Laserfiche WebLink
development permit review indicated that elevating the structure 18 inches would be <br />sufficient to meet minimum National Flood Insurance Program standards. When <br />elevations were verified for final inspection, it was revealed that the structure's floor was <br />over two (2) feet below the base flood elevation and over four (4) feet lower than <br />originally documented. A certificate of occupancy was granted, even though the building <br />did not comply with permit requirements. It appears numerous errors from the applicant, <br />Public Works and the Building Department contributed to our current problem. <br />The Washington State Department of Ecology and FEMA Region X staff conducted a <br />Community Assistance Visit in 2022 and reviewed flood development permit files for <br />new development in the floodplain. During this audit, Ecology and FEMA staff learned <br />that the newly construction Fire Station 73 does not meet minimum National Flood <br />Insurance Program requirements. The Department of Ecology has requested that Kittitas <br />County submit a compliance plan. <br />The proposed compliance plan starts with an alternatives assessment to evaluate the <br />feasibility, pros, and cons associated with three (3) compliance alternatives. This <br />assessment will be conducted in close coordination with Fire District 7. These <br />alternatives include: <br />1. In situ compliance through modification of the current facilities. <br />2. Facility relocation. <br />3. Renovating and utilizing the current facility for more limited purposes and <br />transferring some current or planned expansion uses to a new site. <br />Kittitas County will conduct this assessment in close coordination with Fire District 7. At <br />the conclusion of the feasibility assessment, staff from Kittitas County, Fire District No. <br />7, Ecology, and FEMA Region X will meet to discuss the results, with the goal of <br />developing a consensus recommendation to advance to the Board of County <br />Commissioners. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />Failure to satisfactorily address the Fire Station 73 compliance issue risks Kittitas <br />County's continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and <br />Community Rating System (CRS). If Kittitas County is removed from these programs, <br />not only would residents lose their 20% discount on Federal flood insurance from CRS <br />participation, but they would also lose access to federally subsidized flood insurance. <br />FISCAL IMPACTS: <br />Initial information provided by Fire District 7 indicates that a replacement facility will <br />cost approximately $12 million. Should compliance require the entire station be replaced <br />in a new location, the entire Flood Control Zone District Fund will be depleted, unless <br />alternative funding sources can be secured. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Exhibit 1: DRAFT Fire Station Compliance Plan <br />Exhibit 2: Department of Ecology Letter <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />