[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
Alteration or Relocation of Watercourse.
A. 
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 Township and until all required permits or approvals have first been obtained from the DEP's regional office.
B. 
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.
C. 
In addition, FEMA and the DCED shall be notified prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
2. 
Except as otherwise provided in this Part 4, no new regulated activities shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
Within an identified FW (Floodway) Area in an AE Zone, the following provisions apply:
A. 
Any new regulated activity that would cause any increase in flood heights shall be prohibited.
B. 
No new regulated activity shall be allowed, unless a permit is obtained from the DEP's regional office.
2. 
Within an identified AE Area that is adjacent to a floodway, no new regulated activity shall be allowed unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood more than one foot at any point.
3. 
Within an identified AE Area without any floodway, the following provisions shall apply:
A. 
No new regulated activity shall be allowed unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood more than one foot at any point.
B. 
No new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse (the assumed floodway), unless a permit is obtained from the DEP's regional office.
4. 
Within any A Area, the following provisions apply:
A. 
No new regulated activity shall be allowed unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood more than one foot at any point.
B. 
No new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse (the assumed floodway), unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional office. If the floodplain does not extend 50 feet beyond the top-of-bank as depicted on FEMA Flood Insurance Study Maps, or if the same is demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses pursuant to § 8-302, Subsection 2, of this chapter, then approval by the DEP shall not be required.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
The following standards shall apply to activities regulated by this chapter, where applicable, to the extent that they are more restrictive and/or supplement the requirements of this chapter:
A. 
The Uniform Construction Code (UCC), latest edition.
B. 
The International Building Code (IBC), latest edition.
C. 
The International Residential Code (IRC), latest edition.
D. 
The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), latest edition.
E. 
American Society of Civil Engineers 24 (ASCE24), latest edition.
F. 
The Pennsylvania Code, 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401-405, latest amendment.
G. 
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing Manual, latest edition.
H. 
The Hopewell Township Zoning Ordinance, if more restrictive.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
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 1.5 feet above the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
2. 
Nonresidential Structures.
A. 
Within any identified floodplain area, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated 1.5 feet above the one-hundred-year flood elevation or be designed, constructed and floodproofed so that the space enclosed by such structure shall remain either completely or essentially dry during any flood up to that height.
B. 
Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, having a lowest floor which is not elevated to at least 1.5 feet 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 "Flood-Proofing Regulations," published by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972, as amended March 1992), or an approved, 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.
3. 
Space Below the Lowest Floor.
A. 
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement) is prohibited.
B. 
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:
(1) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(2) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(3) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc., or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
4. 
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:
[Amended by Ord. 2-2016, 3/3/2016]
A. 
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.
B. 
The floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
C. 
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters and have a low damage potential.
D. 
Power lines, wiring and outlets serving the structure will be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
E. 
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances, such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited.
F. 
Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
G. 
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 meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(1) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(2) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(3) 
Opening may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc., or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
H. 
The applicant shall enter into a nonconversion agreement in a form acceptable to the Township and recordable in the York County Recorder of Deeds' office.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction and development proposed within any identified floodplain area:
A. 
Fill.
(1) 
If fill is used, it shall:
(a) 
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all points.
(b) 
Consist of soil or small rock materials only; sanitary landfills shall not be permitted.
(c) 
Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and provide adequate resistance to settling.
(d) 
Be reinforced and/or protected to provide adequate resistance to erosion and scouring.
(e) 
Be no steeper than two feet horizontal run to one foot vertical rise, unless substantiated data, justifying steeper slopes, are submitted to and approved by the Township.
(2) 
The provisions contained in the IBC, latest edition, shall be utilized.
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. Potential damage to persons or property shall be minimized or avoided.
C. 
Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities and Systems.
(1) 
All new or replacement water 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. Sanitary sewage collection systems shall be watertight.
(3) 
No part of any on-site sewage 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.
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 elevated not less than one foot above the one-hundred-year 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 § 8-406, Development Which May Endanger Human Life, of this chapter shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation.
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.) shall be finished with a marine or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
K. 
Electrical Components.
(1) 
Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three feet above the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
(2) 
Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be dropped from above.
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.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
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. 
Sulphur and sulphur products.
Q. 
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides).
R. 
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
2. 
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act, 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq., and the regulations adopted by the Pennsylvania DCED as required by the Act, any new or substantially improved structure shall be subject to the provisions of this section and all other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations, if the structure will be used for any activity requiring the production, storage or maintenance of a supply of:
A. 
More than 100 pounds, 12 gallons or other comparable amount of a material listed in Subsection 1, or other dangerous material.
B. 
Any amount of radioactive material.
C. 
More than 550 gallons of petroleum products.
3. 
Within any FW (Floodway Area), any structure of the kind described in Subsection 2 shall be prohibited.
4. 
Within any FE (Special Floodplain Area) or FA (General Floodplain Area), any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection 2 shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank (the assumed floodway) of any watercourse.
5. 
Where permitted within any floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection 2 shall be:
A. 
Elevated or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least 1.5 feet above the one-hundred-year flood.
B. 
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a one-hundred-year flood.
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 approved, equivalent watertight standard.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
Within any FW (Floodway Area), manufactured homes shall be prohibited.
2. 
Within any FA (General Floodplain Area) or FE (Special Floodplain Area), manufactured homes shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank (the assumed floodway) of any watercourse.
3. 
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 1.5 feet or more above the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
C. 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
4. 
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and other applicable codes and standards.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
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.
[Ord. 5-2015, 12/3/2015]
1. 
Within any identified floodplain area, recreational vehicles shall be prohibited.
2. 
If a variance is obtained in accordance with this chapter, then the following provisions apply:
A. 
Recreational vehicles in Zones A, A1-30, AH and AE must:
(1) 
Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days.
(2) 
Be fully licensed and ready for highway use.
(3) 
Meet the permit requirements for manufactured homes in § 8-407.