Title
Public Hearing - Flood Mitigation Program, Retrofit Program Policy Update
Action
ACTION:
1) Receive as information a presentation on the updates to the RetroFIT Policy Document.
2) Open public hearing for comments on proposed amendments to the RetroFIT Program Policy Document.
3) Close public hearing and adopt the updated RetroFIT Program Policy Document
Staff Contact: David Kroening, LUESA - Storm Water Services
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Storm Water Services (SWS) manages one of the most proactive flood mitigation programs in the nation. From 1999-2026, the County invested more than $72 Million in the acquisition and demolition of more than 510 flood-prone buildings.
In June 2014, the North Carolina Legislature adopted NCGS 153A-274.1, allowing Mecklenburg County to use storm water fees to implement flood damage reduction techniques that result in improvements to private property. Based upon this statute, Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (STW) developed the RetroFIT program that provides grants to owners of flood-prone buildings to reduce the impacts of flooding. Funding for the program is provided by the STW Capital Reserve. Projects range from complicated techniques, such as elevating an entire home, to simpler changes like moving mechanical equipment from a crawlspace to the attic. The legislation requires the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to adopt a policy document containing several programmatic elements. The BOCC adopted the current policy document in August 2015. The proposed revisions to the RetroFIT policy document were approved by the Storm Water Advisory Committee on May 21, 2026 and endorsed by the Environmental Stewardship Committee on June 1, 2026.
A total of 40 RetroFIT projects have been completed since FY16. Based on staff experience with these completed projects, analysis of retroFIT applications, evolving understanding of community needs and feedback from other agencies and County leadership, an updated retroFIT policy document is being provided for BOCC review and approval. The updated policy addresses owner matching contributions for retroFIT projects that have been modified to reflect increasing property values and to further incentivize retroFIT projects in low-income areas. The updated policy also provides for property owners to designate a project manager to assist with the application process and project implementation. Additional changes include an open application period, inclusion of additional mitigation options, text clarifications, additional definitions and the annual reporting mechanism.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
Updated policy for existing retroFIT program would provide updated STW matching contributions, additional mitigation options and the ability to designate a project manager so that property owners can implement flood damage reduction techniques to their structures.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A