26 6-8 pm Virginia Beach Convention Center
August 23 6-8 pm Westin Hotel Ballroom, Town Center
Upcoming Presentations:
July 31st – (Proposed but not confirmed) – Mermaid Winery development planned for the old Foon’s restaurant next to Beach Buggy car wash. Existing building would be used for a Winery and Restaurant.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 31, 2017
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.22.17 SDCC Agenda
Officer’s Reports: Secretary- David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President- Wally Damon; President -Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Presentation made to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC). Councilman Jim Wood questioning why a traffic light isn’t warranted at the intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.
Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Update on proposed commercial building with a deck bar proposed for wooded, wetland area west of 7-11. Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. Daily, May 21 to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes. Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 to October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes
New Business
City Proposed Parking Lot and Kayak Launch at Pleasure House Point (PHP)- Update on the City’s plans to create a kayak launch and supporting 16 space parking lot on the natural park at PHP. City says the plans were always part of the Management Plan for PHP. What happens next? Are the additions really necessary?
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Upcoming Presentations:
June 26th – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017
The new VFRIS was developed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency responsible for the state floodplain management program.
“Flooding is the most common natural disaster our we experience in the Commonwealth, and our Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore communities are particularly at risk for severe damages caused by recurrent flooding.” said Governor McAuliffe. “It is my hope that VFRIS becomes a mainstay for homeowners, businesses, and communities going forward. March begins Flood Safety Awareness Month and I encourage all Virginians to access VFRIS to see how a flood might affect their home or business.”
View Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) info:
Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is a collaboration between DCR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management. VFRIS helps communities, real estate agents, property buyers and property owners discern an area’s flood risk.
Click screen shot to Launch VFRIS
What’s the CRS again?
Community Rating System (CRS) is to reward communities that are doing more than meeting the minimum NFIP requirements to help their citizens prevent or reduce flood losses. The CRS also provides an incentive for communities to initiate new flood protection activities.
Update from Whitney McNamara, City of Virginia Beach Planning and Community Development:
City Council was briefed on CRS earlier this year – in August. At that time, no formal decisions were made, it was more to make them aware that it is a program the City is exploring. At this time, we are still awaiting final approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan from FEMA and adoption by City Council. Once it is officially adopted, the plan can be sent to FEMA’s CRS consultant to review for CRS Compliance (FEMA is currently reviewing and approving it as a Hazard Mitigation Plan, not a Floodplain Management Plan). A Floodplain Management Plan is a minimum requirement for participation due to the number of repetitively flooded structures in Virginia Beach. If it is approved as a Floodplain Management Plan, the CRS program will be taken back to Council for a final decision to join or not. If and when we get the official go ahead, it is an 18-24 month process before Virginia Beach will officially be in the program, so the earliest residents would begin to receive the discounts would most likely be in 2019.
Additional resources:
One slide from presentation
NFIP CRS City Council Presentation August 9th 2016 PDF (11pages)
More info at FEMA here:
#WeLoveShoreDrive 