Flood Information

Overview

Located in West Pasco County Florida, the City of New Port Richey was founded in 1924 on the banks of the Pithlachascotee River (Cotee River). With Sims Park and James E. Grey Preserve Park situated on the Cotee River, which allows access to the Gulf of Mexico, New Port Richey has historically been a river city. The proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Cotee River create risk of storm surge, flash flooding and prolonged inundation. New Port Richey has been affected by numerous hurricanes including the recent Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Hermine. With 44% of the city within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SHFA), the City has significant flood risk.

2024 New Port Richey Emergency Response Plan

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New Port Richey's Flood Damage Reduction

In 2024, City Council adopted Ordinance#2024-2303 which amended Chapter 22 – Flood Prevention. These amendments regulate floodplain management in the City and make the City more flood resilient. This amendment was approved on August 6, 2024.

The City has been a participant in the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since 1997. The program allows residents to purchase flood insurance at a reduced rate that is subsidized by the federal government. CRS is a program which rewards communities who exceed the minimum NFIP requirements by providing flood insurance discounts based on the number of points acquired. Those who are required to purchase flood insurance enjoy a 15 percent discount based on the City’s Class 7 rating under the CRS program.

The floodplain management regulations of the Land Development Code (LDC) contain the administrative procedures, mapping information, land use requirements, and construction standards, including a cumulative substantial improvement definition and a one-foot freeboard requirement for new construction and substantial improvements. In areas where the current LDC regulations exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP, the City acquires points within the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) program. For more information about the NFIP and Flood Insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

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Flood Insurance

Homeowners insurance policies do not cover losses due to flooding. New Port Richey participates in the National Flood Insurance program which makes flood insurance available to everyone in the City. We strongly urge you to buy flood insurance to protect yourself from a devastating loss.

There is a 30 day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. Property owners can insure their buildings and contents; enters can insure their possessions. Just because you have not been flooded in the past does not mean you will not be flooded in the future. Information about flood policies is available from your insurance agent. Call them now so you will be prepared. Do not wait for a disaster to devastate your family! Flood insurance covers all surface floods. Understanding Flood Loss Avoidance

The National Flood Insurance Program - NFIP helps provide means for property owners to financially protect themselves if additional coverage is required. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP.

To find out how much flooding could cost you, estimate your premium and learn more about the NFIP visit: www.floodsmart.gov.

Local Insurance Agents:

Lee Agency Corp, 5734 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-807-7772

Great Florida Insurance: Jeff Starkey - Home, Auto, Flood Insurance Agency, 4613 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34665 727-376-0558

State Farm - Clendon Webb 6704 Congress Street. New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-849-9575

State Farm - Tim Holladay 7127 US Hwy 19, New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-847-3838

State Farm - Mike Peters 11315 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654 727-862-3519

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Know Your Flood Zone Before You Buy

Almost all properties within the City of New Port Richey are located within the “Special Flood Hazard Area”. Because you live close to the Gulf of Mexico and near the Pithlachascotee River, many areas flood with only a high tide and west wind. There is a 26% chance of being flooded over the life of a 30 year mortgage.

Not sure if your home is in a flood zone? You can view the FIRM panel for your address at the FEMA Map Service Center or visit the City's Development Department for assistance. Copies of these maps are also available at the New Port Richey Library along with manuals explaining how to interpret the maps. You can contact the Building Department at 727-853-1047 or come to City Hall to find your flood zone.

Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps provide detailed data with current flood risk information. The maps may be viewed at Flood Insurance Rate Map - FIRM.

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Build Smart

New buildings in the flood plain must be protected from damage. Our building code requires all new residential buildings must be elevated one foot above base flood elevation. The ordinance also requires that all substantial improvements to a building must be treated as a new building. A substantial improvement is when the value of an addition, alteration, repair or reconstruction project exceeds 50% of the value of the existing building. In the case of an improvement to the original building, the entire building must be protected. Additionally, substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards e.g. a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation. All development (new construction, repair/replacement, additions, signs, fences, fill, tree removal, etc.) requires a permit. Contact the Development Department at 727-853-1047 for further information. Illegal flood plain development should also be reported.

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Flood Risk

Each flood zone shown on the Flood Maps describes that land area in terms of its risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone – it’s just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.

High Flood Risk
Zones designated as AE, A, AH or AO Zone. These properties have a one percent chance of flooding in any year and a 26 percent chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

VE or V Zones. These properties also have a one percent chance of flooding in any year and also face hazards associated with coastal storm waves. High-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas, and flood insurance is mandatory for most mortgage holders.

Low or Moderate Flood Risk
Shaded X Zone. These properties are outside the high-risk zones. The risk is reduced but not removed.

X Zone. These properties are in an area of lower risk.

Lower-cost preferred rate flood insurance policies (known as Preferred Risk Policies) are often an option in these areas.

The 50% Rule

For buildings located in a flood hazard area, if the total costs of improvements equal 50% or more of the value of the building, the building must be elevated.

Stormwater Management

Flooding is more often a result of heavy rains and stormwater runoff than storm surge. The city storm drainage system is designed to collect and move stormwater away from buildings and streets. To operate effectively, drainage ways must be free of debris, refuse, and other obstructions.

City crews regularly maintain the storm drainage system to remove overgrowth and discarded items that can cause stormwater to build up and flood properties. This is why illegal dumping is a serious matter. If you see that illegal dumping has occurred, please report it to the Public Works Department at (727) 841-4544.

Maintenance of stormwater ponds and drainage ways on private property is the owner's responsibility. If not kept in proper working order, these ponds can cause flooding on other properties.

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Flood Safety

Before a Flood:

1.Find out what your flood risk is.

2.Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

3.Retrofit your property. Elevate the A/C, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

4.Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

5.Purchase flood insurance for your home, business or rental.

6.Know you evacuation zone.

During a Flood:

1.Do not walk through flowing water. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. The water may by contaminated by sewage leaks or infested with snakes.

2.Look before you step. Watch for broken glass, nails and slippery surfaces.

3.Have your electricity turned off by the power company. Do not use appliances that have been in water.

4.Look out for animals and harmful insects. Fire ants and snakes will be looking for dry ground.

5.Do not drive through flood waters. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

6.Be alert for gas leaks. Do not smoke or use candles or open flames until you know the area has been ventilated.

After the Flood

1.Use caution when returning home. Review the returning home checklist.

2.Stay tuned to local news for updates on flooded areas, road closures and re-entry points. Follow re-entry orders.

3.Avoid flooded areas and standing water. Water may be electrically charged and may contain sewage, bacteria and other disease causing germs and viruses.

4.If you see downed power lines, report them to the power company.

5.Listen to news reports to find out if the water supply is safe to drink.

Evacuation

It's important to prepare ahead for possible storms or flooding. These tips and resources will assist you in your planning, but the real work is up to you. Take the time and prepare ahead.

Use the link Prepare to Evacuation, for tips on being prepared to evacuate.

Know your flood risk and look up evacuation routes and shelters with this link:

Local Evacuation Zones, Routes and Shelters.

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Protect Your Property

Moving outdoor furniture and relocating downstairs furniture to upper stories or higher locations will minimize loss. Sandbags can be placed to help slow down flood waters reaching your possessions. Retrofitting, grading a yard and correcting drainage problems are ways to minimize loss prior to flood walls, elevating a structure, etc. The City of New Port Richey’s Building Official can assist property owners in the techniques.

Retrofit Your Property

Install gutters with spout extensions and use a splash pad to direct the water away from your foundation. Make sure they are pointed away from your neighbors’ yards and into your grass or garden, not into the driveway.
Install trench drains in your driveway or at your doorway to help collect water and reduce yard flooding.
Raise switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring.
Elevate your equipment, such as water heaters, AC units and other utilities and electrical systems.
Install sewer backflow valves. Valves, such as backwater or flap, can alleviate wastewater from entering your home if the sewer system becomes overwhelmed.
Install flood vents in the walls of enclosed storage spaces. This helps relieve pressure put on the walls during a flood event and lowers the chance of their collapsing.
Build with flood-resistant materials.

For more information visit: Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting - Six Ways to Protect your Home from Flooding, Protect Your Home from Flooding

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Flood Mitigation

There are various websites that can help guide you with assistance if you are interested in mitigating your property. It is important to keep your flood insurance policy in force. Some grants and programs will only accept you if you have a current flood insurance policy. Photograph damage to your home and property for insurance claims, as well as protect yourself from fraud by hiring only licensed contractors.

For more information visit Home | FEMA.gov, Home | disasterassistance.gov, or www.floodsmart.gov.

When you return home, be patient. Do not expect to be able to return home as soon as the storm passes. Authorities will need to assess the area first. Once major roads are cleared and safety hazards, such as downed power lines, are corrected, return orders will be given. Be sure to have a valid ID as check points may be set up. After the storm passes, avoid the urge to sightsee, roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles. Also, there may be dangerous situations such as downed power lines, eroded beds, or snakes seeking dry ground. Enter your home with caution, check for obvious structural damage and be alert for holes in the floor, loose boards, hanging or loose plaster or other hazards. Be careful of fire, do not strike a match or take lanterns, torches or any kind of flame until you are sure there are no broken gas lines in the area. Wear sturdy shoes when walking through debris and use heavy gloves when removing debris.

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Flood Damage Reduction Regulations

The State of Florida requires local governments to regulate floodplain development consistent with minimum state standards. The City controls development in flood hazard areas through specific flood hazard reduction standards as well as through zoning, subdivision regulations, building and housing codes, and sanitary codes.

All floodplain development is subject to permit. To apply for a permit, contact the Development Department at 727-853-1047 or visit us inside City Hall at 5919 Main Street.

To report illegal flood plain development (without a permit), contact Code Enforcement at 727-841-4553.

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Floodproofing

Floodproofing consists of ways to keep floodwaters away from structures, sites, and building contents or reducing the effects of water entry. The installation of floodproofing can occur during construction of a new building or when an existing building is being repaired, remodeled, or expanded.

Floodproofing below the base flood elevation (BFE) in residential buildings is not permitted in the City under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA Wet Floodproofing Information

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