FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION:

During periods of heavy or extended rainfall, theVillage of Palm Springs has experienced localized flooding. The LWDD canals L-8, L-9, L-10, and L-11 pass through the Village of Palm Springs. The Village also has several lakes, Lake Bonita, Lake Palmarito, and Lake Sago, which outfall into these canals.  Many developments within the Village have retention ponds. The primary reasons for flooding in the Village are the capacity limits and overflow of the canals, lakes, ponds, and storm drains and the filling in and altering of property by owners that changes the topography and runoff characteristics of the area. If your property has been spared from any flooding, do not assume that it is safe from any future heavy rainfall events. 

VILLAGE FLOOD SERVICES:

The Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review in the Land Development Department. The Land Development staff will assist you in determining your flood zone, base flood elevation, and provide you with information on flood insurance requirements. In addition, the Land Development Department maintains elevation certificates on all newly constructed buildings.  Elevation Certificates for buildings constructed since 1996 are available for review in the Land Development Department.  Additionally, the Village of Palm Springs Library has available the Flood Insurance Rate Map as well as many excellent flood protection references.

If you experience localized flooding of your property, call the Village of Palm Springs Public Services Department at 965-8260. They will assess the flood problem and may be able to offer some assistance. 

FLOOD INSURANCE:

The Palm Springs Village Council has taken every action necessary, such as the enactment and enforcement of required codes, to qualify you for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Many people have the mistaken belief that flood damage is covered by their standard homeowner’s policy. THIS IS NOT TRUE.  Flood insurance covers direct losses caused by surface flooding including a canal overflowing its banks, an ocean storm, and local drainage problems. If your property is even suspect to the possibility of flood damage from hurricane or otherwise you should be protected with a NFIP Flood Policy. The NFIP offers separate coverage for the building structure and the building contents. There is often more damage to the contents of a building than the building structure. Check with your insurance agent on the different types of coverage available to you. Remember, there is a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance unless it is a new mortgage, so don’t put off purchasing it.

DRAINAGE:

It is important to keep the drainage system clear of debris that could impede the flow of water. Florida law prohibits the willful obstruction of our drainage systems and provides both civil and criminal penalties for anyone convicted of such a felony. Do not dump trash, vegetation, debris of any kind into the canals, lakes, or storm drains. The Lake Worth Drainage District maintains the canals and canal banks. If your property abuts a canal, please do not store your personal property on the canal banks.

If you see dumping or debris in the lakes, canals, or storm drains please contact the Village Public Services Department at 965-8260. 

DEVELOPMENT:

Always check with the Land Development Department prior to altering, regrading, filling, or building on your property. All properties within a Special Flood Hazard Area must have permits for any development activity in accordance with Section 34-63 of the Village’s Code of Ordinances. 

If you see any development activity without a Village permit posted on the site, please call the Land Development Department at 965-4016.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS:

If the cost of any improvement, reconstruction, or repair equals 50% or more of the market value of the building, then the building must comply with all current codes. This includes damaged buildings. The Village’s Code of Ordinances Section 34-61 through 34-95 specifies development procedures and flood reduction standards for new construction and substantial improvements.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM:

During periods of heavy rainfall or when it rains for a period of days, Palm Beach County may issue a flood warning. If we have been experiencing flooding in the area, tune to one of the local television or radio stations known to have an active news bureau.  Suggested stations are channels 5, 12, or 25, for television and WEAT, WIRK, WJNO, WRMF, WPBR, and WPOM for radio. If you must be evacuated, you will be advised of the routes that you should take to temporary Red Cross shelters. If you need transportation, the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management will provide it for you. They can be reached at 233-3500.

FLOOD SAFETY:

Safety is the most important consideration. Be prepared and ready to evacuate before the water level reaches your home. Keep important papers in a safe place.

• Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station.
• Turn off your electric at the main power switch.
• Shutoff gas supply to house.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case the water supply gets contaminated.
• Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters.
• Secure your outdoor belongings.
• Stay away from electrical wires and downed power lines.
• Avoid flooded areas.  If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full.  Gasoline pumps will not be working if the electricity is off.
• When walking through floodwaters, use a pole to check the ground in front of you.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES:

These measures may include retrofitting and grading a yard; sandbagging; sealing building walls with waterproofing compounds, impermeable sheeting or other materials, and shielding openings from floodwaters. An easy protection measure is to relocate appliances and furniture or protect contents by plastic bags and sheeting. Protection of utility systems can be accomplished by elevating the entry points above the base flood elevation or encasing them in waterproof conduit. 

NATURAL AND BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS:

Certain areas of the Village rely solely on retention/percolation in swales and easements during times of heavy rains.  Therefore, it is important that these swales are not filled or altered.  Always check with the Village Land Development Department before changing the grade of any property.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

FEMA information site.
Palm BeachCounty hurricane preparedness guide.