FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for City of Richmond, VA. Newly revised preliminary flood insurance rate maps for Richmond will be available for residents to review at public open houses on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9. A virtual session is also offered on Tuesday, August 15 .

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States; it is vital for property owners to understand their risk and take advantage of the tools and programs available to them, including flood insurance, to help reduce flooding impacts. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when they become effective, updated maps will be used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. The open house provides City of Richmond property owners the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding and hazard mitigation, as well as ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property.

Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding.

Open House Dates
Tuesday, August 8                                          Wednesday, August 9
Hickory Hill Community Center                        Ginter Public Library
3000 E. Belt Boulevard                                    1200 Westbrook Avenue                   
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm                                            6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Virtual Open House/Town Hall
Tuesday, August 15
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm       
Click here to join the meeting or call 1-804-316-9457 and enter passcode 66786930. 

As a result of these maps, some buildings in Richmond may, for the first time, be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This may result in the mandatory purchase of flood insurance for those property owners who are affected.

Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes. Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. The City of Richmond is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, which provides Richmond residents with a discount on flood insurance.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator Eric Whitehurst eric.whitehurst@RVA.gov. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv. Changes from the current maps may be viewed online at the Region 3 Changes Since Last FIRM Viewer FEMA Region 3 Mitigation Mapping and Data

For more information about the flood maps:

• Use a live chat service about flood maps at http://go.usa.gov/r6C (just click on the “Live Chat” icon).
• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.

RICHMOND, Va.  – New parking decals for residents in the following restricted parking districts are now on sale:

• Randolph and Mulberry Parking Districts
  
  • Current parking permits are set to expire July 31, 2023 however, due to decal printing delays, they will be valid until August 21, 2023

• Historic Jackson Ward Parking District
  
  • Current parking permits expire August 31, 2023

Residents can get more information, verify residency in their Parking Districts and download an application for mailing on the City’s website: www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise. Both mail-in and in-person renewal options are available for qualifying residents.

Residents must display the permit on their cars to park for more than the designed time restriction. A resident is either the residing owner of record or renter of property located within the Restricted Parking District. A City of Richmond Residential Parking Permit Application must be completed and approved prior to decal issuance. The Department of Public Works verifies residency for both homeowners residing at the property and lease agreements for renters.

The following information and picture identification must be provided:

1. Property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property
2. Renters must provide a valid written lease for property in the restricted parking district, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present

A resident of the district is defined as an owner of record or renter of property in the district and members of their immediate family who reside with the owner or renter at the address in the district:

1. Who are licensed drivers, and
2. Whose domicile is the address for which they are seeking to obtain the parking permit

Property owners and renters are required to comply with the residency requirements and the motor vehicle registration requirements of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Decals and applications are also available at City Hall, Room 102, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 804-646-5700 if you have any questions.

For more information on Public Works, please visit us online at https://www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW‐related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.

RICHMOND, Va. – The City of Richmond Department of Public Works will be working at the intersection of Ladies Mile Road and North Avenue to remove traffic signal poles.

In an effort to keep the appropriate level of traffic control at the intersection of Ladies Mile Road and North Avenue for the safety of all users regardless of age and ability, the Department will also be installing all-way stop controls.

Beginning Monday, July 31, 2023, motorists and pedestrians at this intersection will notice the following:

• The traffic control signals will be switched to an “all red” flash pattern.  New stop signs will be installed at the same time on all approaches.
• After a week, the traffic signal poles will be removed. The Department expects this work to begin the week of 8/7/2023, depending on the weather. After the poles are safely removed,  the all-way stop control will govern all users at the intersection.

Please give our construction workers extra space and slow down when you see orange cones in the work zones.

For more information about Public Works, please visit www.rva.gov/public‐works or email askpublicworks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW‐related projects, activities, and events, visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA.

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.

~ The system will provide people with advanced warning of flooded roadways ~

RICHMOND, Va.  – The City of Richmond Department of Public Works, in collaboration with the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, recently installed two High Water Detection Systems in the City. The systems are located on Magnolia Avenue between Rady Street and Magnolia Road, and on Bainbridge Street between 20th and 21st streets. These state-of-the-art public safety warning systems are the first of its kind to be used in the region. This system uses a sensor to detect rising water and software to continuously monitor flooding conditions in the area.

Once triggered, these advance warning stations will activate flashing beacons, message signs, and automatic road barrier gates. It will advise motorists of flooded roadways ahead and will encourage them to turn around and stay off the road.

It takes only 18 inches of rushing water to carry away most vehicles, including pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Benefits of the system in these areas include:

• Improving drivers’ compliance with warnings to turn around and avoid loss of life and property
• Eliminating calls to E-911 call center and first responders for emergency assistance to rescue people during inclement weather
• Eliminating calls to first responders to manually barricade the site during inclement weather

The total cost of the project was approximately $500,000.

Tips for Driving in Storms:

• Monitor the news for weather related information. If there is a flash flood watch or warning in effect, stay off the roads.
• Avoid areas that are already flooded and do not attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Remember the phrase, “Turn Around Don't Drown”
• Recognize flood-prone areas such as low water crossings, dips and ditches and do not attempt to cross if flooding is possible.
• Be cautious when driving at night or in unfamiliar areas when it is harder to recognize flood dangers

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.

RICHMOND, Va.  – The City of Richmond Department of Public Works welcomes Michael Webb as the City’s first Urban Forester. Michael will work with the community and stakeholders to develop the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan. In addition to helping to create policies, practices and procedures, the master plan will:

• Increase community engagement and public awareness
• Provide better transparency
• Provide maintenance that focuses on preventive measures geared toward extending the lives of trees
• Provide an equity-based approach to tree maintenance, planting, and removal
• Increase the number of trees planted in underserved communities
• Increase the overall canopy in the city

Michael is a Virginia native with a degree in Urban Forestry from Virginia Tech. He is an ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. He’s eager to share his passion and expertise for trees with the Richmond community and the City is excited to have him join our team!

For more information on the Department of Public Works, please go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.