A. 
The Legislature of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania has, by the passage of the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act of 1978,[1] delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt floodplain management regulations to promote public health, safety, and the general welfare of its citizenry.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
A. 
The intent of this article is to:
(1) 
Protect areas of the floodplain necessary to contain floodwaters.
(2) 
To permit only those uses in the floodplain that are compatible with preserving natural conditions and stream flow.
(3) 
Promote the general health, welfare, and safety of the community by preventing development in areas prone to flooding.
(4) 
Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction practices in order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
(5) 
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural drainage.
(6) 
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental units, and its residents by preventing excessive development in areas subject to flooding.
(7) 
Comply with federal and commonwealth floodplain management requirements.
A. 
The Floodplain Conservation Overlay District is defined and established as a district applicable to those areas of the Township subject to inundation by the waters of the one-hundred-year flood as delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, dated March 2, 2016, and subsequent revisions thereto. Said floodplain areas shall consist of the following specific areas:
[Amended 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2371-18]
(1) 
Flood zones applicable to Township: Zones A, A1-A30, AE, A99 and AH.
(2) 
Soils with a frequency of flooding of 1% or greater per year, as delineated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture Web-Based Soil Survey (available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/), including the following soils:
(a) 
Bowmansville (Bo).
(b) 
Knauers (Bo).
(c) 
Gilbraltar (Gc).
(d) 
Hatboro (Ha).
(e) 
Rowland (Rt).
(f) 
Rowland (RwA).
(g) 
Rowland (RwB).
(h) 
Urban Land Occasionally Flooded (UIA).
B. 
In lieu of the above, Cheltenham Township 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 the Township.
C. 
The Floodplain Conservation District shall be delineated according to FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Cheltenham Township which is hereby made a part of this article, and additional area based on soils as described in § 295-1902A(2). The FIRM is available for inspection at the municipal office.
D. 
The Floodplain Conservation District shall be deemed an overlay on any zoning district now or hereafter applicable to any lot.
E. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within Cheltenham Township's Floodplain Conservation Overlay District unless a floodplain permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator.
F. 
A floodplain permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing buildings or structures.
A. 
This article supersedes any other conflicting provisions which may be in effect in the Floodplain Conservation Overlay District. 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 article, the more restrictive shall apply.
A. 
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this article shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such a decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the article, which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose the provisions of this article are hereby declared to be severable.
A. 
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this article is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable 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 article does not imply that areas outside the Floodplain Conservation Overlay District, or that land uses permitted within such areas, will be free from flooding or flood damages.
B. 
This article shall not create liability on the part of Cheltenham Township or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this article or any administrative decision lawfully made there under.
A. 
For the purposes of this article, the words and terms used herein shall be interpreted as follows. Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this article shall be interpreted so as to give this article its most reasonable application.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE
A use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
BASE FLOOD
A flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also called the "one-hundred-year flood").
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)
The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Zones AE, AH, A1-30 that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a one-percent or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The BFE is also shown on the FIS profile, and can be determined for Zone A Floodplains.
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level on all sides.
BUILDING
A combination of materials to form a permanent structure having walls and a roof. Included shall be all manufactured homes and trailers to be used for human habitation.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, subdivision of land; construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of manufactured homes; streets and other paving; utilities; fill; grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; or storage of equipment or materials.
EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a community.
EXISTING STRUCTURE/EXISTING CONSTRUCTION
A structure for which the "start of construction" commenced before the effective date of the FIRM.
EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufacturing homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The Official Map on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency or Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)
The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, the Flood Insurance Rate Map, the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOODPLAIN AREA
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of surface waters from any source.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that are required to be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
FLOODWAY FRINGE
That part of the floodplain adjacent to and extending from the floodway and subject to inundation by the one-hundred-year flood.
FREEBOARD
A factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Any structure that is:
(1) 
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) as meeting the criteria for individual listing on the National Register;
(2) 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) as contributing to the historical significance of a National Register historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the PHMC to be eligible to qualify for listing in the National Register; or
(3) 
Designated as historic by a municipal ordinance:
(a) 
Identified individually or as part of a local historic district by a zoning ordinance under the authority of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[1]; or
(b) 
Located in a local historic district that has been certified by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as meeting the requirements of the Pennsylvania Historic District Act.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished, flood-resistant, partially enclosed area used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered the lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this article.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis, and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational and other similar vehicles which are placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MINOR REPAIR
The replacement of existing work with equivalent materials for the purpose of its routine maintenance and upkeep, but not including the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exitway requirements; nor shall minor repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, oil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after November 16, 1976, and includes any subsequent improvements thereto.
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by a community.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD
The flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Also referred to as the "one-percent frequency flood," or the "base flood," as defined by FEMA in the Flood Insurance Study for Cheltenham Township
PERSON
An individual, partnership, public or private association or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit, public utility or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
POST-FIRM STRUCTURE
A structure for which construction or substantial improvement occurred on or after the community's initial FIRM dated May 20, 1976 and, as such, would be required to be compliant with the regulations of the NFIP.
PRE-FIRM STRUCTURE
A structure for which construction or substantial improvement occurred before the community's initial FIRM dated May 20, 1976, and, as such, would not be required to be compliant with the regulations of the NFIP.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is:
(1) 
Built on a single chassis;
(2) 
Not more than 400 square feet, measured at the largest horizontal projections;
(3) 
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck;
(4) 
Not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
REDEVELOPMENT AREA
A census tract or group of census tracts eligible for the Montgomery County Revitalization Program and identified in the adopted municipal revitalization plan.
REGULATORY FLOOD ELEVATION
The regulatory flood elevation is the elevation to which development is regulated for purposes of elevation and/or dry floodproofing. It is equal to the base flood elevation (BFE) plus a freeboard of 1.5 feet.
REPETITIVE LOSS
Flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a ten-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on average, equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the damages occurred.
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA)
An area in the floodplain subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is shown on the FIRM as Zone A, AO, A1-A30, AE, A99, or AH.
SPECIAL PERMIT
A special approval which is required for hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and new manufactured home parks and subdivisions and substantial improvements to such existing parks, when such development is located in all, or a designated portion of a floodplain.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
Includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development and means the date the permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days from the date of the permit and shall be completed within 12 months after the date of issuance of the permit unless a time extension is granted, in writing, by the Floodplain Administrator. The "actual start" means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the "actual start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
STRUCTURE
A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract, or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs, or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage from any cause sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% or more of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. "Substantial damage" also means a structure that meets the definition for "repetitive loss."
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage" (or "repetitive loss") regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of commonwealth or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to ensure safe living conditions. For alteration of historic structures, see § 295-1915A(5).
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE (UCC)
The statewide building code adopted by The Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1999 applicable to new construction in all municipalities whether administered by the municipality, a third party or the Department of Labor and Industry. Applicable to residential and commercial buildings, the Code adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC), by reference, as the construction standard applicable with the commonwealth floodplain construction. For coordination purposes, references to the above are made specifically to various sections of the IRC and the IBC.
VIOLATION
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in 44 CFR § 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
[1]
Editor's Note: Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
A. 
The Floodplain Conservation District shall be any areas of Cheltenham Township classified as special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) dated March 2, 2016, and issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study.
[Amended 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2371-18]
B. 
The Floodplain Conservation District shall also include areas with soils listed in § 295-1902A(2), along with any community identified flood hazard areas.
C. 
The above referenced FIS and FIRMs, and any subsequent revisions and amendments are hereby adopted by Cheltenham Township and declared to be a part of this chapter.
A. 
The Floodplain Conservation Overlay District shall consist of the following specific areas/districts:
(1) 
The Floodway Area/District shall be those areas identified as floodway on the FIRM as well as those floodway areas which have been identified in other available studies or sources of information for those special floodplain areas where no floodway has been identified in the FIS. The floodway represents the channel of a watercourse and the adjacent land areas that are required to be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation by more than one foot at any point.
(2) 
Within any floodway area, no encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, or other development 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.
(3) 
No new construction or development shall be allowed, unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional office.
(4) 
The AE Area/District without floodway shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA and for which base flood elevations have been provided in the FIS but no floodway has been delineated.
(a) 
In AE Area/District without floodway, no new development shall be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the cumulative effect of all past and projected development will not increase the BFE.
(b) 
No permit shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any AE Area/District without floodway unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development would not, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE.
(5) 
Community Identified Flood Hazard Areas shall be those areas where Cheltenham Township has identified local flood hazard or ponding areas, as delineated and adopted on a "Local Flood Hazard Map" using best available topographic data and locally derived information such as flood of record, historic high-water marks, soils or approximate study methodologies.
(6) 
The A Area/District shall be the areas identified as an A Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA and for which no one-percent-annual-chance flood elevations have been provided. For these areas, elevation and floodway information from other federal, state, or other acceptable source shall be used when available. Where other acceptable information is not available, the elevation shall be determined by using the elevation of a point on the boundary of the Floodplain Conservation District which is nearest the construction site.
(7) 
In lieu of the above, the municipality 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 the municipality.
(8) 
The Shallow Flooding Area/District shall be those areas identified as Zones AO and AH on the FIRM and in the FIS. These areas are subject to inundation by one-percent-annual-chance shallow flooding where average depths are between one and three feet. In Zones AO and AH, drainage paths shall be established to guide floodwaters around and away from structures on slopes.
A. 
The Floodplain Conservation District may be revised or modified by Township Board of Commissioners where studies or information provided by a qualified agency or person documents the need for such revision. However, prior to any such change, approval shall be obtained from the FEMA. Additionally, as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after the date such information becomes available, a community shall notify FEMA of the changes by submitting technical or scientific data.
A. 
Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, an initial determination shall be made by the Cheltenham Planning Commission and any party aggrieved by this decision or determination may appeal to the Township Board of Commissioners. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.
A. 
Prior to development occurring in areas where annexation or other corporate boundary changes are proposed or have occurred, the community shall review flood hazard data affecting the lands subject to boundary changes. The community shall adopt and enforce floodplain regulations in areas subject to annexation or corporate boundary changes which meet or exceed those in 44 CFR 60.3.
A. 
The following uses are permitted by right in the Floodplain Conservation Overlay District in compliance with the requirements of this article:
(1) 
Up to half of any required yard setback area on an individual residential lot may extend into the Floodplain Conservation Overlay District.
(2) 
Open space uses that are primarily passive in character shall be permitted to extend into the floodplain, including:
(a) 
Wildlife sanctuaries, nature preserves, forest preserves, fishing areas, passive areas of public and private parklands, and reforestation.
(b) 
Stream bank stabilization.
(3) 
Forestry operations reviewed by the Montgomery County Conservation District.
(4) 
The following floodplain crossings are permitted, provided disturbance to any existing woodlands and degradation of water quality are minimized to the greatest extent practicable:
(a) 
Agricultural crossings by farm vehicles and livestock.
(b) 
Driveways serving single-family detached dwelling units, roadways, recreational trails, railroads, and utilities.
(5) 
Agricultural uses conducted in compliance with methods prescribed in the latest version of the Department of Environmental Protection's Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Manual. In the event that the municipality has a Riparian Corridor Conservation District or similar regulation, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
(6) 
Public sewer and/or water lines and public utility transmission lines running along the corridor.
(7) 
Development of elevated and floodproofed buildings on brownfield sites in redevelopment areas encouraging economic revitalization, in compliance with § 295-1918.
A. 
Any use or activity not authorized within § 295-1912, herein, shall be prohibited within the Floodplain Conservation Overlay District and the following activities and facilities are specifically prohibited, except for as part of a redevelopment project in compliance with § 295-1912A(7) herein:
(1) 
No new construction, alteration, or improvement of buildings and any other type of permanent structure, including fences, shall be permitted in the floodway or the one-hundred-year floodplain.
(2) 
Placement of fill within the one-hundred-year floodplain is prohibited.
(3) 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse.
(4) 
Clearing of all existing vegetation, except where such clearing is necessary to prepare land for a use permitted under § 295-1912, herein, and where the effects of these actions are mitigated by reestablishment of vegetation.
(5) 
Use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and/or other chemicals in excess of prescribed industry standards.
(6) 
Roads or driveways, except where permitted as corridor crossings in compliance with § 295-1912, herein.
(7) 
Motor or wheeled vehicle traffic in any area not designed to accommodate adequately the type and volume.
(8) 
Parking lots.
(9) 
Subsurface sewage disposal areas.
(10) 
Sod farming.
(11) 
Stormwater basins, including necessary berms and outfall facilities.
A. 
The provisions of this article do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures. However, when an improvement is made to any existing structure, the provisions of § 295-1915 of this chapter, and Article XXV of this chapter, Nonconforming Structures, Uses and Lots, shall apply.
A. 
The following provisions shall apply whenever any improvement is made to an existing structure located within any Floodplain Conservation District:
(1) 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the elevation of the base flood elevation.
(2) 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any AE Area/District with floodway, as defined in § 295-1908A(4) that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE at any point.
(3) 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be undertaken in the direction of the stream bank.
(4) 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement, of any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of 50% or more of its market value, shall constitute a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this article.
(5) 
Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would constitute a substantial improvement as defined in this article shall comply with all article requirements that do not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure. Documentation that a specific article requirement will cause removal of the structure from the National Register of Historic Places or the Commonwealth Inventory of Historic Places shall be obtained from the Secretary of the Interior or the State Historic Preservation Officer. Any exemption from the article requirements will be the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
(6) 
The above activity shall also address the requirements of the 34 Pa. Code, as amended and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC.
(7) 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind that meets the definition of "repetitive loss" shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this article.
(8) 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction or improvement of any kind which removes any existing tree(s) of four caliper inches or greater in diameter on the site shall require replacement trees which shall be planted equal in number to the total diameter in caliper inches of trees proposed to be removed from the site plus additional trees (from a list selected by the Shade Tree Advisory Commission (STAC) or the equivalent agency if STAC does not exist) so that a minimum of one new tree (four-caliper-inch diameter minimum) for every 9,000 square feet of impermeable structure modified, altered, reconstructed or improved shall be planted on the site in addition to all other landscaping and buffer required by other applicable Township Codes. Proper care and maintenance of the said replacement trees shall be deemed to be part of the term "planted" as used in this provision.
A. 
If compliance with any of the requirements of this article would result in an exceptional hardship to a prospective builder, developer or landowner, Cheltenham Township may, upon request, grant relief from the strict application of the requirements.
B. 
Variance procedures and conditions.
(1) 
For a use other than those permitted in § 295-1912, an application seeking approval by variance shall be forwarded to the Township Zoning Hearing Board along with required studies or information and the findings of the Zoning Officer.
(2) 
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the BFE.
(3) 
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any AE Area/District without floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE at any point.
(4) 
No variance shall be granted for any of the other requirements pertaining specifically to development regulated by § 295-1921 (pertaining to special technical requirements for activities requiring a special permit) or to development which may endanger human life (§ 295-1917I).
C. 
Special requirements for subdivisions and land development.
(1) 
All subdivision proposals and development proposals containing at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser, in flood hazard 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 or letter of map revision.
D. 
Special requirements for manufactured homes.
(1) 
Within the Floodplain Conservation District, manufactured homes shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
(2) 
Where permitted by variance within the Floodplain Conservation District, 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 at least at the regulatory flood elevation; and
(c) 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
(3) 
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 United States 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 401-405.
(4) 
Consideration shall be given 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 proposed installation.
E. 
Special requirements for recreational vehicles.
(1) 
Recreational vehicles in Zones A1-30, AH and AE shall either:
(a) 
Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive day;, and
(b) 
Be fully licensed and ready for highway use; or
(c) 
Meet the permit requirements for manufactured homes in § 295-1916D.
F. 
Variance conditions.
(1) 
If granted, a variance shall involve only the least modification necessary to provide relief.
(2) 
In granting any variance, the Township Zoning Hearing Board shall attach the reasonable conditions and safeguards outlined herein. These conditions and safeguards are necessary in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Township.
(3) 
Whenever a variance is granted, the Township Zoning Hearing Board shall notify the applicant, in writing, that:
(a) 
The granting of the variance may result in increased premium rates for flood insurance.
(b) 
Such variances may increase the risks to life and property.
(4) 
In reviewing any request for a variance, the Township Zoning Hearing Board shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
(a) 
That there is good and sufficient cause, including:
[1] 
That there are unique physical circumstances or conditions, including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of the zoning article in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located.
[2] 
That because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of the zoning ordinance and that the authorization of a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property.
[3] 
That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant.
[4] 
That the variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare.
(b) 
That failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant.
(c) 
That the granting of the variance will:
[1] 
Not result in any increase in flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense;
[2] 
Nor create nuisances, cause fraud on, or victimize the public, or conflict with any other applicable commonwealth or local ordinances and regulations.
(5) 
A complete record of all variance requests and related actions shall be maintained by Cheltenham Township. In addition, a report of all variances granted during the year shall be included in the biennial report to FEMA.
A. 
In addition to the procedure and requirements of § 295-1916, in granting any variance, the Cheltenham Township Zoning Hearing Board shall attach the following technical provisions of § 295-1917, as applicable, to the proposal for which the variance has been granted. These conditions and safeguards are necessary in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Township.
B. 
Pertaining to the 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 been first obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's 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 FEMA and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development shall be notified prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
C. 
The Township shall require technical or scientific data to be submitted to FEMA for a letter of map revision (LOMR) within six months of the completion of any new construction, development, or other activity resulting in changes in the BFE. An LOMR or conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) is required for:
(1) 
Any development that causes a rise in the base flood elevations within the floodway; or
(2) 
Any development occurring in Zones A1-30 and Zone AE without a designated floodway, which will cause a rise in the base flood elevation; or
(3) 
Alteration or relocation of a stream (including, but not limited to, installing culverts and bridges).
D. 
Any new construction, development, uses or activities allowed by variance within any Floodplain Conservation District shall be undertaken in strict compliance with the provisions contained in this article and any other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. In addition, when such development is proposed within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top of bank of any watercourse, a permit shall be obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional office.
E. 
Elevation and floodproofing requirements for 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. 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 401-405, as amended) shall be used.
(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 § 295-1908A(6) 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) 
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 401-405, as amended) shall be utilized.
F. 
Elevation and floodproofing requirements for 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:
(a) 
Is floodproofed so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; and
(b) 
Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(2) 
In A Zones, where there 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.
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have their 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 WI 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 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.
(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 401-405, as amended) shall be used.
G. 
Requirements for spaces 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 floodwaters 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 shall either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings each on a separate wall 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 shall be equipped with screens, louvers, etc. or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
H. 
Requirements for accessory structures.
(1) 
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:
(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) 
Floor area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(c) 
The structure will have a low damage potential.
(d) 
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters.
(e) 
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
(f) 
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited.
(g) 
Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
(h) 
The structure 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 shall either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
[1] 
A minimum of two openings each on a separate wall 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.
I. 
Special technical requirements for development which may endanger human life:
(1) 
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 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) 
Sulphur and sulphur products.
(q) 
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides).
(r) 
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
(2) 
Where permitted by a variance within the floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in § 295.1917I(1) above shall be:
(a) 
Elevated or designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least the regulatory flood elevation; and
(b) 
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a base flood elevation.
(c) 
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 with some other equivalent watertight standard.
J. 
Additional design and construction standards:
(1) 
The following minimum standards shall apply for all new construction, substantial improvements and repetitive losses as conditions of a variance being granted when proposed within any Floodplain Conservation District:
(a) 
Fill. If fill is used, it shall:
[1] 
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all points;
[2] 
Consist of soil or small rock materials only; sanitary landfills shall not be permitted;
[3] 
Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring, or settling;
[4] 
Be 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
[5] 
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 floodwaters.
[2] 
Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters.
[3] 
No part of any on-site sewage system shall be located within any Floodplain Conservation District except in strict compliance with all commonwealth 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 § 295-1917I regarding development which may endanger human life shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation and/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.
[3] 
Floors, walls and ceilings.
[4] 
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.
[5] 
Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a marine or water-resistant variety.
[6] 
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.
[7] 
Windows, doors, and other components at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be made of metal or other water-resistant material.
(i) 
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.) shall be finished with a marine or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
(j) 
Electrical components.
[1] 
Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three feet above the base flood elevation.
[2] 
Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be dropped from above.
(k) 
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.
(l) 
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.
(m) 
Uniform construction code coordination.
[1] 
The standards and specifications contained 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401-405), as amended and not limited to the following provisions shall apply to the above and other sections and subsections of this article, to the extent that they are more restrictive and/or supplement the requirements of this article.
[a] 
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Sections 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix G.
[b] 
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2006 or the latest edition thereof: Sections R104, R105, R109, R322, Appendix E and Appendix J.
A. 
General. In accordance with the administrative regulations promulgated by the Department of Community and Economic Development to implement the Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act, the activities indicated in § 295-1918B and § 295-1918C below shall be prohibited within any Floodplain Conservation District unless a special permit has been issued by Cheltenham Township. In order to apply for a special permit, a variance shall first be obtained, as outlined in § 295-1916.
B. 
The commencement of any of the following activities; or the construction, enlargement, or expansion of any structure used, or intended to be used, for any of the following activities:
(1) 
Hospitals.
(2) 
Nursing homes.
(3) 
Jails or prisons.
C. 
The commencement of, or any construction of, a new manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision, or substantial improvement to an existing manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision.
A. 
Applicants for special permits shall provide five copies of the following items:
(1) 
A written request, including a completed special permit application Form.
(2) 
A small scale map showing the vicinity in which the proposed site is located.
(3) 
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) 
Topography based upon the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, showing existing and proposed contours at intervals of two feet;
(c) 
All property and lot lines. including dimensions, and the size of the site expressed in acres or square feet;
(d) 
The location of all existing streets, drives, other access ways, and parking areas, with information concerning widths, pavement types and construction, and elevations;
(e) 
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;
(f) 
The location of the floodplain boundary line, information and spot elevations concerning the base flood elevation, and information concerning the flow of water including direction and velocities;
(g) 
The location of all proposed buildings, structures, utilities, and any other improvements;
(h) 
Any other information which the municipality considers necessary for adequate review of the application; and
(i) 
A plotted census of all existing trees of four caliper inches or greater in diameter on the site and identifying those trees which would be removed by the construction, enlargement or expansion proposed. The applicant shall also demonstrate on the plan the location of replacement trees which shall be planted equal to the total diameter in caliper inches of trees proposed to be removed from the site plus additional trees (from a list selected by STAC or the equivalent agency if STAC does not exist) so that a minimum of 10 trees per acre within the Floodplain District on the site shall be planted in addition to all other landscaping and buffer required by other applicable Township Codes. Proper care and maintenance of the said replacement trees shall be deemed to a be part of the term "planted" as used in this provision.
(4) 
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 floor plans, sections, and exterior building elevations, as appropriate;
(b) 
For any proposed building, the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) and, as required, the elevation of any other floor;
(c) 
Complete information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces, and other factors associated with the base flood elevation;
(d) 
Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures;
(e) 
Cross-section drawings for all proposed streets, drives, other access ways, and parking areas, showing all rights-of-way and pavement widths;
(f) 
Profile drawings for all proposed streets, drives, and vehicular access ways, including existing and proposed grades; and
(g) 
Plans and profiles of all proposed sanitary and storm sewer systems, water supply systems, and any other utilities and facilities.
(5) 
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/she 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 base flood elevation;
(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 base flood elevation, 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 base flood elevation 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 base flood elevation and the effects such materials and debris may have on base flood elevation elevations and flows;
(f) 
The appropriate component of the Department of Environmental Protection's "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, a permit for any activity regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection under Section 302 of Act 1978-166[1]; and
[1]
Editor's Note: See Section 302 of the Flood Plain Management Act; 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 base flood.
A. 
Upon receipt of an application for a special permit by Cheltenham Township the following procedures shall apply in addition to those of § 295-1922:
(1) 
Within three working days following receipt of the application, a complete copy of the application and all accompanying documentation shall be forwarded to the County Planning Commission by registered or certified mail for its review and recommendations. Copies of the application shall also be forwarded to the Cheltenham Planning Commission and Cheltenham Engineer for review and comment.
(2) 
If an application is received that is incomplete, Cheltenham Township shall notify the applicant, in writing, stating in what respect the application is deficient.
(3) 
If Cheltenham Township decides to disapprove an application, it shall notify the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval.
(4) 
If Cheltenham Township approves an application, it shall file written notification, together with the application and all pertinent information, with the Department of Community and Economic Development, by registered or certified mail, within five working days after the date of approval.
(5) 
Before issuing the special permit, Cheltenham Township shall allow the Department of Community and Economic Development 30 days, after receipt of the notification by the Department, to review the application and decision made by Cheltenham Township.
(6) 
If Cheltenham Township does not receive any communication from the Department of Community and Economic Development during the thirty-day review period, it may issue a special permit to the applicant.
(7) 
If the Department of Community and Economic Development should decide to disapprove an application, it shall notify Cheltenham Township and the applicant, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval, and Cheltenham Township shall not issue the special permit.
A. 
In addition to the aforementioned requirements of this article, the following minimum requirements shall also apply to any proposed development requiring a special permit. If there is any conflict between any of the following requirements and those preceding requirements of this article or in any other code, ordinance, or regulation, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
B. 
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:
(1) 
Fully protect the health and safety of the general public and any occupants of the structure. At a minimum, all new structures shall be designed, located, and constructed so that:
(a) 
The structure will survive inundation by waters of the base flood elevation without any lateral movement or damage to either the structure itself, or to any of its equipment or contents below the BFE;
(b) 
The lowest floor (including basement) will be elevated to at least the regulatory flood elevation; and
(c) 
The occupants of the structure can remain inside for an indefinite period of time and be safely evacuated at any time during the base flood elevation.
(2) 
Prevent any significant possibility of pollution, increased flood levels or flows, or debris endangering life and property.
C. 
All 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 Cheltenham Township and the Department of Community and Economic Development.
A. 
Designation of the floodplain administrator. The Zoning Officer within the Department of Planning and Zoning is hereby appointed to administer and enforce this article and is referred to herein as the Floodplain Administrator.
B. 
Permits required. A floodplain permit shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within the Floodplain Conservation District. In the case of a proposed hospital, nursing home, jail, prison, or manufactured home park, the permit referred to here would be the special permit of § 295-1919 through § 295-1921.
C. 
Duties and responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator.
(1) 
The Floodplain Administrator shall issue a permit only after it has been determined that the proposed work to be undertaken will be in conformance with the requirements of this and all other applicable codes and ordinances.
(2) 
Prior to the issuance of any permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall review the application for the permit to determine if all other necessary government permits required by commonwealth and federal laws have been obtained, such as those required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 1966-537, as amended); the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 1978-325, as amended); the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act (Act 1937-394, as amended); and the United States Clean Water Act, Section 404, 33, U.S.C. 1344.[1] No permit shall be issued until this determination has been made.
[1]
Editor's Note: See the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act at 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq., the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act at 32 P.S. § 693.1 et seq., and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act at 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
(3) 
In the case of existing structures, prior to the issuance of any development/permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall review the history of repairs to the subject building, so that any repetitive loss issues can be addressed before the permit is issued.
(4) 
During the construction period, the Floodplain Administrator or other authorized official shall inspect the premises to determine that the work is progressing in compliance with the information provided on the permit application and with all applicable municipal laws and ordinances. The Floodplain Administrator shall make as many inspections during and upon completion of the work as are necessary.
(5) 
In the discharge of his/her duties, the Floodplain Administrator shall have the authority to enter any building, structure, premises or development in the Floodplain Conservation District, upon presentation of proper credentials, at any reasonable hour to enforce the provisions of this article.
(6) 
In the event the Floodplain Administrator discovers that the work does not comply with the permit application or any applicable laws and ordinances, or that there has been a false statement or misrepresentation by any applicant, the Floodplain Administrator shall revoke the permit and report such fact to the Township Board of Commissioners for whatever action it considers necessary.
(7) 
The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain all records associated with the requirements of this article, including, but not limited to, permitting, inspection and enforcement.
(8) 
The Floodplain Administrator shall consider the requirements of the 34 Pa. Code and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC or latest revisions thereof.
A. 
Application for such a permit shall be made, in writing, to the Floodplain Administrator on forms supplied by Cheltenham Township. Such application shall contain the following:
(1) 
Name and address of applicant.
(2) 
Name and address of owner of land on which proposed construction is to occur.
(3) 
Name and address of contractor.
(4) 
Site location, including address.
(5) 
Listing of other permits or variances required.
(6) 
Brief description of proposed work and estimated cost, including a breakout of flood-related cost and the market value of the building before the flood damage occurred, where appropriate.
B. 
If any new proposed construction or development is located entirely or partially within any Floodplain Conservation District, applicants for permits shall provide all the necessary information in sufficient detail and clarity to enable the Floodplain Administrator to determine that:
(1) 
All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and conform to the requirements of this and all other applicable codes and ordinances.
(2) 
All utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
(3) 
Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(4) 
Structures will be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
(5) 
Building materials will be flood-resistant.
(6) 
Appropriate practices that minimize flood damage have been used.
(7) 
Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service facilities have been designed and/or located to prevent water entry or accumulation.
C. 
Applicants shall file the following minimum information plus any other pertinent information as may be required by the Floodplain Administrator to make the above determination:
(1) 
A completed permit 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) 
Topographic contour lines, if available;
(c) 
The location of all existing and proposed buildings, structures, and other improvements, including the location of any existing or proposed subdivision and development;
(d) 
The location of all existing streets, drives, and other access ways; and
(e) 
The location of any existing bodies of water or watercourses, the Floodplain Conservation District, and, if available, information pertaining to the floodway, and the flow of water, including direction and velocities.
(3) 
Plans of all proposed buildings, structures and other improvements, drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 100 feet or less showing the following:
(a) 
The proposed lowest floor elevation of any proposed building based upon North American Vertical Datum of 1988;
(b) 
The elevation of the base flood;
(c) 
Supplemental information as may be necessary under 34 Pa. Code, the 2009 IBC or the 2009 IRC.
(4) 
The following data and documentation:
(a) 
If available, information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood elevation; and detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures and corresponding elevations.
(b) 
Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, to show that the cumulative effect of any proposed development within an AE Area/District without floodway when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the base flood elevation at any point.
(c) 
A document, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, which states that the proposed construction or development has been adequately designed to withstand the pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces associated with the base flood elevation. Such statement shall include a description of the type and extent of floodproofing measures which have been incorporated into the design of the structure and/or the development.
(d) 
Detailed information needed to determine compliance with § 295-1917J(1)(f), Storage, and § 295-1917I, regarding development which may endanger human life, including:
[1] 
The amount, location and purpose of any materials or substances referred to in § 295-1917J(1)(f) and § 295-1917I which are intended to be used, produced, stored or otherwise maintained on site; and
[2] 
A description of the safeguards incorporated into the design of the proposed structure to prevent leaks or spills of the dangerous materials or substances listed in § 295-1917I during a base flood.
(e) 
The appropriate component of the Department of Environmental Protection's "Planning Module for Land Development."
(f) 
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.
(5) 
Applications for permits shall be accompanied by a fee, payable to the municipality based upon the estimated cost of the proposed construction as determined by the Floodplain Administration.
A copy of all applications and plans for proposed construction or development in any Floodplain Conservation District to be considered for approval shall be submitted by the Floodplain Administrator to the County Conservation District for review and comment prior to the issuance of a Permit. The recommendations of the Conservation District shall be considered by the Floodplain Administrator for possible incorporation into the proposed plan.
A copy of all plans and applications for any proposed construction or development in any Floodplain Conservation District to be considered for approval may be submitted by the Floodplain Administrator to any other appropriate agencies and/or individuals (e.g., Planning Commission, municipal engineer, etc.) for review and comment.
After the issuance of a permit by the Floodplain Administrator, no changes of any kind shall be made to the application, permit or any of the plans, specifications or other documents submitted with the application without the written consent or approval of the Floodplain Administrator. Requests for any such change shall be in writing and shall be submitted by the applicant to Floodplain Administrator for consideration.
In addition to the permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall issue a placard which shall be displayed on the premises during the time construction is in progress. This placard shall show the number of the permit, the date of its issuance and be signed by the Floodplain Administrator.
A. 
The start of construction under the permit shall begin within 180 days after the date of issuance and shall be completed within 12 months after the date of issuance of the Permit or the permit shall expire unless a time extension is granted, in writing, by the Floodplain Administrator. The term "start of construction" shall be understood as defined in § 295-1906 of this chapter.
B. 
Time extensions shall be granted only if a written request is submitted by the applicant, which sets forth sufficient and reasonable cause for the Floodplain Administrator to approve such a request.
A. 
Notices. Whenever the Floodplain Administrator or other authorized municipal representative determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of any provisions of this article, or of any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the Floodplain Administrator shall give notice of such alleged violation as hereinafter provided. Such notice shall:
(1) 
Be in writing;
(2) 
Include a statement of the reasons for its issuance;
(3) 
Allow a reasonable time not to exceed a period of 30 days for the performance of any act it requires;
(4) 
Be served upon the property owner or his agent as the case may require; provided, however, that such notice or order shall be deemed to have been properly served upon such owner or agent when a copy thereof has been served by any method authorized or required by the laws of this state; and
(5) 
Contain an outline of remedial action which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this article.
B. 
Civil penalties. Any person who fails to comply with any or all of the requirements or provisions of this article or who fails or refuses to comply with any notice, order of direction of the Floodplain Administrator or any other authorized employee of the municipality may have a civil judgment payable to Cheltenham Township, of not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 per violation plus costs of prosecution entered against them. In addition to the above penalties, all other actions are hereby reserved, including an action in equity for the enforcement of this article. The imposition of a judgment for any violation of, or noncompliance with, this article shall not excuse the violation or noncompliance or permit it to continue and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations and noncompliance within a reasonable time. Any development initiated or any structure or building constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, altered, or relocated, in violation of this article may be declared by the Township Board of Commissioners to be a public nuisance and abatable as such.
A. 
Any person aggrieved by any action or decision of the Floodplain Administrator concerning the administration of the provisions of this article, may appeal to the Township Board of Commissioners. Such appeal shall be filed, in writing, within 30 days after the decision, determination or action of the Floodplain Administrator.
B. 
Upon receipt of such appeal the Township Board of Commissioners shall set a time and place, within not less than 10 or not more than 30 days, for the purpose of considering the appeal. Notice of the time and place at which the appeal will be considered shall be given to all parties.
C. 
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Township Board of Commissioners may seek relief there from by appeal to court, as provided by the laws of this commonwealth including the Pennsylvania Floodplain Management Act.