Bradenton Beach is working to regain compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, taking steps to address outstanding permits and streamlining the permitting process for a new city building official.
FEMA flagged the city Jan. 23 for failing to provide flood damage assessment and substantial damage management plans and weak enforcement of unpermitted repairs, as well as noted the need for a floodplain administrator to work alongside the city building official.
The agency also found “potential ongoing unpermitted repairs” and urged the city to strengthen its enforcement of unpermitted work.
Failure to address the issues could downgrade the city’s community rating system classification, reducing insurance discounts for homeowners or even leading to national floodplain insurance program exclusion.
In response to FEMA’s compliance letter, code enforcement officer Evan Harbus compiled a list of more than 200 outstanding permits to review.
Mayor John Chappie said the effort is part of a broader initiative to restore order and efficiency in the building department following the ouster of Darin Cushing as building official.
“We’re working hard to get back on track and ensure that Bradenton Beach is in good standing with FEMA,” Chappie said. “Bill Palmer brings experience and we’re confident he’ll help us move forward.” Palmer comes to Bradenton Beach having spent the last three years as the building services division manager for Manatee County, as well as 21 years as the building official for the city of St. Petersburg.
“Code enforcement is currently canvassing the city,” Chappie added.
Palmer was hired by the city commission Feb. 15 and has been working since Feb. 26.