Source: https://www.ecode360.com/12387185
Timestamp: 2020-06-02 18:45:51
Document Index: 254819414

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', 'art 1', 'art 2', '§ 1344', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82', '§ 82']

Borough of East Stroudsburg, PA Flood Damage Prevention
§ 82-1 General provisions.
§ 82-2 Administration.
§ 82-3 Basic development standard.
§ 82-4 Identification of floodplain areas.
§ 82-5 Prohibited development.
§ 82-6 Permitted activities/development.
§ 82-7 Unspecified activities/development.
§ 82-8 Watercourses; stream banks.
§ 82-9 Existing structures in floodplain area.
§ 82-10 Existing lots or parcels of record; and newly created lots or parcels.
§ 82-11 Variances.
§ 82-12 Design and construction standards.
§ 82-13 Definitions.
§ 82-14 Enactment.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of East Stroudsburg 3-19-2013 by Ord. No. 1269,[1] approved 3-19-2013. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Planning and Zoning Commission — See Ch. 34.
Editor's Note: This ordinance also superseded former Ch. 82, Flood-Prone Areas, comprised of Part 1, Minimum Requirements for New Construction and Development, adopted 10-17-1978 by Ord. No. 760, approved 10-17-1978, as amended, and Part 2, Regulation of Specific Kinds of Development, adopted 2-1-1983 by Ord. No. 796, approved 2-1-1983, as amended.
Intent. This chapter is intended to:
Maintain the existing hydrologic regime through the sound management of floodplains for their capacity to convey, transport, store and dissipate flood flow volumes and velocities, to protect water quality and to maintain stream channel stability.
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 East Stroudsburg unless a permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator.
Warning and disclaimer of liability. The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur or 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 any identified floodplain areas or that land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Borough of East Stroudsburg or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
Abrogation and greater restrictions. This chapter supersedes any other conflicting provisions which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other chapter provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that those provisions are more restrictive. If there is any conflict between any of the provisions of this chapter, the more restrictive shall apply.
Designation of the Floodplain Administrator. The Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer is hereby appointed to administer and enforce this chapter and is referred to herein as the Floodplain Administrator. The Floodplain Administrator may 1) fulfill the duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations; 2) delegate duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations to qualified technical personnel, plan examiners, inspectors, and other employees; or 3) 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.
Permits required. A permit shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within any area of the Borough.
Prior to the issuance of any permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall review the application for the permit to determine if all other necessary government permits required by state and federal laws have been obtained, such as those required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 1966-537, as amended);[1] the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 1978-325, as amended);[2] the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act (Act 1937-394, as amended);[3] and the U.S. Clean Water Act, Section 404, 33, U.S.C. § 1344. No permit shall be issued until this determination has been made.
In the case of existing structures, prior to the issuance of any development/building permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall review the history of repairs to the subject building, so that any repetitive loss issues can be addressed before the permit is issued.
Application for such a permit shall be made, in writing, to the Floodplain Administrator on forms supplied by the Borough. Such application shall contain the following:
A plan of the site showing the exact size and location of the proposed construction as well as any existing buildings and structures.
All utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
The location of any existing bodies of water of watercourses, identified floodplain areas, limits of earth disturbance, and, if available, information pertaining to the floodway, and the flow of water, including direction and velocities.
Plans of all proposed buildings, structures and other development, drawn at suitable scale, showing the following:
Information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood, if available.
Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer, to show that the cumulative effect of any proposed development within an AE Area without floodway, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the base flood elevation more than one foot at any point.
Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, which states that the proposed construction or development has been adequately designed to withstand the pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces associated with the base flood.
Detailed information needed to determine compliance with § 82-12J, Storage, and § 82-5D(7), including:
The amount, location and purpose of any materials or substances referred to in §§ 82-12J and 82-5D(7) 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 § 82-5D(7) during a base flood.
The appropriate component of the Department of Environmental Protection's "Planning Module for Land Development" (if applicable).
Where any excavation or grading is proposed, a plan meeting the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control and stormwater management.
Review by Monroe County Conservation District. A copy of all applications and plans for any proposed construction or development in any identified floodplain area to be considered for approval shall be submitted by the Floodplain Administrator to the Monroe County Conservation District for review and comment prior to the issuance of a permit. The recommendations of the Conservation District shall be considered by the Floodplain Administrator for incorporation into the proposed plan.
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 be signed by the Floodplain Administrator.
Work on the proposed construction or development shall begin within 180 days after the date of issuance and shall 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 "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 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 which sets forth sufficient and reasonable cause for the Floodplain Administrator to approve such a request is submitted by the applicant.
Be served upon the property owner or his agent as the case may require, provided, however, that such notice or order shall be deemed to have been properly served upon such owner or agent when a copy thereof has been served with such notice by any other method authorized or required by the laws of this State.
Penalties. Any person who fails to comply with any or all of the requirements or provisions of this chapter or who fails or refuses to comply with any notice, order of direction of the Floodplain Administrator or any other authorized employee of the municipality shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall pay a fine to the Borough of not more than $1,000 plus costs of prosecution. In default of such payment, such person shall be imprisoned in the county prison for a period not to exceed 30 days. Each day during which any violation of this chapter continues shall constitute a separate offense. In addition to the above penalties, all other actions are hereby reserved, including an action in equity for the proper enforcement of this chapter. The imposition of a fine or penalty for any violation of, or noncompliance with, this chapter shall not excuse the violation or noncompliance or permit it to continue, and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations and noncompliance within a reasonable time. Any development initiated or any structure or building constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, altered, or relocated in noncompliance with this chapter may be declared by the Borough Council to be a public nuisance and abatable as such.
Any person aggrieved by any action or decision of the Floodplain Administrator concerning the administration of the provisions of this chapter may appeal to the Code Hearing Board (the "Board"). Such appeal must be filed, in writing, within 30 days after the decision, determination or action of the Floodplain Administrator.
Upon receipt of such appeal the Board shall set a time and place, within not less than 10 or not more than 30 days, for the purpose of considering the appeal. Notice of the time and place at which the appeal will be considered shall be given to all parties.
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Board may seek relief therefrom by appeal to court, as provided by the laws of this state, including the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act.[4]
In designated floodplain areas, only the following types of activities/development will be permitted:
Activities/development that are compatible with maintaining the existing hydrologic regime and do not alter the cross-sectional dimension of the floodplain and its storage capacity.
Activities/development permitted under Title 25, Chapter 105, of the Pennsylvania Code or conveyances required by Title 25, Chapter 102.
Activities/development specifically authorized by this Chapter 82.
Any areas of the Borough classified as a special flood hazard area (SFHA) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) dated May 2, 2013, 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; and
The above-referenced FIS and FIRMs and any subsequent revisions and amendments are hereby adopted by the Borough and declared to be a part of this chapter.
Description of identified floodplain areas. The identified floodplain area shall consist of the following specific areas:
Floodway area: shall be those areas identified as floodway on the FIRM as well as those floodway areas which have been identified in other available studies or sources of information for those AE areas where no floodway has been identified in the FIS. The floodway represents the channel of a watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation by more than one foot at any point.
AE area without floodway: shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA and for which base flood elevations have been provided in the FIS but no floodway has been delineated.
A area: 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 source 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. In lieu of the above, the municipality 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.
Community-identified flood hazard areas: shall be those areas where the Borough has identified local flood hazard or ponding areas, as delineated and adopted on a Local Flood Hazard Map using best available topographic data and locally derived information such as flood of record, historic high water marks, soils or approximate study methodologies.
Changes in identification of area. The identified floodplain area, including any community-identified flood hazard areas, may be revised or modified by the Borough 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 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after the date such information becomes available, as community shall notify FEMA of changes to the special flood hazard area by submitting technical or scientific data.
Boundary disputes. Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, an initial determination shall be made by the Borough Planning Commission, and any party aggrieved by this decision or determination may appeal to the Code Hearing Board. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.
In identified floodplain areas, the following shall be prohibited:
Buildings: all walled and roofed buildings.
Any new construction or development that will in any manner retard, divert or alter the natural flow of floodwaters on the site, except activities permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Title 25, Chapter 105, of the Pennsylvania Code or conveyances required by Title 25, Chapter 102. (See the definition of "development.")
Floodway. No new construction or development shall be permitted in any floodway area or, in the absence of a floodway area, within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
Developments of special concern.
The commencement of any of the following activities, or the construction, enlargement, or expansion of any structure used or intended to be used for any of the following activities, shall be prohibited:
Recreational vehicles: the long-term parking (greater than or equal to 180 consecutive days) if not fully licensed and ready for highway use.
Fill: the placement of fill material that is not associated with a permitted activity.
Sewage disposal: on-lot or community subsurface sewage disposal systems.
Structures associated with mining or oil and gas production, i.e., water storage, fluid containment, or well pads.
Any type of development or activity shall be prohibited which will be used for the production or storage of any of the following dangerous materials or substances or which will be used for any activity requiring the maintenance of a supply of more than 550 gallons, or other comparable volume, of any of the following dangerous materials or substances on the premises or which will involve the production, storage, or use or any amount of radioactive substances. The following is a list of materials and substances that are considered dangerous to human life:
Any other substance as determined by the Borough
The following activities/development are permitted in identified floodplain areas, provided that such activity/development does not involve any activity/development prohibited by § 82-5:
Forestry and seed production.
Parking lots constructed to existing grade.
Private sportsmen's club activities (for example, archery, hunting, horse shoes, etc.).
Boat launch sites constructed to existing grade.
Stormwater conveyance and stormwater management facilities for water quality as outlined in the Borough Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Recreational vehicles meeting one or more of the following criteria:
Must be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; or
Must be fully licensed and ready for highway use.
Any activity/development not expressly permitted in § 82-6 shall only be permitted by variance and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with §§ 82-11 and 82-12. However, no activity/development shall be permitted which involves any activity/development expressly prohibited by § 82-5D.
No encroachment, alteration, improvement or development of any kind shall be made to any watercourse until all adjacent municipalities which may be affected by such action, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development have been notified in writing by the applicant by certified mail and until all required permits or approvals have been first obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection, Northeast Regional Office, and other applicable agencies. The applicant shall provide the Borough with proof of the required notifications and copies of any responses.
Restoration of unstable stream banks. No stream bank restoration or stabilization projects shall be undertaken until the applicant provides a detailed report addressing the fluvial geomorphology of stable reaches above and below the unstable reach. Any restoration or stabilization project shall include all necessary measures to ensure the maintenance of stability in the adjacent stable reaches of the stream channel.
Technical or scientific data shall be submitted by the Borough to FEMA for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) as soon as practicable but within six months of the completion of any new construction, development or other activity resulting in changes in the base flood elevation. The situations when a LOMR or a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) is required are:
Any development occurring in Zone AE without a designated floodway which will cause a rise of more than one foot in the base flood elevation; or
The provisions of this Chapter 82 do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures. However, when an improvement is made to any existing structure in the identified floodplain area, the following provisions shall apply:
Expansions. Any substantial improvement to an existing structure which results in the horizontal expansion of the structure shall be prohibited.
Floodways. No vertical expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the base flood elevation.
AE Area Without Floodway. No vertical expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any AE Area Without Floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the base flood elevation more than one foot at any point.
AE Area Without Floodway and A Area. No permitted expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse within any AE Area which lacks a designated floodway or within any A Area unless necessary permits are obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
Danger to human life. No modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure shall be permitted which involves any activity which may endanger human life as listed in § 82-5D(7).
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of less than 50% of its market value, shall be elevated to the greatest extent possible.
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind that meets the definition of "repetitive loss" shall only be permitted by variance and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with §§ 82-11 and 82-12.
The above activity shall also address the requirements of the 34 Pa. Code, as amended, and the 2009 International Building Code and the 2009 International Residential Code.
Existing lots or parcels of record. In the case where an existing lot or parcel of record is located wholly within an identified floodplain area, or where the usable area of a lot or parcel partially within any identified floodplain area is found to be inadequate for the proposed development, any prohibited development listed in § 82-5 may only be permitted by variance in accord with § 82-11.
Newly created lots or parcels.
After the effective date of this Chapter 82 every lot or parcel created for development purposes shall contain an area adequate for the proposed use outside of an identified floodplain area, except as provided in Subsection B(2) below. The subdivision plan and deed for any such lot or parcel shall include a restriction that the lot or parcel shall not be used for any development which does not comply with the Borough floodplain regulations in effect when such development is proposed.
After the effective date of this chapter, the subdivision plan and deed for any lot or parcel created for nondevelopment purposes (e.g., forestry or agriculture) which contains any identified floodplain area shall include a restriction that the lot or parcel shall not be used for any development which does not comply with the Borough floodplain regulations in effect when such development is proposed.
No variance shall be granted for any development in any identified floodplain area contained within any lot or parcel created after the effective date of this chapter. No variance shall be granted for any development in any identified floodplain area contained on any development plans submitted, after the effective date of this chapter.
All subdivision proposals containing at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser, in identified floodplain areas where base flood elevation data is 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 or Letter of Map Revision. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
If compliance with any of the requirements of this chapter would result in an exceptional hardship to a prospective builder, developer, or landowner, the Board may, upon request, grant relief from the strict application of the requirements. Requests for variances shall be considered by the Board in accordance with the procedures contained in § 82-2K and the following:
Alternatives analysis. No variance shall be granted until the applicant has performed an alternatives analysis to find practicable alternatives to development in the identified floodplain area.
Floodway. No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the base flood elevation. Where a variance may be granted, necessary permits shall be obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office. 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.
AE Area Without Floodway. No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, substantial improvement or activity within any AE Area Without Floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the base flood elevation greater than one foot at any point.
AE Area Without Floodway and A Area. No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, substantial improvement or activity within 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse within any AE Area which lacks a designated floodway or within any A Area unless necessary permits are obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
Elevation required. Any building permitted by variance shall be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation. Within any identified floodplain area, any new construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure or nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to or above the regulatory flood elevation. The "regulatory flood elevation" is defined as the base flood elevation plus a freeboard safety factor of 1 1/2 feet. In A Zones, the regulatory flood elevation shall be determined in accordance with § 82-4B(3).
Design and construction standards. Any development permitted by variance shall comply with the requirements of § 82-12 and all other applicable requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
Substantial improvements. The Borough may grant a variance to the prohibition of substantial improvements to existing structures in identified floodplain areas, provided that all requirements of this § 82-11 are satisfied.
Developments of special concern. No variance shall be granted for any development of special concern identified in § 82-5D.
Newly created lots or parcels. No variance shall be granted for any development in any identified floodplain area contained within any lot or parcel created after the effective date of this chapter. No variance shall be granted for any development in any identified floodplain area contained on any development plans submitted after the effective date of this chapter.
Least modification. If granted, a variance shall involve only the least modification necessary to provide relief.
Conditions. In granting any variance, the Borough 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 chapter.
Written notice. Whenever a variance is granted, the Borough shall notify the applicant in writing that:
Review factors. In reviewing any request for a variance, the Borough shall consider that the granting of the variance will not:
Result in an unacceptable or prohibited increase in flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense.
Create nuisances, cause fraud on, or victimize the public or conflict with any other applicable state or local ordinances and regulations.
Record. A complete record of all variance requests and related actions shall be maintained by the Borough. In addition, a report of all variances granted during the year under this § 82-11 shall be included in the annual report to FEMA.
The following minimum standards, in addition to all applicable National Flood Insurance Program requirements, shall apply to any construction and development approved within any identified floodplain area:
Residential and non residential structures.
In AE Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to or above the regulatory flood elevation.
In A Zones, 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 § 82-4B(3) of this chapter.
All manufactured homes, and any improvements thereto, shall be:
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with the manufacturer's 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, shall apply and 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 through 405.
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 manufacturer's standards for anchoring cannot be provided or were not established for the unit's proposed installation.
Accessory structures. Structures accessory to a principal building need not be elevated to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements:
The structure shall have a low damage potential.
The structure shall be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters.
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances, such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc. are prohibited.
Drainage facilities. Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the flow of stormwater runoff in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with all applicable Borough stormwater control requirements. The system shall insure proper drainage along streets and provide positive drainage away from buildings. The system shall also be designed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties.
No part of any on-site sewage system shall be located within any identified floodplain area.
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 § 82-5D(7), shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation.
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Sections R104, R105, R109, R323 and Appendix AE101, Appendix E and Appendix J.
A flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also called the one-hundred-year flood").
The official map on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
Any structure that is any of the following:
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished, flood-resistant, partially enclosed area, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered the lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of this chapter.
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after March 19, 2013, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. Any construction started after September 29, 1978, and before March 19, 2013, is subject to the ordinance in effect at the time the permit was issued, provided that the start of construction was within 180 days of permit issuance.
An alternative that is available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost, existing technology and logistics in light of overall project purposes.
The base flood elevation plus a freeboard safety factor of 1 1/2 feet.
Flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on average, equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the damages occurred.
Includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development and means the date the permit was issued, provided that the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days from the date of the permit and shall be completed within 12 months after the date of issuance of the permit unless a time extension is granted, in writing, by the Floodplain Administrator. The actual start 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 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.
Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground, including, but not limited to, buildings, sheds, manufactured homes, fences, walls, storage tanks, and other similar items. This term includes any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to land.
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, of which the cost equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage or repetitive loss, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would constitute a substantial improvement, as defined in this chapter, must comply with all ordinance requirements that do not preclude the structure's continued designation as a 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.
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certificates, or other evidence of compliance required in 44 CFR 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
Any channel of conveyance of surface water having a defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial, intermittent or seasonal flow.
This chapter shall be effective immediately upon its approval as provided by law and shall remain in force until modified, amended, or rescinded by the Borough of East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.