Coolidge City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 152
FLOOD CONTROL
§ 152.01 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AREA OF JURISDICTION. All lands within the corporate limits of the City.
DWELLING UNIT. A place of residence and may be located in a single or multiple unit building, or manufactured home.
FLOOD or FLOOD WATERS. A temporary overflow of water on lands not normally covered by water.
(1) 50-YEAR FLOOD. A flood that has 2% chance of occurring.
(2) 100-YEAR FLOOD. A flood that has a 1% chance of occurring.
FLOODPLAIN. The relatively flat areas or low lands adjoining the channel of a watercourse, or areas where drainage is or may be restricted by human-made structures which have been or may be covered partially or wholly by floodwater, but shall compose an area not less than that area confined by the 50-year flood and shall not exceed that area confined by the 100-year flood.
FLOODPLAIN COMMISSION. The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Coolidge.
FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS. The codes, ordinances, and other regulations relating to the use of land and construction within the channel and floodplain areas, including zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, housing codes, setback requirements, open area regulations, and similar methods of control affecting the use and development of the areas.
PERSON. Any individual or his or her agent, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or agent of the aforementioned groups, or the state or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
WATERCOURSE. Any lake, river, creek, stream, wash, arroyo, channel, or other body of water having banks and bed through which waters flow at least periodically. The term may include specifically designated areas in which substantial flood damage may occur.
(Prior Code, § 18-1-1) (Ord. 98-01, passed 1-12-1998)
§ 152.02 PROHIBITION OF NEW CONSTRUCTION OR DEVELOPMENT IN FLOODPLAINS AND ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL BUILDING PERMIT.
(A) All subdivisions of land, construction of dwelling units, or commercial or industrial construction or future development is prohibited within an area delineated as a floodplain, unless a special building permit is granted by the Floodplain Commission. A special building permit shall only be issued if the Floodplain Commission finds that the construction or development is not a danger to persons or property.
(B) The minimum floor elevation for all new construction within a delineated floodplain shall be above the highest-water line of the 100-year floodplain as determined by the City, the state’s Water Commission, or the Administrator of the Federal Insurance Administration. In all circumstances, the minimum floor elevation shall not be less than one foot above the highest point of the high water line.
(Prior Code, § 18-1-2) Penalty, see § 10.99
§ 152.03 CONSTRUCTION TO MINIMIZE FLOOD DAMAGE.
All new construction or substantial improvements to existing structures within a delineated floodplain, including pre-fabricated and manufactured homes, must be designed (or modified) and anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or other lateral movement of the structure and shall use construction material and utility equipment that are resistant to flood damage and shall use construction methods and practices that will minimize flood damage. The issuance of a special building permit for such construction shall be conditioned upon the applicant consenting to construct according to the provisions set forth in this chapter.
(Prior Code, § 18-1-3)
§ 152.04 NEW SUBDIVISIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS.
The Building Official and City Engineer shall review all subdivision proposals and other proposed new developments to ensure that all such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and that all public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems are located, elevated, and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage and adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(Prior Code, § 18-1-4)
§ 152.05 WATER AND SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS.
The City Engineer shall require any new or replacement water systems and sanitary sewage systems to be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration or flood waters into the system and discharges from the systems into flood waters and require on-site waste disposal systems to be located so as to avoid impairment of them or contamination from them during flooding.
(Prior Code, § 18-1-5)
§ 152.06 REVIEW OF ALL BUILDING PERMITS.
(A) The Building Official shall review all building permit applications for new construction or substantial improvements to determine whether the proposed site will be reasonably safe from flooding and if the site will retain storm water. If it is determined that there is a potential flood hazard, the construction shall conform to the provisions of this chapter to minimize flood damage.
(B) As it concerns storm water, the following provisions shall be applicable before a building permit is issued for construction in a subdivision, a manufactured home subdivision, or manufactured home park created after the effective date of this chapter or for construction on any commercially or industrially zoned parcel of land consisting of more than 25,000 square feet in area.
(1) All water, except that in excess of a 50-year storm of a 24-hour duration (approximately three inches), which falls within a subdivision, or manufactured home park created after the effective date of this chapter, or on any commercially or industrially zoned parcel of land consisting of more than 25,000 square feet in area must be retained within said parcels of real property unless prior approval has been given by the Floodplain Commission for alternate means of water retention and the method of collection and retention has been approved by the City Engineer. Where prior drainage easements or covenants exist for taking of off-site water, retention of the same shall also be provided.
(2) The design capacity of all retention basins will be determined by the peak runoff from the affected drainage area(s) resulting from the 100-year frequency storm. Drywells may be used in lieu of retention basins for smaller drainage areas if the design is approved by the City Engineer.
(3) The design of all suitable fencing or other security measures to minimize exposure to local residents to flowing or standing storm water in the basins shall be approved by the Building Official and City Engineer, and in no case shall the security fencing exceed eight feet in height.
(Prior Code, § 18-1-6) (Ord. 98-01, passed 1-12-1998)