Register now for upcoming live trainings. December 2023– March 2024
MRCCA Basics
December 12, 2023, 10 a.m. - noon
This training will cover the basics of administering the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) ordinance. During this session we will review the key requirements and performance standards, identifying bluffs, and how to evaluate impacts to primary conservation areas and public river corridor views for variances and conditional use permits. We will also cover special standards for nonconformities, subdivisions and relationship to the MRCCA plan. Recommended for anyone administering MRCCA standards for the 25 cities and townships within the MRCAA (7-county metro area). Presenters: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman
Floodplain Basics
January 8, 1 - 2 p.m.
A discussion of roles and responsibilities at the community level for floodplain management. Highlights include common terms, definitions, where regulations apply, finding FEMA map, regulations and providing clarity on mandatory insurance requirements. Presenter: Ceil Strauss
FEMA Map Basics
January 10, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
A discussion of mapping zones, finding and printing FEMA maps, types of FEMA maps in the state, and what map updates are in progress statewide. Also covers highlights of map appeals and amendments (LOMAs and LOMR-Fs). Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Mary Presnail
Shoreland Management Basics
January 22, 1 - 2 p.m.
This course covers how shoreland standards protect water quality, habitat and shoreland/rural character. Topics include fundamentals of the shoreland program including lake and river classifications, covered waterbodies, and key regulations as well as tips and tricks for program administration. Special topics, including PUDs, identifying bluffs, Environmental Review, and other topics are available depending on time and participant interest.
Recommended for anyone new to shoreland regulations or those wanting a refresher.
Presenters: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman.
Floodplain Grading, Non-Structural Development, and Accessory Structures
January 24, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This training will cover the basics of floodwater storage and conveyance, the impact non-structural development has on floodplain functions, and permit requirements. Also covers requirements for small buildings and accessory structures. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Garry Bennett
Better Culverts and Crossings
January 29, 1 - 2 p.m.
This training will examine the link between river channels and floodplains, and share design approaches that enable the designer to establish better channel stability, fish passage, and floodplain connectivity (through the roadway), while improving structure longevity by properly sizing and placing floodplain culverts and bridges. Presenter: Salam Murtada
FEMA Flood Insurance Basics
January 31, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Highlights of the new Risk Rating 2.0 changes. This hour session will also review current flood insurance basics on mandatory purchase, rates, coverage, premium rating factors and what is changing. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and James Sink, FEMA Region 5 Flood Insurance Liaison.
Dealing with Zone As
March 6, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Discover how to regulate those notorious A Zones, find base flood elevations and regulatory flood protection elevations, and share options to determine floodway versus flood-fringe. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Jeff Weiss.
Floodplain Higher Standards
March 11, 1 - 2 p.m.
Learn about innovative standards to improve flood protection and the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. Discover what exciting examples (both within and outside of FEMA-mapped areas) are out there and why they are important to your community. Presenter: Ceil Strauss.
Shoreland Higher Standards
March 13, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Learn how other cities and counties are taking shoreland protection to the next level. This course will explore regulatory and administrative innovations in using shoreland classifications, land uses and performance standards to protect both shoreland and aquatic resources. Course will include a variety of considerations in determining where, how, and which higher standards might be most successful. Recommended for staff interested in higher standards ideas and how to promote them. Presenters: Dan Petrik and Matt Bauman.
Floodplain Violations and Enforcement
March 18, 1 - 2 p.m.
This training will cover the common types of violations, explain the community responsibilities to enforce and remedy violations of floodplain management requirements, and discuss the tools available to help resolve non-compliance. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Garry Bennett
Substantial Damage and Post Flood Responsibilities
March 27, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This course covers the role of local floodplain administrators post disaster. We’ll focus on the steps involved in doing Substantial Damage determinations, a key requirement for meeting your local floodplain management ordinance. Presenters: Ceil Strauss and Garry Bennett