For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this title shall be interpreted to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this title the most reasonable application.
ALLUVIAL FAN FLOODING. Flooding occurring on the surface of an alluvial fan or similar landform which originates at the apex and is characterized by high-velocity flows; active processes of erosion, sediment transport and deposition; and unpredictable flow paths.
APEX. A point on an alluvial fan or similar landform below which the flow path of the major stream that formed the fan becomes unpredictable and alluvial fan flooding can occur.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD. The land in the flood-prone area 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.
DRAINAGEWAY. A natural or artificial depression that contains or may contain under flood conditions a flow of water. They include, but are not limited to, natural stream channels, abandoned stream channels, irrigation ditches, gullies and swales.
FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(1) The overflow of inland waters; and
(2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any natural source.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP (FHBM). An official map of a community, issued by the administrator where the boundaries of the flood-prone, and/or mudslide (i.e., mudflow) related areas having special hazards have been designated in the appropriate hazard zones.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community, on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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 Emergency Management Agency. The report contains flood profiles, water surface elevation of the base flood, as well as the flood boundary-floodway map.
FLOODPLAIN or FLOOD-PRONE AREA. Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any natural source. The term FLOODPLAIN is used as a generic term for flood-prone.
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, grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other applications of police power. The term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
FLOODWAY (REGULATORY 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 without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.
MANUFACTURED HOME. A structure transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term MANUFACTURED HOME does not include a “recreational vehicle.”
NEW CONSTRUCTION. For the purpose of determining insurance rates, structures for which the “start of construction” commenced on or after the effective date of an initial FIRM. For floodplain management purposes, NEW CONSTRUCTION means structures for which the “start of construction” commenced on or after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation adopted by the town and the start of construction of any improvements to structures.
STRUCTURE. A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before “start of construction” of the improvement. This includes structures which have incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary conditions.
VARIANCE. A grant of relief to a person from the requirement of this title when specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship.
VIOLATION. The failure to be fully compliant with the community’s floodplain management regulations.
(Prior Code, § 11.02.010) (Ord. 2011-09, passed 1-1-2012)