HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-03 PACKET 04.C.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 2/3110 -0
PREPARED BY: Community Development Howard Blin
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST:
1) 1) Consider an amendment to the City Floodplain Management Ordinance.
2) Consider adopting a resolution authorizing the publication of this ordinance amendment by
title and summary.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
1) Adopt the amendment to the City Floodplain Management Ordinance.
2) Adopt the ordinance summary resolution.
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
H MEMO/LETTER: John M. Burbank dated 1/28/10
Z RESOLUTION: Draft - Ordinance Summary
Z ORDINANCE: Draft
F ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
F LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER: Excerptfrorn 1/25/10 Planning Commission Minutes
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS: P
Ut Administrator Date
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: F 7 APPROVED F DENIED FJOTHER
N
DATE REVIEWED
APPROVED DENIED
PLANNING 1/25/10 ❑
M ❑
F
PUBLIC SAFETY ❑
❑ ❑
F
PUBLIC WORKS ❑
❑ ❑
❑
PARKS AND RECREATION ❑
❑ ❑
❑
HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑
❑ F
❑
ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑
F ❑
r - 1
❑
❑ ❑
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
H MEMO/LETTER: John M. Burbank dated 1/28/10
Z RESOLUTION: Draft - Ordinance Summary
Z ORDINANCE: Draft
F ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
F LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER: Excerptfrorn 1/25/10 Planning Commission Minutes
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS: P
Ut Administrator Date
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: F 7 APPROVED F DENIED FJOTHER
N
- CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
MINNESOTA
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
FROM: John M. Burbank, Senior Planner
DATE: January 28, 2010
RE: Floodplain Ordinance Amendment
Proposal
The Council is requested to consider an amendment to the City Flood Plain Management ordin-
ance. The amendment makes minor changes to the existing flood plain ordinance, the definition
section of the code, and adopts by reference the new 2010 floodplain identification maps pub-
lished by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These maps show properties
along the Mississippi River which are within flood zones and, therefore, are eligible for federal
flood insurance. The new maps do not include any new properties in the flood zones.
Background
FEMA recently updated the flood management maps for Washington County. The maps be-
come effective February 3, 2010. The use of geographic information system (GIS) software,
contour data and high resolution air photography allowed for much more accurate maps than
were possible in the past. These maps are on file with the City and the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). State statute requires that the City update its adopted flood man-
agement ordinance to conform to the flood management maps.
There are some other minor modifications to the ordinance relating to new standards and defini-
tions. The new ordinance also continues to define the floodplain protection elevation for Cottage
Grove at 700 feet above mean sea level. The City Attorney has recommended that current
floodplain ordinance be repealed in its entirety and replaced with the new provisions in the at-
tached draft ordinance, and that the definitions related to the ordinance be added to Title 11 -1 -3:
Rules of word construction; Definitions.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a public hearing at their regular scheduled meeting on January
25, 2010. The Commission recommended unanimously that the City Council adopt the amend-
ment.
s �..
Based on the limited amount of development along the river, the City rarely has to deal with flood
plain regulation. The draft ordinance that was provided to the City by the DNR was reviewed by the
Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder
Flood Plain Ordinance Amendment
February 3, 2010
Page 2 of 2
City Attorney and tailored to mesh with the City ordinance codification system. There are no signifi-
cant changes between the existing and proposed ordinance language.
Failure to adopt the new ordinance would result in the suspension of Cottage Grove from the
National Flood Insurance Program. During the suspension period, no flood insurance policies could
be written/renewed in the insurance eligible areas until such time as the ordinance is adopted by a
suspended community.
Public Hearing Notices
A public hearing notice announcing the public hearing on this amendment was published in the
South Washington County Bulletin prior to the January 25 Planning Commission meeting.
Recommendation
That the City Council adopt an ordinance amending City Code Title 11 Chapter 12 by repealing
the current floodplain management ordinance language in its entirety and replacing it with the
new provisions attached in the draft ordinance, and that the definitions related to the ordinance
be added to Title 11 Chapter 1 -3: Rules of Word Construction; Definitions.
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ORDINANCE REGARDING FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT: AMENDING CITY CODE
TITLE 11 -1 -3, DEFINITIONS; REPEALING CITY CODE TITLE 11 CHAPTER 12; AND
AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 11 BY ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 12
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1. Title 11 Chapter 1 Section 3E of the Cottage Grove is amended by adding
the following definitions, each of which shall be inserted into Section 3E in appropriate
alphabetical order:
LOWEST FLOOR: The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure sued solely for parking of vehicles, building
access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's
lowest floor.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: For purposes of chapter 12 of this title, a vehicle that is
built on a single chassis is 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest
horizontal projection, is designed to be self - propelled or permanently towable by a liqht
duty truck, and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as
temporary living quarters for recreational camping, travel, or seasonal use. For the
purposes of chapter 12 of this title the term recreational vehicle shall be synonymous
with the term travel trailer /travel vehicle
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE: For purposes of chapter 12 of this title damage of any
origin sustained by a structure where the cost of restoring the structure to its before
damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the
structure before the damage occurred
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT: For purposes of chapter 12 of this title, within anV
consecutive 365 -daV period, any reconstruction, rehabilitation (including normal
maintenance and repair) repair after damage addition, or other improvement of a
structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the
structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes
structures that have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work
performed. The term does not, however, include either:
(a)
by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to
assure safe living conditions.
(b) Any alteration of an "historic structure," provided that the alteration will not
preclude the structure's continued designation as an "historic structure." For the
purpose of chapter 12 of this title "historic structure" shall be as defined in 44
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 59.1.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 2 of 26
Section 2. The following definitions in Title 11 Chapter 1 Section 3E are amended to
read as follows:
BASEMENT SINQ6€ Fnnnii v AND DUPLEX; n po rt i o n of ^ building 1 0 ^^+ e d pa
unde, g . eund and having at least one half f!GGF tG GeiliRg height below the average
grade of the adjoining ground. Any area of a structure including crawl spaces, having
its floor or base subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides regardless of the depth
of excavation below ground level
FLOOD: A temporary rise in st ream the flow or stage of a stream or in the stage of a
wetland or lake that results in the inundation of the ar adjaG°^' tG the Ghana °'
normally dry areas.
FLOOD FREQUENCY: The average frequency statistically d iR for which it is
expected that a specific flood stage or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.
FLOOD FRINGE: That portion of the flood plain outside of the floodway. "Flood fringe"
is synonymous with the term "floodway fringe" used in the City's flood insuFaRGe stud
FLOODPROOP FLOOD PROOFING A combination of structural provisions,
changes, or adjustments to properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for
the reduction or elimination of flood damages.
FLOODWAY: The channel er bed of a river stream, draiRage GhaRRel or PoRd wetland
or lake and the channel of a watercourse and those portions of the adjoining flood plain
Mains adjoining which are reasonably required to efflsienti carry or store and discharge
the regional flood discharge
REGIONAL FLOOD: A flood which is representative of large floods known to have
occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected
to occur on an average frequency in the magnitude of the 100 -year recurrence interval.
Regional flood is synonymous with the term "base flood" used in a flood insurance
study.
REGULATORY FLOOD PROTECTION ELEVATION: The regulatory flood protection
elevation shall be 700 feet above mean sea level or at an elevation no lower a point net
less than one foot (1') above the elevation of water surface profile the
regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by h eight s att to
encroachments on the flood plain that result from designation of a floodway, whichever
is greater It is the elevation to which uses regulated by this Title are required to be
elevated or floodprotected.
STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the
ground or on -site utilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds,
detached garages, cabins, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles not meeting the
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 3 of 26
exemption criteria specified in section 11 -12 -9 of this title travel trailers /vehicles, signs
and other similar items.
Section 3. Title 11 Chapter 12 of the Cottage Grove City Code is repealed in its
entirety and replaced with the following new provisions of said Chapter 12:
Chapter 12
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
11 -12 -1 AUTHORITY; FINDINGS OF FACT; PURPOSE:
A. Statutory Authority. The legislature of the State of Minnesota, in Minnesota
Statutes Chapters 103F and 462, has delegated the responsibility to local
government units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses.
B. Findings of Fact: The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove makes the
following findings:
1. The flood hazard areas of the City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, are
subject to periodic inundation which results in potential loss of life, loss of
property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures or flood
protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely
affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
2. This chapter is based upon a reasonable method of analyzing flood
hazards which is consistent with the standards established by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
3. This chapter is adopted to comply with the rules and regulations of the
National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44 Code of Federal
Regulations Parts 59 -78, as amended, so as to maintain eligibility of the
Cottage Grove community in the National Flood Insurance Program.
C. Statement of Purpose: It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize those losses described in
this section 11 -12 -1.
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A. Lands to Which Chapter Applies: This chapter applies to all lands within the
jurisdiction of the City as shown on the City's official zoning map and the
attachments thereto as being located within the boundaries of the floodway,
flood fringe, or general flood plain districts.
B. Establishment of Official zoning map: The official zoning map together with all
attachments thereto is hereby adopted by reference. The attachments to the
official zoning map include the Flood insurance Study for Washington County,
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 4 of 26
Minnesota and Incorporated Areas and Flood Insurance Rate Map Panels
therein numbered 27163CO392E, 27163CO394E, 27163C0403E, 27163C0405E,
27163C0410E, 27163C0411E, 27163C0412E, 27163C0413E, 27163C0414E,
27163C0416E, 27163C0417E, 27163C0418E, 27163C0419E, 27163C0430E
and 27163C0438E, all dated February 3, 2010 and prepared by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. The official zoning map shall be on file in the
office of the city clerk.
C. Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation: The regulatory flood protection elevation
shall be 700 feet above mean sea level or an elevation no lower than one foot
above the elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation
caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a
floodway, whichever is greater.
D. Interpretation:
1. In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be
held to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor
of the City and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other
powers granted by state statutes.
2. The boundaries of the zoning districts shall be determined by scaling
distances on the official zoning map. Where interpretation is needed as to
the exact location of the boundaries of the district as shown on the official
zoning map, as for example where there appears to be a conflict between a
mapped boundary and actual field conditions and there is a formal appeal
of the decision of the zoning administrator, the board of zoning appeals
shall make the necessary interpretation. All decisions will be based on
elevations on the regional (100 -year) flood profile, the ground elevations
that existed on the site at the time the City adopted its initial floodplain
ordinance or on the date of the first National Flood Insurance Program map
showing the area within the 100 -year floodplain if earlier, and other
available technical data. Persons contesting the location of the district
boundaries shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case to
the board of zoning appeals and to submit technical evidence.
E. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions: It is not intended by this chapter to repeal,
abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions.
However, where this chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this
chapter shall prevail. The regulations in this chapter are in addition to rather than
in substitution of regulations imposed by any other zoning classification for
designated floodplains. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions
of this chapter and other city code provision, the more restrictive provision shall
prevail.
F. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability: This chapter does not imply that areas
outside the flood plain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will be
free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 5 of 26
part of the City or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that
may result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully
made thereunder.
G. Severability: If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this chapter is
adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder of this chapter shall not be affected thereby.
H. Annexations: The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by reference at
section 11 -12 -2 may include floodplain areas that lie outside of the corporate
boundaries of the City at the time of adoption of this chapter. If any of these
floodplain land areas are annexed into the City after the date of adoption of this
chapter, the newly annexed floodplain lands shall be subject to the provisions of
this chapter immediately upon the date of annexation into the City.
11 -12 -3 ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICT OVERLAY:
A. Flood Management Overlay Districts:
1. Floodway District. The Floodway District shall include those areas
designated as floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in
section 11 -12 -2.
2. Flood Fringe District. The Flood Fringe District shall include those areas
designated as floodway fringe. The Flood Fringe District shall include those
areas shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map as adopted in Section 11-
12-2 as being within Zone AE but being located outside of the floodway.
3. General Flood Plain District. The General Flood Plain District shall include
those areas designated as Zone A and Zone AE without a floodway on the
Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Section 11 -12 -2.
B. Compliance: No new structure or land shall hereafter be used and no structure
shall be constructed, located, extended, converted, or structurally altered without
full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations
which apply to uses within the jurisdiction of this chapter. Within the Floodway,
Flood Fringe and General Flood Plain Districts, all uses not listed as permitted
uses or conditional uses in sections 11 -12 -4, 11 -12 -5 and 11 -12 -6 that follow,
respectively, shall be prohibited. In addition, a caution is provided here that:
1. New manufactured homes, replacement manufactured homes and certain
travel trailers and travel vehicles are subject to the general provisions of
this chapter and specifically section 11 -12 -9.
2. Modifications, additions, structural alterations, normal maintenance and
repair,, or repair after damage to existing nonconforming structures and
nonconforming uses of structures or land are regulated by the general
provisions of this chapter and specifically section 11- 12 -11.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 6 of 26
3. As -built elevations for elevated or flood proofed structures must be certified
by ground surveys and flood proofing techniques must be designed and
certified by a registered professional engineer or architect as specified in
the general provisions of this chapter and specifically as stated in section
11 -12 -10 of this chapter.
11 -12 -4 FLOODWAY DISTRICT (FW):
A. Permitted Uses.
1. General farming, pasture, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture,
truck farming, forestry, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.
2. Industrial - commercial loading areas, parking areas, and airport landing
strips.
3. Private and public golf courses, tennis courts, driving ranges, archery
ranges, picnic grounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, parks,
wildlife and nature preserves, game farms, fish hatcheries, shooting
preserves, target ranges, trap and skeet ranges, hunting and fishing areas,
and single or multiple purpose recreational trails.
4. Residential lawns, gardens, accessory parking areas, and play areas.
B. Standards for Floodway Permitted Uses:
1. The use shall have a low flood damage potential.
2. The use shall be permissible in the underlying zoning district.
3. The use shall not obstruct flood flows or increase flood elevations and shall
not involve structures, fill, obstructions, excavations or storage of materials
or equipment.
C. Conditional Uses:
1. Structures accessory to permitted uses listed above.
2. Extraction and storage of sand, gravel, and other materials.
3. Marinas, boat rentals, docks, piers, wharves, and water control structures.
4. Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines, and pipelines.
5. Storage yards for equipment, machinery, or materials, other than fuel
storage tanks.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 7 of 26
6. Placement of fill or construction of fences.
T Recreational vehicles either on individual lots of record or in existing or new
subdivisions or commercial or condominium type campgrounds, subject to
the exemptions and provisions of section 11 -12 -9 C of this chapter.
8. Structural works for flood control such as levees, dikes and floodwalls
constructed to any height where the intent is to protect individual structures
and levees or dikes where the intent is to protect agricultural crops for a
frequency flood event equal to or less than the 10 -year frequency flood
event.
D. Standards for F000dway Conditional Uses:
1. All Uses. No structure (temporary or permanent), fill (including fill for roads
and levees), deposit, obstruction, storage of materials or equipment, or
other uses may be allowed as a conditional use that will cause any
increase in the stage of the 100 -year or regional flood or cause an increase
in flood damages in the reach or reaches affected.
2. All floodway conditional uses are subject to the procedures and standards
contained in section 11 -12 -10 D of this chapter.
3. The conditional use shall be permissible in the underlying zoning district.
a. Fill, dredge spoil, and all other similar materials deposited or stored in
the flood plain shall be protected from erosion by vegetative cover,
mulching, riprap or other acceptable method.
b. Dredge spoil sites and sand and gravel operations shall not be allowed
in the floodway unless a long -term site development plan is submitted
which includes an erosion /sedimentation prevention element to the
plan.
c. As an alternative, and consistent with paragraph b immediately above,
dredge spoil disposal and sand and gravel operations may allow
temporary, on -site storage of fill or other materials which would have
caused an increase to the stage of the 100 -year or regional flood but
only after the City has received an appropriate plan which assures the
removal of the materials from the floodway based upon the flood
warning time available. The conditional use permit must be recorded in
the office of the county recorder or county registrar of titles, as
appropriate.
5. Accessory Structures:
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 8 of 26
a. Accessory structures shall not be designed for human habitation.
b. Accessory structures, if permitted, shall be constructed and placed on
the building site so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of
flood waters:
(1) Whenever possible, structures shall be constructed with the
longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of flood flow, and
(2) So far as practicable, structures shall be placed approximately on
the same flood flow lines as those of adjoining structures.
c. Accessory structures shall be elevated on fill or structurally dry flood
proofed in accordance with the FP -1 or FP -2 flood proofing
classifications in the state building code. As an alternative, an
accessory structure may be flood proofed to the FP -3 or FP -4 flood
proofing classification in the state building code provided the accessory
structure constitutes a minimal investment, does not exceed 500 square
feet in size at its largest projection, and for a detached garage, the
detached garage must be used solely for parking of vehicles and limited
storage. All flood proofed accessory structures must meet the following
additional standards:
(1) The structure must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation,
collapse or lateral movement of the structure and shall be designed
to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls;
(2) Any mechanical and utility equipment in a structure must be
elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or
properly flood proofed; and
(3) To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be
a minimum of two "automatic" openings in the outside walls of the
structure having a total net area of not less than one square inch for
every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. There must
be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of
all openings must be no higher than one foot above the lowest
adjacent grade to the structure. Using human intervention to open a
garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy this requirement for
automatic openings.
6. Storage of Materials and Equipment:
a. The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding,
flammable, explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant
life is prohibited.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 9 of 26
b. Storage of other materials or equipment may be allowed if readily
removable from the area within the time available after a flood warning
and in accordance with a plan approved by the City Council.
7. Structural works for flood control that will change the course, current or
cross section of protected wetlands or public waters shall be subject to the
provisions of Minnesota Statute, Chapter 103G. Community -wide structural
works for flood control intended to remove areas from the regulatory flood
plain shall not be allowed in the floodway.
8. A levee, dike or floodwall constructed in the floodway shall not cause an
increase to the 100 -year or regional flood and the technical analysis must
assume equal conveyance or storage loss on both sides of a stream.
11 -12 -5 FLOOD FRINGE DISTRICT (FF):
A. Permitted Uses: Permitted uses shall be those uses of land or structures listed
as permitted uses in the underlying zoning use district(s). All permitted uses
shall comply with the standards for Flood Fringe District "Permitted Uses" listed
in section 11 -12 -5 B and the "Standards for all Flood Fringe Uses" listed in
section 11 -12 -5 E.
B. Standards for Flood Fringe Permitted Uses:
1. All structures, including accessory structures, must be elevated on fill so
that the lowest floor including basement floor is at or above the regulatory
flood protection elevation. The finished fill elevation for structures shall be
no lower than one (1) foot below the regulatory flood protection elevation
and the fill shall extend at such elevation at least fifteen (15) feet beyond
the outside limits of the structure erected thereon.
2. As an alternative to elevation on fill, accessory structures that constitute a
minimal investment and that do not exceed 500 square feet at its largest
projection may be internally flood proofed in accordance with Section 11-
12-4 D5c.
3. The cumulative placement of fill where at any one time in excess of one -
thousand (1,000) cubic yards of fill is located on the parcel shall be
allowable only as a conditional use, unless said fill is specifically intended
to elevate a structure in accordance with Section 5.21 of this chapter.
4. The storage of any materials or equipment shall be elevated on fill to the
regulatory flood protection elevation.
5. The provisions of section 11 -12 -5 E of this chapter shall apply.
C. Conditional Uses: Any structure that is not elevated on fill or flood proofed in
accordance with section 11 -12 -5 B1 — B2 or any use of land that does not
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 10 of 26
comply with the standards in section 11 -12 -5 133 -134 shall only be allowable as a
conditional use. An application for a conditional use shall be subject to the
standards and criteria and evaluation procedures specified in sections 11 -12 -5 D
and E and 11 -12 -10 D of this chapter.
D. Standards for Flood Fringe Conditional Uses:
1. Alternative elevation methods other than the use of fill may be utilized to
elevate a structure's lowest floor above the regulatory flood protection
elevation. These alternative methods may include the use of stilts, pilings,
parallel walls, etc., or above - grade, enclosed areas such as crawl spaces
or tuck under garages. The base or floor of an enclosed area shall be
considered above -grade and not a structure's basement or lowest floor if:
1) the enclosed area is above -grade on at least one side of the structure; 2)
it is designed to internally flood and is constructed with flood resistant
materials; and 3) it is used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or
storage. The above -noted alternative elevation methods are subject to the
following additional standards:
a. Design and Certification - The structure's design and as -built condition
must be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect as
being in compliance with the general design standards of the state
building code and, specifically, that all electrical, heating, ventilation,
plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities
must be at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or be
designed to prevent flood water from entering or accumulating within
these components during times of flooding.
b. Specific Standards for Above - grade, Enclosed Areas - Above - grade,
fully enclosed areas such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages must
be designed to internally flood and the design plans must stipulate:
(1) A minimum area of openings in the walls where internal flooding is
to be used as a flood proofing technique. There shall be a minimum
of two openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom
of all openings shall be no higher than one -foot above grade. The
automatic openings shall have a minimum net area of not less than
one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding unless a registered professional engineer or architect
certifies that a smaller net area would suffice. The automatic
openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other
coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry
and exit of flood waters without any form of human intervention; and
(2) That the enclosed area will be designed of flood resistant materials
in accordance with the FP -3 or FP -4 classifications in the state
building code and shall be used solely for building access, parking
of vehicles or storage.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 11 of 26
2. Basements, as defined by Section 2.812 of this chapter, shall be subject to
the following:
a. Residential basement construction shall not be allowed below the
regulatory flood protection elevation.
b. Non - residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation provided the basement is structurally dry flood
proofed in accordance with section 11 -12 -5 D3 of this chapter.
3. All areas of non residential structures including basements to be placed
below the regulatory flood protection elevation shall be flood proofed in
accordance with the structurally dry flood proofing classifications in the
state building code. Structurally dry flood proofing must meet the FP -1 or
FP -2 flood proofing classification in the state building code and this shall
require making the structure watertight with the walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components
having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and
the effects of buoyancy. Structures flood proofed to the FP -3 or FP -4
classification shall not be permitted.
4. When at any one time more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other similar
material is located on a parcel for such activities as on -site storage,
landscaping, sand and gravel operations, landfills, roads, dredge spoil
disposal or construction of flood control works, an erosion /sedimentation
control plan must be submitted unless the City is enforcing a state
approved shoreland management ordinance. In the absence of a state
approved shoreland ordinance, the plan must clearly specify methods to be
used to stabilize the fill on site for a flood event at a minimum of the 100 -
year or regional flood event. The plan must be prepared and certified by a
registered professional engineer or other qualified individual acceptable to
the City Council. The plan may incorporate alternative procedures for
removal of the material from the flood plain if adequate flood warning time
exists.
5. Storage of Materials and Equipment:
a. The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding,
flammable, explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant
life is prohibited.
b. Storage of other materials or equipment may be allowed if readily
removable from the area within the time available after a flood warning
and in accordance with a plan approved by the City Council.
6. The provisions of section 11 -12 -5 E of this chapter shall also apply.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 12 of 26
E. Standards for All Flood Fringe Uses:
1. All new principal structures must have vehicular access at or above an
elevation not more than two (2) feet below the regulatory flood protection
elevation. If a variance to this requirement is granted, the board of zoning
appeals must specify limitations on the period of use or occupancy of the
structure for times of flooding and only after determining that adequate
flood warning time and local flood emergency response procedures exist.
2. Commercial Uses - accessory land uses, such as yards, railroad tracks,
and parking lots may be at elevations lower than the regulatory flood
protection elevation. However, a permit for such facilities to be used by the
employees or the general public shall not be granted in the absence of a
flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area
would be inundated to a depth and velocity such that when multiplying the
depth (in feet) times velocity (in feet per second) the product number
exceeds four (4) upon occurrence of the regional flood.
3. Manufacturing and Industrial Uses - measures shall be taken to minimize
interference with normal plant operations especially along streams having
protracted flood durations. Certain accessory land uses such as yards and
parking lots may be at lower elevations subject to requirements set out in
section 11 -12 -5 E2 above. In considering permit applications, due
consideration shall be given to needs of an industry whose business
requires that it be located in flood plain areas.
4. Fill shall be properly compacted and the slopes shall be properly protected
by the use of riprap, vegetative cover or other acceptable method. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established criteria
for removing the special flood hazard area designation for certain
structures properly elevated on fill above the 100 -year flood elevation —
FEMA's requirements incorporate specific fill compaction and side slope
protection standards for multi- structure or multi -lot developments. These
standards should be investigated prior to the initiation of site preparation if
a change of special flood hazard area designation will be requested.
5. Flood plain developments shall not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity
of the channel and adjoining flood plain of any tributary watercourse or
drainage system where a floodway or other encroachment limit has not
been specified on the official zoning map.
6. Standards for recreational vehicles are contained in section 11 -12 -9 C of
this chapter.
7. All manufactured homes must be securely anchored to an adequately
anchored foundation system that resists flotation, collapse and lateral
movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to,
use of over - the -top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in
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addition to applicable state or local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
11 -12 -6 GENERAL FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICT:
A. Permissible Uses:
1. The uses listed in section 11 -12 -4 A of this chapter shall be permitted
uses.
2. All other uses shall be subject to the floodway /flood fringe evaluation
criteria pursuant to section 11 -12 -6 B below. Section 11 -12 -4 shall apply if
the proposed use is in the Floodway District and section 11 -12 -5 shall
apply if the proposed use is in the Flood Fringe District.
B. Procedures for Floodway and Flood Fringe Determinations Within the General
Flood Plain District.
1. Upon receipt of an application for a permit or other approval within the
General Flood Plain District, the applicant shall be required to furnish such
of the following information as is deemed necessary by the zoning
administrator for the determination of the regulatory flood protection
elevation and whether the proposed use is within the Floodway or Flood
Fringe District.
a. A typical valley cross - section(s) showing the channel of the stream,
elevation of land areas adjoining each side of the channel, cross -
sectional areas to be occupied by the proposed development, and high
water information.
b. A surface view plan showing elevations or contours of the ground,
pertinent structure, fill, or storage elevations, the size, location, and
spatial arrangement of all proposed and existing structures on the site,
and the location and elevations of streets.
c. Photographs showing existing land uses, vegetation upstream and
downstream, and soil types.
d. A profile showing the slope of the bottom of the channel or flow line of
the stream for at least 500 feet in either direction from the proposed
development.
2. The applicant shall be responsible to submit one copy of the above
information to a designated engineer or other expert person or agency for
technical assistance in determining whether the proposed use is in the
Floodway or Flood Fringe District and to determine the regulatory flood
protection elevation. Procedures consistent with Minnesota Rules, Parts
6120.5000 - 6120.6200 and 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 65 shall be
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followed in this expert evaluation. The designated engineer or expert is
strongly encouraged to discuss the proposed technical evaluation
methodology with the respective Department of Natural Resources area
hydrologist prior to commencing the analysis. The designated engineer or
expert shall:
a. Estimate the peak discharge of the regional flood.
b. Calculate the water surface profile of the regional flood based upon a
hydraulic analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas.
c. Compute the floodway necessary to convey or store the regional flood
without increasing flood stages more than 0.5 foot. A lesser stage
increase than .5' shall be required if, as a result of the additional stage
increase, increased flood damages would result. An equal degree of
encroachment on both sides of the stream within the reach shall be
assumed in computing floodway boundaries.
3. The zoning administrator shall present the technical evaluation and findings
of the designated engineer or expert to the City Council. The City Council
must formally accept the technical evaluation and the recommended
Floodway and /or Flood Fringe District boundary or deny the permit
application. The City Council, prior to official action, may submit the
application and all supporting data and analyses to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, the Department of Natural Resources or the planning
commission for review and comment. Once the Floodway and Flood Fringe
District Boundaries have been determined, the City Council shall refer the
matter back to the zoning administrator who shall process the permit
application consistent with the applicable provisions of sections 11 -12 -4 and
11 -12 -5 of this chapter.
11 -12 -7 SUBDIVISIONS:
A. Review Criteria: No land shall be subdivided which is unsuitable for the reason
of flooding, inadequate drainage, water supply or sewage treatment facilities. All
lots within the flood plain districts shall be able to contain a building site outside
of the Floodway District at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation. All
subdivisions shall have water and sewage treatment facilities that comply with
the provisions of this chapter and have road access both to the subdivision and
to the individual building sites no lower than two feet below the regulatory flood
protection elevation. For all subdivisions in the flood plain, the Floodway and
Flood Fringe District boundaries, the regulatory flood protection elevation and
the required elevation of all access roads shall be clearly labeled on all required
subdivision drawings and platting documents.
B. Floodway /Flood Fringe Determinations in the General Flood Plain District: In the
General Flood Plain District, applicants shall provide the information required in
section 11 -12 -6 B of this chapter to determine the 100 -year flood elevation, the
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Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries and the regulatory flood
protection elevation for the subdivision site.
C. Removal of Special Flood Hazard Area Designation: The Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) has established criteria for removing the special
flood hazard area designation for certain structures properly elevated on fill
above the 100 -year flood elevation. FEMA's requirements incorporate specific fill
compaction and side slope protection standards for multi- structure or multi -lot
developments. These standards should be investigated prior to the initiation of
site preparation if a change of special flood hazard area designation will be
requested.
11 -12 -8 PUBLIC UTILITIES, RAILROADS, ROADS, AND BRIDGES:
A. Public Utilities. All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and
water supply systems to be located in the flood plain shall be flood proofed in
accordance with the state building code or elevated to above the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
B. Public Transportation Facilities. Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges to be
located within the flood plain shall comply with sections 11 -12 -4 and 11 -12 -5 of
this chapter. Elevation to the regulatory flood protection elevation shall be
provided where failure or interruption of these transportation facilities would
result in danger to the public health or safety or where such facilities are
essential to the orderly functioning of the area. Minor or auxiliary roads or
railroads may be constructed at a lower elevation where failure or interruption of
transportation services would not endanger the public health or safety.
C. On -site Sewage Treatment and Water Supply Systems: Where public utilities
are not provided:
1. On -site water supply systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the systems; and
2. New or replacement on -site sewage treatment systems must be designed to
minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and
discharges from the systems into flood waters and they shall not be subject
to impairment or contamination during times of flooding.
Any sewage treatment system designed in accordance with the state's current
statewide standards for on -site sewage treatment systems shall be determined
to be in compliance with this section.
11 -12 -9 MANUFACTURED HOMES AND MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS AND
PLACEMENT OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.:
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A. New manufactured home parks and expansions to existing manufactured home
parks shall be subject to the provisions placed on subdivisions by section 11 -12-
7 of this chapter.
B. The placement of new or replacement manufactured homes in existing
manufactured home parks or on individual lots of record that are located in flood
plain districts will be treated as a new structure and may be placed only if
elevated in compliance with section 11 -12 -5 of this chapter. If vehicular road
access for pre- existing manufactured home parks is not provided in accordance
with section 11 -12 -5 E1, then replacement manufactured homes will not be
allowed until the property owner(s) develops a flood warning emergency plan
acceptable to the City Council.
1. All manufactured homes must be securely anchored to an adequately
anchored foundation system that resists flotation, collapse and lateral
movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to,
use of over - the -top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in
addition to applicable state or local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
C. Recreational vehicles that do not meet the exemption criteria specified in section
11 -12 -9 C1 below shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and as
specifically spelled out in sections 11 -12 -9 C3 -C4 below.
1. Exemption - Recreational vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this
chapter if they are placed in any of the areas listed in section 11 -12 -9 C2
below and meet the following criteria:
a. Have current licenses required for highway use.
b. Are highway ready meaning that they are on wheels or an internal
jacking system, are attached to the site only by quick disconnect type
utilities commonly used in campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks,
and the recreational vehicle has no permanent structural type additions
attached to it.
c. The recreational vehicle and associated use must be permissible in the
underlying zoning district.
2. Areas Exempted For Placement of Recreational Vehicles. Recreational
vehicles that meet the criteria in 11 -12 -9 C1 above are exempt from the
provisions of this chapter only if they are placed in one of the following
locations:
a. Individual lots or parcels of record.
b. Existing commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds.
Ordinance No. XXX
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c. As part of an existing condominium type association.
3. Recreational vehicles exempted in section 11 -12 -9 C1 lose the exemption
when development occurs on the parcel exceeding $500 for a structural
addition to the recreational vehicle or exceeding $500 for an accessory
structure such as a garage or storage building. The recreational vehicle
and all additions and accessory structures will then be treated as a new
structure and shall be subject to the elevation /flood proofing requirements
and the use of land restrictions specified in sections 11 -12 -4 and 11 -12 -5 of
this chapter. There shall be no development or improvement on the parcel
or attachment to the recreational vehicle that hinders the removal of the
recreational vehicle to a flood free location should flooding occur.
4. New commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds and new
residential type subdivisions and condominium associations and the
expansion of any existing similar use exceeding five (5) units or dwelling
sites shall be subject to the following:
a. Any new or replacement recreational vehicle will be allowed in the
Floodway or Flood Fringe Districts provided said recreational vehicle
and its contents are placed on fill above the regulatory flood protection
elevation and proper elevated road access to the site exists in
accordance with section 11 -12 -5 E1 of this chapter. No fill placed in the
floodway to meet the requirements of this section shall increase flood
stages of the 100 -year or regional flood.
b. All new or replacement recreational vehicles not meeting the criteria of
(a) above may, as an alternative, be allowed as a conditional use if in
accordance with the following provisions and the provisions of section
11 -12 -10 D of this chapter. The applicant must submit an emergency
plan for the safe evacuation of all vehicles and people during the 100
year flood. Said plan shall be prepared by a registered engineer or
other qualified individual, shall demonstrate that adequate time and
personnel exist to carry out the evacuation, and shall demonstrate the
provisions of section 11 -12 -9 C1 a. and b. of this chapter will be met. All
attendant sewage and water facilities for new or replacement
recreational vehicles must be protected or constructed so as to not be
impaired or contaminated during times of flooding in accordance with
section 11 -12 -8C of this chapter.
11 -12 -10 ADMINISTRATION:
A. Zoning administrator: The zoning administrator shall administer and enforce this
chapter. If the zoning administrator finds a violation of the provisions of this
chapter the zoning administrator shall notify the person responsible for such
violation in accordance with the procedures stated in section 11 -12 -12 of this
chapter.
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B. Permit Requirements:
1. Permit Required. A permit issued by the zoning administrator in conformity
with the provisions of this chapter shall be secured prior to the erection,
addition, modification, rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and
repair), or alteration of any building, structure, or portion thereof; prior to the
use or change of use of a building, structure, or land; prior to the
construction of a dam, fence, or on -site septic system; prior to the change
or extension of a nonconforming use; prior to the repair of a structure that
has been damaged by flood, fire, tornado, or any other source; and prior to
the placement of fill, excavation of materials, or the storage of materials or
equipment within the flood plain.
2. Application for Permit. Application for a permit shall be made in duplicate
to the zoning administrator on forms furnished by the zoning administrator
and shall include the following where applicable: plans in duplicate drawn
to scale, showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the
lot; existing or proposed structures, fill, or storage of materials; and the
location of the foregoing in relation to the stream channel.
3. State and Federal Permits. Prior to granting a permit or processing an
application for a conditional use permit or variance, the zoning
administrator shall determine that the applicant has obtained all necessary
state and federal permits.
4. Certificate of Zoning Compliance for a New, Altered, or Nonconforming
Use. It shall be unlawful to use, occupy, or permit the use or occupancy of
any building or premises or part thereof hereafter created, erected,
changed, converted, altered, or enlarged in its use or structure until a
certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued by the zoning
administrator stating that the use of the building or land conforms to the
requirements of this chapter.
5. Construction and Use to be as Provided on Applications, Plans, Permits,
Variances and Certificates of Zoning Compliance. Permits, conditional use
permits, or certificates of zoning compliance issued on the basis of
approved plans and applications authorize only the use, arrangement, and
construction set forth in such approved plans and applications, and no
other use, arrangement, or construction. Any use, arrangement, or
construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed a violation of
this chapter, and punishable as provided by section 11 -12 -12 of this
chapter.
6. Certification. The applicant shall be required to submit certification by a
registered professional engineer, registered architect, or registered land
surveyor that the finished fill and building elevations were accomplished in
compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Flood proofing measures
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 19 of 26
shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or registered
architect.
7. Record of First Floor Elevation. The zoning administrator shall maintain a
record of the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new
structures and alterations or additions to existing structures in the flood
plain. The zoning administrator shall also maintain a record of the elevation
to which structures or alterations and additions to structures are flood
proofed.
8. Notifications for Watercourse Alterations. The zoning administrator shall
notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the commissioner of
the Department of Natural Resources prior to the City authorizing any
alteration or relocation of a watercourse. If the applicant has applied for a
permit to work in the beds of public waters pursuant to Minnesota Statute,
Chapter 103G, this shall suffice as adequate notice to the Commissioner of
Natural Resources. A copy of said notification shall also be submitted to the
Chicago Regional Office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).
9. Notification to FEMA When Physical Changes Increase or Decrease the
100 -year Flood Elevation. As soon as is practicable, but not later than six
(6) months after the date such supporting information becomes available,
the zoning administrator shall notify the Chicago Regional Office of FEMA
of the changes by submitting a copy of said technical or scientific data.
C. Board of Zoning Appeals:
1. Rules. The board of zoning appeals shall adopt rules for the conduct of
business and may exercise all of the powers conferred on such Boards by
State law.
2. Administrative Review. The board of zoning appeals shall hear and decide
appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement,
decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the
enforcement or administration of this chapter.
3. Variances. The board of zoning appeals may authorize upon appeal in
specific cases such relief or variance from the terms of this chapter as will
not be contrary to the public interest and only for those circumstances such
as hardship, practical difficulties or circumstances unique to the property
under consideration. In the granting of such variance, the board of zoning
appeals shall clearly identify in writing the specific conditions that existed
consistent with the criteria specified in this chapter, other zoning
regulations in the City, and applicable state law, that justified the granting of
the variance. No variance shall have the effect of allowing in any district
uses prohibited in that district, permit a lower degree of flood protection
than the regulatory flood protection elevation for the particular area, or
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 20 of 26
permit standards lower than those required by state law. The following
additional variance criteria of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
must be satisfied:
a. Variances shall not be issued by a community within any designated
regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood
discharge would result.
b. Variances shall only be issued by a community upon (i) a showing of
good and sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the
variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and (iii) a
determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased
flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public
expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the
public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
c. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is
the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
4. Hearings. Upon filing with the board of zoning appeals of an appeal from a
decision of the zoning administrator, or an application for a variance, the
board of zoning appeals shall fix a reasonable time for a hearing and give
due notice to the parties in interest as specified by law. The Board of
Adjustment shall submit by mail to the commissioner of Natural Resources
a copy of the application for proposed variances sufficiently in advance so
that the commissioner will receive at least ten days notice of the hearing.
5. Decisions. The board of zoning appeals shall arrive at a decision on such
appeal or variance within the time required by law. In passing upon an
appeal, the board of zoning appeals may, so long as such action is in
conformity with the provisions of this chapter, reverse or affirm, wholly or in
part, or modify the order, requirement, decision or determination of the
zoning administrator or other public official. It shall make its decision in
writing setting forth the findings of fact and the reasons for its decisions. In
granting a variance the board of zoning appeals may prescribe appropriate
conditions and safeguards such as those specified in section 11 -12 -10 D6,
which are in conformity with the purposes of this chapter. Violations of such
conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms under which the
variance is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter punishable
under section 11- 12 -12. A copy of all decisions granting variances shall be
forwarded by mail to the commissioner of the Department of Natural
Resources within ten (10) days of such action.
6. Appeals. Appeals from any decision of the board of zoning appeals may
be made, and as specified in the City zoning code.
7. Flood Insurance Notice and Record Keeping. The zoning administrator
shall notify the applicant for a variance that: (i) the issuance of a variance to
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 21 of 26
construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased
premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of
insurance coverage and (ii) such construction below the 100 -year or
regional flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification
shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions. The City shall
maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their
issuance, and report such variances issued in its annual or biennial report
submitted to the administrator of the National Flood Insurance Program.
D. Conditional Uses. The procedures in Title 11 -2 -9 shall apply to all applications
for conditional use permits under this chapter. The following additional provisions
shall apply to such applications:
1. The zoning administrator shall mail to the commissioner of Department of
Natural Resources a copy of the conditional use permit application
sufficiently in advance so that the commissioner will receive at least ten
days advance notice of the public hearing on the application.
2. The zoning administrator shall mail to the commissioner of the Department
of Natural Resources a copy of all decisions granting conditional use
permits within ten (10) days of such action.
3. Applications for conditional use permits must include the following
information:
a. Plans in triplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location,
dimensions, and elevation of the lot, existing or proposed structures, fill,
storage of materials, flood proofing measures, and the relationship of
the above to the location of the stream channel; and
b. Specifications for building construction and materials, flood proofing,
filling, dredging, grading, channel improvement, storage of materials,
water supply and sanitary facilities.
4. The zoning administrator will transmit one copy of the information
described in paragraph 3 above to a designated engineer or other expert
person or agency for technical assistance, where necessary, in evaluating
the proposed project in relation to flood heights and velocities, the
seriousness of flood damage to the use, the adequacy of the plans for
protection, and other technical matters. Based upon the technical
evaluation of the designated engineer or expert, the City Council shall
determine the specific flood hazard at the site and evaluate the suitability of
the proposed use in relation to the flood hazard.
5. Factors Upon Which Decision Shall Be Based. In passing upon conditional
use applications, the City Council shall consider all relevant factors
specified in other sections of this chapter, and:
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 22 of 26
a. The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or
velocities caused by encroachments.
b. The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or
downstream to the injury of others or they may block bridges, culverts
or other hydraulic structures.
c. The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the ability of
these systems to prevent disease, contamination, and unsanitary
conditions.
d. The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood
damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner.
e. The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the
community.
f. The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location.
g. The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the
proposed use.
h. The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and
development anticipated in the foreseeable future.
i. The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and
flood plain management program for the area.
j. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and
emergency vehicles.
k. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment
transport of the flood waters expected at the site.
I. Such other factors which are relevant to the purposes of this chapter.
6. Time for Acting on Application. The City Council shall act on an application
in the manner described above within the time required by law. The City
Council shall render a written decision on the application.
7. Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits. Upon consideration of the
factors listed above and the purpose of this chapter, the City Council shall
attach such conditions to the granting of conditional use permits as it
deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. Such conditions
may include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Modification of waste treatment and water supply facilities.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 23 of 26
b. Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
c. Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
d. Requirements for construction of channel modifications, compensatory
storage, dikes, levees, and other protective measures.
e. Flood proofing measures, in accordance with the state building code
and this chapter. The applicant shall submit a plan or document certified
by a registered professional engineer or architect that the flood proofing
measures are consistent with the regulatory flood protection elevation
and associated flood factors for the particular area.
11 -12 -11 NONCONFORMING USES:
A. A structure or the use of a structure or premises which was lawful before the
passage or amendment of this chapter but which is not in conformity with the
provisions of this chapter may be continued subject to the following conditions.
Historic structures, as defined in Section 2.831(b) of this chapter, shall be
subject to the provisions of paragraphs 1 through 5 below:
1. No such use shall be expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered in a way
that increases its nonconformity.
2. Any structural alteration or addition to a nonconforming structure or
nonconforming use which would result in increasing the flood damage
potential of that structure or use shall be protected to the Regulatory Flood
Protection Elevation in accordance with any of the elevation on fill or flood
proofing techniques (i.e., FP -1 thru FP -4 floodproofing classifications)
allowable in the state building code, except as further restricted in
paragraphs 3 and 6 below. A structural addition to a nonconforming
structure must be located outside of the floodway and must be elevated on
fill to the regulatory flood protection elevation in accordance with Title 11-
12 -2C.
3. The cost of all structural alterations or additions to any nonconforming
structure over the life of the structure shall not exceed 50 percent of the
market value of the structure unless the conditions of this Section are
satisfied. The cost of all structural alterations and additions must include all
costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all
manpower or labor. If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and
additions exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure, then the
structure must meet the standards of Title 11 -12 -4 or 11 -12 -5 of this
chapter for new structures depending upon whether the structure is in the
Floodway or Flood Fringe District, respectively.
4. If any nonconforming use is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any
future use of the building premises shall conform to this chapter. The
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 24 of 26
assessor shall notify the zoning administrator in writing of instances of
nonconforming uses that have been discontinued for a period of 12
months.
5. If any nonconforming use or structure is substantially damaged, as defined
in Title 11 -1 -3 of this chapter, it shall not be reconstructed except in
conformity with the provisions of this chapter. The applicable provisions for
establishing new uses or new structures in sections 11 -12-4, 11 -12 -5 or 11-
12-6 will apply depending upon whether the use or structure is in the
Floodway, Flood Fringe or General Flood Plain District, respectively.
6. If a substantial improvement occurs, as defined in Title 11 -1 -3 of this
chapter, from any combination of a building addition to the outside
dimensions of the existing building or a rehabilitation, reconstruction,
alteration, or other improvement to the inside dimensions of an existing
nonconforming structure, then the structural addition and the existing
nonconforming structure must meet the requirements of section 11 -12 -4 or
11 -12 -5 of this chapter for new structures, depending upon whether the
structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District, respectively. A
nonconforming structure shall not be substantially improved if said structure
is located in the floodway.
11 -12 -12 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION:
A. Violation of the provisions of this chapter or failure to comply with any of its
requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in
connection with grants of variances or conditional uses) shall constitute a
misdemeanor and shall be punishable as defined by law.
B. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City from taking such other lawful
action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. Such actions may
include but are not limited to:
1. In responding to a suspected ordinance violation, the City may utilize the
full array of enforcement actions available to it including but not limited to
prosecution and fines, injunctions, after - the -fact permits, orders for
corrective measures or a request to the National Flood Insurance Program
for denial of flood insurance availability to the guilty party. The City will act
in good faith to enforce this chapter and to correct ordinance violations to
the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its eligibility in the National
Flood Insurance Program.
2. When an ordinance violation is either discovered by or brought to the
attention of the zoning administrator, the zoning administrator shall
immediately investigate the situation and document the nature and extent
of the violation. As soon as is reasonably possible, this information will be
submitted to the appropriate Department of Natural Resources' and
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 25 of 26
Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Office along with the
City's plan of action to correct the violation to the degree possible.
3. The zoning administrator shall notify the suspected party of the
requirements of this chapter and all other official controls and the nature
and extent of the suspected violation of these controls. If the structure
and/or use is under construction or development, the zoning administrator
may order the construction or development immediately halted until a
proper permit or approval is granted by the City. If the construction or
development is already completed, then the zoning administrator may
either: (1) issue an order identifying the corrective actions that must be
made within a specified time period to bring the use or structure into
compliance with the official controls; or (2) notify the responsible party to
apply for an after - the -fact permit/development approval within a specified
period of time not to exceed 30 -days.
4. If the responsible party does not appropriately respond to the zoning
administrator within the specified period of time, each additional day that
lapses shall constitute an additional violation of this chapter and shall be
prosecuted accordingly. The zoning administrator shall also upon the lapse
of the specified response period notify the landowner to restore the land to
the condition which existed prior to the violation of this chapter.
11 -12 -13 AMENDMENTS:
A. The flood plain designation on the official zoning map shall not be removed from
flood plain areas unless it can be shown that the designation is in error or that
the area has been filled to or above the elevation of the regulatory flood
protection elevation and is contiguous to lands outside the flood plain. Special
exceptions to this rule may be permitted by the Commissioner of Natural
Resources if he or she determines that, through other measures, lands are
adequately protected for the intended use.
B. All amendments to this chapter, including amendments to the official zoning
map, must be submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of Natural
Resources prior to adoption. Changes in the official zoning map must meet the
Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) technical conditions and
criteria and must receive prior FEMA approval before adoption. The
Commissioner of Natural Resources must be given 10 -days' written notice of all
hearings to consider an amendment to this chapter and said notice shall include
a draft of the ordinance amendment or technical study under consideration.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after its adoption and publication according to law.
Ordinance No. XXX
Page 26 of 26
Adopted this 3rd day of February, 2010.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
ATTEST:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 2010 -XXX
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF
ORDINANCE NO. XXX BY TITLE AND SUMMARY
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove adopted Ordinance No. XXX,
which repeals City Code Title 11, Chapter 12, Floodway and Flood Fringe Districts, and enacts
a new Title 11, Chapter 12, Floodplain Management; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.191, subd. 4 allows publication by title and
summary in the case of lengthy ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the following summary would clearly inform the
public of the intent and effect of the ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Cottage Grove,
County of Washington, State of Minnesota, that the City Clerk shall cause the following
summary of Ordinance No. XXX to be published in the official newspaper in lieu of the entire
ordinance:
Public Notice
The City Council of the City of Cottage Grove has adopted Ordinance No. XXX.
The ordinance repeals City Code Title 11, Chapter 12, Floodway and Flood Fringe
Districts; and enacts a new Title 11, Chapter 12, Floodplain Management. This
amendment is required to bring the current floodplain ordinance language into
conformance with new flood map information and requirements published by
FEMA. The entire text of Ordinance No. XXX is available for inspection at Cottage
Grove City Hall during regular business hours and is posted at the Washington
County Park Grove Library.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a complete copy of the ordinance is kept in the City
Clerk's office at City Hall for public inspection and a copy of the ordinance will be posted on the
Public Notice Bulletin Board at City Hall, 7516 — 80th Street South.
Passed this 3rd day of February 2010.
Myron Bailey, Mayor
Attest:
Caron M. Stransky, City Clerk
EXCERPT FROM UNAPPROVED MINUTES OF THE
JANUARY 25, 2010 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
6.4 Floodplain Ordinance — Case TA10 -001
The City of Cottage Grove has applied for a zoning text amendment to update the
City's floodplain ordinance.
McCool summarized the staff report. He explained that 30 years ago, the city made
the decision that the flood elevation would be 700 feet above mean sea level and
staff is proposing to insert that language back into the description about the regula-
tory flood elevation on page 2, Subsection C, Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation.
The flood elevation along this stretch of the River, as determined by the Corps of
Engineers and FEMA, is about 697 feet and the ordinance requires one foot above
that regulatory flood elevation, which would be about 698 feet. To ensure safety to
homes, structures, and people, the city established the regulatory flood elevation of
700 feet, which is three feet above that base. He recommended approval of the
ordinance amendment.
Linse asked if the optional provisions listed on pages 7, 9, and 19 would be included
in the ordinance. McCool responded yes.
Rambacher asked if the changes in the proposed ordinance would adversely affect
anybody. McCool responded no, it would remain consistent with what has been ap-
plied for 30 years.
Messick opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Messick closed the public
hearing.
Rambacher made a motion to recommend approval of the ordinance amend-
ment. Linse seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7 -to -0 vote).