PALM COAST, Fla. – Concerns about flooding are growing for some residents in Palm Coast as a storm system is expected to reach Central Florida this weekend.
Terry Ventrelli is one of several homeowners who have told News 6 their properties are flooding after new construction was built on higher ground around them.
She said the problem began in 2020 when her neighbor’s home was built next door and more water started coming into her backyard after land was cleared for two homes behind her property.
“It concerns me, because I don’t want to see water intrusion into the walls or into the foundation, because that’s when you start getting problems with mold,” Ventrelli said.
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With the possibility of heavy rain this weekend, Ventrelli said she’s taking steps to keep water out of her home.
“I’m going to have to put major towels down in the lanai to make sure I have something to absorb the water,” she said. “My concern is that it could potentially be seeping under the foundation as well.”
City officials confirmed to News 6 that its technical manual states finished floor elevations must be a minimum of 12 inches above the crown of the road, but there is no maximum requirement, so the builders aren’t doing anything wrong.
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Brittany Kershaw, director of communications and marketing for the City of Palm Coast, said the city has established a task force to investigate the issue.
This week, officials said they’re looking at changing the rules so builders can’t construct a house more than 10 inches higher than the home next door.
Ventrelli said the news from the city is encouraging, but hopes more will be done to correct the problem.
“They’ve got to cease and desist with new construction. Everything that’s being done right now,” she said. “They’ve got to figure this out before they create a problem for more people.”
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