[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
(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 that may be affected by such action have been notified by the municipality, and until all required permits or approvals have been first 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, the Township, FEMA and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development shall be notified by the landowner prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
(b) 
When an applicant proposes any of the following encroachments: 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 Part 65.12):
(1) 
Apply to FEMA for conditional approval of such action prior to permitting the encroachments to occur.
(2) 
Upon receipt of the FEMA Administrator's conditional approval of map change and prior to approving the proposed encroachments, the applicant 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, the applicant shall provide as-built certifications. FEMA will initiate a final map revision upon receipt of such certifications in accordance with 44 CFR Part 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.
(d) 
Within any identified floodplain area (see § 402), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
(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 § 402(c) of this chapter.
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) at or above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
(4) 
It is the responsibility of a properly licensed engineer/surveyor acting on behalf of the applicant to establish the base flood elevation and provide a local site benchmark of known elevation. The local benchmark shall serve as a reference point for elevation compliance.
(5) 
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 to 405, as amended) shall be utilized and adhered to by the applicant, who has the burden of proving the same.
(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:
(i) 
Is floodproofed so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; and
(ii) 
Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(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 § 402(c) of this chapter.
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have its lowest floor elevated or completely floodproofed above the highest adjacent grade to at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
(4) 
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 approved by the Floodplain Administrator. 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.
(5) 
An applicant proposing any nonresidential structure that will be floodproofed must submit the following to the Floodplain Administrator, along with the nonresidential floodproofing certificate, prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy:
(i) 
An inspection and maintenance plan detailing the annual maintenance of floodproofed components ensuring that all components will operate properly under flood conditions. Components that must be inspected include at a minimum:
1. 
Mechanical equipment such as sump pumps and generators;
2. 
Flood shields and closures;
3. 
Walls and wall penetrations; and
4. 
Levees and berms (as applicable).
(ii) 
A flood emergency operation plan detailing the procedures to be followed during a flooding event, and must include information pertaining to how all components will operate properly under all conditions, including power failures. The design professional must produce the plan. An adequate plan must include the following:
1. 
An established chain of command and responsibility with leadership responsibilities clearly defined for all aspects of the plan.
2. 
A procedure for notification of necessary parties when flooding threatens and flood warnings are issued. Personnel required to be at the building should have a planned and safe means of ingress and should have no other emergency response duties during a flood event. Alternates should be assigned in the event that the primary persons responsible are unable to complete their assigned duties under the plan.
3. 
A list of specific duties assigned to ensure that all responsibilities are addressed expeditiously. The locations of materials necessary to properly install all floodproofing components must be included in the list.
4. 
An evacuation plan for all personnel or occupants; those without duties for the flood emergency as well as those with duties for implementing the plan. All possible ingress and egress routes must be identified.
5. 
A periodic training and exercise program to keep personnel and occupants aware of their duties and responsibilities. Training drills should be held at least once a year and should be coordinated with community officials.
6. 
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 latest revision thereof as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 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) that 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 "fully enclosed space" includes crawl spaces.
(2) 
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, and meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(i) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(ii) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(iii) 
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) 
Historic Structures. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would constitute a substantial improvement as defined in this chapter must comply with all chapter requirements that do not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure. Documentation that a specific chapter 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 chapter requirements will be the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
(e) 
Accessory Structures. Structures or buildings 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 accessory structure or building 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 approved principal use or activity on the property;
(2) 
The floor area of the accessory structure or building shall not exceed 200 square feet;
(3) 
The accessory structure or building will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters;
(4) 
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated to a point at or above the regulatory flood elevation;
(5) 
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited;
(6) 
Sanitary facilities and bathrooms are prohibited; and
(7) 
The accessory structure or building shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation or 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:
(i) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space must be provided;
(ii) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade;
(iii) 
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; and
(iv) 
Anchoring shall be installed in accordance with the Township's Anchoring Detail for Accessory Structures.
[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction and development proposed within any identified floodplain area:
(a) 
Fill.
(1) 
Within any identified floodplain area the use of fill shall be prohibited, except as allowed by a variance, subject to the below-referenced provisions.
(2) 
If fill is used pursuant to a duly issued variance or other Township approval, it shall:
(i) 
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all points.
(ii) 
Consist of soil or small rock materials only; sanitary landfills shall not be permitted;
(iii) 
Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring, or settling;
(iv) 
Be installed no steeper than one vertical to two horizontal feet unless substantiated data justifying steeper slopes are submitted to, and approved by, the Floodplain Administrator; and
(v) 
Be used to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
(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 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.
(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 floodway.
(2) 
Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into floodway.
(3) 
No part of any on-site sewage 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 the floodplain or floodway or contamination of the same.
(4) 
The design and construction provisions of the UCC and FEMA No. 348, Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damages, and the International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall be utilized.
(5) 
Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be constructed in accordance with the Township's Technical Specifications for Construction of Sanitary Sewers and Appurtenances,[1] adopted May 17, 2010, as may be amended.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 22, Part 4, Technical Specifications for Construction.
(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 a minimum of 1 1/2 feet above 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 § 504, 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 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 and shall be constructed so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of water.
(3) 
Anchoring designs shall conform to the Anchoring Specifications attached hereto as Exhibit A.[2] To the extent that an applicant seeks to use specifications other than the Township approved Anchoring Specifications, the applicant must submit alternative anchoring specifications to the Floodplain Administrator and Township Engineer for their approval. Such alternative specifications must be certified and sealed by a registered engineer/architect.
[2]
Editor's Note: Exhibit A is on file in the Township offices.
(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.
(5) 
Carpeting shall not be permitted at or below the regulatory flood elevation.
(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.
(k) 
Electrical Components.
(1) 
Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three feet above the base flood elevation.
(2) 
Electrical circuits serving levels below the regulatory flood elevation shall be separate from electrical circuits serving areas at or above the regulatory flood elevation, and such electrical circuits serving areas below the regulatory flood elevation shall be dropped from above.
(l) 
Equipment. Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and/or 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, oil, propane and other fuel 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.
(n) 
Uniform Construction Code Coordination. The Standards and Specifications contained 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 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.
(1) 
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Secs. 801, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3404 and Appendix G.
(2) 
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Secs. R104, R105, R109, R322 Appendix AE101, Appendix E and Appendix J.
[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
(a) 
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act,[1] and the regulations adopted by the Department of Community and Economic Development as required by the Act, any new or substantially improved structure that involves any of the following is hereby prohibited in any identified floodplain area: 1) a new or substantially improved structure that will be used for the production, application or storage of any of the following dangerous materials or substances; or 2) a new or substantially improved structure that 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 3) will involve the production, storage, or use of any amount of radioactive substances; inter alia, the following list of materials and substances are considered dangerous to human life (i.e., dangerous materials or substances for the purposes of this chapter):
Acetone
Ammonia
Benzene
Calcium carbide
Carbon disulfide
Celluloid
Chlorine
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrocyanic acid
Magnesium
Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen
Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.)
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium
Sulphur and sulphur products
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides)
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
(b) 
Within any Floodway Area, any structure of the kind described in Subsection A, above, shall be prohibited.
(c) 
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A, above, shall be:
(1) 
Elevated, or in the case of a nonresidential structure elevated or designed, and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation; and
(2) 
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a base flood.
(d) 
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" (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1972 as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent watertight standard.
[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
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 is not available, shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses submitted by or on behalf of the applicant for review and approval by the Township that determine base flood elevations and floodway information. The analyses shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer in a format required by FEMA for a conditional letter of map revision or letter of map revision. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant. The review and consideration of the same shall proceed pursuant to the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 26, Subdivision and Land Development.
[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
(a) 
Within any identified floodplain area, manufactured homes shall be prohibited, except as allowed by a variance, subject to the below-referenced provisions.
(b) 
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area (as approved by the Township), all manufactured homes, and any improvements thereto, shall be:
(1) 
Placed on a permanent foundation;
(2) 
Elevated so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at least 1 1/2 above base flood elevation; and
(3) 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
(c) 
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with the manufacturers' installation instructions as provided by the manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information, the requirements of Appendix E of the 2009 International Residential Building Code or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing, 1984 Edition, draft or latest revision thereto shall apply and 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 to 405.
(d) 
The applicant shall adhere to the installation requirements of the 2009 IBC, and the 2009 IRC or the most recent revisions thereto and 34 Pa. Code, as amended where appropriate and/or applicable to units where the manufacturers' standards for anchoring cannot be provided or were not established for the unit(s) proposed installation.
[Ord. 349, 3/20/2017]
The storage and/or occupancy of recreational vehicles in Zones A, A1-30, AH and AE shall be prohibited. No variance shall be granted.