Accounting for Flood Hazards in the Subdivision Approval Process
Zoning Practice — March 2016
By Chad Berginnis, James Schwab, FAICP
Along with zoning, the subdivision ordinance is a cornerstone of land-use controls for local governments in the U.S. Carving up smaller residential parcels out of large blocks of land has long been the path to growth at the local level.
But why focus on floodplain management as a subdivision issue? Isn't flooding a larger community problem? The answer to the latter question is obviously yes, but that does not negate the value of specifically scrutinizing how subdivision design may contribute to the problem — or the solution.
This issue of Zoning Practice highlights specific areas of concern for updating subdivision standards and review processes to improve the management of flood risk. It focuses on geographic features, layout and design, infrastructure, platting, and watershed management.
Details
About the Authors
Chad Berginnis
Chad Berginnis is the executive director for ASFPM. With more than 20 years of experience, he is a recognized national expert in floodplain management and hazard mitigation, having participated on national research/focus groups, providing agency (FEMA, USACE, OMB, CRS, IG, CBO, and others) and congressional testimony. He was selected to participate on an advisory panel to the Chinese government on the development of a national floodplain management strategy. Berginnis previously served as an appointed planning commissioner for Licking County, Ohio.
James Schwab, FAICP
Jim Schwab is currently an "allegedly retired" planning consultant after leaving the APA Research Department in 2017, where he served as Manager of the Hazards Planning Center from 2008. He previously had been assistant editor of Planning Magazine and senior research associate. He led the development of numerous PAS Reports on hazard-related and environmental topics as well as training programs both in the U.S. and overseas. Since 2008, he has been adjunct assistant professor in the University of Iowa School of Planning and Public Affairs, and more recently has been a certified instructor for FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.