Freeboard in Sussex may not be mandatory

Sussex County residents who build or make major renovations to homes in flood zones may not be required to build above federal base flood elevation, but homeowners who do could save thousands of dollars on national flood insurance premiums.

A benefit-cost comparison provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency shows homeowners who build two feet above the base flood level in a coastal area could receive nearly a 50 percent reduction on annual flood insurance premiums – a $2,000 savings. The construction would add about $240 a year to mortgage payments, according to the analysis.

Building above the established base flood level is freeboard, which is a safety factor in inches or feet above expected water levels during a flood. A one-foot freeboard means a house is elevated one foot higher than what is required under the county's or town's building code.

While some Sussex County communities are mandating new or remodeled homes in flood zones meet a required freeboard, Sussex County Council voted 5-0 to back a staff recommendation for an ordinance to make it voluntary in unincorporated areas of the county. Sussex officials support the ordinance, but it still faces public hearings before planning and zoning and county council. FEMA is requiring the county adopt an updated flood ordinance by March 25, 2015; hearings will take place in 2015, said assistant county attorney Vince Robertson.

Under the proposed ordinance, residents who raise their homes up to two feet above base flood level would get up to a two-foot increase in the height of their building depending on the zoning district. “Maybe this would incentivize people,” Robertson said.

Councilwoman Joan Deaver, D-Rehoboth Beach, said she didn't see any harm in mandating freeboard in the county. “Rehoboth Beach has a 12-inch mandatory freeboard. Why is the county not doing it? Are we saying it's not a good idea?” she asked.

She was also concerned that residents would not get updated information about freeboard. She said realtors could assist in getting the word out.

Most Sussex communities are under the same deadline to update their FEMA flood ordinance.