12-1-2: PURPOSE, SCOPE AND INTERPRETATION:

   A.   Statement Of Purpose: It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed:

      1.   To protect human life and health;

      2.   To minimize expenditure of public money and costly flood control projects;

      3.   To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;

      4.   To minimize prolonged business interruptions;

      5.   To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets, and bridges located in areas of special flood hazards;

      6.   To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas;

      7.   To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and

      8.   To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions. (Ord. 15-86, 2-9-1987)

   B.   Methods Of Reducing Flood Losses: In order to accomplish its purpose, this chapter includes methods and provisions for:

      1.   Prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities; (Ord. 3-2009, 5-11-2009)

      2.   Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;

      3.   Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;

      4.   Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and

      5.   Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or may increase flood hazards in other areas.

   C.   Interpretation: In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:

      1.   Considered as minimum requirements;

      2.   Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and

      3.   Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes. (Ord. 15-86, 2-9-1987)