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.
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 Township of Independence unless a building permit has been obtained from the Building Permit 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.
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 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 chapter 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 damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Township of Independence or any officer or employee thereof for flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.