A. Statutory Authorization: The Legislature of the State of Utah has in Utah Code Unannotated 10-3-701 delegated the responsibility of local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses.
B. Findings of Fact: The flood hazard areas of South Weber City are subject to periodic inundation by flood waters, which results in potential loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief; all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the inhabitants of South Weber City. These potential flood losses are caused by:
1. The cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains that are known to cause increases in flood heights and velocities;
2. The occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses and structures vulnerable to floods because they are inadequately elevated or floodproofed, or otherwise unprotected from flood damages; and
3. Uses deemed unsuitable for floodplain areas or that do not account for the increased flood risk.
C. Statement of Purpose: It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the City 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 damage to public infrastructure, including but not limited to utilities, streets, and bridges that are susceptible to flooding;
3. Minimize prolonged business interruptions caused by flooding;
4. Minimize public expenditures on flood control projects;
5. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and are generally undertaken at the expense of the public;
6. Protect and safeguard the welfare and safety of first responders should an emergency response is needed;
7. Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas; and
8. Promote the notification of potential buyers if properties are in a flood area.
D. Methods of Reducing Flood Losses: To accomplish the purposes outlined in section subsection 12-1-1.C, Statement of Purpose, this chapter applies the following methods:
1. Restricts or prohibits land uses that are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flooding, or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
2. Requires that land uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities that serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
3. Controls the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
4. Controls filling, grading, dredging and other developments that may increase flood damage; and
5. Prevents or regulates the construction of flood barriers that will unnaturally divert floodwaters or may increase flood hazards to other lands. (Ord. 2022-14, 8-23-2022)
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