Lansdale Council Approves Floodplain Map Change for Fifth Street Townhouse Project

The update will allow a developer to proceed with plans for a 73-unit townhouse complex in the borough.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:19am

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a collection of sleek, geometric objects arranged on a plain background, symbolizing the abstract themes of urban renewal, flood control, and community needs.A conceptual still life representing the complex balance of urban redevelopment, flood risk mitigation, and community infrastructure.

Lansdale's borough council has unanimously voted to approve an updated floodplain map for a proposed townhouse development near the intersection of Valley Forge Road and Fifth Street. The developer, W.B. Homes, needs the map revision to move forward with plans for a 73-unit townhouse complex on the site of an existing steel fabrication and self-storage facility. The updated floodplain map, based on a detailed survey and analysis, will accurately reflect the area's flood risks and allow the developer to implement stormwater management controls to benefit the surrounding neighborhood.

Why it matters

This project represents an opportunity to redevelop an underutilized site in Lansdale while also addressing longstanding flooding issues in the area. By updating the floodplain map and implementing modern stormwater management, the development could help mitigate basement flooding that has plagued nearby residents during heavy rain events.

The details

The proposed townhouse complex would be built on the site of an existing steel fabrication and self-storage facility. A stone-walled channel runs through the property, carrying stormwater that discharges from a borough storm tunnel. The developer needs to update the floodplain map, which was previously adopted by the borough, in order to accurately reflect the site's flood risks based on a detailed survey and analysis. This process requires approval from both FEMA and the local municipality. The developer has stated that the updated map will not substantially change the amount of designated floodplain, but will provide a more accurate representation. Additionally, the new development will be required to implement stormwater management controls that will detain and slowly release water, providing an improvement over the current fully impervious site conditions.

  • In mid-March 2026, Lansdale's borough council voted unanimously to back the floodplain map update needed for the townhouse project to proceed.
  • On March 18, 2026, the developer presented the council with the request to submit the updated floodplain map to FEMA for approval.

The players

Chris Canavan

President of local developer W.B. Homes, the company proposing the townhouse project.

Rafia Razzak

Chairwoman of Lansdale's code committee, who raised concerns about the project's potential impact on nearby residents' flooding issues.

BJ Breish

Lansdale borough councilman, who asked about potential unintended consequences of the floodplain map update for neighboring property owners.

Garry Herbert

Lansdale borough councilman, who inquired about the stormwater management standards the project would be required to meet.

Meg Currie Teoh

President of Lansdale's borough council, who presided over the vote to authorize the floodplain map update.

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What they’re saying

“We believe this is an accurate representation of where it will be.”

— Chris Canavan, President, W.B. Homes

“It's not fun, when your basement gets flooded with literally ten minutes of rain.”

— Rafia Razzak, Chairwoman, Lansdale Code Committee

“If the floodplain gets rezoned, and it has a negative insurance impact, or something like that, on a neighboring property? Can you confirm that will not happen?”

— BJ Breish, Lansdale Borough Councilman

What’s next

The developer will now submit the updated floodplain map to FEMA for approval, and then resubmit revised plans for the townhouse project to Lansdale's planning commission and code committee for further review, likely in April or May 2026.

The takeaway

This project represents an opportunity to redevelop an underutilized site in Lansdale while also addressing longstanding flooding issues in the area. By updating the floodplain map and implementing modern stormwater management controls, the development could help mitigate basement flooding that has plagued nearby residents during heavy rain events.