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 first been 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, FEMA and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development, shall be notified prior to any alteration or
relocation of any watercourse.
B.
When a community proposes to permit the following encroachments,
including: any development that causes a rise in the base flood elevations
within the floodway; or any development occurring in Zones A1-30 and
Zone AE without a designated floodway, which will cause a rise of
more than one foot in the base flood elevation; or alteration or relocation
of a stream (including but not limited to installing culverts and
bridges); the applicant shall (as per 44 CFR 65.12):
(1)
Apply to FEMA for conditional approval of such action prior to permitting
the encroachments to occur.
(2)
Upon receipt of the Administrator's conditional approval of
map change and prior to approving the proposed encroachments, a community
shall provide evidence to FEMA of the adoption of floodplain management
ordinances incorporating the increased base flood elevations and/or
revised floodway reflecting the post-project condition.
(3)
Upon completion of the proposed encroachments, a community shall
provide as-built certifications. FEMA will initiate a final map revision
upon receipt of such certifications in accordance with 44 CFR 67.
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 determined in accordance with § 92-19C of this chapter.
(3)
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 through 405 as amended) shall be
utilized, where they are more restrictive.
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 no base flood elevations are 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 § 92-19C of this chapter.
(3)
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
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.
(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 through 405 as amended) shall be
utilized, where they are more restrictive.
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 flood
waters 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, or other coverings
or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit
of floodwaters.
D.
Historic structures. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation
that would constitute a substantial improvement as defined in this
chapter, must comply with all ordinance requirements that do not preclude
the structure's continued designation as an historic structure.
Documentation that a specific ordinance requirement will cause removal
of the structure from the National Register of Historic Places or
the State Inventory of Historic places must be obtained from the Secretary
of the Interior or the State Historic Preservation Officer. Any exemption
from ordinance requirements will be the minimum necessary to preserve
the historic character and design of the structure.
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)
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 flood waters.
(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,
collapse, and lateral 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.
(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 flood waters.
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. No variance shall be granted.
B.
Drainage facilities. Storm drainage facilities shall be designed
to convey the flow of storm water 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 flood waters.
(2)
Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent
the discharge of untreated sewage into flood waters.
(3)
No part of any on-site waste disposal 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 #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 § 92-26, Development which may endanger human life, shall be stored at or above the Regulatory Flood Elevation 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 flood water.
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 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. 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 flood waters into the system and discharges
from the system into flood waters. Additional provisions shall be
made for the drainage of these systems in the event that flood water
infiltration occurs.
N.
Uniform Construction Code coordination. The Standards and Specifications
contained 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 through 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.
|
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 or the latest edition
thereof:
Secs. 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix
G.
| |
|
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009 or the latest
edition thereof:
Secs. R104, R105, R109, R322, Appendix E, and Appendix J.
|
Within any identified floodplain area, any structure of the
kind described this subsection shall be prohibited. No variance shall
be granted. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management
Act, 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:
A.
Acetone.
B.
Ammonia.
C.
Benzene.
D.
Calcium carbide.
E.
Carbon disulfide.
F.
Celluloid.
G.
Chlorine.
H.
Hydrochloric acid.
I.
Hydrocyanic acid.
J.
Magnesium.
K.
Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen.
L.
Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.).
M.
Phosphorus.
N.
Potassium.
O.
Sodium.
P.
Sulfur and sulfur products.
Q.
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides).
R.
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise
regulated.
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
and letter of map revision. Submittal requirements and processing
fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
Within any identified floodplain area manufactured homes shall
be prohibited. No variance shall be granted.
Within any identified floodplain area recreational vehicles shall be prohibited. If a variance is obtained in accordance with the criteria in Article VIII then the following provisions apply:
A.
Recreational vehicles in Zones A, A1-30, AH and AE must: be on the
site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, and be fully licensed and
ready for highway use.
