(a)

Title. These regulations shall be known as the Floodplain Management Ordinance of City of Pensacola, hereinafter referred to as "this chapter."

(b)

Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all development that is wholly within or partially within any flood hazard area, including, but not limited to, the subdivision of land; filling, grading, and other site improvements and utility installations; construction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, improvement, replacement, repair, relocation or demolition of buildings, structures, and facilities that are exempt from the Florida Building Code; placement, installation, or replacement of manufactured homes and manufactured buildings; installation or replacement of tanks; placement of recreational vehicles; installation of swimming pools; and any other development.

(c)

Intent. The purposes of this chapter and the flood load and flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code are to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flooding through regulation of development in flood hazard areas to:

(1)

Minimize unnecessary disruption of commerce, access and public service during times of flooding;

(2)

Require the use of appropriate construction practices in order to prevent or minimize future flood damage;

(3)

Manage filling, grading, dredging, mining, paving, excavation, drilling operations, storage of equipment or materials, and other development that may increase flood damage or erosion potential;

(4)

Manage the alteration of flood hazard areas, watercourses, and shorelines to minimize the impact of development on the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain;

(5)

Minimize damage to public and private facilities and utilities;

(6)

Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood hazard areas;

(7)

Minimize the need for future expenditure of public funds for flood control projects and response to and recovery from flood events; and

(8)

Meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program for community participation as set forth in 44 CFR 59.22.

(d)

Coordination with the Florida Building Code. This chapter is intended to be administered and enforced in conjunction with the Florida Building Code. Where cited, ASCE 24 refers to the edition of the standard that is referenced by the Florida Building Code.

(e)

Warning. The degree of flood protection required by this chapter and the Florida Building Code, as amended by this community, is considered the minimum reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur. Flood heights may be increased by manmade or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside of mapped special flood hazard areas, or that uses permitted within such flood hazard areas, will be free from flooding or flood damage. The flood hazard areas and base flood elevations contained in the flood insurance study and shown on flood insurance rate maps and the requirements of 44 CFR 59 and 60 may be revised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, requiring this community to revise these regulations to remain eligible for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. No guaranty of vested use, existing use, or future use is implied or expressed by compliance with this chapter.

(f)

Disclaimer of liability. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the city council or by any officer or employee thereof for any flood damage that results from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-1; Ord. No. 16-19, § 1, 8-8-2019)

(a)

General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

(b)

Areas to which this chapter applies. This chapter shall apply to all flood hazard areas within the city as established in subsection (c) of this section.

(c)

Basis for establishing flood hazard areas. The Flood Insurance Study for Escambia County, Florida and Incorporated Areas dated September 29, 2006, and all subsequent amendments and revisions, and the accompanying flood insurance rate maps (FIRM), and all subsequent amendments and revisions to such maps, are adopted by reference as a part of this chapter and shall serve as the minimum basis for establishing flood hazard areas. Studies and maps that establish flood hazard areas are on file at inspection services at the city.

(d)

Submission of additional data to establish flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard areas and base flood elevations, pursuant to section 12-9-5 the floodplain administrator may require submission of additional data. Where field surveyed topography prepared by a Florida licensed professional surveyor or digital topography accepted by the community indicates that ground elevations:

(1)

Are below the closest applicable base flood elevation, even in areas not delineated as a special flood hazard area on a FIRM, the area shall be considered as flood hazard area and subject to the requirements of this chapter and, as applicable, the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

(2)

Are above the closest applicable base flood elevation, the area shall be regulated as special flood hazard area unless the applicant obtains a letter of map change that removes the area from the special flood hazard area.

(e)

Other laws. The provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.

(f)

Abrogation and greater restrictions. This chapter supersedes any ordinance in effect for management of development in flood hazard areas. However, it is not intended to repeal or abrogate any existing ordinances, including, but not limited to, land development regulations, zoning ordinances, stormwater management regulations, or the Florida Building Code. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and any other ordinance, the more restrictive shall govern. This chapter shall not impair any deed restriction, covenant or easement, but any land that is subject to such interests shall also be governed by this chapter.

(g)

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.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-2; Ord. No. 16-19, § 1, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Designation. The building official is designated as the floodplain administrator. The floodplain administrator may delegate performance of certain duties to other employees.

(b)

General. The floodplain administrator is authorized and directed to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. The floodplain administrator shall have the authority to render interpretations of this chapter consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter and may establish policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided in this chapter without the granting of a variance pursuant to section 12-9-7.

(c)

Applications and permits. The floodplain administrator, in coordination with other pertinent offices of the community, shall:

(1)

Review applications and plans to determine whether proposed new development will be located in flood hazard areas;

(2)

Review applications for modification of any existing development in flood hazard areas for compliance with the requirements of this chapter;

(3)

Interpret flood hazard area boundaries where such interpretation is necessary to determine the exact location of boundaries; a person contesting the determination shall have the opportunity to appeal the interpretation;

(4)

Provide available flood elevation and flood hazard information;

(5)

Determine whether additional flood hazard data shall be obtained from other sources or shall be developed by an applicant;

(6)

Review applications to determine whether proposed development will be reasonably safe from flooding;

(7)

Issue floodplain development permits or approvals for development other than buildings and structures that are subject to the Florida Building Code, including buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code, when compliance with this chapter is demonstrated, or disapprove the same in the event of noncompliance; and

(8)

Coordinate with and provide comments to the building official to assure that applications, plan reviews, and inspections for buildings and structures in flood hazard areas comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

(d)

Substantial improvement and substantial damage determinations. For applications for building permits to improve buildings and structures, including alterations, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, change of occupancy, additions, rehabilitations, renovations, substantial improvements, repairs of substantial damage, and any other improvement of or work on such buildings and structures, the floodplain administrator, in coordination with the building official, shall:

(1)

Estimate the market value, or require the applicant to obtain an appraisal of the market value prepared by a qualified independent appraiser, of the building or structure before the start of construction of the proposed work; in the case of repair, the market value of the building or structure shall be the market value before the damage occurred and before any repairs are made;

(2)

Compare the cost to perform the improvement, the cost to repair a damaged building to its pre-damaged condition, or the combined costs of improvements and repairs, if applicable, to the market value of the building or structure;

(3)

Determine and document whether the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage; and

(4)

Notify the applicant if it is determined that the work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage and that compliance with the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code and this chapter is required.

(e)

Modifications of the strict application of the requirements of the Florida Building Code. The floodplain administrator shall review requests submitted to the building official that seek approval to modify the strict application of the flood load and flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code to determine whether such requests require the granting of a variance pursuant to section 12-9-7.

(f)

Notices and orders. The floodplain administrator shall coordinate with appropriate local agencies for the issuance of all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this chapter.

(g)

Inspections. The floodplain administrator shall make the required inspections as specified in section 12-9-6 for development that is not subject to the Florida Building Code, including buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code. The floodplain administrator shall inspect flood hazard areas to determine if development is undertaken without issuance of a permit.

(h)

Other duties of the floodplain administrator. The floodplain administrator shall have other duties, including, but not limited to:

(1)

Establish procedures for administering and documenting determinations of substantial improvement and substantial damage made pursuant to subsection (d) of this section;

(2)

Require that applicants proposing alteration of a watercourse notify adjacent communities and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, State Floodplain Management Office, and submit copies of such notifications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);

(3)

Require applicants who submit hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses to support permit applications to submit to FEMA the data and information necessary to maintain the flood insurance rate maps if the analyses propose to change base flood elevations, flood hazard area boundaries, or floodway designations; such submissions shall be made within six months of such data becoming available;

(4)

Review required design certifications and documentation of elevations specified by this chapter and the Florida Building Code to determine that such certifications and documentations are complete;

(5)

Notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency when the corporate boundaries of the city are modified; and

(6)

Advise applicants for new buildings and structures, including substantial improvements, that are located in any unit of the coastal barrier resources system established by the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (Pub. L. 97-348) and the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-591) that federal flood insurance is not available on such construction; areas subject to this limitation are identified on flood insurance rate maps as "coastal barrier resource system areas" and "otherwise protected areas."

(i)

Floodplain management records. Regardless of any limitation on the period required for retention of public records, the floodplain administrator shall maintain and permanently keep and make available for public inspection all records that are necessary for the administration of this ordinance and the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code, including flood insurance rate maps; letters of map change; records of issuance of permits and denial of permits; determinations of whether proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage; required design certifications and documentation of elevations specified by the Florida Building Code and this chapter; notifications to adjacent communities, FEMA, and the state related to alterations of watercourses; assurances that the flood carrying capacity of altered watercourses will be maintained; documentation related to appeals and variances, including justification for issuance or denial; and records of enforcement actions taken pursuant to this chapter and the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code. These records shall be available for public inspection at inspection services of the city.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-3; Ord. No. 16-19, § 1, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Permits required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent (hereinafter "applicant") who intends to undertake any development activity within the scope of this chapter, including buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code, which is wholly within or partially within any flood hazard area shall first make application to the floodplain administrator, and shall obtain the required permits and approvals. No such permit or approval shall be issued until compliance with the requirements of this chapter and all other applicable codes and regulations has been satisfied.

(b)

Floodplain development permits or approvals. Floodplain development permits or approvals shall be issued pursuant to this chapter for any development activities not subject to the requirements of the Florida Building Code, including buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code. Depending on the nature and extent of proposed development that includes a building or structure, the floodplain administrator may determine that a floodplain development permit or approval is required in addition to a building permit.

(c)

Buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code. Pursuant to the requirements of federal regulation for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (44 CFR 59 and 60), floodplain development permits or approvals shall be required for the following buildings, structures and facilities that are exempt from the Florida Building Code and any further exemptions provided by law, which are subject to the requirements of this chapter:

(1)

Railroads and ancillary facilities associated with the railroad.

(2)

Nonresidential farm buildings on farms, as provided in F.S. § 604.50.

(3)

Temporary buildings or sheds used exclusively for construction purposes.

(4)

Mobile or modular structures used as temporary offices.

(5)

Those structures or facilities of electric utilities, as defined in F.S. § 366.02, which are directly involved in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity.

(6)

Chickees constructed by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida or the Seminole Tribe of Florida. As used in this subsection, the term "chickee" means an open-sided wooden hut that has a thatched roof of palm or palmetto or other traditional materials, and that does not incorporate any electrical, plumbing, or other non-wood features.

(7)

Family mausoleums not exceeding 250 square feet in area that are prefabricated and assembled onsite or preassembled and delivered on site and have walls, roofs, and a floor constructed of granite, marble, or reinforced concrete.

(8)

Temporary housing provided by the department of corrections to any prisoner in the state correctional system.

(9)

Structures identified in F.S. § 553.73(10)(k), are not exempt from the Florida Building Code if such structures are located in flood hazard areas established on flood insurance rate maps.

(d)

Application for a permit or approval. To obtain a floodplain development permit or approval the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished by the city. The information provided shall:

(1)

Identify and describe the development to be covered by the permit or approval.

(2)

Describe the land on which the proposed development is to be conducted by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitively locate the site.

(3)

Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed development is intended.

(4)

Be accompanied by a site plan or construction documents as specified in section 12-9-5.

(5)

State the valuation of the proposed work.

(6)

Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent.

(7)

Give such other data and information as required by the floodplain administrator.

(e)

Validity of permit or approval. The issuance of a floodplain development permit or approval pursuant to this chapter shall not be construed to be a permit for, or approval of, any violation of this chapter, the Florida Building Codes, or any other ordinance of the city. The issuance of permits based on submitted applications, construction documents, and information shall not prevent the floodplain administrator from requiring the correction of errors and omissions.

(f)

Expiration. A floodplain development permit or approval shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the work commences. Extensions for periods of not more than 180 days each shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated.

(g)

Suspension or revocation. The floodplain administrator is authorized to suspend or revoke a floodplain development permit or approval if the permit was issued in error, on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of this chapter or any other ordinance, regulation or requirement of the city.

(h)

Other permits required. Floodplain development permits and building permits shall include a condition that all other applicable state or federal permits be obtained before commencement of the permitted development, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)

The Northwest Florida Water Management District; F.S. § 373.036.

(2)

Florida Department of Health for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems; F.S. § 381.0065 and F.A.C. ch. 64E-6.

(3)

Florida Department of Environmental Protection for construction, reconstruction, changes, or physical activities for shore protection or other activities seaward of the coastal construction control line; F.S. § 161.141.

(4)

Florida Department of Environmental Protection for activities subject to the joint coastal permit; F.S. § 161.055.

(5)

Florida Department of Environmental Protection for activities that affect wetlands and alter surface water flows, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

(6)

Federal permits and approvals.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-4; Ord. No. 16-19, § 1, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Information for development in flood hazard areas. The site plan or construction documents for any development subject to the requirements of this chapter shall be drawn to scale and shall include, as applicable to the proposed development:

(1)

Delineation of flood hazard areas, floodway boundaries and flood zones, base flood elevations, and ground elevations if necessary for review of the proposed development.

(2)

Where base flood elevations or floodway data are not included on the FIRM or in the flood insurance study, they shall be established in accordance with subsection (b)(2) or (3) of this section.

(3)

Where the parcel on which the proposed development will take place will have more than 50 lots or is larger than five acres and the base flood elevations are not included on the FIRM or in the flood insurance study, such elevations shall be established in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section.

(4)

Location of the proposed activity and proposed structures, and locations of existing buildings and structures; in coastal high hazard areas, new buildings shall be located landward of the reach of mean high tide.

(5)

Location, extent, amount, and proposed final grades of any filling, grading, or excavation.

(6)

Where the placement of fill is proposed, the amount, type, and source of fill material; compaction specifications; a description of the intended purpose of the fill areas; and evidence that the proposed fill areas are the minimum necessary to achieve the intended purpose.

(7)

Delineation of the coastal construction control line or notation that the site is seaward of the coastal construction control line, if applicable.

(8)

Extent of any proposed alteration of sand dunes or mangrove stands, provided such alteration is approved by the state department of environmental protection.

(9)

Existing and proposed alignment of any proposed alteration of a watercourse.

The floodplain administrator is authorized to waive the submission of site plans, construction documents, and other data that are required by this chapter but that are not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the proposed development is such that the review of such submissions is not necessary to ascertain compliance with this chapter.

(b)

Information in flood hazard areas without base flood elevations (approximate Zone A). Where flood hazard areas are delineated on the FIRM and base flood elevation data have not been provided, the floodplain administrator shall:

(1)

Require the applicant to include base flood elevation data prepared in accordance with currently accepted engineering practices.

(2)

Obtain, review, and provide to applicants base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal or state agency or other source or require the applicant to obtain and use base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal or state agency or other source.

(3)

Where base flood elevation and floodway data are not available from another source, where the available data are deemed by the floodplain administrator to not reasonably reflect flooding conditions, or where the available data are known to be scientifically or technically incorrect or otherwise inadequate:

a.

Require the applicant to include base flood elevation data prepared in accordance with currently accepted engineering practices; or

b.

Specify that the base flood elevation is two feet above the highest adjacent grade at the location of the development, provided there is no evidence indicating flood depths have been or may be greater than two feet.

(4)

Where the base flood elevation data are to be used to support a letter of map change from FEMA, advise the applicant that the analyses shall be prepared by a Florida licensed engineer in a format required by FEMA, and that it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to satisfy the submittal requirements and pay the processing fees.

(c)

Additional analyses and certifications. As applicable to the location and nature of the proposed development activity, and in addition to the requirements of this section, the applicant shall have the following analyses signed and sealed by a Florida licensed engineer for submission with the site plan and construction documents:

(1)

For development activities proposed to be located in a regulatory floodway, a floodway encroachment analysis that demonstrates that the encroachment of the proposed development will not cause any increase in base flood elevations; where the applicant proposes to undertake development activities that do increase base flood elevations, the applicant shall submit such analysis to FEMA as specified in subsection (d) of this section and shall submit the conditional letter of map revision, if issued by FEMA, with the site plan and construction documents.

(2)

For development activities proposed to be located in a riverine flood hazard area for which base flood elevations are included in the flood insurance study or on the FIRM and floodways have not been designated, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that demonstrate that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated flood hazard area encroachments, will not increase the base flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the community. This requirement does not apply in isolated flood hazard areas not connected to a riverine flood hazard area or in flood hazard areas identified as zone AO or zone AH.

(3)

For alteration of a watercourse, an engineering analysis prepared in accordance with standard engineering practices that demonstrates that the flood-carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of the watercourse will not be decreased, and certification that the altered watercourse shall be maintained in a manner that preserves the channel's flood-carrying capacity; the applicant shall submit the analysis to FEMA as specified in subsection (d) of this section.

(4)

For activities that propose to alter sand dunes or mangrove stands in coastal high hazard areas (zone V), an engineering analysis that demonstrates that the proposed alteration will not increase the potential for flood damage.

(d)

Submission of additional data. When additional hydrologic, hydraulic or other engineering data, studies, and additional analyses are submitted to support an application, the applicant has the right to seek a letter of map change from FEMA to change the base flood elevations, change floodway boundaries, or change boundaries of flood hazard areas shown on FIRMs, and to submit such data to FEMA for such purposes. The analyses shall be prepared by a Florida licensed engineer in a format required by FEMA. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-5; Ord. No. 16-19, § 1, 8-8-2019)

(a)

General. Development for which a floodplain development permit or approval is required shall be subject to inspection.

(b)

Development other than buildings and structures. The floodplain administrator shall inspect all development to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the conditions of issued floodplain development permits or approvals.

(c)

Buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code. The floodplain administrator shall inspect buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the conditions of issued floodplain development permits or approvals.

(d)

Buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code, lowest floor inspection. Upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the owner of a building, structure or facility exempt from the Florida Building Code, or the owner's authorized agent, shall submit to the floodplain administrator:

(1)

If a design flood elevation was used to determine the required elevation of the lowest floor, the certification of elevation of the lowest floor prepared and sealed by a Florida licensed professional surveyor; or

(2)

If the elevation used to determine the required elevation of the lowest floor was determined in accordance with section 12-9-5(b)(3)b, the documentation of height of the lowest floor above highest adjacent grade, prepared by the owner or the owner's authorized agent.

(e)

Buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code, final inspection. As part of the final inspection, the owner or owner's authorized agent shall submit to the floodplain administrator a final certification of elevation of the lowest floor or final documentation of the height of the lowest floor above the highest adjacent grade; such certifications and documentations shall be prepared as specified in subsection (d) of this section.

(f)

Manufactured homes. The floodplain administrator shall inspect manufactured homes that are installed or replaced in flood hazard areas to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the conditions of the issued permit. Upon placement of a manufactured home, certification of the elevation of the lowest floor shall be submitted to the floodplain administrator.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-6; Ord. No. 16-19, § 1, 8-8-2019)

(a)

General. The construction board of adjustments and appeals shall hear and decide on requests for appeals and requests for variances from the strict application of this chapter. Pursuant to F.S. § 553.73(5), the construction board of adjustments and appeals shall hear and decide appeals and requests for variances from the strict application of the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code. This section does not apply to section 3109 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

(b)

Appeals. The construction board of adjustments and appeals shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the floodplain administrator in the administration and enforcement of this chapter. Any person aggrieved by the decision may appeal such decision by certiorari appeal to the circuit court.

(c)

Limitations on authority to grant variances. Construction board of adjustments and appeals shall base its decisions on variances on technical justifications submitted by applicants, the considerations for issuance in subsection (g) of this section, the conditions of issuance set forth in subsection (h) of this section, and the comments and recommendations of the floodplain administrator. The construction board of adjustments and appeals has the right to attach such conditions as it deems necessary to further the purposes and objectives of this chapter.

(d)

Restrictions in floodways. A variance shall not be issued for any proposed development in a floodway if any increase in base flood elevations would result, as evidenced by the applicable analyses and certifications required in section 12-9-5(c).

(e)

Historic buildings. A variance is authorized to be issued for the repair, improvement, or rehabilitation of a historic building that is determined eligible for the exception to the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code, Existing Building, Chapter 12 Historic Buildings, upon a determination that the proposed repair, improvement, or rehabilitation will not preclude the building's continued designation as a historic building and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the building. If the proposed work precludes the building's continued designation as a historic building, a variance shall not be granted and the building and any repair, improvement, and rehabilitation shall be subject to the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

(f)

Functionally dependent uses. A variance is authorized to be issued for the construction or substantial improvement necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use, as defined in this chapter, provided the variance meets the requirements of section 12-9-5(d), is the minimum necessary considering the flood hazard, and all due consideration has been given to use of methods and materials that minimize flood damage during occurrence of the base flood.

(g)

Considerations for issuance of variances. In reviewing requests for variances, the construction board of adjustments and appeals shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, all other applicable provisions of the Florida Building Code, this chapter, and the following:

(1)

The danger that materials and debris may be swept onto other lands resulting in further injury or damage;

(2)

The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;

(3)

The susceptibility of the proposed development, including contents, to flood damage and the effect of such damage on current and future owners;

(4)

The importance of the services provided by the proposed development to the community;

(5)

The availability of alternate locations for the proposed development that are subject to lower risk of flooding or erosion;

(6)

The compatibility of the proposed development with existing and anticipated development;

(7)

The relationship of the proposed development to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for the area;

(8)

The safety of access to the property in times of flooding for ordinary and emergency vehicles;

(9)

The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and debris and sediment transport of the floodwaters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and

(10)

The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, streets and bridges.

(h)

Conditions for issuance of variances. Variances shall be issued only upon:

(1)

Submission by the applicant, of a showing of good and sufficient cause that the unique characteristics of the size, configuration, or topography of the site limit compliance with any provision of this chapter or the required elevation standards;

(2)

Determination by the construction board of adjustments and appeals that:

a.

Failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship due to the physical characteristics of the land that render the lot undevelopable; increased costs to satisfy the requirements or inconvenience do not constitute hardship;

b.

The granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, nor create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or conflict with existing local laws and ordinances; and

c.

The variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief;

(3)

Receipt of a signed statement by the applicant that the variance, if granted, shall be recorded in the office of the clerk of the court in such a manner that it appears in the chain of title of the affected parcel of land; and

(4)

If the request is for a variance to allow construction of the lowest floor of a new building, or substantial improvement of a building, below the required elevation, a copy in the record of a written notice from the floodplain administrator to the applicant for the variance, specifying the difference between the base flood elevation and the proposed elevation of the lowest floor, stating that the cost of federal flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced floor elevation (up to amounts as high as $25.00 for $100.00 of insurance coverage), and stating that construction below the base flood elevation increases risks to life and property.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-7; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Violations. Any development that is not within the scope of the Florida Building Code but that is regulated by this chapter that is performed without an issued permit, that is in conflict with an issued permit, or that does not fully comply with this chapter, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter. A building or structure without the documentation of elevation of the lowest floor, other required design certifications, or other evidence of compliance required by this chapter or the Florida Building Code is presumed to be a violation until such time as that documentation is provided.

(b)

Authority. For development that is not within the scope of the Florida Building Code but that is regulated by this chapter and that is determined to be a violation, the floodplain administrator is authorized to serve notices of violation or stop work orders to owners of the property involved, to the owner's agent, or to the person performing the work.

(c)

Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a notice of violation or a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove or remedy a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-8; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter, have the meanings shown in this section.

(b)

Terms defined in the Florida Building Code. Where terms are not defined in this chapter and are defined in the Florida Building Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in that code.

(c)

Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or the Florida Building Code, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-9; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Alteration of a watercourse means a dam, impoundment, channel relocation, change in channel alignment, channelization, or change in cross-sectional area of the channel or the channel capacity, or any other form of modification that may alter, impede, retard or change the direction and/or velocity of the riverine flow of water during conditions of the base flood.

Appeal means a request for a review of the floodplain administrator's interpretation of any provision of this chapter.

ASCE 24 means a standard titled flood resistant design and construction that is referenced by the Florida Building Code. ASCE 24 is developed and published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, VA.

Base flood means a flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. (Also defined in FBC, B, Section 202.) The base flood is commonly referred to as the "100-year flood" or the "one-percent-annual chance flood."

Base flood elevation means the elevation of the base flood, including wave height, relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) or other datum specified on the flood insurance rate map (FIRM). (Also defined in FBC, B, Section 202.)

Basement means the portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. (Also defined in FBC, B, Section 202; see "basement (for flood loads)".)

Coastal construction control line means the line established by the state pursuant to F.S. § 161.053, and recorded in the official records of the community, which defines that portion of the beach-dune system subject to severe fluctuations based on a 100-year storm surge, storm waves or other predictable weather conditions.

Coastal high hazard area means a special flood hazard area extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from storms or seismic sources. Coastal high hazard areas are also referred to as "high hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action" or "V zones" and are designated on flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) as zone V1-V30, VE, or V.

Design flood means the flood associated with the greater of the following two areas:

(1)

Area with a floodplain subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any year; or

(2)

Area designated as a flood hazard area on the community's flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.

Design flood elevation means the elevation of the "design flood," including wave height, relative to the datum specified on the community's legally designated flood hazard map. In areas designated as zone AO, the design flood elevation shall be the elevation of the highest existing grade of the building's perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specified on the flood hazard map. In areas designated as zone AO where the depth number is not specified on the map, the depth number shall be taken as being equal to two feet.

Development means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, tanks, temporary structures, temporary or permanent storage of equipment or materials, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavations, drilling operations or any other land disturbing activities.

Encroachment means the placement of fill, excavation, buildings, permanent structures or other development into a flood hazard area that may impede or alter the flow capacity of riverine flood hazard areas.

Existing building andexisting structure mean any buildings and structures for which the "start of construction" commenced before September 15, 1977.

Existing manufactured home park or subdivision means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before September 15, 1977.

Expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision means the preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) means the federal agency that, in addition to carrying out other functions, administers the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood or flooding means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land from:

(1)

The overflow of inland or tidal waters.

(2)

The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

Flood damage-resistant materials means any construction material capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining any damage that requires more than cosmetic repair.

Flood hazard area means the greater of the following two areas:

(1)

The area within a floodplain subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any year.

(2)

The area designated as a flood hazard area on the community's flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.

Flood insurance rate map (FIRM) means the official map of the community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

Flood insurance study (FIS) means the official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that contains the flood insurance rate map, the flood boundary and floodway map (if applicable), the water surface elevations of the base flood, and supporting technical data.

Floodplain administrator means the office or position designated and charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter (may be referred to as the floodplain manager).

Floodplain development permit or approval means an official document or certificate issued by the community, or other evidence of approval or concurrence, that authorizes performance of specific development activities that are located in flood hazard areas and that are determined to be compliant with this chapter.

Floodway means the channel of a river or other riverine watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.

Floodway encroachment analysis means an engineering analysis of the impact that a proposed encroachment into a floodway is expected to have on the floodway boundaries and base flood elevations; the evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified Florida licensed engineer using standard engineering methods and models.

Florida Building Code means the family of codes referenced in F.S. ch. 553, adopted by the Florida Building Commission, including: Florida Building Code, Building; Florida Building Code, Residential; Florida Building Code, Existing Building; Florida Building Code, Mechanical; Florida Building Code, Plumbing; Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas.

Freeboard means the additional height, usually expressed as a factor of safety in feet, above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management. Freeboard tends to compensate for many unknown factors, such as wave action, bridge openings and hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed, that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected frequency flood and floodway conditions.

Functionally dependent use means a use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water, including only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities; the term does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.

Highest adjacent grade means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls or foundation of a structure.

Historic structure means any structure that is determined eligible for the exception to the flood hazard area requirements of the Florida Building Code, Existing Building, Chapter 12 Historic Buildings.

Letter of map change (LOMC) means an official determination issued by FEMA that amends or revises an effective flood insurance rate map or flood insurance study. Letters of map change include:

(1)

Letter of map amendment (LOMA): An amendment based on technical data showing that a property was incorrectly included in a designated special flood hazard area. A LOMA amends the current effective flood insurance rate map and establishes that a specific property, portion of a property, or structure is not located in a special flood hazard area.

(2)

Letter of map revision (LOMR): A revision based on technical data that may show changes to flood zones, flood elevations, special flood hazard area boundaries and floodway delineations, and other planimetric features.

(3)

Letter of map revision based on fill (LOMR-F): A determination that a structure or parcel of land has been elevated by fill above the base flood elevation and is, therefore, no longer located within the special flood hazard area. In order to qualify for this determination, the fill must have been permitted and placed in accordance with the community's floodplain management regulations.

(4)

Conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR): A formal review and comment as to whether a proposed flood protection project or other project complies with the minimum NFIP requirements for such projects with respect to delineation of special flood hazard areas. A CLOMR does not revise the effective flood insurance rate map or flood insurance study; upon submission and approval of certified as-built documentation, a letter of map revision may be issued by FEMA to revise the effective FIRM.

Light-duty truck means as defined in 40 CFR 86.082-2, any motor vehicle rated at 8,500 pounds gross vehicular weight rating or less which has a vehicular curb weight of 6,000 pounds or less and which has a basic vehicle frontal area of 45 square feet or less, which is:

(1)

Designed primarily for purposes of transportation of property or is a derivation of such a vehicle;

(2)

Designed primarily for transportation of persons and has a capacity of more than 12 persons; or

(3)

Available with special features enabling off-street or off-highway operation and use.

Lowest floor means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area of a building or structure, including basement, but excluding any unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, other than a basement, usable solely for vehicle parking, building access or limited storage provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the non-elevation requirements of the Florida Building Code or ASCE 24.

Manufactured home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is eight feet or more in width and greater than 400 square feet, and which is built on a permanent, integral 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 a "recreational vehicle" or "park trailer."

Manufactured home park or subdivision means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

Market value means the price at which a property will change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither party being under compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. As used in this chapter, the term refers to the market value of buildings and structures, excluding the land and other improvements on the parcel. Market value may be established by a qualified independent appraiser, actual cash value (replacement cost depreciated for age and quality of construction), or tax assessment value adjusted to approximate market value by a factor provided by the property appraiser.

New construction means, for the purposes of administration of this chapter and the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code, structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after September 15, 1977 and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

New manufactured home park or subdivision means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after September 15, 1977.

Park trailer means a transportable unit that has a body width not exceeding 14 feet and which is built on a single chassis and is designed to provide seasonal or temporary living quarters when connected to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances.

Recreational vehicle means a vehicle, including a park trailer, which is:

(1)

Built on a single chassis;

(2)

Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;

(3)

Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and

(4)

Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

Sand dunes means naturally occurring accumulations of sand in ridges or mounds landward of the beach.

Special flood hazard area means an area in the floodplain subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. Special flood hazard areas are shown on FIRMs as zone A, AO, A1—A30, AE, A99, AH, V1—V30, VE or V.

Start of construction means the date of issuance of permits for new construction and substantial improvements, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement is within 180 days of the date of the issuance. The actual start of construction means either the first placement of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, or the construction of columns.

Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, grading, or filling), the installation of streets or walkways, excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations, the erection of temporary forms or the installation of accessory buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main buildings. 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.

Substantial damage means damage of any origin sustained by a building or structure whereby the cost of restoring the building or structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the building or structure before the damage occurred.

Substantial improvement means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition, or other improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building or structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has incurred "substantial damage," any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

(1)

Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary, or safety code violations identified by the building official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.

(2)

Any alteration of a historic structure provided the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.

Variance means a grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter, or the flood resistant construction requirements of the Florida Building Code, which permits construction in a manner that would not otherwise be permitted by this chapter or the Florida Building Code.

Watercourse means a river, creek, stream, channel or other topographic feature in, on, through, or over which water flows at least periodically.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-10; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Design and construction of buildings, structures and facilities exempt from the Florida Building Code. Pursuant to section 12-9-4(c), buildings, structures, and facilities that are exempt from the Florida Building Code, including substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage of such buildings, structures and facilities, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the flood load and flood resistant construction requirements of ASCE 24. Structures exempt from the Florida Building Code that are not walled and roofed buildings shall comply with the requirements of section 12-9-17.

(b)

Buildings and structures seaward of the coastal construction control line. If extending, in whole or in part, seaward of the coastal construction control line and also located, in whole or in part, in a flood hazard area:

(1)

Buildings and structures shall be designed and constructed to comply with the more restrictive applicable requirements of the Florida Building Code, Building Section 3109 and Section 1612 or Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322.

(2)

Minor structures and non-habitable major structures as defined in F.S. § 161.54, shall be designed and constructed to comply with the intent and applicable provisions of this chapter and ASCE 24.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-11; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Minimum requirements. Subdivision proposals, including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions, shall be reviewed to determine that:

(1)

Such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and will be reasonably safe from flooding;

(2)

All public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electric, communications, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and

(3)

Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards; in zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths shall be provided to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

(b)

Subdivision plats. Where any portion of proposed subdivisions, including manufactured home parks and subdivisions, lies within a flood hazard area, the following shall be required:

(1)

Delineation of flood hazard areas, floodway boundaries and flood zones, and design flood elevations, as appropriate, shall be shown on preliminary plats;

(2)

Where the subdivision has more than 50 lots or is larger than five acres and base flood elevations are not included on the FIRM, the base flood elevations determined in accordance with section 12-9-5(b)(1); and

(3)

Compliance with the site improvement and utilities requirements of section 12-9-13.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-12; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Minimum requirements. All proposed new development shall be reviewed to determine that:

(1)

Such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and will be reasonably safe from flooding;

(2)

All public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electric, communications, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and

(3)

Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards; in zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths shall be provided to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

(b)

Sanitary sewage facilities. All new and replacement sanitary sewage facilities, private sewage treatment plants (including all pumping stations and collector systems), and onsite waste disposal systems shall be designed in accordance with the standards for onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in F.A.C. ch. 64E-6 and ASCE 24 Chapter 7 to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the facilities and discharge from the facilities into flood waters, and impairment of the facilities and systems.

(c)

Water supply facilities. All new and replacement water supply facilities shall be designed in accordance with the water well construction standards in F.A.C. ch. 62-532.500 and ASCE 24 Chapter 7 to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems.

(d)

Limitations on sites in regulatory floodways. No development, including, but not limited to, site improvements, and land disturbing activity involving fill or regrading, shall be authorized in the regulatory floodway unless the floodway encroachment analysis required in section 12-9-5(c)(1) demonstrates that the proposed development or land disturbing activity will not result in any increase in the base flood elevation.

(e)

Limitations on placement of fill. Subject to the limitations of this chapter, fill shall be designed to be stable under conditions of flooding including rapid rise and rapid drawdown of floodwaters, prolonged inundation, and protection against flood-related erosion and scour. In addition to these requirements, if intended to support buildings and structures (zone A only), fill shall comply with the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

(f)

Limitations on sites in coastal high hazard areas (zone V). In coastal high hazard areas, alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands shall be permitted only if such alteration is approved by the state department of environmental protection and only if the engineering analysis required by section 12-9-5(c)(4) demonstrates that the proposed alteration will not increase the potential for flood damage. Construction or restoration of dunes under or around elevated buildings and structures shall comply with section 12-9-17(h)(3).

(Code 1986, § 12-10-13; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

General. All manufactured homes installed in flood hazard areas shall be installed by an installer that is licensed pursuant to F.S. § 320.8249, and shall comply with the requirements of F.A.C. ch. 15C-1 and the requirements of this chapter. If located seaward of the coastal construction control line, all manufactured homes shall comply with the more restrictive of the applicable requirements.

(b)

Limitations on installation in floodways. New installations of manufactured homes shall not be permitted in floodways.

(c)

Foundations. All new manufactured homes and replacement manufactured homes installed in flood hazard areas shall be installed on permanent, reinforced foundations that:

(1)

In flood hazard areas (zone A) other than coastal high hazard areas, are designed in accordance with the foundation requirements of the Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322.2 and this chapter. Foundations for manufactured homes subject to subsection (g) of this section are permitted to be reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength.

(2)

In coastal high hazard areas (zone V), are designed in accordance with the foundation requirements of the Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322.3 and this chapter.

(d)

Anchoring. All new manufactured homes and replacement manufactured homes shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize flood damage and shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This anchoring requirement is in addition to applicable state and local anchoring requirements for wind resistance.

(e)

Elevation. Manufactured homes that are placed, replaced, or substantially improved shall comply with subsection (f) or (g) of this section, as applicable.

(f)

General elevation requirement. Unless subject to the requirements of subsection (g) of this section, all manufactured homes that are placed, replaced, or substantially improved on sites located:

(1)

Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision;

(2)

In a new manufactured home park or subdivision;

(3)

In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision; or

(4)

In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision upon which a manufactured home has incurred "substantial damage" as the result of a flood;

shall be elevated such that the bottom of the frame is at or above the elevation required, as applicable to the flood hazard area, in the Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322.2 (zone A) or Section R322.3 (zone V).

(g)

Elevation requirement for certain existing manufactured home parks and subdivisions. Manufactured homes that are not subject to subsection (f) of this section, including manufactured homes that are placed, replaced, or substantially improved on sites located in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, unless on a site where substantial damage as result of flooding has occurred, shall be elevated such that either the:

(1)

Bottom of the frame of the manufactured home is at or above the elevation required, as applicable to the flood hazard area, in the Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322.2 (zone A) or Section R322.3 (zone V); or

(2)

Bottom of the frame is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are not less than six feet in height above grade.

(h)

Enclosures. Enclosed areas below elevated manufactured homes shall comply with the requirements of the Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322.2 or R322.3 for such enclosed areas, as applicable to the flood hazard area.

(i)

Utility equipment. Utility equipment that serves manufactured homes, including electric, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities, shall comply with the requirements of the Florida Building Code, Residential Section R322, as applicable to the flood hazard area.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-14; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Temporary placement. Recreational vehicles and park trailers placed temporarily in flood hazard areas shall:

(1)

Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; or

(2)

Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, which means the recreational vehicle or park model is on wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick-disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanent attachments such as additions, rooms, stairs, decks and porches.

(b)

Permanent placement. Recreational vehicles and park trailers that do not meet the limitations in subsection (a) of this section for temporary placement shall meet the requirements of section 12-9-14 for manufactured homes.

(c)

Limitations on installation in coastal high hazard areas (zone V). Owners of existing recreational vehicle parks in coastal high hazard areas shall not expand or increase the number of parking sites unless a plan for removal of units from the coastal high hazard area prior to a predicted flood event is prepared and submitted to Escambia County Emergency Management. Recreational vehicle park owners shall notify vehicle owners of the plan for removal.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-15; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

Underground tanks. Underground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads during conditions of the design flood, including the effects of buoyancy assuming the tank is empty.

(b)

Above-ground tanks, not elevated. Above-ground tanks that do not meet the elevation requirements of subsection (c) of this section shall:

(1)

Be permitted in flood hazard areas (zone A) other than coastal high hazard areas, provided the tanks are anchored or otherwise designed and constructed to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads during conditions of the design flood, including the effects of buoyancy assuming the tank is empty and the effects of flood-borne debris.

(2)

Not be permitted in coastal high hazard areas (zone V).

(c)

Above-ground tanks, elevated. Above-ground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be elevated to or above the design flood elevation and attached to a supporting structure that is designed to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement during conditions of the design flood. Tank-supporting structures shall meet the foundation requirements of the applicable flood hazard area.

(d)

Tank inlets and vents. Tank inlets, fill openings, outlets and vents shall be:

(1)

At or above the design flood elevation or fitted with covers designed to prevent the inflow of floodwater or outflow of the contents of the tanks during conditions of the design flood; and

(2)

Anchored to prevent lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-16; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)

(a)

General requirements for other development. All development, including manmade changes to improved or unimproved real estate for which specific provisions are not specified in this chapter or the Florida Building Code, shall:

(1)

Be located and constructed to minimize flood damage;

(2)

Meet the limitations of section 12-9-13(d) if located in a regulated floodway;

(3)

Be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood;

(4)

Be constructed of flood damage-resistant materials; and

(5)

Have mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems above the design flood elevation or meet the requirements of ASCE 24, except that minimum electric service required to address life safety and electric code requirements is permitted below the design flood elevation provided it conforms to the provisions of the electrical part of building code for wet locations.

(b)

Fences in regulated floodways. Fences in regulated floodways that have the potential to block the passage of floodwaters, such as stockade fences and wire mesh fences, shall meet the limitations of section 12-9-13(d).

(c)

Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways in regulated floodways. Retaining walls and sidewalks and driveways that involve the placement of fill in regulated floodways shall meet the limitations of section 12-9-13(d).

(d)

Roads and watercourse crossings in regulated floodways. Roads and watercourse crossings, including roads, bridges, culverts, low-water crossings and similar means for vehicles or pedestrians to travel from one side of a watercourse to the other side, that encroach into regulated floodways shall meet the limitations of section 12-9-13(d). Alteration of a watercourse that is part of a road or watercourse crossing shall meet the requirements of section 12-9-5(c)(3).

(e)

Concrete slabs used as parking pads, enclosure floors, landings, decks, walkways, patios and similar nonstructural uses in coastal high hazard areas (zone V). In coastal high hazard areas, concrete slabs used as parking pads, enclosure floors, landings, decks, walkways, patios and similar nonstructural uses are permitted beneath or adjacent to buildings and structures provided the concrete slabs are designed and constructed to be:

(1)

Structurally independent of the foundation system of the building or structure;

(2)

Frangible and not reinforced, so as to minimize debris during flooding that is capable of causing significant damage to any structure; and

(3)

Have a maximum slab thickness of not more than four inches.

(f)

Decks and patios in coastal high hazard areas (zone V). In addition to the requirements of the Florida Building Code, in coastal high hazard areas decks and patios shall be located, designed, and constructed in compliance with the following:

(1)

A deck that is structurally attached to a building or structure shall have the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member at or above the design flood elevation and any supporting members that extend below the design flood elevation shall comply with the foundation requirements that apply to the building or structure, which shall be designed to accommodate any increased loads resulting from the attached deck.

(2)

A deck or patio that is located below the design flood elevation shall be structurally independent from buildings or structures and their foundation systems, and shall be designed and constructed either to remain intact and in place during design flood conditions or to break apart into small pieces to minimize debris during flooding that is capable of causing structural damage to the building or structure or to adjacent buildings and structures.

(3)

A deck or patio that has a vertical thickness of more than 12 inches or that is constructed with more than the minimum amount of fill necessary for site drainage shall not be approved unless an analysis prepared by a qualified registered design professional demonstrates no harmful diversion of floodwaters or wave runup and wave reflection that would increase damage to the building or structure or to adjacent buildings and structures.

(4)

A deck or patio that has a vertical thickness of 12 inches or less and that is at natural grade or on nonstructural fill material that is similar to and compatible with local soils and is the minimum amount necessary for site drainage may be approved without requiring analysis of the impact on diversion of floodwaters or wave runup and wave reflection.

(g)

Other development in coastal high hazard areas (zone V). In coastal high hazard areas, development activities other than buildings and structures shall be permitted only if also authorized by the appropriate federal, state or local authority; if located outside the footprint of, and not structurally attached to, buildings and structures; and if analyses prepared by qualified registered design professionals demonstrate no harmful diversion of floodwaters or wave runup and wave reflection that would increase damage to adjacent buildings and structures. Such other development activities include, but are not limited to:

(1)

Bulkheads, seawalls, retaining walls, revetments, and similar erosion control structures;

(2)

Solid fences and privacy walls, and fences prone to trapping debris, unless designed and constructed to fail under flood conditions less than the design flood or otherwise function to avoid obstruction of floodwaters; and

(3)

Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems defined in F.A.C. 64E-6.002, as filled systems or mound systems.

(h)

Nonstructural fill in coastal high hazard areas (zone V). In coastal high hazard areas:

(1)

Minor grading and the placement of minor quantities of nonstructural fill shall be permitted for landscaping and for drainage purposes under and around buildings.

(2)

Nonstructural fill with finished slopes that are steeper than one unit vertical to five units horizontal shall be permitted only if an analysis prepared by a qualified registered design professional demonstrates no harmful diversion of floodwaters or wave runup and wave reflection that would increase damage to adjacent buildings and structures.

(3)

Where authorized by the state department of environmental protection or applicable local approval, sand dune construction and restoration of sand dunes under or around elevated buildings are permitted without additional engineering analysis or certification of the diversion of floodwater or wave runup and wave reflection if the scale and location of the dune work is consistent with local beach-dune morphology and the vertical clearance is maintained between the top of the sand dune and the lowest horizontal structural member of the building.

(Code 1986, § 12-10-17; Ord. No. 16-19, § 2, 8-8-2019)