(A) The purposes of this chapter are to protect human life and health, minimize property damage, encourage appropriate construction practices to minimize future damage, protect individuals from unwittingly buying land subject to flood hazards, and to protect water supply, sanitary sewage disposal, and natural drainage. The prevention of unwise development in areas subject to flooding will reduce financial burdens to the community and the State, and will prevent future displacement and suffering of its residents. This protection is achieved through this review of all activities proposed within identified floodplains and by the issuance of permits for those activities that comply with the objectives of this chapter.
(B) Floodplains are an important asset to the community. They perform vital natural functions such as temporary storage of floodwaters, moderation of peak flood flows, maintenance of water quality, groundwater recharge, prevention of erosion, habitat for diverse natural wildlife populations, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic quality. These functions are best served if floodplains are kept in their natural state. Wherever possible, the natural characteristics of floodplains and their associated wetlands and water bodies should be preserved and enhanced.
(C) This chapter provides a unified, comprehensive approach to floodplain management which addresses these natural floodplain functions and the federal and state programs concerned with floodplain management.
(D) This chapter is adopted under authority of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Hazard Management Act of 1976, Environment Article, Title 5 of the Annotated Code of Maryland and in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations – 44 C.F.R. Section 59.22.
(E) This chapter shall apply to the unincorporated part of the county and any incorporated municipality which may enter into an agreement with the county to enforce floodplain management regulations within municipal boundaries.
(Ord. —, passed 10-22-1991; Am. Ord. —, passed 8-20-2013)