CRS Program

The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions, meeting the three goals of the CRS:

  • Reduce flood damage to insurable property
  • Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP
  • Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management with measurable progress as reflected in our annual report

Community Class & Premium Reduction

The premium reduction is in the form of a CRS Class, similar to the classifications used for fire insurance. A Class 1 provides a 45% premium reduction. A Class 10 provides no reduction.

The CRS Class is based on the floodplain management activities a community implements. The more activities implemented, the better the CRS class. View the Floodplain Management Plan's Progress Report- October 2011 to September 2012 (PDF).

Benefits for Residents

  • Residents living in communities participating in the CRS get flood premium discounts
  • The activities credited by the CRS provide direct benefits to the residents of that community, including:
    • Enhanced public safety
    • Reduction in damage to property and public infrastructure
    • Avoidance of economic disruption and losses
    • Reduction of human suffering
    • Protection of the environment

Flood Risk in Pasadena

Pasadena is a coastal City that is affected by storm surge along its Galveston Bay coastline and riverine flooding from five bayous. The last major storm surge was from Hurricane Ike in 2008 and highest levels of flooding across the City were from Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. Heavy rain rate storms produce most of the flood damage. Coastal flooding caused by tropical storms, hurricanes and unusually high tides combined with strong westerly or northwesterly winds also poses a continuing threat to the City. The flat topography of our region is another contributor to flooding, since the flow takes longer time to go through bayous and channels to leave the City.

The City of Pasadena is concerned about repetitive flooding and has an active program to help you protect yourself and your property from future flooding. We are seeking funding support to construct reservoirs upstream of your area and to make improvements that will increase the downstream floodwater carrying capacity.