In 1981, Hermitage adopted land development and building requirements for flood-prone areas of the City (“floodplains”), as defined by the National Flood Insurance Study and Maps, created by FEMA. By adopting these regulations, the City complies with the National Flood Insurance Program, and property owners or renters in the City are therefore eligible to purchase flood insurance. These regulations limit or control new development within flood-prone areas near designated streams and rivers, in order to protect persons and property from flood damage.