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.
New Port Richey's Flood Damage Ordinance
In 2014, City Council adopted Ordinance#2014-2035 which regulates floodplain management in the City. The ordinanceopens in a new window was approved on August 19, 2014.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
New Port Richey Code of Ordinances: Section III, Flood Damage Reductionopens in a new window
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).
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Flood Zones
Some 900 homes within the City of New Port Richey are located in a designated flood zone where the possibility of flooding exists with every major storm. Many of those properties experienced flooding during Hurricane Irmaopens in a new window in 2017.
If your home is located near the Pithlachascotee River or any of its tributaries and canals, you can be fairly certain that you are in a flood zone. Areas west of U.S. Highway 19 are also largely in a flood zone.
Flood zones are geographic areas that the Federal Emergency Management Area (FEMA) opens in a new windowhas defined according to level of flood risk. Flood zones are shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Mapopens in a new window (FIRM), which is produced by FEMA.
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 opens in a new windowor 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.
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.
Flood Insurance
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover property losses caused by floodwaters. To insure your property for flood damage, a flood insurance policy is needed. If you rent your home, flood insurance can be obtained to insure your possessions, which typically are not covered under the property owner's flood policy. Consult your insurance provider to learn about flood insurance types and availability.
The City of New Port Richey participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)opens in a new window, which offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. To participate, the City agrees to adopt and enforce local rules that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding. The City also participates in the FEMA Community Rating Systemopens in a new window (CRS) to enable residents to qualify for lower flood insurance premiums.
The City has consistently performed above and beyond the NFIP minimum standards. In 2012, the City’s efforts were recognized by FEMA with a Class 6 rating (effective May 1, 2012) as shown in the 2012 NFIP Certificateopens in a new window. This marks an improvement over the previous Class 7 rating held by the City. A Class 6 rating provides for automatic discounts of up to 20% for flood insurance policy holders in the City of New Port Richey! Tell your insurance agent.
By way of comparison, Oldsmar and Dunedin also enjoy a Class 6 rating, while Port Richey, Pasco County and Tarpon Springs have a Class 7 rating. For New Port Richey, this discount amounts to over $200,000 in total savings to the community.
The City's 2017 Floodplain Management Progress Report opens in a new windowis available to review.
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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Quick Links
Guide to Protecting Lives and Property From Flooding (SWFWMD)opens in a new window
FEMA Floodproofing Informationopens in a new window
City of New Port Richey Code of Ordinancesopens in a new window
Severe Weather Preparationopens in a new window
FEMA - Elevation Certificates Link
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