[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Upper Makefield as indicated in part histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Code enforcement — See Ch. 5.
Subdivision and land development — See Ch. 22.
Zoning — See Ch. 27.
Stormwater management — See Ch. 28.
[Adopted 2-17-2015 by Ord. No. 305]
 
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. Therefore, the Board of Supervisors of Upper Makefield Township does hereby enact as follows.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
The intent of this Part is to:
A. 
Promote the general health, welfare, and safety of the Township.
B. 
Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction practices in order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
C. 
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural drainage.
D. 
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the Township, its governmental units, and its residents, by preventing excessive development in areas subject to flooding.
E. 
Comply with federal and state floodplain management requirements.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within the identified floodplain area of Upper Makefield Township unless a floodplain permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator.[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection B, exempting minor repairs from the permit requirements, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 314.
This Part supersedes any other conflicting provisions which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other ordinance provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that those provisions are more restrictive. If there is any conflict between any of the provisions of this Part, the more restrictive shall apply.
A. 
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this Part is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on accepted engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur or flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This Part does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain areas, or that land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages.
B. 
This Part shall not create liability on the part of Upper Makefield Township or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Part or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
The Township Zoning Officer is hereby appointed to administer and enforce this Part and is referred to herein as the "Floodplain Administrator." In the absence of a designated Floodplain Administrator, the Floodplain Administrator duties are to be fulfilled by the Township Manager.
A floodplain permit shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within any identified floodplain area of Upper Makefield Township.
A. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall issue a floodplain 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.
B. 
Prior to the issuance of any floodplain permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall require the applicant to certify that all other necessary government permits required by state and federal laws have been obtained, such as those required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 1966-537, as amended),[1] the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 1978-325, as amended),[2] the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act (Act 1937-394, as amended),[3] and the U.S. Clean Water Act, Section 404, 33 U.S.C. § 1344. No floodplain permit shall be issued until this certification has been made.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 693.1 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
C. 
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. He/she shall make as many inspections during and upon completion of the work as are deemed necessary.
D. 
In the discharge of his/her duties, the Floodplain Administrator shall have the authority to enter any building, structure, premises or development in the identified floodplain area, upon presentation of proper credentials, at any reasonable hour to enforce the provisions of this Part.
E. 
In the event the Floodplain Administrator discovers that the work does not comply with the floodplain 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 floodplain permit and report such fact to the Board of Supervisors of Upper Makefield Township for whatever action it considers necessary.
F. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain in perpetuity all records associated with the requirements of this Part including, but not limited to, finished construction elevation data, permitting, inspection and enforcement.
G. 
The Floodplain Administrator is the official responsible for submitting a biennial report to FEMA concerning Township participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
H. 
The responsibility, authority and means to implement the commitments of the Floodplain Administrator can be delegated from the person identified. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the person identified in this Part as the Floodplain Administrator.
I. 
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 a floodplain permit shall be made, in writing, to the Floodplain Administrator on forms supplied by Upper Makefield Township. Such application shall contain, at a minimum, 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 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.
(7) 
A plan of the site showing the exact size and location of the proposed construction as well as any existing buildings or structures.
B. 
If any proposed construction or development is located entirely or partially within any identified floodplain area, applicants for floodplain 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 with 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 are flood-resistant;
(6) 
Appropriate practices that minimize flood damage have been used; and
(7) 
Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, and other service facilities have been designed and 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 floodplain 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) 
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 and proposed buildings, structures, and other improvements, including the location of any existing or proposed subdivision and land development;
(e) 
The location of all existing streets, drives, and other accessways; and
(f) 
The location of any existing bodies of water or watercourses, identified floodplain areas, 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 suitable scale 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) 
Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures and corresponding elevations.
(b) 
If available, information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood; and floodway area (see § 8-118A) when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the base flood elevation at any point.
(c) 
Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, to show that the cumulative effect of any proposed development within an AE District without floodway (see § 8-118B) when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the base flood elevation at any point within the Township.
(d) 
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. Such statement shall include a description of the type and extent of flood proofing measures which have been incorporated into the design of the structure and/or the development.
(e) 
Detailed information needed to determine compliance with § 8-124F, Storage, and § 8-125, Development which may endanger human life, including:
[1] 
The amount, location and purpose of any materials or substances referred to in §§ 8-124F and 8-125 which are intended to be used, produced, stored or otherwise maintained on site.
[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 § 8-125 during a base flood.
(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.
A copy of all plans and applications for any proposed construction or land development in any identified floodplain area to be considered for approval shall be submitted by the Floodplain Administrator to any other appropriate agencies and/or individuals (e.g., county conservation district, planning commission, municipal engineer, etc.) for review and comment.
After the issuance of a floodplain 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 the Floodplain Administrator for consideration.
In addition to the floodplain 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 floodplain permit, the date of its issuance, and be signed by the Floodplain Administrator.
A. 
Work on the proposed construction or development shall begin within 180 days after the date of issuance of the development permit. Work shall also 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 issuance of a development permit does not refer to the zoning approval.
B. 
The actual start of construction means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufacture 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.
C. 
Time extensions shall be granted only if a written request is submitted by the applicant, who sets forth sufficient and reasonable cause for the Floodplain Administrator to approve such a request and the original permit is compliant with this Part, the Flood Insurance Rate Map, and Flood Insurance Study in effect at the time the extension is granted.
Applicants for a floodplain permit shall, at the time of making application, pay to Upper Makefield Township a fee in accordance with a Fee Schedule adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors upon enactment of this Part or as such schedule may be amended by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
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 Part, 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 with such notice by any other method authorized or required by the laws of this commonwealth;
(5) 
Contain an outline of remedial actions which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this Part.
B. 
Penalties. Any person who fails to comply with any or all of the requirements or provisions of this Part 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 shall be guilty of a summary offense and, upon conviction, shall pay a fine to Upper Makefield Township of not less than $300 nor more than $1,000 plus costs of prosecution. In addition to the above penalties, all other actions are hereby reserved including an action in equity for the proper enforcement of this Part. The imposition of a fine or penalty for any violation of, or noncompliance with this Part shall not excuse the violation or noncompliance or permit it to continue. 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 noncompliance with this Part may be declared by the Board of Supervisors to be a public nuisance and abatable as such. All remedies shall be considered cumulative.
A. 
Any person aggrieved by any action or decision of the Floodplain Administrator concerning the administration of the provisions of this Part, may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. Such appeal must be filed, in writing, within 30 days after the decision, determination or action of the Floodplain Administrator.
B. 
Upon receipt of such appeal, the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider the appeal in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code[1] and any other applicable local ordinances.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
C. 
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Zoning Hearing Board may seek relief therefrom by appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as provided by the laws of this commonwealth, including the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
A. 
The identified floodplain area shall consist of the following specific areas:
(1) 
Any areas of Upper Makefield Township, classified as special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) dated March 16, 2015, 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.
(2) 
For areas abutting streams and watercourses where the one-hundred-year floodplain (one-percent annual chance flood) has not been delineated by a Flood Insurance Study, the applicant shall submit a floodplain identification study. The study prepared by a registered professional engineer expert in the preparation of hydrologic and hydraulic studies shall be used to delineate the one-hundred-year floodplain. The floodplain study shall be subject to the review and approval of Upper Makefield Township. All areas inundated by the one-hundred-year flood shall be included in the floodplain area.
B. 
The above-referenced FIS and FIRMs, and any subsequent revisions and amendments, are hereby adopted by Upper Makefield Township and declared to be a part of this Part.
The identified floodplain area shall consist of the following specific areas:
A. 
The Floodway District identified as floodway in the FIS and the FIRM which represents the channel of a watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without any increase in the water surface elevation at any point. This term shall also include 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 and FIRM.
(1) 
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 Township during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(2) 
No new construction or development shall be allowed, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
B. 
The AE District shall be those areas adjacent to the floodway and identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood elevations have been provided.
(1) 
The AE District adjacent to the floodway shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood elevations have been provided and a floodway has been delineated.
(2) 
AE District without floodway shall be those areas identified as an AE zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood elevations have been provided but no floodway has been determined.
(a) 
No permit shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any AE 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 base flood elevation at any point.
(b) 
No new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
C. 
The A District shall be those 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 sources shall be used when available. Where other acceptable information is not available, the elevation shall be determined by 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 Upper Makefield Township.
D. 
For areas adjoining streams, ponds, and lakes not included in the FIS prepared by FEMA, the applicant shall be required to determine the elevation and area of the floodplain with hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by registered 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. All areas inundated by the one-hundred-year flood shall be included in the floodplain area.
The identified floodplain area may be revised or modified by the Board of Supervisors where studies or information provided by a qualified agency or person documents the need for such revision. However, prior to any such change within the A District or AE District, approval must be obtained from FEMA. Additionally, as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after the date such information becomes available, the Township shall notify FEMA of the changes by submitting technical or scientific data. See § 8-122B for situations where FEMA notification is required.
Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, an initial determination shall be made by the Floodplain Administrator and any party aggrieved by this decision or determination may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.
Prior to development occurring in areas where annexation or other corporate boundary changes are proposed or have occurred, the Township shall review flood hazard data affecting the lands subject to boundary changes. The Township 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. 
Alteration or relocation of watercourse.
(1) 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse until all adjacent municipalities which may be affected by such action have been notified by the municipality, and until all required permits or approvals have first been obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
(2) 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse unless it can be shown that the activity will not reduce or impede the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse in any way.
(3) 
In addition, FEMA and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development shall be notified prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
B. 
When the Township proposes to permit the following encroachments: any development that causes a rise in the base flood elevations within the floodway; or alteration or relocation of a stream including but not limited to installing culverts and bridges within Identified Floodplain A or AE Districts (refer § 8-118B and C); 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 Administrator's conditional approval of map change and prior to approving the proposed encroachments, the Township 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 Township 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 Part and any other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
D. 
Within any identified floodplain area (refer to § 8-118), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, except for roads, driveways, trails, and utility crossings where the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
Within any identified floodplain area, any new residential and nonresidential structures or substantial improvements to such residential and nonresidential structures shall be prohibited. If a variance is obtained for new construction or substantial improvements to residential and nonresidential structures in the identified floodplain area in accordance with the criteria in § 8-131, then the following provisions apply:
A. 
Residential structures, when permitted pursuant to a variance granted by the Zoning Hearing Board:
(1) 
In the AE District, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation.
(2) 
In the A District, 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 § 8-118 of this Part.
(3) 
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or the most recent revisions thereof and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 405, as amended) shall be utilized, where they are more restrictive.
B. 
Nonresidential structures, including nonresidential accessory structures, when permitted pursuant to a variance granted by the Zoning Hearing Board:
(1) 
In the AE District, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure, including a nonresidential accessory structure, shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated 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;
(b) 
Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and
(c) 
Is certified by a registered professional/architect that the design and methods of construction meet requirements of Title 44, Section 603, Subpart A, Requirements for Floodplain Management Regulations.
(2) 
In the A District, 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 to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 8-118 of this Part.
(3) 
Any nonresidential structure, including any nonresidential accessory structure, or part thereof, made watertight below the regulatory flood elevation shall be floodproofed in accordance with the W1 or W2 space classification standards contained in the publication entitled "Flood-Proofing Regulations" published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972, as amended March 1992) or with some other equivalent standard. All plans and specifications for such floodproofing shall be accompanied by a statement certified by a registered professional engineer or architect which states that the proposed design and methods of construction are in conformance with the above referenced standards.
(4) 
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or the most recent revisions thereof and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa Code (Chapters 401 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) 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 but does not include basements.
(2) 
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
D. 
Historic structures. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would constitute a substantial improvement as defined in this Part, must comply with all Part requirements that do not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure. Documentation that a specific Part 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 Part requirements shall be obtained from the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the criteria set forth in § 8-130 and will be the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
E. 
Residential accessory structures. Structures accessory to a principal residential building need not be elevated or floodproofed to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements:
(1) 
The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation, but shall be limited to the parking of vehicles, or to the storage of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or activity;
(2) 
Floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet;
(3) 
The structure will have a low damage potential;
(4) 
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters;
(5) 
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation;
(6) 
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc. are prohibited;
(7) 
Sanitary facilities are prohibited; and
(8) 
The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry and exit of floodwater for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on the walls. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc. or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction and development proposed within any identified floodplain area:
A. 
Within any identified floodplain area, the use of fill shall be prohibited and no variance shall be granted, except as provided in Subsection A(1) below.
[Amended 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 314; 6-19-2018 by Ord. No. 320]
(1) 
Fill may be used in connection with the construction of permitted bridges, road crossings, culverts and similar construction ("permitted construction") as approved by the Township Engineer. The permitted construction shall be designed so that there is no change in the existing flood elevation at the upstream property line, provided that:
(a) 
The extent of fill shall be limited to the minimum dimensions required to effect permitted construction as approved by the Floodplain Administrator;
(b) 
Fill shall consist of soil or small rock materials only; clean fill and sanitary landfills are prohibited;
(c) 
Fill shall be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring, or setting;
(d) 
Fill shall 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
(e) 
The use of fill shall 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 ensure proper drainage along streets, and provide positive drainage away from buildings. The system shall also be designed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties.
C. 
Water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems.
(1) 
All new or replacement water supply and sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damages and the infiltration of 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 waste disposal system shall be located within any identified floodplain area except in strict compliance with all state and local regulations for such systems. If any such system is permitted, it shall be located so as to avoid impairment to it, or contamination from it, during a flood.
(4) 
The design and construction provisions of the UCC and FEMA #348, "Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damages" and "The International Private Sewage Disposal Code," shall be utilized.
D. 
Other utilities. All other utilities such as gas lines, electrical and telephone systems shall be located, elevated (where possible) and constructed to minimize the chance of impairment during a flood.
E. 
Streets. The finished elevation of all new streets shall be no less than one foot above the base flood elevation.
F. 
Storage. All materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive, or in times of flooding, could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, and not listed in § 8-125, 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.
I. 
Floors, walls and ceilings.
(1) 
Wood flooring used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be installed to accommodate a lateral expansion of the flooring, perpendicular to the flooring grain without causing structural damage to the building.
(2) 
Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a "marine" or "water-resistant" variety.
(3) 
Walls and ceilings at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be designed and constructed of materials that are water-resistant and will withstand inundation.
(4) 
Windows, doors, and other components at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be made of metal or other water-resistant material.
J. 
Paints and adhesives.
(1) 
Paints and other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of "marine" or "water-resistant" quality.
(2) 
Adhesives used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a "marine" or "water-resistant" variety.
(3) 
All wooden components (doors, trim, cabinets, etc.) used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be finished with a marine or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
K. 
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.
L. 
Equipment. Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units, and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment or apparatus shall not be located below the regulatory flood elevation.
M. 
Fuel supply systems. All gas and oil supply systems shall be designed to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters into the system and discharges from the system into floodwaters. Additional provisions shall be made for the drainage of these systems in the event that floodwater infiltration occurs.
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 Part, to the extent that they are more restrictive and supplement the requirements of this Part:
(1) 
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Secs. 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402, and Appendix G.
(2) 
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009 or the latest edition thereof: Secs. R104, R105, R109, R322, Appendix E, and Appendix J.
[Amended 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 314]
Within any identified floodplain area, any structure of the kind described in Subsection A, below, shall be prohibited. No variance shall be granted.
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 which will be used for the production or storage of any of the following dangerous materials or substances listed below on the premises; or will be used for any activity requiring the maintenance of a supply of more than 300 gallons, or other comparable volume, of any of the following dangerous materials or substances listed below on the premises; or will involve the production, storage, or use of any amount of radioactive substances shall be prohibited.
(1) 
Acetone.
(2) 
Ammonia.
(3) 
Benzene.
(4) 
Calcium carbide.
(5) 
Carbon disulfide.
(6) 
Celluloid.
(7) 
Chlorine.
(8) 
Hydrochloric acid.
(9) 
Hydrocyanic acid.
(10) 
Magnesium.
(11) 
Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen.
(12) 
Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.).
(13) 
Phosphorus.
(14) 
Potassium.
(15) 
Sodium.
(16) 
Sulfur and sulfur products.
(17) 
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides).
(18) 
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
All subdivision proposals and development proposals in Identified Floodplain A District and Township identified flood hazard areas (refer to § 8-118C and D), where base flood elevation data are not available, shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses that determine base flood elevations and floodway information. The analyses shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer in a format required by FEMA for a Conditional Letter of Map Revision and Letter of Map Revision. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
A. 
Within any identified floodplain area, manufactured homes shall be prohibited unless permitted pursuant to a variance granted by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the criteria set forth in § 8-131 of this Part.
B. 
Where permitted within any identified floodplain area pursuant to a variance granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, 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 feet above base flood elevation;
(3) 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement; and
(4) 
Have all duct work and utilities, including HVAC/heat pump, elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
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, and 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 to 405, shall apply.
D. 
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 unit(s) installation.
[Amended 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 314]
The storage of recreational vehicles shall be prohibited within any identified floodplain area. No variance shall be granted.
In accordance with the administrative regulations promulgated by the Department of Community and Economic Development to implement the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act,[1] the commencement 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 shall be prohibited within any identified floodplain area of Upper Makefield Township:
A. 
Hospitals.
B. 
Nursing homes.
C. 
Jails or prisons.
D. 
Construction of a new manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision, or substantial improvement to an existing manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
A. 
The provisions of this Part 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 § 8-131 of this Part shall apply.
B. 
Improvements. The following provisions shall apply whenever any improvement is made to an existing structure located within any identified floodplain area:
(1) 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any Floodway District that would cause any increase in the base flood elevation.
(2) 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within AE District without floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the base flood elevation at any point.
(3) 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure to an extent or amount of 25% or more of its market value, shall constitute a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this Part.
(4) 
The above activity shall also address the requirements of 34 Pa. Code, as amended, and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC.
(5) 
Within any Floodway District (see § 8-118A), no new construction or development shall be allowed, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
(6) 
Within any AE District Without Floodway (see § 8-118B), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
(7) 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of less than 25% of its market value, shall be elevated and/or floodproofed to the greatest extent possible.
A. 
General. The Zoning Hearing Board shall hear requests for variances where it is alleged that the provisions of this Part inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant a variance from the provisions of this Part, provided that all of the findings set forth in Subsection B(5) are made where relevant in a given case.
B. 
Variance procedures and conditions. The Zoning Hearing Board shall consider requests for variances from the provisions of this Part in accordance with the requirements contained in the National Flood Insurance Program Requirements for Floodplain Management Regulations, 44 CFR 60.6, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10910.2, and the express requirements set forth below:
(1) 
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the base flood elevations.
(2) 
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, use, or activity within any AE District without floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the base flood elevation at any point.
(3) 
No variance shall be granted for any of the requirements pertaining specifically to prohibited uses/activities (§ 8-129), recreational vehicles (§ 8-128), fill (§ 8-124A), or to development which may endanger human life (§ 8-125).
[Amended 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 314]
(4) 
In granting any variance, the Zoning Hearing Board may attach whatever reasonable conditions and safeguards it considers necessary in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to achieve the objectives of this Part.
(5) 
Whenever a variance is granted, Upper Makefield Township 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.
(6) 
The Zoning Hearing Board may grant a variance from the provisions of this Part upon a showing of unnecessary hardship by the applicant and provided that all of the following findings are made where relevant in a given case:
(a) 
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 this Part in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located;
(b) 
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 this Part and that the authorization of a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property;
(c) 
That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the applicant;
(d) 
That the variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially and permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare;
(e) 
That the variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification of the regulation in issue;
(f) 
That the variance, if authorized, will not result in an unacceptable or prohibited increase in flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense; and
(g) 
That the variance, if authorized, will not create nuisances, cause fraud on, or victimize the public, or conflict with any other applicable state or local ordinances and regulations.
(7) 
A complete record of all variance requests and related actions shall be maintained by Upper Makefield Township. In addition, a report of all variances granted during the year shall be included in the annual report to the FEMA.
C. 
Notwithstanding any of the above, however, all structures shall be designed and constructed so as to have the capability of resisting the one-percent annual chance flood.
A. 
Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this Part shall be interpreted so as to give this Part its most reasonable application.
B. 
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
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" or "one-percent-annual-chance flood").
BASE FLOOD DISCHARGE
The volume of water resulting from a base flood as it passes a given location within a given time, usually expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs).
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.
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level on all sides.
BOARD
The Board of Supervisors of Upper Makefield Township.
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.
CONSTRUCTION (NEW)
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after March 16, 2015, the effective date of the floodplain regulation adopted by Upper Makefield Township, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. Any construction started after October 17, 1978, and before March 16, 2015, is subject to the ordinance in effect at the time the permit was issued, provided that start of construction was within 180 days of permit issuance.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of manufactured homes; streets, and other paving; utilities; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
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 the Township.
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 manufactured 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 has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the Township.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)
The official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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 ADMINISTRATOR
Person appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Upper Makefield Township to administer and enforce this Part.
FLOODPLAIN AREA (FLOODPLAIN)
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.
FLOODPLAIN VIOLATION
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the Township'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.
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 must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
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 Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
(2) 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
(3) 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(4) 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation that have been certified either:
(a) 
By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(b) 
Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
IDENTIFIED FLOODPLAIN AREA
This term is an umbrella term that includes all of the areas within which the Township has selected to enforce floodplain regulations. It will always include the area identified as the Special Flood Hazard Area on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study, but may include additional areas identified by the Township. See §§ 8-117 and 8-118 for the specifics on what areas the Township has included in the identified floodplain area.
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 nonelevation design requirements of this Part.
MANUFACTURED (MOBILE) 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 (MOBILE) HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION (NEW)
A manufactured (mobile) home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured (mobile) homes are to be affixed (including, at minimum, the installation of the utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading for the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by the Township.
MANUFACTURED (MOBILE) HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION (EXISTING)
A manufactured (mobile) home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured (mobile) 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 Upper Makefield Township.[1]
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 after December 31, 1974, or on or after the Township's initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated October 17, 1978, whichever is later, and, as such, would be required to be compliant with the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program.
PRE-FIRM STRUCTURE
Is a structure for which construction or substantial improvement occurred on or before December 31, 1974, or before the Township's initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated October 17, 1978, whichever is later, and, as such, would not be required to be compliant with the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program.
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.
REGULATORY FLOOD ELEVATION
The base flood elevation (BFE) or estimated flood height as determined using simplified methods plus a freeboard safety factor of 1 1/2 feet.
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.
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 after 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 slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufacture 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 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 25% or more of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, of which the cost equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage, 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 state 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 assure safe living conditions.
TOWNSHIP
Upper Makefield Township.
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 state floodplain construction. For coordination purposes, references to the above are made specifically to various sections of the IRC and the IBC.
VARIANCE
A grant of relief by the Zoning Hearing Board from the terms of a floodplain management regulation.
VIOLATION
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the Township'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.
ZONING HEARING BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board of Upper Makefield Township.
[1]
Editor’s Note: The former definition of “minor repair,” which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 3-21-2017 by Ord. No. 314.
This Part shall become effective on March 16, 2015, and shall remain in force until modified, amended or rescinded by Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.