15.40.560 Applicability.

   This chapter shall apply to all special flood hazard areas within the corporate limits of the city of Casa Grande, Arizona. All development of land, construction of residential, commercial or industrial structures, or future development within delineated floodplain areas, is subject to the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another chapter, ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the most stringent restrictions shall prevail.

(Ord. 1397.15.22 § 1 (part), 2019; prior code § 17-3-1)

15.40.570 Purpose.

   The flood hazard areas of Casa Grande are subject to periodic inundation which may result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare. These flood losses may be caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in flood hazard areas which increase flood heights and velocities and, when inadequately anchored, cause damage in other areas. Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage, also contribute to flood loss. Accordingly, it is the purpose of this chapter to promote public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:

   A.   Protect human life and health;

   B.   Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;

   C.    Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the genera! public;

   D.   Minimize prolonged business interruptions;

   E.   Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in special flood hazard areas;

   F.   Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of special flood hazard areas so as to minimize blight areas caused by flooding;

   G.   Notify potential buyers that the property is in a special flood hazard area;

   H.   Notify those who occupy special flood hazard areas that they assume responsibility for their actions; and

   I.   Participate in and maintain eligibility for flood insurance and disaster relief.

(Ord. 1397.15.22 § 1 (part), 2019)

15.40.580 Basis for designating special flood hazard areas.

   The special flood hazard areas regulated by this chapter have been identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in a scientific and engineering report entitled, “The Flood Insurance Study for the Pinal County, Arizona, and Incorporated Areas,” dated June 16, 2014, with accompanying flood insurance rate maps, dated December 4, 2007, and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions thereto, which is adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. The flood insurance study is on file at the city development center office, 510 East Florence Boulevard, Casa Grande, Arizona. The flood insurance study is the minimum area of applicability of this chapter. It may be supplemented by studies for other areas which allow implementation of this chapter, and which are recommended to the floodplain board by the floodplain administrator. The floodplain board, within its area of jurisdiction, shall delineate (or may, by rule, require developers of land to delineate) for areas where development is ongoing or imminent, and thereafter as development becomes imminent, floodplains consistent with the criteria developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

(Ord. 1397.15.22 § 1 (part), 2019; Ord. 1397.15.21 § 1 (part), 2007; prior code § 17-3-2)

15.40.590 Interpretation and application of provisions.

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

   A.   Considered as minimum requirements;

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

   C.    Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.

(Ord. 1397.15.22 § 1 (part), 2019; prior code § 17-3-5)

15.40.600 City held harmless.

   The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the special flood hazard areas or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of Casa Grande, the state of Arizona, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Insurance Administration, or any officer or employer thereof, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or an administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.

(Ord. 1397.15.22 § 1 (part), 2019; Ord. 1397.15.21 § 1 (part), 2007; prior code § 17-3-6)