2010-252A (17) - Laserfiche WebLink

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flood zone is confined to wetlands and impounded wetlands; however, some development has occurred within the flood zone. Since most of that development is newer, finished floor elevations are above the 100 year flood plain, and wetland areas have been preserved for flood storage. Portions of the barrier island are also included within the flood plains identified by FEMA. While a ridge running almost the entire length of the island has elevations above the flood plain, the land generally east of the dune bluff line and the land along the Indian River Lagoon are in the flood plain. In the unincorporated portion of the county south of Vero Beach, much of the development is located east of SR AIA where flooding would result only in the event of a major hurricane. The area between SR AIA and the Indian River Lagoon is part of the river flood basin. Most development in that area incorporates drainage systems designed for the 25 year/24 hour storm. The portion of the barrier island between Indian River Shores and CR 510 also contains flood prone areas along the Indian River and the beach area. Land uses in that area consist primarily of large residential developments with recreation facilities. Those new developments provide for retention of more than the first inch of runoff before discharging into the Indian River Lagoon. Undeveloped areas west of SR AIA drain directly into the Lagoon. North of CR 510, the flood plain follows the same pattern, except that the northernmost 3 miles of the island are entirely within the flood plain. That area contains the Sebastian Inlet State Park and single family residences along the narrow land mass. The area to the south includes impounded wetlands, the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (on numerous small islands within the Indian River), citrus groves, and residential development at SR AIA and CR 510. Two large county beachfront parks also exist in that area. Along the entire barrier island, most development has occurred recently. Consequently, those developments were designed with drainage systems that meet the stormwater management requirements of the county and jurisdictional agencies. Also, much of the barrier island contains excessively drained soils which permit the rapid percolation of stormwater. Within the county, development in flood prone areas has not been a major problem. Because most development in those areas is relatively new, that development meets county stormwater regulations, with structures having higher finished floor elevations. Those characteristics greatly reduce problems associated with flooding. As indicated above, little development that has occurred within flood plains in the county requires redevelopment. For areas with problems, redevelopment can occur in two ways. One approach is to retrofit or expand drainage facilities to improve the capacity of the drainage system. That lessens the likelihood of flooding without extensive property renovation. The second approach requires the renovation or removal of individual structures. It is likely that the second method would occur only in those areas with severe flooding problems or where the economic value of the structure does not warrant the maintenance expense. In Indian River County, the first method (improvement of the drainage system) is the preferred method. Along Future Land Use Element 128