(A) Intent. It is the intent of this section to significantly reduce hazards to persons and damage to property as a result of flood conditions in the township, and to comply with provisions and requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
(B) Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this chapter its most reasonable application.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD. The land areas of 100-year flood; base flood elevations and flood hazard factors are determined; areas zoned A1-A30 of the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
DEVELOPMENT. Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, mobile home placement, excavation or drilling operations located within the area of special flood hazard.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards, and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, flood boundary-floodway map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
VARIANCE. A grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter which permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this chapter.
(C) Basis for establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for the Township of Clayton,” dated February, 1980 with an accompanying flood insurance rate maps and flood boundary-floodway maps is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this section. The flood insurance study is on file at the office of the Township Clerk.
(D) Designation and duties of the Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall review all development and subdivision proposals to ensure compliance with this section.
(E) Development prohibition. All development shall be prohibited within areas of special flood hazard as established in division (C) above.
(F) Variance procedure. The Zoning Board of Appeals of Charter Township of Clayton shall hear and decide appeals and requests for variances from the requirements of this chapter consistent with the standards of 44 CFR 60.3(d) and 60.5(a) of the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (44 C.F.R. § 59 and the like).
(Ord. Art. XIX, passed 5-22-1997)