Ordinance No. 2025-521 – An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of Tiffin, Iowa, Chapter 160, Flood Plain Management

AGENDA ITEM # H-1 AGENDA INFORMATION TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION DATE: October 3, 2025 AGENDA ITEM: Ordinance No. 2025-521 – Updating Floodplain Management Ordinance for the City of Tiffin, Iowa. ACTION: Appr oval To present the first reading of an ordinance amendment updating Chapter 160 of the City Code, Floodplain Management, to align with the latest Iowa Model Floodplain Ordinance and FEMA requirements. Background The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an updated model floodplain ordinance for cities with detailed Flood Insurance Studies (FIS). These updates are necessary to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and ensure continued eligibility for flood insurance coverage for Tiffin property owners. Key updates include: • Revised definitions and terminology consistent with FEMA and DNR standards. • Updated floodplain development permitting procedures. • Enhanced construction and elevation standards for residential, nonresidential, and accessory structures. • New provisions for the City’s recreation vehicles, pipeline crossings, and maximum damage potential development. • Adoption of the updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Johnson County, effective December 26, 2025. The ordinance amendment has been reviewed and formatted to meet DNR and FEMA requirements, with local information inserted and optional language removed or finalized. Recommendation Staff recommends that the City Council proceed with the first reading of the ordinance amendment to update Chapter 160 – Floodplain Management – in the City Code. This update is essential to maintain compliance with federal and state floodplain regulations and protect public safety and property. ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance No. 2025-520 Floodplain Ordinance 1