PARKSTON FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE

TITLE 15- FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE

 

Chapter 15.01- Statutory Authorization, Findings of Facts,

                         Purpose & Methods

Chapter 15.02- General Provisions

Chapter 15.03- Administration

Chapter 15.04- Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction

Legislative History:
Title 15, Ordinance No. 136, 4/11/1989

Title 15 (Imposed), Ordinance No. 288, 1/9/2007
Title 15, Sec. 15.0101-15.0103; 15.0201-15.0206; 15.0301-15.0307; & 15.0401-15.0409 (Repealed), Ordinance No. 289, 1/9/2007
Title 15, Ordinance No. 306, 8/11/2009
Title 15, Sec. 15.0302; 15.0306, Ordinance No. 317, 9/20/2011

 

15.01- Statutory Authorization, Findings of Fact, Purpose and Methods

 

15.0101           Statutory Authorization

 

                        The Legislation of the State of South Dakota has in SDCL 9-29-1, 9-36-15 & 9-36-16 delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses.  Therefore, the City Council of Parkston, South Dakota does ordain as follows:

 

                        The city/town of Parkston elects to comply with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-488, as amended).  The National Flood Insurance Program, established in the aforesaid act, provides that areas of the town having a special flood hazard be identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and that floodplain management measures be applied in such flood hazard areas.  The National Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and other legislative measures.  It was further modified by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994.  The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 

15.0102           Findings of Fact

 

(1)        The flood hazard areas of the City of Parkston are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare.

 

(2)               These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated, flood proofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.

 

15.0103           Statement of Purpose

 

It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:

 

(1)               Protect human life and health;

(2)               Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;

(3)               Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;

(4)               Minimize prolonged business interruptions;

(5)               Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets, and bridges located in floodplains;

(6)               Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of flood prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood areas; and

(7)               Insure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and,

 

15.0104           Methods of Reducing Flood Losses

 

                        In order to accomplish its purpose, this ordinance uses the following methods:

 

(1)               Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flood, or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;

 

(2)               Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;

 

(3)               Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of floodwaters;

 

(4)               Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development, which may increase flood damage;

 

(5)               Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards in other lands.

 

15.0105           Definitions

 

Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance shall be interpreted to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance its most reasonable application.

 

Area of future-conditions flood hazard - The land area that would be inundated by the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) flood based on future-conditions hydrology.

 

Area of shallow flooding - A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH, or VO zone on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1 percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.

 

Area of special flood-related erosion hazard is the land within a community which is most likely to be subject to severe flood-related erosion losses. The area may be designated as Zone E on the Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM). After the detailed evaluation of the special flood-related erosion hazard area, in preparation for publication of the FIRM, Zone E may be further refined.

 

Area of special flood hazard is the land in the flood plain within a community subject to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The area may be designated as Zone A on the FHBM. After detailed ratemaking has been completed in preparation for publication of the flood insurance rate map, Zone A usually is refined into Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, AE, A99, AR, AR/A1-30, AR/AE, AR/AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, or V1-30, VE, or V. For purposes of these regulations, the term “special flood hazard area” is synonymous in meaning with the phrase “area of special flood hazard”.

 

Area of special mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazard is the land within a community most likely to be subject to severe mudslides (i.e., mudflows). The area may be designated as Zone M on the FHBM after the detailed evaluation of the special mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazard area in preparation for publication of the FIRM, Zone M may be further refined.

 

Base flood - The flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

 

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the water surface elevation of the one (1) percent annual chance flood.  The height in relation to mean sea level expected to be reached by the waters of the base flood at pertinent points in the floodplains of coastal and riverine areas.

 

Basement - Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

 

Breakaway wall - A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.

 

Building -- see structure.

 

Coastal high hazard area - An area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from storms or seismic sources.

 

Development - Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.

 

Erosion - The process of the gradual wearing away of land masses. This peril is not per se covered under the Program.

 

Existing construction - 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 - 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 a community.

 

Existing structures -- See existing construction.

 

Expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision - 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).

 

Flood or Flooding means:

 

(a) A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:

 

(1) The overflow of inland or tidal waters.

 

(2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

 

(3) Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this definition and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current.

 

(b) 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 an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this definition.

 

Flood elevation determination - 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 Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) - An official map of a community, on which the Administrator has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

           

Flood Insurance Study or Flood elevation study - An examination, evaluation and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation and determination of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and/or flood-related erosion hazards.

 

Flood plain or flood-prone area - Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see definition of “flooding”).

 

Flood proofing - Any combination of structural and non-structural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.

 

Floodway -- See regulatory floodway.

 

Floodway encroachment lines - The lines marking the limits of floodways on Federal, State and local flood plain maps.

 

Freeboard - A factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of flood plain 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 wave action, bridge openings, and the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.

 

Functionally dependent use - A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.

 

Highest adjacent grade - The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.

 

Historic Structure - 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 at the State Historic Preservation Office; 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.

 

Levee - A man-made structure usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.

 

Levee System - A flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.

 

Lowest Floor - 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 non-elevation design requirements of 44 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Section 60.3.

 

Manufactured home - A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which 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 - A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

 

Map - The Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for a community issued by the Agency.

 

Mean sea level - For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum, to which base flood elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.

 

New construction - 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 a floodplain management regulation adopted by a community and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

 

New manufactured home park or subdivision - 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 on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by a community.

 

Recreational vehicle - A vehicle which is:

 

(a)        Built on a single chassis;

 

(b)        400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;

 

(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.

 

Regulatory floodway - 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 a designated height.

 

Special flood hazard area - See “area of special flood hazard”.

 

Special hazard area - An area having special flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow), or flood-related erosion hazards, and shown on an FHBM or FIRM as Zone A, AO, A1-30, AE, AR, AR/A1-30, AR/AE, AR/AO, AR/AH, AR/A, A99, AH, VO, V1-30, VE, V, M, or E.

 

Start of Construction - (for other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (Pub. L. 97-348)), includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement was 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 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.

 

Structure - 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:

 

(1)        A building with two or more outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof, that is affixed to a permanent site;

 

(2)        A manufactured home, also known as a mobile home, is a structure: built on a permanent chassis, transported to its site in one or more sections, and affixed to a permanent foundation); or

 

(3)        A travel trailer without wheels built on a chassis and affixed to a permanent foundation, that is regulated under the community's floodplain management and building ordinances or laws.

 

For the latter purpose, “structure” does not mean a recreational vehicle or a park trailer or other similar vehicle, except as described in paragraph (3) of this definition, or a gas or liquid storage tank.

 

Substantial damage - Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to it’s before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

 

Substantial improvement - Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

 

(1)        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 or

 

(2)        Any alteration of a “historic structure”, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a “historic structure.”

 

Variance - A grant of relief by a community from the terms of a flood plain management regulation.

 

Violation - The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's flood plain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in CFR 44 (Code of Federal Regulation), Sec. 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.

 

Water surface elevation - 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 flood plains of coastal or riverine areas.

 

15.02- GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

15.0201           Lands to Which this Ordinance Applies

 

                        This ordinance shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of Parkston, South Dakota.

 

15.0202           Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard

 

The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a scientific engineering report entitled, Flood Insurance Study for Hutchinson County, South Dakota and Incorporated Areas" dated September 2, 2009, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Boundary-Floodway Maps (FIRM & FBFM), and any revisions thereto are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.

 

15.0203           Establishment of Development Permit

 

A Development Permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this ordinance.

 

15.0204           Compliance

 

No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered, or have its use changed without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable regulations.

 

15.0205           Abrogation and Greater Restrictions

 

This ordinance is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions.  However, where this ordinance and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.

 

15.0206           Interpretation

 

                        In the interpretation and application of this ordinance, all provisions shall be:

 

(1)               Considered as minimum requirements;

 

(2)               Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and,

 

(3)               Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.

 

15.0207           Warning and Disclaimer of Liability

 

                        The degree of flood protection required by this ordinance is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations.  On rare occasions greater floods can and will occur and flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes.

 

This ordinance does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages.  This ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the community or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made there under.

 

15.0208           Severability

 

If any section, provision, or portion of this ordinance is adjusted unconstitutional or invalid by a court, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected.

 

15.03- ADMINISTRATION

 

15.0301           Designation of the Floodplain Administrator

 

The City Engineer is hereby appointed the Floodplain Administrator to administer and implement the provisions of this ordinance and other appropriate sections of 44 CFR (National Flood Insurance Program Regulations) pertaining to floodplain management.

 

15.0302           Duties and Responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator

 
Duties of the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

1. Maintain and hold open for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this ordinance.

 

2. Review permit application to determine whether proposed building site, including the placement of manufactured homes, will be reasonably safe from flooding.

 

3. Review, approve or deny all applications for development permits required by adoption of this ordinance.

 

4. Review permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been obtained from those Federal, State or local governmental agencies (including Section 404 of the Federal Water  Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334) from which prior approval is required.

 

5. Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions) the Floodplain Administrator shall make the necessary interpretation.

 

6.  Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating Agency which is the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management, prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 

7. Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse is maintained.

 

8. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with  Section 15.0202, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation data and floodway data available from a Federal, State or other source, in order to administer the provisions of Sections 15.0401 to 15.0405.

 

9. When a regulatory floodway has not been designated, the Floodplain 

Administrator must require that no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1-30 and AE on the community'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 community.

 

10. Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the

National Flood Insurance Program regulations, a community may approve certain development in Zones A1-30, AE, AH, on the community's FIRM which increases the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than one foot, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM revision through FEMA (Conditional Letter of Map Revision).

Legislative History:

Sec. 15.0302.6 (Amended), Ordinance No. 317, 9/28/2011

 

15.0303           Permit Procedures

 

Application for a Development Permit shall be presented to the Floodplain Administrator on forms furnished by him/her and may include, but not be limited to, plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and elevation of proposed landscape alterations, existing and proposed structures, including the placement of manufactured homes, and the location of the foregoing in relation to areas of special flood hazard. Additionally, the following information is required:

 

1. Elevation (in relation to mean sea level), of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures;

 

2. Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure shall be flood proofed;

 

3. A certificate from a registered professional engineer or architect that the nonresidential flood proofed structure shall meet the flood proofing criteria of Section 15.0402 (2);

 

4. Description of the extent to which any watercourse or natural drainage will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.

 

5. Maintain a record of all such information in accordance with Section 15.0303(1).

 

Approval or denial of a Development Permit by the Floodplain Administrator shall be based on all of the provisions of this ordinance and the following relevant factors:

 

1. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;

 

2. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;

 

3. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;

 

4. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;

 

5. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;

 

6. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance and repair of streets and bridges, and public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems;

 

7. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site;

 

8. The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;

 

9. The availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for the proposed use.

 

10. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan for that area.

 

15.0304           Variance Procedures

 

1. The appeal Board as established by the community shall hear and render judgment on requests for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.

 

2. The Appeal Board shall hear and render judgment on an appeal only when it is alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Floodplain Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this ordinance.

 

3. Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the Appeal Board may appeal such decision in the courts of competent jurisdiction.

 

4. Variances may be issued for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places, without regard to the procedures set forth in the remainder of this ordinance.

 

5. 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 the relevant factors in Section 15.0304 (2) of this Article have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.

 

6. Upon consideration of the factors noted above and the intent of this ordinance, the Appeal Board may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purpose and objectives of this ordinance (Section 15.0103).

 

7. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.

 

8. Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.

 

9. Prerequisites for granting variances:

 

a) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

 

b) Variances shall only be issued upon:

 

1) showing a 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.

 

c) Any application to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the structure will be permitted to be built with the lowest floor elevation below the base flood elevation, and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation.

 

10. Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements and for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use provided that:

 

a) the criteria outlined in Section 15.0305(1)-(9) are met, and

 

b) 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.

 

15.0305           Information to be Obtained and Maintained

 

(1)               Obtain and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures, and whether or not the structure contains a basement.

 

(2)               For all new or substantially improved floodproofed structures:

 

(i)                 verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure has been floodproofed.

 

(ii)               maintain the floodproofing certifications required in Section 15.3.

 

(3)               Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this ordinance.

 

15.0306           Alteration of Watercourses

 

(1)        Notify adjacent communities and the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 

(2)        Require that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood carrying capacity is not diminished.

 

Legislative History:

Sec. 15.0306.1 (Amended), Ordinance No. 317, 9/28/2011

 

15.0307           Interpretation of FIRM Boundaries

 

Make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions).

 

 

15.04- PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION

 

15.0401           General Standards

 

In all areas of special flood hazards the following standards are required for all new construction and substantial improvements:

 

1. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;

 

2. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage;

 

3. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage;

 

4. All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.

 

5. All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the system;

 

6. New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system and discharge from the systems into flood waters; and,

 

7. On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.

 

15.0402           Specific Standards

 

In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth in (i)  Section 15.0202, (ii)  Section  15.0303(8), or (iii) Section 15.0403(3), the following provisions are required:

 

1. Residential Construction - new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the Floodplain Administrator that the standard of this subsection as proposed in Article 4, Section C(1)a., is satisfied.

 

2. Nonresidential Construction - new construction and substantial improvements of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to one foot above the base flood level or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be designed so that below the base flood level 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 registered professional engineer or architect shall develop and/or review structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice as outlined in this subsection. A record of such certification which includes the specific elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which such structures are flood proofed shall be maintained by the Floodplain Administrator.

 

3. Enclosures - new construction and substantial improvements, with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding 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:

a) A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.

 

b) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.

 

c) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

 

4. Manufactured Homes -

 

a) Require that all manufactured homes to be placed within Zone A on a community's FHBM or FIRM shall be installed using methods and practices, which 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. This requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.

 

b) Require that manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM on sites (i) outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision, (ii) in a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) in an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred "substantial damage" as a result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to or above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.

 

c) Require that manufactured homes be placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision with Zones A1-30, AH and AE on the community's FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of paragraph (4) of this section be elevated so that either:

 

1) the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation, 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 36 inches in height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.

 

5. Recreational Vehicles - Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM either:

 

a) be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,

 

b) be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or

 

c) meet the permit requirements of  Section  15.0303(1), and the elevation and anchoring requirements for "manufactured homes" in paragraph (4) of this section.

 

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.

 

15.0403           Standards for Subdivision Proposals

 

1. All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall be consistent with  Sections 15.0102, 15.0103 and 15.0104 of this ordinance.

 

2. All proposals for the development of subdivisions including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall meet Development Permit requirements of Sections 15.0203; 15.0303; and the provisions of Sections 15.0401 to 15.0405  of this ordinance.

 

3. Base flood elevation data shall be generated for subdivision proposals and other proposed development including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions which is greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser, if not otherwise provided pursuant to Section 15.0202 or  Section 15.0302(8) of this ordinance.

 

4. All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

 

5. All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.

 

15.0404           Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding (AO/AH Zones)

 

Located within the areas of special flood hazard established in Section 15.0202, are areas designated as shallow flooding. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood depths of 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow; therefore, the following provisions apply:

 

1. All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified).

 

2. All new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential structures;

 

a) have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified), or;

 

b) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be designed so that below the base flood level 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 of effects of buoyancy.

 

3. A registered professional engineer or architect shall submit a certification to the Floodplain Administrator that the standards of this Section, as proposed in Section  15.0303(1), are satisfied.

 

4. Require within Zones AH or AO adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes, to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

 

15.0405           Floodways

 

Floodways - located within areas of special flood hazard established in  Section 15.0202 are areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters, which carry debris, potential projectiles and erosion potential, the following provisions shall apply:

 

1. Encroachments are prohibited, 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 community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.

 

2. If  Section 15.0405(1) above is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of Sections 15.0401 to 15.0405.

 

3. Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the

National Flood Insurance Regulations, a community may permit encroachments within the adopted regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in base flood elevations, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM and floodway revision through FEMA.

 

4.  Designate a regulatory floodway which will not increase the Base Flood level more than 1 foot. [60.3(d)(2)]

 

15.0406           Penalties for Noncompliance

 

No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable regulations. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $ 500.00 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both, for each violation, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City of Parkston from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

 

15.0407           Certification

 

It is hereby found and declared by Parkston, South Dakota that severe flooding has occurred in the past within its jurisdiction and will certainly occur within the future; that flooding is likely to result in infliction of serious personal injury or death, and is likely to result in substantial injury or destruction of property within its jurisdiction; in order to effectively comply with minimum standards for coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program; and in order to effectively remedy the situation described herein, it is necessary that this ordinance become effective immediately.

 

Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this ordinance, being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.


Click on the link below for a printable version of the Parkston Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.