Floodplain and wetland areas in their natural or relatively undisturbed state serve water resource values such as natural moderation of floods, water quality maintenance and groundwater recharge. They also provide living resource values such as habitat for fish, wildlife and plant resources. In this natural state, the water of adjacent floodplains and wetlands are in a state of dynamic equilibrium. If the floodplain and/or wetland system is disturbed, the entire system usually readjusts toward a new equilibrium. The effects of this readjustment may occur in areas other than the original site. Therefore, floodplain and/or wetland encroachments must be approached with caution.
A careful assessment shall be made of any proposed encroachment to determine the impact on the natural floodplain and/or wetland values, as well as the effect on adjacent properties.
The provisions herein are enacted to lessen or avoid hazards to persons and damage to property resulting from the accumulation or runoff of storm or flood waters, and are deemed essential for the protection of the public safety and general welfare of the people of the village. In order to achieve this purpose, the following objectives shall be observed:
A. Preventing developments from increasing the flood or drainage hazards to others.
B. Protecting new buildings and major improvements to buildings from flood damage.
C. Protecting human life and health from the hazards of flooding.
D. Lessening the burden on the taxpayer for flood control projects, repairs to flood damaged public facilities and utilities, and flood rescue and relief operations.
E. Making federally subsidized flood insurance available for property in the village.
F. Providing for the orderly growth and development of those areas in the village which are especially sensitive to changes from human activity. (Ord. 2014-46, 6-3-2014; amd. Ord. 2020-56, 6-16-2020)