Little Falls City Zoning Code
11.50
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT:
This section shall comprise of the provision of the floodplain Management regulations.
A. Statutory Authorization, Findings Of Fact And Purpose.
1. Statutory Authorization: This floodplain ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authorization and policies contained in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103F; Minnesota Rules, Parts 6120.5000 - 6120.6200; the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 44 CFR § 59 to 78; and the planning and zoning enabling legislation in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462.
2. Purpose:
a. This section regulates development in the flood hazard areas of the City of Little Falls. These flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, which may result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this section to promote public health, safety, and general welfare by minimizing these losses and disruptions.
b. This section is adopted in the public interest to promote sound land use practices, and floodplains are a land resource to be developed in a manner which will result in minimum loss of life and threat to health, and reduction of private and public economic loss caused by flooding.
c. This section is adopted to maintain eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
d. This section is also intended to preserve the natural characteristics and functions of watercourses and floodplains to moderate flood and stormwater impacts, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, provide recreational opportunities, provide aesthetic benefits, and enhance community and economic development.
3. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions: It is not intended by this section to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or other private agreements. The standards in this section take precedence over any less restrictive, conflicting local laws, ordinances, or codes. All other ordinances inconsistent with this section are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
4. Warnings and Disclaimer of Liability: This section does not imply that areas outside the floodplain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from flooding or flood damage. Not all flood risk is mapped. Larger floods do occur, and the flood height may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams or bridge openings restricted by debris. This section does not create liability on the part of the City of Little Falls or its officers or employees for any flood damage that results from reliance on this section, or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
5. Severability: If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this section is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of law, the remainder of this section shall not be affected and shall remain in full force.
B. Definitions. Unless specifically defined, words or phrases used in this section must be interpreted according to common usage and to give this section its most reasonable application.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE: | A structure, as defined in this section, that is on the same parcel of property as, and incidental to, the principal structure or use; an accessory structure specifically excludes structures used for human habitation. |
BASE FLOOD: | Flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. “Base flood” is synonymous with the term “regional flood” used in Minnesota Rules Part 6120.5000. |
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE): | The elevation of the base flood, regional flood, or one-percent annual chance flood. The term “base flood elevation” is used in the flood insurance study. |
BASEMENT: | Any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of excavation below ground level. |
BUILDING: | See Structure. |
CHANNEL: | A natural or artificial depression of perceptible extent, with definite beds and banks to confine and conduct flowing water either continuously or periodically. |
CONDITIONAL USE: | A land use or development that would not be appropriate generally but may be allowed with appropriate restrictions upon a finding that certain conditions as detailed in the zoning ordinance exist, the use or development conforms to the comprehensive land use plan of the community, and the use is compatible with the existing neighborhood. |
CRITICAL FACILITIES: | Buildings and structures that contain essential facilities and services necessary for emergency response and recovery, or that pose a substantial risk to the public in the event of failure, disruption of function, or damage by flooding. Specifically, this includes facilities identified as Flood Design Class 4 in ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, as amended. Examples include health care facilities, facilities required for emergency response, power generating stations, communications towers, or electrical substations. |
DEVELOPMENT: | Any manmade 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, or storage of equipment or materials. |
EQUAL DEGREE OF ENCROACHMENT: | A method of determining the location of floodway boundaries so that floodplain lands on both sides of a stream are capable of conveying a proportionate share of flood flows. |
FARM FENCE: | An open type of fence of posts and horizontally run wire, further specified in Minnesota Statutes, Section 344.02, Subdivision 1(a-d). |
FEMA: | Federal Emergency Management Agency. |
FLOOD: | A temporary rise in the stream flow or water surface elevation from any source that results in the inundation of normally dry land area. |
FLOOD FRINGE: | The portion of the one-percent annual change floodplain located outside of the floodway. This district shall be extended laterally to the 0.2-percent annual change floodplain, where mapped. |
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM): | An official map on which the Federal Insurance Administrator has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. A FIRM that has been made available digitally is called a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM). |
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS): | The study referenced in Paragraph D, which is an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards, and if appropriate, corresponding surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation, and determination of mudslide (i.e. mudflow) and/or flood-related erosion hazards. |
FLOODPLAIN: | The beds, channel and the areas adjoining a wetland, lake or watercourse, or other source which have been or hereafter may be inundated by the base flood. |
FLOODPROOFING: | A combination of structural and non-structural additions, changes, or adjustments to properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages. |
FLOODWAY: | The bed of a wetland or lake and the channel of a watercourse and those portions of the adjoining floodplain which must be reserved to carry or store the base flood discharge without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one-half foot. |
GENERAL FLOODPLAIN: | Those floodplains designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps referenced in Paragraph C.2, but that do not have a delineated floodway. |
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK: | Any motor vehicle that has all three of the following: a) 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or less; b) vehicle curb weight of 6,000 pounds or less; and c) basic vehicle frontal area less than 45 square feet. |
LOWEST FLOOD: | The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building’s lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of 44 CFR § 60.3. |
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 attached to the required utilities. The term “manufactured home” does not include the term “recreational vehicle.” |
NEW CONSTRUCTION: | Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of an adopted floodplain management regulation and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. |
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE: | The main building or other structure on a lot that is utilized for the property’s principal use. |
REACH: | A hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a stream or river influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a reach. |
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: | A vehicle that is built on a single chassis, is 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, is designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. Those vehicles not meeting this definition shall be considered a structure for the purposes of this section. For the purposes of this section, the term recreational vehicle is synonymous with the term “travel trailer/travel vehicle.” |
REGULATORY FLOOD PROTECTIONS ELEVATION (RFPE): | An elevation that is one foot above the elevation of the base flood plus any increases in the water surface elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a floodway. These increases in water surface elevations are typically identified in Floodway Data Tables, found in the Flood Insurance Study. |
REPETITIVE LOSS: | Flood related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a ten-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of such flood event on the average equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. |
STAGE INCREASE: | Any increase in the water surface elevation during the one-percent annual chance flood caused by encroachments on the floodplain. |
START OF CONSTRUCTION: | Includes substantial improvement, and means the date the permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, foundations, or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building. |
STRUCTURE: | A roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. Recreational vehicles not considered travel ready, as detailed in Paragraph L.2.b.(2), shall also be considered a structure for the purposes of this section. |
SUBDIVISION: | Land that has been divided for the purpose of sale, rent, or lease, including planned unit developments. |
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE: | Damage of any origin sustained by a structure where the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. |
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT: | Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either: |
1. Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or | |
2. Any alteration of a “historic structure,” provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure”. For the purpose of this section, “historic structure” is defined in 44 CFR § 59.1. | |
VARIANCE: | Means the same as that defined in 44 CFR § 59.1 and Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.357, Subdivision 6(2). |
WATER COURSE: | A channel in which a flow of water occurs either continuously or intermittently in a definitive direction. The term applied to either natural or artificially constructed channels. |
C. Jurisdiction And Districts.
1. Lands to Which Ordinance Applies. This section applies to all lands within the jurisdiction of the City of Little Falls within the boundaries of the Floodway, Flood Fringe, and General Floodplain Districts.
a. The Floodway, Flood Fringe, or General Floodplain Districts are overlay districts. The standards imposed in the overlay districts are in addition to any other requirements. In case of a conflict, the more restrictive standards will apply.
b. Where a conflict exists between the floodplain limits illustrated on the official floodplain maps and actual field conditions (as illustrated in Figure 1), the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) shall be the governing factor in locating the outer boundaries of the one-percent annual chance floodplain.
c. Persons contesting the location of the district boundaries will be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case to the Planning Commission and to submit technical evidence.
2. Incorporation of Maps by Reference: The following maps together with all attached material are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of the official zoning map and this section. The attached material includes the Flood Insurance Study for Morrison County, Minnesota, and Incorporated Areas, dated July 31, 2024, and the Flood Insurance Rate Map panels enumerated below, dated July 31, 2024, all prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These materials are on file in the office of the Public Works Director/City Engineer at City Hall.
27097C0390E
27097C0557E
27097C0559E
27097C0576E
27097C0578E
27097C0600E
3. Districts:
a. Floodway District. Those areas within Zone AE delineated within floodway areas as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps reference in Paragraph C.
b. Flood Fringe District. Those areas within Zone AE located outside of the delineated floodway, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps reference in Paragraph C.2. This district shall be extended laterally to the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain, where mapped.
c. General Floodplain District. Those areas within Zone A areas that do not have a floodway delineated as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps reference in Paragraph C.2.
4. Annexations: The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels referenced in Paragraph C.2 may include floodplain areas that lie outside of the corporate boundaries of the City of Little Falls at the time of adoption of this section. If any of these floodplain land areas are annexed into the City of Little Falls after the date of adoption of this section, the newly annexed floodplain lands will be subject to the provisions of this section immediately upon the date of annexation. Annexations into panels not referenced in Paragraph C.2 require ordinance amendment in accordance with Paragraph N.
5. Municipal Boundary Adjustments and Townships: The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels referenced in Paragraph C.2. apply countywide. If at any point any lands come under the jurisdiction of another government, the following shall apply:
a. City adjustments of corporate boundaries, including but not limited to annexations and detachments, shall shift floodplain administrative authority of all affected lands immediately upon the date of the boundary adjustment occurring. Cities retain jurisdictions for all incorporated lands, and the County retains jurisdiction under this section on all unincorporated lands, except as provided under Paragraph C.5.b below or through some form of administrative agreement.
b. Townships wishing to adopt official controls under Minnesota Statutes, Section 394.33, may only obtain zoning authority for floodplain controls when they have adopted an ordinance that is approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and has formally enrolled in the NFIP. Until this occurs, the county shall retain jurisdiction under this section on all unincorporated lands. In the event that a township returns zoning authority, the county shall resume that authority.
D. Requirements For All Floodplain Districts.
1. Permit Required. A permit must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator to verify compliance with all applicable standards outlined in this section prior to the following uses or activities:
a. The erection, addition, modification, rehabilitation, repair, or alteration of any building, structure, or portion thereof. Normal maintenance requires a permit to determine if such work, either separately or in conjunction with other planned work, constitutes a substantial improvement, as specified in Paragraph L.1.c.
b. The construction of fence, pool, deck, or replacement of anything that may cause a potential obstruction. Farm fences, as defined in Paragraph B. of this section, are not considered to be an obstruction, and as such, do not require a permit.
c. The change or expansion of a nonconforming use.
d. The repair of a structure that has been damaged by flood, fire, tornado, or any other source.
e. The placement of fill, excavation, utilities, on-site sewage treatment systems, or other service facilities.
f. The storage of materials or equipment, in conformance with Paragraph H.3.b.
g. Relocation of alteration of a watercourse (including stabilization projects or the construction of new or replacement dams, culverts, and bridges). A local permit is not required if a public waters work permit has been obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, unless a significant area above the ordinary high-water level is also to be disturbed.
h. Any other type of “development” as defined in Paragraph B of this section.
2. No Permit Required. Certain uses or activities may be exempt from obtaining a permit, such as planting a garden, farming, or other obviously insignificant activities such as putting up a mailbox or flagpole. The continuation of existing uses, when the associated activities do not encroach further on the regulatory floodplain or trigger associated standards in this section, do not require a permit.
3. Minimum Development Standards.
a. All development must:
(1) Be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
(2) Be constructed with materials and equipment resistant to flood damage;
(3) Be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
(4) Be constructed with heating, ventilation, duct work, and air condition equipment and other service facilities elevated at least up to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE). Water, sewage, electrical, and other utility lines below the RFPE shall be constructed so as to prevent from entering or accumulating within them during conditions of flooding;
(5) Be reasonably safe from flooding and consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
(6) Be assured to provided adequate drainage to reduce exposure to flood hazards;
(7) Not be detrimental to uses in adjoining areas;
(8) Not adversely affect the efficiency or restrict the flood carrying capacity of the channel and adjoining floodplain or any tributary watercourse or drainage system; and
(9) Ensures that any fill or other materials are protected from erosion, discharge, and sediment entering surface waters by the ese of vegetative cover or other methods as soon as possible.
b. Materials that, in time of flooding, are buoyant, flammable, explosive, or could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life shall be stored at or above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE), floodproofed, or protected by other measures as approved by the Zoning Administrator. Storage of materials likely to cause pollution of the waters, such as sewage; sand; rock; wrecked and discarded equipment; dredged spoil; municipal, agricultural, or industrial waste; and other wastes as further defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 115.01, are prohibited unless adequate safeguards approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are provided. For projects not requiring approvals by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, adequate safeguards must be approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to issuance of a permit.
c. Critical facilities shall be located so that the lowest floor is not less than two feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), or the 0.2% annual chance flood elevation, whichever is higher.
Table 1. Summary of Permitting Requirements for Structures | |||
Structure Type | Floodway | Flood Fringe | Standards* |
Table 1. Summary of Permitting Requirements for Structures | |||
Structure Type | Floodway | Flood Fringe | Standards* |
Accessory Structures - on fill | Only specific uses and types allowed - with CUP | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.3.d.2. |
Accessory Structures - Alt. Elevation Methods | Only specific uses and types allowed - with CUP | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.3.d.3. |
Accessory Structures - Wet Floodproofing | Only specific uses and types allowed - with CUP | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.3.d.1. |
Accessory Structures - Dry (watertight) Floodproofing | Only specific uses and types allowed - with CUP | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.3.d.4. |
Residential - on fill | Not allowed | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.2.a.1. |
Residential - Alt. Elevation Methods | Not allowed | Allowed with CUP | Paragraph F.4.a. |
Residential - Dry (watertight) Floodproofing and/or Basement Construction below RFPE | Not allowed | Not allowed | N/A |
Non-Residential - on fill | Not allowed | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.2.b. |
Non-Residential - Alt. Elevation Methods | Not allowed | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.2.b. |
Non-Residential - Dry (watertight) Floodproofing and/or Basement Construction below RFPE | Not allowed | Allowed with Permit | Paragraph F.2.C. |
*Note - many of these standards are cross-referenced | |||
E. Floodway District.
1. Permitted Uses in Floodway. Development allowed in the floodway district is limited to that which has low flood damage potential and will not obstruct flood flows, increase velocities, or increase the water surface elevations of the one-percent annual chance flood. The following uses and activities may be allowed with a permit, subject to the standards in Paragraph E.2.b.:
a. Agricultural uses, recreational uses, parking lots, loading areas, airport landing strips, water control structures, navigational facilities, as well as public open space users.
b. Roads, driveways, railroads, trails, bridges, and culverts.
c. Public utility facilities and water-oriented industries which must be in or adjacent to water courses.
d. Grading, filling, land alterations, and shoreline stabilization projects.
e. No structures, as defined in Paragraph B, are allowed in the Floodway District, except structures accessory to the uses detailed in Paragraphs E.1.a. and E.3.a., which require a CUP under Paragraph E.3.b.
f. Levees or dikes intended to protect agricultural crops, provided the top of the dike does not exceed the 10-percent annual change flood event.
2. Standards for Permitted Uses in Floodway. In addition to the applicable standards detailed in Paragraph D.:
a. The applicant must demonstrate that the development will not result in any of the following during the one-percent annual chance flood: cause a stage increase of 0.00 feet or greater, obstruct flood flows, or increase velocities. This shall be demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis performed by a professional engineer or using other standard engineering practices (e.g. projects that restore the site to the previous cross-sectional area). This is commonly documented through a “no-rise certification.”
b. Any development that would result in a stage increase greater than 0.00 feet may only be allowed with a permit if the applicant has applied for and received approval for a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) in accordance with 44 CFR § 65.12. Map revisions must follow the procedures in Paragraphs K.1.e. and N.
c. Any development resulting in decreases to the water surface elevation of the base flood identified in the Flood Insurance Study requires a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) following the procedures in Paragraphs K.1.e. and N.
d. Any development in the beds of public waters that will change the course, current or cross section is required to obtain a public waters work permit in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.245 or a utility crossing license in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 84.415, from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or demonstrate that no permit is required, before, applying for local permit.
e. Any facility used by employees, or the general public must be designed with a flood warning system acceptable to the Zoning Administrator that provides adequate time for evacuation or be designed to ensure that within the area inundated during the base flood event, the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity (in feet per second) is less than four.
f. Fill and other land alteration activities must off minimal obstruction to the flow of flood waters and be protected from erosion and sediment entering surface waters using vegetative cover, riprap, or other methods as soon as possible.
3. Conditional Uses in Floodway. The following uses and activities may be permitted as conditional uses, subject to the standards detailed in Paragraph E.4.:
a. Commercial extractive uses, and storage and stockpiling yards.
b. Structures accessory to uses detailed in Paragraphs E.1.a. and E.3.a.
4. Standards for Conditional Uses in Floodway. In addition to the applicable standards detailed in Paragraphs D, E.2, and K.:
a. Extractive uses and storage of materials require the completion of a site development and restoration plan, to be approved by the City of Little Falls.
b. Accessory Structures. Structures accessory to the uses detailed in Paragraphs E.a.1. and E.3.a. must be constructed and placed so as to offer a minimum obstruction to the flow of flood waters and are subject to the standards in Paragraph F.2. of this section.
F. Flood Fringe District.
1. Permitted Uses in Flood Fringe. Any uses or activities allowed in any applicable underlying zoning district may be allowed with a permit, subject to the standards set forth in Paragraph F.2.
2. Standards for Permitted Uses in Flood Fringe. In addition to the applicable standards detailed in Paragraph D.:
a. Residential Structures.
(1) Elevation on Fill. Structures erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or moved on fill within the Flood Fringe District shall be placed so that the lowest floor, as defined in Paragraph D of this section, is elevated at or above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE). The finished fill elevation shall be at or above the elevation associated with the base flood plus any stage increases that result from designation of a floodway. The fill must extend at the same elevation at least 15 feet beyond the outside limits of the structure. Elevations must be certified by a registered professional engineer, land surveyor or other qualified person designated by the Zoning Administrator. Elevation methods alternative to these fill standards are subject to a Conditional Use Permit, as provided in Paragraph F.3. of this section (Figure 2). Construction of this type shall only be permitted in locations where the natural ground is no lower than three feet below the base flood elevation.
b. Nonresidential Principal Structures. Nonresidential principal structures must meet one of the following construction methods:
(1) Elevation of Fill. Structures may be elevated on fill, meeting the standards in Paragraph F.2. of this section. Fill for nonresidential structures is not required to be extended 15 feet beyond the outside limits of the structure.
(2) Alternative Elevation Methods. Structures may be elevated using methods alternative to the fill standards in Paragraph F.2.a. of this section. Such methods include the use of blocks, pilings (Figure 3), filled stem walls (Figure 4), or internally flooded enclosed areas (Figure 5) such as crawl spaces, attached garages, or tuck under garages.
Designs accommodating for internally flooded enclosed areas must be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the standards detailed in FEMA Technical Bulletin 1, as amended, as well as the following standards:
(A) The lowest floor, as defined in Paragraph B. of this section, shall be elevated at or above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE).
(B) The floor of the enclosed area must be at or above the exterior grade on at least one side of the structure.
(C) To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there shall be a minimum of two openings below the base flood elevation on at least two sides of the structure. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one-foot above grade. The openings shall have a minimum net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding, have a net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding, and shall allow automatic entry and exit of floodwaters without human intervention.
(D) Internally flooded enclosed areas shall only be used for the parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. Bathrooms and toilet rooms shall not be allowed. Such areas shall be subject to a deed-restricted non-conversion agreement as well as periodic inspections with the issuance of any permit.
c. Dry Floodproofing. Structures having watertight enclosed basements or spaces below the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) must meet the following standards:
(1) Walls must be substantially impermeable to the passage of water, with structural components having the capacity of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy, at least up to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE);
(2) Must meet the standards of FEMA Technical Bulletin 3, as amended; and
(3) A registered professional engineer or architect shall be required to certify that the design and methods of construction meet the standards detailed in this Section.
3. Accessory Structures. All accessory structures must meet the following standards:
a. Structures shall not be designed or used for human habitation.
b. Structure will have a low flood damage potential.
c. Structures with fewer than two rigid walls, such as carports, gazebos, and picnic pavilions, may be located at an elevation below the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation.
d. Structures with two or more rigid walls, must meet one of the following construction methods:
(1) Wet proofing. Structures may be floodproofed in a way to accommodate internal flooding. Such structures shall constitute a minimal investment not to exceed 576 square feet in size, one-story in height, and shall only be used for parking and storage. To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there shall be a minimum of two openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one-foot above grade. The openings shall have a minimum net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding and shall allow automatic entry and exit of floodwaters without human intervention.
(2) Elevation on Fill. Structures may be elevated on fill, meeting the standards in Paragraph F.2.a.(1) of this section. Fill is not required to be extended 15 feet beyond the outside limits of the structure.
(3) Alternative Elevation Methods. Structures may have their lowest floor elevated above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) through methods alternative to the fill standards in Paragraph F.2.d.(2) and must meet the standards in Paragraph J.2.b. of this section.
(4) Dry Floodproofing. Structures may be dry-floodproofed, or watertight, meeting the standards in Paragraph D.2.c. of this section.
e. All new principal structures must provide vehicular access no lower than one foot below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) unless a flood warning/emergency evacuation plan has been approved by the City of Little Falls.
f. Any facilities used by employees, or the general public must be designed with a flood warning system acceptable to the City of Little Falls that provides adequate time for evacuation or be designed to ensure that within the area inundated during the base flood event, the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity (in feet per second) is less than four.
g. Manufactured homes and recreational vehicles must meet the standards of Paragraph J. of this section.
4. Conditional Uses in Flood Fringe. The following uses and activities may be permitted as conditional uses, subject to the standards in Paragraph F.4.:
a. Alternative Elevation Methods, Residential Structures. Residential structures with their lowest floor elevated above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) using methods alternative to the fill requirements in Paragraph F.2.a.
5. Standards for Conditional Uses in Flood Fringe. In addition to applicable standards detailed in Paragraphs D., F.2., and M.2.:
a. All residential structures with lowest floors elevated through alternative elevation methods must meet the standards in Paragraph F.2.b. of this section.
G. General Floodplain District.
1. Permitted Uses in General Floodplain District.
a. Until the floodway is delineated, allowable uses will be restricted to those listed in the Floodway District, Paragraph E.
b. All other uses are subject to a floodway/flood fringe determination as provided in Paragraph G.4, in addition to the standards provided in Paragraphs G.2 and G.3. Permitted uses shall be determined as follows:
(1) If the development is determined to be in the Floodway District, Paragraph E. applies.
(2) If the development is determined to be in the Flood Fringe District, Paragraph F. applies.
2. Determining Flood Elevations.
a. All development requires a determination of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Exceptions to this requirement include projects that restore the site to the previous cross-sectional area, such as shore stabilization or culvert replacement projects. Base Flood Elevations (BFE) may be found using best available data from any Federal, State, or other source (including Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Lake and Flood Elevations Online (LFEO) Viewer).
b. The Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) can be determined by assuming a one-half (0.5) foot stage increase to accommodate for future cumulative impacts. A stage increase does not need to be assumed along lakes, wetlands, and other basins that are not affected by velocities.
3. Encroachment Analysis.
a. Encroachment due to development may not allow stage increases more than one-half (0.5) foot at any point, unless through a map revision following the procedures in Paragraphs K.1.e. and N. This evaluation must include the cumulative effects of previous encroachments and must be documented with hydrologic and hydraulic analysis performed by a professional engineer or using other standard engineering practices. A lesser water surface elevation increases than one-half (0.5) foot is required if, due to the water surface level increase, increased flood damage would potentially result.
b. Alterations or changes that result in stage decreases are allowed and encouraged.
4. Standards for the Analysis of Floodway Boundaries.
a. Requirements for Detailed Studies. Any development as requested by the Zoning Administrator shall be subject to a detailed study to determine the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) and the limits of the Floodway District. This determination must be consistent with the minimum standards for hydrologic and hydraulic mapping standards and techniques, as detailed in Minnesota Rules, Part 6120.5600, Subparagraph 4 and FEMA Guidelines and Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping, as revised. Additionally:
(1) A regulatory floodway necessary to carry the discharge of the one-percent annual chance flood must be selected without increasing the water surface elevation more than one-half (0.5) foot at any point. This determination should include the cumulative effects of previous encroachments. A lesser water surface elevation increases than one-half (0.5) foot is required if, due to the water surface level increase, increased flood damages would potentially result; and
(2) An equal degree of encroachment on both sides of the stream within the reach must be assumed in computing floodway boundaries, unless topography, existing development patterns, and comprehensive land use plans justify a modified approach, as approved by the Department of Natural Resources.
b. Other Acceptable Methods. For areas where a detailed study is not available or required:
(1) Development prohibited in floodways (e.g. most buildings) requires a floodway/flood fringe determination to verify the development is within the flood fringe. This determination must be done by a professional engineer or utilize other accepted engineering practices. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources may also provide technical assistance and must approve any alternative methods used to determine floodway boundaries.
(2) For areas where the floodway has not been determined in and along lakes, wetlands, and other basins, the following methodology may be used as an alternative to Item A above, provided these areas are not affected by velocities and the lot is able to accommodate a building site above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE):
(A) All areas that are at or below the ordinary high-water level, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.005, Subdivision 14, will be considered floodway, and all areas below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) but above the ordinary high-water level will be considered flood fringe, provided that within 25 feet of the ordinary high water level, or within the Shore Impact Zone as identified in the community’s Shoreland Ordinance, whichever distance is greater, land alterations shall be restricted to:
(i) The minimum required to accommodate beach areas, access areas, and accessory structures as permitted, not to exceed a volume greater than 10 cubic yards; projects involving volumes exceeding 10 cubic yards require floodway/flood fringe determination in accordance with the procedures in Paragraph G.4.b.(1); and
(ii) The minimum required to accommodate shoreline stabilization projects to correct an identified erosion problem as verified by a qualified resource agency or the zoning administrator.
H. Subdivision Standards.
1. Subdivisions. All subdivided land must meet the following requirements. Manufactured home parks and recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are considered subdivisions under this section.
a. All lots within floodplain districts must be suitable for building sites outside of the Floodway District.
b. Subdivision of lands within the floodplain districts may not be approved if the cost of providing governmental services would impose an unreasonable economic burden on the City of Little Falls.
c. All subdivisions must have vehicular access both to the subdivision and to the individual building sites no lower than two feet below the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) unless a flood warning/emergency evacuation plan has been approved by the City of Little Falls.
d. The Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries, the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) and the required elevation of all access roads must be clearly identified on all required subdivision drawings and platting documents.
I. Public And Private Utilities, Service Facilities, Roads, Bridges, And Railroads.
1. Public Transportation Facilities. Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges must be elevated to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) where such facilities are essential to the orderly functioning of the area, or where failure or interruption would result in danger to public health or safety. Minor or auxiliary roads or railroads may be constructed at a lower elevation where failure or interruption of transportation services would not endanger the public health or safety. All public transportation facilities should be designed to minimize increases in flood elevations.
2. Public Utilities. All utilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and water supply systems to be located in the floodplain must be elevated and/or floodproofed to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE), be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage and be designed to eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters. All public utilities should be designed to minimize increases in flood elevations. New solid waste management facilities, as defined in Minnesota Rules, Part 7035.0300, are prohibited in the one-percent annual chance floodplain. Water supply systems are subject to the provisions in Minnesota Rules, Part 4725.4350.
3. Private Onsite Water Supply, Individual Sewage Treatment Systems, and other Service Facilities. Private facilities shall be subject to applicable provisions detailed in Paragraph I.2. In addition, new or replacement onsite sewage treatment systems are to be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during times of flooding, shall not be located in a designated floodway, and are subject to the provisions in Minnesota Rules, Parts 7080.2270.
J. Manufactured Homes And Recreational Vehicles.
1. Manufactured Homes. Manufactured homes and manufactured home parks are subject to applicable standards for each floodplain district. In addition:
a. New and replacement manufactured homes must be placed and elevated in compliance with Paragraph F. of this section and must be securely anchored to a system that resists flotation, collapse, and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors.
b. New manufactured home parks and expansion to existing manufactured home parks must meet the appropriate standards for subdivisions in Paragraph H. of this section.
2. Recreational Vehicles. New recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds and expansions to existing recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are prohibited in any floodplain district. Recreational vehicles placed in existing recreational vehicle parks, campgrounds, or lots of record in the floodplain must either.
a. Meet the requirements for manufactured homes in Paragraph J.1., or
b. Be travel ready, meeting the following criteria:
(1) The vehicle must be fully licensed.
(2) The vehicle must be ready for highway use, meaning on wheels or the internal jacking system, attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities.
c. No permanent structural type additions may be attached to the vehicle.
d. Accessory structures may be permitted in the Flood Fringe District, provided they do not hinder the removal of the vehicle should flooding occur, and meet the standards outlined in Paragraphs D. and F.2.c.
K. Administration.
1. Duties. A Zoning Administrator or other official must administer and enforce this section.
a. Permit Application Requirements. Permit applications must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator. The permit application must include the following, as applicable:
(1) A site plan showing all existing or proposed buildings, structures, service facilities, potential obstructions, and pertinent design features having an influence on the permit.
(2) Location and detail of grading, fill, or storage of materials.
(3) Copies of any required local, state, or federal permits or approvals.
(4) Other relevant information requested by the Zoning Administrator as necessary to properly evaluate the permit application.
b. Recordkeeping. The Zoning Administrator must maintain applicable records in perpetuity documenting:
(1) All certifications for dry floodproofing and alternative elevation methods, where applicable.
(2) Analysis of no-rise in the Floodway District, as detailed in Paragraph E.2.a., and encroachment analysis ensuring no more than one-half foot of rise in the General Floodplain District, as detailed in Paragraph G.2.b. and G.3.a.
(3) Final elevations, as applicable, detailing the elevation to which structures and improvements to structures are constructed or floodproofed. Elevations shall be determined by an engineer, architect, surveyor, or other qualified individual, as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(4) Substantial damage and substantial improvement determinations, as detailed in Paragraph L.2.a.(1)(C), including the cost of improvements, repairs, and market value.
(5) All variance actions, including justification for their issuance, and must report such variances as requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
c. Certificate of Zoning Compliance for a New, Altered, or Nonconforming Use. No building, land or structure may be occupied or used in any manner until a certificate of zoning compliance has been issued by the Zoning Administrator stating that the finished fill and building floor elevations or other flood protection measures are in compliance with the requirements of this section.
d. Notifications for Watercourse Alterations. Before authorizing any alteration or relocation of a river or stream, the Zoning Administrator must notify adjacent communities. If the applicant has applied for a permit to work in public waters in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.245, this will suffice as adequate notice. A copy of the notification must also be submitted to FEMA.
e. Notification to FEMA When Physical Changes Increase or Decrease Base Flood Elevations. Where physical changes affecting flooding conditions may increase or decrease the water surface elevation of the base flood, the City of Little Falls must notify FEMA of the changes in order to obtain a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), by submitting a copy of the relevant technical or scientific data as soon as practicable, but no later than six months after the date such supporting information becomes available. Within the General Floodplain District, a map revision is only required if development results in stage increases greater than 0.5 feet.
2. Conditional Uses and Variances.
a. Process.
(1) An application for a conditional use permit will be processed and reviewed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) An application for a variance to the provisions of this section will be processed and reviewed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 394.27, Subdivision 7, and this section.
b. Additional Variance Criteria. The following additional variance criteria must be satisfied:
(1) Variances must not be issued within any designated regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(2) Variances from the provisions of this section may only be issued by a community upon:
(A) A showing of good and sufficient cause;
(B) A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and
(C) A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(3) Variances from the provisions in this section may only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(4) Variances must be consistent with the general purpose of these standards and the intent of applicable provisions in state and federal law.
(5) Variances may be used to modify permissible methods of flood protection, but no variance shall permit a lesser degree of flood protection than the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE).
(6) The Zoning Administrator must notify the applicant for a variance in writing that:
(A) The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage; and
(B) Such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. Notification must be maintained with a record of all variance actions.
(C) Considerations for Approval. The City of Little Falls must consider all relevant factors specified in other sections of this section in granting variances and conditional use permits, including the following:
(i) The potential danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments.
(ii) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the injury of others.
(iii) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles.
(D) Conditions of Approval. The City of Little Falls may attach such conditions to the granting of variances and conditional use permits as it deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
(ii) Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
(iii) The prevention of soil erosion or other possible pollution of public waters, both during and after construction.
(iv) Other conditions as deemed appropriate by the Zoning Administrator and the Planning Commission.
3. Notifications to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
a. All notices of public hearings to consider variances or conditional uses under this section must be sent via electronic mail to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources respective area hydrologist at least ten (10) days before the hearings. Notices of hearings to consider subdivisions/plats must include copies of the subdivision/plat.
b. A copy of all decisions granting variances and conditional uses under this section must be sent via electronic mail to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources respective area hydrologist within ten (10) days of final action.
L. Nonconformities.
1. Continuance of Nonconformities. A use, structure, or occupancy of land which was lawful before the passage or amendment of this section, but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this section, may be continued subject to the following conditions:
a. Within the floodway and general floodplain districts (when a site has been determined to be located in the floodway following the procedures in Paragraph G.3., or when the floodway has not been delineated), any expansion or enlargement of uses or structures is prohibited.
b. Within all districts, any addition, modification, rehabilitation, repair, or alteration shall be in conformance with the provisions of this section, shall not increase the flood damage potential or increase the degree of obstruction to flood flows, and where applicable, must be protected to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE).
c. If any nonconforming structure is determined to be substantially damaged or substantially improved based on the procedures in Paragraph L.2., it may not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this section. Any structures located outside the one-percent annual chance floodplain are exempt from this provision.
d. If any nonconforming use, or any use of a nonconforming structure, is discontinued for more than one year, any future use of the premises must conform to this section.
e. If any nonconforming structure has utilities, electrical, or mechanical equipment damaged due to flooding, it must be rebuilt in conformance with the elevation requirements in Paragraph D.3.a.4 to the greatest extent practicable. This requirement shall apply regardless of the determinations made in Paragraph L.2.
2. Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Determinations. Prior to issuing any permits for additions, modifications, rehabilitations, repairs, alterations, or maintenance to nonconforming structures, the Zoning Administrator is required to determine if such work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of a substantially damaged structure. A determination must be made in accordance with the following procedures:
a. Estimate the market value of the structure. In the case of repairs, the market value of the structure shall be the market value before the damage occurred and before any restoration or repairs are made.
b. Estimate the cost of the project. The property owner shall accommodate for inspection, and furnish other documentation needed by the zoning administrator to evaluate costs.
(1) Improvement costs shall be comprised of the market rate of all materials and labor, as well as the costs of all ordinary maintenance and upkeep carried out over the past one year.
(2) Costs to repair damages shall be comprised of the market rate of all materials and labor required to restore a building to its pre-damaged condition regardless of the work proposed, as well as associated improvement costs if structure is being restored beyond its pre-damaged condition.
c. Compare the cost of the improvement, repairs, or combination thereof to the estimated market value of the structure and determine whether the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of a substantially damaged structure, as defined in Paragraph B of this section.
(1) For the purposes of determining whether the proposed work would constitute substantial improvement, the evaluation shall also include all rehabilitations, additions, or other improvements completed since the community has adopted floodplain standards impacting this structure.
(2) If any nonconforming structure experiences a repetitive loss, as defined in Paragraph B of this section, it shall be considered substantially damaged and must not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this section.
d. Based on this determination, the zoning administrator shall prepare a determination letter and notify the property owner accordingly. Structures determined to be substantially damaged or substantially improved may not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this section.
M. Violations And Penalties.
1. Uses in Violation of the Ordinance. Every structure, fill, deposit, or other use placed or maintained in the floodplain in violation of this section shall be considered a public nuisance.
2. Civil Remedies. The creation of a public nuisance may be enjoined and the maintenance of public nuisance under this section may be abated by an action brought by the City of Little Falls or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
3. Enforcement. Violations of the provisions of this section constitute a misdemeanor and are punishable as defined by law. The Zoning Administrator may utilize the full array of enforcement actions available to it including but not limited to prosecution and fines, injunctions, after-the-fact permits, orders for corrective measures or a request to the National Flood Insurance Program for denial of flood insurance. The City of Little Falls must act in good faith to enforce these official controls and to correct ordinance violations to the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
N. Amendments.
1. Ordinance Amendments. Any revisions to the floodplain maps by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or annexations of new map panels require an ordinance amendment to update the map references in Paragraph C.2. of this section.
2. Required Approval. All amendments to this section must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources for review and approval prior to adoption, for compliance with state and federal rules and requirements. The floodplain ordinance shall not be considered valid until approved.
(Ord. 46, 67-17-2024)