Floodplain Management

Chapter 16 Freeport Floodplain Ordinance - PROPOSED (PDF)

Chapter 21 Freeport Zoning Ordinance (PDF)

Zoning Map (PDF)

Chapter 65 Freeport Shoreland Zoning Ordinance (PDF)

Chapter 25 Freeport Subdivision Ordinance (PDF)

** PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE **

As a coastal community, parts of Freeport are prone to flooding which can cause serious damage to properties and infrastructure. The Town of Freeport chose to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-488, as amended). This requires the recognition and evaluation of flood hazards in all official land use actions within areas having special flood hazards, also known as the floodplain. The Town of Freeport is granted authority to adopt land use and control measures to reduce future flood losses through state law in Title 30-A MRSA, § 3001-3007, 4352, 4401-4407, and Title 38 MRSA, § 440.

Late last year, the Town received notice that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in a report entitled “Flood Insurance Study – Cumberland County, Maine”, with the accompanying “Flood Insurance Rate Map”, had been finalized. To review the existing and proposed flood map changes, please visit this website at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/flood/mapping.shtml. In order to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the Town of Freeport must adopt new ordinance language consistent with guidance from the State of Maine Floodplain Management Program and FEMA’s updated study and rate map. The proposed new Ordinance adopts areas of special flood hazard (Zones A, AE, and VE for the Town of Freeport) identified by the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate map. Updating the Town’s Floodplain Management Ordinance also requires amendments to other applicable land use Ordinances. There will be a few upcoming opportunities for the public to participate in public hearings on proposed ordinance amendments to comply with these required changes:

Freeport Planning Board Meeting – Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 6:00pm

Freeport Town Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 at 6:00pm

Freeport Town Hall Council Chambers at 30 Main Street, Freeport, Maine

(Zoom Options Available)

The Freeport Planning Board and Town Council will have public hearings on proposed amendments to Chapter 21 - Freeport Zoning Ordinance & the Official Freeport Zoning Map, Chapter 25 - Town of Freeport Subdivision Ordinance and Chapter 65 - Town of Freeport Shoreland Zoning Ordinance to make the Ordinances consistent with the proposed changes to Chapter 16 Floodplain Management Ordinance. Please note that the Freeport Town Council will also have a public hearing on Chapter 16 – Floodplain Management Ordinance.

Note: With regards to the amendments to the Zoning Map, the reference to the new flood maps will be updated. Any areas that will be at or below base flood elevation and adjacent to tidal waters will continue to be zoned Resource Protection 1. The boundaries of this Resource Protection 1 area will change in some locations with the adoption of the new flood maps.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodation (& ADA Notice): Please contact the Town Clerck’s Office at (207) 865-4743 or email swilson@freeportmaine.com prior to scheduled meetings or events to discuss auxiliary aids or services needed to participate in Town activities.

TOWN OF FREEPORT, MAINE

Town Manager’s Office

30 Main Street

Freeport, ME 04032

Phone: 207-865-4743 x 118

Email: swilson@freeportmaine.com

The Town of Freeport is an equal opportunity employer and service provider that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees and those we serve.