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 Riverdale
 Code of Ordinances
 Chapter 38. FLOODS
 Article IV. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION

§ 38-19. General standards.  

Latest version.

  • In all areas of special flood hazard and areas of future-conditions flood hazard the following provisions apply:

    (1)

    New construction and substantial improvements of structures (residential or non-residential), including manufactured homes, shall not be allowed within the limits of the future-conditions floodplain, unless all requirements of sections 38-15, 38-16, and 38-17 have been met.

    (2)

    New construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral movement of the structure.

    (3)

    New construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.

    (4)

    New construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage.

    (5)

    Elevated buildings. All new construction and substantial improvements that include any fully enclosed area located below the lowest floor formed by foundation and other exterior walls shall be designed so as to be an unfinished or flood resistant enclosure. The enclosure shall be designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the automatic entry and exit of floodwater.

    a.

    Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a licensed professional engineer or architect to meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:

    1.

    Provide a minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding;

    2.

    The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and

    3.

    Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwater in both directions.

    b.

    So as not to violate the "lowest floor" criteria of this chapter, the unfinished and flood resistant enclosure shall solely be used for parking of vehicles, limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises, or entry to the elevated area; and

    c.

    The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be finished or partitioned into separate rooms.

    (6)

    All heating and air conditioning equipment and components (including ductwork), all electrical, ventilation, plumbing, and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located three feet above the base flood elevation or one foot above the future-conditions flood elevation, whichever is higher, so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.

    (7)

    Manufactured homes shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This standard shall be in addition to and consistent with applicable state requirements for resisting wind forces.

    (8)

    All proposed development shall include adequate drainage and stormwater management facilities per the requirements of City of Riverdale to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

    (9)

    New and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system.

    (10)

    New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters.

    (11)

    On-site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to, or contamination from, such systems during flooding.

    (12)

    Other public utilities such as gas and electric systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to them, or public safety hazards from them, during flooding.

    (13)

    Any alteration, repair, reconstruction or improvement to a structure which is not compliant with the provisions of this chapter, shall be undertaken only if the non-conformity is not furthered, extended or replaced.

    (14)

    If the proposed development is located in multiple flood zones, or multiple base flood elevations cross the proposed site, the higher or more restrictive base flood elevation or future condition elevation and development standards shall take precedence.

    (15)

    When only a portion of a proposed structure is located within a flood zone or the future-conditions floodplain, the entire structure shall meet the requirements of this chapter.

    (16)

    Subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including manufactured home parks or subdivisions, shall be reasonably safe from flooding:

    a.

    All such proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage within the flood-prone area;

    b.

    All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems shall be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and

    c.

    Adequate drainage shall be provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.

( Ord. No. 13-2016 , § 1, 11-14-16)