The periodic flooding of areas within the town results in hazards to life and property, in the disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare. Flood and associated losses are caused by the location (in flood hazard areas) of buildings, structures, and uses of land which are inadequately protected from flooding and erosion and which contribute to flooding by impeding the flow of drainage and by increasing flood heights through displacement of stormwater in floodways and flood-fringe areas.
(Prior Code, § 18-135)