Continuing its proactive measures to protect local properties from severe weather and flooding, the Foley City Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance strengthening the city’s flood-prevention regulations. A second reading and final vote are scheduled for November 2026.
The updated regulations establish clearer development standards, including a new 150-foot floodway buffer requiring developments within that zone to meet the nearest elevation requirements. Additionally, the measure permits stem walls in Coastal AE Flood Zones to align with adopted residential building codes, renames the existing measure to the Foley Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to match FEMA national standards, and transitions the appeal process for property owners to the Foley Construction Board of Appeals.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich emphasized that recent heavy rainfall—such as two inches falling in 20 minutes on October 4, 2026—demonstrated the effectiveness of ongoing maintenance, including cleared drainage ditches and upstream improvements that kept residential areas safe. City officials note these commonsense updates will simplify development guidelines while safeguarding homes and businesses against future storm impacts.
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