Springfield Chamber Submits Public Comment to City on Proposed Amendments to Development Code

The Springfield Chamber is tracking the City of Springfield’s proposed amendments to the Development Code, which aim to comply with the Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM) required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These amendments—driven by FEMA’s mandate to adopt strict “no net loss” regulations in floodplain areas—carry significant implications for economic growth, housing development, and infrastructure projects in Springfield.

Springfield Chamber’s Position and Recent Testimony
The Chamber has formally opposed the adoption of FEMA’s Model Ordinance, which would impose broad and burdensome restrictions on development within the 100-year floodplain. Their concerns center on how this regulatory approach will affect two key development areas—North Gateway and Glenwood—both of which have been identified as priority growth zones for Springfield.

On March 4th, the Chamber testified before the Springfield Planning Commission, urging decision-makers to consider the significant economic consequences of adopting the Model Ordinance. While recognizing the need for responsible floodplain management and environmental stewardship, they emphasized that the current proposal goes too far in restricting development, creating unnecessary hurdles for housing, job growth, and commercial investment.

The Broader Impact
The ordinance, as written, would slow down or stall major development projects by requiring detailed Floodplain Habitat Assessments for every new project within the designated floodplain. This could lead to increased costs, delays, and uncertainty for businesses and developers—ultimately hindering Springfield’s ability to meet housing demands and economic development goals.

The Springfield Chamber is not alone in these concerns. Last year, Governor Kotek submitted an appeal to FEMA, expressing reservations about the impact of these measures.

What’s Next?
Following the March 4th Springfield Planning Commission meeting, the Commission unanimously voted to continue the hearing, leaving the public record open through April 1st to allow for further review and public input. Several key developments emerged from the meeting that will shape the next steps in this process:

• Further Impact Analysis: City staff will return with additional information on how the proposed FEMA Model Ordinance and other PICM options would affect both residential and commercial buildable lands in Springfield.
• Exploring an Alternative: In response to concerns raised, staff will draft a “permit-by-permit” option for consideration, providing an alternative to the broader Model Ordinance approach.
• Addressing Implementation Concerns: Staff will respond to concerns about whether a “temporary” PICM code adoption could lead to permanent regulatory changes, ensuring clarity on long-term impacts.

Additionally, broader state and legal developments may influence Springfield’s decision-making:

• Awaiting Court Decision: A pending lawsuit filed by Oregonians for Flood Protection, a coalition of cities and stakeholders, is currently being reviewed. A preliminary injunction order that could pause PICM implementation is expected the week of March 10th.
• State vs. Federal Conflict: The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has taken a “No” position on the PICM mandate, putting the state at odds with federal authorities.
• Governor’s Appeal to FEMA: While Governor Kotek previously expressed concerns about the impacts of PICM, FEMA has responded by reaffirming that failure to adopt a compliance measure could put cities at risk of losing access to federal flood insurance coverage.

The Chamber will continue to monitor this issue and advocate for a balanced approach that protects economic growth, housing development, and floodplain management goals. The Chamber encourages members to stay engaged and share their perspectives before the April 1st public comment deadline.

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a trusted convener and provider of business resources. They recognize the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provide an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. They advocate for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members. Learn more about the Chamber’s Business Advocacy work.