(a) Purpose. The specific purpose of these special provisions is:
(1) To regulate the subdivision and development of flood-prone areas in order to promote the general health, welfare and safety of the city;
(2) To require that each subdivision lot in a flood-prone area be provided with a safe building site with adequate access; and that public facilities which serve such uses be designed and installed to preclude flood damage at the time of initial construction; and
(3) To protect individuals from buying lands which are unsuitable for use because of flood hazards by prohibiting the subdivision or development of unprotected flood-prone lands.
(b) Abrogation and greater restrictions. This section supersedes any ordinances currently in effect in flood-prone areas. However, any underlying ordinance shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that those provisions are more restrictive.
(c) Municipal liability. The grant of a permit or approval of a subdivision or land development plan in the identified flood-prone area(s) shall not constitute a representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind by the city or by any official or employee thereof of the practicability or safety of the proposed use, and shall create no liability upon the city, its officials or employees.
(d) Pre-application procedures.
(1) Prior to the preparation of any plans, it is suggested that prospective developers consult with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources concerning soil suitability when on-site sewage disposal facilities are proposed.
(2) Prospective developers shall consult the County Conservation District representative concerning erosion and sediment control and the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development. At the same time a determination should be made as to whether or not any flood and/or mudslide hazards either exist or will be created as a result of the subdivision or development.
(e) Preliminary plan requirements.
(1) The following information shall be required as part of the preliminary plan and shall be prepared by a registered engineer or surveyor:
(A) A map showing the location of the proposed subdivision or land development with respect to the city’s flood-prone areas including information on, but not limited to, the regulatory flood elevations, boundaries of flood-prone areas, proposed lots and sites, fills, flood or erosion protective facilities, and areas subject to special deed restrictions. Within general floodplain area the regulatory flood elevations shall be established as a point on the boundary of general floodplain area which is closest to construction site in question (as delineated in § 1332.06 of the Planning and Zoning Code).
(B) Where the subdivision or land development lies partially or completely in the flood-prone area or where the subdivision or land development borders on the flood-prone area, the preliminary plan map shall include detailed information giving the location and elevation of proposed roads, public utilities and building sites.
(2) All such maps shall also show contours at intervals of two or five feet depending upon the slope of the land and identify accurately the boundaries of the flood-prone area.
(f) Final plan requirements. The following information shall be required as part of the final plan and shall be prepared by a registered engineer or surveyor:
(1) All information required for the submission of the preliminary plan incorporating any changes requested by the city; and
(2) A map showing the exact location and elevation of all proposed buildings, structures, roads and public utilities to be constructed in flood prone area. All such maps shall show contours at intervals of two feet and identify accurately the boundaries of the flood-prone area.
(Ord. 4866, approved 11-18-1977)