The City of Poway improved its rating in a national program benefiting residents and businesses by earning them flood insurance premium discounts. City Engineer Tracy Beach presented Mayor Steve Vaus with the city’s certificate recognizing its class rating change at the May 6 Poway City Council meeting.
Poway participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides federally backed flood insurance for residents and businesses in flood hazard areas. As part of that program, Poway regulates development in flood hazard areas, requires permits for development in the floodplain and assures building sites are reasonably safe from flooding.
The city also participates in a FEMA floodplain management rating system that earns Poway “extra credit” and generates discounted premiums. A FEMA audit that included a site visit in January 2024 resulted in a jump in class rating and an increase from a 10% discount to a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums.
Although implementing actions for the Community Rating System program is managed by the Land Development Engineering team in Development Services, it is a citywide team effort. The Planning division manages the city’s open space areas and parcel zoning within floodplain and floodway areas. Public Works maintains the city’s channels and storm drain systems and ensures sandbag stations are ready ahead of storms. The Information Technology division manages the GIS mapping system that identifies floodplain and floodway areas. The City Manager’s office and Fire Department assist with community outreach efforts.
In a letter to City Manager Chris Hazeltine, when the field verification results were released, the FEMA Community Rating System Coordinator wrote:
“I commend you on your community actions and your determination to lead your community to be more disaster resistant. The commitment enhances public safety, property protection, and protects the natural functions of floodplains and reduces flood insurance premiums.”