A. The flood hazard areas of Whitefish are subject to periodic inundation, which results in 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.
B. These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated, floodproofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.
C. Flood hazard areas specifically adopted herein as regulated flood hazard areas have been delineated and designated by order or determination of the department of natural resources and conservation (DNRC) pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 76-5-201 et seq.
D. These regulations have been reviewed by Montana department of natural resources and conservation and the federal emergency management agency (FEMA). The Montana DNRC has found the regulations acceptable in meeting the department minimum standards. FEMA finds that these regulations are adequate and consistent with the comprehensive criteria for land management and use pursuant to the standards established in 44 CFR 60.3. (Ord. 15-16, 10-5-2015)