[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
1. 
The Borough of Emmaus Zoning Officer is hereby appointed to administer and enforce this chapter and is referred to herein as the "Floodplain Administrator." The Floodplain Administrator may: fulfill the duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations; delegate duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations to qualified technical personnel, plan examiners, inspectors, and other employees; or enter into a written agreement or written contract with another agency or private sector entity to administer specific provisions of these regulations. Adminstration of any part of these regulations by another entity shall not relieve the community of its responsibilities pursuant to the participation requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 CFR 59.22.
2. 
In the absence of a designated Floodplain Administrator, the Floodplain Administrator duties are to be fulfilled by Borough Code Official.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
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 chapter 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 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 permit shall be issued until this determination 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.
3. 
In the case of existing structures, prior to the issuance of any 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 Flood Hazard District, upon presentation of proper credentials, at any reasonable hour to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
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 Emmaus Borough Council for whatever action it considers necessary.
7. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain in perpetuity all records associated with the requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, permitting, inspection and enforcement.
8. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall consider the requirements of the Borough of Emmaus Building Code.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
1. 
Application for such a permit shall be made, in writing, to the Floodplain Administrator on forms supplied by the Borough of Emmaus. Such application shall contain the following:
A. 
Name and address of applicant.
B. 
Name and address of owner of land on which proposed construction is to occur.
C. 
Name and address of contractor.
D. 
Site location, including address.
E. 
Listing of other permits or variances required.
F. 
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.
2. 
If any proposed construction or development is located entirely or partially within any Flood Hazard District, applicants for permits shall provide all the necessary information in sufficient detail and clarity to enable the Floodplain Administrator to determine that:
A. 
All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and conform to the requirements of this chapter and all other applicable codes and ordinances.
B. 
All utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
C. 
Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
D. 
Structures will be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
E. 
Building materials are flood-resistant.
F. 
Appropriate practices that minimize flood damage have been used.
G. 
Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service facilities have been designed and/or located to prevent water entry or accumulation.
3. 
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:
A. 
A completed permit application form.
B. 
A plan of the entire site, clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 100 feet or less, showing:
(1) 
North arrow, scale, and date.
(2) 
Topographic contour lines, if available.
(3) 
The location of all existing and proposed buildings, structures, and other improvements, including the location of any existing or proposed subdivision and development.
(4) 
The location of all existing streets, drives, and other accessways.
(5) 
The location of any existing bodies of water or watercourses, the Flood Hazard District, and, if available, any information that pertains to the floodway, and the flow of water, including direction and velocities.
(6) 
The proposed lowest floor elevation of any proposed building based upon North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
(7) 
The elevation of the base flood.
(8) 
Supplemental information as may be necessary by the Borough of Emmaus Building Code.
(9) 
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.
(10) 
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 more than one foot at any point.
(11) 
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.
C. 
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 Administrator.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
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.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
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 and the date of its issuance and shall be signed by the Floodplain Administrator.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
1. 
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.
2. 
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 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.
3. 
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 the ordinance and FIRM/FIS in effect at the time the extension is granted.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
1. 
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 chapter, or of any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the Floodplain Administrator shall give notice of such alleged violation as hereinafter provided. Such notice shall:
A. 
Be in writing.
B. 
Include a statement of the reasons for its issuance.
C. 
Allow a reasonable time not to exceed a period of 30 days for the performance of any act it requires.
D. 
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 Pennsylvania.
E. 
Contain an outline of remedial action which, if taken, will affect compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
2. 
Any person who fails to comply with any or all of the requirements or provisions of this chapter or who fails or refuses to comply with any notice, order or direction of the Floodplain Administrator or any other authorized employee of the municipality shall pay a fine to the Borough of Emmaus of not less than $500 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 chapter. The imposition of a fine or penalty for any violation of, or noncompliance with, this chapter 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 noncompliance with this chapter may be declared by the Emmaus Borough Council to be a public nuisance and abatable as such.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
1. 
Any person aggrieved by any action or decision of the Floodplain Administrator concerning the administration of the provisions of this chapter 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.
2. 
Upon receipt of such appeal, the Zoning Hearing Board 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.
3. 
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Zoning Hearing Board may seek relief there from by appeal to court, as provided by the laws of Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
[Ord. No. 1245, 8/21/2023]
This chapter shall be effective on August 22, 2023, and shall remain in force until modified, amended or rescinded by the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.