In accordance with the administrative regulations promulgated by PA DCED to implement the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act (Act 166 of 1978), the following activities shall be prohibited within the FCD unless a special floodplain permit has been issued by the Township. In order to apply for a special floodplain permit, a variance must first be obtained, as outlined in Article
V of this chapter.
A. The commencement of any of the following activities; or the construction,
enlargement, or expansion of any structure used, or intended to be
used, for any of the following activities:
B. The commencement of, or any construction of, a new manufactured home
park or manufactured home subdivision, or substantial improvement
to an existing manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision.
Applicants for special floodplain permits shall provide five
copies of the following items:
A. A written request including a completed special floodplain permit
application form;
B. A small scale map showing the vicinity in which the proposed site
is located;
C. A plan of the entire site, clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of
one inch being equal to 100 feet or less, showing the following:
(1) North arrow, scale and date;
(2) Topography based upon the NAVD of 1988, showing existing and proposed
contours at intervals of two feet;
(3) All property and lot lines including dimensions, and the size of
the site expressed in acres or square feet;
(4) The location of all existing streets, drives, other accessways, and
parking areas, with information concerning widths, pavement types
and construction, and elevations;
(5) The location of any existing bodies of water or watercourses; buildings;
structures and other public or private facilities, including railroad
tracks and facilities; and any other natural and man-made features
affecting, or affected by, the proposed activity or development;
(6) The location of the floodplain boundary line, information and spot
elevations concerning the BFE, and information concerning the flow
of water including direction and velocities;
(7) The location of all proposed buildings, structures, utilities, and
any other improvements; and
(8) Any other information which the Township considers necessary for
adequate review of the application.
D. Plans of all proposed buildings, structures and other improvements,
clearly and legibly drawn at suitable scale showing the following:
(1) Sufficiently detailed architectural or engineering drawings, including
floor plans, sections, and exterior building elevations, as appropriate;
(2) For any proposed building, the elevation of the lowest floor and,
as required, the elevation of any other floor;
(3) Complete information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities,
impact and uplift forces, and other factors associated with the base
flood;
(4) Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures;
(5) Cross section drawings for all proposed streets, drives, other accessways,
and parking areas, showing all rights-of-way and pavement widths;
(6) Profile drawings for all proposed streets, drives, and accessways
including existing and proposed grades; and
(7) Plans and profiles of all proposed sanitary and storm sewer systems,
water supply systems, and any other utilities or facilities.
E. The following data and documentation:
(1) Certification from the applicant that the site upon which the activity
or development is proposed is an existing separate and single parcel,
owned by the applicant;
(2) Certification from a licensed professional engineer, architect, or
landscape architect that the proposed construction has been adequately
designed to protect against damage from the base flood;
(3) A statement, certified by a licensed professional engineer, architect,
landscape architect, or other qualified person which contains a complete
and accurate description of the nature and extent of pollution that
might possibly occur from the development during the course of a base
flood, including a statement concerning the effects such pollution
may have on human life;
(4) A statement, certified by a licensed professional engineer, architect,
or landscape architect, which contains a complete and accurate description
of the effects the proposed development will have on base floods and
flows;
(5) A statement, certified by a licensed professional engineer, architect,
or landscape architect, which contains a complete and accurate description
of the kinds and amounts of any loose buoyant materials or debris
that may possibly exist or be located on the site below the BFE and
the effects such materials and debris may have on base floods and
flows;
(6) The appropriate component of PA DEP's Planning Module for Land
Development;
(7) Where any excavation or grading is proposed, a plan meeting the requirements
of PA DEP and MCCD to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation
control;
(8) Any other applicable permits such as, but not limited to, a permit
for any activity regulated by PA DEP under Section 302 of Act 1978
of 166; and
(9) An evacuation plan which fully explains the manner in which the site
will be safely evacuated before or during the course of a base flood.
Upon receipt of an application for a special floodplain permit by the Township, the following procedures shall apply in addition to those of Article
VIII of this chapter:
A. Within three working days following receipt of the application, a
complete copy of the application and all accompanying documentation
shall be forwarded to the MCPC by registered or certified mail for
its review and recommendations. Copies of the application shall also
be forwarded to the LPT PC and Township Engineer for review and comment.
B. If an application is received that is incomplete, the Township shall
return the application and notify the applicant in writing, stating
in what respect(s) the application is deficient.
C. If the Township decides to disapprove an application, it shall notify
the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval.
D. If the Township approves an application, it shall file written notification,
together with the application and all pertinent information, with
PA DCED, by registered or certified mail, within five working days
after the date of approval.
E. Before issuing the special floodplain permit, the Township shall
allow PA DCED 30 days, after receipt of the notification by the Department,
to review the application and decision made by the Township.
F. If the Township does not receive any communication from PA DCED during
the thirty-day review period, it may issue a special floodplain permit
to the applicant.
G. If PA DCED should decide to disapprove an application, it shall notify
the Township and the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the
disapproval, and the Township shall not issue the special floodplain
permit.
In addition to the requirements set forth in Article
VI of this chapter, the following minimum requirements shall also apply to any proposed development requiring a special floodplain permit.
A. No application for a special floodplain permit shall be approved
unless it can be determined that the structure or activity will be
located, constructed, and maintained in a manner which will:
(1) Fully protect the health and safety of the general public and any
occupants of the structure. At a minimum, all new structures shall
be designed, located, and constructed so that:
(a)
The structure will survive inundation by waters of the base
flood without any lateral movement or damage to either the structure
itself, or to any of its equipment or contents below the BFE.
(b)
The lowest floor will be elevated to at least one and one-half
feet above the BFE.
(c)
The occupants of the structure can remain inside for an indefinite
period of time and be safely evacuated at any time during a base flood.
(2) Prevent any significant possibility of pollution, increased flood
levels or flows, or debris endangering life and property.
B. A hydrologic and hydraulic analysis in accordance with Article
I of this chapter relating to hydrologic and hydraulic analyses in applicability shall be provided.