(A) Lands to which this chapter applies. This flood damage prevention ordinance shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the town.
(B) Basis for establishing the areas of special flood hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by FEMA in a scientific and engineering report entitled, “The Flood Insurance Study for LeFlore County, Oklahoma and Incorporated Areas” dated August 16, 2012, with the accompanying flood insurance rate map (FIRM) are hereby adopted on August 16, 2012, by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. However, until this date the current effective flood maps for the town dated April 1, 1980, shall be used for this purpose until August 16, 2012.
(C) Establishment of development permit. A 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 this chapter and other applicable regulations.
(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 ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction 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. This chapter does 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. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the town or any official or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
(Ord. 12-208, passed 6-4-2012)