River Heights adopts laws for flood damage prevention

By Diane Denning

October 29, 2008 | RIVER HEIGHTS -- The City Council unanimously voted to adopt a flood damage prevention ordinance Tuesday.

The adopting of this ordinance is the first step to become part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Once River Heights is accepted by FEMA, the residents will be able to apply for flood insurance.

"Without this ordinance residents wouldn't be able to get flood insurance," Councilman Blake Wright said. "This ordinance allows anyone to get it if they want."

Some sections in the ordinance don't directly apply to River Heights City, Wright said, but FEMA suggested leaving the ordinance the way it is. Wright will send the ordinance with their application and hopes the city will be accepted by the end of this year.

The council also discussed adopting an ordinance involving off-road vehicles similar to the one Providence recently passed. Councilman Rob Gines said since Providence approved their ordinance, River Heights residents have been asking him about considering one for their city.

"For our community an ordinance like this is functional," Gines said. "A few citizens have said it would be very helpful for them."

Gines also mentioned the Cache County Sheriff's Office would like this ordinance to be passed so they know how to correctly enforce off road vehicles in River Heights. "They would love clarifications on this issue," Gines said.

Public Works Supervisor Kent Parker and Mayor Baker both agreed this ordinance is a good idea. The ordinance will be discussed further at the Nov. 11 council meeting.

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