Section 1.00 Intent

The intent of this Ordinance is to:

* A. Promote the general health, welfare and safety of the community.
* B. Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction practices in order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
* C. Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural drainage.
* D. Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental units, and its residents, by preventing excessive development in areas subject to flooding and by attempting to prevent consequent damage in flood events.
* E. Comply with federal and state floodplain management requirements.

 

Section 1.01 Applicability

* A. 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 Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania unless a Building Permit has been obtained from the Building Permit Officer.
* B. A Building Permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing buildings or structures.

 

Section 1.02 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions

This Ordinance supersedes any other conflicting provision which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other ordinance 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 Ordinance, the more restrictive shall apply.

 

Section 1.03 Severability

If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the Ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

 

Section 1.04 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability

The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this Ordinance is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This Ordinance does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain area, or that land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This Ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the Township or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.