The intent of this chapter is to:
A.Â
Promote the general health, welfare and safety of
the community.
B.Â
Minimize flood damage in the future.
C.Â
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water
supply and natural drainage.
D.Â
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community,
its governmental units, and its residents by preventing development
in areas subject to flooding.
A.Â
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership,
business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any
construction or development anywhere within Mars Borough, Butler County,
Pennsylvania, unless an approved building permit has been obtained
from the Building Official.
B.Â
A building permit shall not be required for minor
repairs to existing buildings or structures, provided that no structural
changes or modifications are involved.
This chapter supersedes any provisions currently
in effect in floodplain areas. However, any underlying ordinance shall
remain in full force and effect to the extent that those provisions
are more restrictive.
A.Â
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions
of this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes in
the identified floodplain areas. Larger floods may occur on rare occasions.
Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such
as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter
does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain area or
land uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or
flood damages.
B.Â
This chapter shall not create liability on the part
of the Borough or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages
that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision
lawfully made thereunder.