[Ord. No. 913, 8/11/2008, §§ 4.00 and 4.01, as amended by Ord. No. 999, 9/16/2019]
1. Within any floodway, the following provisions apply:
A. No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements,
or other development shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated
through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis performed in accordance
with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment
would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community
during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
B. No new construction or development shall be allowed unless a permit
is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional
Office.
2. The AE Area/District shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone
on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood
elevations have been provided.
A. AE Area without floodway shall be those areas identified as an AE
Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base
flood elevations have been provided but no floodway has been determined.
(1)
No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements, or other development shall be permitted in an AE Zone
without floodway, unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic
and hydraulic analysis performed in accordance with standard engineering
practice that the proposed development, together with all other existing
and anticipated development, would not result in an increase in flood
levels of more than one foot within the entire community during the
occurrence of the base flood discharge.
B. No new construction or development shall be located within the area
measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse
unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection
Regional Office.
3. The A Area/District shall be those areas identified as an A Zone
on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA and for which no
base flood elevations have been provided. For these areas, elevation
and floodway information from other federal, state, or other acceptable
sources shall be used when available. Where other acceptable information
is not available, the base flood elevation shall be determined by
using the elevation of a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain
area which is nearest the construction site.
In lieu of the above, the municipality 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 to allow a thorough
technical review by the Town of Bloomsburg.
[Ord. No. 913, 8/11/2008, § 4.02, as amended by Ord. No.
999, 9/16/2019]
1. Residential Structures. Within any identified floodplain area, any
new construction, or substantial improvement of a residential structure
shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated at or above
the regulatory flood elevation. Compliance with the design, construction
standards and specifications contained in the Pennsylvania Construction
Code Act and subsequent regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24 is required.
2. Nonresidential Structures.
A. In the Bloomsburg identified floodplain area, any new construction
or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have
the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the
regulatory flood elevation, or be designed and constructed so that
the space enclosed below the regulatory flood elevation:
(1)
Is floodproofed so that the structure is watertight with walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water; and
(2)
Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic
and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
B. Compliance with the design, construction standards and specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24 is required.
C. Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, made watertight below
the regulatory flood elevation shall be floodproofed 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 standards. There should be a statement submitted
with the permit application and a statement submitted with the as-built
floodproofing certificate prior to the issuance of the certificate
of occupancy.
D. Any nonresidential structure that will be floodproofed must submit
the following to the floodplain administrator along with the nonresidential
floodproofing certificate and prior to the issuance of the certificate
of occupancy:
(1)
An inspection and maintenance plan detailing the annual maintenance
of floodproofed components ensuring that all components will operate
properly under flood conditions. Components that must be inspected
include at a minimum:
(a)
Mechanical equipment such as sump pumps and generators;
(b)
Flood shields and closures;
(c)
Walls and wall penetrations; and
(d)
Levees and berms (as applicable).
(2)
Flood emergency operation plan detailing the procedures to be
followed during a flooding event, and must include information pertaining
to how all components will operate properly under all conditions,
including power failures. The design professional must produce the
plan. An adequate plan must include the following:
(a)
An established chain of command and responsibility with leadership
responsibilities clearly defined for all aspects of the plan.
(b)
A procedure for notification of necessary parties when flooding
threatens and flood warnings are issued. Personnel required to be
at the building should have a planned and safe means of ingress and
should have no other emergency response duties during a flood event.
Alternates should be assigned in the event that the primary persons
responsible are unable to complete their assigned duties under the
plan.
(c)
A list of specific duties assigned to ensure that all responsibilities
are addressed expeditiously. The locations of materials necessary
to properly install all floodproofing components must be included
in the list.
(d)
An evacuation plan for all personnel or occupants; those without
duties for the flood emergency as well as those with duties for implementing
the plan. All possible ingress and egress routes must be identified.
(e)
A periodic training and exercise program to keep personnel and
occupants aware of their duties and responsibilities. Training drills
should be held at least once a year and should be coordinated with
community.
3. Space Below the Lowest Floor.
A. Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (excluding basements)
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 "fully enclosed space" also includes crawl spaces.
B. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by
a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed
the following minimum criteria:
(1)
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less
than one square inch for every one square foot of enclosed space (floor
area). These opening must not be located along the same wall.
(2)
The bottom of all openings, stated in Subsection 8B(1), must
be no higher than 12 inches above exterior grade.
(3)
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc. Other products
that allow the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters are also acceptable.
(4)
Compliance with the design, construction standards and specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24 is required.
4. Accessory structures need not be elevated or floodproofed to remain
dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements:
A. The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation,
but shall be limited to the parking of vehicles or to the storage
of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or
activity.
B. Floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
C. The structure will have a low damage potential.
D. The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least
obstruction to the flow of floodwaters.
E. Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated at least to the
regulatory flood elevation.
F. Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances, such as furnaces,
heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited below the regulatory
flood elevation.
G. Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
H. The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation or
movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry
and exit of floodwater for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces
on the walls. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be
certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet
or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(1)
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less
than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(2)
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than 12 inches
above exterior grade.
(3)
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc., or other
coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry
and exit of floodwaters.
I. For accessory structures that are 200 square feet or larger in area
(footprint) and that are below the base flood elevation, a variance
is required as set forth in Part 7. If a variance is granted, a signed
declaration of land restriction (nonconversion agreement) shall be
recorded on the property deed prior to issuance of the certificate
of occupancy. No variances shall be granted for a proposed accessory
structure that exceeds 600 square feet in size. A signed nonconversion
agreement is required as a condition of receiving the variance.
[Ord. No. 913, 8/11/2008, § 4.03, as amended by Ord. No.
999, 9/16/2019]
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction
and development proposed within any identified floodplain area:
1. Fill.
A. Fill is not permitted to be placed within a designated floodway.
B. Sanitary landfills shall not be permitted.
C. If fill is used, it shall:
(1)
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from
all points.
(2)
Consist of soil and/or small rock materials, sized 2B or smaller,
only.
(3)
Be no steeper than one unit vertical to two units horizontal.
(4)
In lieu of Subsection
1C(1) through
(3) (above), designs for the placement of fill must be certified by a registered professional engineer or landscape architect.
(5)
Be used to the extent to which it does not adversely affect
adjacent properties (refer to provisions found within the UCC and
referenced publications).
(6)
Comply with the design, construction standards and specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24.
2. 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,
water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems.
3. Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities and Systems.
A. 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.
B. Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent
the discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters.
C. No part of any on-site waste disposal 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. Compliance with the design, construction standards and specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24 is required.
4. 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.
5. Streets. The finished elevation of all new streets shall be no greater
than one foot below the base flood elevation.
6. Storage. All materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive or, in times of flooding, could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, and not listed in §
8-404, Development Which May Endanger Human Life, shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
7. 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.
8. Anchoring.
A. All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance
with accepted engineering practices to prevent flotation, collapse,
or lateral movement.
B. All air ducts, pipes, storage tanks, and other similar objects or
components located below the regulatory flood elevation shall be securely
anchored or affixed to prevent flotation.
C. The design and construction requirements of the UCC pertaining to
this subsection as referred to in the Standards and Specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations and/or ASCE 24 shall be utilized.
9. Floors, Walls and Ceilings.
A. 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.
B. Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be
of a marine or water-resistant variety.
C. 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.
D. Windows, doors, and other components at or below the regulatory flood
elevation shall be made of metal or other water-resistant material.
E. Compliance with the design, construction standards and specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24 is required.
10. Paints and Adhesives.
A. Paints and other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation
shall be of marine or water-resistant quality.
B. Adhesives used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be
of a marine or water-resistant variety.
C. All wooden components (doors, trim, cabinets, etc.) shall be finished
with a marine or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
D. Compliance with the design, construction standards and specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24 is required.
11. Electrical Components.
A. Lowest portion of the electrical distribution panels shall be no
less than two feet above the regulatory flood elevation.
B. Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be
dropped from above.
C. The provisions pertaining to the Standards and Specifications contained
in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent regulations
and/or ASCE 24 shall be utilized.
12. Equipment.
A. 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.
B. The provisions pertaining to this section and the Standards and Specifications
contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent
regulations and/or ASCE 24 shall be utilized.
13. 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.
14. Fences and Walls. Fence and/or wall types will be permitted within
the BIFA as permitted by Figure 8-801.
15. Uniform Construction Code Coordination. All provisions provided within this section (§
8-403) shall comply with the design, construction standards and specifications contained in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent regulations (UCC) and/or ASCE 24, as applicable.
[Ord. No. 913, 8/11/2008, § 4.04, as amended by Ord. No.
999, 9/16/2019]
1. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act, and
the regulations adopted by the Department of Community and Economic
Development as required by the Act, any new construction or substantially
improved structure which will be used for the production or storage
of any of the following dangerous materials or substances; or 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:
Acetone
|
Ammonia
|
Benzene
|
Calcium carbide
|
Carbon disulfide
|
Celluloid
|
Chlorine
|
Hydrochloric acid
|
Hydrocyanic acid
|
Magnesium
|
Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen
|
Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.)
|
Phosphorus
|
Potassium
|
Sodium
|
Sulfur and sulfur products
|
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides)
|
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise
regulated
|
2. Within any floodway, any structure of the kind described in Subsection
1 shall be prohibited.
3. Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved residential structure of the kind described in Subsection
1, above, shall be elevated to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation and built in accordance with §
8-202, Subsections
2 and
3, §
8-402 and §
8-403.
4. Any new or substantially improved nonresidential structure of the kind described in §
8-404 shall be built in accordance with §
8-202, Subsections
2 and
3, §
8-402 and §
8-403, including:
A. Elevated, or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up
to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation; and
B. Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during
the course of a base 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.
[Ord. No. 913, 8/11/2008, § 4.05, as amended by Ord. No.
999, 9/16/2019]
1. Manufactured homes shall be prohibited within the floodway.
2. Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, all manufactured
homes and any improvements thereto shall be:
A. Placed on a permanent foundation.
B. Elevated so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at
or above the regulatory flood elevation.
C. Anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
D. Installed in accordance with the manufacturers' installation instructions
for installation within an identified floodplain area as provided
by the manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above
information, the following shall be acceptable:
(1)
The Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and subsequent regulations;
and/or
(3)
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's
Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing, 1984 Edition, draft,
or latest revision thereto, shall apply and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters
401-405, as amended).
E. The most stringent of regulations in Subsection
2D(1) through
(3) shall apply.
F. Dry stacked block is not an acceptable permanent foundation for the
installation of manufactured housing located within the BIFA.
[Added by Ord. No. 999, 9/16/2019]
Recreational vehicles in Zones A, A1-30, AH and AE must either:
1. Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; and
2. Be fully licensed and ready for highway use; or
3. Meet the permit requirements for manufactured homes in §
8-405.
[Added by Ord. No. 999, 9/16/2019]
All subdivision proposals and development proposals containing
at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser,
in identified floodplain areas where base flood elevation data are
not available, shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering
analyses that determine base flood elevations and floodway information.
The analyses shall be prepared by a Pennsylvania registered engineer
in a format required by FEMA for a conditional letter of map revision
(CLOMR) and letter of map revision (LOMR). Submittal requirements
and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.