This section applies to actions taken to reduce flood damage or hazards in shoreline jurisdiction as well as uses, development and shoreline modifications proposed in flood hazard areas. As used by the SMP, “flood hazard management measures” include shoreline modifications that directly control the location of floodwaters, while “shoreline stabilization measures” act to prevent the erosion of land from currents and waves—a more indirect control of the location of flood and nonflood water. Shoreline stabilization measures are addressed in Article 6, Shoreline Modification Policies and Regulations.

Measures to reduce flood hazards may consist of nonstructural measures, such as shoreline buffers, land use controls, wetland restoration, dike removal, use relocation, biotechnical measures and stormwater management programs, and structural measures, such as dikes, levees, revetments, floodwalls, dams, channel realignment and elevation of structures consistent with the National Flood Insurance Program.

The city currently implements flood hazard management through the following: