New floodplain maps released for Chattanooga

The new floodplain map for Chattanooga. (From: City of Chattanooga)

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The floodplain maps for the city of Chattanooga have been updated as it considers changing its floodway policies.

This is due to a requirement from FEMA as they roll out their Flood Insurance Rate Map panels later this month.

In response to this, a resolution will be considered by the Chattanooga City Council that would restrict what could be built in a floodway, limiting structures in favor of recreational and public utilities. 

As more people are added to these floodplains, flood insurance will not be required for homeowners, although it is highly recommended in the wake of the devastating floods back in August.

Councilman Ron Elliott said, “I encourage everybody to connect with your insurance providers to see if you’re going to need to get flood insurance. I would hate for another natural disaster to happen, like we had a couple of months ago, and you find yourself not being covered.”

The city council will vote on this in two weeks.

We have a link to the new flood maps on our website here.