All land and watercourses defined herein as floodplains shall be subject to the following regulations regardless of the district regulations for the district within which such land and watercourses are located:
A.
Intent. It is the intent of this section to preserve the natural functions of floodplains, to protect life and property from the hazards of flooding, to protect the waters of the Township and to minimize the financial burdens which floods impose upon the community. These purposes shall be advanced by preventing certain uses and structures from locating in floodplains while allowing others which will not:
B.
Permitted uses. Floodplains may be used only for the following, provided that such uses and structures do not conflict with the limitations of Subsection C below:
(1)
The tilling of the land, the raising of crops, fruits and vegetables and, in districts where permitted, the raising and keeping of livestock and poultry.
(2)
Horticultural uses related to the raising, propagating and selling of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plant materials.
(3)
Forestry uses related to the harvesting of lumber products.
(4)
Public and private conservation areas for the conservation of open space, water, soil and wildlife resources.
(5)
Park and recreational areas, including golf courses and driving ranges in districts where permitted.
(6)
Essential services, provided that such facilities are designed and built to minimize and eliminate flood damage and infiltration.
[Amended 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C]
(7)
Retaining walls, flood retention dams, culverts and bridges as permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
(8)
Parking lots, sidewalks, bike paths and other similar paths.
[Amended 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(9)
Customary uses accessory to the above.
C.
Use limitations. The uses permitted above in Subsection B are limited as follows:
(1)
All buildings, even if customarily associated with the uses permitted, are prohibited, except buildings used solely to house fixed mechanical equipment and park shelters.
(2)
All other uses are prohibited, including but not limited to the following, which are not interpreted as being customary accessory uses:
(a)
Filling in of the floodplain or relocation of any watercourse.
(b)
Sanitary landfill or dumping of any kind.
(c)
Fences, except fences which will not impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water or catch or collect debris carried by such water.
(d)
Outdoor storage of materials which are buoyant, flammable or explosive or those hazardous materials listed in Section 38.7 of the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs Flood Plain Management Regulations.
[Amended 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C]
(e)
On-site sewage disposal systems.
(f)
Any development within the floodway portion of the floodplain that would cause any increase in the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
(g)
Any development within any FE (Special Floodplain Area), no new construction or development shall be allowed 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 elevation of the one-hundred-year flood more than one foot at any point.
[Added 12-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-18; amended 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(3)
The Township shall issue a permit only after it has been determined that the proposed development will be in conformance with the permit requirements of governmental agencies from which approval is required by federal or state law.
[Added 12-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-18]
(4)
Nonresidential structures within an identified floodplain area. The following minimum standards shall apply for nonresidential structures within any identified floodplain area for items permitted in § 200-30B above or those items approved through variance or other means which supersedes the authority of these regulations herein:
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(a)
Within any identified area, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the one-hundred-year 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.
(b)
Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, having a lowest floor which is not elevated up to, or above, the one-hundred-year 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 U.S. 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 standard.
(c)
Space below the lowest floor.
[1]
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement) is prohibited.
[2]
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 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.
[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.
(5)
Permitted construction and development. The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction and development proposed within any identified floodplain area for items permitted in § 200-30B above or those items approved through variance or other means which supersedes the authority of these regulations herein.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(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 Building Permit 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 insure 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.
(d)
Other utilities. All other utilities such as gas lines, 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)
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.
(g)
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.
(h)
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.
(i)
Paints and adhesives.
[1]
Paints and other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of "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.
(k)
Equipment. Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units, and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment or apparatus shall not be located below the regulatory flood elevation.
(l)
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.
(m)
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 the production or storage of any of the following dangerous materials or substances; 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.
(n)
Within any FW (floodway area), any structure of the kind described in Subsection C(5)(m) above shall be prohibited.
(o)
Where permitted within any floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection C(5)(m) above shall be:
[1]
Elevated or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above the one-hundred-year flood; and
[2]
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a one-hundred-year 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 Regulations" (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1972, as amended March 1992) or with some other equivalent watertight standard.
(p)
Existing structures. The provisions of this Ordinance No. O-09-08 do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures. However, when an improvement is made to any existing structure, the following provisions shall apply:
[1]
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood.
[2]
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any FE area that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the one-hundred-year flood elevation more than one foot at any point.
[3]
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of 50% for more of its market value, shall constitute a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance No. O-09-08.
(6)
Existing structures. If an improvement to an existing structure is permitted, the following provisions shall apply:
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(a)
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood.
(b)
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any FE area that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the one-hundred-year flood elevation more than one foot at any point.
(c)
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement, of any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of 50% or more of its market value shall constitute a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance No. O-09-08.
D.
Site plan review. All applications for zoning permits for lots, uses and structures located within a floodplain or 100 feet therefrom shall submit, along with the application, a site plan as required in Article X of this chapter.
E.
Identification.
[Amended 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C; 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
(1)
For the purposes of this section, the "identified floodplain area" shall be any areas of College Township subject to the one-hundred-year flood, which is identified as Zone A (area of special flood hazard) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) dated May 4, 2009, and the accompanying maps or the most recent revision thereof as issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including all digital data developed as a part of the Flood Insurance Study.
[Amended 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(2)
The identified floodplain area may be revised or modified by the College Township Council where studies or information provided by a qualified agency or person documents the need for such revision or modification. However, prior to any such change, approval must be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(3)
Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, any party aggrieved by such determination may appeal to the College Township Zoning Hearing Board. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.
(4)
The identified floodplain area shall consist of the following specific areas:
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
(a)
FW (Floodway Area): The areas identified as “floodway” in the AE Zone in the Flood Insurance Study prepared by FEMA. The term shall also include floodway areas which have been identified in other available studies or sources of information for those floodplain areas where no floodway has been identified in the Flood Insurance Study.
(b)
FF (Flood-Fringe Area): the remaining portions of the one-hundred-year floodplain in those areas identified as an AE Zone in the Flood Insurance Study, where a floodway has been delineated. The basis for the outermost boundary of this area shall be the one-hundred-year flood elevations as shown in the flood profiles contained in the Flood Insurance Study.
(c)
FE (Special Floodplain Area): the areas identified as Zone AE in the Flood Insurance Study, where one-hundred-year flood elevations have been provided but no floodway has been delineated.
(d)
FA (General Floodplain Area): the areas identified as Zone A in the FIS for which no one-hundred-year flood elevations have been provided. When available, information from other federal, state, and other acceptable sources shall be used to determine the one-hundred-year elevation, as well as a floodway area, if possible. When no other information is available, the one-hundred-year elevation shall be determined by using a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain area which is nearest the construction site in question.
(e)
In lieu of the above, College Township may require the applicant to determine the elevation with hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analyses, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail for review.
F.
Variances. If compliance with any of the requirements of this section would result in an exceptional hardship to a prospective builder, developer or landowner, the Zoning Hearing Board may, upon request, grant relief from the strict application of the requirements. Requests for variances shall be considered by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the procedures contained in Article X, Administration and Enforcement.
[Amended 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
(1)
If granted, a variance shall involve only the least modification necessary to provide relief. If it should become necessary to grant any variance, the applicant shall be required to comply with all applicable requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program Regulations (Section 60.3[d]), including the requirements for elevations, floodproofing and anchoring. The applicant must also comply with any other requirement considered necessary by College Township.
[Amended 12-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-18]
(2)
In granting any variance, College Township shall attach whatever reasonable conditions and safeguards it considers necessary in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and to achieve the objectives of this section.
(4)
In reviewing any request for a variance, the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
(a)
That there is good and sufficient cause.
(b)
That failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant.
(c)
That the granting of the variance will neither result in an unacceptable or prohibited increase in flood heights, additional threats to public safety or extraordinary public expense nor create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimize the public or conflict with any other applicable state or local ordinances and regulations.
(5)
A complete record of all variance requests and related actions shall be maintained by the Township. In addition, a report of all variances granted during the year shall be included in the annual report to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(6)
Notwithstanding any of the above, however, all structures shall be designed and constructed so as to have the capability of resisting the one-hundred-year flood.
(7)
No variance shall be granted within the floodway which would cause any increase in the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
(8)
No variance shall be granted for any development within Zone AE and not in the floodway where the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development would cause more than a one-foot increase in the one-hundred-year flood elevation within the Township.
[Added 12-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-18]
G.
No modification or revision of any floodplain area shall be made without approval of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[Added 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C; amended 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
H.
Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this section should be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this section which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose, the provisions of this section is hereby declared to be severable.
[Added 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C; amended 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
I.
Municipal liability. The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this section is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes in the identified floodplain area(s). Larger floods may occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This section does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain area, or that land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damage. This section shall not create liability on the part of the Township or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this section of any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
J.
This section 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 Ordinance No. O-09-08, the more restrictive shall apply.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
K.
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 (Township, Borough, etc.) and until all required permits or approvals have been first obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development shall be notified by the Township prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
L.
Zoning permits shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within floodplain area of the Township.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
M.
No new construction or development shall be allowed unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]

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