SIMI VALLEY : 800 Homes Taken Off Map of Flood Zones

Simi Valley officials say the Federal Emergency Management Agency has reversed itself and removed from the city’s designated flood plain 800 homes that it originally considered to be at risk of flooding.

Mayor Greg Stratton announced the decision at the City Council’s regular meeting Monday, saying the new designation means that owners of those homes will not have to spend an estimated $300 to $500 a year to buy flood insurance.

FEMA in 1991 released a revised flood zone map that labeled 15% of Simi Valley as flood-prone. The original map, prepared in 1974, designated only 5% of the city in danger of flooding.

Simi officials urged FEMA to redraw the maps, which they said greatly overstated the city’s propensity for flooding.

Monday’s decision affects homes in the city’s east end, east of Stearns Street, Stratton said. In addition, several other studies are in progress that should further reduce the city’s flood area.

Residents who bought flood insurance because of the revised maps should contact the city to find out whether they are still included in the flood plain. Stratton said he was told by federal officials that anyone who bought flood insurance and has been removed from the flood plain is eligible for a refund.

“I think it’s an important thing,” Stratton said of the city’s lobbying efforts. “It’s something we’ve done not for the city, because it doesn’t save us anything, but for the residents.”