When a building permit for new construction or substantial improvement to an existing structure is requested for a site within an Ecological Hazard District or a General Floodplain District, and the site is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area or a post-development floodplain, and where detailed hydrologic and hydraulic calculations have not been performed in conjunction with the development, the Codes Enforcement Officer shall refer the request to the City Engineer for review. In his or her review, the City Engineer may require the elevation of the lowest floor and the lowest opening of the structure to be not less than two (2) feet above the nearest regulatory flood elevation for the stream (as shown on the FEMA Maps), or not less than two (2) feet above any calculated or known high-water level that the City Engineer has on file for the watershed; or may require the submission of information prepared by a licensed professional engineer that the elevation is at least two (2) feet above the elevation of the regulatory flood, and will not obstruct the floodplain or create adverse flooding conditions on adjacent properties. In addition, the Codes Enforcement Officer shall require the submission of a foundation and footer detail prepared by the private professional engineer prior to the issuance of the building permit. Appeals of the elevation requirements of the City Engineering shall be referred to the Floodplain Appeals Committee and shall follow the review procedure therein.
(Ord. No. 1675, 2-28-05)