Ojai Questions

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Beckett, Larry

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain

Questions:
What is your criteria for establishing a flood plain?

Response:
Flood hazard areas are determined by FEMA using statistical analyses of records of riverflow, storm tides, and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with the community; floodplain topographic surveys; and hydrologic and hydraulic analyses. The District has posted PDF copies of the East Ojai Valley Alluvial Fan Flood Plain Topographic GIS Map and Graphics displayed at the Public Outreach Meeting on our Levee Certification Public Safety Project Website (i.e. www.vcwatershed.org/levee/) to help explain these alluvial fan flood plain mapping issues. Generally, FEMA uses Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) as its preferred technical vehicle to cover areas subject to flooding from rivers and streams, (including alluvial fan flood plains along elevated mountsides) as well as along coastal areas and lake shores, or shallow flooding areas. FEMA’s Ventura River Flood Insurance Study (FIS), which also includes an updated evaluation of the alluvial fan floodplain in East Oaji, is currently underway. FEMA projects a December 2009 completion date for the Ventura River FIS. At year’s end, it would be advisable to visit FEMA’s website www/FloodSmart.gov to check on the status of the Ventura FIS.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Beckett, Terry

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Flooplain

Questions:
Why is the entire east end listed as a flood plane? Historical data does not support the risk. Why is the east end of Ojai listed as a special zone given that the county now has geophysical data that indicates that the area is not at risk from slides?

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Botnick, Marie & Bruce

City: Ojai

Subject: Flood Insurance

Questions:
We are at 1245 feet elevation, why do we need mandatory flood insurance? We would like to remodel our old house. However, Ventura County Planning Department Flood Control has unreasonable requests which effects slowing down permit process and causes high homeowner costs.

Date: April 7th

Name: Dayman, Bain

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain & Flood Insurance

Questions:
What is scheduled for re-evaluating floodplain map currently in use includes records on elevations far above areas that can be in realistic danger from floods/water hence currently loan firms require flood insurance where no danger exists.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Dunlap, Juanita L

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain

Questions:
Why if you have a new house built to code for flood requirements, why do you still have to have flood insurance? Why does my flood insurance increase by $100.00 each year, when my mortgage has been paid down each year?

Response:
Under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), building to code is required to obtain the best insurance rates, but does not, in itself remove the requirement for flood insurance. Questions regarding your specific insurance premium amount should be directed either to your insurance agent, or you may call Janet Critchfield, FEMA Insurance Specialist who may be reached directly at (510) 627-7266.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Dunn, Judith & Edward

City: Ojai

Questions:
Is Happy Valley Drain ever going to be placed on the FEMA maps so our property will be assessed differently?

Response:
Evaluation of the Happy Valley Drain is included in the scope of FEMA’s Ventura River Flood Insurance Study (FIS), which is currently underway. FEMA projects a December 2009 completion date for the Ventura River FIS. At year’s end, it would be advisable to visit either the District’s Levee Certification Public Safety Project Website (i.e. www.vcwatershed.org/levee/) or via FEMA’s website at www/FloodSmart.gov to check on the status of the Ventura FIS.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Elrod, Lucille

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain

Questions:
We would like to know if the east end of Ojai alluvial flood plain map will be redrawn to exclude our property? We have lived here since 1944 (32 years) and have never come close to flooding. We pay $1000 a year for nothing for flood insurance.

Response:
Flood hazard areas are determined by FEMA using statistical analyses of records of riverflow, storm tides, and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with the community; floodplain topographic surveys; and hydrologic and hydraulic analyses. The District has posted PDF copies of the East Ojai Valley Alluvial Fan Flood Plain Topographic GIS Map and Graphics displayed at the Public Outreach Meeting on our Levee Certification Public Safety Project Website (i.e. www.vcwatershed.org/levee/) to help explain these alluvial fan flood plain mapping issues. Generally, FEMA uses Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) as its preferred technical vehicle to cover areas subject to flooding from rivers and streams, (including alluvial fan flood plains along elevated mountsides) as well as along coastal areas and lake shores, or shallow flooding areas. FEMA’s Ventura River Flood Insurance Study (FIS), which also includes an updated evaluation of the alluvial fan floodplain in East Oaji, is currently underway. FEMA projects a December 2009 completion date for the Ventura River FIS. At year’s end, it would be advisable to visit FEMA’s website “www/FloodSmart.gov.” to check on the status of the Ventura FIS.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Fink, Ray

City: Ojai

Subject: Flood Insurance

Questions:
After the 2005 flood in Casitas Springs, we received assistance from FEMA. The FEMA agent told us that FEMA would provide flood insurance for 3 years and that FEMA would pay the premium for 3 years. We have not heard a word about this insurance, does it exist?

Response:
Your question is best addressed by contacting Janet Critchfield, FEMA Insurance Specialist who may be reached directly at (510) 627-7266.

Date: April 8th @ 1:35 p.m. Office Call

Name: Fink, Ray

City: Ventura, CA 93001

Subject: Flood Insurance

Questions:
Wanted written documentation regarding the $348 flood insurance rate discussed at public outreach meeting. He stated he is in a high-risk floodplain area.

Response:
On April 8th, District staff mailed a flood insurance informational brochure provided by Kathy Schaeffer, Region IX Engineer to the questioner. District staff also provided FEMA’s toll-free number 1-888-379-9531 to Mr. Fink should he have additional questions. An additional FEMA flood insurance resource available to the questioner is Janet Critchfield, FEMA Insurance Specialist who may be reached directly at (510) 627-7266.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Green, Larry & Malu

City: Ojai

Subject: Flood Insurance

Questions:
Why do we need insurance when we built up to code? Our house is elevated 4 feet are we exempted?

Response:
Under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), building to code is required to obtain the best insurance rates, but does not, in itself remove the requirement for flood insurance. Elevating a structure on posts or pilings does not remove a building from the 1% annual chance flood event flood plain, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (i.e. SFHA). If the ground around the supporting posts or pilings is within the SFHA, the building is still at risk. The reason for this is, even in cases where the flood velocity is minimal, that the hydrostatic presssures from the flood waters can lead to the failure of the structures posts or pilings foundation. The effects of ground saturation can lead to decreased load bearing capacity of the soil supporting the posts or pilings, which can lead to partial or full collapse of the building.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Kaplan, Jerry

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain & Flood Insurance

Questions:
Why is most of all of the East end of Ojai in a special hazard zone when many homes are on hills?

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Kertis, John

City: Ojai

Subject: Flood Insurance

Questions:
Why is flood insurance mandatory while earthquake insurance is optional? Especially considering the probabilities here in California?

Response:
The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 mandate the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of Federal or Federally related financial assistance (i.e. federally backed mortgages) for acquisition and/or construction of buildings located in a 1% annual chance flood event flood plain, also known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (i.e. SFHA). The Ventura County Board of Supervisors elected to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on October 31, 1985. Accordingly, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory for all buildings with Federally-backed mortgages, or receiving some form of Federal assistance which are located in a SFHA in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: McAfee, Randy

City: Ojai

Subject: Flood insurance

Questions:
We are required to pay $2530 a year for our flood insurance. We live in a residential zone. Why do we have to pay such a high rate? We would like to pay a lot less. How can we know what zone we are in?

Response:
Flood insurance premiums are federally set countrywide by FEMA. Rates are based on numerous factors including: location, age of building, building design, building occupancy, amount and extent (building plus contents) coverage and for buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (i.e. areas subject to a 1% annual chance flood event), and elevation of the building in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). You may determine your flood insurance risk by visiting FEMA’s website at www.FloodSmart.gov, and inputting your street address. Questions regarding your specific insurance premium amount should be directed either to your insurance agent, or you may call Janet Critchfield, FEMA Insurance Specialist who may be reached directly at (510) 627-7266. Also, if you would like, you may view the latest copies of FEMA’s REVISED PRELIMINARY Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) by visiting FEMA’s MapIX website at www.map9-m.com/projects/ventura/.

Date: April 7th
Name: Moore, Dana
City: Ojai
Subject: other
Questions:
The entire San Antonio Creek has vegetation. When will it be cleaned out?
Response:
The Watershed Protection District only maintains (i.e. removes) vegetation located within flood control facilities such as channels, dams, detention basins and levees. Most natural creeks, such as San Antonio Creek, have few facilities maintained by the District. Removal of natural vegetation in a stream requires permitting from the California Department of Fish and Game, and depending on the situation, potentially other Federal, State and local permitting agencies.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Murphy, Sondra

City: Ojai

Subject: Other

Questions:
Please review the “100-year flood” concept. How high is water expected to get? Explain how flood waters impact mountains. If, during a flood, my neighbors house slides into my property or house, is that considered flood damage?

Response:
FEMA defines the “100-year flood” (which is now referred to as a 1% annual chance event) as a flood event which has a 1% statistical probability chance of occurring during any given year. This does not mean that if a flood event of such magnitude occurred in a given year, it would not occur for another 100 years. Hence, the reason why it is now called a 1% annual chance event rather than a 100-year flood event. Local flood water levels experienced during such events vary greatly based on the source of the flooding (alluvial fan or riverine systems), the specific topography of the flood plain impacted, and other factors. Specific flood risk, and flood damage insurance coverage questions should be directed either to your insurance agent, or you may call Janet Critchfield, FEMA Insurance Specialist who may be reached directly at (510) 627-7266.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009
Name: Peck, Marty
City: Ojai
Subject: Flood Insurance
Questions:
Flood insurance basics?
Response:
FEMA has published a wealth of information regarding flood insurance basics and facts. An excellent publication entitled, “Myths and Facts about the National Flood Insurance Program” (March 2007) is accessible directly either through the District’s Levee Certification Public Safety Project Website (i.e. www.vcwatershed.org/levee/) or via FEMA’s website at www/FloodSmart.gov.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009

Name: Purdy, Michael

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain

Questions:
Would like to get paper map of East Ojai Valley-no computer

Response:
On May 19, 2009, the District mailed hard-copies of both the East Ojai Alluvial Flood Plain Map graphic exhibit displayed at the April 7, 2009 public outreach meeting as well as Panel Nos. 06111C0580E and 06111C0585E, reflecting East Ojai Unincorporated Areas as shown on FEMA’s REVISED PRELIMINARY Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) dated November 24, 2008 in response to the questioner’s request for paper maps.

Date: Evening Meeting 4/7/09

Name: Stuart, GS

City: Ojai

Subject: East Ojai Floodplain

Questions:
How does FEMA/flood control insurance cover privately built and owned flood protection? Not just the dwellings but flood revetments walls or barriers? What is the justification for all the restraints, regulations and stumbling blocks put before citizens willing and able to provide their own flood protection and maintain these protections?

Response:
Generally speaking, according to FEMA, almost every type of walled or roofed building that is principally above ground and not entirely over water may be insured if it is a NFIP participating community, such as Ventura County. Specific determinations of whether or not privately built flood revetments, walls or barriers may be covered by flood insurance should be directed either to your insurance agent, or you may call Janet Critchfield, FEMA Insurance Specialist who may be reached directly at (510) 627-7266.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009
Name: Waterman, Ginnette
City: Casitas Springs
Subject: Flood Insurance
Questions:
How do levy improvements in Casitas Springs affect my lenders requirement for flood insurance? 8490 N. Ventura Ave is currently flood zone AE, #060413, Map parcel 10-31-1985. according to my lender, will my zone change?
Response:
The Watershed Protection District has filed Letters of Map Revisions (LOMRs) with FEMA related to the recent project at the Casitas Springs Levee. Once FEMA approves the LOMR, the flood zone designation for your property will reflect that the Casitas Springs Levee provides flood protection from a 1% annual chance flooding event (formerly known as a 100-year flooding event) which will positively impact the current requirement for flood insurance. Upon FEMA’s approval of the LOMR, the District will inform affected residents.

Date: Ojai Evening Meeting April 7, 2009
Name: Weaver, Michael
City: Ojai
Subject: East Ojai Floodplain
Questions:
North of route 150 between Gridley and McAndrew Roads are currently listed as a special flood zone designation. Why? What study supports this conclusion? We have been trying to obtain copy of this study for four years but FEMA can not find it. Flood insurance premiums have increased over 50% in five years but there has been no claims reported in this area for 40 years.
Response:
Flood hazard areas are determined by FEMA using statistical analyses of records of riverflow, storm tides, and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with the community; floodplain topographic surveys; and hydrologic and hydraulic analyses. The District has posted PDF copies of the East Ojai Valley Alluvial Fan Flood Plain Topographic GIS Map and Graphics displayed at the Public Outreach Meeting on our Levee Certification Public Safety Project Website (i.e. www.vcwatershed.org/levee/) to help explain these alluvial fan flood plain mapping issues. Generally, FEMA uses Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) as its preferred technical vehicle to cover areas subject to flooding from rivers and streams, (including alluvial fan flood plains along elevated mountsides) as well as along coastal areas and lake shores, or shallow flooding areas. FEMA’s Ventura River Flood Insurance Study (FIS), which also includes an updated evaluation of the alluvial fan floodplain in East Oaji, is currently underway. FEMA projects a December 2009 completion date for the Ventura River FIS. At year’s end, it would be advisable to visit FEMA’s website www/FloodSmart.gov to check on the status of the Ventura FIS.

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