Purpose and objectives: It is the purpose of this Flood Hazard Overlay Zone to regulate the use of those areas subject to periodic flooding, to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions. In advancing these principles and the general purposes of the Rockaway Beach Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, all new construction and substantial improvements in the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone shall ensure that the specific objectives of this zone are met.
(1) To combine with the present zoning requirements certain restrictions made necessary for the known flood hazard areas to promote the general health, welfare and safety of the City.
(2) To prevent the establishment of certain structures and land uses in areas unsuitable for human habitation because of the danger of flooding, unsanitary conditions, or other hazards. 28
(3) To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding.
(4) To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for sound use and development in flood-prone areas and to minimize prolonged business interruptions.
(5) To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities located in flood hazard areas.
(6) To ensure that potential home and business buyers are notified that property is in a flood area.
(7) To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
Section 3.093. Definitions.
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance its most reasonable application.
(1)
Area of Shallow Flooding. Area of Special Flood Hazard.
The land in the flood plain subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. Designation on maps always include the letter A or V.
(3)
Base Flood.
A flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
(4)
Breakaway Walls.
Means a wall that is not a part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
(5)
Coastal High Hazard Area.
The area subject to high velocity water, ocean undercutting, or wave overtopping including but not limited to, storm surge or tsunamis. The map is designated on a FIRM as Zone Vl-30 or VE Zone.
(6)
Development.
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real property, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, and the storage of equipment and material located within the area of special flood hazard.
(7)
Flood or Flooding.
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(a) The overflow of inland or tidal waters, and/or
(b) The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.
(8)
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
(9)
Flood Insurance Study.
The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, the Flood Boundary-Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
(10)
Lowest Floor.
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, or storage, in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this ordinance found in Section 3.096(6) (a).
(11)
Manufactured Home.
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on permanent chasses and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. For flood plain management purposes, the term "manufactured home" also includes park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles placed on a site for greater than 180 consecutive days. For insurance purposes the term manufactured home does not include park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles.
(12)
(a)
Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision. A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.Existing manufactured Home Park or Subdivision:
is one in which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed is completed before the effective date of Rockaway Beach's floodplain management regulations. (July 25, 1978) The construction of facilities includes, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads.
(13)
Mean Sea Level (MSL).
The average height of the sea for all stages of the tide.
(14)
New Construction.
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of this amendment to the Zoning Ordinance.
(15)
Start of Construction.
Includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include excavation for basement, footings, piers, or foundation or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure.
(16)
Structure.
A walled and roofed building including a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground.
(17)
Substantial Improvement.
Any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure either:
(a) Before the improvement or repair is started, or
(b) If the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, "substantial improvement" 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 terms do not, however, include either:
(i) any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health sanitary or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or
(ii) any alteration of a structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.
(18)
Reinforced Pier.
At a minimum, a reinforced pier must have a footing adequate to support the weight of the manufactured home under saturated soil conditions. Concrete blocks may be used if vertical steel reinforcing rods are placed in the hollows of the blocks and the hollows are filled with concrete or high strength mortar. Dry stacked concrete blocks do not constitute reinforced piers.
(19)
Substantial Damage.
Pertains to flood related damage where the cost of restoring the structure would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
(20)
Recreational Vehicle.
A vehicle which is (1) built on a single chassis, (2) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, (3) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and (4) primarily designed as temporary living quarters for camping, travel or seasonal use.
(21)
Recreational Vehicle, Highway Ready.
A recreational vehicle that is on wheels or a jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions.
(22)
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Areas subject to having a one percent or greater chance of a flood exceeding the base flood in any given year.
Section 3.094. General Provisions.
(1)
[Amended by Ordinance #251, May 12, 1987]
(2)
[Amended by Ordinance #251, May 12, 1987]
(3)
[Amended by Ordinance #251, May 12, 1987]
(4)
[Amended by Ordinance #251, May 12, 1987]
Lands To Which This Ordinance Applies. This ordinance shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards (Flood Hazard Overlay Zone) in combination with present zoning requirements within the jurisdiction of the City of Rockaway Beach.Basis For Establishing The Areas Of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration through a scientific and engineering report entitled 'The Flood Insurance Study for the City of Rockaway Reach', dated January 1977, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Boundary Maps and any revision thereto is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Ordinance. The Flood Insurance Study is on file at Rockaway Beach City Hall.Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable regulations.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. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This ordinance does not imply land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. The ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the City of Rockaway Beach, or any officer or employee thereof, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
Section 3.095. Administration.
(1)
Establishment of Building/Development Permit.
A Building/Development Permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 3.094(2). The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in the "definitions" and for all developments including fill and other activities, also as set forth in the "definitions". Application for a Building/Development Permit shall be made to the City and shall specifically include the following information:
(a) Elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures.
(b) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure has been floodproofed. 31
(c) Certification by an appropriately qualified registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing method for any non-residential structure meets the floodproofing criteria in Section 3.096(6) (b).
(d) Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
(e) An engineered or City approved stormwater drainage site plan designed to prevent the increase of adverse impacts caused by development in the flood zone.
(2)
Duties and Responsibilities.
The duties of the City shall include, but not be limited to permit review:
(a) Review of all development permits to determine that the permit requirements of this ordinance have been satisfied.
(b) Review all development permits to require that all necessary permits have been obtained from those federal, state or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required.
(c) Review all development permits in the area of special flood hazard to determine if the proposed development adversely affects the flood carrying capacity of the area.
(3)
Uses of Other Base Flood Data.
When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 3.094 (2), Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard, the City shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation data available from a federal, state or other source, in order to administer Section 3.096(6) (a), Specific Standards, Residential Construction, and Section 3.096(6)(b), Specific Standards, Non-residential Construction.
(4)
(a) Verify and record actual elevation (in relation to Mean Sea Level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures and whether or not the structure contains a basement.
(b) For all new or substantially improved floodproofed structures:
(i) verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to Mean Sea Level), and
(ii) maintain the floodproofing certifications required in Section 3.096(i)(c).
(c) Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this ordinance.
(d) In coastal high hazard areas, certification shall be obtained from a registered professional engineer or architect that the structure is securely anchored to adequately anchored pilings or columns in order to withstand velocity waters.
(5)
(a) Notify adjacent communities
(b) Require that an engineered stormwater drainage plan and maintenance plan is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse, so that the flood carrying capacity is not diminished.
(6)
Information to be Obtained and Maintained. Where base flood elevation data is provided through the Flood Insurance Study or required as in Section 3.095(3) the city shall:Alterations of Watercourses. The City shall:, the Department of Land Conservation and Development, and other appropriate federal and state agencies prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration.Interpretation of FIRM Boundaries.
The City shall make interpretations where 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 32
conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretations as provided in Section 3.095(7).
(7)
Appeals and Variance Procedures.
(a) An appeal of a ruling or interpretation regarding a requirement of this ordinance shall be as established in Section 11.030(1).
(b) The Planning Commission shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any interpretation, requirement, decision, or determination in the enforcement or administration of this ordinance.
(c) An action or ruling of the Planning Commission may be appealed pursuant to Section 11.030(2).
(d) Variances shall be issued or denied in accordance with Article 8 and any amendment thereto.
(e) The administrative procedure for hearing a variance shall be as established in Section 8.120.
(f) When a variance is granted, the City shall give written notice that the structure or manufactured home will be allowed to be built or placed with the lowest floor elevation at or below the base flood elevation, and that:
(i) The issuance of the variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance as high as $25 for every $100 of insurance coverage; and
(ii) Such construction below the base flood level increases risk to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions.
Section 3.096. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction.
A.
General Standards:
In the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone (FHO Zone) the following provisions are required:
(1)
Anchoring.
(a) All new construction and substantial improvement shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure.
(b) All manufactured homes must likewise be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement, and shall be installed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage. Anchoring methods may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors (reference FEMA's "Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas" guidebook for additional techniques). A certificate signed by a registered architect or engineer which certifies that the anchoring system is in conformance with FEMA regulations shall be submitted prior to final inspection approval.
(2)
Construction Materials and Methods.
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.
(b) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
(c) Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air-conditioning equipment, and other service facilities shall be elevated a minimum of one (1) foot above base flood elevation so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(3)
Utilities.
(a) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system.
(b) 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; and
(c) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.
(4)
Subdivision Proposals.
(a) All subdivision proposals shall provide engineered plans consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.
(b) All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage.
(c) All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage.
(d) Where base flood elevation data has not been provided or is not available from another authoritative source, it shall be generated for subdivision proposals and other proposed developments which contain at least 50 lots or 5 acres (whichever is less).
(5)
Review of Building Permits.
Where elevation data is not available either through the Flood Insurance Study or from another administrative source (Section 3.095(3)), applications for building permits shall be reviewed to assure that proposed construction will be reasonably safe from flooding. The test of reasonableness is a local judgment and includes use of historical data, high water marks, photographs of past flooding, etc., where available. Failure to elevate at least two feet above grade in these zones may result in higher insurance rates.
(6)
Specific Standards.
In all areas of special flood hazards (FHO Zone) where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth in Section 3.094(2), Basis For Establishing The Areas of Special Flood Hazard, or Section 3.095(3), Use of Other Base Flood Data, the following provisions are required:
(a)
Residential Construction.
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect and must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(i) 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 shall be provided.
(ii) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(iii) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(b)
Nonresidential Construction.
New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation, or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, shall:
(i) Be floodproofed so that the portion of the structure that lies below the base flood level is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water. 34
(ii) Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(iii) Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting provisions of this subsection based on their development and/or review of the structural design, specifications and plans. Such certifications shall be provided to the City as set forth in Section 3.095 (4)(b)(ii).
(iv) Nonresidential structures that are elevated, not floodproofed, must meet the same standards for space below the lowest floor as described in Section 3.096(6)(a).
(v) Applicants floodproofing nonresidential buildings shall be notified that flood insurance premiums will be based on rates that are one foot below the floodproofed level (e.g., a building constructed to the base flood level will be rated as one foot below that level).
(c)
Manufactured Homes.
(i) All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within areas of special flood hazard Zones A1-30, AH and AE shall be elevated on a permanent foundation so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation and securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system in accordance with the provisions of subsection 3.096(1)(b).
(ii) All manufactured homes placed or substantially improved in existing manufactured home parks or subdivisions shall be elevated on reinforced piers or other foundation elements that are no less than 36 inches in height above grade or have their lowest floor elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation, if this allows for the use of a lower foundation.
A manufactured home which incurs substantial damage as the result of a flood must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
(d)
Recreational Vehicles.
Recreational vehicles may occupy a site in a Special Flood Hazard Area for periods of 180 consecutive days or greater providing they are fully licensed and highway ready. Recreational vehicles that do not meet these criteria become manufactured homes and must be anchored and elevated pursuant to Section 3.096(b)(c) of this ordinance.
(e)
Equipment and Materials Storage
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the nonpermanent storage of materials and equipment shall be permitted between April 15 and October 15 in Special Flood Hazard Areas, when such storage is for construction of a building for which permit has been issued.
(7)
Coastal High Hazard Area.
Coastal high hazard areas (V Zones) are located within the areas of special flood hazard established in Section 3.094. These areas have special flood hazards associated with high velocity waters from tidal surges and, therefore, in addition to meeting all provisions in this ordinance, the following provisions shall also apply:
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements in Zones V-1-V30 and VE (V if base flood elevation data is available) shall be elevated on pilings and columns so that:
(i) the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor (excluding the pilings or columns) is elevated
(ii) the pile or column foundation and structure attached thereto is anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Wind and water loading values 35
shall each have a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (100-year mean recurrence interval).
A registered professional engineer or architect licensed in the State of Oregon shall certify the structural design, specifications and plans for the construction and shall certify that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of (i) and (ii) of Section 3.096(7)(a).
(b) Obtain the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the bottom of the lowest structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings and columns) of all new and substantially improved structures in zones V1-V30 and VE, and whether or not such structures contain a basement. The City shall maintain a record of all such information.
(c) All new construction shall be located landward of the reach of mean high tide.
(d) Provide that all new construction and substantial improvements have the space below the lowest floor either free of obstruction or constructed with nonsupporting breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening intended to collapse under wind and water loads without causing collapse, displacement, or other structural damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. For the purpose of this section, a breakaway wall shall have a design safe loading resistance of not less than 10 and no more than 20 pounds per square foot. Use of breakaway walls which exceed a design safe loading resistance of 20 pounds per square foot (either by design or when so required by local or state codes) may be permitted only if a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that the designs proposed meet the following conditions:
(i) breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water load less than that which would occur during the base flood; and
(ii) the elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement, or other structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components (structural and non-structural). Maximum wind and water loading values to be used in this determination shall each have a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (100-year mean recurrence interval).
(e) If breakaway walls are utilized, such enclosed space shall be useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. Such space shall not be used for human habitation.
(f) Prohibit the use of fill for structural support of buildings.
(g) Prohibit man-made alteration of sand dunes which would increase potential flood damage.
(8)
[to or] above the base flood level; andAreas of Shallow Flooding (AO Zone).
Areas of shallow flooding appear on FIRMs as AO zones with depth designations. The base flood depths in these zones range from 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, or where the path of flooding is unpredictable usually characterized as sheet flow. In these areas, the following provisions apply:
(a) New construction and substantial improvements of residential structures within AO Zones shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade of the building site, a minimum of one (1) foot above the depth number specified on the FIRM (at least two (2) feet if no depth number is specified).
(b) New construction and substantial improvement of nonresidential structures shall, either:
(i) have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade of the building site, a minimum of one (1) foot above the depth number specified on the FIRM (at least two (2) feet if no depth number is specified) or 36
(ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be completely floodproofed to or above that level so that any space below that level is watertight 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. If this method is used, compliance shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect.
(c) Require the installation of an engineered or City approved stormwater drainage plan to ensure adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures to prevent adverse impacts to surrounding properties.
9) In areas where a regulatory floodway has not been designated, no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1 – A30 and AE on the community’s FIRM, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the community.
[Sections 3.092-3.096 Amended by Ordinance 09-407 October 14, 2009]
Section 3.097. Restrictions and Prohibited Uses.
(1)
[Amended by Ordinance #251, May 12, 1987]
(2)
[Amended by Ordinance #251, May 12, 1987]
Restrictions. Restrictions regarding height, rear yards, side yards, front yard setbacks, minimum lot area, signs, vision clearance and parking space shall be the same as set forth in each specific zone located within the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone area.Prohibited Uses. It shall be unlawful to erect, alter, maintain or establish in a flood hazard overlay zone any building, use or occupancy not permitted or allowed in the foregoing provisions, except existing nonconforming uses, which may continue as provided in Article 7.
Means a designated AO or AH Zone on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The base flood depth range is from one to three feet; a clearly defined channel does not exist; the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate; and velocity flow may be evident. AO is characterized as sheet flow and AH indicates ponding.
(2)
Section 3.092. Flood Hazard Overlay Zone - FHO Zone