HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 83-03 • . _ �" . . ' • . : �
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ORDINANCE N0. 3/ 83
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING NEW REGULATIONS FOR FLOOD
DAA4AGE PREVENTION WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY
OF FRIENDS�VOOD, TEXAS ; PROVIDIUG A STAT�M�NT OF PUR-
POSES ; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS ; ESTABLISHING AREAS OF
APPLICABILITY; ESTABLISHING DEVELOP?dENT PERr4ITS ; PRO-
VIDING FOR COMPLIANCE; CREATING THE POSITION OF FLOOD
ADb-1INISTRATOR ; ESTABLISHING THE DUTIES AND RESPONSI-
BILITIES OF THE FLOOD AAr4INISTRATOR; PROVIDING PERMIT
PROCEDURES ; PROVIDING FOR VARIANCES ; ESTABLISHING
STANDARDS FOP. FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION; PROVIDING A
REPEALER; PROVIDING A SEVERABILTY CLAUSE; AND MAKING
OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT.
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tidHEREAS , the Legislature of the State of Texas has by sta- '
tutory provisions found in Title 28 of Vernon' s Annotated Civil
Statutes and in the Texas Water Code delegated the responsibil-
ity to local governmental units to adopt regulatians designed
to minimize flood losses ; and ,
WHEREAS , the City Council of the City of Friendsi,rood , Texas
finds and determines that the flood hazard areas of the City of
Friendswood are subject to periodic inundation which results in
loss of life and property, health and safety hazards , disrup-
tion of commerce and governmental services , and extraordinary
public expenditures for flood protection and relief , all of
which adversely affect the public health, safety and general
, welfare ; and ,
WHER�AS , the City Council ot t,he City of Friendswood, Texas
finds and determines that these flood losses are creatsd by the
cumulative effect of obstructions in flood plains which cause
an increase in flood heights and velocities , and by the occu-
pancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and
hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately ele-
vated , flood-proofed, or otherwise pratected from flood damage ;
and ,
19HEREAS , the City Council of the City of Friendswoo�i , Texas
desires to maintain the City' s continued eligibili.ty in �he
National F�.00d Insurance Program �NFIP) and to comply with the
regulations of said pro�ram requiring l�gally enforceahle flood
plain management measures ;
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NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSlV00D,
STATE OF TEXAS :
Section 1 . STATE�IENT OF PURPOSE
A. General . It is the purpose of this Ordinance to pro-
mote the public health, safety and general welfare and to mini -
mize public and private losses due to flood conditions in
specific areas by provisions designed :
(1) To protect human life and health;
( 2) To minimize expenditure of public money for
costly flood control projects ; �
(3) To minimize the need for rescue and relief
efforts associated with flooding and gener-
ally undertaken at the expense of the
general public ;
(4) To minimize prolonged business interruptions ;
(5) To minimize damage to public facilities and
utilities such as water and gas mains , elec-
tric , telephone and sewer lines , streets and
bridges located in flood plains ;
(6) To help maintain a stable tax base by pro-
viding for the sound use and development of
flood-prone areas in such a manner as to
minimize future flood blight areas ; and,
(7) To insure that potential buyers are notified
that property is in a flood area.
B. Methods of Reducing Flood Losses. In order to accom-
plish its purposes , this Ordinance uses the following methods :
(1) Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous
to health, safety or property in times of
flood, or cause excessive increases in flood
heights or velocities ;
(2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods ,
including facilities which serve such uses ,
be protected against flood damage at the
time of initial construction;
(3) Control the alteration of natural flood
plains, stream channels , and natural pro-
tective barriers, which are involved in the
accommodation of flood waters ;
(4) Control filling , grading, dredging and other
development which may increase flood damage ;
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(5) Prevent or regulate the construction of
flood barriers which taill unnaturally divert
flood waters or which may increase flood
hazards to other lands .
Section 2. DEFINITIONS. Unless specifically defined
below, words or phrases used in this Ordinance shall be inter-
preted to give them the meaning they have in common usage and
to give this Ordinance its most reasonable application.
APPEAL - means a request for a review of the City of
Friendswood Flood Administrator' s interpretation of any provi-
sions of this Ordinance or a request for a variance.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING - means a designated A0, AH, or VO
Zone on the Flood Insurance Rate Map applicable to and within
the jurisdiction of the City of Friends�aood with a one percent
(lo ) or greater chance of flooding to an average depth of one
(1) to three (3) feet where a clearly defined channel does not
exist , where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where
velocity flow may be evident . Such flooding is characterized
by ponding or sheet flow.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD - is the land in the flood
plain within the jurisdiction of the City of Friendswood sub-
ject to a one percent (1% ) or greater chance of flooding in any
given year. The area may be designated as Zone A on the Flood
Nazard Boundary Map. After detailed ratemaking has been com-
pleted in preparation for publication of the Flood Insurance
Rate Map, Zone A usually is refined into Zones A, A0, AH,
A1-99, V0, or V1-30.
BASE FLOOD - means a flood having a one percent (1$ ) chance
of being equalled or exceeded in any given year.
DEVELOPMENT - means any man-made change to improved or
unimproved real estate, including but not limited to, buildings
or other structures, mining, dredging , filling , grading,
paving, excavation or drilling operations.
EXISTING MOBILE HOME PARK OR MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION -
means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two
(2) or more mobile home lots for rent or sale , for which the
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construction of facilities for servicing the lot on which the
�obile homes are to be affixed (incltiding the installation of
utilities , either final site grading or the pouring of concrete
pads , or the construction of streets) is completed before the
effective date of this Ordinance.
EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING T10BILE HOME PARK OR MOBILE HOME
SUBDIVISION - means the preparation of additional sites by the
construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which
mobile homes are to be affixed (including the installation of
utilities , either final site grading or the pouring of concrete
pads , or �he construction of streets) .
FLOOD OR FLOODING - means a general and temporary condition
of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas
from :
(1 ) The overflow of inland or tidal waters.
(2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff
of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP (FHBM) - means an official map ,
or maps applicable to the jurisdiction of the City of Friends-
wood, issued by the Federal Insurance Administration, where the
areas within the boundaries of special flood hazards have been
designated as Zone A.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) - means an official map, or
maps applicable to the jurisdiction of the City of Friendswood ,
on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated
both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium
zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY - is the official report provided by
the Federal Insurance Administration. The report contains
flood profiles , the water surface elevation of the base flood,
as well as the Flood Hazard Boundary-Floodway Map.
FLOODWAY - means the channel of a river or other water-
course and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in
order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increas-
ing the water surface elevation more than one (1 ) foot.
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HABITABLE FLOOR - means any floor of a structure suitable
for or usable for living purposes , �ahich includes �aorking ,
sleeping , eating , cooking or recreation, or a combination
thereof . A floor used for storage purposes only is not a
"habitable floor".
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE - r�eans the highest natural eleva-
tion of the ground surface next to the proposed wa11s of a
structure prior to construction of said structure .
MEAN SEA LEVEL - means the average height of the sea for
all stages of the tide.
MOBILE HOhiE - means a structure , transportable in one or
more sections , which is built an a permanent chassis designed
to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation
when connected to the required utilities. It does not include
recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
�,9EAN HIGH TIDE - the mean high tide is the average high
tide reached over a period of a lunar cycle , roughly a period
of nineteen (19) years.
TEXAS OPEN BEACHES ACT - the Texas Open Beaches Act , codi-
fied as Subtitle E, Chapter 61 0£ the Natural Resources Code ,
originally enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1959, which pro-
hibits encroachment by private owners on the area seaward of
the line of vegetation for areas �'ronting on the Gulf of Mexico.
NEW MOBILE HOME PARK OR MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION - means a
parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two ( 2) or
more mobile home lots for rent or sale, £or which the construc-
tion of facilities for servicing the lot on �ahich the mobile
home is to be affixed ( including, at a minimum, the installa-
tion of utilities , either final site grading or the pouring of
concrete pads , and the construction of streets) is completed on
or after the effective date of this Ordinance.
START OF CONSTRUCTION - means the first placement of perma-
nent construction of a structure (other than a mobile home) on
a site , such as the pouring of slabs or footings or any work
beyond the stage of excavation. Permanent construction does
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not include land preparation, such as clearing , grading , and
filling ; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or
walkways ; nor does it include excavation for a basement , foot-
ings , piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms ;
nor does it include the installation on the property of acces-
sory buildings , such as garages or sheds not occupied as d�ael-
ling units or not as part of the main structure. For a struc-
ture (other than a mobile home) without a basement or poured
footings , the "start of construction" includes the first perma-
nent framing or assembly of the structure or any part thereof
on its piling or foundation. For mobile homes not within a
mobile home park or mobile home subdivision, "start of con-
struction" means the affixing of the mobile home to its perma-
nent site. For mobile homes within mobile home parks or mobile
home subdivisions , "start of construction" is the date on �ahich
the construction of facilities for servicing the site on which
the mobile home is to be affixed (including , at a minimur►, the
construction of streets , either final site grading or the pour-
ing of concrete pads , and installation of utilities) is com-
pleted.
STRUCTURE - means a walled and roofed building that is
principally above ground , as well as a mobile home.
SUBSTANTIAL IA4PROVEMENT - means any repair, reconstruction,
or improvement of a structure , the cost of which equals or
exceeds fifty (SO) percent of the market value of the structure
either (1) before the improvement or repair is started , or ( 2)
if the structure has been damaged and is being restored , before
the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition
"substantial i�provement" is considered to occur when the first
alteration of any wall , ceiling, floor, or other structural
part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration
affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term
does not, however, include either (1) any project for improve-
ment of a structure to comply with existing State or local
health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are
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solely necessary to assure safe living conditions , or ( 2) any
alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of
Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.
VARIANCE - is a grant of relief to a person from the
requirements of this Ordinance when specific enforcement would
result in unnecessary hardship. A variance , therefore , permits
construction or development in a manner otherwise prohibited by
this Ordinance.
Section 3. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
A. Lands to lahich This Ordinance Applies This Ordinance
shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the
jurisdiction of the City of Friendswood.
B. Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood
Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard shall be those areas
identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scien-
tific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance
Study of the City of Friendswood , " dated October 18 , 1982 , with
accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Hazard
Boundary-Floodway Maps ; any revisions thereto are hereby
adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this
Ordinance.
C. Establish�ent of Development Permit . A Development
Permit shall be required to ensure conformance wi�h the provi-
sions of this Ordinance.
D. Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be
located, altered, or have its use changed iaithout full com-
pliance with the terms of this Ordinance, including the require-
ments for a Development Permit herein, and other applicable
regulations.
E. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions . This Ordinance
is not intended to repeal , abrogate, or impair any existing
easements , covenants , or deed restrictons. However, where this
Ordinance and another conflict or overlap, whichever imposes
the more stringent restrictions shall prevail .
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F. Interpretation. In the interpretation and application
of this Ordinance , all provisions shall be : (1) considered as
minimum requirements ; (2) liberally constructed in favor of the
governing body ; and (3) deemed neither to limit nor repeal any
other powers granted under State statutes.
G. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of
flood protection required by this Ordinance is considered
reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific
and engineering considerations. On rare occasions greater
floods can and will occur and flood heights may be increased by
man-made or natural causes. This Ordinance does not imply that
land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permit-
ted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood
damages . This Ordinance shall not create liability on the part
of the City of Friendswood or any officer or employee thereof
for any flood damages that result from reliance on this ordi-
nance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
Section 4. ADMINISTRATION.
A. Designation of Flood Administrator. There is hereby
created the position of Friendswood Flood Administrator. The
City Manager is hereby appointed as the Flood Administrator to
administer and implement the provisions of this Ordinance. The
Flood Administrator may appoint such deputies as he shall deem
necessary to assist him in the performance of his duties. Any
such designated deputies are hereby authorized to carry out the
responsibilities of the Flood Administrator under this Ordi-
nance on behalf of the Flood Administrator.
B. Duties and Responsibilities of the Flood Administra-
tor. Duties and responsibilities of the Flood Administrator
shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) rTaintain and hold open for public inspection
all records pertaining to the provisions of
this Ordinance ;
(2) Review, approve or deny all applications for
Development Permits required by Section 3,
subsection C of this Ordinance ;
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(3) Review permits for proposed development to
assure that all necessary permits have been
obtained from those Federal , State or local
governmental agencies from which prior
approval is required ;
(4) Where interpretation is needed as to the
exact location of the boundaries of the
areas of special flood hazards (for example ,
where there appears to be a conflict between
a mapped boundary and actual field condi-
tions) the Flood Administrator shall make
the necessary interpretation. The person
contesting the location of the boundary
shall be given a reasonable opportunity to
appeal the interpretation as provided in
subsection D( 2) of this Section.
( 5) Notify adjacent communities and the state
coordinating agency prior to any alteration
or relocation of a watercourse , and submit
evidence of such notification to the Federal
Insurance Administration;
(6) Assure that maintenance is provided within
the altered or relocated portion of said
watercourse so that the flood carrying capa-
city is not diminished.
( 7) l9hen base flood elevation data has not been
provided in accordance with Section 3, sub-
section B herein, the Flood Administrator
shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize
any base flood elevation data available from
a Federal , State, or other source , in order
to administer the provisions of Section 5
herein.
C. Permit Procedures.
(1 ) Application for a Development Permit shall be
presented to the Flood Administrator on forms furnished by him
and shall include , but not be limited to, plans in duplicate
drawn to scale showing the locations , dimensions , and elevation
of proposed landscape alterations , existing and proposed struc-
tures , and the location of the foregoing in relation to areas
. of special flood hazard. Additionally, the following infor-
mation is required :
a. Elevation in relation to mean sea level , of
the lowest floor (including basement) of all
proposed structures ;
b. Elevation in relation to �ean sea level to
which any non-residential structure shall be
floodproofed ;
c. A certificate f rom a registered professional
engineer or architect that the non-residen-
tial floodproofed structure shall meet the
floodproofing criteria of Section 5, subsec-
tion B ( 2) herein;
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d. Description of the extent to which any water-
course or natural drainage will be altered
or relocated as a result of proposed develop-
ment.
(2) Approval or denial of a Development Permit by the
Flood Administrator shall be based on all of the provisions of
this Ordinance and the following relevant factors :
a. The danger to life and property due to
flooding or erosion damage ;
b. The susceptibility of the proposed facility
and its contents to flood damage and the
effect of such damage on the individual
owner;
c. The danger that materials may be swept onto
other lands to the injury of others ;
d. The compatibility of the proposed use with
existing and anticipated development ;
e. The safety of access to the property in
times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles ;
f. The costs of providing governmental services
during and after flood conditions including
maintenance and repair of streets and
bridges , and public utilities and facilities
such as sewer, gas , electrical , and water
systems.
g. The expected heights , velocity, duration,
rate of rise and sediment transport of the
flood waters and the effects of wave action,
if applicable, expected at the site ;
h. The necessity to the facility of a water-
front location, where applicable ;
i . The availability of alternative locations ,
not subject to flooding or erosion damage ,
for the proposed use ;
j . The relationship of the proposed use to the
comprehensive plan for that area.
D. Variance Procedures.
(1 ) The Board of Adjustment as established by the
City of Friendswood shall hear and render judgment on requests
for variances from the requirements of this Ordinance.
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( 2) The Board of Adjustment shall hear and render
judgement on an appeal only when it is alleged there is an
error in any requirement , decision, or determination made by
the Flood Ad�inistrator in the enforcement or administration of
this Ordinance.
(3) Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision
of the Board of Adjust�ent may appeal such decision to the
courts of competent jurisdiction.
(4) The Flood Administrator shall maintain a record
of all actions involving an appeal and shall report variances
to the Federal Insurance Administration upon request .
( 5) Variances may be issued for the reconstruction,
rehabilitation or restoration of structures listed on the
National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of
Historic Places , without regard to the procedures set forth in
the re�ainder of this section.
(6) Generally, variances may be issued for new con-
struction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot
of one-half (1/2) acre or less in size contiguous to and sur-
rounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the
base flood level , provided the relevant factors in subsection C
( 2) of this Section have been fully considered. As the lot
size increases beyond one-half ( 1/2) acre , the technical justi-
fication required for issuing the variance increases.
(7) Upon consideration of the factors noted above and
the intent of this Ordinance, the Board of Adjustment may
attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems
necessary to further the purpose and objectives of this Ordi-
nance stated in Section 1 herein.
(8) Variances shall not be issued within any desig-
� nated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base
flood discharge would result.
(9) Prerequisites for granting variances :
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a. Variances shall only be issued upon a deter-
mination that the variance is the minimum
necessary, considering the flood hazard , to
afford relief.
b. Variances shall only be issued upon (i ) a
showing of good and sufficient cause , (ii ) a
determination that failure to grant the
variance tiaould result in exceptional hard-
ship to the applicant , and (iii ) a determi -
nation that the granting of a variance will
not result in increased flood heights , addi-
tional threats to public safety, extraordi-
nary public expense , create nuisances , cause
fraud on or victimization of the public , or
conflict with existing local laws or ordi-
nances.
c. Any applicant to whoM a variance is granted
shall be given written notice that the
structure will be permitted to be built �aith
a lowest floor elevation no more than two
( 2) feet below the base flood elevation, and
that the cost of flood insurance will be
commensurate with the increased risk result-
ing from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
Section 5 . PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION.
A. General Standards . In all areas of special flood
hazards the following provisions are required :
(1) All new construction and substantial improve-
ments shall be anchored to prevent flota-
tion, collapse or lateral movement of the
structure ;
(2) All new construction or substantial improve-
ments shall be constructed by methods and
practices that minimize flood damage ;
(3) Al1 new construction or substantial amprove-
ments shall be constructed with materials
and utility equipment resistant to flood
damage ;
(4) All new and replacement water supply systems
shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the system ;
(5) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems
shall be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the systero
and discharges from the systems into flood
waters ; and,
(6) On-site waste disposal systems shall be
located to avoid impairment to them or con-
tamination f rom then during flooding.
B. Specific Standards. In all areas of special flood
hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as
set forth herein in (i ) Section 3, subsection B, (ii ) Section
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4 , subsection B (7) , or ( iii ) Section 5 , subsection D (3) the
following provisions are required :
(1) Residential Contruction - New Construction
or substantial improvement of any residen-
tial structure shall have the lowest floor,
including basement , elevated to or above the
base flood elevation. A registered profes-
sional engineer, architect , or land surveyor
shall submit a certification to the Flood
Administrator that the standard of this sub-
section, as proposed in Section 4, subsec-
tion C ( 1 ) (a) , is satisfied.
( 2) Non-residential Contruction - New Construc-
tion or substantial improvement of any com-
mercial , industrial or other non-residential
structure shall either have the lo�aest
floor, including basement , elevated to the
level of the base flood elevation or,
together with attendant utility and sanitary
facilities , be floodproofed so that below
the base flood level the structure is water
tight with walls substantially impermeable
to the passage of water and with structural
components having the capability of resist-
ing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and
effects of buoyancy. A registered profes-
sional engineer or architect shall submit a
certification to the Flood AdMinistrator
that the standards of this subsection as
proposed in Section 4, subsection C ( 1 ) (c) ,
are satisfied.
(3) rlobile Homes -
a. No mobile home shall be placed in a
floodway, or if applicable , a coastal
high hazard area, except in an existing
mobile home park or existing mobile
home subdivision.
b. All mobile homes shall be anchored to
resist flotation, collapse , or lateral
movement . Specific requirements shall
be :
(i ) over-the-top ties at each of the
four corners of the mobile home,
with two additional ties per
side at intermediate locations
and mobile homes less than SO
feet long requiring one addi -
tional tie per side ;
(ii ) frame ties at each corner of the
home with five additional ties
per side at intermediate points
and mobile homes less than SO
feet long requiring four addi-
tional ties per side ;
(iii ) all components of the anchoring
system be capable of carrying a
force of 4, 800 pounds ;
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(iv) any additions to the mobile home
be similarly anchored.
c. For new mobile home parks and subdivi-
sions ; for expansions to existing
mobile home parks and subdivisions ; for
existing mobile home parks and subdivi-
sions where the repair, reconstruction
or improvement of the streets , util-
ities and pads has been undertaken and
equals or exceeds 50 percent of the
value of the streets, utilities and
pads before the repair, reconstruction
or improvement commenced ; and for
mobile homes not placed in a mobile
home park or subdivision the following
requirements shall be met :
(i ) stands or lots shall he elevated
on compacted fill or on pilings
so that the lowest floor of the
mobile home will be at or above
the base flood level . A
registered professional engi-
neer, architect , or land survey-
or shall submit a certification
to the Flood Administrator that
the standard of this paragraph
complies with subsection B( 1) of
this Section.
(ii ) adequate surface drainage and
access for a hauler shall be
provided ; and ,
(iii ) in the instance of elevation on
pilings : (1 ) lots shall be
large enough to permit steps ,
(2) piling foundations shall be
placed in stable soil no more
than ten feet apart , and ( 3)
reinforcement shall be provided
for pilings more than six (6)
feet above the ground level .
� (4) Floodways - property located within areas of
special flood hazard established in Section
3, subsection B are areas designated as
floodways. Since the floodway is an
extremely hazardous area due to the velocity
of flood waters which carry debris , poten-
tial projectiles and erosion potential , the
following provisions shall apply to floodway
areas :
a. Encroachments are prohibited , including
fill , new construction, substantial
improvements and other developments
unless certification by a professional
registered engineer or architect is
provided demonstrating that encroach-
ments shall not result in any increase
in flood levels during occurrence of
the base flood discharge.
b. If Section 5, subsection B (4) (a)
above is satisfied, all new construc-
tion and substantial improvements shall
comply with all applicable flood hazard
r reduction provisions of Section 5.
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c. Prohibit the placement of any mobile
homes , except in an existing mobile
home park or subdivision.
d. Al1 buildings and structures within an
area to which the Texas Qpen Beaches
Act applies shall be located at or
above the line of vegetation, or at
least 300 feet from mean low tide where
there is no visible line of vegeta-
tion. In areas which are not subject
to provisions of the Texas Open Beaches
Act , all buildings and structures shall
be located land�aard of the reach of the
mean high tide.
C. Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding (AO Zones) .
Property located within the areas of special flood hazard
established in Section 3 subsection B are areas designated as
shallow flooding. These areas have special flood hazards
associated with base flood depths of 1 to 3 feet where a
clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of
flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate ; therefore, the
following provisions apply:
(1 ) Al1 new construction and substantial improve-
ments of residential structures shall have
the lowest floor (including basement) ele-
vated above the highest adjacent grade at
least as high as the depth number specified
in feet on the applicable FIRM (at least two
( 2) feet if no depth number is specified) .
(2) All new construction and substantial improve-
ments of nonresidential, structures :
(i ) shall have the lowest floor (including
basement) elevated above the highest
adjacent grade at least as high as the
depth number specified in feet on the
applicable FIRM (at least two ( 2) feet
if no depth number is specified) , or;
(ii ) together with attendant utility and
sanitary facilities shall be designed
so that below the base flood level the
structure is water-tight 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.
(3) A registered professonal engineer or archi-
tect shall submit a certification to the
Flood Administrator that the standards of
this subsection, as proposed in Section 4
subsection C(1) (a) are satisfied. .�
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(4) Require within Zones AH and A0, adequate
drainage paths around structures on slopes ,
to guide floodwaters around and away from
proposed structures.
D. Standards for Subdivision Proposals.
(1) All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with
Section 1 of this Ordinance.
( 2) All proposals for the development of subdivisions
shall meet Development Permit requirements of Section 3, sub-
section C, Section 4, subsection C, and the provisions of Sec-
tion 5 of this Ordinance.
( 3) Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdi-
vision proposals and other proposed development which is
greater than the lesser of 50 lots or 5 acres , if not otherwise
provided pursuant to Section 3, subsection B or Section 4, sub-
section B ( 7) of this Ordinance.
( 4) All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage
provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(S) All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities
and facilities such as sewer, gas , electrical and water systems
located and constructed to minimize flood damage.
Section 6. REPEALING CLAUSE. All ordinances or parts of
ordinances inconsistent or in conflict herewith are , to the
extent of such inconsistency or conflict hereby repealed. More ,
specifically, and without limitation, Ordinance Number 304,
passed on the third and final reading on June 5 , 1978 , is here-
by in all things repealed.
Section 7. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any word , phrase ,
clause, sentence, paragraph, section, subsection, part or por-
tion of this Ordinance shall be held in any court of competent
jurisdiction upon final judgment to be invalid or unconstitu-
tional , it shall not affect, impair, or invalidate this ordi-
nance as a whole or any part or provision hereof other than the
part so declared to be invalid or unconstitutional ; and the
City Council of the City of Friendswood, Texas, declares that
:
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it would have passed each and every part the same notwithstand-
ing the omission of any such part so declared to be invalid or
unconstitutional , or whether there be one or more parts.
PASSED AND APPROV�D on first reading this the 7th day of
March , 1983.
PASSED AND APPROVED on second reading this the 21st day of
March 1983,
�
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on third and final reading
this the �th day of April , 1983.
�-C�---� ���( a'�
hlayor
ATTEST:
� �. � � -
City Secretary
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