A.
Alteration or relocation of watercourse.
(1)
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 municipality
and until all required permits or approvals have been first obtained
from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional office.
(2)
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be
made to any watercourse unless it can be shown that the activity will
not reduce or impede the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse
in any way.
(3)
In addition, FEMA and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development shall be notified prior to any alteration or
relocation of any watercourse.
B.
Technical or scientific data shall be submitted by the applicant
to FEMA for a letter of map revision (LOMR) as soon as practicable
but within six months of any new construction, development, or other
activity resulting in changes in the BFE. The situations when a LOMR
or a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) are required are:
(1)
Any development that causes a rise in the base flood elevations within
the floodway;
(2)
Any development occurring in Zones Al-30 and Zone AE without a designated
floodway, which will cause a rise of more than one foot in the base
flood elevation; or
(3)
Alteration or relocation of a stream (including but not limited to
installing culverts and bridges).
C.
Any new construction, development, uses or activities allowed within
any identified floodplain area shall be undertaken in strict compliance
with the provisions contained in this chapter and any other applicable
codes, ordinances and regulations. No principal buildings shall be
allowed in any designated floodway (FW) or floodplain area.
A.
Residential structures.
(1)
In AE, A1-30, and AH Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement
shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or
above, the regulatory flood elevation.
(2)
In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with Subsection C of this section.
(3)
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall
have the lowest floor (including basement) at or above the highest
adjacent grade to at least as high as the depth number specified on
the FIRM.
(4)
The design and construction standards and specifications contained
in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International
Residential Code (IRC), or the most recent revisions thereof, and
ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401-405, as amended) shall be utilized.
B.
Nonresidential structures.
(1)
In AE, A1-30 and AH Zones, 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:
(2)
In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated or completely floodproofed up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with Subsection C of this section.
(3)
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall
have its lowest floor elevated or completely floodproofed above the
highest adjacent grade to at least as high as the depth number specified
on the FIRM.
(4)
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
United States 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.
(5)
The design and construction standards and specifications contained
in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International
Residential Code (IRC), or the most-recent revisions thereof, and
ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401-405 as amended) shall be utilized.
C.
Space below the lowest floor.
(1)
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.
(2)
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 shall
be provided.
(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.
D.
Historic structures. See the definition of "substantial improvement" in § 126-42 for requirements for the substantial improvement of any historic structures.
E.
Accessory structures. Structures accessory to a principal building
need not be elevated or floodproofed to remain dry but shall comply,
at a minimum, with the following requirements:
(1)
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.
(2)
The floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
(3)
The structure will have a low damage potential.
(4)
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least
obstruction to the flow of floodwaters and at minimum distance of
50 feet from top of stream embankment.
(5)
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated to the regulatory
flood elevation.
(6)
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances, such as furnaces,
heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited.
(7)
Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
(8)
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:
(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 shall
be provided.
(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.
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction
and development proposed within any identified floodplain area:
A.
Fill. Within any identified floodplain area, the use of fill shall
be prohibited.
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 ensure 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 supply 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.
(4)
The design and construction provisions of the UCC and FEMA No. 348,
Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damages, and the International
Private Sewage Disposal Code shall be utilized.
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 a minimum
of 1 1/2 feet above the regulatory flood elevation.
F.
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 § 126-24, Development which may endanger human life, shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation or be floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
G.
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.
H.
Anchoring.
(1)
All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance
with accepted engineering practices to prevent flotation, collapse,
or lateral movement. An anchoring plan shall be presented to the Township
Building Inspector prior to permit approval.
(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.
I.
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.
J.
Paints and adhesives.
(1)
Paints and other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation
shall be of a 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.) used at or below
the regulatory flood elevation shall be finished with a marine or
water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
L.
Equipment.
(1)
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.
M.
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.
N.
Uniform Construction Code coordination. The standards and specifications
contained 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401-405), as amended, and not limited
to the following provisions, shall apply to the above and other sections
and subsections of this chapter, to the extent that they are more-restrictive
and supplement the requirements of this chapter:
(1)
International Building Code (IBC) 2009, or the latest edition thereof:
Sections 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix G.
(2)
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009, or the latest
edition thereof: Sections R104, R105, R109, R323, Appendix AE101,
Appendix E and Appendix J.
A.
The following activities are hereby prohibited within the designated
floodplain area. Activities 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:
(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.
B.
Within any Floodway Area, any structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be prohibited.
C.
New or substantially improved structures.
(1)
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be:
(2)
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 (United States Army Corps of
Engineers, June 1972, as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent
watertight standard.
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 licensed professional engineer
in a format required by FEMA for a conditional letter of map revision
or letter of map revision. Submittal requirements and processing fees
shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
A.
Within any Floodway Area/District, manufactured homes shall be prohibited.
B.
Within any identified floodplain areas, manufactured homes shall
be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank
of any watercourse.
C.
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, all manufactured
homes, and any improvements thereto, shall be:
D.
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with
the manufacturer's installation instructions as provided by the
manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information,
the requirements of Appendix E of the 2009 International Residential
Building Code or 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.
E.
Consideration shall be given to the installation requirements of
the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC, or the most-recent revisions thereto,
and 34 Pa. Code, as amended, where appropriate and/or applicable to
units where the manufacturer's standards for anchoring cannot
be provided or were not established for the unit's(s') proposed
installation.
