For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING. A designated AO Zone on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with base flood depths of from one to three feet, where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate, and where velocity flow may be evident.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD. The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
FLOOD or FLOODING.
(1) A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(a) The overflow of inland or tidal waters;
(b) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
(c) Mudflows; and
(2) The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event that results in flooding, as defined in division (1)(a) of this definition.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA. Land that, on the basis of available flood plain information, is subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP (FHBM). An official map of a community, as may have been issued by the FEMA, where the boundaries of the flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) related erosion areas having special hazards have been designated as Zone A, M, and/or E.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community, on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk-premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration. The report contains flood profiles, flood boundaries, flood insurance rate zones and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOODPLAIN. Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see the definition of FLOODING).
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT. The operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including, but not limited to, emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, and floodplain management regulations.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS. Zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain ordinance, a grading ordinance or an erosion control ordinance), and other applications of police power that provide standards for flood damage prevention and reduction.
FLOODWAY. The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood.
STRUCTURE. A walled and roofed building that is principally above ground, a gas or liquid storage facility, as well as a mobile home or a manufactured unit.
(Ord. 23-2, passed 2-9-2023)