(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
DEVELOPMENT. Any human-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations located within the area of special flood hazard.
FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(a) The overflow of inland or tidal waters; and/or
(b) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
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. This term also includes park trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles placed on a site for greater than 180 consecutive days.
STRUCTURE. A walled and roofed building or manufactured home that is principally above ground.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Means any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either:
1. Before the improvement or repair is started; or
2. If the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purpose of this definition, SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure.
(b) The term does not, however, include either:
1. Any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions; or
2. Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.
(B) This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such 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 municipality, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
(Prior Code, § 11.02)