The intent of this Part 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.
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 of Palmerton
unless an approved building permit has been obtained from the Building
Permit Officer.
B.
A building permit shall not be required for minor
repairs to existing buildings or structures, provided that no structural
changes or modifications are involved.
This Part supersedes any provisions currently
in effect in flood-prone areas. However, any underlying ordinance
shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that those provisions
are more restrictive.
A.
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions
of this Part is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and
is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods
may occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made
or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted
by debris. This Part does not imply that areas outside identified
flood-prone areas or land uses permitted within such areas will be
free from flooding or flood damages.
B.
This Part shall not create liability on the part of
the Borough of Palmerton or any officer or employee thereof for any
flood damages that result from reliance on this Part or any administrative
decision lawfully made thereunder.
