The purpose of this chapter is to regulate land use activity within frequently flooded areas to avoid adverse impacts to on-site and off-site improvements, property and persons. Additionally, the purpose of this chapter is to protect water quality in the event flooding should occur.
(Ord. 343 § 1, 2002; Ord. 680 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 797, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Applicability. This chapter applies to regulated activities within frequently flooded areas.
B. 
Basis for Establishing the Frequently Flooded Areas. All frequently flooded areas identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for Pierce County,” dated March 17, 2017, or as hereafter amended, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) or as hereafter amended are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this chapter. The Flood Insurance Study for Pierce County and FIRM are on file at the City.
(Ord. 343 § 1, 2002; Ord. 680 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 797, 12/1/2025)
If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this chapter is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then said holding shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.
(Ord. 343 § 1, 2002; Ord. 680 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017)
All development in frequently flooded areas shall be regulated according to City codes including, but not limited to, International Building Code, City Public Works Standards, and Chapter 14.15 UPMC, Flood Damage Prevention.
A. 
No activity that increases flooding impacts on adjacent properties shall be permitted.
B. 
No new development served by septic system shall be permitted in the floodway or floodplain.
(Ord. 343 § 1, 2002; Ord. 680 § 2 (Exh. B), 2017; Ord. 797, 12/1/2025)