Title
Authorize Revisions to Phoenix City Code Chapter 32 (Ordinance G-7448) - Citywide
Description
Request City Council approval to amend Phoenix City Code 32B (Floodplains) to update definitions to better align with current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards and correct minor code deficiencies identified by Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) as part of the 2025 Community Assistance Visit (CAV) .
Report
Summary
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) was implemented in 1990 as a voluntary program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum NFIP standards. Under the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reward community actions that meet the three goals of the CRS:
- Reduce flood damage to insurable property.
- Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP.
- Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
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- During the City of Phoenix 2025 CRS Cycle Verification, it was recommended that the Definitions section, Section 32B-5, of Phoenix City Code 32B (Floodplains) (Attachment A) be updated to better align with current FEMA or State standards.
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- The list of revised definitions include:
- Accessory structure
- CLOMR
- Encroachment
- Structure
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- The following definition was added:
- Chief Engineer
Additionally, Section 32B-14 Abatement of Violations was recommended to be renamed Notice of Violations and updated to use the process cited in A.R.S § 48-3615.01(A). Lastly, it was also recommended that Section 32B-18.B.1 - Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Procedures be updated to provide greater clarity.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the City.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
- City Council authorized revisions to Phoenix City Code Chapter 32 (Ordinance G-7116) on May 31, 2023.
- On October 16, 2025, Transportation Infrastructure and Planning Committee recommended City Council approval to amend Phoenix City Code Chapter 32B with a 3-0 vote.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Jeffrey Barton and the City Engineer.