For the purpose of this ordinance, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING. A designated AO zone on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with base flood depths from 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and indeterminate, and where velocity flow may be evident.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD. The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
DEVELOPMENT. Any human-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations.
FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(1) The overflow of inland or tidal waters; or
(2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA. Land which on the basis of available floodplain information is subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given area.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP or FHBM. An official map of a community, issued by the Federal Insurance Administration, where boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard have been designated as Zone A.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration. The report contains flood profiles, as well as the Flood Hazard Boundary-Floodway Map and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOODPLAIN. All land which is adjacent to a floodway located at the elevation less than 2 feet above the highest normal height of the water in the spring of each year in the floodway and is not separated from the floodway by a land mass at least 4 feet higher than the highest normal height of the water in the spring in the floodway; or that greater floodplain area as identified in the map of the city which is a part of this ordinance.
FLOODWAY. The channel of a stream or ditch which regularly carries during most of the year. The channel of the stream shall be deemed to be the highest point to which the water normally rises each spring. All FLOODWAYS are identified on the map of the city which is a part of this ordinance as special flood hazard area.
HARMFUL INCREASE. An unnaturally high stage on a river, stream, or lake which causes or may cause damage to property, threat to life, personal injury, or damage to land or water resources.
LOWEST FLOOR. The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage, in an area other than basement area, is not considered a building’s LOWEST FLOOR, provided that the enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this ordinance.
MANUFACTURED HOME. A building transportable in 1 or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term MANUFACTURED HOME does not include park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles unless placed on a site for a period of greater than 180 days. For insurance purposes the term MANUFACTURED HOME does not include park trailers, travel trailers, or other similar vehicles.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION. A parcel or contiguous parcels of land divided into 2 or more manufactured home lots for sale or rent.
MOBILE HOME. A structure, transportable in 1 or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. It does not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
NEW CONSTRUCTION. Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of this ordinance.
START OF CONSTRUCTION. For other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, Pub. L. No. 97-348, includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations, or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure.
STRUCTURE. A walled and roofed building that is principally above ground, gas or liquid storage facility, as well as a mobile home.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure, either before the improvement or repair is started, or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to ensure safe living conditions, or any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.