A. 
Any new construction, development, uses or activities allowed within any identified floodplain area shall be undertaken in strict compliance with the provisions contained in this Part 7 and any other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
B. 
Alteration or relocation of watercourse.
(1) 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse until all adjacent municipalities which may be affected by such action have been notified by the Township, and until all required permits or approvals have been first obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
(2) 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse unless it can be shown that the activity will not reduce or impede the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse in any way.
(3) 
In addition, FEMA and Pennsylvania DCED shall be notified prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
C. 
The applicant for zoning permit and/or plan approval must submit technical or scientific data to FEMA for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) within six months of the completion of any new construction, development, or other activity resulting in changes in the base flood elevations (BFE).
D. 
The alteration of sand dunes that would increase potential flood damage within Zones V1-30, V, and VE is prohibited.
[Added 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
A. 
Residential structures.
[Amended 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
(1) 
In AE, A1-30, and AH zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation.
(2) 
In A and V Zones, where no base flood elevations are specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including the basement) elevated up to, or above the regulatory flood elevation in accordance with § 70-74C(2).
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including the basement) at or above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
(4) 
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the International Building Code and in the International Residential Code or the most recent revisions thereof and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 405, as amended) shall be utilized.
B. 
Nonresidential structures.
[Amended 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
(1) 
In AE, A1-30 and AH zones, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation, or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed below the regulatory flood elevation:
(a) 
Is floodproofed so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; and
(b) 
Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(2) 
In V and A Zones, where no base flood elevations are specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including the basement) elevated or completely floodproofed up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation in accordance with § 70-74C(2).
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have their lowest floor elevated or completely floodproofed above the highest adjacent grade to at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
(4) 
Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, made watertight below the regulatory flood elevation shall be floodproofed in accordance with the W1 or W2 space classification standards contained in the publication entitled "Flood-Proofing Regulations" published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972, as amended March 1992) or with some other equivalent standard. All plans and specifications for such floodproofing shall be accompanied by a statement certified by a registered professional engineer or architect which states that the proposed design and methods of construction are in conformance with the above-referenced standards.
(5) 
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the International Building Code and in the International Residential Code or the most recent revisions thereof and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 405, as amended) shall be utilized.
C. 
Space below the lowest floor.
(1) 
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (excluding basements) which will be used solely for the parking of a vehicle, building access, or incidental storage in an area other than a basement, shall be designed and constructed to allow for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on exterior walls. The term "fully enclosed space" also includes crawl spaces.
(2) 
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc. or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
D. 
Accessory structures. Structures accessory to a principal building need not be elevated or floodproofed to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements:
(1) 
The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation, but shall be limited to the parking of vehicles, or to the storage of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or activity.
(2) 
Floor area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(3) 
The structure will have a low damage potential.
(4) 
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters.
(5) 
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
(6) 
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited.
(7) 
Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
(8) 
The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation or movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry and exit of floodwater for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on the walls. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc., or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(9) 
The property owner shall be solely responsible for determining whether an accessory structure is to be constructed and its location and manner of construction. In no event shall the Township be responsible or liable for any damage, injury or claims arising from an owner's construction of such a structure.
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction and development plans proposed within any identified floodplain area:
A. 
Fill. If fill is used, it shall:
(1) 
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all points;
(2) 
Consist of soil or small rock materials only; sanitary landfills shall not be permitted;
(3) 
Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring, or settling;
(4) 
Be no steeper than one vertical to two horizontal feet unless substantiated data which justifies steeper slopes is submitted to, and approved by the Floodplain Administrator; and
(5) 
Be used to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
B. 
Drainage facilities. Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the flow of stormwater runoff in a safe and efficient manner. The system shall insure proper drainage along streets, and provide positive drainage away from buildings. The system shall also be designed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties.
C. 
Water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems.
(1) 
All new or replacement water supply and sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damages and the infiltration of floodwaters.
(2) 
Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters.
(3) 
No part of any on-site sewage system shall be located within any identified floodplain area.
(4) 
The design and construction provisions of the Pennsylvania Construction Code, FEMA Publication No. 348 (Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damages) and the International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall be utilized.
D. 
Other utilities. All other utilities such as gas lines, electrical and telephone systems shall be located, elevated (where possible) and constructed to minimize the chance of impairment during a flood.
E. 
Streets. The finished elevation of all new streets shall be equal to or above the regulatory flood elevation.
F. 
Storage. All materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive, or in times of flooding, could be injurious to human, animal, or plant life, and not listed in § 70-80, shall be stored above the regulatory flood elevation and/or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
G. 
Placement of buildings and structures. All buildings and structures shall be designed, located and constructed so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of water and shall be designed to have a minimum effect upon the flow and height of floodwater.
H. 
Anchoring.
(1) 
All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with engineering practices acceptable to the Township Engineer to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
(2) 
All air ducts, large pipes, storage tanks and other similar objects or components which are to be located below the regulatory flood elevation must be securely anchored or affixed to prevent flotation.
I. 
Floors, walls and ceilings.
(1) 
Wood flooring used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be installed in order to accommodate a lateral expansion of the flooring, perpendicular to the flooring grain without causing structural damage to the building.
(2) 
Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a "marine" or "water-resistant" variety.
(3) 
Walls and ceilings at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be designed and constructed of materials that are water-resistant and will withstand inundation.
(4) 
Windows, doors, and other components at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be made of metal or other water-resistant material.
J. 
Paints and adhesives.
(1) 
Paints and other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of marine or water-resistant quality.
(2) 
Adhesives used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a marine or water-resistant variety.
(3) 
All wooden components (doors, trim, cabinets, etc.) shall be finished with a marine or water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
K. 
Electrical components.
(1) 
Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three feet above the base flood elevation.
(2) 
Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be dropped from above.
L. 
Equipment. Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units, and other mechanical or utility equipment or apparatus shall not be located below the regulatory flood elevation.
M. 
Fuel supply systems. All gas and oil supply systems shall be designed to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters into the system and discharges from the system into floodwaters. Additional provisions shall be made for the drainage of these systems in the event that floodwater infiltration occurs.
N. 
Pennsylvania Construction Code coordination. The standards and specifications contained in 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 405), as amended, and not limited to the provisions noted below, shall apply to the above and other sections and subsections of this Part 7, to the extent that they are more restrictive and/or supplement the requirements of this Part 7.
(1) 
International Building Code, the latest edition thereof: Sections 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402 and Appendix G.
(2) 
International Residential Code, the latest edition thereof: Sections R104, R105, R109, R322, Appendix AE101, Appendix E and Appendix J.
[Added 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
In addition to the general requirements of § 70-79, the requirements of this section shall:
(a) 
Apply in flood hazard areas that are identified as coastal high hazard areas (V Zones) and Coastal A Zones (if delineated).
(b) 
Apply to all development, new construction, substantial improvements (including repair of substantial damage), and placement, replacement, and substantial improvement (including repair of substantial damage) of manufactured homes.
(2) 
Exception. In Coastal A Zones, the requirements of § 70-82E shall apply to substantial improvements (including repair of substantial damage), and substantial improvement of manufactured homes (including repair of substantial damage) and replacement manufactured homes.
B. 
Location and site preparation.
(1) 
The placement of structural fill for the purpose of elevating buildings is prohibited.
(2) 
Buildings shall be located landward of the reach of mean high tide.
(3) 
Minor grading, and the placement of minor quantities of fill, shall be permitted for landscaping and for drainage purposes under and around buildings and for support of parking slabs, pool decks, patios and walkways.
(4) 
Site preparations shall not alter sand dunes unless an engineering analysis demonstrates that the potential for flood damage is not increased.
C. 
Residential and nonresidential structures. New structures and substantial improvement (including repair of substantial damage) of existing structures shall comply with the applicable requirements of § 70-78 and the requirements of this section.
(1) 
Foundations.
(a) 
Structures shall be supported on pilings or columns and shall be adequately anchored to such pilings or columns. Pilings shall have adequate soil penetrations to resist the combined wave and wind loads (lateral and uplift). Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values shall be those required by applicable building codes. Pile embedment shall include consideration of decreased resistance capacity caused by scour of soil strata surrounding the piling.
(b) 
Slabs, pools, pool decks and walkways shall be located and constructed to be structurally independent of structures and their foundations to prevent transfer of flood loads to the structures during conditions of flooding, scour, or erosion from wave-velocity flow conditions, and shall be designed to minimize debris impacts to adjacent properties and public infrastructure.
(2) 
Elevation requirements.
(a) 
The bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member that supports the lowest floor shall be located at or above the flood protection elevation.
(b) 
Basement floors that are below grade on all sides are prohibited.
(c) 
The space below an elevated building shall either be free-of-obstruction or, if enclosed by walls, shall meet the requirements of paragraph (x). (Note: See NFIP Technical Bulletin No. 5, "Free-of-Obstruction Requirements.")
(3) 
Certification of design. As required in § 70-63, the applicant shall include in the application a certification prepared by a licensed professional engineer or a licensed architect that the design and methods of construction to be used meet the requirements of paragraph (c), paragraph (d), paragraph (e), paragraph (f), and the building code.
(4) 
Enclosures below the lowest floor.
(a) 
Enclosures below the lowest floor shall be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or limited storage.
(b) 
Enclosures below the lowest floor shall be less than 200 square feet in area (exterior measurement).
(c) 
Walls and partitions are permitted below the elevated floor, provided that such walls and partitions are designed to break away under flood loads and are not part of the structural support of the building or structure. (Note: See NFIP Technical Bulletin No. 9, "Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls.")
(d) 
Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system components shall not be mounted on or penetrate through walls that are designed to break away under flood loads.
(e) 
Walls intended to break away under flood loads shall be constructed with insect screening or open lattice, or shall be designed to break away or collapse without causing collapse, displacement or other structural damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. Such walls, framing and connections shall have a design safe-loading resistance of not less than 10 pounds per square foot and no more than 20 pounds per square foot; or
(f) 
Where wind loading values of the building code exceed 20 pounds per square foot, the applicant shall submit a certification prepared and sealed by a licensed professional engineer or licensed architect that:
[1] 
The walls and partitions below the lowest floor have been designed to collapse from a water load less than that which would occur during the base flood.
[2] 
The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system have been designed to withstand the effects of wind and flood loads acting simultaneously on all building components (structural and nonstructural). Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood; wind loading values used shall be those required by the building code.
[3] 
In Coastal A Zones, in addition to the requirements of this section, walls below the lowest floor shall have flood openings that meet the requirements of § 70-78C.
D. 
Horizontal additions to structures.
(1) 
A horizontal addition proposed for a building or structure that was constructed after the date specified in § 70-72 shall comply with the applicable requirements of § 70-74 and this section.
(2) 
For horizontal additions, whether structurally connected or not structurally connected, to the base building:
(a) 
If the addition combined with other proposed repairs, alterations, or modifications of the base building constitutes substantial improvement, the base building and the addition shall comply with the applicable requirements of § 70-74 and this section.
(b) 
If the addition constitutes substantial improvement, the base building and the addition shall comply with all of the applicable requirements of § 70-74 and this section.
(c) 
A horizontal addition to a building or structure that is not substantial improvement is not required to comply with this section.
E. 
Accessory structures.
(1) 
Accessory structures shall be limited to not more than 100 square feet in total floor area.
(2) 
Accessory structures shall comply with the elevation requirements and other requirements of § 70-78 or, if not elevated, shall:
(a) 
Be usable only for parking of vehicles or limited storage;
(b) 
Be constructed with flood-damage-resistant materials below the base flood elevation;
(c) 
Be constructed and placed to offer the minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters;
(d) 
Be anchored to prevent flotation;
(e) 
Have electrical service and mechanical equipment elevated to or above the base flood elevation; and if located in Coastal A Zones, walls shall have flood openings that meet the requirements of §§ 70-78C and 70-79.1C(4).
F. 
Other structures and development.
(1) 
Decks and patios. In addition to the requirements of the building code or the residential code, decks and patios shall be located, designed, and constructed in compliance with the following:
(a) 
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 flood protection 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.
(b) 
A deck or patio that is located below the flood protection elevation shall be structurally independent from structures and their foundation systems, and shall be designed and constructed either to remain intact and in place during base flood conditions or to break apart into small pieces that will not cause structural damage to adjacent elevated structures.
(c) 
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 that is necessary for site drainage shall not be approved unless an analysis demonstrates no harmful diversion of floodwaters or wave runup and wave reflection that would increase damage to adjacent elevated structures.
(d) 
A deck or patio that has a vertical thickness of 12 inches or less and that is at natural grade or on 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. Other development activities shall be permitted only if located outside the footprint of, and not structurally attached to, structures, and only if an analysis demonstrates no harmful diversion of floodwaters or wave runup and wave reflection onto adjacent elevated structures. Other development includes, but is not limited to:
(1) 
Bulkheads, seawalls, retaining walls, revetments, and similar erosion control structures;
(2) 
Solid fences, privacy walls, and fences prone to trapping debris, unless designed and constructed to fail under base flood conditions; and
(3) 
Mounded septic systems.
A. 
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act,[1] and the regulations adopted by the Department of Community and Economic Development as required by the Act, any new or substantially improved structure which will be used for the production or storage of any of the following dangerous substances or materials; or will be used for any activity requiring the maintenance of a supply of more than 550 gallons, or other comparable volume, of any of the following dangerous materials or substances on the premises; or will involve the production, storage, or use of any amount of radioactive substances; shall be subject to the provisions of this section, in addition to all other applicable provisions. The following list of materials and substances are considered dangerous to human life:
(1) 
Acetone.
(2) 
Ammonia.
(3) 
Benzene.
(4) 
Calcium carbide.
(5) 
Carbon disulfide.
(6) 
Celluloid.
(7) 
Chlorine.
(8) 
Hydrochloric acid.
(9) 
Hydrocyanic acid.
(10) 
Magnesium.
(11) 
Nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen.
(12) 
Petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.).
(13) 
Phosphorus.
(14) 
Potassium.
(15) 
Sodium.
(16) 
Sulphur and sulphur products.
(17) 
Pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides).
(18) 
Radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
B. 
Within any floodway area, any structure of the kind described in Subsection A shall be prohibited.
C. 
Where permitted within any floodplain area, any new or substantially improved structure of the kind described in Subsection A shall be:
(1) 
Elevated, or in the case of a nonresidential structure, designed and constructed to remain completely dry up to at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation;
[Amended 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
(2) 
Designed to prevent pollution from the structure or activity during the course of a base flood elevation;
(3) 
Any such nonresidential structure or part thereof that will be built below the regulatory flood elevation shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards for completely dry floodproofing contained in the publication "Flood-Proofing Regulations (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1972, as amended March 1992), or with some other equivalent watertight standard; and
(4) 
Prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top of bank of any watercourse.
All subdivision proposals and development proposals containing at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser, in flood hazard areas where base flood elevation data are not available, shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses that determine base flood elevations and floodway information. The analyses shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer in a format required by FEMA for a Conditional Letter of Map Revision or Letter of Map Revision. Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
[Amended 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
A. 
Within any floodway area, manufactured homes shall be prohibited. No variance shall be granted.
B. 
Within any V, VE and V1-30 Zones, manufactured homes shall be prohibited. No variance shall be granted.
C. 
Within Approximate Floodplain or AE Areas, manufactured homes shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top of bank of any watercourse.
D. 
Where permitted within any floodplain area, all manufactured homes, and any improvements thereto, shall be:
(1) 
Placed on a permanent foundation.
(2) 
Elevated so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation.
(3) 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
E. 
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with the manufacturers' installation instructions as provided by the manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information, the requirements of Appendix E of the 2009 International Residential Building Code or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing, 1984 Edition, draft or latest revision thereto and 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 to 405, shall apply.
F. 
Consideration shall be given to the installation requirements of the IBC, and the IRC or the most recent revisions thereto and 34 Pa. Code, as amended, where appropriate and/or applicable to units where the manufacturers' standards for anchoring cannot be provided or were not established for the units' proposed installation.
[Amended 5-23-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10]
Recreational vehicles in Zones A1-30, AH, AE, V1-30, VE, and V must be:
A. 
On the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; and
B. 
Fully licensed and ready for highway use.