This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the Town of Winchester.
The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the Town of Winchester" dated January, 1978, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. The Flood Insurance Study is on file at the office of the Zoning Enforcement Officer, 338 Main Street, Winsted, Connecticut.
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.
This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:
A. 
Considered as minimum requirements;
B. 
Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
C. 
Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Town of Winchester, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.