§ 30-25. Administration.

(a)

Designation of floodplain administrator. The building inspector is hereby appointed to administer and implement the provisions of this chapter.

(b)

Floodplain development permit and certification requirements.

(1)

Plans and application requirements. Application for a floodplain development permit shall be made to the floodplain administrator on forms furnished by him prior to any development activities proposed to be located within floodprone areas. The following items/information shall be presented to the floodplain administrator to apply for a floodplain development permit.

a.

A plot plan drawn to scale which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following specific details of the proposed floodplain development:

1.

The nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area of development/disturbance; existing and proposed structures, the location of utility systems, proposed grading/pavement areas, fill materials, storage areas, drainage facilities, and other proposed development;

2.

The boundary of the special flood hazard area as delineated on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in section 30-3(b) or a statement that the entire lot is within the special flood hazard area;

3.

Flood zone designation of the proposed development area as determined on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in section 30-3(b);

4.

The boundary of the floodway or nonencroachment area as determined in section 30-3(b);

5.

The base flood elevation (BFE) where provided as set forth in section 30-3(b), 30-25(c)(11), (12), or 30-26(c), (d) and (b)(5);

6.

The old and new location of any watercourse that will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development;

7.

The boundary and effective date of Coastal Barrier Resource Act (CoBRA) zone or Otherwise Protected Area (OPA), if applicable; and

8.

Preparation of the plot plan by or under the direct supervision of a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same.

b.

Proposed elevation, and method thereof, of all development within a special flood hazard area including, but not limited to:

1.

Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the proposed reference level (including basement) of all structures;

2.

Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure will be floodproofed;

3.

Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any proposed utility systems will be elevated or floodproofed.

c.

If floodproofing, a floodproofing certificate and back-up plans from a registered professional engineer or architect certifying that the nonresidential floodproofed development will meet the floodproofing criteria in section 30-26(b)(2) and 30-26(c)(2).

d.

A foundation plan drawn to scale which shall include details of the proposed foundation system to ensure all provisions of this article are met. These details include, but are not limited to, the proposed method of elevation, if applicable (i.e., fill, solid foundation perimeter wall, solid backfilled foundation, open foundation on columns/piers):

1.

Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used in floodplains other than coastal high hazard areas, details of sufficient openings to facilitate the unimpeded movements of floodwaters in accordance with section 30-26(b)(4).

2.

In coastal high hazard areas, the following must also be submitted prior to floodplain development permit issuance. Specific requirements are detailed in section 30-26(f) and 30-26(b)(4)b.

i.

V-zone certification form with accompanying plans and specifications verifying the engineered structure and breakaway wall designs as set forth in section 30-26(b)(4)b;

ii.

Plans for latticework or decorative screening, if applicable. Plans for any structures that will have lattice work or decorative screening must be submitted to the floodplain administrator for approval prior to floodplain development permit issuance;

iii.

Plans for nonstructural fill, if applicable. Plans for placement of any nonstructural fill must be submitted to the floodplain administrator for approval prior to floodplain development permit issuance. Requirements are detailed in section 30-26(f)(8).

e.

Usage details of any enclosed space below the regulatory flood protection elevation.

f.

Plans and/or details for the protection of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems to be located and constructed to minimize flood damage.

g.

Copy of all other local, state and federal permits required prior to floodplain development permit issuance (i.e., wetlands, erosion and sedimentation control, CAMA, riparian buffers, mining, etc.).

h.

If floodplain development permit is issued for placement of recreational vehicles and/or temporary structures, documentation to ensure section 30-26(b)(6), (7) is met.

i.

If a watercourse is proposed to be altered and/or relocated, a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation; an engineering report on the effects of the proposed project on the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and downstream; and a map (if not shown on plot plan) showing the location of the proposed watercourse alteration or relocation.

(2)

Floodplain development permit data requirements. The following information shall be provided at a minimum on the floodplain development permit to ensure compliance with this Code.

a.

A description of the development to be permitted under the floodplain development permit issuance.

b.

The special flood hazard area determination for the proposed development per available data specified in section 30-3(b).

c.

The regulatory flood protection elevation required for the reference level and all attendant utilities.

d.

The regulatory flood protection elevation required for the protection of all public utilities.

e.

All certification submittal requirements with timelines.

f.

State that no fill material shall encroach into the floodway or nonencroachment area of any watercourse, if applicable.

g.

If in an A, AO, AE or A1-30 Zone, specify the minimum foundation opening requirements.

h.

If in a VE or V1-30 Zone, state that there shall be no alteration of sand dunes which would increase potential flood damage.

i.

If in a VE or V1-30 Zone, state that there shall be no fill used as structural support.

(3)

Certification requirements.

a.

An elevation certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) or floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) is required after the reference level is completed. Within 21 calendar days of establishment of the reference level elevation, or floodproofing, by whatever construction means, whichever is applicable, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of the elevation of the reference level, or floodproofed elevation, whichever is applicable in relation to mean sea level. Said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. When floodproofing is utilized, said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect and certified by same. Any work done within the 21-day calendar period and prior to submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder's risk. The floodplain administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to further progressive work being permitted to proceed. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make said corrections required shall be cause to issue a stop-work order for the project.

b.

A final as-built elevation certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) or floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) is required after construction is completed and prior to certificate of compliance/occupancy issuance. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of final as-built construction of the elevation or floodproofed elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities. Said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. When floodproofing is utilized, said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect and certified by same. The floodplain administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to certificate of compliance/occupancy issuance. In some instances, another certification may be required to certify corrected as-built construction. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make said corrections required shall be cause to withhold the issuance of a certificate of compliance/occupancy.

c.

A V-Zone/breakaway wall certification is required prior to issuance of a floodplain development permit within coastal high hazard areas. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to submit to the floodplain administrator said certification to ensure the design standards of this article are met. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop or review the structural design, plans, and specifications for construction and certify that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of this article. This certification is not a substitute for an elevation certificate.

d.

If a manufactured home is placed within an A, AO, AE, or A1-30 Zone and the elevation of the chassis is above 36 inches in height, an engineered foundation certification is required per section 30-26(b)(3).

e.

If a watercourse is to be altered or relocated, a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation; an engineering report on the effects of the proposed project on the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and downstream; and a map showing the location of the proposed watercourse alteration or relocation shall all be submitted by the permit applicant prior to issuance of a floodplain development permit.

f.

Certification exemptions. The following structures, if located within A, AO, AE or A1-30 Zones, are exempt from the elevation/floodproofing certification requirements specified in subsections (3)(a) and (b) of this section:

1.

Recreational vehicles meeting requirements of section 30-26(b)(6)a.

2.

Temporary structures meeting requirements of section 30-26(b)(7); and

3.

Accessory structures less than 150 square feet meeting requirements of section 30-26(b)(8).

(c)

Duties and responsibilities of the local administrator. Duties of the floodplain administrator shall include, but not be limited to:

(1)

Reviewing all floodplain development applications and issue permits for all proposed development within floodprone areas to ensure that the requirements of this article have been satisfied.

(2)

Advising permittee that additional federal or state permits (i.e., wetlands, erosion and sedimentation control, CAMA, riparian buffers, mining, etc.) may be required, and if specific federal or state permits are known, require that copies of such permits be provided and maintained on file with the floodplain development permit.

(3)

Notifying adjacent communities and the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, State Coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(4)

Ensuring that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.

(5)

Preventing encroachments within floodways unless the certification and flood hazard reduction provisions of section 30-26 are met.

(6)

Obtaining actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the reference level (including basement) of all attendant utilities of all new or substantially improved structures, in accordance with section 30-25(b)(3).

(7)

Obtaining the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the new or substantially improved structures and all utilities have been floodproofed, in accordance with section 30-25(b)(3).

(8)

Obtaining actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of all public utilities, in accordance with section 30-25(b)(3).

(9)

When floodproofing is utilized for a particular structure, obtaining certifications from a registered professional engineer or architect in accordance with sections 14-4(b)(3) and 14-5(b)(2).

(10)

Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of boundaries of the special flood hazard area (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions), making the necessary interpretation. The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in this chapter.

(11)

When base flood elevation (BFE) data has not been provided in accordance with section 30-3(b), obtaining, reviewing and reasonably utilizing any base flood elevation (BFE) data, along with floodway data and/or nonencroachment area data available from a federal, state, or other source, including data developed pursuant to section 30-26(c)(4), in order to administer the provisions of this article.

(12)

When base flood elevation (BFE) data is provided but no floodway nor nonencroachment area data has been provided in accordance with section 30-3(b), obtaining, reviewing, and reasonably utilizing any floodway data, and/or nonencroachment area data available from a federal, state, or other source in order to administer the provisions of this article.

(13)

When the exact location of boundaries of the special flood hazard areas conflict with the current, natural topography information at the site, the property owner may apply and be approved for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) by FEMA. A copy of the Letter of Map Amendment issued from FEMA will be maintained by the floodplain administrator in the floodplain development permit file.

(14)

Permanently maintaining all records that pertain to the administration of this article and making these records available for public inspection.

(15)

Making on-site inspections of work in progress. As the work pursuant to a floodplain development permit progresses, the floodplain administrator shall make as many inspections of the work as may be necessary to ensure that the work is being done according to the provisions of the local ordinance and the terms of the permit. In exercising this power, the floodplain administrator has a right, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the jurisdiction of the community at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action.

(16)

Issuing stop-work orders as required. Whenever a building or part thereof is being constructed, reconstructed, altered, or repaired in violation of this article, the floodplain administrator may order the work to be immediately stopped. The stop order shall be in writing and directed to the person doing the work. The stop-work order shall state the specific work to be stopped, the specific reason for the stoppage, and the condition under which the work may be resumed. Violation of a stop-order constitutes a misdemeanor.

(17)

Revoking floodplain development permits as required. The floodplain administrator may revoke and require the return of the floodplain development permit by notifying the permit holder in writing stating the reason for the revocation. Permits shall be revoked for any substantial departure from the approved application, plans, or specifications; for refusal or failure to comply with the requirements of state or local laws; or for false statements or misrepresentations made in securing the permit. Any floodplain development permit mistakenly issued in violation of an applicable state or local law may also be revoked.

(18)

Making periodic inspections throughout all special flood hazard areas within the jurisdiction of the community. The floodplain administrator and each member of his inspections department shall have a right, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the territorial jurisdiction of the department at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action.

(19)

Following through with corrective procedures of section 30-25(d).

(d)

Corrective procedures.

(1)

Violations to be corrected. When the floodplain administrator finds violations of applicable state and local laws, it shall be his duty to notify the owner or occupant of the building of the violation. The owner or occupant shall immediately remedy each of the violations of law pertaining to his property.

(2)

Actions in event of failure to take corrective action. If the owner of a building or property shall fail to take prompt corrective action, the floodplain administrator shall give the owner written notice, by certified or registered mail to the owner's last known address or by personal service, stating:

a.

That the building or property is in violation of the flood damage prevention ordinance;

b.

That a hearing will be held before the floodplain administrator at a designated place and time, not later than ten days after the date of notice, at which time the owner shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel and to present arguments and evidence pertaining to the matter; and

c.

That following the hearing, the floodplain administrator may issue such order to alter, vacate, or demolish the building; or to remove fill as appears appropriate.

(3)

Order to take corrective action. If, upon a hearing held pursuant to the notice described above, the floodplain administrator shall find that the building or development is in violation of the flood damage prevention ordinance, he shall make an order in writing to the owner, requiring the owner to remedy the violation within a specified time period, not less than 60 days. When the floodplain administrator finds that there is imminent danger to life or other property, he may order that corrective action be taken in such lesser period as may be feasible.

(4)

Appeal. Any owner who has received an order to take corrective action may appeal the order to the local elected board of commissioners by giving notice of appeal in writing to the floodplain administrator and the clerk within ten days following issuance of the final order. In the absence of an appeal, the order of the floodplain administrator shall be final. The local board of commissioners shall hear an appeal within a reasonable time and may affirm, modify and affirm, or revoke the order.

(5)

Failure to comply with order. If the owner of a building or property fails to comply with an order to take corrective action from which no appeal has been taken, or fails to comply with an order of the board of commissioners following an appeal, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in the discretion of the court.

(e)

Variance procedures.

(1)

The board of adjustment as established by the town, hereinafter referred to as the "appeal board," shall hear and decide requests for variances from the requirements of the ordinance.

(2)

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the appeal board may appeal such decision to the court, as provided in G.S. ch. 7A.

(3)

Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon the determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.

(4)

In passing upon variances, the appeal board shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, all standards specified in other sections of this article, and:

a.

The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;

b.

The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;

c.

The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;

d.

The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;

e.

The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;

f.

The availability of alternate locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for the proposed use;

g.

The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;

h.

The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for that area;

i.

The safety of access to the property in time of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;

j.

The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the floodwaters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and,

k.

The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance and repair of utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems, and streets and bridges.

(5)

A written report addressing each of the above factors shall be submitted with the application for a variance.

(6)

Upon consideration of the factors listed above and the purpose of this article, the appeal board may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purpose of this article.

(7)

Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway or nonencroachment area if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.

(8)

Conditions for variances:

a.

Variances may not be issued when the variance will make the structure in violation of other federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

b.

Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

c.

Variances shall only be issued upon:

1.

A showing of good and sufficient cause;

2.

A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship; and,

3.

A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense, create nuisance, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.

d.

Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice specifying the difference between the base flood elevation (BFE) and the elevation to which the structure is to be built and a written statement that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced reference level elevation. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions.

e.

The floodplain administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and report any variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state upon request.

(9)

A variance may be issued for solid waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste management facilities, salvage yards, and chemical storage facilities that are located in special flood hazard areas provided that all of the following conditions are met. A floodplain development permit may be issued for such development only if a variance is granted.

a.

The use serves a critical need in the community.

b.

No feasible location exists for the use outside the special flood hazard area.

c.

The reference level of any structure is elevated or floodproofed to at least the regulatory flood protection level.

d.

The use complies with all other applicable federal, state and local laws.

e.

The town has notified the secretary of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety of its intention to grant a variance at least 30 days prior to granting the variance.

(Code 2001, § 14-4(a)—(e); Ord. No. 1987-14, § A, 4-14-1987)