This chapter is enacted pursuant to the powers granted to the county by the Illinois Counties Code, 55 ILCS 5/5-1041 and 5/5-1063. The purpose of this chapter is to maintain this county's eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program; to minimize potential losses due to periodic flooding including loss of life, loss of 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; and to preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, conserve economic and natural values and provide for the wise utilization of water and related land resources. This chapter is adopted in order to accomplish the following purposes:
(A) To meet the requirements of 615 ILCS 5/18(g) Rivers, Lakes and Streams Act;
(B) To prevent unwise developments from increasing flood or drainage hazards to others;
(C) To protect new buildings and major improvements to buildings from flood damage;
(D) To protect human life and health from the hazards of flooding;
(E) To promote and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens from the hazards of flooding;
(F) To lessen the burden on the taxpayer for flood control, repairs to public facilities and utilities, and flood rescue and relief operations;
(G) To maintain property values and a stable tax base by minimizing the potential for creating blight areas;
(H) To comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44 CFR 59-79, as amended;
(I) To make federally subsidized flood insurance available by fulfilling the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(J) To preserve the natural characteristics and functions of watercourses and floodplains in order to moderate flood and stormwater impacts, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, provide recreational opportunities, provide aesthetic benefits, and enhance community and economic development.
(Ord. 2022-04, passed 7-7-2022)