FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION

The City of Marathon provides several services to help residents and business owners with information about flood hazards.

FLOOD HAZARD

The coastal areas and the many canals in the City of Marathon make properties located near these areas prone to flooding.

The Building Department, at 9805 Overseas Highway (289-4113), can assist you concerning information about Special Flood hazard areas.

FLOOD INFORMATION

The Building Department can assist you in locating your property on the Firm Maps located in the lobby of City Hall.  The department is beginning to acquire and maintain elevation certificates for properties that have been substantially improved or constructed in the City of Marathon.  

FLOOD SAFETY

It takes only six (6) inches of moving water to knock a person down causing injury and possibly death.  In order to protect your property and human lives, the following steps should be taken:

1.     Have an evacuation plan.  Have two weeks worth of medication, food and water.

2.     The elderly, disabled or persons with special needs should register with

3.     Trees should be trimmed regularly, prior to hurricane in preparation for possible flooding.

4.     Doors, windows or any building openings should be secured.

5.     Driving through flooded areas should be avoided; power lines may be down.

6.     Be alert to gas leaks. Candles and any other type of open flames should be carefully monitored.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Homeowner insurance does not cover flood damage; a flood insurance policy is required.  The following steps should be taken in regards to flood insurance: 

1.   Check your policy to make sure that your property and personal possessions are covered under the policy.

2.   Photograph and list your possessions for claim purposes; store the information with your policy in a safe place.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS/ PROTECTION MEASURES

Before you build, alter, re-grade or put fill on your property, you need to check with the Building Department and/or the Planning Department.  Permits are required to ensure that all of the work is properly done and to avoid further problems.  Failure to obtain permits can result in an unsafe building, a fine and possible court action.

While recent improvements in construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flood damage, there are a significant number of existing homes that are susceptible to flood losses.  These losses can be minimized through some of the temporary and permanent retrofitting techniques.  Information on these techniques can be obtained from the Building Department. 

SUBSTANTIALDAMAGE/IMPROVEMENT 50% RULE

The following definitions should assist you in determining if you fall under the 50% rule as defined in Ordinance 2005-04:

Substantial Damage means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.  Damage of any origin includes but is not limited to demolition in preparation for improvements, deterioration due to lack of maintenance and repair and exposure to the elements and damage by acts of God.

Substantial Improvement means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure either (1) before the improvements or repair is started, or (2) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occured.  This term includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage", regardless of the actual work performed.

In cases where the permit applicant questions the assessed depreciated value of a structure, an adjustment may be made. However, the burden of proof is upon the applicant who may submit an independent appraisal by a qualified appraiser in support thereof.