The intent of this chapter is to:
A.
Protect areas of the floodplain necessary to contain floodwaters.
B.
Permit only those uses in the floodplain that are compatible with
preserving natural conditions and stream flow.
C.
Promote the general health, welfare, and safety of the community
by preventing development in areas prone to flooding.
D.
Encourage the utilization of appropriate construction practices in
order to prevent or minimize flood damage in the future.
E.
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supply and natural
drainage.
F.
Reduce financial burdens imposed on the community, its governmental
units, and its residents, by preventing excessive development in areas
subject to flooding.
G.
Comply with federal and state floodplain management requirements.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, any construction or development anywhere within any identified floodplain area (as defined in Article IV herein) within the Township unless in strict conformance with the provisions of the Township Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 500), this chapter, and unless a permit has been obtained from the Floodplain Administrator.
B.
A permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing buildings
or structures.
This chapter supersedes any other conflicting provisions which
may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other
ordinance provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the
extent that those provisions are more restrictive. If there is any
conflict between any of the provisions of this chapter, the more restrictive
shall apply.
A.
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this chapter
is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable
engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur or 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 the identified floodplain area, or that land uses
permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages.
B.
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Upper
Hanover Township or any officer or employee thereof for any flood
damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative
decision lawfully made thereunder.
