[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Port
Republic 6-27-1983 by Ord. No. 27-1983; amended in its entirety 3-2-1988 by Ord. No.
88-1988 (Ch. 45 of the 1982 Code). Subsequent amendments
noted where applicable.]
The Legislature of the State of New Jersey has in N.J.S.A. 40:48-1
et seq. and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 delegated the responsibility to local
governmental units to adopt regulations designed to promote the health,
safety and general welfare of its citizenry.
A.
The flood hazard areas of Port Republic City are subject to periodic
inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and
safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services,
extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief
and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the
public health, safety and general welfare.
B.
These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions
in areas of special flood hazard which increase flood heights and
velocities and, when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas.
Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected
from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health,
safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses
due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed:
A.
To protect human life and health.
B.
To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood-control
projects.
C.
To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with
flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public.
D.
To minimize prolonged business interruptions.
E.
To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities, such as water
and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and
bridges located in areas of special flood hazard.
F.
To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use
and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize
future flood blight areas.
G.
To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in
an area of special flood hazard.
H.
The ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard
assume responsibility for their actions.
In order to accomplish its purposes, this chapter includes methods
and provisions for:
A.
Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety
and property due to water or erosion hazards or which result in damaging
increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities.
B.
Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which
serve such uses, are protected against flood damage at the time of
initial construction.
C.
Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels
and natural protective barriers which help accommodate or channel
floodwaters.
D.
Controlling filling, grading, dredging and other development which
may increase flood damage.
E.
Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which
will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards
in other areas.
[Amended 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
A.
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this
chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the meanings they
have in common usage and to give this chapter its most reasonable
application.
B.
APPEAL
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD
BASE FLOOD
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION
BASEMENT
BEST AVAILABLE FLOOD HAZARD DATA
BEST AVAILABLE FLOOD HAZARD DATA ELEVATION
BREAKAWAY WALL
COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREA
DEVELOPMENT
DIGITAL FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (DFIRM)
ELEVATED BUILDING
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)
FLOOD or FLOODING
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
FLOODPROOFING
FLOODWAY
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
LOWEST FLOOR
MANUFACTURED HOME
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK or MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION
MOBILE HOME
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
PRELIMINARY FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
START OF CONSTRUCTION
STRUCTURE
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
(1)
(2)
VARIANCE
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A request for a review of the local administrator's
interpretation of any provision of this chapter or a request for a
variance.
A designated AO, AH, or VO Zone on a community's Digital
Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) with a one-percent annual or greater
chance of flooding to an average depth of one foot to three feet where
a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding
is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding
is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
The land in the floodplain within a community subject to
a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
The flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year.
The flood elevation shown on a published Flood Insurance
Study (FIS) including the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). For Zones
AE, AH, AO, and A1-30, the elevation represents the water surface
elevation resulting from a flood that has a one-percent or greater
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For Zones VE
and V1-30, the elevation represents the stillwater elevation (SWEL)
plus wave effect (BFE = SWEL+ wave effect) resulting from a flood
that has a one-percent or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded
in any given year.
Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below
ground level) on all sides.
The most recent available flood risk guidance FEMA has provided.
The best available flood hazard data may be depicted on but not limited
to Advisory Flood Hazard Area Maps, Work Maps or Preliminary FIS and
FIRM.
The most recent available flood elevation FEMA has provided.
The best available flood hazard data elevation may be depicted on
an Advisory Flood Hazard Area Map; Work Map; or Preliminary FIS and
FIRM.
A wall that is not part of the structural support of the
building and is intended, through its design and construction, to
collapse under specific lateral loading forces without causing damage
to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
An area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to
the inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and
any other area subject to high-velocity wave action from storms or
seismic sources.
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining,
dredging, filling, paving, excavation or other drilling operations
located within the area of special flood hazard.
The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration
has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk-premium
zones applicable to the community.
A non-basement building (i) built, in the case of a building
in an area of special flood hazard, to have the top of the elevated
floor or, in the case of a building in a coastal high-hazard area,
to have the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the
elevated floor elevated above the base flood elevation by means of
piling, columns (posts and piers), or shear walls parallel to the
flow of the water, and (ii) adequately anchored so as not to impair
the structural integrity of the building during a flood up to the
magnitude of the base flood. In an area of special flood hazard, "elevated
building" also includes a building elevated by means of fill or solid
foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to facilitate
the unimpeded movement of floodwaters. In areas of coastal high hazard,
"elevated building" also includes a building otherwise meeting the
definition of "elevated building" even though the lower area is enclosed
by means of breakaway walls.
The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration
has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk-premium
zones applicable to the community.
The official report in which the Federal Insurance Administration
has provided flood profiles, as well as the Flood Insurance Rate Map(s)
and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland
or tidal waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff
of surface waters from any source.
Zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes,
health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain
ordinance, grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other
applications of police power. The term describes such state or City
regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide standards for
the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions,
changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood
damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary
facilities, structures and their contents.
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent
land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood
without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than
0.2 foot.
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior
to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
Any structure that is:
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places
(a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily
determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements
for individual listing on the National Register;
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the
Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered
historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary
to qualify as a registered historic district;
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places
in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved
by the Secretary of the Interior; or
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places
in communities with historic preservation programs that have been
certified either:
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including the
basement. An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely
for the parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area
other than a basement, is not considered a building's lowest
floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so to render the
structure in violation of other applicable nonelevation design requirements.
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which
is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without
a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The
term "manufactured home" does not include a "recreational vehicle."
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two
or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
A structure that is transportable in one or more sections,
built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without
a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. It
does not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
Structures for which the start of construction commenced
on or after the effective date of a floodplain regulation adopted
by the City and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction
of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes
are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities,
the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the
pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date
of the floodplain management regulations adopted by the City.
The draft version of the FIRM released for public comment
before finalization and adoption.
A vehicle which is:
Built on a single chassis;
Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the longest
horizontal projections;
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty
truck; and
Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as
temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal
use.
For other than new construction or substantial improvements
under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (P.L. No. 97-348), includes
substantial improvements and means the date the building permit was
issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within
180 days of the permit date. The "actual start" means either the first
placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such
as the pouring of a slab or footings, the installation of piles, the
construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation,
or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent
construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing,
grading and filling, nor does it include the installation of streets
and/or walkways, nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings
or piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms, nor does
it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings,
such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part
of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the "actual
start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling,
floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that
alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
A walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, or a gas
or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground.
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its condition before damage would
equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the
damage occurred.
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement
of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market
value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement.
This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage,
regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not,
however, include either:
Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing
violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications
which have been identified by the City code enforcement officer and
which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions;
or
Any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the alteration
will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an
historic structure.
A grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter that
permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited
by this chapter.
This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard
within the jurisdiction of the City of Port Republic.
[Amended 5-14-2013 by Ord. No. 03-2013]
A.
The areas of special flood hazard for the City of Port Republic are
identified and defined on the following documents prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency:
(1)
A scientific and engineering report "Flood Insurance Study, City
of Port Republic, New Jersey, Atlantic County," dated January 5, 1983.
(2)
"Flood Insurance Rate Map, City of Port Republic, New Jersey, Atlantic
County," as shown on Index and Panel(s) 340016 0001B, 340016 0002C,
340016 0003 B, 340016 0004B, the effective date of which is July 15,
1992. "Floodway, Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, City of Port Republic,
New Jersey, Atlantic County," as shown on Index and Panel 340016 0003,
effective date July 5, 1983.
(3)
Advisory Base Flood Elevations and Advisory Flood Hazard Maps Green
Bank SE, New Gretna SW, Oceanville NW, dated December 14, 2012. These
documents shall take precedence over previous panels and FIS in construction
and development regulations only. Where the Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA) and the Advisory Flood Hazard Area (AFHA) maps conflict or
overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent requirement shall prevail.
B.
The above documents are hereby adopted and declared to be a part of Chapter 139. The Flood Insurance Study, maps and advisory documents are on file at 143 Main Street, Port Republic, New Jersey.
C.
Best available flood hazard data. These documents shall take precedence
over effective panels and FIS in construction and development regulations
only. Where the effective mapping or base flood elevation conflicts
or overlaps with the best available flood hazard data, whichever imposes
the more stringent requirement shall prevail.
[Added 7-14-2015 by Ord.
No. 05-2015]
[Amended 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located,
extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the terms
of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violation of the
provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements,
including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection
with conditions, shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates
this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall,
upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $2,000, imprisoned
for not more than 90 days, or serve a period of community service
not exceeding 90 days, for each violation. Nothing herein contained
shall prevent the City of Port Republic from taking such other lawful
action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.
This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any
existing easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where
this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction
conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions
shall prevail.
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions
shall be:
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered
reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and
engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare
occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes.
This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special
flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from
flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability
on the part of the City of Port Republic, any officer or employee
thereof or the Federal Insurance Administration for any flood damages
that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision
lawfully made thereunder.
A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in § 139-7. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the City of Port Republic Clerk and may include but not be limited to plans, in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the area in question, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:
A.
The elevation, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor,
including the basement, of all structures.
B.
The elevation, in relation to mean sea level, to which any structure
has been floodproofed.
C.
Certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing methods for any nonresidential structure meet the floodproofing criteria in § 139-16B.
D.
A description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered
or relocated as a result of proposed development.
[Amended 3-16-1995 by Ord. No. 04-1995]
The Construction Code Official is hereby appointed to administer
and implement this chapter by granting or denying development permit
applications in accordance with its provisions.
Duties of the Construction Code Official shall include but not
be limited to:
A.
Permit review. The local administrator shall:
[Amended 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
(1)
Review all development permits to determine that the permit requirements
of this chapter have been satisfied.
(2)
Review all development permits to determine that all necessary permits
have been obtained from those federal, state or local governmental
agencies from which prior approval is required.
(3)
Review development permits to determine if the proposed development is located in the floodway; if located in the floodway, assure that the encroachment provisions of § 139-16D(1) are met.
(4)
Review plans for walls to be used to enclose space below the base flood level in accordance with § 139-16E(2)(d).
B.
Use of other base flood data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with § 139-7, Basis for establishing areas of special flood hazard, the Construction Code Official shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation data available from a federal, state or other source in order to administer § 139-16, Specific standards.
C.
Information to be obtained and maintained. The local administrator
shall:
(1)
Obtain and record the actual elevation, in relation to mean sea level,
of the lowest habitable floor, including the basement, of all new
or substantially improved structures and whether or not the structure
contains a basement.
(3)
Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions
of this chapter.
D.
Alteration of watercourses. The local administrator shall:
(1)
Notify adjacent communities and the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, Dam Safety and Flood Control Section, and the Land Use
Regulation Program prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse,
and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance
Administration.
[Amended 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
(2)
Require that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated
portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is
not diminished.
E.
Interpretation of FIRM boundaries. The local administrator shall make interpretations, where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard, for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions. The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in § 139-17.
[Amended 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
[Amended 8-9-1988 by Ord. No. 94-1988; 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
In all areas of special flood hazards, compliance with the applicable
requirements of the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) and
the following standards, whichever is more restrictive, is required:
A.
Anchoring.
(1)
All new construction to be placed or substantially improved and substantial
improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or
lateral movement of the structure.
(2)
All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved shall
be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement. Methods
of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top
or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to
applicable state and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind
forces.
B.
Construction materials and methods.
C.
Utilities.
(1)
All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to
minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the system;
(2)
New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to
minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems
and discharge from the systems into floodwaters;
(3)
On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment
to them or contamination from them during flooding; and
(4)
For all new construction and substantial improvements, the electrical,
heating, ventilation, plumbing and air-conditioning equipment and
other service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to
prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components
during conditions of flooding.
D.
Subdivision proposals.
(1)
All subdivision proposals and other proposed new development shall
be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
(2)
All subdivision proposals and other proposed new development shall
have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical,
and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage;
(3)
All subdivision proposals and other proposed new development shall
have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage;
and
(4)
Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals
and other proposed new development which contain at least 50 lots
or five acres (whichever is less).
E.
Enclosure openings. All new construction and substantial improvements
having fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are usable
solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area
other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed
to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls
by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting
this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional
engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum
criteria: A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not
less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject
to flooding shall be provided. The bottom of all openings shall be
no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with
screens, louvers, or other covering or devices, provided that they
permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
[Amended 8-9-1988 by Ord. No. 94-1988; 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 05-2015]
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data have been provided as set forth in § 139-7, Basis for establishing areas of special flood hazard, or in § 139-14B, Use of other base flood data, then the following standards are required:
A.
Residential construction.
(1)
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure
shall have the lowest floor, including basement, together with the
attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, elevated at or above
the base flood elevation or advisory base flood elevation, whichever
is more restrictive, plus one foot;
(2)
Within any AO Zone on the City's FIRM, all new construction
and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have
the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent
grade one foot above the depth number specified in feet (at least
three feet if no depth number is specified) or at or above the advisory
base flood elevation plus one foot, whichever is more restrictive;
and adequate drainage paths are required around structures on slopes
to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
B.
Nonresidential construction. In an area of special flood hazard,
all new construction and substantial improvement of any commercial,
industrial or other nonresidential structure shall have the lowest
floor, including basement, together with the attendant utilities and
sanitary facilities, either:
(1)
Elevated to or above the base flood elevation or advisory base flood
elevation, whichever is more restrictive, plus one foot; and
(2)
Require within any AO Zone on the municipality's DFIRM that
all new construction and substantial improvement of any commercial,
industrial or other nonresidential structure shall have the lowest
floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade
one foot above the depth number specified in feet (at least three
feet if no depth number is specified) or at or above the advisory
base flood elevation plus one foot, whichever is more restrictive;
and require adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to
guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures; or
(3)
Be floodproofed so that below the base flood level plus one foot,
or advisory base flood elevation plus one foot (whichever is more
restrictive), the structure is watertight with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water;
(4)
Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads and effects of buoyancy; and
(5)
Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the applicable provisions of this subsection. Such certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in § 139-14C(2).
C.
Manufactured homes.
(1)
Manufactured homes shall be anchored in accordance with § 139-15A(2).
(2)
All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within
an area of special flood hazard shall be elevated on a permanent foundation
such that the top of the lowest floor is at or above the base flood
elevation or advisory base flood elevation, plus one foot (whichever
is more restrictive).
D.
Floodways. Located within areas of special flood hazard established in § 139-7 are areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles, and erosion potential, the following provisions apply:
(1)
Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements, and other development unless a technical evaluation
demonstrates that encroachment shall not result in any increase in
flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(2)
If § 139-16D(1) is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements must comply with § 139-15 and § 139-16.
(3)
In all areas of special flood hazard in which base flood elevation
data has been provided and no floodway has been designated, the cumulative
effect of any proposed development, when combined with all other existing
and anticipated development, shall not increase the water surface
elevation of the base flood more than 0.2 of a foot at any point.
E.
Coastal high hazard area. Coastal high hazard areas (V or VE Zones) are located within the areas of special flood hazard established in § 139-7. These areas have special flood hazards associated with high-velocity waters from tidal surges and hurricane wave wash; therefore, the following provisions shall apply:
(2)
Construction methods.
(a)
Elevation. All new construction and substantial improvements
shall be elevated on piling or columns:
[1]
So that the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member
of the lowest floor (excluding the piling or columns) is elevated
to or above the base flood elevation, advisory base flood elevation
or as required by the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23), whichever
is more restrictive; and
[2]
With all space below the lowest floor's supporting member open so as not to impede the flow of water, except for breakaway walls as provided for in § 139-16E(2)(d).
(b)
Structural support.
[1]
All new construction and substantial improvements shall be securely
anchored on piling or columns.
[2]
The pile or column foundation and structure attached thereto
shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement
due to the effects of wind and water loading values, each of which
shall have a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any
given year (one-hundred-year mean recurrence interval).
[3]
There shall be no fill used for structural support.
(c)
Certification. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop or review the structural design specifications and plans for the construction and shall certify that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for compliance with the provisions of § 139-16E(1) and E(2)(b)[1] and [2].
(d)
Space below the lowest floor.
[1]
Any alteration, repair, reconstruction or improvement to a structure
started after the enactment of this ordinance shall not enclose the
space below the lowest floor unless breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work
or insect screening are used as provided for in this section.
[2]
Breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work or insect screening
shall be allowed below the base flood elevation provided that they
are intended to collapse under wind and water loads without causing
collapse, displacement or other structural damage to the elevated
portion of the building or supporting foundation system. Breakaway
walls shall be designed for a safe loading resistance of not less
than 10 and no more than 20 pounds per square foot. Use of breakaway
walls which exceed a design safe loading of 20 pounds per square foot
(either by design or when so required by local or State codes) may
be permitted only if a registered professional engineer or architect
certifies that the designs proposed meet the following conditions.
[a]
Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water
load less than that which would occur during the base flood and,
[b]
The elevated portion of the building and supporting
foundation system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement or
other structural damage due to the effects of wind and water load
acting simultaneously on all building components (structural and non-structural).
Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base
flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by applicable
State or local building standards.
[3]
If breakaway walls are utilized, such enclosed space shall be
used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage and
not for human habitation.
[4]
Prior to construction, plans for any breakaway wall must be
submitted to the Building Sub-Code Official for approval.
[Added 7-14-2015 by Ord.
No. 05-2015]
A.
Appeal board.
(1)
The Planning Board shall hear and decide appeals and requests for
variances from the requirements of this chapter.
(2)
The Planning Board shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged
there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made
by the Construction Code Official in the enforcement or administration
of this chapter.
(3)
Those aggrieved by the decision of the Planning Board, or any taxpayer,
may appeal such decision to the Superior Court of New Jersey as provided
in the New Jersey Court Rules 4:69-1 et seq.
(4)
In passing upon such applications, the Planning Board shall consider
all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified
in other sections of this chapter, and:
(a)
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the
injury of others;
(b)
The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(c)
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents
to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(d)
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility
to the community;
(e)
The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where
applicable;
(f)
The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use
which are not subject to flooding or erosion damage;
(g)
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated
development;
(h)
The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan
and floodplain management program of that area;
(i)
The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary
and emergency vehicles;
(j)
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and
sediment transport of the floodwaters and the effects of wave action,
if applicable, expected at the site; and
(k)
The costs of providing governmental services during and after
flood conditions, including maintenance and repair of public utilities
and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems,
and streets and bridges.
(5)
Upon consideration of the factors of § 139-17A(4) and the purposes of this chapter, the Planning Board may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this chapter.
(6)
The Construction Code Official shall maintain the records of all
appeal actions, including technical information, and report any variances
to the Federal Insurance Administration upon request.
B.
Conditions for variances.
(1)
Generally, variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of 1/2 acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, providing items (a) through (k) in § 139-17A(4) have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the 1/2 acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
(2)
Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic
structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation
will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an
historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve
the historic character and design of the structure.
(3)
Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any
increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(4)
Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance
is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford
relief.
(5)
Variances shall only be issued upon:
(a)
A showing of good and sufficient cause;
(b)
A determination that failure to grant the variance would result
in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and
(c)
A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public as identified in § 139-17A(4), or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(6)
Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written
notice that the structure will be permitted to be built with a lowest
floor elevation below the base flood elevation and that the cost of
flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting
from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
