ORDINANCE NO

Transcription

1 ORDINANCE NO Introduced by: Joseph M. Reda Date of introduction: TO AMEND CHAPTER 40 OF THE NEW CASTLE COUNTY CODE (ALSO KNOWN AS THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE OR UDC ), ARTICLE 4 ( DISTRICT INTENSITY AND BULK STANDARDS ), ARTICLE 5 ( SITE CAPACITY AND CONCURRENCY CALCULATIONS ), ARTICLE 7 ( TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND OTHER INCENTIVES AND BONUSES ), ARTICLE 10 ( ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS ), ARTICLE 30 ( COUNTY COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES ), ARTICLE 31 ( PROCEDURES AND ADMINSTRATION ), AND ARTICLE 33 ( DEFINITIONS ), REGARDING ADOPTION OF REVISED FEMA FLOODPLAIN MAPS AND FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) has identified special flood hazard areas within the boundaries of New Castle County ( County ); and WHEREAS, such areas may be 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, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare; and WHEREAS, the County was accepted for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program ( NFIP ) on December 3, 1971 and County Council desires to continue to meet the requirements of Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 59 and 60, necessary for such participation; and WHEREAS, FEMA has issued a new set of flood maps and studies and the new flood maps and studies have introduced new flood zones that require revisions to the County s floodplain management regulations to ensure compliance with the NFIP and to provide standards that offer reasonable safety to residents choosing to live and work in flood prone areas of the County; and WHEREAS, prior to the February 4, 2015 effective date of the revised maps, the County s floodplain management regulations must be amended so that the County remains eligible to participate in the NFIP and to maintain or improve its FEMA Community Rating; and WHEREAS, adoption of this Ordinance is necessary to maintain or improve the County s FEMA Community Rating, which potentially will lower flood insurance rates for property owners in the County participating in the NFIP; and FEMA Text Amendment Page 1

2 WHEREAS, the 2015 International Building and Residential Codes contain provisions for the design and construction of buildings, structures, and dwellings in special flood hazard areas which, along with this ordinance, New Castle County intends to adopt prior to the effective date of the new FEMA flood maps; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance will also reorganize Article 10 to provide a division specifically dedicated to the Floodplain Management Regulations and restructure the Article to provide a better organization and flow within the sections and divisions; and WHEREAS, County Council has determined that the provisions of this Ordinance substantially advance, and are reasonably and rationally related to, legitimate government interests, including, but not limited to, the protection and preservation of the public health, safety, prosperity, general welfare, and quality of life. NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNTY OF NEW CASTLE HEREBY ORDAINS: Section 1. New Castle County Code Chapter 40 ( Unified Development Code or UDC ), Article 4 ( District Intensity and Bulk Standards ), Division ( District performance standards ), Table C ( District and Bulk Standards ), is hereby amended by underlining the material to be added and by deleting the material in brackets and with strikethroughs, as follows: Zoning District and Type Suburban Reserve (SR) Suburban (S) Farmstead Single-family, conservation design Open space subdivision option 1, conservation design Open space subdivision option 2 Age-restricted open space subdivision, see Division Table C. DISTRICT AND BULK STANDARDS Storage and Comments Exterior Storage Percent of Lot area na. Notes *Division [ ] **Division na. *Division [ ] na. *Division [ ] na. *Division [ ] FEMA Text Amendment Page 2

3 Open space planned na. *A minimum of **Division [ ] Age restricted open space planned Section 2. New Castle County Code Chapter 40 ( Unified Development Code or UDC ), Article 5 ( Site Capacity and Concurrency Calculations ), Division ( Site resource capacity ), Table ( Calculation for total protected land ), is hereby amended by underlining the material to be added and by deleting the material in brackets and with strikethroughs, as follows: Table CALCULATION FOR TOTAL PROTECTED LAND Step 1 Enter gross site area as determined by actual survey..... ac. Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Measure all natural resources in the base site area and enter in the Acres Measured Column 2. If resources overlap, measure only that resource with the highest resource protection ratio. These numbers provide each resource's area of land. Multiply by Resource Protection Ratio for the district Columns 3 or 4, and insert result in column 5. Natural Resource Acres Measured Column 2 Multiply Column 2 by Resource Protection Ratio. CN, CR, ON, OR, BP, All other I, HI districts districts Column 3 Column 4 Floodplain/Floodway Wetland [(see Section )] Riparian Buffer Sum of Step 2 column equals Total Resource Land Protected Resource Land equals sum of Protected Land column. Protected Land. Column 5 NOTES: * There are other standards of protection which include mandatory mitigation or construction in Article 10. ** Any future developer shall be required to use the original forest cover as set forth in Sections C and E. Section 3. New Castle County Code Chapter 40 ( Unified Development Code or UDC ), Article 7 ( Transfer of Development Rights and Other Incentives and Bonuses* ), Division ( Workforce housing incentives* ), Section ( Site development incentives ) is hereby amended by underlining the material to be added and by deleting the material in brackets and with strikethroughs, as follows: Sec Site development incentives. FEMA Text Amendment Page 3

4 Proposed workforce development projects are entitled to the following by-right development incentives to accommodate the additional units resulting from the residential density bonus: A. Within Table A, a thirty (30) percent reduction E. The transfer of protection for water resource protection areas is permitted in accordance with Section [ ] C; F. The use of semi-detached Section 4. New Castle County Code Chapter 40 ( Unified Development Code or UDC ), Article 10 ( Environmental Standards ), Division ( Resource protection standards ), is hereby amended by underlining the material to be added and by deleting the material in brackets and with strikethroughs, as follows: Natural Resource Table RESOURCE PROTECTION LEVELS Resource Protection Levels CN, CR, ON, OR, BP, I, HI Districts All Other Districts Floodplain/floodway Wetland [(see Section )] Riparian buffer Other [CAN] CNA Historic See Article 15 Sec. [ ] Additional resource standards. Sec. [ ] Wetlands. Sec. [ ] Riparian buffer areas (RBA). Sec. [ ] RBA [D]design standards. FEMA Text Amendment Page 4

5 Sec. [ ] Surface water bodies. Sec. [ ] Steep slopes. Sec. [ ] Forests. Sec. [ ] Standards for mitigation of forests. Sec. [ ] Drainageways. Sec. [ ] Critical Natural Areas (CNA). Sec. [ ] Sinkholes. [Division ]Sec Water Resources Protection Areas (WRPA). A. Water resource protection areas are the Cockeysville Formation, Cockeysville Formation drainage area, wellheads, and recharge areas. All such areas are as depicted on the three (3) map series "Water Resource Protections Areas for the City of Newark, City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware," prepared by the Water Resources Agency for New Castle County that is dated [1993]2011, or as amended. These areas shall be protected as required by the following Sections to protect the County's water resources from contamination and pollution and to insure adequate water quantity for future needs. B. No development.... Sec. [ ] Cockeysville Formation. FEMA Text Amendment Page 5

6 [Sec Reserved.] Sec. [ ] Wellheads protection areas (public water supply wells). Sec. [ ] Recharge areas and Cockeysville Formation drainage areas. Sec. [ ] Boundary determination. Sec. [ ] Uniform standards and criteria. A. The following standards and criteria shall be applicable to any use requiring an environmental impact assessment report permitted pursuant to this division: 1. Stormwater management facilities shall be designed and constructed in accordance with DNREC "Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations," [dated January 23, 1991] effective January 1, 2014 or as later revised. 2. With the exception.... Section 5. New Castle County Code Chapter 40 ( Unified Development Code or UDC ), Article 10 ( Environmental Standards ), Division ( Open space regulations ) is hereby amended by underlining the material to be added and by deleting the material in brackets and with strikethroughs, as follows: Division Open space regulations. [Division ]Sec Standards for open space uses. Sec. [ ] Natural resource area and community area open space. Sec. [ ] Clearing. Sec. [ ] Nurseries. FEMA Text Amendment Page 6

7 Sec. [ ] Hunting and fishing areas. Sec. [ ] Golf courses. Sec. [ ] Playing courts and pools. Sec. [ ] Roads, parking lots and utilities. Sec. [ ] Essential access. Section 6. New Castle County Code Chapter 40 ( Unified Development Code or UDC ), Article 10 ( Environmental Standards ), Division ( Additional resource standards ) is hereby amended by underlining the material to be added and by deleting the material in brackets and with strikethroughs, as follows: Division [Additional resource standards] Floodplain management regulations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified special flood hazard areas within the boundaries of New Castle County. Special 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, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare. Development that is inadequately elevated, improperly floodproofed, or otherwise unprotected from flood damage also contributes to flood loss. New Castle County agreed to meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and was accepted for participation in the program on December 3, Subsequent to that date or the initial effective date of the New Castle County Flood Insurance Rate Map, all development and new construction as defined herein, are to be compliant with New Castle County s floodplain management regulations in effect at the time of construction, and all development, new construction, and substantial improvements subsequent to the effective date of these regulations shall be compliant with these regulations and, as applicable, the flood load and FEMA Text Amendment Page 7

8 flood-resistant construction provisions of the building code, including specific amendments adopted by the New Castle County. [The following Sections set forth additional standards that protect natural resources or permit mitigation. For all protected resources, stormwater outfalls shall be permitted, provided that the discharge velocity from the terminal end of the pipe or the associated energy dissipation practice does not exceed two (2) feet per second (fps) for the two (2) year frequency storm event. Green technology stormwater best management practices methods shall be used to convert concentrated flow to uniform, shallow sheet flow, filter sediments, and control erosion.] [Sec FEMA floodplains and nondelineated floodplains. A. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS). In New Castle County (community number 10585), the areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) as being subject to periodic inundation by the one hundred (100) year storm event, including the floodway, flood fringe and areas for which no base flood elevations are available, dated October 6, 2000 or as later amended in digital file or paper map form. For land development plans that exceed five (5) acres in size or propose to create fifty (50) or more lots on parcels within or adjacent to a floodplain where base flood elevations are not available, the applicant must provide a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis pursuant to FEMA standards to establish the base flood elevations. B. All land disturbing (excavation or filing) activity, building construction, or development in a FEMA delineated or nondelineated floodplain shall comply with Division and be performed pursuant to authorization from the Department in the form of an approved floodplain permit as set forth in Appendix 1 of this Chapter. C. All land disturbing activity (excavation or filling), building construction, or development conducted under the authorization of an approved floodplain permit shall comply with this Division and with the specifications and conditions contained in the permit. D. Nondelineated floodplains are only subject to the provisions of Sections , , , and E. Areas where unauthorized land disturbance, building construction, filling activities, or development have occurred and are determined to be in violation of this Article shall be restored to their pre-violation grade and vegetative cover. All work to address a violation of this Article must be done pursuant to an approved floodplain permit.] [Sec Nonconforming structures and uses in floodplain. The following shall regulate nonconforming structures and uses of land within the floodplain: A. The reconstruction or substantial repair of a nonconforming structure in a floodplain must be authorized and approved by the Department pursuant to the standards specified in Sections , , and of this Article. FEMA Text Amendment Page 8

9 B. Any existing nonconforming building, structure, or use which is proposed to be expanded or enlarged in the Zone AE flood fringe, Zone A floodplain or nondelineated floodplain may be permitted, provided that such expansion or enlargement does not result in an increase to the building or structure footprint (foundation) and has received approval from the Department. The Department s approval shall be conditioned upon the applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the Department Sections , and of this Article in a floodplain permit application. C. Storage, Material, and Equipment. 1. The storage or processing of materials within the floodplain that are in time of flooding buoyant, flammable, explosive, or could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, is prohibited. 2. Storage of other material or equipment may be allowed if not subject to major damage by floods, if firmly anchored to prevent flotation, or if readily removable from the area within the time available after a flood warning.] [Sec Floodplain boundary interpretation. The methodologies listed below shall be used to delineate the limits of floodplains. If the result of any of the methodologies described below is a delineation that is different from that shown on the FEMA panel and has a real and material effect on the plan as determined by the Department, then a LOMR or LOMA must be submitted to and approved by FEMA before recordation of a subdivision/land development plan, approval of any site construction plans or issuance of a building permit. Where the boundary of the floodplain is disputed, the burden of proof shall rest with the applicant. All new land development and/or subdivision applications for either fifty (50) new lots or five (5) acres of development, whichever is the lesser, shall incorporate base flood elevation data according to the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Regulations (44 CFR Part 60.3(b)). A. FEMA mapped floodplains. Those areas within the limits of the Zone A floodplain and Zone AE floodway and flood fringe as depicted on the Federal Emergency Management Agency s National Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for unincorporated New Castle County. 1. Floodplain (Zone A - no flood elevations provided). Scale the delineation from the appropriate FIRM panel and superimpose it on a topographic map with a compatible datum. The extent to which the delineations differ as determined by the Department may result in a LOMC (Letter of Map Change) application to FEMA to certify the limit of the floodplain; however, the delineation from the FIRM map and FIS governs unless amended by FEMA. 2. Flood fringe (Zone AE - flood elevations included on the FEMA panel). Scale the delineation from the appropriate FIRM panel and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) FEMA Text Amendment Page 9

10 and superimpose it on a topographic map with a compatible datum. Next, transfer the base flood elevations from the appropriate FIRM panel onto a topographic map with a compatible datum. The extent to which the delineations differ as determined by the Department may result in a LOMC application to FEMA to certify the limit of the floodplain; however, the delineation from the FIRM map and FIS governs unless amended by FEMA. 3. Floodway (Zone AE). The limit of the floodway shall be scaled from the appropriate FIRM panel using a street or mapped roadway as a reference point. B. Nondelineated floodplain (see Division for definition). The subdivision or development of land within and adjacent to a nondelineated floodplain shall include the submission of a flood study from the applicant to establish the limits of flooding from the one hundred (100) year storm event using one (1) of the following methodologies as designated by the Department. 1. Where the specific one hundred (100) year elevation cannot be determined using the sources established in this Subsection, the applicant for the proposed development shall submit his or her suggested determination of this elevation in accordance with accepted hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis shall be performed only by a professional engineer with a background in hydraulics and hydrology, who shall certify to the Department that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. The applicant shall submit studies, analyses, computations, etc. in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review. The studies shall designate the one hundred (100) year flood elevations established by the County based on existing applicable codes. It is the applicant s responsibility to incorporate or refute the findings of any flood study previously accepted by the County into an updated submission. 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Survey Manual for New Castle County (1970) or as later amended. Soils considered to be evidence of a nondelineated floodplain are those designated as flood hazard soils (including tidal flooding) or high water table soils on table 7 (estimated degree and kinds of limitations for nonfarm uses) therein. This method shall not be used for delineating a manmade floodplain. 3. All floodplain Surface Water Resource Protection Areas as depicted on the three (3) map series Water Resource Protection Areas for the City of Newark, City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, prepared by the Water Resource Agency for New Castle County that is dated 1993, or as later amended. 4. Recorded high water marks from past floods based on historical data, including, but not limited to, photographic documentation and water marks on vegetation or structures.] FEMA Text Amendment Page 10

11 [Sec Regulations pertaining to activities in the floodplain. This Section is predicated on minimizing building or filling in the floodplain. A. No development or structures shall be permitted in the floodplain; however, the Department may approve development or structures in the floodplain for approved uses listed in Table or as approved by a beneficial use pursuant to Section To determine the impact of fill on the community, the floodplain permit application must include a detailed hydrologic and hydraulic study using methodologies and study parameters for the flow rates and incorporate existing and proposed cross sections accepted by FEMA. The applicant must secure a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) from FEMA before the Department issues its approval. In addition, a registered professional engineer shall prepare the design specifications and plans for submission and certify that the structures are designed and constructed to withstand the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces anticipated during the one hundred (100) year flood event. B. No new residential lots shall be created in the floodplain without sufficient buildable area outside of the floodplain. C. Neither the gross floor area nor the footprint of existing structures located in the floodplain shall be expanded. D. All record subdivision plans approved pursuant to this Chapter shall incorporate all floodplain areas into the required open space. Floodplain permit applications for land disturbing activities and structures in the floodplain will only be reviewed for uses listed as L (limited use), I (environmental impact assessment), S (special use) and Y (permitted uses) in Table or as approved as a Beneficial Use. E. Regulations pertaining to activities in the Zone A floodplain or Zone AE flood fringe: 1. Filling shall not be used as a means of increasing the site capacity on the subject parcel(s). 2. All uses and development occurring within a floodplain in areas/properties determined to be a Brownfield are permitted only upon approval of the Department with the consent of County Council by resolution. 3. All new construction or substantial improvements to nonresidential structures located in a Brownfield area shall meet all of the requirements of Sections , and ; and the following: a. Substantial improvements to structural buildings associated with an existing operational petroleum underground storage tank (UST) or above ground storage tank (AST) facility are permitted, provided the impetus for the owner of said UST or AST facility in upgrading or replacing all or a FEMA Text Amendment Page 11

12 portion of the UST or AST system is to achieve compliance with the State Regulations Governing Underground Storage Tank Systems and Regulations Governing Aboveground Storage Tanks as established under 7 Del. C., ch. 74 and 74A. b. All new construction or substantial improvements to nonresidential structures located in a designated Brownfield area must have the lowest floor elevation equal to or above the base flood elevation or must be flood proofed to the base flood elevation. ] [Sec Filling in the floodplain. Where permitted by Table or as approved as a Beneficial Use, the following criteria shall apply to all land disturbing activities in the floodplain: A. No net fill shall be permitted in the floodplain; however, the Department may approve development or structures in the Zone AE floodfringe or Zone A floodplain for approved uses listed as permitted in Table To determine the impact of fill on the community, the floodplain permit application must include a detailed hydrologic and hydraulic study using methodologies and study parameters for the flow rates and incorporate existing and proposed cross sections accepted by FEMA. The applicant shall secure a CLOMR from FEMA before the Department issues its approval. In addition, a registered professional engineer shall prepare the design specifications and plans for submission and certify that the structures are designed to withstand the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces anticipated during the one hundred (100) year flood event. B. In Zone A floodplain, Zone AE floodfringe, and nondelineated floodplain areas, no land disturbing activity will be approved unless the applicant demonstrates that the activity, when combined with all other existing and proposed land uses, will not increase the water surface elevation of the one hundred (100) year flood at any point in the community. C. No proposal to fill shall result in a net loss of floodplain storage on the subject parcel(s). D. The total area of floodplain on a parcel(s) shall not be reduced by more than ten (10) percent in conjunction with channel improvements, flood storage, and detention which would have the effect of reducing the floodplain elevation. E. All filling shall meet the following construction requirements: 1. The fill shall be protected against erosion by riprap, vegetative cover, sheet piling, or other approved practices to prevent erosion. 2. The fill shall be clean and compacted to minimize erosion potential. Grading shall meet the requirements of Chapter 12. FEMA Text Amendment Page 12

13 3. Hydraulic openings, where not subject to state or federal design criteria, shall be designed to convey the one hundred (100) year flow unimpeded in conformance with Chapter 6. F. Any filling in the FEMA floodplain in conflict with the FEMA FIRM panel, whether previously authorized or unauthorized, shall not be recognized by the Department until FEMA certifies a new floodplain limit so that no development occurs in violation of this Chapter. G. Where homes existing as of the date of adoption of this Article can be protected from existing flooding conditions by filling and grading activity not exceeding twenty (20) cubic yards per lot, such filling may be permitted by the Department provided all the requirements of Subsection D are met.] [Sec Standards for beneficial uses in floodplains. All applicants seeking approval under a beneficial use permit application shall provide a floodplain application permit that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of Sections , , and In addition to the standards for beneficial use in Division , the following standards shall be met: A. A beneficial use application will not be considered for any applications proposing fill or structures in the floodway. B. Any other occupied residential space shall have its lowest floor, including basement, and lowest opening at least eighteen (18) inches above the flood elevation. All service and utility connections such as water, sewer, gas, and electrical and heating equipment shall be similarly located or buried with adequate cover to prevent erosion. C. New nonresidential construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential structures, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated a minimum of eighteen (18) inches above the base flood elevation or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be floodproofed so that below the base flood elevation the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. A professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this Subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be made part of the building permit application. D. Storage, material, and equipment: 1. The storage or processing of materials within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that are in time of flooding buoyant, flammable, explosive, or could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited. FEMA Text Amendment Page 13

14 2. Storage of other material or equipment may be allowed if not subject to major damage by floods, if firmly anchored to prevent flotation, or if readily removable from the area within the time available after a flood warning.] [Sec Criteria for building in the floodplain. In reviewing an application, the Department shall consider and/or require the following: A. No structures for human habitation shall be permitted in the floodplain except: 1. Where approved as a beneficial use per Section and Division Replacement of existing nonconforming structures and uses in the Zone A floodplain, Zone AE floodfringe, or nondelineated floodplain (Section ). B. New construction, expansion or substantial improvement to residential and nonresidential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated not less than eighteen (18) inches above the one hundred (100) year flood elevation within or adjacent to a floodplain. 1. All new and replacement water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damages and the infiltration of flood waters. 2. Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into flood waters. 3. No part of any on-site sewage system shall be located within any identified floodplain area except in strict compliance with all State and local regulations for such systems. If any such system is permitted, it shall be located so as to avoid harm or contamination during a flood. C. Wet flood proofing that allows the free flow of flood waters through the areas of a structure above its lowest floor shall not be permitted except pursuant to Subsection E. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop and/or review structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting these provisions. D. The mechanical, plumbing and other service facilities shall comply with Chapter 6. E. For all new construction and substantial improvements, fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor area that are useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must be FEMA Text Amendment Page 14

15 certified by a professional engineer with a background in structural design and must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: 1. A minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch or every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided. 2. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade. 3. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. F. All structures, residential and nonresidential, shall be: 1. Designed and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure. 2. Constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage. 3. Constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage. G. If fill is used to raise the lowest floor to the base flood elevation: 1. Fill shall extend beyond a structure for a sufficient distance to provide acceptable access. 2. Fill material shall be compacted to provide the necessary stability and resistance to erosion, scouring and settling. 3. The grading of earthen fill shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 12 and shall be used only to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent properties. H. A FEMA NFIP Elevation Certificate must be submitted to the Department for any building constructed, substantially improved, or horizontally expanded in the FEMA floodplain before the certificate of occupancy is issued.] [Sec Review criteria for public health, safety and welfare In reviewing an application, the Department shall consider and/or require the following: A. The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments. B. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the injury of others or property. FEMA Text Amendment Page 15

16 C. The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the ability of these systems to avoid causing disease, contamination, and unsanitary conditions. D. The expected heights, velocities, duration, and sediment transport of the floodwater expected at the site during the one hundred (100) year storm event to determine whether the proposed activity will aggravate flood damage in the community. E. The proposed activity's undue alteration of natural water flows and whether adequate drainage conveyance has been provided to minimize the flood hazard. F. Any permitted development is subject to all applicable State and federal rules and regulations. G. Manufactured homes shall be placed on a permanent foundation and shall have the lowest floor elevated not less than eighteen (18) inches above the one hundred (100) year flood level and anchored to resist floatation, collapse and lateral movement. H. The susceptibility of the proposed use to flood damage. New structures are located and designed to minimize the potential for flood damage. I. The protection of individuals who might choose, despite the flood dangers, to develop or occupy land on the floodplain; or protection of other landowners from damages resulting from the development in a floodplain and the consequent obstruction of the floodwaters; or the protection of the entire community from individual choices of land use which requires subsequent public expenditures for public works and disaster relief; or protection of the quality of surface and subsurface water supplies adjacent to and underlying floodplain areas. J. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles. K. The likelihood that the proposed use will result in extraordinary public expense, will create nuisances or will conflict with existing County ordinances or regulations.] [Section Resource Protection Area Technical Advisory Committee (RPATAC). A. The purposes and duties of the RPATAC are to: 1. Provide technical support and recommendations to the Department concerning the technical definition and criteria of any resource protection area or level as depicted in Table Advise the Department when it is determined that environmental standards contained in this Article should be amended. FEMA Text Amendment Page 16

17 3. Provide technical support and recommendations to the Department, Board of Adjustment and Planning Board concerning any application. 4. Provide technical support, review and recommendations on all variance applications concerning the reduction of the required OSR for major residential land developments depicted in Table Upon the request of the Department, RPATAC shall provide recommendations regarding application of the standards to rezoning, subdivision, and land development submissions relative to any issue involving a protected resource. 6. Assist the Department as requested.] [Sec RPATAC review.] [Neither the Board of Adjustment, nor the Planning Board shall consider any application for a variance from this Article until the RPATAC has had an opportunity to review the application and make a written recommendation to the respective board. Any application for a variance from this Article shall be transmitted to the RPATAC, which shall have forty-five (45) days from the filing of the application to review and issue its recommendation] General. A. This Division shall be known as the floodplain management regulations. B. Applicability. This Division shall apply to all special flood hazard areas within the unincorporated territory of New Castle County and may apply to incorporated municipalities if by appropriate action of its governing body, any such governing body elects to be included in its application. C. Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of these regulations, all provisions shall be: 1. Considered as minimum requirements. 2. Liberally construed in favor of the governing body. 3. Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes. 4. In the event of a conflict between these regulations and any other ordinance, the more restrictive shall govern. 5. Where a provision of these regulations may be in conflict with a state or Federal law, such state or Federal law shall take precedence, where more restrictive. FEMA Text Amendment Page 17

18 D. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of flood protection required by these regulations is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. These regulations do not imply that land outside of the special flood hazard areas or uses that are permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damage. These regulations shall not create liability on the part of the New Castle County, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for any flood damage that results from reliance on these regulations or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder. E. Purpose. It is the purpose of these regulations to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, and to: 1. Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction practices in order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future. 2. Minimize flooding of water supply and sanitary sewage disposal systems. 3. Maintain natural drainage. 4. Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental units and its residents, by discouraging unwise design and construction of development in areas subject to flooding. 5. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public. 6. Minimize prolonged business interruptions. 7. Minimize damage to public facilities and other utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges. 8. Reinforce that those who build in and occupy special flood hazard areas should assume responsibility for their actions. 9. Minimize the impact of development on adjacent properties within and near flood prone areas. 10. Provide that the flood storage and conveyance functions of the floodplain are maintained. 11. Minimize the impact of development on the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain. 12. Prevent floodplain uses that are either hazardous or environmentally incompatible. FEMA Text Amendment Page 18

19 13. Meet community participation requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 C.F.R. Section Sec Basis for establishing special flood hazard areas. For the purposes of this Division, and for the purpose of establishing flood hazard areas in the building code section and the residential code Table R301.2(1), the following are adopted by reference as a part of these regulations and serve as the basis for establishing special flood hazard areas: A. The FEMA Flood Insurance Study for New Castle County, Delaware and Incorporated Areas dated February 4, 2015 and all subsequent amendments and/or the most recent revision thereof. B. The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for New Castle County, Delaware and Incorporated Areas dated February 4, 2015, and all subsequent amendments and/or the most recent revision thereof. C. Other hydrologic and hydraulic engineering studies and/or maps prepared pursuant to these regulations or for other purposes, and which establish base flood elevations, delineate 100-year floodplains, floodways or other areas of special flood hazard. D. New Castle County may identify and regulate new local flood hazard or ponding areas. These areas should be delineated and adopted on a Local Flood Hazard Map using best available topographic data and locally derived information such as flood of record, historic high water marks or approximate study methodologies. E. Where field surveyed topography indicates that ground elevations are below the closest applicable base flood elevation, even in areas not delineated as a special flood hazard area on a flood hazard map, the area shall be considered as special flood hazard area. F. Maps and studies that establish special flood hazard areas are on file at the New Castle County Land Use Department, New Castle, Delaware G. Nondelineated floodplains. Those areas subject to a one hundred (100) year flood, for which FEMA has not delineated a floodplain, adjacent to a watercourse that is also identified by a blue line on the National Hydrographic Dataset (NHD) utilized by the United States Geological Survey or adjacent to watercourse that is defined as a stream in the detailed maps of the New Castle County Soil Survey. These areas shall be identified by the submission of a flood study from the applicant using one (1) of the following methodologies as designated by the Department: 1. Where the specific one hundred (100) year elevation cannot be determined using the sources established in this Subsection, the applicant for the proposed development shall submit his or her suggested determination of this elevation in accordance with accepted hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis shall be performed only by a professional FEMA Text Amendment Page 19

20 engineer with a background in hydraulics and hydrology, who shall certify to the Department that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. The applicant shall submit studies, analyses, computations, etc. in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review. The studies shall designate the one hundred (100) year flood elevations established by the County based on existing applicable codes. It is the applicant s responsibility to incorporate or refute the findings of any flood study previously accepted by the County into an updated submission. 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Survey Manual for New Castle County (1970) or as later amended. Soils considered to be evidence of a nondelineated floodplain are those designated as flood hazard soils (including tidal flooding) or high water table soils on table 7 (estimated degree and kinds of limitations for nonfarm uses) therein. This method shall not be used for delineating a manmade floodplain. 3. All floodplain Surface Water Resource Protection Areas as depicted on the three (3) map series Water Resource Protection Areas for the City of Newark, City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware, prepared by the Water Resource Agency for New Castle County dated 2011, or as later amended. 4. Recorded high water marks from past floods based on historical data, including, but not limited to, photographic documentation and water marks on vegetation or structures. Sec Designation and duties of the Floodplain Administrator. A. The Floodplain Administrator is authorized to: 1. Administer and implement these regulations. 2. Fulfill the duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations. 3. Delegate duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations to qualified technical personnel, plan examiners, inspectors, and other employees. 4. Enter into a written agreement or written contract with another jurisdiction or agency, or private sector entity to administer specific provisions of these regulations. Administration of any part of these regulations by another entity shall not relieve the community of its responsibilities pursuant to the participation requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 C.F.R. Section Perform any duty or responsibility identified in Article 30 of this Chapter. FEMA Text Amendment Page 20

21 Sec Floodplain Permits Required. A. It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to begin construction or other development which is wholly within, partially within, or in contact with any identified special flood hazard area, including but not limited to: subdivision of land, filling, grading, or other site improvements and utility installations; placement or replacement of a manufactured home; recreational vehicles; installation or replacement of storage tanks; or alteration of any watercourse, until a permit is obtained from the Department of Land Use. These regulations are intended to be administered and enforced in conjunction with the building code. No permit shall be issued until the requirements of these regulations and the flood load and flood-resistant construction provisions of the building code have been met. B. Application Required. Application for a permit shall be made by the owner of the property or his/her authorized agent, herein referred to as the applicant, prior to the actual start of construction. An application shall include the contents delineated in Appendix I of this Chapter. For applications for buildings and structures, these required minimum contents of the application are in addition to the requirements of the building code. C. Right to Submit New Technical Data. The applicant has the right to seek a Letter of Map Change and to submit new technical data to FEMA regarding base maps, topography, special flood hazard area boundaries, floodway boundaries, and base flood elevations. Such submissions shall be prepared in a format acceptable by FEMA and the Floodplain Administrator shall be notified of such submittal. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant. D. Requirement to Submit New Technical Data. The Floodplain Administrator shall notify FEMA of physical changes affecting flood hazard areas and flooding conditions by submitting technical or scientific data as soon as practicable, but not later than six (6) months after the date such information becomes available. The Floodplain Administrator has the authority to require applicants to submit technical data to FEMA for Letters of Map Change. E. Review. The Floodplain Administrator shall: 1. Review applications for development in special flood hazard areas to determine the completeness of information submitted. The applicant shall be notified of incompleteness or additional information required to support the application. 2. Review applications for compliance with these regulations after all permit application information identified and required by this Chapter or the Floodplain Administrator has been received. 3. Review all permit applications to assure that all necessary permits have been received from those federal, state or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required. The applicant shall be responsible for obtaining such permits, including but not limited to: permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FEMA Text Amendment Page 21

22 under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency or DNREC under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, and any other permit required by the State of Delaware. 4. Approval criteria. Consider following public, health, safety and welfare criteria when reviewing an application. a. The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments. b. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the injury of others or property. c. The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the ability of these systems to avoid causing disease, contamination, and unsanitary conditions. d. The expected heights, velocities, duration, and sediment transport of the floodwater expected at the site during the one hundred (100) year storm event to determine whether the proposed activity will aggravate flood damage in the community. e. The proposed activity's undue alteration of natural water flows and whether adequate drainage conveyance has been provided to minimize the flood hazard. f. Any permitted development is subject to all applicable State and federal rules and regulations. g. The susceptibility of the proposed use to flood damage. New structures are located and designed to minimize the potential for flood damage. h. The protection of individuals who might choose, despite the flood dangers, to develop or occupy land on the floodplain; or protection of other landowners from damages resulting from the development in a floodplain and the consequent obstruction of the floodwaters; or the protection of the entire community from individual choices of land use which requires subsequent public expenditures for public works and disaster relief; or protection of the quality of surface and subsurface water supplies adjacent to and underlying floodplain areas. i. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles. FEMA Text Amendment Page 22

23 j. The likelihood that the proposed use will result in extraordinary public expense, will create nuisances or will conflict with existing County ordinances or regulations. F. Approval or Disapproval. The Floodplain Administrator shall approve applications that comply with the applicable requirements of these regulations and satisfy the criteria for approval. The Floodplain Administrator shall disapprove applications for proposed development that do not comply with the applicable provisions of these regulations and shall notify the applicant of such disapproval, in writing, stating the reasons for disapproval. G. Expiration of Permit. A permit is valid provided the actual start of construction occurs within 180 days of the date of permit issuance. If the actual start of construction is not within 180 days of the date of permit issuance, requests for extensions shall be submitted in writing. Upon reviewing the request and the permit for continued compliance with these regulations, the Floodplain Administrator may grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. H. Start of Construction. For the purposes of this Division start of construction shall mean the date of issuance of permits for new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days after the date of issuance. The actual start means the first placement of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or footings, installation of pilings, or construction of columns. Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, grading and 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 building. 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. Sec Inspections. The Floodplain Administrator shall make periodic inspections of development permitted in special flood hazard areas, at appropriate times throughout the period of construction in order to monitor compliance. In addition to the inspections required by the building code, such inspections may include: A. Stake-out inspection, to determine location on the site relative to the special flood hazard area and floodway. B. Foundation inspection, upon placement of the lowest floor and prior to further vertical construction, to collect information or certification of the elevation of the lowest floor. C. Enclosure inspection, including crawlspaces, to determine compliance with applicable provisions. FEMA Text Amendment Page 23