Title
Resolution Adopting the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission Recommendation Pertaining to Minimum Sea Level Rise Planning Criteria For Future Development
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
In October 2018, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) adopted a resolution recommending local governments in Hampton Roads incorporate proposed HRPDC policy and approach into local plan and policies. The primary item that the HRPDC has recommend is a set of planning horizon numbers related to sea level rise; they recommend localities adopt policies to plan for:
1.5 feet of relative sea level rise for near-term planning (2019-2050);
3 feet of relative sea level rise for mid-term planning (2050-2080); and
4.5 feet of relative sea level rise for long-term planning (2080-2100).
Staff recommends adopting this policy as a base number for planning decisions, with the understanding that depending on other local factors, context, strategic importance, and life span of an investment, the city may choose to plan for greater sea level rise. There is a benefit to adopting a region-wide policy, such as putting us all on the same page when dealing with state and federal agencies such as VDOT.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve resolution and provide feedback on Resilient Hampton update
Body
WHEREAS, Hampton has completed Phase I of the Resilient Hampton initiative which calls for decisions related to resilience and planning to be made using the best available data;
WHEREAS, the tide gauge at Sewell’s Point in Norfolk has recorded nearly 1.4 feet of relative sea level rise since 1927, equivalent to a change of 1.52 feet per 100 years;
WHEREAS, reports by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission staff have found the Hampton Roads region to be particularly vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise;
WHEREAS, several federal agencies have found, as described in the technical report, “Global and Regional Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States,...
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