ORDINANCE NO. 230932
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Sponsor: Director of City Planning and Development Department
Repealing Chapter 28, Code of Ordinances, Floodplain Management, and enacting in lieu thereof a new chapter of like number and subject matter.
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WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) has published updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (“Maps”) that identify locations in the City at risk of flooding and inform City regulations of development in such identified areas; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to 44 CFR § 60.3(d), FEMA has prescribed ordinance language to comply with federal requirements that sets forth minimum performance standards for new construction or substantially improved structures in special flood hazard areas that the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (MoSEMA) has also approved and promulgated; and
WHEREAS, passage of this ordinance will meet FEMA’s requirement that the Maps be adopted by effective date of December 7, 2023, for the City to continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 28, Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby amended by repealing Chapter 28 and enacting in lieu thereof a new chapter, to read as follows:
ARTICLE I.
CHARTER AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, AND PURPOSES
Sec. 28-1. Charter authorization.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the city by section 102 of its Charter, adopted under section l9(a) of the Missouri Constitution. Therefore, the City Council ordains as follows:
Sec. 28-2. Findings of fact.
(a) Flood Losses Resulting from Periodic Inundation. The special flood hazard areas of the City are subject to inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base; all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare.
(b) General Causes of the Flood Losses. These flood losses are caused by:
(1) the cumulative effect of development in any delineated floodplain causing increases in flood heights and velocities; and
(2) the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods, hazardous to others, inadequately elevated, or otherwise unprotected from flood damages.
(c) Methods Used To Analyze Flood Hazards. The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) that is the basis of this chapter uses a standard engineering method of analyzing flood hazards, which consist of a series of interrelated steps.
(1) Selection of a base flood that is based upon engineering calculations, which permit a consideration of such flood factors as its expected frequency of occurrence, the area inundated, and the depth of inundation. The base flood selected for this chapter is representative of large floods, which are characteristic of what can be expected to occur on the particular streams subject to this chapter. The base flood is the flood that is estimated to have a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year as delineated on the Federal Insurance Administrator’s FIS, and illustrative materials for Jackson County, dated December 7, 2023, as amended, and any future revisions thereto.
(2) Calculation of water surface profiles are based on a standard hydraulic engineering analysis of the capacity of the stream channel and overbank areas to convey the regulatory flood.
(3) Computation of a floodway required to convey this flood without increasing flood heights more than one (1) foot at any point.
(4) Delineation of floodway encroachment lines within which no development is permitted that would cause any increase in flood height.
(5) Delineation of flood fringe, i.e., that area outside the floodway encroachment lines, but still subject to inundation by the base flood.
Section 28-3. Statement of purpose.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the public; to minimize those losses described in section 28-2(b); to establish or maintain the City’s eligibility for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as defined in 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 59.22(a)(3); and to meet the requirements of 44 CFR § 60.3(d) by applying the provisions of this chapter to:
(1) Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flooding or cause undue increases in flood heights or velocities;
(2) Require uses vulnerable to floods, including public facilities that serve such uses, be provided with flood protection at the time of initial construction; and
(3) Protect individuals from buying lands that are unsuited for the intended development purposes due to the flood hazard.
Secs. 28-4-28-10. Reserved.
ARTICLE II.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 28-11. Lands to which chapter applies.
This chapter shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of the City, identified as numbered and unnumbered A zones, AE, AO, and AH zones, on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel numbers 29095C0010G, 29095C0017G, 29095C0020G, 29095C0030G, 29095C0034G, 29095C0035G, 29095C0038G, 29095C0039G, 29095C0040G, 29095C0041G, 29095C0042G, 29095C0043G, 29095C0044G, 29095C0053G, 29095C0054G, 29095C0058G, 29095C0059G, 29095C0061G, 29095C0062G, 29095C0063G, 29095C0064G, 29095C0066G, 29095C0067G, 29095C0068G, 29095C0069G, 29095C0080G, 29095C0086G, 29095C0087G, 29095C0088G, 29095C0089G, 29095C0095G, 29095C0101G, 29095C0102G, 29095C0106G, 29095C0107G, 29095C0108G, 29095C0109G, 29095C0126G, 29095C0127G, 29095C0128G, 29095C0129G, 29095C0131G, 29095C0132G, 29095C0133G, 29095C0134G, 29095C0136G, 29095C0137G, 29095C0138G, 29095C0139G, 29095C0141G, 29095C0142G, 29095C0151G, 29095C0152G, 29095C0153G, 29095C0154G, 29095C0158G, 29095C0161G, 29095C0162G, 29095C0166G, 29095C0167G, 29095C0168G, 29095C0251G, 29095C0253G, 29095C0254G, 29095C0258G, 29095C0259G, 29095C0261G, 29095C0262G, 29095C0263G, 29095C0264G, 29095C0266G, 29095C0267G, 29095C0268G, 29095C0269G, 29095C0278G, 29095C0279G, 29095C0286G, 29095C0287G, 29095C0288G, 29095C0289G, 29095C0291G, 29095C0292G, 29095C0293G, 29095C0294G, 29095C0376G, 29095C0377G, 29095C0378G, 29095C0379G, 29095C0381G, 29095C0382G, 29095C0383G, 29095C0384G, 29095C0386G, 29095C0387G, 29095C0388G, 29095C0389G, 29095C0391G, 29095C0392G, 29095C0395G, 29095C0401G, 29095C0402G, 29095C0403G, 29095C0404G, 29095C0406G, 29095C0407G, 29095C0408G, 29095C0409G, 29095C0411G, 29095C0412G, 29095C0413G, 29095C0501G, 29095C0502G, 29095C0504G, 29095C0507G, 29095C0510G, 29095C0526G, 29095C0530G, 29095C0531G, 29095C0535G dated January 20, 2017 and on the FIRM panel numbers 29095C0143H, 29095C0144H, 29095C0163H, 29095C0164H, 29095C0252H, 29095C0256H, 29095C0257H, 29095C0276H, 29095C0277H, dated December 7, 2023 as amended, and any future revisions thereto. In all areas covered by this chapter, no development shall be permitted except through the issuance of a floodplain development permit, granted by the City Council or its duly designated representative under such safeguards and restrictions as the City Council or the designated representative may reasonably impose for the promotion and maintenance of the general welfare, health of the inhabitants of the City, and as specifically noted in Article IV.
Sec. 28-12. Reserved.
Sec. 28-13. Compliance.
No development located within the special flood hazard areas of the City shall be located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.
Sec. 28-14. Abrogation and greater restrictions.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this chapter are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
Sec. 28-15. Interpretation.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements, shall be liberally construed in favor of the City, and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by state statutes.
Sec. 28-16. Warning and disclaimer of liability.
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on engineering and scientific methods of study. Larger floods may occur on rare occasions or the flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter does not imply that areas outside the floodway and flood fringe or land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damage. This chapter shall not create a liability on the part of the City, any officer or employee thereof, for any flood damages that may result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
Sec. 28-17. Severability.
If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this chapter is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of appropriate jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter shall not be affected thereby.
Secs. 28-18-28-30. Reserved.
ARTICLE III.
ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 28-31. Floodplain development permit required.
(a) A floodplain development permit shall be required for all proposed construction or other development, including the placement of manufactured homes, in the areas described in section 28-11. No person, firm, corporation, or unit of government shall initiate any development or substantial-improvement or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate floodplain development permit for each structure or other development.
(b) The floodplain development permit shall not supplant any other permit as elsewhere required.
(c) Any development or substantial improvement made within any area designated as a special flood hazard area without a floodplain development permit shall be in violation of this chapter.
Sec. 28-32. Designation of floodplain administrator.
The building official is hereby designated as floodplain administrator to administer and implement the provisions of this chapter.
Sec. 28-33. Duties and responsibilities of floodplain administrator.
Duties of the floodplain administrator shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Review of all applications for floodplain development permits to assure that sites are reasonably safe from flooding and that the floodplain development permit requirements of this chapter have been satisfied;
(2) Review of all applications for floodplain development permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been obtained from federal, state, or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required by federal, state, or local law;
(3) Review all subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including manufactured home parks or subdivisions, to determine whether such proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding;
(4) Issue floodplain development permits for all approved applications;
(5) Notify adjacent communities and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (MoSEMA) prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
(6) Assure that the flood carrying capacity is not diminished and shall be maintained within the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse;
(7) Verify and maintain a record of the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor, including basement, of all new or substantially improved structures, by requiring the submittal of a FEMA Elevation Certificate for each structure for which a Floodplain Development Permit has been issued;
(8) Verify and maintain a record of the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) that the new or substantially improved non-residential structures have been floodproofed, by requiring the submittal of a FEMA Elevation Certificate for each structure for which a Floodplain Development Permit has been issued; and
(9) When floodproofing techniques are utilized for a particular non-residential structure, the floodplain administrator shall require certification from a Missouri registered professional engineer or architect.
Sec. 28-34. Application for floodplain development permit.
To obtain a floodplain development permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished for that purpose. Every floodplain development permit application shall:
(1) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by lot, block and tract, house and street address, or similar description that will readily identify and specifically locate the proposed structure or work;
(2) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the floodplain development permit;
(3) Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended;
(4) Indicate the fair market value of the structure and the fair market value of the improvement;
(5) Specify whether development is located in designated flood fringe or floodway;
(6) Identify the existing base flood elevation and the elevation of the proposed development;
(7) Give such other information as reasonably may be required by the floodplain administrator;
(8) Be accompanied by plans and specifications for proposed construction; and
(9) Be signed by the permittee or his authorized agent who may be required to submit evidence to indicate such authority.
Sec. 28-35. Submission of as-constructed plans.
(a) Upon completion of the authorized development, including a substantial improvement, a plan shall be submitted to the floodplain administrator by a professional engineer or architect for review. The plan shall be reproducible and sealed as "as-constructed plan."
(b) The as-constructed plan shall be accompanied by a completed FEMA elevation certificate or floodproofing certificate, as applicable.
(c) If the as-constructed plan and certificate are in conformance with the approved plan and floodplain development permit, the floodplain administrator shall certify them as approved.
(d) If the as-constructed plan and certificate are not in conformance with the approved plan and floodplain development permit, the floodplain administrator shall give written notice to the permittee of the deficiencies. Such deficiencies shall be corrected within 30 days after the date of written notice. Failure to correct the deficiencies within the stated time shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
Secs. 28-36-28-50. Reserved.
ARTICLE IV.
PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
Sec. 28-51. General standards.
(a) No permit for floodplain development shall be granted for new construction, substantial-improvements, and other improvements, including the placement of manufactured homes, within any numbered or unnumbered A zones, AE, AO, and AH zones, unless the conditions of this section are satisfied.
(b) All areas identified as unnumbered A zones on the FIRM are subject to inundation of the one percent annual chance (aka 100-year) flood; however, the base flood elevation is not provided. Development within unnumbered A zones is subject to all provisions of this chapter. If flood insurance study data is not available, the City shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation or floodway data currently available from federal, state, or other sources.
(c) Until a floodway is designated, no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, including fill, shall be permitted within any numbered A zones or AE zones on the City’s FIRM, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the City.
(d) All new construction, subdivision proposals, substantial-improvements, prefabricated structures, placement of manufactured homes, and other developments shall require:
(1) Design or adequate anchorage to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
(2) Construction with materials resistant to flood damage;
(3) Utilization of methods and practices that minimize flood damages;
(4) All electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service facilities be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding;
(5) New or replacement water supply systems and/or sanitary sewage systems be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters, and on-site waste disposal systems be located so as to avoid impairment or contamination; and
(6) Subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including manufactured home parks or subdivisions, located within special flood hazard areas are required to assure that:
a. All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
b. All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage;
c. Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards; and
d. All proposals for development, including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions, greater than fifty (50) lots or five (5) acres, whichever is lesser, include within such proposals base flood elevation data.
(e) Storage, material, and equipment
(1) The storage or processing of materials within the special flood hazard area that are in time of flooding buoyant, flammable, explosive, or could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(2) Storage of other material or equipment may be allowed if not subject to major damage by floods, if firmly anchored to prevent flotation, or if readily removable from the area within the time available after a flood warning.
(f) Nonconforming Use. A structure, or the use of a structure or premises that was lawful before the passage or amendment of the chapter, but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, may be continued subject to the following conditions:
(1) If such structure, use, or utility service is discontinued for twelve (12) consecutive months, any future use of the building shall conform to this chapter.
(2) If any nonconforming use or structure is destroyed by any means, including flood, it shall not be reconstructed if the cost is more than 50 percent of the pre-damaged market value of the structure. This limitation does not include the cost of any alteration to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, building, safety codes, regulations or the cost of any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Inventory of Historic Places, or local inventory of historic places upon determination.
(g) Accessory Structures. Structures used solely for parking and limited storage purposes, not attached to any other structure on the site, of limited investment value, and not larger than 400 square feet, may be constructed at-grade and wet-floodproofed provided there is no human habitation or occupancy of the structure; the structure is of single-wall design; the accessory structure meets the following floodplain management requirements; and a floodplain development permit has been issued. Wet-floodproofing is only allowed for small low-cost structures.
(h) Hazardous Materials. All hazardous material storage and handling sites shall be located out of the special flood hazard area. Refer to Article XIII for the definition of a Hazardous Material.
(i) Cumulative Improvement. A structure may be improved (remodeled or enlarged) without conforming to current requirements for elevation so long as the cumulative value of all work done within the last five calendar years does not exceed 49 percent of the structure's current market value. If the cumulative value of the improvement exceeds 49 percent of the structure's current market value, the structure must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter for substantial improvements.
(j) Critical Facilities.
(1) All new or substantially improved critical nonresidential facilities including, but not limited, to governmental buildings, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, orphanages, penal institutions, communication centers, water and sewer pumping stations, water and sewer treatment facilities, transportation maintenance facilities, places of public assembly, emergency aviation facilities, and schools shall be elevated above the 500-year flood level or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be floodproofed so that below the 500-year flood level the structure is water tight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator as set forth in the NFIP regulations.
(2) All critical facilities shall have access routes that are above the elevation of the 500-year flood.
(3) No critical facilities shall be constructed in any designated floodway.
(k) Agricultural Structures. Structures used solely for agricultural purposes in connection with the production, harvesting, storage, drying, or raising of agricultural commodities, including the raising of livestock, may be constructed at-grade and wet-floodproofed provided there is no human habitation or occupancy of the structure; the structure is of single-wall design; there is no permanent retail, wholesale, or manufacturing use included in the structure; the structure meets the following floodplain management requirements; and a floodplain development permit has been issued.
Sec. 28-52. Specific standards.
In all areas identified as numbered and unnumbered A zones, AE, and AH zones, where base flood elevation data have been provided, as set forth in section 28-51, the following provisions are required:
(1) Residential Construction. New construction or substantial-improvement of any residential structures, including manufactured homes, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one (1) foot above base flood elevation. The elevation of the lowest floor shall be certified by a Missouri licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect.
(2) Non Residential Construction. New construction or substantial-improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other non-residential structures, including manufactured homes, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one (1) foot above the base flood elevation or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be floodproofed so that below the base flood elevation the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. A Missouri registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator as set forth in section 28-33(9).
(3) Enclosures Below Lowest Floor. Require, for all new construction and substantial-improvements that fully enclosed areas below lowest floor used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement and that are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of flood waters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
a. A minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided; and
b. The bottom of all opening shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.
Sec. 28-53. Manufactured homes.
(a) All manufactured homes to be placed within all unnumbered and numbered A zones, AE, and AH zones, on the City's FIRM shall be required to be installed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage. For the purposes of this requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated and anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors.
(b) Require manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within unnumbered or numbered A zones, AE, and AH zones, on the City's FIRM on sites:
(1) Outside of manufactured home park or subdivision;
(2) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision;
(3) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision; or
(4) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred substantial-damage as the result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated one (1) foot above the base flood elevation and be securely attached to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement. The elevation of the lowest floor shall be certified by a Missouri licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect.
(c) Require that manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision within all unnumbered and numbered A zones, AE and AH zones, on the City's FIRM, that are not subject to the provisions of section 28-54(b), be elevated so that either:
(1) The lowest floor of the manufactured home is at one (1) foot above the base flood level; or
(2) The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than thirty-six (36) inches in height above grade, and be securely attached to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
Sec. 28-54. Areas of shallow flooding (AO and AH zones).
Located within the areas of special flood hazard as described in section 28-11 are areas designated as AO zones. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood depths of one (1) to three (3) feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate. The following provisions apply:
(a) AO Zones
(1) All new construction and substantial-improvements of residential structures, including manufactured homes, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least one (1) foot above the depth number specified in feet on the City's FIRM (at least two (2) feet plus one (1) foot of freeboard if no depth number is specified).
(2) All new construction and substantial-improvements of any commercial, industrial, or other non-residential structures, including manufactured homes, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least one (1) foot above the depth number specified in feet on the City FIRM (at least two feet plus one (1) foot of freeboard if no depth number is specified) or together with attendant utilities and sanitary facilities be completely floodproofed to that so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(3) Adequate drainage paths shall be required around structures on slopes, in order to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
(b) AH Zones. Located within the areas of special flood hazard as described in section 28-11, are areas designated as AH zones. These areas have shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) with average flood depths of one to three feet. The following provisions apply:
(1) The specific standards for all areas of special flood hazard where base flood elevation has been provided shall be required as set forth in section 28-52.
(2) Adequate drainage paths shall be required around structures on slopes, in order to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
Sec. 28-55. Floodway.
Located within areas of special flood hazard established in section 28-11 are areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of flood waters that carry debris and potential projectiles, the following provisions shall apply:
(1) Regulatory floodways adopted or established by this chapter shall be based on the principle that the area chosen for the regulatory floodway must be designed to carry the waters of the base flood without increasing the water surface elevation of that flood more than one (1) foot at any point.
(2) Any encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial- improvements, and other development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the City during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(3) Encroachments within the adopted regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in base flood elevations may be permitted if the City has applied for a conditional FIRM and Floodway revision, fulfilled the requirements of such revisions as established under the provisions of 44 CFR § 65.12, and received the approval of FEMA.
(4) If subsection (2) is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of Article IV.
(5) In unnumbered A zones, the City shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation or floodway data currently available from federal, state, or other sources as set forth in section 28-51(b).
Sec. 28-56. Recreational vehicles.
All recreational vehicles placed on sites within all unnumbered and numbered A zones, AO, AE, and AH zones on the City's FIRM either:
(1) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,
(2) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use*; or
(3) Meet the permitting, elevation, and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes of this chapter and other ordinances of the City.
*A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick-disconnect type utilities and security devices and has no permanently attached additions.
Sec. 28-57-28-70. Reserved.
ARTICLE V.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT VARIANCE PROCEDURES
Sec. 28-71. Establishment of appeal board.
The building and fire code board of appeals as established by the City shall hear and decide appeals from the floodplain management requirements of this chapter.
Sec. 28-72. - Responsibility of appeal board.
Where an application for a floodplain development permit or a request for variance is denied by the floodplain administrator, the applicant may apply for such floodplain development permit or variance directly to the appeal board, as defined in section 28-71.
The appeal board shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the floodplain administrator in the enforcement or administration of this chapter.
Sec. 28-73. Further appeals.
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the appeal board or any taxpayer may appeal such decision to the circuit court as provided in RSMo 89.110.
Sec. 28-74. Floodplain management variance criteria.
In passing upon such applications for variances, the appeal board shall consider all technical data and evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this chapter, and the following criteria:
(1) Danger to life and property due to flood damage;
(2) Danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
(3) Susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(4) Importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the City;
(5) Necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(6) Availability of alternative locations, not subject to flood damage, for the proposed use;
(7) Compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
(8) Relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for that area;
(9) Safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
(10) Expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood waters, if applicable, expected at the site; and
(11) Costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems; streets; and bridges.
Sec. 28-75. Conditions for approving floodplain management variances.
(a) Generally, variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, providing items (b) through (f) below have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
(b) Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Inventory of Historic Places, or local inventory of historic places upon determination provided the proposed activity will not preclude the structure’s continued historic designation and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
(c) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(d) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(e) Variances shall only be issued upon:
(1) a showing of good and sufficient cause;
(2) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and
(3) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(f) The floodplain administrator shall notify the applicant in writing that:
(1) the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25.00 for $100.00 of insurance coverage; and
(2) such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with the record of all variance actions as required by this chapter.
(g) A floodplain administrator shall maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance.
(h) Variances may be issued by a floodplain administrator for new construction and substantial improvements and for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use provided that the criteria of items (a) through (e) of this section are met, and the structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
Sec. 28-76. Conditions for approving variances of accessory structures.
Any permit granted for an accessory structure shall be decided individually based on a case by case analysis of the building's unique circumstances. Permits shall meet the following conditions as well as those criteria and conditions set forth in sections 28-74 and 28-75.
In order to minimize flood damages during the one percent annual chance flood event, also referred to as the 100-year flood and the threat to public health and safety, the following conditions shall be required for any permit issued for accessory structures that are constructed at-grade and wet-floodproofed:
(1) Use of the accessory structures must be solely for parking and limited storage purposes in any special flood hazard area as identified on the City's FIRM.
(2) For any new or substantially damaged accessory structures, the exterior and interior building components and elements (i.e., foundation, wall framing, exterior and interior finishes, flooring, etc.) below the base flood elevation, must be built with flood-resistant materials in accordance with section 28-51(d)(2).
(3) The accessory structures must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure in accordance with section 28-51(d)(1). All of the building's structural components must be capable of resisting specific flood-related forces including hydrostatic, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic and debris impact forces.
(4) Any mechanical, electrical, or other utility equipment must be located above the base flood elevation or floodproofed so that they are contained within a watertight, floodproofed enclosure that is capable of resisting damage during flood conditions in accordance with section 28-51(d)(4).
(5) The accessory structures must meet all NFIP opening requirements. The NFIP requires that enclosure or foundation walls, subject to the one percent annual chance flood event, also referred to as the 100-year flood, contain openings that will permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters in accordance with section 28-52(a)(3).
(6) The accessory structures must comply with the floodplain management floodway encroachment provisions of section 28-54(b). No permits may be issued for accessory structures within any designated floodway, if any increase in flood levels would result during the 100-year flood.
(7) Equipment, machinery, or other contents must be protected from any flood damage.
(8) No disaster relief assistance under any program administered by any federal agency shall be paid for any repair or restoration costs of the accessory structures.
(9) Wet-floodproofing construction techniques must be developed by a registered professional engineer or architect and be submitted for review and approval by the City prior to the issuance of any floodplain development permit for construction.
Sec. 28-77. Conditions for approving variances for agricultural structures.
Any permit granted for an agricultural structure shall be decided individually based on a case by case analysis of the building's unique circumstances.
In order to minimize flood damages during the 100-year flood and the threat to public health and safety, the following conditions shall be included for any permit issued for agricultural structures that are constructed at-grade and wet-floodproofed:
(1) All proposed agricultural structures shall demonstrate that no other alternate location outside of the special flood hazard area exists for the agricultural structure. Residential structures, such as farm houses, cannot be considered agricultural structures.
(2) Use of the structures must be limited to agricultural purposes in any special flood hazard area only as identified on the City's FIRM.
(3) For any new or substantially damaged agricultural structures, the exterior and interior building components and elements (i.e., foundation, wall framing, exterior and interior finishes, flooring, etc.) below the base flood elevation, must be built with flood-resistant materials in accordance with section 28-51(d)(2).
(4) The agricultural structures must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structures in accordance with section 28-51(d)(1). All of the building's structural components must be capable of resisting specific flood-related forces including hydrostatic, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic and debris impact forces.
(5) Any mechanical, electrical, or other utility equipment must be located one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. or floodproofed so that they are contained within a watertight, floodproofed enclosure that is capable of resisting damage during flood conditions in accordance with section 28-51(d)(4). The elevation shall be certified by a licensed land surveyor or professional engineer.
(6) The agricultural structures must meet all NFIP opening requirements. The NFIP requires that enclosure or foundation walls, subject to the one percent annual chance flood event, also referred to as the 100-year flood, contain openings that will permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters in accordance with section 28-52(3).
(7) The agricultural structures must comply with the floodplain management floodway encroachment provisions of section 28-54(b). No permits may be issued for agricultural structures within any designated floodway, if any increase in flood levels would result during the one percent annual chance flood event, also referred to as the 100-year flood.
(8) Major equipment, machinery, or other contents must be protected from any flood damage.
(9) No disaster relief assistance under any program administered by any federal agency shall be paid for any repair or restoration costs of the agricultural structures.
(10) Wet-floodproofing construction techniques must be reviewed and approved by the City. The City may request approval by a registered professional engineer or architect prior to the issuance of any floodplain development permit for construction. Cost for any required professional certification to be paid by the developer.
Secs. 28-78, 28-80. Reserved.
ARTICLE VI.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
Sec. 28-81. Penalties.
(a) Violation of the provisions of this chapter or failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with granting of variances) shall constitute an ordinance violation. Any person, firm, corporation, or other entity that violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000.00, and in addition, shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
(b) A structure or other development without a floodplain development permit or other evidence of compliance is presumed to be in violation until such documentation is provided.
(c) The imposition of such fines or penalties for any violation for non-compliance with this chapter shall not excuse the violation or noncompliance or allow it to continue. All such violations or noncompliant actions shall be remedied within an established and reasonable time.
(d) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City or other appropriate authority from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.
Secs. 28-82-28-90. Reserved
ARTICLE VII.
AMENDMENTS
Sec. 28-91. Reserved.
The regulations, restrictions, and boundaries set forth in this chapter may from time to time be amended, supplemented, changed, or appealed to reflect any and all changes in the National Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, provided, however, that no such action may be taken until after a public hearing in relation thereto, at which parties of interest and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard. Notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City. At least twenty (20) days shall elapse between the date of this publication and the public hearing. A copy of such amendments will be provided to the Region VII office of FEMA. The regulations of this chapter are in compliance with the NFIP regulations.
Secs. 28-92-28-100. Reserved.
ARTICLE VIII.
DEFINITIONS
Sec. 28-101. - Definitions.
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning they have in common usage and to give this chapter its most reasonable application.
"100-year Flood" see "base flood."
"Accessory Structure” means the same as "appurtenant structure."
"Actuarial Rates” see "risk premium rates."
"Administrator" means the Federal Insurance Administrator.
"Agency" means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"Agricultural Commodities" means agricultural products and livestock.
"Agricultural Structure" means any structure used exclusively in connection with the production, harvesting, storage, drying, or raising of agricultural commodities.
"Appeal" means a request for review of the floodplain administrator's interpretation of any provision of this chapter or a request for a variance.
"Appurtenant Structure" means a structure that is on the same parcel of property as the principle structure to be insured and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.
"Area of Special Flood Hazard" is the land in the floodplain within the City subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
"Base Flood" means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
"Base Flood Elevation" means the elevation of the surface of the water during a one percent annual chance flood event.
"Basement" means any area of the structure having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.
"Building" see "structure."
"Community" means any state or area or political subdivision thereof, which has authority to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations for the areas within its jurisdiction.
"Development" means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, levees, levee systems, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.
"Elevated Building" means for insurance purposes, a non-basement building which has its lowest elevated floor raised above ground level by foundation walls, shear walls, posts, piers, pilings, or columns.
"Eligible Community" or "Participating Community" means a community for which the Administrator has authorized the sale of flood insurance under the NFIP.
"Existing Construction" means for the purposes of determining rates, structures for which the "start of construction" commenced before the effective date of the FIRM or before January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date. "Existing construction" may also be referred to as "existing structures."
"Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by the City.
"Expansion to an Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means the preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
“FEMA” means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"Flood" or "Flooding" means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(1) the overflow of inland waters;
(2) the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; and
(3) the collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as flash flood, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding as defined above in item (1).
"Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM)" means an official map of a City on which the Administrator has delineated both special flood hazard areas and the designated regulatory floodway.
“Flood Hazard Map” means the document adopted by the City showing the limits of: (1) the floodplain; (2) the floodway; (3) streets; (4) stream channel; and (5) other geographic features.
"Flood Elevation Determination" means a determination by the Administrator of the water surface elevations of the base flood, that is, the flood level that has a one percent or greater chance of occurrence in any given year.
"Flood Elevation Study" means an examination, evaluation and determination of flood hazards.
"Flood Fringe" means the area outside the floodway encroachment lines, but still subject to inundation by the regulatory flood.
"Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM)" means an official map of the City, issued by the Administrator, where the boundaries of the flood areas having special flood hazards have been designated as (unnumbered or numbered) A zones.
"Flood Insurance Rate Map” or “FIRM" means an official map of the City, on which the Administrator has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the City.
"Flood Insurance Study (FIS)" means an examination, evaluation and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations.
"Floodplain" or "Flood-prone Area" means any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see "flooding").
"Floodplain Management" means the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, and floodplain management regulations.
"Floodplain Management Regulations" means zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as floodplain and grading ordinances) and other applications of police power. The term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof that provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
"Floodproofing" means any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures that reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, or structures and their contents.
"Floodway" or "Regulatory Floodway" means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
"Floodway Encroachment Lines" means the lines marking the limits of floodways on federal, state and local floodplain maps.
"Freeboard" means a factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management. "Freeboard" tends to compensate for the many unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood and floodway conditions, such as bridge openings and the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.
"Functionally Dependent Use" means a use that cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. This term includes only docking facilities and facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.
"Hazardous Materials" means substances or materials, which because of their chemical, physical, or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life, health, or property if they are released. A “release” may occur by spilling, leaking, emitting toxic vapors, or any other process that enables the material to escape its container, enter the environment, and create a potential hazard. Hazards are classified in many different ways. The following introduces several common terms:
(1) Explosive substances release pressure, gas, and heat suddenly when they are subjected to shock, heat, or high pressure. Fourth of July celebrations use many types of explosive substances that require careful storage and handling to avoid injury.
(2) Flammable and combustible substances are easy to ignite. Paint thinners, charcoal lighter fluid, and silver polish are all highly flammable. Oxidizers, which will lend oxygen readily to support a fire, and reactive materials, which are unstable and may react violently if mishandled, pose related hazards.
(3) Poisons (or toxic materials) can cause injury or death when they enter the bodies of living things. Such substances can be classified by chemical nature (for example, heavy metals and cyanides) or by toxic action (such as irritants, which inflame living tissue, and corrosives, which destroy or irreversibly change it). One special group of poisons includes etiological (biological) agents. These are live microorganisms, or toxins produced by these microorganisms, that are capable of producing a disease.
(4) Radioactive materials are a category of hazardous materials that release harmful radiation. They are not addressed specifically in this course.
(5) These categories are not mutually exclusive. For example, acids and bases are listed as corrosive materials, but can also act as poisons.
"Highest Adjacent Grade" means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
"Historic Structure" means any structure that is (a) listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register; (b) certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; (c) individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or (d) individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either (1) by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or (2) directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
"Lowest Floor" means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including basement. An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage, in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable floodproofing design requirements of this chapter.
"Manufactured Home" means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include a "recreational vehicle."
"Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
"Map" means the Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM), Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) for the City issued by FEMA.
"Market Value" or "Fair Market Value" means an estimate of what is fair, economic, just and equitable value under normal local market conditions.
"Mean Sea Level" means, for purposes of the NFIP, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum, to which base flood elevations shown on a community's FIRM are referenced.
"New Construction" means, for the purposes of determining insurance rates, structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of an initial FIRM or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. For floodplain management purposes, "new construction" means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by the City and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
"New Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lot on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by the City.
"NFIP" means the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
“Numbered A Zone” means a special flood hazard area where the Flood Insurance Rate Map shows the Base Flood Elevation.
"One Percent Annual Chance Flood" see "base flood."
"Participating Community" also known as an "eligible community," means a community in which the Administrator has authorized the sale of flood insurance.
"Person" includes any individual or group of individuals, corporation, partnership, association, or any other entity, including federal, state, and local governments and agencies.
“Permit” means a signed document from a designated City official authorizing development in a floodplain, including all necessary supporting documentation such as: (1) the site plan; (2) an elevation certificate; and (3) any other necessary or applicable approvals or authorizations from local, state or federal authorities.
"Principally Above Ground" means that at least 51 percent of the actual cash value of the structure, less land value, is above ground.
“Reasonably Safe From Flooding” means base flood waters will not inundate the land or damage structures to be removed from the SFHA and that any subsurface waters related to the base flood will not damage existing or proposed buildings.
"Recreational Vehicle" means a vehicle which is (a) built on a single chassis; (b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections; (c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light- duty truck; and (d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
"Remedy A Violation" means to bring the structure or other development into compliance with federal, state, or local floodplain management regulations; or, if this is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its noncompliance.
"Repetitive Loss" means flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a 10-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, equals or exceeds twenty-five percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
"Risk Premium Rates" means those rates established by the Administrator pursuant to individual community studies and investigations which are undertaken to provide flood insurance in accordance with Section 1307 of the National Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the accepted actuarial principles. "Risk premium rates" include provisions for operating costs and allowances.
"Special Flood Hazard Area" see "area of special flood hazard."
"Special Hazard Area" means an area having special flood hazards and shown on an FHBM, FIRM or FBFM as zones (unnumbered or numbered) A and AE.
"Start of Construction" includes substantial-improvements, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvements were within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, any work beyond the stage of excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, the installation of streets and/or walkways, excavation for a basement, footings, piers, foundations, the erection of temporary forms, nor installation on the property of accessory structures, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
"State Coordinating Agency" means that agency of the state government, or other office designated by the governor of the state or by state statute at the request of the Administrator to assist in the implementation of the NFIP in that state.
"Structure" means, for floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. "Structure" for insurance purposes, means a walled and roofed building, other than a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site, as well as a manufactured home on a permanent foundation. For the latter purpose, the term includes a building while in the course of construction, alteration or repair, but does not include building materials or supplies intended for use in such construction, alteration or repair, unless such materials or supplies are within an enclosed building on the premises.
"Substantial-Damage" means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 49 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. The term includes Repetitive Loss buildings (see definition).
For the purposes of this definition, “repair” is considered to occur when the first repair or reconstruction of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences.
The term does not apply to:
(a) Any project for improvement of a building required to comply with existing health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the Code Enforcement Official and which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or
(b) Any alteration of a “historic structure” provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.”
"Substantial Improvement" means any combination of reconstruction, alteration, or improvement to a building, taking place for a 5-year period, in which the cumulative percentage of improvement equals or exceeds forty nine percent of the current market value of the building. For the purposes of this definition, an improvement occurs when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building. This term includes structures, which have incurred “repetitive loss” or “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work done.
The term does not apply to:
(a) Any project for improvement of a building required to comply with existing health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the Code Enforcement Official and which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or
(b) Any alteration of a “historic structure” provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.”
"Substantially Improved Existing Manufactured Home Parks Or Subdivisions" is where the repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of the streets, utilities and pads equals or exceeds 49 percent of the value of the streets, utilities and pads before the repair, reconstruction or improvement commenced.
“Unnumbered A Zone” means a special flood hazard area shown on either a flood hazard boundary map or flood insurance rate map where the base flood elevation is not determined.
"Variance" means a grant of relief by the City from the terms of a floodplain management regulation. Flood insurance requirements remain in place for any varied use or structure and cannot be varied by the City.
"Violation" means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the City's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required by this chapter is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
"Water Surface Elevation" means the height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 (or other datum where specified) of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplain.
end
______________________________________________________
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Eluard Alegre
Associate City Attorney