§ 154.14 GENERAL FLOODPLAIN DISTRICT (GF).
   (A)   Permitted uses.
      (1)   The uses listed in § 154.12 of this chapter, Floodway District are allowed with a permit.
      (2)   All other uses are subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria specified in division (B), below. Section 154.12 applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the Floodway District. Section 154.13 applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the Flood Fringe District.
   (B)   Procedures for determining floodway boundaries and base flood elevations.
      (1)   Requirements for detailed studies. Developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, or as requested by the Zoning Zdministrator, shall be subject to a detailed study to determine the regulatory flood protection elevation and the limits of the Floodway District. The determination of the floodway and flood fringe must be consistent with accepted hydrological and hydraulic engineering standards, and must include the following components, as applicable:
         (a)   Estimate the peak discharge of the base flood;
         (b)   Calculate the water surface profile of the base flood based upon a hydraulic analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas; and
         (c)   Compute the floodway necessary to convey or store the base flood without increasing flood stages more than 0.5 foot. A lesser stage increase than 0.5 foot is required if, as a result of the stage increase, increased flood damages would result. An equal degree of encroachment on both sides of the stream within the reach must be assumed in computing floodway boundaries, unless development or geographic features warrant other analysis, as approved by the Department of Natural Resources.
      (2)   Alternative methods. For areas where a detailed study is not available or required, the base flood elevation must be determined using best available data. Until a floodway determination can be completed, the entire floodplain must be treated as floodway, with allowable activities restricted to those identified in §§ 154.12(A) and (C) of this chapter.
         (a)   Development allowed in floodways (e.g. bridges, culverts, grading, filling, stabilization projects) must not cumulatively increase flood stages more than 0.5 foot during a base flood event, as determined by a professional engineer or by using accepted engineering practices approved by the Department of Natural Resources. A stage increase less than 0.5 foot must be used if increased flood damages would result.
         (b)   Development prohibited in floodways (e.g. buildings) require a floodway/flood fringe determination to verify the development is within the flood fringe. The floodway/flood fringe determination must be done by a professional engineer or utilize other accepted engineering practices approved by the Department of Natural Resources. Any such proposal must assume a 0.5 foot stage increase for the purposes of determining the regulatory flood protection elevation to accommodate for future cumulative impacts.
      (3)   Review. The Zoning Administrator will review the submitted information and assess the technical evaluation and the recommended Floodway and/or Flood Fringe District boundary. The assessment must include the cumulative effects of previous floodway encroachments. The Zoning Administrator may seek technical assistance from an engineer or other expert person, or agency, including the Department of Natural Resources.
      (4)   Processing. Once the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries have been determined, the Zoning Administrator must process the permit application consistent with the applicable provisions of §§ 154.12 and 154.13 of this chapter.
(Ord. passed 10-22-2020) Penalty, see § 154.99