A.
Within the floodway, the following provisions apply:
(1)
Any new construction, development, use, or encroachment, including
an enlargement or expansion of an existing structure, excepting as
associated with the provision of community serving or property-specific
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, and similar infrastructure,
shall be prohibited.
(2)
New construction, development, use or encroachment associated with
the provision of community serving or property-specific infrastructure
such as roads, bridges, utilities, and similar infrastructure shall
only be permitted where it has been demonstrated through hydrologic
and hydraulic analysis performed in accordance with standard engineering
practice that the proposed development would not result in any increase
in flood levels during the occurrence of the discharge of base flood.
Such development shall only be allowed provided all required permits
are obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection.
B.
Within the A Zone, the following provisions apply:
(1)
No new construction, development, use, or encroachment, including
an enlargement or expansion of an existing structure, shall be permitted
unless it is demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis,
performed in accordance with standard engineering practice, that the
cumulative effect of all existing and proposed development will not
increase the base flood elevation.
(2)
For unenclosed spaces, for example decks, porches, patios and gazebos,
to determine the base flood elevation to be used to prove no rise
in base flood elevation, the applicant shall consult with federal,
state and other acceptable sources, when available. Where such sources
are not available, the base flood elevation shall be determined by
using the elevation of a point on the boundary of an identified floodplain
area nearest the site. In the absence of any of the above sources,
the required elevation of the lower floor shall be a minimum of three
feet above the highest adjacent grade.
(3)
For all construction, development, use or encroachment other than as identified in Subsection B(2), to determine the base flood elevation to be used to prove no rise in base blood elevation, the applicant shall present hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analysis undertaken by a professional engineer or other professional of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analysis, computations and other supporting material shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review by the Floodplain Administrator.
(4)
A manufactured home shall be placed on a permanent foundation.
C.
Within an AE Zone:
(1)
Within an AE Zone without a designated floodway, no new construction,
development, use, or encroachment, including an enlargement or expansion
of an existing structure, shall be permitted unless it is demonstrated
through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, performed in accordance
with standard engineering practice, that the cumulative effect of
all existing and proposed development will not increase the base flood
elevation.
(2)
A manufactured home shall be placed on a permanent foundation.
A.
Elevation and floodproofing requirements.
(1)
Within any identified floodplain area, any new construction or substantial
improvement of a structure shall have the lowest floor (including
basement) elevated to the regulatory flood protection elevation, which
is at least 1 1/2 feet above the base flood elevation.
(2)
No new construction or development shall be located within the area
measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse,
unless a permit is obtained from the Department Environmental Protection.
(3)
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any
kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of less than
50% of its market value, shall be elevated and/or floodproofed to
the greatest extent possible.
B.
Space below lowest floor.
(1)
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor is prohibited.
(2)
Partially enclosed space below the lowest floor, including crawl
spaces, which will be used solely for the parking of a vehicle, access,
or incidental storage 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. 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 installed
on two separate walls;
(b)
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot
above grade; and
(c)
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings
or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit
of floodwaters.
(3)
Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units,
washers, dryers, and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment
or apparatus shall not be located below the regulatory flood protection
elevation and shall be located, constructed and designed to minimize
or eliminate flood damage and to prevent water entry or accumulation.
C.
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 Article IV, Development Which May Endanger Human Life, shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation and/or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
D.
Accessory structures. For purposes of this chapter, an "accessory
structure" is a structure located on the same parcel of property as
the principal structure and the use of which is incidental and subordinate
to the use of the principal structure. Except as otherwise provided,
structures accessory to a principal structure or use need not be elevated
or floodproofed to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with
the following requirements:
(1)
The accessory 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, equipment or material related to the principal use or activity
of the property.
(2)
Floor area of the accessory structure shall not exceed 600 square
feet. To the extent an accessory structure exceeds 200 square feet,
the accessory structure shall be elevated to at least 1 1/2 feet
above the base flood elevation.
(3)
The accessory structure shall have a low damage potential.
(4)
The accessory structure shall 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 at least 1 1/2 feet
above the base flood elevation.
(6)
Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units,
washers, dryers, and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment
or apparatus shall not be located below the regulatory flood protection
elevation and shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize
or eliminate flood damage and to prevent water entry or accumulation.
(8)
Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
(9)
The accessory 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; and
(c)
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings
or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit
of floodwaters.
E.
Historic structures. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation
that would constitute a substantial improvement as defined in this
chapter must comply with the chapter to the extent that the requirements
do not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic
structure. Documentation that a specific requirement will cause removal
of the structure from the National Register of Historic Places or
the State Inventory of Historic Places must be obtained from the Secretary
of the Interior or the State Historic Preservation Officer, respectively.
Any exemption from the requirement shall be the minimum necessary
to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction
and development 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. No sanitary landfill
materials are 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 justifying steeper slopes are 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.
Placement of structures. All 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.
C.
Anchoring.
(1)
All structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with accepted
engineering practices to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
(2)
All air ducts, large pipes, storage tanks, and other similar objects
or components located below the regulatory flood protection elevation
shall be securely anchored or affixed to prevent flotation.
D.
Floors, walls, ceilings, wooden components.
(1)
Wood flooring used at or below the regulatory flood protection elevation
shall be installed to accommodate a lateral expansion of the flooring,
perpendicular to the flooring grain, without causing structural damage
to the structure.
(2)
Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood protection elevation
shall be of a marine or water-resistant variety.
(3)
Walls and ceilings at or below the regulatory flood protection elevation
shall be designed to withstand inundation and constructed of materials
that are water-resistant.
(4)
Windows and doors at or below the regulatory flood protection elevation
shall be made of metal or water-resistant materials.
(5)
All wooden components, e.g., doors, trim, and cabinets, used at or
below the regulatory flood protection elevation shall be finished
with a marine or water-resistant finish.
F.
Electrical components and equipment.
(1)
Electric distribution panels shall be placed at least three feet
above the base flood elevation.
(2)
Electric circuits shall be dropped from above.
(3)
Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units,
and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment or apparatus
shall not be located below the regulatory flood protection elevation,
shall be located, constructed and designed to minimize or eliminate
flood damage and to prevent water entry or accumulation, and shall
be anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
(4)
Ductwork shall be elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection
elevation or designed to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters.
G.
Fuel supply systems. All gas and oil supply systems shall be designed
to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters in 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.
H.
Water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems.
(1)
Except where demonstrated that no alternative location is reasonably
available, no new water supply or sanitary sewer facilities and facilities,
including on-site septic systems, are permitted within an identified
floodplain.
(2)
Water supply facilities and systems which are replacement or new [to the extent allowed under Subsection H(1)] shall be located, designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damages and the infiltration of floodwaters.
(3)
Sanitary sewer facilities, including on-site septic systems, which are replacement or new [to the extent allowed under Subsection H(1)] shall be located, designed and constructed in strict compliance with applicable state and Township regulations and to minimize or eliminate flood damages, the infiltration of floodwaters, discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters, and impairment from floodwaters.
The standards and specifications contained in the Uniform Construction
Code, 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 through 405, as amended, including
the edition of the International Building Code and International Building
Code made part of the UCC, shall apply to the extent they are more
restrictive or supplement the requirements of this chapter.
