(A) Considerations.
(1) Prior to issuance of a permit, the local permitting official shall determine the location of the project relative to floodways and floodplains, and shall note on the permit the proper elevation to which the lowest floor of proposed structures must be elevated. In approximate floodplains where an elevation is not available, the applicant shall be required to obtain the elevation. The applicant must agree to secure all other required permits, an elevation certificate, floodproofing certificate, engineering analysis, or other required verifications deemed appropriate by the local permitting official.
(2) Permits shall be granted by the local permitting official only after determining that the proposed development will be in complete conformance with the requirements of this chapter and all other applicable local codes and ordinances. All other necessary permits or approvals must be granted. Permits are valid only after all other necessary permits are granted.
(B) Dam safety. Caution should be exercised when approving development downstream of existing or proposed dams. The condition of the dam, as well as the design criteria, hazard class, and the danger reach, should be investigated to avoid increasing potential hazards. Dams must meet design criteria based on the potential impacts downstream of the dam. Downstream development within the dam break flood wave shall be denied unless the dam meets the design standards for a high hazard dam.
(C) After issuance and during construction.
(1) After issuance of a permit, no changes of any kind shall be made to the application, permit, or any of the plans, specifications, or other documents submitted with the application without the written approval of the local permitting official. A copy of the permit or other verification must be displayed at the construction site during construction activity.
(2) Work on the permitted activity shall begin within 180 days of the issuance of the permit, or the permit shall expire, unless a written extension is granted by the local permitting official.
(3) During construction, the local permitting official or an authorized representative shall inspect the site to determine that the work is in compliance with the permit. Any work found to be noncompliant must be corrected before any additional work is undertaken.
(D) Record of permits. A record of all floodplain permits shall be maintained in the Permits and Inspections Office and be available upon request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency or its authorized agent (MDE) during periodic assessments of this community’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. All documents needed to support any permit action, such as elevation certificates, map amendments or revisions, variance actions, shall be available for review during these assessments.
(Ord. —, passed 10-22-1991; Am. Ord. —, passed 8-20-2013)