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 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, the FEMA and Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development shall be notified prior to any alteration or
relocation of any watercourse.
B.
Submit technical or scientific data to FEMA for a Letter of Map Revision
(LOMR) within six months of the completion of any new construction,
development or other activity resulting in changes in the BFE.
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.
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 in accordance with § 135-18C(2)(b) of this chapter.
(3)
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall
have the lowest floor (including basement) at or above the highest
adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified on the
FIRM.
(4)
The design and construction standards and specifications contained
in the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2006 International
Residential Code (IRC), or the most recent revisions thereof, and
ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 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 in accordance with § 135-18C(2)(b) of this chapter.
(3)
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall
have the 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 WI 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.
(5)
The design and construction standards and specifications contained
in the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2006 International
Residential Code (IRC), or the most recent revisions thereof, and
ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 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.
(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.
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)
Floor area shall not exceed 100 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.
(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 floodwaters 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.
(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. If fill is used, it shall:
(1)
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all
points;
(2)
Consist of soil or small rock materials only — sanitary landfills
shall not be permitted;
(3)
Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance
to erosion, scouring or settling;
(4)
Be no steeper than one vertical to two horizontal feet, unless substantiated
data justifying steeper slopes are submitted to and approved by the
Floodplain Administrator; and
(5)
Be used to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent
properties.
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 no more
than one foot below 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 § 135-24, Development which may endanger human life, shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation and/or 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.
(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.) located at or
below the regulatory flood elevation shall be finished with a marine
or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
L.
Equipment. 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 in 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 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/or supplement the requirements of this
chapter.
(1)
International Building Code (IBC) 2006, or the latest edition thereof:
Sections 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix G.
(2)
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2006, or the latest
edition thereof: Sections R104, R105, R109, R323, Appendix AE101,
Appendix E and Appendix J.
A.
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act[1] and the regulations adopted by the Department of Community
and Economic Development as required by the Act, any new 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:
(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.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
B.
Within any floodway area, any structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be prohibited.
C.
Within any floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
D.
Where permitted within any floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A above shall be elevated or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation, designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a base flood elevation. 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.
All subdivision proposals and development proposals containing
at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser,
in flood hazard 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 FW (floodway area), manufactured homes shall be prohibited.
B.
Within approximate floodplain or special floodplain area, 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 floodplain area, all manufactured homes
and any improvements thereto shall be:
D.
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with
the manufacturers' installation instructions as provided by the
manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information,
the requirements of Appendix E of the 2006 International Residential
Building Code or the U.S. 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
to 405.
E.
Consideration shall be given to the installation requirements of
the 2006 IBC, and the 2006 IRC, or the most recent revisions thereto,
and 34 Pa. Code, as amended, where appropriate and/or applicable to
units where the manufacturers' standards for anchoring cannot
be provided or were not established for the units' proposed installation.
