For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE. A use or structure on the same lot, parcel or premises with, and of a nature customarily and clearly incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
BASEMENT. For the purposes of this subchapter, means any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor or base subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of excavation below ground level.
COMMISSIONER. The state’s Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.
EQUAL DEGREE OF ENCROACHMENT. A method of determining the location of floodway boundaries so that floodplain lands on both sides of a stream are capable of conveying a proportionate share of flood flows.
FLOOD. A temporary rise in stream flow or stage that results in inundation of the areas adjacent to the channel.
FLOOD FREQUENCY. The average frequency, statistically determined, for which it is expected that a specific flood state or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.
FLOOD FRINGE. The portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway. FLOOD FRINGE is synonymous with the term FLOODWAY FRINGE used in the Flood Insurance Study.
FLOODPLAIN. The areas adjoining a watercourse which have been or hereafter may be covered by the regional flood.
FLOOD-PROOFING. A combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to properties and structures subject to flooding primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages.
FLOODWAY. The channel of the watercourse and those portions of the adjoining floodplains which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the regional flood.
HARDSHIP. The property in question cannot be put to any reasonable use under the conditions allowed by the official controls; the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to his property, not created by the landowner; and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations alone shall not constitute a HARDSHIP if a reasonable use for the property exists under terms of the official controls.
MANUFACTURED HOME. A manufactured home, as defined in M.S. § 327.31, as it may be amended from time to time.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK. A manufactured home park, as defined in M.S. § 327.14, as it may be amended from time to time.
OBSTRUCTION. Any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channel, modification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure or matter in, along, across or projecting into any channel, watercourse or regulatory flood hazard area which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by the water, or that is placed where the flow of water might carry the same downstream to the damage of life or property.
PRINCIPAL USE OR STRUCTURE. All uses or structures that are not accessory uses or structures.
REACH. A hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a stream or river influenced by a natural or human-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a REACH.
REGIONAL FLOOD. A flood which is representative of large floods known to have occurred generally in the state and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected to occur on an average frequency in the magnitude of the 100-year recurrence interval. REGIONAL FLOOD is synonymous with the term BASE FLOOD used in the Flood Insurance Study.
REGULATORY FLOOD PROTECTION ELEVATION. The regulatory flood protection elevation within the Floodplain District shall be established by adding one foot to the base flood water surface elevations with floodway listed in the Floodway Data Table contained in the Flood Insurance Study. REGULATORY FLOOD PROTECTION ELEVATIONS between cross-sections shall be interpolated. The REGULATORY FLOOD PROTECTION ELEVATION within the Floodplain District shall be calculated by a qualified registered professional engineer or by the state’s Department of Natural Resources, in accordance with procedures in § 153.088 of this chapter.
STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground, including, but not limited to, the buildings, factories, sheds, detached garages, cabins, manufactured homes, travel trailers, travel vehicles and recreational vehicles not specifically exempted from the provisions of this subchapter, and other similar items.
TRAVEL TRAILER, TRAVEL VEHICLE or RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. The same as “recreational equipment”, defined in M.S. § 168.002, as it may be amended from time to time, and “recreational camping vehicles”, defined in M.S. § 327.14, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Prior Code, § 11.10)