This Chapter is enacted pursuant to the police powers granted to this City by 65 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/1-2-1, 5/11-12-12M, 5/11-30-8, and 5/11-31-2. The purpose of this Chapter is to maintain this City'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 specific purposes:
A. To meet the requirements of 615 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/18g, An Act in Relation to the Regulation of the Rivers, Lakes and Streams of the State of Illinois approved June 10, 1911, as amended.
B. To assure that new development does not increase the flood or drainage hazards to others, or create unstable conditions susceptible to erosion;
C. To protect new buildings and major improvements to existing buildings from flood damage;
D. To protect human life and health from the hazards of flooding;
E. To lessen the burden on the taxpayer for flood control projects, repairs to flood damaged public facilities and utilities, and flood rescue and relief operations; and
F. To make federally subsidized flood insurance available for property in the City by fulfilling the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
G. To comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44 CFR 59-79, as amended.
H. To protect, conserve, and promote the orderly development of land and water resources;
I. To preserve the natural hydrologic and hydraulic functions of watercourses and flood plains and to protect water quality and aquatic habitats;
J. To preserve the natural characteristics of stream corridors in order to moderate flood and storm water 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. 0-90-37, 8-20-1990)