Ord 1980-046 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 2 (8) To ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions. Section 5-45. Findings of Fact. (I) The flood hazard areas of the ci ty of San Marcos, Texas are subject to periodic inunda- tion which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extra- I ordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare. (2) These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately flood- proofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute' to the flood loss. Section 5-46. Methods of Reducing Flood Losses. In order to accomplish its purposes, this ordinance In- cludes methods and provisions for: (I) Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dan- gerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result irr damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities; (2) Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, includ- ing facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construc- tion; I (3) Controlling the alteration of natural flood plains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters; (4) Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and, (5) Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas. Section 5-47. Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinances 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) Appeal: A request for a review of the interpreta- tion of any provision of this ordinance or a re- quest for a variance. I (2) Area of shallow flooding: A designated AO Zone on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The base flood depths range from one to three feet; a clearly defined channel does not exist; the path of flood- ing is unpredictable and indeterminate; and, velo- city flow may be evident.