The Legislature of the state has in the Flood Control Insurance Act, Tex. Water Code, sec. 16.315, delegated the responsibility of local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the City Council does ordain as follows.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
(A) 
The flood hazard areas of the city are subject to periodic inundation, which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
(B) 
These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated, flood-proofed, or otherwise protected from flood damage.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
(A) 
Protect human life and health;
(B) 
Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
(C) 
Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
(D) 
Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(E) 
Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone, and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in floodplains;
(F) 
Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas; and
(G) 
Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in a flood area.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
In order to accomplish its purposes, this chapter uses the following methods:
(A) 
Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flood, or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
(B) 
Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities, which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
(C) 
Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers which are involved in the accommodation of floodwaters;
(D) 
Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and
(E) 
Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALLUVIAL FAN FLOODING.
Flooding occurring on the surface of an alluvial fan or similar landform which originates at the apex and is characterized by high-velocity flows; active processes of erosion, sediment transport, and deposition; and unpredictable flow paths.
APEX.
A point on an alluvial fan or similar landform below which the flow path of the major stream that formed the fan becomes unpredictable and alluvial fan flooding can occur.
APPURTENANT STRUCTURE.
A structure which is on the same parcel of property as the principal structure to be insured and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.
AREA OF FUTURE CONDITIONS FLOOD HAZARD.
The land area that would be inundated by the 1% annual chance (100-year) flood based on future conditions hydrology.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING.
A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH, or VO Zone on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD.
The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The area may be designated as Zone A on the Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM). After detailed rate making has been completed in preparation for publication of the FIRM, Zone A usually is refined into Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, AE, A99, AR, AR/A1-30, AR/AE, AR/AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, V1-30, VE, or V.
BASE FLOOD.
The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE).
The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and found in the accompanying Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for Zones A, AE, AH, A1-A30, AR, V1-V30, or VE that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from the flood that has a 1% chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year, also called the BASE FLOOD.
BASEMENT.
Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.
BREAKAWAY WALL.
A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
CRITICAL FEATURE.
An integral and readily identifiable part of a flood protection system, without which the flood protection provided by the entire system would be compromised.
DEVELOPMENT.
Any human-made change to improved and unimproved real estate including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures; mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations; or storage of equipment or materials.
DISTRICT.
The city is divided into districts for the purpose of formulating a Zoning and Planning Ordinance that allows property owners to determine what type of housing and businesses will be allowed in the city. Districts I and III (map attached to Ord. 2011-14a codified herein) allow single-family dwellings, including manufactured homes, to be built in these districts, but no commercial building. District II allows only single-family built homes, excluding manufactured homes or commercial buildings. District IV allows commercial building only. No single-family or manufactured homes may be built in District IV.
ELEVATED BUILDING.
For insurance purposes, a non-basement building which has its lowest elevated floor raised above ground level by foundation walls, shear walls, posts, piers, pilings, or columns.
EXISTING CONSTRUCTION.
For the purposes of determining rates, structures for which the “start of construction” commenced before the effective date of the FIRM or before January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date. EXISTING CONSTRUCTION may also be referred to as EXISTING STRUCTURES.
EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME DISTRICT.
A manufactured home district 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.
EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME DISTRICT.
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 or FLOODING.
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(1) 
The overflow of inland or tidal waters; or
(2) 
The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD ELEVATION STUDY.
An examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation, and determination of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and/or flood-related erosion hazards.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP (FHBM).
An official map of a community, issued by the Administrator, where the boundaries of the flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) related erosion areas having special hazards have been designated as Zones A, M, and/or E.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM).
An official map of a community, on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS).
See FLOOD ELEVATION STUDY.
FLOODPLAIN or FLOOD-PRONE AREA.
Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see FLOODING).
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT.
The operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage including, but not limited to, emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, and floodplain management regulations.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS.
Zoning ordinances, regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain ordinance, grading ordinance, and erosion control ordinance), and other applications of police power. The term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM.
Those physical structural works for which funds have been authorized, appropriated, and expended and which have been constructed specifically to modify flooding in order to reduce the extent of the area within a community subject to a “special flood hazard” and the extent of the depths of associated flooding. Such a system typically includes hurricane tidal barriers, dams, reservoirs, levees, or dikes. These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with sound engineering standards.
FLOOD-PROOFING.
Any combination of structural and non-structural 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.
See REGULATORY FLOODWAY.
FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE.
A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE.
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE.
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 with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior; or
(4) 
Individually listed on a local inventory or historic places in communities with historic preservation programs 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.
LEVEE.
A human-made structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.
LEVEE SYSTEM.
A flood protection system which consists of a levee or levees and associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.
LOWEST FLOOR.
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking or vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building’s LOWEST FLOOR; provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirement of the National Flood Insurance Program sec. 60.3 regulations.
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 concrete foundation when connected to the required utilities. MANUFACTURED HOME does not include a “recreational vehicle”.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK DISTRICT.
Land authorized for manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MEAN SEA LEVEL.
For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum to which base flood elevations shown on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
NEW CONSTRUCTION.
For the purpose of determining insurance rates, structures for which the “start of construction” commenced on or after the effective date of an initial FIRM or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. For floodplain management purposes, NEW CONSTRUCTION means structures for which the “start of construction” commenced on or after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation adopted by a community and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME DISTRICT.
A manufactured home district 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.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.
A vehicle which is built on a single chassis, 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections, designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck, and designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters.
REGULATORY FLOODWAY.
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land area that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. Communities must regulate development in these floodways to ensure that there are no increases in upstream flood elevations. For streams and other watercourses where FEMA has provided base flood elevations (BFEs), but no floodway has been designated, the community must review floodplain development on a case-by-case basis to ensure that increases in water surface elevations do no occur, or identify the need to adopt a floodway if adequate information is available.
RIVERINE.
Relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including tributaries), stream, brook, and the like.
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA.
See AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD.
START OF CONSTRUCTION.
For other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (Pub. L. 97-348), being 16 U.S.C. secs. 3501 et seq., includes substantial improvement and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. 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 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 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.
For floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to it’s before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
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 “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 either: 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, or any alteration of a “historic structure”, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure”.
VARIANCE.
A grant of relief by a community from the terms of a floodplain management regulation. (For full requirements see the National Flood Insurance Program sec. 60.6 regulations.)
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 the National Flood Insurance Program sec. 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.
WATER SURFACE ELEVATION.
The height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 (or other datum, where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the city.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Community Number 480695, dated 4/4/11, and any revisions thereto are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
A floodplain development permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered, or have its use changed without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.
Penalty, see sec. 150.99
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
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.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be considered as minimum requirements, liberally construed in favor of the governing body, and deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. On rare occasions, greater floods can and will occur and flood heights may be increased by human-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards 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 community or any official or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
(Ordinance 2011-14a adopted 5/14/11)