Flood Maps and Insurance Information
The City of Northfield, Dakota Co. and Rice Co. participate in the federal flood insurance program run through the Federal Emergancy Management Agency (FEMA). This program allows property owners in Northfield and the surrounding areas to purchase flood insurance through a commercial insurance agent that would otherwise be unavailable. Residential properties with structures built in the 1% Annual Chance Flood Plain are required to purchase flood insurance if they seek a mortgage for the structure or property. Commercial and residential property owners in areas of lower flood risk are also able to purchase flood insurance at lower rates, if they so desire.
Learn more about flood risks and insurance from the FEMA Flood Hazards website.
Floodplain Map Update (2008-2010)
As part of a national effort to update floodplain maps (also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs), Dakota and Rice Co. have worked with the Mn/DNR and FEMA to remap the floodplains of the Cannon River and its tributaries as well as the other waterbodies in the counties. The preliminary maps were delivered in 2009 and are available for public viewing. Since Northfield recently updated its FIRMs in 2003, the recent updates are generally minor revisions due to improved topographic mapping (elevations) and grading changes due to recent development activities.
The preliminary maps are made available here for public viewing. Any concerns, appeals, or comments should be made directly to the City Engineer who will forward them to Mn/DNR, FEMA, and the federal engineering contractor. Please keep in minde that the maps posted here are preliminary. Until they are finalized by FEMA and adopted by the City Council the current FIRMs represent the legal floodplains within the City (see section below about obtaining current maps).
Updates to the City ordinances are required as part of the map update process. These updates will be made in Fall, 2009.
Obtaining Floodplain Maps
Until the new floodplain maps are complete, the current maps are available to view or purchase from the Engineering Division at the City of Northfield or from the FEMA website (see below). The floodplain maps are only an indication of flood likelihood and are not sufficient for planning construction or development within or near the Floodway or 1% Annual Chance Floodplain. By City ordinance all development near the floodplain requires a engineering study to accurately delineate the floodplain boundaries on the property in question.
Starting on October 1, 2009 FEMA will no longer provide paper copies of floodplain maps. Digital copies will be available through the FEMA map website (direct link to the online current City of Northfield FEMA maps). The City of Northfield will post digital copies (PDF files) of the official floodplain maps for the city on its website once they are finalized and adopted.