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.
