[Amended 3-28-2022 by Ord. No. 007-2022]
A. The Legislature of the State of New Jersey has, in N.J.S.A. 40:48-1 et seq. and 40:55D-1 et seq., delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the Mayor and Common Council find as a fact that:
(1) The flood hazard areas of the Town of Hammonton are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare.
(2) These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazard which increase flood heights and velocities and, when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately flood proofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.
B. It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:
(1) Protect human life and health.
(2) Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects.
(3) Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public.
(4) Minimize prolonged business interruptions.
(5) Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities, such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines and streets and bridges, located in areas of special flood hazard.
(6) Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas.
(7) Ensure that property owners, occupants, and potential owners are aware of property located in flood hazard areas.
(8) Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
(9) Prevent unnecessary disruption of commerce, access, and public service during times of flooding.
(10) Manage the alteration of natural floodplains and stream channels.
(11) Manage filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood damage or erosion potential.
(12) Prevent and regulate the construction of flood barriers which will divert floodwater or increase flood hazards.
(13) Contribute to improved construction techniques in the floodplain.
(14) Meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program for community participation set forth in Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 59.22