FAQs
What is a 100-year flood?
A 100-year flood is a flood event that has a 1 in 100 (1%) probability of occurring or exceeding in any given year. In Minnetonka, based on Atlas-14 precipitation data, this is a 7.4” rainfall event in 24 hours. This does not mean that it is a flood event that will happen once every 100 years.
Why is the floodplain map changing?
The city’s floodplain maps were last updated in 1999. Since then, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) published updated and more accurate precipitation for our area. The maps are being updated for this more accurate precipitation data, as well as incorporating infrastructure and land use updates completed since then.
How will this affect my property?
No changes are being made to your property and no actions are necessary at this time for residents. These floodplains maps are a tool for residents to use to better understand flood risk and may impact redevelopment of property adjacent to floodplains.
What's being done to prevent flooding in my neighborhood?
As Public Works and Engineering work to maintain and improve public infrastructure in your neighborhood, we take variables into account like flooding potential. As we work on projects, we design infrastructure to minimize the impacts of flooding.
Am I eligible to purchase flood insurance?
Yes. All residents of Minnetonka are eligible to purchase flood insurance, even renters and owners of non-residential buildings, because the City of Minnetonka participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by FEMA.
See our “Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know” Fact sheet for more information. Visit the NFIP website for more information on purchasing flood insurance: FloodSmart.gov.