CEDAR FALLS - Dealing with the flood of 2008 is a learn-as-you-go type of event for the Cedar Falls City Council.

The council's policy for allowing temporary trailers on personal lots is a prime example. On Monday the council approved two more trailers to be used on people's lots, applying a new standard that has undergone subtle changes as it was developed.

City ordinances prohibited placing Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers on private lots until a modification was made earlier this month. Along with that first modification, the city approved six trailers, as long as they met a list of requirements, including locating the trailers above the 100-year flood plain and receiving approval from property owners within 330 feet of the trailer. On Monday, the council adjusted the ordinance again as the 330-foot rule proved to be unwieldy.

"The modified ordinance will require only notifying the abutting property owners," said city planner Marty Ryan.

Problems with elevation in one case prevented approval of a trailer. In the other unsuccessful application, the property owner had stated a desire to wait for a flood buyout and did not intend to rebuild the home. The city ordinance states trailers should be located on properties that are being repaired or rebuilt.

Ryan said the city council would be able to make an exception for those who don't plan to rebuild, but the property owner would have to show that no other suitable location existed to locate a trailer and no other suitable housing options.

"It opens the door a bit, but they would still have to provide evidence that there are no other options at all," Ryan said.

The Monday meeting was a special meeting of the city council. The council normally meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, but have been meeting every Monday since June to deal with flood issues. The council no longer plans to meet every Monday, but may call special sessions to address specific issues.

"It seems that from six weeks ago issues have slowed down," said councilman Frank Darrah.

Contact Jon Ericson at (319) 291-1402 or Jonathan.Ericson@wcfcourier.com