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, including but not limited to the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified at 44 CFR Parts 59 through 78, as amended pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. § 4001 et seq.; the Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 851, No. 166, known and cited as the Flood Plain Management Act;[1] and other applicable/associated statutes, rules, regulations, etc., so as to assist Darlington Township in qualifying for the National Flood Insurance Program and/or maintain Darlington Township's eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
F. 
Encourage planning and development in floodplains which are consistent with sound land use practices.
G. 
Protect people and property in floodplains from the dangers and damage of floodwaters and from materials carried by such floodwaters.
H. 
Prevent and eliminate urban and rural blight which results from the damages of flooding.
I. 
Authorize a comprehensive and coordinated program of floodplain management, based upon the National Flood Insurance Program, designed to preserve and restore the efficiency and carrying capacity of the streams and floodwaters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
J. 
Provide for and encourage local administration and management of floodplains.
K. 
Minimize the expenditure of public and private funds for flood control projects and for relief, rescue and recovery efforts.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within the Township of Darlington unless a permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator.
B. 
A permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing buildings or structures.
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.
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.
A. 
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on accepted engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur or 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 any identified floodplain areas, or that land uses permitted within such areas, will be free from flooding or flood damages.
B. 
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of Darlington Township or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.