A. 
This chapter shall apply to all special flood hazard areas within the corporate limits of the city.
B. 
The special flood hazard areas identified by the Federal Insurance Administrator in a scientific and engineering report titled "The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for King County, Washington, and Incorporated Areas," dated August 19, 2020, and any revisions thereto, are hereby adopted by reference. The FIS and FIRM are on file at Snoqualmie City Hall. The best available information for flood hazard identification as outlined in SMC § 15.12.120(B) shall be the basis for regulation until a new FIRM is issued that incorporates data utilized under SMC § 15.12.120(B).
(Ord. 1237 § 1, 2020)
All development within the special flood hazard area is subject to the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations.
A. 
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.
B. 
Violation of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions by the floodplain administrator pursuant to the authority of this chapter) after notice of violation and order to comply issued by the floodplain administrator shall constitute a civil infraction. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall be subject to a cumulative civil penalty of $500.00 per day from the date set for compliance in the order to comply until such violation is corrected, or compliance with such order occurs. The penalty provided shall be collected by civil action in district court.
C. 
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the floodplain administrator from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation, and all violations shall also be subject to abatement as a public nuisance pursuant to Chapter 8.16 SMC, including removal of unlawful structures, fill or flood barriers, at the owner's expense.
D. 
In any action to collect a civil penalty, the defendant may show that the violation giving rise to such action was caused by the willful act or neglect of another, or that correction of such violation was commenced promptly upon receipt of notice thereof but that full compliance within the time specified was prevented by inability to obtain necessary materials or labor, or other circumstances or conditions beyond the defendant's control, and upon such showing the court may abate all or part of the penalty accumulated as justice may require.
(Ord. 1237 § 1, 2020)
This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where the provisions of this chapter and any other ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed provision conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
(Ord. 1237 § 1, 2020)
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:
A. 
Considered as absolute minimum requirements;
B. 
Liberally construed in favor of the city; and
C. 
Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
(Ord. 1237 § 1, 2020)
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is deemed 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 manmade or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside of special flood hazard areas, or uses permitted within such areas, will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create any liability on the part of the city of Snoqualmie, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration, for any damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decisions lawfully made hereunder.
(Ord. 1237 § 1, 2020)