Marshall County is taking the advice of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for managing flood hazard areas in the county.
During Monday morning’s Marshall County Commissioner’s meeting, Plan Director Ralph Booker presented an ordinance that will act as an amendment to the county’s current zoning laws.
Booker says this allows local residents to obtain flood insurance.
“A few areas in the county where people do reside that they’re in a flood hazard area,” says Booker. “Most of the mortgage lenders, if you have a mortgage on it, will require you to get flood insurance.”
The DNR audits the plan department every three years or so to ensure proper compliance with building permits in flood hazard areas. Marshall County plays host to several around the area.
During their most recent visit, the changes were recommended by the DNR to comply with new state requirements. Most of the changes have to do with definitions and establishing flood data in the county for better management.
Booker says the ordinance will not apply to individual towns.
“This here particular ordinance will not cover the other areas that have their own zoning,” says Booker. “They will have to amend their ordinance the same.”
Not every community is included in designated flood hazard areas according to the discussion.
The Marshall County Commissioners approved the ordinance, unanimously.
