The intent of this chapter is to:
A. 
Promote the general health, welfare, and safety of the community;
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 community, its governmental units, and its residents, by preventing excessive development in areas subject to flooding; and
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 Borough unless a building permit has been obtained from the Building Code Official.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within 100 feet of a protected natural resource area within the Borough unless a special building permit has been obtained from the Building Code Official.
C. 
A special building permit shall be required for minor repairs or alterations to existing buildings or structures within 100 feet of a protected natural resource area.
D. 
A building permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing buildings or structures in other areas within the Borough.
This chapter supersedes any other conflicting provisions which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas and other protected 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 chapter, the more restrictive shall apply. Whenever the requirements of this chapter are in conflict with other ordinances of the Borough, the most restrictive, or those imposing the higher standards, shall govern.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such a decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect, and for this purpose the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable. If the entire chapter is declared to be invalid or void, then the preexisting sections of Chapter 450, Zoning, and Chapter 390, Subdivision and Land Development, shall remain valid and in force.
A. 
The degree of flood and natural resource protection sought by the provisions of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur, flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter 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. 
The granting of a zoning permit in a Natural Resource Protection Area shall not constitute a representation or guarantee of warranty of any kind or nature by the Borough of Langhorne, or by an official or employee thereof of the practicability or safety of any structure, use or other plan proposed, and shall create no liability upon or cause of action against such public body, official or employee for any damage that may result pursuant thereto.
C. 
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Borough or any officer or employee for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made under it.