Floodplain Regulation in the City of Talent

Potential flood losses include those caused by high velocity flows and erosion, and those caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in the areas of special flood hazard.  The following are some suggestions and information for understanding the ways that floodplains function and how the City regulates the floodplain in order to protect property and lives.  Following these easy suggestions enable residents of the City of Talent to obtain flood insurance at a discounted rate.  

Floodplain Development Review: To minimize damage to structures and to public, health and safety during flood events, the City of Talent requires all new construction in the floodplain to be elevated at least two foot above the flood elevation. Where no specific elevation exists, new construction must be constructed to the standards outlined in 8-5.150(E) of the Talent Zoning Code. The City of Talent defines a substantial improvement as any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure either, before the improvement or repair is started; or,  if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. 

Floodplain Information Services: Community Development can determine the relationship of a particular property to the floodplain, including: 1) whether the property is located within the Special Flood Hazard Area; 2) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Zone for the property; 3) Base Flood Elevation for property, if available; and 4) whether the property is located within the Floodway. Contact the City of Talent Community Development Department at (541) 535-7401 for further information or visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.