Evansville council adopts updated floodplain rules aimed at boosting insurance discounts

The Evansville Common Council on April 27 unanimously adopted Ordinance G-2026-09 to replace Chapter 16.10 of the municipal code and update local floodplain-management standards.

A Builders Association representative thanked city attorneys and technical partners for revisions that, he said, removed barriers for development in city floodplain areas. "My name is Bill Petke. I represent the Builders Association," Petke told council, and said the group worked with the state's Department of Natural Resources and others to reach realistic standards.

A city staff member explained the ordinance was developed over six to seven months with the DNR NFIP coordinator, the county commissioners, the building commission, and engineering and builder stakeholders. "This ordinance in itself is expected to improve the city's CRS rating score from an 8 to hopefully a 7, which would essentially increase the floodplain insurance discount ... by 10 to 15%," the staff member said.

The change brings local language into alignment with FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program guidance and is intended to qualify Evansville for a better Community Rating System score, which can lower premiums for property owners in mapped special flood hazard areas. No members of the public opposed the measure during the hearing.

Council voted 8–0 to adopt the ordinance. The municipality expects to work with homeowners and businesses in affected areas to explain the new standards and any changes to building or permitting requirements.