The intent of this chapter is to:
A.
Promote the general health, welfare, and safety of
the community.
B.
Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction
practices in order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
C.
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water
supply and natural drainage.
D.
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community,
its governmental units, and its residents, by preventing excessive
development in areas subject to flooding.
E.
Comply with federal and state floodplain management
requirements.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership,
business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any
construction or development anywhere within the Borough of Catasauqua
unless a building permit has been obtained from the Code Enforcement
Officer.
B.
A building permit shall not be required for minor
repairs to existing buildings or structures.
This chapter supersedes any other conflicting
provisions which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas.
However, any other ordinance provisions shall remain in full force
and effect to the extent that those provisions are more restrictive.
If there is any conflict between any of the provisions of this chapter,
the more restrictive shall apply.
A.
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions
of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and
is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods
may occur; flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes,
such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter
does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain areas,
or that land uses permitted within such areas, will be free from flooding
or flood damages.
B.
This chapter shall not create liability on the part
of the Borough of Catasauqua or any officer or employee thereof for
any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any
administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.