A.
Alteration or relocation of watercourse.
(1)
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 Borough of Bradford
Woods and until all required permits or approvals have first been
obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional
office.
(2)
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be
made to any watercourse unless it can be shown that the activity will
not reduce or impede the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse
in any way.
(3)
In addition, FEMA and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development shall be notified prior to any alteration or
relocation of any watercourse.
B.
Technical or scientific data provided by the applicant shall be submitted
by the applicant to FEMA for a letter of map revision (LOMR) as soon
as practicable but within six months of any new construction, development,
or other activity resulting in changes in the BFE. The situations
when a LOMR or a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) are required
are:
(1)
Any development occurring in Zone A which will cause a rise of more than one foot in the base flood elevation (as determined using methodology in § 124-17); or
[Amended 8-11-2014 by Ord. No. 440]
(2)
Alteration or relocation of a stream (including but not limited to
installing culverts and bridges).
C.
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 chapter and any other applicable
codes, ordinances and regulations.
D.
Within any identified floodplain area (see § 124-17), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-the-bank of any watercourse, unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional office.
[Amended 8-11-2014 by Ord. No. 440]
E.
Residential structures.
(1)
In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with §§ 124-16 through 124-20 of this chapter.
(2)
The design and construction standards and specifications contained
in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International
Residential Code (Chapters 401 to 405, as amended) shall be utilized,
or its successors.
F.
Nonresidential structures.
(1)
Within any identified floodplain area, any new construction or substantial
improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor
(including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood
elevation or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed
by such structure shall remain either completely or essentially dry
during any flood up to that height.
(2)
Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, having a lowest floor
(including basement) which is not elevated to at least 1 1/2
feet above the base flood elevation shall be floodproofed in a completely
or essentially dry manner in accordance with the W1 or W2 space classification
standards contained in the publication entitled "Flood-Proofing Regulations,"
published by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972,
as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent standard. 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.
[Amended 8-11-2014 by Ord. No. 440]
G.
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement)
is prohibited.
H.
Partially enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement)
which will be used solely for the parking of a vehicle, building access,
or incidental storage in an area other than a basement shall be designed
and constructed to allow for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters
for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on exterior walls.
The term "partially enclosed space" also includes crawl spaces. Designs
for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered
professional engineer or architect or exceed the following minimum
criteria:
(1)
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than
one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space;
(2)
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above
grade; and
(3)
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc., or other coverings
or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit
of floodwaters.
I.
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:
(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, materials, and equipment related to the principal use or
activity;
(2)
Floor area shall not exceed 600 square feet;
(3)
The structure will have a low damage potential;
(4)
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least
obstruction to the flow of floodwaters;
(5)
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be at least 1 1/2 feet
above the base flood elevation;
[Amended 8-11-2014 by Ord. No. 440]
(6)
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances, such as furnaces,
heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited;
(7)
Sanitary facilities are prohibited; and
(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 square inch for every square foot of enclosed space;
(b)
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot
above grade; and
(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.
J.
Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would
constitute a substantial improvement, as defined in this chapter,
must comply with all chapter requirements that do not preclude the
structure's continued designation as an historic structure. Documentation
that a specific chapter requirement will cause removal of the structure
from the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory
of Historic Places must be obtained from the Secretary of the Interior
or the State Historic Preservation Officer. Any exemption from chapter
requirements will be the minimum necessary to preserve the historic
character and design of the structure.
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:
(1)
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all
points;
(2)
Consist of soil or small rock materials only; sanitary landfills
shall not be permitted;
(3)
Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance
to erosion, scouring, or settling;
(4)
Be no steeper than one vertical to two horizontal feet unless substantiated
data, justifying steeper slopes, are submitted to and approved by
the Zoning Officer; and
(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 stormwater runoff in a safe and efficient manner.
The system shall ensure 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.
(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.
(2)
Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent
the discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters.
(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.
(4)
The design and construction provisions of the UCC and FEMA No. 348,
"Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damages," and the International
Private Sewage Disposal Code shall be utilized.
D.
Other utilities. All other utilities, such as gaslines, 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 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 § 124-22, 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.
(1)
All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance
with accepted engineering practices to prevent flotation, collapse,
or lateral movement.
(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.
(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.
(2)
Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be
of a marine or water-resistant variety.
(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.
(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.
(1)
Paints and other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation
shall be of a marine or water-resistant quality.
(2)
Adhesives used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be
of a marine or water-resistant variety.
(3)
All wooden components (doors, trim, cabinets, etc.) shall be finished
with a marine or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
L.
Equipment. Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating
units, and other 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.
N.
Uniform Construction Code coordination. The standards and specifications
contained 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 to 405, as amended, and not limited
to the following provisions, shall apply to the above and other sections
and subsections of this chapter, to the extent that they are more
restrictive and supplement the requirements of this chapter:
(1)
International Building Code (IBC) 2009, or the latest edition thereof:
Sections 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix G.
(2)
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009, or the latest
edition thereof: Sections R104, 8105, R109, R323, Appendix AE101,
Appendix E and Appendix J.
A.
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act,[1] and the regulations adopted by the Department of Community
and Economic Development as required by the Act, any new or substantially
improved structure which will be used for production or storage of
any of the following dangerous materials or substances; or 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 will involve
the production, storage, or use of any amount of radioactive substances,
shall be subject to the provisions of this section, in addition to
all other applicable provisions. The following list of materials and
substances are considered dangerous to human life:
(1)
Acetone.
(2)
Ammonia.
(3)
Benzene.
(4)
Calcium carbide.
(5)
Carbon disulfide.
(6)
Celluloid.
(7)
Chlorine.
(8)
Hydrochloric acid.
(9)
Hydrocyanic acid.
(10)
Magnesium.
(11)
Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen.
(12)
Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.).
(13)
Phosphorus.
(14)
Potassium.
(15)
Sodium.
(16)
Sulphur and sulphur products.
(17)
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides).
(18)
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise
regulated.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
B.
Within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
C.
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be elevated or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above the base flood elevation and designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a base 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 Regulation" (United States Army Corps of Engineers, June 1972, as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent watertight standard.
[Amended 8-11-2014 by Ord. No. 440]
All subdivision proposals and development proposals containing
at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser,
in flood hazard areas where base flood elevation data is not available
shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses
that determine base flood elevations and floodway information. The
analyses shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer in
a format required by FEMA for a conditional letter of map revision
or letter of map revision. Submittal requirements and processing shall
be the responsibility of the applicant.
A.
Within any identified floodplain area, all manufactured homes and
any additions thereto shall be prohibited within the area measured
50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
B.
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, all manufactured
homes, and any improvements thereto, shall be:
C.
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with
the manufacturers' installation instructions as provided by the
manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information,
the requirements of Appendix E of the 2009 International Residential
Building Code or the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development's Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing,
1984 Edition, draft or latest revision thereto, shall apply and 34
Pa. Code, Chapters 401 to 405, or its successors.
D.
Consideration shall be given to the installation requirements of
the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC, or the most recent revisions thereto,
and 34 Pa. Code, as amended, where appropriate and applicable to units
where the manufacturers' standards for anchoring cannot be provided
or were not established for the proposed unit's(s') installation.