Yes, construction is permitted in the flood plain in accordance with the Village of Winnetka’s Flood Hazard Protection Ordinance. Improvements to existing homes are permitted as long as the total cost of the improvements are less than 50% of the current market value of the structure, excluding the land. By law, the cost of the improvements is calculated cumulatively over the remaining life of the structure.
Construction of a new home with a basement may be permitted in the flood plain, if a Letter of Map Revision - Fill (LOMR-Friday) is first obtained from FEMA. The LOMR-Friday can be obtained if engineered fill has been placed and compacted on the site to create a clay building pad for the home. All work must be done in accordance with the Village’s Flood Hazard Protection Ordinance. A LOMR-Friday, removes that portion of the property that was filled from the flood plain, thereby allowing a home to be constructed with an engineered basement. Otherwise, if site constraints do not allow for a LOMR-Friday, a home with a floodable crawlspace (no basement) may be constructed.
Compensatory storage must be provided to offset any fill that is placed in the flood plain, under any circumstance. Compensatory storage must equal a minimum of 110% Fill volume.