Updated flood maps remove scores of Ojai Valley properties from high-risk area [Ventura County Star, Calif.]

June 14--A three-year study of creeks in the Ojai Valley showed fewer properties at risk of flooding -- a change that likely will allow scores of property owners to stop buying flood insurance.

Ventura County officials worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and others to update flood maps on the east side of the valley. The work started in 2010 and included analyzing decades of rainfall data, storm information and engineering models.

If property lies in a floodplain and it's financed with a federally backed mortgage, the owners must buy flood insurance.

"Residents ... have been worried about having to deal with flood insurance in areas far away from the stream," said Sergio Vargas, deputy director for the Watershed Protection District.

Based on preliminary maps released last month, 133 properties would be removed from the 100-year floodplain -- an area that has a 1 percent risk of a major flood occurring in any given year. Such a flood happens only rarely and signifies a disaster.

Using technology available 30 years ago, the original hazard area was drawn conservatively, mapping a large area in the floodplain, Vargas said. But now, new tools exist that allows for more accuracy about where floodwaters will go.

The study focused on portions of San Antonio Creek, as well as the smaller Reeves, Thatcher and McNell creeks. The result is a flood hazard area 40 percent smaller than previously mapped, Vargas said. Some properties have moved into a floodplain, but more have moved out.

The preliminary maps are available on FEMA's website. Local officials provided initial comments on the maps earlier this month, said FEMA spokeswoman Olivia Humilde.

Once those comments are reviewed, FEMA will publish a notice for the Federal Register, prompting a 90-day appeal process. During or before that time, local officials said they will notify property owners about changes.

After any appeals are resolved, FEMA will prepare final maps, which would become effective six months after they are issued.

For several years, FEMA has been working to update flood maps nationwide, including areas where levies are found deficient. Some of that work has been put on hold, however, as the agency evaluates how it assesses levees and maps areas at risk of severe flooding.

In Ventura County, the Ojai Valley study got priority because of concerns about residents having to buy flood insurance based on the old maps.

County Supervisor Steve Bennett said he got involved when residents raised concerns about potential increases in flood insurance rates. They were confused by the maps and concerned about their accuracy, he said.

Local officials expect to hold meetings and allow residents a chance to view the maps in coming weeks.

"We're just looking at the maps to see who they impact," said Ojai Public Works Director Greg Grant.

It appears that roughly a dozen Ojai properties would be affected by changes, including some previously exempt, moving into an area designated as a moderate risk for flooding, Grant said. But those properties are not expected to have to buy flood insurance.

To see the maps, go to http://tinyurl.com/ltvtqtr.

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