Princeton City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 1385
Flood Plain Regulations
1385.01 INTENT.
The specific intent of this article is to:
(a) Promote the general health, welfare, and safety of the community.
(b) Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental units and its individuals by preventing excessive development in areas subject to periodic flooding.
(c) Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural drainage.
(d) Promote responsible floodproofing measures within the Flood Plain District.
(12-17-79)
1385.02 FLOOD PLAIN DEFINED.
The "flood plain" is defined as:
(a) A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river, stream, or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation.
(b) An area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
(12-17-79)
1385.03 FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICT ESTABLISHED.
Those areas subject to inundation of flood waters of the 100-year frequency and indicated as Zone F-A on the Zoning Map shall be the Flood Plain District.
(12-17-79)
1385.04 PERMITTED USES.
In Zone F-A, the development and/or use of any land will be permitted, provided that the development or use adheres to:
(a) All requirements of the underlying zone.
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1385.05 REGULATIONS FOR AREAS IN ZONE F-A.
(a) Building Elevation. No first floor, or opening below the first floor, of any building shall be constructed at an elevation of less than one foot above the elevation of the 100-year flood.
(b) Structural Anchoring. Any structure permitted shall be firmly anchored to prevent such structure from floating away, and thus threatening life or property downstream, or constricting bridge openings and other constricted sections of the waterbody.
(c) Structural Effect. Any structures permitted shall be constructed and placed on the lot so as to offer minimum obstruction to the flow of water, and shall be designed to have a minimum effect upon the flow and height of flood water.
(d) Obstructions. The following shall not be placed or caused to be placed in the flood hazard area; fences, except two-wire fences; other structures or matter which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water, or that will catch or collect debris carried by such water, or that are placed where the natural flow of the stream or flood waters would carry the same downstream to the damage or detriment of either public or private property adjacent to the flood plain.
(e) On-Site Sewage Disposa1 Systems. No part of any on-site sewage disposal system shall be constructed within this area.
(f) Storage of Materials. No materials that are buoyant, flammable or explosive, or in times of flooding could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, shall be stored below an elevation of one foot above the elevation of the 100-year flood.
(g) Installation of Fill Materials. Fill shall consist of soil or rock material only. Sanitary land fills shall not be permitted.
(h) Recommendations of an Architect or Engineer. Plans for buildings and structures within this area shall incorporate the recommendations of a registered architect or certified engineer, to provide for protection against predictable hazards.
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1385.06 APPROVAL BY THE ZONING OFFICIAL REQUIRED.
In addition to meeting the normal requirements for obtaining a building permit, all plans for buildings and structures within or adjacent to the Flood Plain District shall adhere to the specifications and requirements contained in Section 1385.05. Prior to the granting of a permit, a written statement from a registered architect or engineer shall be submitted attesting that all structures in question meet the specifications stated in Section 1385.05.
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1385.07 MUNICIPAL LIABILITY.
The grant of a zoning permit or approval of a Subdivision Plan in the Flood Plain District shall not constitute a representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind by the Municipality, or by any official or employee thereof, of the practicality or safety of the proposed use, and shall create no liability upon the Municipality, its officials or employees.
(12-17-79)