Rising Sun adopts FEMA‑related fee updates to maintain flood insurance eligibility

Rising Sun’s board on Tuesday approved Resolution 2024-02, a fee‑schedule amendment to ensure the town enforces federal floodplain regulations required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Town Administrator summarized the federal requirements and the town’s local responsibilities, emphasizing that FEMA-designated base flood elevations, the 50% substantial‑improvement/substantial‑damage threshold and floodway restrictions require local review and enforcement. He told the board that if the town fails to adopt and enforce appropriate rules it risks removal from the NFIP, which would affect residents’ ability to obtain federally backed flood insurance.

The fee‑schedule amendment adds triggers and fees for floodplain compliance reviews, clarifies which permit types require detailed FEMA review, and creates administrative fees for town staff time. The administrator also described a new charge policy for events not officially sanctioned by the town: organizers would compensate the town for services used at 1 to 1.5 times regular pay for involved employees.

A motion to adopt Resolution 2024-02 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The administrator said the adopted amendment will be posted online.