Some Newbury Park residents could soon find their homes are in a designated flood plain, while other homeowners may find they no longer live on a site labeled as prone to flooding.

The Thousand Oaks City Council will consider an updated flood plain ordinance at its next meeting as a result of more accurate, satellite-generated flood zone digital maps created by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Thousand Oaks public works director Mark Watkins said.

Those in a flood plain area are required by mortgage companies to have flood insurance. If the city adapts FEMA flood maps and adjusts the city’s flood plain program to match the federal plan, Newbury Park residents in flood plains would be eligible for federal flood insurance.

The flood plain area affects about 100 homes near Michael and Wendy drives.

The government insurance plan is expected to be less expensive than private insurance policies, Watkins said.

“Ever since Hurricane Katrina, the federal government has been updating flood maps and looking at potential flood areas,” Watkins said. In Simi Valley and surrounding cities, local authorities are struggling to get levees certified. They’re also updating flood plain maps. Fortunately, Watkins said, Thousand Oaks doesn’t have a levee problem.

Flooding in Newbury Park would be shallow, he said.

The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tues., Nov. 17 in the City Council chambers at the Scherr Forum Theatre, City Hall, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. For more information, contact the public works department at (805) 449-2400.

—Nancy Needham