The intent of this chapter is to:
A.
Promote the general health, welfare and safety of the community.
B.
Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction practices in
order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
C.
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural
drainage.
D.
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental
units, and its residents by preventing excessive development in areas
subject to flooding.
E.
Comply with federal and state floodplain management requirements.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation
to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, the construction, reconstruction,
enlargement, alteration or relocation of any building, or structure,
or the development of real estate within a floodplain area, unless
an approved special building permit had been obtained from the Township
Zoning Officer.
B.
A special building permit shall not be required for minor repairs
to existing buildings or structures, provided that no structural changes
or modifications are involved.
This chapter supersedes any other conflicting provisions which
may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other
ordinance provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the
extent that those provisions are more restrictive. If there is any
conflict between any of the provisions of this chapter, the more restrictive
shall apply.
A.
The granting of a special building permit or approval of a subdivision
or land development plan in an identified floodplain area shall not
constitute a representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind by
the Township of Lehigh or by any official or employee thereof of the
practicability or safety of the proposed use, and shall create no
liability upon the Township of Lehigh, its officials, or employees.
B.
This chapter does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain
area, or that land uses permitted within such areas, will be free
from flooding or flood damages.
C.
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Township
of Lehigh or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages
that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision
lawfully made thereunder.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or
phrase of this chapter shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever,
such a decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the chapter,
which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose
the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable.
