Henrico County Joins Elite Group of Communities Saving Money & Reducing Risk
Henrico, VA – Wetlands Watch is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in Virginia’s journey towards enhanced resiliency against the escalating risks of flooding due to climate change. On April 11th, Henrico County proudly marked its entry into the Community Rating System (CRS) as a Class 5* community, making it one of only four in the state to achieve this notable status.
This prestigious classification in the CRS program not only reflects Henrico's commitment to comprehensive flood risk management, but also rewards its residents with a substantial 25% annual discount on flood insurance premiums. This achievement highlights the county’s proactive strategies in flood mitigation and readiness for future challenges.
Henrico County has implemented a number of key initiatives that have contributed significantly to its successful Class 5* rating, including:
Prohibition of residential development in FEMA-designated flood zones, which ensures that the most vulnerable lands are preserved for flood mitigation, and new homes aren’t built in flood-prone areas.
Establishment of buffers around high-risk zones which prohibit residential development within 15 feet of flood zones, and require buildings to be built at least one foot above the expected level of flood waters within 40 feet of flood zones.
This requirement to build above the expected flood level is known as freeboard, and Henrico enforces one foot of freeboard throughout the medium risk floodplain (or 500-year floodplain).
Restrictions on adding soil or other material in these high risk flood zones, along with a requirement that all new non-residential buildings be built at least two feet above the expected level of flood waters. Both measures significantly enhance the safety and resilience of new structures.
Creation of detailed community flood maps that reflect unique local flood risks and past flood data, which provides residents, business owners, and policy makers with a clearer understanding of flood risks so that they can better plan for the future.
Community resiliency efforts like Henrico’s provide crucial benefits including enhanced disaster preparedness, economic stability, improved public health, and stronger infrastructure. These efforts ensure that communities are better equipped to handle emergencies, experience less economic disruption, and offer a safer, healthier environment for residents. Additionally, they promote sustainability, foster community cohesion, and enhance adaptability to climate change. By investing in flood risk reduction, communities not only protect themselves against immediate challenges but also prepare for long-term sustainability and growth.
Wetlands Watch is honored to lead the Virginia CRS Workgroup that is responsible for aiding communities like Henrico in reducing flood risk, and would like to recognize the brilliant efforts of Henrico County’s Floodplain and Dam Safety Manager, Kristin Owen. Her leadership and commitment to excellence in floodplain management, and deeply collaborative spirit, are what makes such achievements possible.
Well done, Henrico and Kristin! Now on to Class 4! For more information about the Virginia CRS Workgroup, please visit https://www.coastalvacrs.com/.