REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Section 16.62.330 (Installation of Manufactured Homes section within the Floodplain Management Chapter) of Chapter 16.62 (Floodplain Management) of Title 16 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code and Find that the Action is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15268 and 15308 and Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(1)
Report
BACKGROUND
On September 26, 2023, the City Council adopted an Ordinance (RTC No. 23-0780) to repeal the City's existing floodplain construction regulations (Chapter 16.62 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code) and adopt a new Chapter 16.62 to meet current requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). State Department of Water Resources staff, as liaison between FEMA and City staff, reviewed the Ordinance subsequent to adoption. However, FEMA staff have subsequently requested revisions to Section 16.62.330 related to manufactured homes.
EXISTING POLICY
Sunnyvale General Plan, Chapter 6 speaks to hazards and disaster preparedness and response. In particular, the following two policies discuss flood hazards.
* Policy SN1.1: Evaluate and consider existing and potential hazards in developing land use policies. Make land use decisions based on an awareness of the hazards and potential hazards for the specific parcel of land.
* Policy SN1.2: Take measures that will protect life and property from the effects of a 1 percent (100 year) flood.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The adoption of the revised floodplain management ordinance is exempt from environmental review under Section 15308 of the California Environmental Quality Act because it is an action by a regulatory agency for the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. The regulations will prevent flooding that can harm groundwa...
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