The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt new FEMA Advisory Flood Maps.
The FEMA maps reflect updated floodplains and new elevations that resulted from the mud and debris flow in the Montecito and Carpinteria areas on Jan. 9. Residents, architects, and contractors can use the new elevations and flood hazard zones to guide their planning and development decisions.
Adoption of the maps means rebuilding can begin in the devastated area.
The updated maps can be found on the county’s website.
According to county officials, the updated flood maps do not affect insurance considerations. The current FEMA flood insurance rate maps will be used for insurance purposes until new, permanent maps are developed in the next four to five years.
