The demands of growth push decisions, but one hopes they continue the push for flood protection beyond the minimal 100 year level and that the 500 year level becomes the standard for our community, still the least protected from flooding of any major river city in the nation.
Natomas waiver sought
City officials expected to ask U.S. regulators not to halt building even though levee work isn't done.
By Mary Lynne Vellinga - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The city of Sacramento plans to ask federal flood regulators to allow building to continue in North Natomas with no restrictions while its levees are brought up to minimum protection standards.
Sutter and Sacramento counties also plan to join with the city in asking that the Federal Emergency Management Agency not stop building or impose elevation requirements in the Natomas basin. The item is on the Sacramento City Council agenda for Thursday.
Since the Natomas levees lack 100-year flood protection, FEMA has the power to designate North Natomas a flood hazard area. Doing so would require that any new homes be elevated above projected flood depths -- which in parts of Natomas could top 20 feet.
Alternatively, the agency could impose restrictions on new development that would allow building only in infill areas and require new structures to be elevated 3 feet.
The local building industry has strongly opposed any restrictions at all. City and county officials argue that they should be given a reprieve because they are making rapid progress fixing the levees.
