Fairfield Resolves FEMA Compliance Issue at Penfield Pavilion: Officials

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield has resolved a Federal Emergency Management Agency compliance issue involving Penfield Pavilion, allowing the town to remain in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System.

The compliance issue stemmed from the reconstruction of Penfield Pavilion after it sustained severe damage during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. In 2017, FEMA notified the town that the rebuilt pavilion did not comply with federal floodplain management regulations.

According to the town, the pavilion's concrete foundation grade beams were constructed above the natural grade and below the base flood elevation, resulting in noncompliance with FEMA's minimum floodplain management standards.

The town submitted two appeals, both of which FEMA denied before issuing a Notice of Violation. Town officials said they then worked with FEMA and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to bring the pavilion into compliance.

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FEMA has since removed the violation, allowing Fairfield to retain its standing in both the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System.

"The Penfield Pavilion has long been a center for community life and as the heart of Penfield Beach is part of many Fairfield residents' memories and celebrations," First Selectperson Christine Vitale said in a statement. "The Town committed time and resources to ensure we were in compliance with FEMA's regulations and able to preserve our beloved Fairfield landmark for generations to come."

Vitale added that continued participation in FEMA's Community Rating System was important because it provides reduced flood insurance premiums for residents in communities that exceed federal floodplain management standards.

"We'd like to thank FEMA and CT DEEP for recognizing the Town's efforts in bringing this matter to a resolution," she said.

Capital Projects Manager Eli Ghazal said the resolution followed a lot of hard work and implementation.

"This outcome reflects years of planning, technical evaluation, and successful implementation to meet state and federal requirements," Ghazal said. "We are pleased that our corrective actions have met FEMA's standards, allowing Fairfielders to continue to enjoy Penfield Pavilion. Our successful collaboration with our state and federal partners was critical for Fairfield as a coastal municipality to meet floodplain compliance."