(A) Lands to which these regulations apply. This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the incorporated jurisdiction of the city.
(B) Basis for establishing the areas of special flood hazard. The areas of special flood hazard are identified by FEMA in a flood insurance rate map (FIRM) for the flood areas inside the city limits. FIRM maps and flood boundaries may be amended from time to time by FEMA, or a successor agency. Such revisions or new flood inundation map(s), are hereby adopted and declared to be part of this chapter.
(C) Establishment of floodplain development permit. A floodplain development permit shall be required to ensure conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
(D) Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered, or have its use changed without full compliance with the terms of these regulations and other applicable city ordinances.
(E) Abrogation and greater restrictions. This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions; however, where this chapter and any other regulations, easements, covenants, or deed restrictions conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
(F) Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:
(1) Considered as minimum requirements;
(2) Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
(3) Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
(G) Warning and disclaimer or liability. The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. On rare occasions, greater floods can and will occur, and flood heights may be increased by human-made or natural causes. These regulations do not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. These regulations shall not create liability on the part of the city or any official or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
(Prior Code, § 152.03) (Ord. 12-1692, passed 6-5-2012)