A. 
Declaration of specific intent. The purpose of intent of these provisions are to prevent the following: loss of property and life, the creation of health and safety hazards, the disruption of commerce and governmental services, the extraordinary and unnecessary expenditure of public funds for flood protection and relief and the impairment of the tax base by:
(1) 
Regulating uses, activities and developments which, acting along or in combination with other existing or future uses, activities and development, will cause unacceptable increases in flood heights, velocities and/or frequencies.
(2) 
Restricting or prohibiting certain uses, activities and development from locating within areas subject to flooding.
(3) 
Requiring all those uses, activities and developments that do occur in flood-prone areas to be protected and/or floodproofed against flooding and flood damage.
(4) 
Protecting individuals from buying lands and structures which are unsuited for intended purposes because of flood hazards.
B. 
Applicability. These provisions shall apply to lands within the jurisdiction of the City of Lock Haven shown on the official Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of the City of Lock Haven as being located within the boundaries of the Floodplain District.
C. 
Compliance. No parcel of land shall hereafter be used and no structure shall be located, relocated, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged or structurally altered except in full compliance with the terms and provisions of this chapter and any other applicable ordinances and regulations which apply to uses within the jurisdiction of this chapter.
D. 
Prior to the issuance of any building permit, the Building Code Officer shall review the application for the permit to determine if all other necessary government permits required by state and federal laws have been obtained, such as those required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 1966-537, as amended);[1] the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 1978-325, as amended);[2] the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act (Act 1937-394, as amended);[3] and the U.S. Clean Water Act, § 404, 33 U.S.C. § 1344. No permit shall be issued until this determination has been made.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 693.1 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
E. 
Interpretation of district boundaries. Where interpretation is needed concerning the exact location of any boundary of or regulatory elevation within the Floodplain District, the Zoning Hearing Board shall make the necessary determination. In making such determinations, the Planning Commission shall review each case under the advisement of the City Engineer, City Planner and Code Enforcement Officer, and shall report its findings to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days of receipt thereof. The persons questioning or contesting the district boundary or regulatory elevation shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present his case to the Zoning Hearing Board and to submit technical evidence. The Zoning Hearing Board shall render a written decision within 45 days after the last hearing before the Board.
F. 
Repealer and savings clause. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed. It is the intent that this shall establish complete and exclusive floodplain management rules and regulations pertaining to construction, alteration, removal, demolition, equipment, use and occupancy and location and maintenance of buildings and structures and other development in the Floodplain District. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to repeal any local or special law which is not contrary to this chapter.
G. 
Warning and disclaimer of liability.
(1) 
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter does not imply that areas outside the floodplain districts, or that land uses permitted with such districts will be free from flooding or flood damages.
(2) 
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the City of Lock Haven or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decisions lawfully made hereunder.
H. 
Partial invalidity and severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this article should be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portion of this article, which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose, the provisions of this article are hereby declared to be severable.
I. 
Abrogation and greater restrictions for floodplain areas. This article supersedes any other conflicting provisions which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other article 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 article, the more restrictive shall apply.
A. 
The identified floodplain area shall be any areas of the City of Lock Haven, subject to the one-hundred-year flood, which is identified as Zone A (Area of Special Flood Hazard) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) dated September 29, 2008, and the accompanying maps, or the most recent revision thereof as issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study.
B. 
The Floodplain District shall be an overlay to the existing underlying districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map and, as such, the provisions for the Floodplain District shall serve as a supplement to the underlying district provisions. All uses, activities and development occurring within any floodplain district shall be undertaken only in strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with all other applicable codes and ordinances. Where there happens to be any conflict between the provisions or regulations of the Floodplain District, the more restrictive provisions and/or those pertaining to the Floodplain District shall apply.
C. 
The identified floodplain area shall consist of the following specific areas:
(1) 
FW (Floodway Area). The areas identified as "Floodway" in the AE Zone in the Flood Insurance Study prepared by the FEMA. The term shall also include floodway areas which have been identified in other available studies or sources of information for those floodplain areas where no floodway has been identified in the Flood Insurance Study.
(2) 
FF (Flood-Fringe Area). The remaining portions of the one-hundred-year floodplain in those areas identified as an AE Zone in the Flood Insurance study, where a floodway has been delineated. The basis for the outermost boundary of this area shall be the one-hundred-year flood elevations as shown in the flood profiles contained in the Flood Insurance Study.
(3) 
FA (General Floodplain Area). The areas identified as Zone A in the FIS for which no one-hundred-year flood elevations have been provided. When available, information from other federal, state, and other acceptable sources shall be used to determine the one-hundred-year elevation, as well as a floodway area, if possible. When no other information is available, the one-hundred-year elevation shall be determined by using a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain area which is nearest the construction site in question.
In lieu of the above, the City 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 City officials.
In order to prevent excessive damage to buildings and structures due to conditions of flooding, the following restrictions shall apply to all new construction and substantial improvements and other development occurring in the designated Floodplain District. Said restrictions are intended to supplement the applicable building code, electrical code, plumbing code, building maintenance code and this chapter of the City of Lock Haven; and to the extent these are more restrictive, they shall supersede said codes and ordinances.
A. 
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 least one foot above the regulatory flood elevation.
B. 
Nonresidential structures.
(1) 
Within any identified floodplain area, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated at least one foot above the regulatory flood elevation or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed by such structure shall remain either completely or essentially dry during any flood up to that height.
(2) 
Any nonresidential structure or any part thereof, having a lowest floor which is not elevated to at least one foot above the one-hundred-year flood elevation, shall be floodproofed in a completely or essentially dry manner in accordance with the W1 or W2 space classification standards contained in the publication entitled "Floodproofing 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 standard.
C. 
Space below the lowest floor.
(1) 
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement) is prohibited.
(2) 
Partially enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement) 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 "partially enclosed space" also includes crawl spaces. 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. 
Fill. If fill is used to raise the finished surface of the lowest floor one foot above the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood:
(1) 
The top of the fill shall extend 15 feet beyond the building line from all points.
(2) 
Fill shall consist of soil or small materials only. Sanitary landfills shall not be permitted. Fill shall be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring or settling.
(3) 
Fill slopes shall be not steeper than one vertical to two horizontal, unless substantiating data justifying steeper slopes, are submitted to and approved by the City Code Enforcement Officer or the City Engineer.
(4) 
Fill shall be used only to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
E. 
Placement of buildings and structures. All buildings and structures shall be constructed and placed on the lot 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 flood water as determined by the City Engineer.
F. 
Anchoring.
(1) 
All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with accepted practices to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement, thus reducing and decreasing the possibility of the blockage of bridge openings and other restricted sections of the watercourse.
(2) 
All air ducts, large pipes and storage tanks located at or below the first floor level shall be firmly anchored to prevent flotation.
G. 
Floors, walls, and ceilings.
(1) 
Wood flooring used below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall be installed to accommodate a lateral expansion of the flooring, perpendicular to the flooring grain, without incurring structural damage to the building.
(2) 
All finished flooring below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall be made of materials which are stable and resistant to water damage resulting from submersion.
(3) 
Plywood used below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall be an "exterior" or "marine" grade and of water-resistant or waterproof variety.
(4) 
Basement ceilings below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall have sufficient wet strength and be so installed as to survive inundation.
(5) 
Window frames, door frames and door jambs used at or below the lowest floor level shall be made of metal.
H. 
Electrical systems.
(1) 
All electrical water heaters, electrical furnace, electrical air conditioners and ventilation systems and other electrical installations, except electrical meters, shall be permitted only at elevations of one foot or more above the level of the one-hundred-year flood. Electrical meters shall be installed in a location which provides the highest elevation consistent with reasonable readability; however, in no case shall meters be installed at less than six feet above the ground level. All meters installed shall be resistant to flood damage and be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
(2) 
No electrical distribution panels shall be allowed at an elevation less than three feet above the level of the one-hundred-year flood.
(3) 
Electrical circuits serving areas below the regulatory flood elevation shall be separate circuits and shall be dropped from above.
(4) 
Underground electrical wires shall be permitted to buildings and establishments within the floodplain only if said electrical wires and the installation thereof meet the requirements of the utility company serving said buildings or establishments.
I. 
Plumbing.
(1) 
Water heaters, furnaces and other mechanical equipment shall be permitted only at elevations of one foot or more above the level of the one-hundred-year flood.
(2) 
No part of any on-site sewage disposal system shall be constructed within the Floodplain District.
(3) 
Water supply systems and sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to preclude the infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into floodwaters. Additional provisions shall be made for the drainage of these systems in the event that floodwater infiltration occurs.
J. 
Paints and adhesives.
(1) 
Adhesives used below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall have a bonding strength that is unaffected by inundation.
(2) 
Door and all wood trim used below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall be sealed with a waterproof paint or similar product.
(3) 
Paints or other finishes used below an elevation of one foot above the regulatory flood elevation shall be sealed with a waterproof paint or similar product.
K. 
Storage. No materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive or, in times of flooding, could be injurious to human, animal or plant life, shall be stored below an elevation of one foot above the one-hundred-year flood unless they are properly anchored and/or floodproofed to preclude their causing damage to life and property.
L. 
Manufactured homes.
(1) 
Within any FW (floodway area), manufactured homes shall be prohibited.
(2) 
Where permitted within any 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 1 1/2 feet or more above the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood.
(c) 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
M. 
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.
A. 
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development administrative regulations implementing Act 166,[1] the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Operations Office, have listed the following materials and substances as dangerous to human life:
(1) 
Acetone.
(2) 
Ammonia.
(3) 
Benzine.
(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.
(18) 
Radioactive substances.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
B. 
Any property that will be used for the production and storage of any of the above hazardous materials or substances when located in identified flood-prone areas or which will be used for any activity requiring the maintenance of a supply (including any amount of radioactive substances of more than 550 gallons or other comparable volume) of any such materials or substances on the premises shall be:
(1) 
Elevated or floodproofed to remain dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above the one-hundred-year flood.
(2) 
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a one-hundred-year flood.
(3) 
Prohibited if located in an identified floodway area.
C. 
In addition, the City may attach whatever additional conditions and safeguards it may deem necessary and reasonable in order to implement the purposes of this chapter and to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the public.
A. 
Permits, information and certification. To insure that the aforementioned flood damage controls are being employed in all new construction within the Floodplain District, the Code Enforcement Officer shall provide the applicant with the location of the proposed construction with respect to the district limits and the water surface elevation of the one-hundred-year flood at the proposed construction site. Building permits shall be required before any new construction, reconstruction, expansion, alteration, renovation or extension of a building or structure or any other development activity proposed to take place in the Floodplain District.
(1) 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall require the following specific information to accompany all applications for a building permit:
(a) 
The accurate location and elevation of the one-hundred-year floodplain and floodway.
(b) 
The elevation, in relation to the datum referenced on the effective maps, of the lowest floor, including basements.
(c) 
The elevation, in relation to the datum referenced on the effective maps, to which all structures and utilities will be floodproofed or elevated.
(d) 
A plan which details size of structure, finished ground elevation, lowest floor elevation, level to which the structure is floodproofed, hydrostatic flood load on walls and floors, types of walls and floor construction, material and finishes, power source and elevations, water supply, sanitary facilities and all floodproofing measures.
(e) 
Where floodproofing is proposed to be utilized for a particular structure, the zoning permit application shall be accompanied by a document certified by a licensed professional engineer registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or a licensed professional architect registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certifying that the floodproofing methods proposed when required by this chapter and as enumerated in § 410-85 are adequate to withstand the flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with the base one-hundred-year flood. Copies of such certificates shall be maintained in the Office of the Code Enforcement Officer.
B. 
Altered or relocated watercourse. When an applicant is proposing to alter or relocate a watercourse, a riverine situation within the City of Lock Haven, the Code Enforcement Officer shall require the notification be given to all adjacent communities and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Dams, Waterways and Wetlands, and also to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Strategic Planning and Operations office. Copies of such notifications shall be submitted to the Federal Insurance Administration. Such watercourse alteration or relocation shall not impede the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse involved.
C. 
Review by the County Conservation District. A copy of all plans for development of the Floodplain District over one acre in size to be considered for approval shall be submitted by the Building Official to the Clinton County Conservation District for review and comment prior to the issuance of a permit. The recommendation of the Soil Conservation District may be incorporated into the plan to provide for protection against predictable hazards.
D. 
Review of application by other. A copy of all plans and applications for new construction in the identified flood-prone areas to be considered for approval may be submitted by the Code Enforcement Officer to any other appropriate agencies and/or individuals (e.g., Planning Commission, City Engineer, etc.) for review and comment.
E. 
Nonconformities. A structure or use of a structure or premises which lawfully existed at the time of the enactment of these provisions may be continued, subject to the following conditions: the modification, alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to a conformity (structure and/or use), to an extent of amount of 50% or more of the market value shall be considered a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this and any other applicable ordinance. No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within the floodway area that would cause any increase in the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood.
F. 
Variances.
(1) 
The Zoning Hearing Board may authorize, upon appeal, in specific cases, such variances from the terms of this chapter that will not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter will result in unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of this chapter shall be observed and substantial justice done. Any variances issued under the terms of this article are for floodplain management purposes only, and any such variances shall not be construed as modification of flood insurance premium rates. The Board may grant a variance, provided the following findings are made where relevant in a given case:
(a) 
The variance, if authorized within the designated floodway, will not cause any increase in flood levels of the one-hundred-year regulatory flood.
(b) 
That the variance, if authorized, shall be generally limited to a lot size less than 1/2 contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the one-hundred-year flood level.
(c) 
That there is a showing of good and sufficient cause, a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, 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 or conflict with other City ordinances.
(d) 
That the variance, if authorized, shall represent the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(e) 
Except for a possible modification of the freeboard requirement involved, no variance shall be granted for any other requirements pertaining specifically to development regulated by special permit and to § 410-86, Hazardous materials and substances.
(2) 
The Zoning Hearing Board, upon receipt of the application for a variance to provisions of this chapter, shall notify the applicant in writing that:
(a) 
The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the one-hundred-year flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance.
(b) 
Such construction below the one-hundred-year flood level increases risks to life and property.
(3) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance, notification records and report such variance issued in the City's annual report to the Federal Insurance Administration.
G. 
Enforcement. All notices, hearing, appeals, findings and orders and penalties in connection with the enforcement of violations of this chapter shall be administered under terms of the BOCA Basic Building Code,[1] establishing a code Board of Appeals.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 212, Construction Codes, Uniform.
A. 
General. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's administrative regulations implementing Act 166, the Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act,[1] the following obstructions and activities are prohibited if located entirely or partially within an identified flood-prone area unless a special permit is issued.
(1) 
Hospitals (public or private).
(2) 
Nursing homes (public or private).
(3) 
Jails or prisons.
(4) 
New mobile home parks and mobile home subdivisions and substantial improvements thereto.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
B. 
Special permit application requirement. Application for a special permit shall consist of at least five copies of the following items:
(1) 
A written request, including a completed application form.
(2) 
A plan of the entire site, clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 100 feet or less, showing the following:
(a) 
North arrow, scale and date.
(b) 
A map, which may be drawn at a smaller scale, of the general area of the municipality, which provides enough information to enable a person who is unfamiliar with the municipality to accurately determine the location of the site or property involved.
(c) 
Topography based upon the datum referenced on the effective maps, showing existing and proposed contours at intervals of two feet.
(d) 
All property and lot lines, including dimensions, and the size of the site expressed in acres or square feet.
(e) 
The location of all existing streets, drives and other accessways, with information concerning widths, pavement types and construction, and elevations.
(f) 
The location of any existing bodies of water or watercourses, buildings, structures and other public or private facilities, including railroad tracks and facilities, and any other natural and man-made features affecting or affected by the proposed activity or development.
(g) 
The location of the floodplain boundary line, information and spot elevations concerning the one-hundred-year flood elevations and information concerning the flow of water, including direction and velocities.
(h) 
A general plan of the entire site accurately showing the location of all proposed buildings, structures, utilities and any other improvements.
(3) 
Plans of all proposed buildings, structures and other improvements, clearly and legibly drawn at suitable scale showing the following:
(a) 
Sufficiently detailed architectural or engineering drawings, including floodplains, sections and exterior building elevations, as appropriate.
(b) 
The proposed finished floor elevations of any proposed building.
(c) 
Complete information concerning the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces and pressures that will exist during the course of a one-hundred-year flood, including impact loads.
(d) 
Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures.
(e) 
Cross-section drawings for all proposed streets, drives and vehicular accessways, including existing and proposed grades.
(f) 
Profile drawing for all proposed streets, drives and vehicular accessways, including existing and proposed grades.
(g) 
Plans and profiles of all proposed sanitary and storm sewer systems, water supply systems and other utilities and facilities.
(4) 
The following data and documentation:
(a) 
Certification from the applicant that the site upon which the activity or development is proposed is an existing separate and single parcel, owned by the applicant or the client he represents.
(b) 
Certification from a registered professional engineer, architect or landscape architect that the proposed construction has been adequately designed to protect against damage from the one-hundred-year flood.
(c) 
A statement, certified by a registered professional engineer, architect, landscape architect or other qualified person which contains a complete and accurate description of the nature and extent of pollution that might possibly occur from the development during the course of a one-hundred-year flood, including a statement concerning the effects such pollution may have on human life.
(d) 
A statement certified by a registered professional engineer, architect or landscape architect, which contains a complete and accurate description of the effects the proposed development will have on one-hundred-year flood elevations and flows.
(e) 
A statement, certified by a registered professional engineer, architect, or landscape architect, which contains a complete and accurate description of the kinds and amounts of any loose buoyant materials or debris that may possibly exist or be located on the site below the one-hundred-year flood elevation and the effects such material and debris may have on one-hundred-year flood elevations and flows.
(f) 
The appropriate component of the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Dams, Waterways and Wetlands Planning Module for Land Development.
(g) 
Where any excavation or grading is proposed, a plan meeting the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control.
(h) 
Any other applicable permits such as, but not limited to, permits for any activity regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection under § 302 of Act 1978-166.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.302.
(i) 
An evacuation plan which fully explains the manner in which the site will be safely evacuated before or during the course of a one-hundred-year flood.
C. 
Review of application for special permit. Upon receipt of an application for a special permit by the City, the following procedures shall apply:
(1) 
Within three working days following receipt of the application, all accompanying documentation shall be forwarded to the County Planning Commission by registered or certified mail for its review and recommendations. (The City may send any comments it may have concerning the application to the City and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Operations Office. Copies of the application shall also be forwarded to the City Planning Commission and City Engineer for review and comments.
(2) 
If any application is received that is incomplete, the City shall notify the applicant in writing, stating in what respects the application is deficient.
(3) 
When an application is approved, the City shall file written notice of such approval, together with the application and all pertinent information, with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Operations Office, within five working days after approval by registered or certified mail.
(4) 
A special permit shall be issued for activities to be undertaken in connection with that proposed in the approved application. But no work shall commence within 30 days after the notice has been received by the Department.
(5) 
If the Department notifies the City and the applicant, in writing, that the application is disapproved within the thirty-day period mentioned in § 410-83, the special permit shall not become effective.
(6) 
Review by the Department will be limited to checking for compliance with the requirements of the Act and this chapter.
(7) 
If the special permit is disapproved by the Department, it shall notify the City and applicant, in writing, by registered or certified mail, of its reasons for disapproval.
D. 
Special technical requirements.
(1) 
In addition to the requirements of this section, the following minimum requirements shall also apply. If there is any conflict between any of the following requirements and those in this section, or in any other code, ordinance or regulation, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
(2) 
No application for a special permit shall be approved unless it can be determined that the structure or activity will be located, constructed and maintained in a manner which will:
(a) 
Fully protect the health and safety of the general public and any occupants. At a minimum, all new structures shall be designed, located and constructed so that:
[1] 
The structure will survive inundation by waters of the one-hundred-year flood without any lateral movement or damage to either the structure itself, or to any of its equipment or contents below the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
[2] 
The first floor elevation will be at least 1 1/2 feet above the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
[3] 
The occupants of the structure can remain inside for any indefinite period of time and be safely evacuated at any time during the one-hundred-year flood.
(b) 
Prevent any significant possibility of pollution, increased flood levels or flows, or debris endangering life and property. All hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical concepts, studies analysis, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review by the City and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Strategic and Planning Office.
(c) 
In approving any application for a special permit, the City may attach whatever additional conditions and safeguards it may deem necessary and reasonable in order to implement the purposes of this chapter and to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the public.