Source: https://ecode360.com/30008976
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 04:38:26+00:00

Document:
§ 27-1204 Identification of Floodplain Areas.
§ 27-1206 Activities Requiring Special Permits.
§ 27-1207 Existing Structures in Identified Floodplain Areas.
Editor’s Note: This Part was adopted 3/16/2015 by Ord. No. 2015-5, 3/16/2015, which ordinance superseded former Part 12, Floodplain District Regulations, adopted by Ord. 1999-5, 5/17/1999.
§ 1204 Identification of Floodplain Areas.
§ 1206 Activities Requiring Special Permits.
§ 1207 Existing Structures in Identified Floodplain Areas.
The Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has, by the passage of the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act of 1978, delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt floodplain management regulations to promote public health, safety, and the general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the Council of the Borough of Doylestown does hereby order as follows.
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental units, and its residents by preventing excessive development in areas subject to flooding.
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within the Borough of Doylestown unless a permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator.
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection 2B, regarding minor repairs to existing buildings, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 3/20/2017 by Ord. 2017-3.
Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Part shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such a decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Part, which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose the provisions of this Part are hereby declared to be severable.
This Part shall not create liability on the part of the Borough of Doylestown or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Part or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
The Zoning Officer is hereby appointed to administer and enforce this Part and is referred to herein as the "Floodplain Administrator." The Floodplain Administrator may: fulfill the duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations; delegate duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations to qualified technical personnel, plan examiners, inspectors, and other employees; or enter into a written agreement or written contract with another agency or private sector entity to administer specific provisions of these regulations. Administration of any part of these regulations by another entity shall not relieve the community of its responsibilities pursuant to the participation requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 CFR 59.22.
In the absence of a designated Floodplain Administrator, the Floodplain Administrator duties are to be fulfilled by the Borough Manager.
Permits Required. A permit shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within any area of the Borough of Doylestown.
Duties and Responsibilities of Floodplain Administrator.
The Floodplain Administrator shall issue a permit only after it has been determined that the proposed work to be undertaken will be in conformance with the requirements of this Part and all other applicable codes and ordinances.
In the case of existing structures, prior to the issuance of any development permit, the Floodplain Administrator may review the history of repairs to the subject building, so that any repetitive loss concerns can be addressed before the permit is issued.
In the discharge of his/her duties, the Floodplain Administrator shall have the authority to enter any building, structure, premises or development in the identified floodplain area, upon presentation of proper credentials, at any reasonable hour to enforce the provisions of this Part.
In the event the Floodplain Administrator discovers that the work does not comply with the permit application or any applicable laws and ordinances, or that there has been a false statement or misrepresentation by any applicant, the Floodplain Administrator shall revoke the permit and report such fact to the Council for whatever action it considers necessary.
The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain in perpetuity all records associated with the requirements of this Part, including, but not limited to, finished construction elevation data, permitting, inspection and enforcement.
The Floodplain Administrator is the official responsible for submitting a biennial report to FEMA concerning community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The responsibility, authority and means to implement the commitments of the Floodplain Administrator can be delegated from the person identified. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the person identified in this Part as the Floodplain Administrator/Manager.
The Floodplain Administrator shall consider the requirements of 34 Pa. Code and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC or latest revisions thereof.
Supplemental information as may be necessary under 34 Pa. Code, the 2009 IBC or the 2009 IRC.
If available, information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood; and floodway area (See § 1204.2A), when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the base flood elevation at any point.
Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, to show that the cumulative effect of any proposed development within an AE Area/District without floodway (See § 1204.2B), when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the base flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the community.
The amount, location and purpose of any materials or substances referred to in §§ 1205.3F and 1205.4 which are intended to be used, produced, stored or otherwise maintained on site.
A description of the safeguards incorporated into the design of the proposed structure to prevent leaks or spills of the dangerous materials or substances listed in § 1205.4 during a base flood.
Review of Application by Others. A copy of all plans and applications for any proposed construction or development in any identified floodplain area to be considered for approval may be submitted by the Floodplain Administrator to any other appropriate agencies and/or individuals (e.g., Planning Commission, Bucks County Conservation District, Municipal Engineer, etc.) for review and comment.
Changes. After the issuance of a permit by the Floodplain Administrator, no changes of any kind shall be made to the application, permit or any of the plans, specifications or other documents submitted with the application without the written consent or approval of the Floodplain Administrator. Requests for any such change shall be in writing, and shall be submitted by the applicant to Floodplain Administrator for consideration.
Placards. In addition to the permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall issue a placard which shall be displayed on the premises during the time construction is in progress. This placard shall show the number of the permit and the date of its issuance, and shall be signed by the Floodplain Administrator.
Work on the proposed construction or development shall begin within 180 days after the date of issuance of the development permit. Work shall also be completed within 12 months after the date of issuance of the permit, or the permit shall expire unless a time extension is granted, in writing, by the Floodplain Administrator. The issuance of development permit does not refer to the zoning approval.
The "actual start of construction" means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or 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; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, 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.
Time extensions shall be granted only if a written request is submitted by the applicant, who sets forth sufficient and reasonable cause for the Floodplain Administrator to approve such a request, and the original permit is compliant with the ordinance and FIRM/FIS in effect at the time the extension is granted.
The identified floodplain area shall be any areas of the Borough of Doylestown classified as special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) dated March 16, 2015, and issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study.
The above-referenced FIS and FIRMs, and any subsequent revisions and amendments, are hereby adopted by the Borough of Doylestown and declared to be a part of this Part.
Within any floodway area, no encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
Within any floodway area, no new construction or development shall be allowed, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
No permit shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any AE Area/District without floodway unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development would not, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE more than one foot at any point.
No new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
The A Area/District shall be those areas identified as an A Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA and for which no base flood elevations have been provided. For these areas, elevation and floodway information from other Federal, State, or other acceptable sources shall be used when available. Where other acceptable information is not available, the base flood elevation shall be determined by using the elevation of a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain area which is nearest the construction site. The Borough of Doylestown may require the applicant to determine the elevation with hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analyses, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review by the municipality.
The AO and AH Area/District shall be those areas identified as Zones AO and AH on the FIRM and in the FIS. These areas are subject to inundation by one-percent-annual-chance shallow flooding where average depths are between one and three feet. In Zones AO and AH, drainage paths shall be established to guide floodwaters around and away from structures on slopes.
Changes in Identification of Area. The identified floodplain area may be revised or modified by the Borough of Doylestown where studies or information provided by a qualified agency or person documents the need for such revision. However, prior to any such change to the special flood hazard area, approval must be obtained from FEMA. Additionally, as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after the date such information becomes available, a community shall notify FEMA of the changes to the special flood hazard area by submitting technical or scientific data. See § 1205.1B for situations where FEMA notification is required.
Boundary Disputes. Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, an initial determination shall be made by the Borough of Doylestown, and any party aggrieved by this decision or determination may appeal to the Council. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.
Jurisdictional Boundary Changes. Prior to development occurring in areas where annexation or other corporate boundary changes are proposed or have occurred, the community shall review flood hazard data affecting the lands subject to boundary changes. The community shall adopt and enforce floodplain regulations in areas subject to annexation or corporate boundary changes which meet or exceed those in 44 CFR 60.3.
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse until all adjacent municipalities which may be affected by such action have been notified by the municipality, and until all required permits or approvals have first been obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
Upon receipt of the Administrator's conditional approval of map change and prior to approving the proposed encroachments, a community shall provide evidence to FEMA of the adoption of floodplain management ordinances incorporating the increased base flood elevations and/or revised floodway reflecting the postproject condition.
Upon completion of the proposed encroachments, a community shall provide as-built certifications. FEMA will initiate a final map revision upon receipt of such certifications in accordance with 44 CFR Part 67.
In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 1204.2C of this Part.
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), or the most recent revisions thereof, and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 through 405, as amended) shall be utilized, where they are more restrictive.
In A Zones, where no base flood elevations are specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated or completely floodproofed up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 1204.2C of this Part.
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have its lowest floor elevated or completely floodproofed above the highest adjacent grade to at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, made watertight below the regulatory flood elevation shall be floodproofed in accordance with the W1 or W2 space classification standards contained in the publication entitled "Flood-Proofing Regulations," published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972, as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent standard. All plans and specifications for such floodproofing shall be accompanied by a statement certified by a registered professional engineer or architect which states that the proposed design and methods of construction are in conformance with the above-referenced standards.
Historic Structures. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would constitute a substantial improvement, as defined in this Part, must comply with all ordinance requirements that do not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure. Documentation that a specific ordinance requirement will cause removal of the structure from the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic places must be obtained from the Secretary of the Interior or the State Historic Preservation Officer. Any exemption from ordinance requirements will be the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
Floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
The structure will have a low damage potential.
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited.
The design and construction provisions of the UCC and FEMA #348, "Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damages," and the International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall be utilized.
Storage. All materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive, or in times of flooding could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, and not listed in § 1205.4, Development Which May Endanger Human Life, shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
Wood flooring used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be installed to accommodate a lateral expansion of the flooring, perpendicular to the flooring grain, without causing structural damage to the building.
Uniform Construction Code Coordination. The standards and specifications contained 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 through 405), as amended, and not limited to the following provisions, shall apply to the above and other sections and subsections of this Part, to the extent that they are more restrictive and supplement the requirements of this Part.
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Secs. 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix G.
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Secs. R104, R105, R109, R322, Appendix E, and Appendix J.
Within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A, above, shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
Within any floodway area, any structure of the kind described in Subsection A, above, shall be prohibited. Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved residential structure of the kind described in § 1205.4A, above, shall be elevated to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation and built in accordance with §§ 1205.1, 1205.2 and 1205.3.
New or Substantially Improved Structures.
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a base flood.
Any such structure, or part thereof, that will be built below the regulatory flood elevation shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards for completely dry floodproofing contained in the publication "Flood-Proofing Regulations" (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1972, as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent watertight standard.
Special Requirements for Subdivisions and Development. All subdivision proposals and development proposals containing at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser, in identified floodplain areas where base flood elevation data are not available shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses that determine base flood elevations and floodway information. The analyses shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer in a format required by FEMA for a conditional letter of map revision and letter of map revision. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
Have all ductwork and utilities, including HVAC/heat pump, elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with the manufacturers' installation instructions as provided by the manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information, the requirements of Appendix E of the 2009 International Residential Building Code or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing," 1984 Edition, draft or latest revision thereto, and 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 through 405 shall apply.
Consideration shall be given to the installation requirements of the 2009 IBC, and the 2009 IRC, or the most recent revisions thereto, and 34 Pa. Code, as amended, where appropriate and/or applicable to units where the manufacturers' standards for anchoring cannot be provided or were not established for the proposed unit's installation.
Meet the permit requirements for manufactured homes in § 1205.6.
A written request, including a completed permit application form.
Plans and profiles of all proposed sanitary and storm sewer systems, water supply systems, and any other utilities and facilities.
Editor's Note: Section 302 of the Flood Plain Management Act; see 32 P.S. § 679.302.
An evacuation plan which fully explains the manner in which the site will be safely evacuated before or during the course of a base flood.
Within three working days following receipt of the application, a complete copy of the application and all accompanying documentation shall be forwarded to the County Planning Commission, by registered or certified mail, for its review and recommendations. Copies of the application shall also be forwarded to the Borough of Doylestown Planning Commission and Borough Engineer for review and comment.
If an application is received that is incomplete, the Borough of Doylestown shall notify the applicant in writing, stating in what respect the application is deficient.
If the Borough of Doylestown decides to disapprove an application, it shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval.
If the Borough of Doylestown approves an application, it shall file written notification, together with the application and all pertinent information, with the Department of Community and Economic Development, by registered or certified mail, within five working days after the date of approval.
Before issuing the special permit, the Borough of Doylestown shall allow the Department of Community and Economic Development 30 days, after receipt of the notification by the Department, to review the application and decision made by the Borough of Doylestown.
If the Borough of Doylestown does not receive any communication from the Department of Community and Economic Development during the thirty-day review period, it may issue a special permit to the applicant.
If the Department of Community and Economic Development should decide to disapprove an application, it shall notify the Borough of Doylestown and the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval, and the Borough of Doylestown shall not issue the special permit.
In addition to the requirements of § 1205 of this Part, the following minimum requirements shall also apply to any proposed development requiring a special permit. If there is any conflict between any of the following requirements and those in § 1205 of this Part or in any other code, ordinance, or regulation, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
The structure will survive inundation by waters of the base flood without any lateral movement or damage to either the structure itself, or to any of its equipment or contents below the BFE.
The lowest floor (including basement) will be elevated to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation.
The occupants of the structure can remain inside for an indefinite period of time and be safely evacuated at any time during the base flood.
Prevent any significant possibility of pollution, increased flood levels or flows, or debris endangering life and property.
All hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analyses, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review by the Borough of Doylestown and the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Existing Structures. The provisions of this Part do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures. However, when an improvement is made to any existing structure, the provisions of § 1207, Subsection 2, shall apply.
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any AE Area/District without floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE more than one foot at any point.
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure to an extent or amount of 50% or more of its market value shall constitute a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this Part.
The above activity shall also address the requirements of 34 Pa. Code, as amended, and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC.
Within any floodway area/district (see § 1204, Subsection 2A), no new construction or development shall be allowed, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
Within any AE Area/District without floodway (see § 1204, Subsection 2B), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
General. If compliance with any of the requirements of this Part would result in an exceptional hardship to a prospective builder, developer or landowner, the Borough may, upon request, grant relief from the strict application of the requirements.
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any floodway area/district that would cause any increase in the BFE.
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any AE Area/District without floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE more than one foot at any point.
Except for a possible modification of the regulatory flood elevation requirement involved, no variance shall be granted for any of the other requirements pertaining specifically to development regulated by special permit or to development which may endanger human life.
In granting any variance, the Borough of Doylestown shall attach whatever reasonable conditions and safeguards it considers necessary in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to achieve the objectives of this Part.
Create nuisances, cause fraud on, or victimize the public, or conflict with any other applicable state or local ordinances and regulations.
A complete record of all variance requests and related actions shall be maintained by the Borough of Doylestown. In addition, a report of all variances granted during the year shall be included in the annual report to FEMA.
Notwithstanding any of the above, however, all structures shall be designed and constructed so as to have the capability of resisting the one-percent annual chance flood.
Adoption. This Part shall be effective on March 16, 2015, and shall remain in force until modified, amended or rescinded by the Borough of Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

References: § 27

§ 27

§ 1204

§ 1206

§ 1207
 § 1204
 § 1204
 § 1205
 § 1205
 § 1204
 § 1204
 § 1205
 § 1205
 § 1205
 § 679
 § 1205
 § 1205
 § 1207
 § 1204
 § 1204