A. Lands To Which This Chapter Applies: The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of the City of Fort Madison shown on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map as being within the boundaries of the Floodway, Floodway Fringe, General Floodplain and Shallow Flooding (Overlay) Districts, as established in 10-25-5.
B. Establishment Of Official Floodplain Zoning Map: The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Lee County and Incorporated Areas, City of Fort Madison, Panels 19111C0194D, 19111C0212D, 19111C0213D, 19111C0214D, 19111C0216D, 19111C0218D, 19111C0219D, 19111C0329D, 19111C0331D, 19111C0332D, 19111C0333D, 19111C0334D, 19111C0351D, 19111C0352D, 19111C0353D, and 19111C0356D, dated July 22, 2020, which were prepared as part of the Flood Insurance Study for Lee County, is (are) hereby adopted by reference and declared to be the Official Floodplain Zoning Map. The flood profiles and all explanatory material contained with the Flood Insurance Study are also declared to be a part of this chapter.
C. Rules For Interpretation Of District Boundaries: The boundaries of the zoning district areas shall be determined by scaling distances on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map. When an interpretation is needed as to the exact location of a boundary, the Zoning Administrator shall make the necessary interpretation. The Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged that there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this chapter.
D. Compliance: No structure or land shall hereafter be used and no structure shall be located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations which apply to uses within the jurisdiction of this chapter.
E. Abrogation And Greater Restrictions: It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provision of this chapter shall prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this chapter are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
F. Interpretation: In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor of the governing body and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by state statutes.
G. Warning And Disclaimer Of Liability: The standards required by this chapter are considered reasonable for regulatory purposes. This chapter does not imply that areas outside the designated Floodplain (Overlay) District areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the City of Fort Madison or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
H. Severability: If any section, clause, provision or portion of this chapter is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter shall not be affected thereby. (Ord. D-61, 6-2-2020)