Resolution 2011-43

EXHIBIT A

Rebuilding in Washington County after the Flood of 2011

In

Helping the Flood Victims

A building permit is not required for cleaning-up and drying out damaged property.

STARTING THE PROCESS

1.  Once access is available to the residence \ location, a status check inspection, also known as a flood damage assessment, shall be requested from the County Planning Department.  Inspections require a minimum 24 hours advance notice, first come, first served basis after that.

2.  County representatives will not traverse across water (by boat or other means) to access property.

3.  If a mobile \ manufactured home, skirting shall be removed so that the County Building Inspector can view the

supports and tie-downs.

4.  Once the flood damage assessment has been scheduled through the County Planning Department, and all mud and standing water have been removed from the building \ structure, the County Building Inspector will visit

the site to assess damages to the property.  The following list, in no specific order, shall be looked at by the County Building Inspector during the flood damage assessment:

* damaged material, insulation, drywall, lumber and any electrical equipment that has been

                submerged (including outlets, switches, electrical breakers, romex and other electrical

                devices)

PERMITTING

1.  After the flood damage assessment, any or all of the following permits (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, septic, flood plain development and structure moving) may be required, however, all County fees are temporarily waived for flood related expenses & improvements.  Fees from other government and \ or private

entities, not assessed by the County, are not covered by this waiver.  This waiving of the County fees does not waive any other County requirements, or State requirements.

2.   Most County permits can be applied-for over the phone and processed via the Postal Service.

3.  The County Planning Department will not accept building \ electrical permit applications until after the County Building Inspector has visited the site for a flood damage assessment.

4.  It is strongly suggested that you first call the Planning Department @ 402-426-6872 to set up an appointment with a staff member to apply \ discuss permit applications.  Every effort will be made by the staff to return phone requests in a timely manner.  Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

5.  Moving buildings into, and out of, the County requires a Moving Permit.  These forms \ applications are

available at the Planning Department.

Electrical

1.  For any electrical equipment that has to be replaced, if the work is not done by a homeowner \

occupant, shall be done by a Nebraska State Licensed Electrical Contractor.  The County does not

license electrical contractors but does require proof of a Nebraska State Electrical Contractor’s  License. 

If a homeowner \ occupant is doing the work, the County will require their signature on a form stating

that the homeowner is knowledgeable of the applicable electrical codes.

2.  Where there is electrical damage to rental units, cabins, (non-full time residences) etc. by State Law, a Nebraska State Licensed Electrical Contractor must perform the needed electrical work. 

3.  If the power has been shut off by the electrical utility to an accessory building, grain bin, center pivots, etc. and there is electrical damage,  the electrical damage repair can be done only by:

                * the farmer \ owner of the property; or.

                * a Nebraska State Licensed Electrical Contractor.

4.  Any action taken by the County is independent of any requirements that an electrical utility may have. 

UTILITIES

1.  Existing sewer and water systems can be utilized if working properly (hasn’t been compromised and \ or

contaminated).  It is a homeowners’ responsibility for that determination.  Any septic systems that need to be

replaced, and where a system cannot be installed meeting State requirements, will be by holding tank only (installed by a State licensed contractor).  Well test kits are available at the County Extension Office.  For septic information contact a licensed septic installer.

RE-BUILDING IN THE FLOOD PLAIN

1.  Base flood elevations (height of the water during the 100-year storm event) are as determined and mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

2.  In determining the available square footage of building replacement structures (living & non-living), the County will use the best available data which may include County records, pictures, resident provided information, etc.  The rule in square footages is:  like for like; in other words, living  space for living space and non-living space for

non-living space (decks, accessory buildings, etc.)

3.  When elevating structures, the lowest floor must be a minimum of one foot above the base flood elevation.  This means the top of a beam and \ or the bottom of the floor joists.

4.   The minimum depth of footings is 42” below grade (per Building Code).

5.   If a mobile \ manufactured home is being elevated, tie downs are required as per the County’s Flood Resolution.

6.  It is the responsibility of the homeowner \ applicant to supply the County Building Inspector with footing drawings showing size & spacing for the structure being supported (this information should be available from the

manufacturer).

CONTACT INFORMATION

1.  Washington County Planning Department, 1555 Colfax Street, Blair, NE.  68008; 402-426-6872

2.  Washington County Extension Office, 597 Grant Street, Blair, NE.  68008; 402-426-9455

3.  NE. Department of Environmental Quality @ 402-471-2186 (Lincoln) or 402-595-1766 (Omaha)