Section 4.00 General

* A. 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 been first obtained from the Department of Environmental Resources, Bureau of Dams and Waterway Management In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs, Bureau of Community Planning, shall be notified prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
* B. Any new construction, development, uses or activities allowed within any identified floodplain area, shall be undertaken in strict compliance with the provisions contained in this Ordinance and any other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.

 

Section 4.01 Special Requirements for FW, FE and FA Areas

* A. Within any FW (Floodway Area), the following provisions apply:
o
o 1. Any new construction, development, use, activity or encroachment that would cause any increase in flood heights shall be prohibited.
o 2. No new construction or development shall be allowed, unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Resources, Bureau of Dams and Waterway Management
* B. Within any FE (Special Floodplain Area), no new construction or development shall be allowed 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 elevation of the one hundred (100) year flood more than one (1) foot at any point.
* C. Within any FE (Special Floodplain Area) or FA (General Floodplain Area), the following provisions apply:
o
o 1. No new construction or development shall be located within the area measured fifty (50) feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
o 2. Any new construction or development, which would cause any increase in flood heights shall be prohibited within any floodway area.

 

Section 4.02 Elevation and Floodproofing Requirements

* A. New Construction
o 1. Within any FW, FF or FA area, the lowest floor (including basement of any new or improved construction) shall be at least at the level of the 100 year flood elevation.
o 2. Within any FO area, the lowest floor (including basement) shall be at least at the level of the 100 year flood elevation or an additional number of feet equal to the depth number specified in the Flood Insurance Study, above the crown of the nearest street, whichever is greater.
* B. New Construction
o 1. Within any FW, FF or FA area, the lowest floor (including basement of any new or improved construction) shall be at least at the level of the 100 year flood elevation or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed by such construction shall remain either completely or essentially dry during any flood up to that height.
o 2. Within any FO area, the lowest floor (including basement) shall be at least at the level of the 100 year flood elevation or an additional number of feet equal to the depth number specified in the Flood Insurance Study, above the crown of the nearest street, whichever is greater or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed by such construction shall remain either completely or essentially dry during any flood up to that height.
Any construction, or part thereof, which will not be completely or adequately elevated, shall be designed and constructed to be completely or essentially dry in accordance with the standards contained in the publication entitled, "Floodproofing Regulations" (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1972), or some other equivalent standard for that type of construction. 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. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) above, the lowest floor elevations requirement of any development regulated by Sections 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, and 5.01 shall be one and one-half (12) feet above the one hundred (100) year flood elevation, or, in an FO area, two (2) feet above the crown of the nearest street, whichever is greater.
* C. Enclosed Space Below the Lowest Floor Enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement) may be permitted, provided that such space shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
o 1. At least two openings shall be provided, having a total net open area of at least one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space subject to flooding.
o 2. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
o 3. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
* D. Accessory Structures Structures accessory to a principal building need not be elevated or floodproofed to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements:
o 1. The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation, but shall be limited to the parking of vehicles, or to the storage of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or activity.
o 2. Floor area shall not exceed 600 square feet.
o 3. The structure will have a low damage potential.
o 4. The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters.
o 5. Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be at least one and one-half (12) feet above the 100 year flood elevation.
o 6. Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc. are prohibited.
o 7. Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
o 8. The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation or movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry and exit of floodwaters for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on the walls. 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 openings having a net total area of not less than one (1) square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
+ b. the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade.
+ c. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc. or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

 

Section 4.03 Design and Construction Standards

The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction and development proposed within any identified floodplain area:

* A. Fill
* If fill is used, it shall:
o 1. extend laterally at least fifteen (15) feet beyond the building line from all points;
o 2. consist of soil or small rock materials only - Sanitary Landfills shall not be permitted;
o 3. be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring or settling;
o 4. be no steeper than one (1) vertical to two (2) horizontal, feet unless substantiated data justifying steeper slopes are submitted to and approved by the Building Permit Officer; and
o 5. be used to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
* B. Drainage Facilities Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the flow of storm water runoff in a safe and efficient manner. 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.
* C. Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities and Systems
o 1. All new or replacement water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damages and the infiltration of floodwaters.
o 2. Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters.
o 3. No part of any on-site sewage system shall be located within any identified floodplain area except in strict compliance with all State and local regulations for such systems. If any such system is permitted, it shall be located so as to avoid impairment to it, or contamination from it, during a flood.
* D. Other Utilities All other utilities such as gas lines, electrical and telephone systems shall be located, elevated (where possible) and constructed to minimize the chance of impairment during a flood.
* E. Streets The finished elevation of all new streets shall be no more than one (1) foot below the Regulatory Flood Elevation.
* F. 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 Section 4.04, Development Which May Endanger Human Life, shall be stored at or above the Regulatory Flood Elevation and/or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
* G. Placement of Buildings and Structures All buildings and structures shall be designed, located and constructed so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of water and shall be designed to have a minimum effect upon the flow and height of floodwater.
* H. Anchoring
o 1. All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with accepted engineering practices to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
o 2. All air ducts, large pipes, storage tanks and other similar objects or components located below the Regulatory Flood Elevation shall be securely anchored or affixed to prevent flotation.
* I. Floors, Walls and Ceilings
o 1. 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.
o 2. Plywood used at or below the Regulatory Flood Elevation shall be of a "marine" or "water-resistant" variety.
o 3. Walls and ceilings at or below the Regulatory Flood Elevation shall be designed and constructed of materials that are water-resistant and will withstand inundation.
o 4. Windows, doors and other components at or below the Regulatory Flood Elevation shall be made of metal or other water-resistant material.
* J. Paints and Adhesives
o 1. Paints or other finishes used at or below the Regulatory Flood Elevation shall be of "marine" or "water-resistant" quality.
o 2. Adhesives used at or below the Regulatory Flood Elevation shall be of a marine" or "water-resistant" variety.
o 3. All wooden components (doors, trim, cabinets, etc.) shall be finished with a "marine" or "water-resistant" paint or other finishing material.
* K. Electrical Components
o 1. Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three (3) feet above the one hundred (100) year flood elevation.
o 2. Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be dropped from above.
* L. Equipment Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning and ventilating units, and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment or apparatus shall not be located below the Regulatory Flood Elevation.
* M. Fuel Supply Systems All gas and oil supply systems shall be designed to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters into the system and discharges from the system into floodwaters. Additional provisions shall be made for the drainage of these systems in the event that floodwater infiltration occurs.

 

Section 4.04 Development Which May Endanger Human Life

* A. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act, and the regulations adopted by the Department of Community Affairs as required by the Act, any new or substantially improved structure which:
o - will be used for the production or storage of any of the following dangerous materials or substances; or,
o - 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
o - will involve the production, storage or use of any amount of radioactive substances;
o shall be subject to the provisions of this section, in addition to all other applicable provisions.
o
* The following list of materials and substances are considered dangerous to human life:
o
o 1. Acetone
o 2. Ammonia
o 3. Benzene
o 4. Calcium carbide
o 5. Carbon disulfide
o 6. Celluloid
o 7. Chlorine
o 8. Hydrochloric acid
o 9. Hydrocyanic acid
o 10. Magnesium
o 11. Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen
o 12. Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.)
o 13. Phosphorus
o 14. Potassium
o 15. Sodium
o 16. Sulphur and sulphur products
o 17. Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides)
o 18. Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
* B. Within any FW (Floodway Area), any structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be prohibited.
* C. Within any FE (Special Floodplain Area) or FA (General Floodplain Area), any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be prohibited within the area measured fifty (50) feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
* D. Where permitted within any floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be:
o 1. elevated or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least one and one-half (12) feet above the one hundred (100) year flood; and
o 2. designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a one hundred (100) year 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), or with some other equivalent watertight standard.

 

Section 4.05 Special Requirements for Manufactured Homes

* A. Within any FA (General Floodplain Area) or FE (Special Floodplain Area), manufactured homes shall be prohibited within the area measured fifty (50) feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
* B. Where permitted within any floodplain area, all manufactured homes, and any additions (or improvements) thereto, shall be:
o 1. placed on a permanent foundation.
o 2. elevated so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is one and one-half (12) feet or more above the elevation of the one hundred (100) year flood.
o 3. anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement.

 

Section 4.06 Mobile Homes, Flood-Fringe (FF), FO and FA Areas

A. All mobile homes and any additions thereto shall be placed on a permanent foundation and anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement by providing over-the-top and frame ties to ground anchors in accordance with the American National Standards Institute and National Fire Protection Association standards as specified in the Standard for the Installation of Mobile Homes Including Mobile Home Park Requirements (NFPA No. 501-A-1974); ANSI A119.3-1975, amended for mobile homes in hurricane zones, or with other appropriate standards, such as the following:

* 1. Over-the-top ties shall be provided at each of the four corners of the mobile home, one with two additional ties per side at intermediate locations for units fifty feet in length.
* 2. Frame ties shall be provided at each corner of the mobile home, with five additional ties per side at intermediate locations for units fifty feet or more in length, and four additional ties per side for units less than fifty feet in length.
* 3. All components of the anchoring system shall be capable of carrying a force of 4,800 pounds.