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HomeMy WebLinkAbout43571 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ORDINANCE N0. 4 3 5 7 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, AMENDING AUBURN CITY ORDINANCE N0. 4214, CODIFIED AS CHAPTER 15.68, RELATTNG TO FLOOD HAZARD AREAS, TO ADD, AMEND OR REPEAL bESIGNATED SECTIONS OF THE ORDTNANCE, AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this amendatory ordinance is to add, repeal or amend designated sections of Ordinance No. 4214 (codified as Auburn City Code Chapter 15,68), so that the Ordinance conforms to the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Act. Section 2, Ordinance No. 4214 (codified as Chapter 15.68) effective on March 25, 1987, is hereby amended to add, repeal or amend specified portions of the Ordinance as follows: SECTION 1.0 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES 1.1 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION The Legislature of the State of Washington has in State law delegated the responsibility to lo al governmental units to adopt regulations designated to promote \th public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the City Council of the City of Auburn, Washington, does ordain as follows: Ordinance No. 4357 Page One 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 1.2 FINDINGS OF FACT (1) The flood hazard areas of the City of Auburn are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare. (2) These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inade- quately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inade- quately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss. 1.3 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: (1) To protect human life and health; (2) To minimize expenditure of public money and costly flood control projects; (3) To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with the flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public; (4) To minimize prolonged business interruptions; (5) To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; Ordinance No. 4357 Page Two 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (6) To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas; (7) To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and, (8) To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions. 1.4 METHODS OF REDUCING FLOOD LOSSES In order to accomplish its purposes, this ordinance includes methods and provisions for: (1) Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities; (2) Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction; (3) Controlling the alteration of natural flood plains, stream chan- nels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters; (4) Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and (5) Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas. SECTION 2.0 DEFINITIONS Unless specificaily defined below, words or pharases used in this ordi- nance shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in com- mon usage and to give this ordinance its most reasonable application. Ordinance No. 4357 Page Three 7J24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 . 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2.7 "FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP" (FIRM) means the official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of spe- cial floodhazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. 2.8 "FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY" means the official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, the Flood Boundary-Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood. 2.9 FLOODWAY" means 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 one foot. 2.10 "LOWEST FLOOR" means 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 this ordinance found in Section 5.2-1(2). 2.11 "MANUFACTURED HOME" means 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 connected to the required utilities. For flood plan management purposes the term "manufactured home" also inclu- des park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles placed on a site for greater than 180 consecutive days. For insurance purposes the term Ordinance No. 4357 Page Five 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6' 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 "manufactured home" does not include park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles. 2.12 "MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION" means a parcel (or con- tiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale. 2.13 °NEW CONSTRUCTION" means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of this ordinance. 2.14 "START OF CONSTRUCTION" includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of perman ment 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; nore does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundation 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. 2.15 "STRUCTURE" means a walled and roofed building including a gas or I liquid storage tank that is principally above ground. Ordinance No. 4357 Page Six 7/24/89 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2.16 "SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT" means any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty (50q) percent of the assessed valuation of such structure as established by the most current Ki ng County Assessor's Tax Rol l((~arket ••a'••e ef t#e-Tt-ruettt;i) ) either: (1) before the improvement or repair is started, or (2) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commen- ces, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either: (1) any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or (2) any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places, 2.17 "VARIANCE" means a grant of relief from the requirements of this Ordinance which permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be pro- hibited by this Ordinance. SECTION 3.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS 3.1 LANDS TO WHICH THIS ORDINANCE APPLIES This Ordinance shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the City of Auburn. (See Exhibit "A", attached Ordinance No. 4357 Page Seven 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 I 24 25 26 hereto and incorporated herein by reference, the State Flood Control Zone Map). 3.2 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAI FLOOD HAZARD The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Auburn", dated September 29, 1989, with accompanying Flood Insurance Maps is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Ordinance. The Flood Insurance Study is on file at 25 West Main, Auburn, Washington 98001. 3.3 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 requlations. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance by fai1ure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in con- nection with conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its require- ments shall upon convictions thereof be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days, or both, for each violation, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Nothing herein contained shall pre- vent the City of Auburn from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. Ordinance No. 4357 Page Eight 10/5/89 Page Eight Only 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1? 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 3.4 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. 3.5 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 or repeal any other powers granted under state statutes. 3.6 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 engi- neering considerations. Large floods can and will occur on rare occa- sions. 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 City of Auburn, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration, for any flood damages that result Ordinance No. 4357 Page Nine 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 from reliance on this Ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder. SECTION 4.0 ADMINISTRATION 4.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PERMIT A development permit shall be obtained before construction or develop- ment begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 3.2. The permit shall be for all structures including manufac- tured homes, as set forth in the "DEFINITIONS°, and for all other deve- lopment including fill and other activities, also as set forth in the "DEFINITIONS". Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the City of Auburn Building Department and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required: (1) Elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures; (2) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure has been floodproofed; (3) Certification by a registered professional engineer that the floodproofing methods for any nonresidential structure meet the floodproofing criteria in Section 5.2-2; and ' Ordinance No. 4357 Page Ten 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (4) Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed develop- ment. Permitting procedures for Flood Control Zone Permits shall conform to Section 3 of Auburn City Ordinance No. 4195 passed on December 15, 1986. 4.2 DESIGNATION OF THE CITY OF AUBURN ENGINEERING DIVISION The City of Auburn Engineering Division is hereby appointed to admi- nister and implement this Ordinance by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its provisions. 4.3 DUTIES AND_RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY OF AUBURN ENGINEERING DIVISION Duties of the City of Auburn Engineering Division shall include, but not be limited to: 4.3-1 Permit Review (1) Review of all development permits to determine that the permit requirements of this Ordinance have been satisfied. (2) Review all development permits to determine that all necessary permits have been obtained from those federal, state or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required. (3) Review all development permits to determine if the proposed development is located in the floodway. If located in the floodway, assure that the encroachment provisions of Section 5.3(1) are met. 4.3-2 Use of Other Base Flood Data When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accor- dance with Section 3.2, BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD, the City of Auburn Engineering Division Ordinance No. 4357 Page Eleven 7/24/$9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or other source, in order to administer Sections 5.2-1, SPECIFIC STANDARDS, Residential Construction, 5.2-2 SPECIFIC STANDARDS, Nonresidential Construction, and 5.3 FLOODWAYS. 4.3-3 Information to be Obtained and Maintained (1) Where base flood elevation data is provided through the Flood Insurance Study or required as in Section 4.3-2, obtain and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest habitable floor (including basement) of all new or substan- tially 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), and (ii) maintain the floodproofing certifications required in Section 4.1(3). (3) Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this Ordinance. 4.3-4 Alteration of Watercourses (1) Notify adjacent communities and the Department of Ecology prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration. (2) Require that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood carrying capacity is not diminished. Ordinance No. 4357 Page Twelve 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 4.3-5 Interpretation of FIRM Boundaries Make interpretations where needed, as to 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 person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation. ((as-ppey-i-a" S°_a;-- Such appeals shall be granted consistent with the standards of Section 60.6 of the Rules and Regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (44 CFR 59-76). ~rnnrn~~ (4:-n r rr nnnrrn~mr -~,,,~-T,~~~~ Var4amee , as stated herein, . SECTION 5.0 PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD PROTECTION 5.1 6ENERAL STANDARDS In all areas of special flood hazards the following standards are required: 5.1-1 Anchoring (1) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure. Ordinance No. 4357 Page Thirteen 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (2) All manufactured homes must likewise be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement, and shall be installed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage. Anchoring methods may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors (Reference FEMA's "Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas" guidebook for additional techniques). 5.1-2 Construction Materials and Methods (1) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage. (2) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage. (3) Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air- conditioning equipment and other service facilities shall be designed and/or otherwise elevated or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding. 5.1-3 Utilities (1) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system; (2) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharge from the systems into flood waters; and (3) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding. 5.1-4 Subdivision Proposals (1) All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage; Ordinance No. 4357 Page Fourteen 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (2) All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage; (3) All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage; and, (4) Where base flood elevation data has not been provided or is not available from another authoritative source, it shall be generated for subdivision propo- sals and other proposed developments which contain at least 50 lot or 5 acres (whichever is less). 5.1-5 Review of Building Permits Where elevation data is not available either through the Flood Insurance Study or from another authoritative source (Section 4.3-2), Applications for building permits shall be reviewed to assure that pro- posed construction will be reasonably safe from flooding. The test of reasonableness is a local judgment and includes use of historical data, high water marks, photographs of past flooding, etc., where available. Failure to elevate at least two feet above grade in these zones may result in higher insurance rates. 5.2 SPECIFIC STANDARDS In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data provided as set forth in Section 3,2 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD or Section 4.3-2, Use of Other Base Flood Data, the following provisions are required; Ordinance No. 4357 Page Fifteen 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 5.2-1 Residential Construction (1) New construction and substantial improvement of any residen- tial structure shall have the lowest floor, including base- ment, elevated ((to-er)) one foot or more above base flood elevation. (2) Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automati- cally 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 must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: (i) 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. (ii) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. (iii) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. 5.2-2 Nonresidential Construction New construction and substantial improvement to any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated ((+e)) one foot or more above the level of the base flood elevation; or, together with atten- dent utility and sanitary facilities, shall: Ordinance No. 4357 Page Sixteen 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (1) Be floodproofed so that below one foot above the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; (2) have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic loads and effects of buoyancy; and, (3) be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting provisions of this subsection based on their development and/or review of the structural design, specifications and plans. Such certifi- cations shall be provided to the official as set forth in Section 4.3-3(2). (4) Nonresidential structures that are elevated, not floodproofed, must meet the same standards for space below the lowest floor as described in 5.2-1(2). (5) Applicants floodproofing nonresidential buildings shall be notified that flood insurance premiums will be based on rates that are one foot below the floodproofed level (e.g. a building constructed to one foot above the base flood level will be rated as one foot below that level). 5.2-3 Manufactured Homes All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE shall be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is ((at-er)) one foot or more above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system in accordance with the providions of subsection 5.1-1(2). This paragraph applies to manu- factured homes to be placed or substantially improved in an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision. This paragraph does not apply to manufactured homes to be placed or substantial7y Ordinance No. 4357 Page Seventeen 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 improved in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision except where the repair, reconstruction, or improvement of the streets, utilities and pads equals or exceeds fifty (50q) percent of the value of the streets, utilities and pads before the repair, reconstruction or improvement has commenced. 5.3 FLOODWAYS Located within areas of special flood hazard established in Section 3.2 are areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of flood waters which carry debris, potential projectiles, and erosion potential, the following provisions apply: (1) Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construc- tion, substantial improvements, and other develop- ment unless certification by a registered pro- fessional engineer is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge. (2) Construction or reconstruction of residential struc- tures is rohibited within desi nated floodwa s, except for i repairs, reconstruction, or im rovements to a structure which do not increase the ground floor area; and ii repairs, reconstruction or im rovements to a structure the cost of which does not exceed fifty 50o percent of the assessed valuation of the structure as established b the most current King County Assessor's Tax Roll, either A before the re air, reconstruction, or re air is started, or B if the structure has been damaged, and is being restored, before the damage occurred. Work done on structures to comply with existin health, sanitary, or safety codes or to structures identified as historic laces shall not be included in the fiftv 50% percent. Ordinance No. 4357 Page Eighteen 7/24/89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 (3) If Section 5.3(1) is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of Section 5.0 PROVTSTONS FOR 1100D HAZARD REDUCTION. (((3) Prehih4t the pleeememt ef emy mobile homes, 5.4 ENCROACHMENTS The cumulative effect of any proposed development, where combined with all other existing and anticipated development, shall not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any op int• Section 3. The Mayor is hereby authorized to implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directions of this legislation. Section 4, This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force five (5) days from and after its passage, approval and publication, as provided by law. INTRODUCED: L PASSED: e2 APPROVED: rI MAYO Ordinance No. 4357 Page Nineteen 7/24/89 1 ATTEST: 2 3 ROBIN WONLHUETER, City C erk 4 5 6 APPROVED AS TO FORM: 7 9 MARGUERTTE SCHELLENTRAGER, City Attorney 10 11 12 pU6LISHED: 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Ordinance No. 4357 26 page Twenty 7/24/89