As the density of the population in the community increases and the urban area expands, the importance of preserving drainage basins and areas around drainage streams for their intended purpose becomes acutely obvious. When the land is developed, a greatly increased amount of water runoff results from the replacement of open land with streets and buildings. The purpose of this zoning district is to preserve drainage basins in the community and to prevent building in areas subject to flooding and upon land which exhibits unstable soil characteristics.

(Ord. No. 958, 2-10-98)

The following uses are permitted, so long as the use does not require the erection of a structure intended for year-round habitation:

A.

Public parks, playgrounds and recreational areas and private recreational developments.

B.

Agriculture and forestry.

C.

All uses other than those permitted above are prohibited.

(Ord. No. 958, 2-10-98)

All words and phrases used in this part shall be construed to have the same meaning as those words and phrases as defined in the full federal regulations, (24 CFR 1910.3(d)).

The following minimum regulations shall apply in all zones designated on the flood insurance rate map for the City of Knox and County of Starke, Indiana, Community Panel numbers 180242A and 1800240 001 through 005, dated February 1, 1994, hereinafter referred to as FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) and the Official Zoning Map of the City of Knox.

A.

Require permits for all proposed development in any area of special flood hazard. The term "development" is defined to mean "any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other similar type structures."

B.

Review permits for proposed development to assure that all other necessary permits have been received from those governmental agencies from which approval is required by federal or state law.

C.

Require that new construction (including prefabricated buildings and mobile homes) and substantial improvements be anchored to prevent floatation and lateral movement, and be constructed with flood-resistant materials and methods.

D.

Assure that subdivision proposals and proposals for other developments, including their utilities and drainage, are located and designed to be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.

E.

Require that all subdivision proposals and other proposed development greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is less, include base flood elevation data.

F.

Require new water and sewer systems (including on-site systems) be located and designed to avoid impairment.

G.

Obtain and maintain records of flood elevation and floodproofing levels for all new or substantially improved structures, and whether or not such structures contain a basement.

H.

In ravine situations, notify adjacent communities and state coordination office prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse and submit copies of such notification to the Flood Insurance Administration (FIA). Within the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse, assure that the flood-carrying capacity is maintained.

The following minimum requirements apply in specific zones designated on the FIRM:

1.

In unnumbered A zones, obtain, review and reasonably utilize base flood elevation data from alteration sources, prior to its being provided by FIA through its flood insurance rate study, as criteria for requiring that all new residential structures and substantial improvements to existing structures have their lowest floor (including basement) elevated or floodproofed to or above the base flood level.

2.

In zones A1-30, for new construction and substantial improvements, require that:

a.

Residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood level, unless the community is granted an exception for all the allowance of basements and/or storm cellars by the FIA.

b.

Nonresidential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood level; or be floodproofed to or above that level.

3.

In zone AO, for new construction and substantial improvements, require that:

a.

Residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the crown of the nearest street to or above the depth number specified on the community's FIRM.

b.

Nonresidential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the crown of the nearest street to or above the depth number specified on the community's FIRM; or be floodproofed to or above that level.

4.

In zones A1-30 and AO where floodproofing is used in lieu of elevation, require that a registered professional engineer or architect certify that the floodproofing methods used are adequate to withstand the forces associated with the base flood and submit such certification to the community; or submit to the FIA for approval, local regulations containing detailed floodproofing specifications which meet the watertight performance standards.

5.

In zones A1-30, for new, substantially improved or expanded mobile home parks or subdivisions, require: that stands or lots are elevated to or above the base flood level, that adequate access and drainage are provided, and if pilings are used for elevation, that the construction standards for elevation on pilings are met and anchored in accordance with federal regulations (section 1919-B9).

I.

Adopt a regulatory floodway and assure that it is designed to carry the waters of the flood without increasing the base flood level more than one foot at any point.

J.

In the regulatory floodway, prohibit any development or encroachments (including fill) which would result in any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge.

K.

In the regulatory floodway, prohibit the placement of mobile homes, except in existing mobile home parks or subdivisions.

(Ord. No. 958, 2-10-98)