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as authorized by the Naw York State Constitution, Article IX, Section 2, and
Environmental Conservation Law, Article 36.
Be it ' enacted b7 the TOWN BOARD �___._....._._ ..._.._....._..___......�.. of the
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�T GROTON TOMPKINS .Q .syr.. X. u follows:
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page I
60.3 (b) & (c)
(FOLLO' NgNG COMPLIES 'VTT TF NATIONAL FLOOD INSUPANCE
PROGRAM 171r_kOOD PLAIN MANACTEP= CRITERIA FOR FLOOD -PRONE AREAS
(44 CFR 60.3[b] & [c]) AS REVISID 10/l/86)
FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTIODJ LOCAL LAW
SECTION 1.0
STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND PURPOSE
1.1. FINDINGS
The Town Board of the Town of
Groton finds that the potential and/or actual
damages from flooding and erosion may be a problem to the residents of
the Town of Groton and that
such damages may include: destruction or loss of private and public
housing, damage to public facilities, both publically and privately
owned, and injury to and loss of human life. In order to minimize the
threat of such damages and to achieve the purposes and objectives
hereinafter set forth, this local law is adopted.
1.2 STATEM 7r OF PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this local law to promote the public health,
safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses
due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designer to:
(1) regulate uses which are dangerous to health, safety and
property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in
damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or
velocities;
(2) require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities
which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at
the time of initial construction;
(3) control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream
channels, and natural protective barriers which are involved
in the accommodation of flood waters;
(4) control filling, grading, dredging and other development
which may increase erosion or flood damages;
(5) regulate the construction of flood barriers which will
unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood
hazards to other lands; and
(6) qualify and maintain participation in the National Flood
Insurance Program.
1.3 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this local law are:
(1) to protect human life and health;
(2) to minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood
control projects;
(3) to minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts asso-
ciated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense
of the general public;
(4) to minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(5) to minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such
as water and gas mains, electric, telephone, sewer lines,
streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;
I
60.3 (b) & (c)
(6) to help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the
sound use and development of areas of' special flood. hazard
so as to minimize future flood blight areas;
(7) to provide that developers are notified that property is in
an area of special flood hazard; and.,
(8) to ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood
hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
SECTION 2.0
DEFINITIONS
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this local
law shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in
common usage and to give this local law its most reasonable
application.
"A�eal" means a request for a review of the Local Administrator's
interpretation of any provision of this Local Law or a request for a
variance.
"Area of shallow floodinaL means a designated AO or VO Zone on a
cc munity' s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with base flood depths
from one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist,
where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate, and
where velocity flow may be evident.
"Area of special flood hazard" is the land in the floodplain within a
conmmity subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in
any given year. This area may be designated as Zone A, AE, AH, AO,
Al -991 V, VO, VE, or V1-30. It is also commonly referred to as the
base floodplain or 100 -year floodplain.
"Base flood" means the flood having a one percent chance of being
equalled or exceeded in any given year.
"Basement" means that portion of a building having its floor subgrade
(below ground level) on all sides.
"Breakaway wall" meap.s a wall that is not 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 the
supporting foundation. system.
"Building" means any structure built for support, shelter, or
enclosure for occupancy or storage.
"Cellar" - has the same meaning as "Basement".
"Coastal high hazard area" means the area subject to high velocity
waters including, but not limited to, hurricane wave wash. The area
is designated on a FIRM as Zone V1 - 30, VE, VO or V.
"Development" means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real
estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures,
mining, dredging, filling, paving, excavation or drilling operations
located within the area of special flood hazard.
"Elevated building" means a non -basement building built to have the
lowest floor elevated above the ground level by means of fill, solid
foundation perimeter walls, pilings, columns (posts and piers), or
shear walls.
"Flood" or "Flooding" means a general and temporary condition of
partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
(1) the overflow of inland or tidal waters;
3
60.3 (b) & (c)
(2) the unusual and rapid accumulation nr runoff of surface
waters from any source.
Flood Boundary and FloodwayMap (F'LFM) " means an official map of the
Ccrn munit 7 published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part
of a riverine Community's Flood Insurance Study. The FBFM delineates
a Regulatory Floodway along water courses studied in detail in the
Flood Insurance Study.
"Flood Hazard Boundar-T_ Map (FHBM) " means an official map of a
ccm=ity, issued by the Federal Fznergency Management Agency, where
the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard have been defined
but no water surface elevation data is provided.
"Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) " means an official map of a
ccnr=ity, on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has
delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium
zones applicable to the ccxrmunity. .
"Flood Insurance Study" is the official report provided by -the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. The report contains flood profiles, as
well as the Flood Boundary Floodway Map and the water surface
elevations of the base flood.
"Flood proofinq" means any combination of structural and
non-structural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which
reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real
property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their
contents.
"Fiocdway"" - has the same meaning as "Regulatory Floodway"
"Floor" means the top surface of an enclosed area in a building
(including basement), i.e., top of slab in concrete slab construction
or top of wood flooring in wood frame construction.
"Functionally dependent use" means a use which cannot perform its
intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close
proximity to water, such as a docking or port facility necessary for
the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, and
ship repair.. The term does not include long-term storage,
manufacture, sales, or service facilities.
"FT?ghost adjacent grade" means the highest natural elevation of the
ground surface, prior to construction, next to the proposed walls of a
structure.
"Lowest Floor" means lowest level including basement or cellar of the
lowest enclosed area. An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure,
usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in
an area other than a basPimnt or cellar 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 Local Law.
"Manufactured home" means a structure, transportable in one or more
sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be
used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the
required utilities. The term also includes park trailers, travel
trailers, and similar transportable structures placed on a site for
180 consecutive days or longer and intended to be improved property.
"Mean Sea Level" means, for purposes of the National Flood Insurance
Program, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other
datum, to which base flood elevations shown on a community's Flood
Insurance Rate reap are referenced.
"Mobile home" - has the same meaning as "Manufactured home"
I
60.3 (b) & (c)
"National Gecx?etic Vertical Datum (N(TVD) Ifas corrected in 19.29 is a
vertical control used as a reference for establishing e-levations
within the flood plain.
"New construction" means structures for which the "start of
construction" commenced on or after the effective date of this Local
Law.
"Principally Above Ground" means that at least 51 percent of the
actual cash value of the structure, excluding land value, is above
ground.
"100 -year Flood" - has the same meaning as "Base Flood."
Regulatory Floodway" means the channel of a river or other
watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order
to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water
surface elevation more than a designated height as determined by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency in a Flood Insurance Study or by
other agencies as provided in Section 4.3-2 of this Law.
"Sand dunes" means naturally occurring accumulations of sand in ridges
or mounds landward of the beach.
"Start of construction" means the initiation, excluding planning and
design, of any phase of a project, physical alteration of the
property, and shall include land preparation, such as clearing,
grading, and filling; installation of streets and/or walkways;
excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the
erection of temporary forms. It also includes the placement and/or
installation on the property of accessory buildings (garages, sheds),
storage trailers, and building materials.
"Structure" means a walled and roofed building, a manufactured home,
or a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground.
"Substantial improvement" means any repair, reconstruction, or
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50
percent of the market value of the structure, excluding land values,
either:
(1) before the improvement or repair is started; or
(2) 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 commence when the first alteration of any wall, coiling,
floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or
not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the sl=cture.
The term does not, however, include either:
(1) any project for improvement of a structure to comply with
eyi.sting state or local building, fire, health, sanitary, or
safety code specifications which are solely necessary to
assure safe living conditions; or
(2) any alteration of a structure or contributing structure
listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a
State Inventory of Historic Places.
"Variance" means a grant of relief from the requirements of this local
law which permits construction or use in a manner that �-�ould othen,,Jse
be prohibited by this local law.
5
6003 (b) & (c)
SECTION 3.0
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3.1 LANDS TO WHICH THIS LOCAL LAW APPLIES
This local law shall apply to all areas of special flood
hazards within the jurisdiction of the Town of Groton
Tompkins County, New York .
3.2 BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD
(1) The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in a scientific and engineering
report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the
of , of
County, New York", dated
19 , with accompanying Flood Insurance
Rate Maps is hereby adopted and declared to be a part of this
Local Law. The Flood Insurance Study and FIRM are on file at
(OR)
(2) The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal
Insurance Administration on its Flood Hazard Boundar-v Map
(FHBM) , or Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) No. - 361217A
dated October 5, 1984 is hereby adopted and
declared to be a part of this Local Law. The FFBM or FIRM is
on file at
Town clerk's Office, 101 Conger Blvd., Groton, N.Y.
3.3 INTERPRETATION, CONFLICT WITH OTHER LAWS
This Local Law is adopted in response to revisions to the
National Flood Insurance Program effective October 1, 1986 and
shall supercede all previous laws adopted for the purpose of
establishing and maintaining eligibility for flood insurance.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this
local law shall be held to be minimum requirements, adopted for
the promotion of the public health, safety, and welfare.
Trlhenever the requirements of this local law are at variance
with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted rules,
regulations, or ordinances, the most restrictive, or that
imposing the higher standards, shall govern.
3.4 SEVERABILITY
The invalidity of any section or provision of this local law
shall not invalidate any other section or provision thereof.
3.5 PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANTCE
No structure shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended,
converted, or altered and no land shall be excavated or filled
without full compliance with the terms of this Local Law and
any other applicable regulations. Any infraction of the
provisions of this Local Law by failure to comply with any of
its requirements, including infractions of conditions and+
safeguards established in connection with conditions of the
permit, shall constitute a violation. Any person who violates
this Local Law or fails to comply with any of its requirements
shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined no more than $250 or
imprisoned for not more than 15 days or both. Each day of
noncompliance shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing
herein contained shall prevent the Town of Groton
I
3.6
4.1
4.2
60.3 (b) & (c)
from taking such other lawful action as necessary to prevent or
remedy an infraction. Any structure found not compliant with
the requirements of this Local. Law for which the developer
and/or owner has not applied for and received an approved
variance under Section 6.0 vi -JA -11 be declared noncompliant and
notification sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
T"7ARNING AND DISCIJAI , OF LIABILITY
The degree of flood protection recauired by this local law 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 he
increased by man-made or natural causes. This local law does
not imply that land outside the area of special flood hazards
or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding
or flood damages. This local law shall not create liabilit�7 on
the part of the Town of Groton , any officer or
employee thereof_, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
for any flood damages that result from reliance on this local
law or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
SEC'T'ION 4.0
AIMINT STRATION
DESIGNATION OF THE LOCAL ADMINIS i BATOR
The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby appointed Local
Administrator to administer and implement this local law by
granting or denying developmnt permit applications in
accordance with its provisions.
ESTABLISHMENT OF DEVELOPMENT PERKI_T
A Development Permit shall be obtained before the start of
construction or any other development within the area of
special flood hazard as established in Section 3.2. Applica-
tion for a Development Permit shall be made on forms furnished
by the Local Administrator and may include, but not be limited -
to: plans, in duplicate, drawn to scale and showing the nature,
location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in question;
existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials,
drainage facilities, and the location of the foregoing.
4.2-1 APPLICATION STAGE.
The following information is required where applicable:
(a) Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the
proposed lowest floor (including basement or
cellar) of all structures;
(b) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which
any non- residential structure will be
flood -proofed;
(c) When required, a certificate from a licensed
professional engineer or architect that the utility
floodproofing will meet the criteria in Section
5.1-3 (1) ;
(d) Certificate from a licensed professional engineer
or architect that the non-residential flood -proofed
structure will meet the flood -proofing criteria in
Section 5.2-2; and
(e) Description of the extent to which any watercourse
will be altered or relocated as a result of
proposed development.
7
60.3 (b) & (c)
4.2-2 CONSTRT?CTION STAGE.
Upon placement of the lowest floor, or flood -proofing by
whatever means, it shall be the duty of the permit holder
to submit to the Local Administrator a certificate of the
as -built elevation of the lowest floor, or flood -proofed
elevation, in relation to mean sea level. The elevation
certificate shall be prepared by or under the direct
supervision of a licensed land surveyor or professional
engineer and certified by same. When flood -proofing is
utilized for a particular building, the flood proofing
certificate shall be prepared by or under the direct
supervision of a licensed professional engineer or
architect and certified by same. Anv further work
undertaken prig to submission and approval of the
certificate shall be at the permit holder's risk. The
Local Administrator shall revj.ew all data submitted.
Deficiencies detected shall be cause to issue a stop -work
order for the project unless immediately corrected.
4.3 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBIT,ITIES OF THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR
Duties of the Local Administrator shall include, but not be
limited to:
4.3-1 PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW
(1) Review all development permit applications to determine
that the requirements of this local law have been
satisfied.
(2) Review all development permit applications to determine
that all necessary permits have been obtained from
those Federal, State or local governmental agencies
from which prior approval is required.
(3) Review all development permit applications to determine
if the proposed development adversely affects the area
of special flood hazard. For the purposes of this
local law, "adversely affects" means physical damage to
adjacent properties. A hydraulic engineering study may
be required of the applicant for this purpose.
(i) If there is no adverse effect, then the permit
shall be granted consistent with the provisions of
this local law.
If there is an adverse effect, then flood damage
mitigation measures shall be made a condition of
the permit.
(4) Review all development permits for compliance with the
provisions of Section 5.1-5, Encroachments.
4.3-2 USE OF OTHER BASE FLOOD AND FLOOat AY DATA
When base flood elevation data has not been provided in
accordance with Section 3.2, BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE
AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD, the Local Administrator shall
obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood
elevation and floodway data available from a Federal, State
or other source, including data developed pursuant to
Section 5.1-4(4) in order to administer Section 5.2,
SPECIFIC STANDARDS and Section 5.3 FTMDWAYS.
4.3-3 INFORMATION TO BE OBTAINED RIND MAI=NED
(1) Obtain and record the actual elevation, in relation to
mean sea level, of the lowest floor including basement
or cellar of all new or substantially improved
0
60 0 3 (b) & (c)
:,tructures, and whether or not the structure contains a
basement or cellar.
(2) For all new or substantially improved floodproofed
structures:
(i) obtain and record the actual elevation, in
relation to mean sea level, to which the structure
has been f_loodproofed; and
maintain the floodproofing certifications required
in sections 5.1 and 5.2.
(3) Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining
to the provisions of this local law including variances,
when granted, and Certificates of Compliance.
4.3-4 ALTERATI-ON OF WATERCOURSES
(1) Notify adjacent communities and the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation prior to any
alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit
evidence of such notification to the Regional Director,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region II, 2.6
Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278.
(2) Res'wire that maintenance is provided within the altered
or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the
flood car----ving capacity is not diminished.
4.3-5 AN TERPRETATION OF FNBM, FIRM OR FBFM BOUNDARIES
The Local Administrator shall have the authority to make
interpretations when there appears to be a conflict between
the limits of the federally identified area of special Mood
hazard and actual field conditions.
Base flood elevation data established pursuant to Section
3.2 -md/or Section 4.3-2, when available, shall be used to
accurately delineate the area of special flood hazards.
The Local Administrator shall use flood information from any
other authoritative source, including historical data., to
establish the limits of the area of special flood hazards
when base flood elevations are not available.
4.3-6 STOP WORK ORDERS
(1) All floodplain development found ongoing without an
approved permit shall be subject to the issuance of a
stop work order by the Local Administrator. Disregard
of a stop work order shall be subject to the penalties
described in Section 3.5 of this Local Law.
(2) All floodplain development found nonccmp.]_iant with the
provisions of this law and/or the conditions of the
approved permit shall be subject to the issuance of a
stop work order by the Local Administrator. Disregard
of a stop work order shall be subject to the penalties
described in Section 3.5 of this Local Law.
4.3-7 INSPECTIONS
The Local Administrator and/or the developer's engineer or
architect shall make periodic inspections at appropriate
times throughout the period of construction in order to
monitor compliance with permit conditions and enable -said
inspector to certify that the development is in compliance
with the reclairements of this Local Law.
9
50.3 (b) & (c)
4.3-8 CTRTIFICATE OF CnMPLTAl" CE
(1) It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or, to permit the
use or occupanCV of any building or premises, or both,
or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed,
converted or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in
its use or structure until a Certificate of Compliance
has been issued by the Local Administrator stating that
the building or land conforms to the requirements of
either the Development Permit or the approved variance.
(2) All other development occurring within the area of
special flood hazard will have upon completion a
Certificate of Compliance issued by the Local
Administrator.
All certificates shall be based upon the inspections conducted
subject to Section 4.3-7 and/or any certified elevations,
hydraulic information, floodproofing, anchoring requirements or
encroachment analysis which may have been required as a condition
of the approved permit.
SF,CTION 5.0
PROVISIONS FOR.FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION
5.1 GENERAL STANDAP.DS
In all areas of special flood hazards the follcnving standards are
required:
5.1-1 ANCHORING
(1) All new construction and substantial improvements shall
be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral
movement of the structure.
(?) All manufactured homes shall be installed using methods
and practices which minimize flood damage.
Manufactured homes must be elevated and anchored to,
resist flotation, collapse, or 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 and local anchoring requirements for
resisting wind forces.
5.1-2 CONSTRUCTION MATEP=, S ArTD METHODS
(1) All new construction and substantial improvements shall
be constructed with materials and utility equipment
resistant to flood damage.
(2) All new construction and substantial improvements shall
be const-ructed using methods and practices that
minimize flood damage.
5.1-3 UTILITIES
(1) Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air
conditioninq equipment, and other service facilities
shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water
fram entering or accumulating within the components
during conditions of flooding. When designed for
location below the base flood elevation, a professional
engineer's or architect's certification is required.
(2) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be
designed tn minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood
waters into the system.
10
60.3 (b) & (c)
(3) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be
desli.gned to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood
waters.
(4) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to
avoid impairment to them or contamination from them
during flooding.
5.1-4 SUMPTISION PROPOSALS
(.l) All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the
need to minimize flood damage.
;2) A11 subdivision proposals shall have public
utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas,
electrical, and water systems located and
constructed to minimize flood damage.
(3) All subdivision proposals shall have adequate
drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood
damage.
(4) Base flood. elevation data shall be provided for
subdivision proposals and other proposed
developments ( including proposals for manufactured
home parks and subdivisions) greater than either 50
lots or 5 acres.
5.1-5 ENC'ROACHM.E rS
(1) All proposed development in riverine situations
where no flood elevation data is available
(unnumbered A Zones) shall be anal,,zed to determine
the effects on the flood carrying capacity of the
area of special flood hazards set forth in section
4.3-1(3), Permit Review. This may require -the
suhmission of additional technical data to assist in the
determination.
(2) In all areas of special flood hazard in which base
flood elevation data is available pursuant to
Section 4.3-2 or Section 5.1-4(4) and no floodway
has been determined the cumulative effects of any
proposed development, when combined with all other
existing and anticipated development, shall not
increase the water surface elevation of the base
flood more than one foot at any point.
(3) In all areas of the special flood hazard where
floodway data is provided or available pursuant to
Section 4.3-2, the requirements of Section 5.3
FLOOD`^TAYS , shall apply.
5.2 SPECIFIC STMTDARDS
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood
elevation data has been provided as set forth in Section. 3.2(1)
BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD and
Section 4.3-2, USE OF OTHER BASE FLOOD DATA, the following
standards are required:
5.2-1 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
New construction and substantial improvements of an-, 7
resident structure shall:
(1) Have the lowest floor,
cellar, elevated to or
elevation.
11.
including basement or
above the base flood
00.3 (b) & (c)
(2 ) Have fully onrl used areas below the lnwes't floor
that are subject to flooding designed to
autoiiuL- ically 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
licensed professional engineer or architect or meet
or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(i) a m-nimum 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;
(ii) the bottom of all such openings shall be no
higher than one foot above the lowest
adjacent finished grade; and
(iii)openings may be equipped with louvers,
valves, screens or other coverings or devices
provided they permit the automatic entry and
exit of. floodwaters.
5.2.-2 NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
New construction and substantial improvements of any
c(-xmercial, industrial or other non-residential structure,
together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities,
shall either: have the lowest floor, including basement or
cellar, elevated to or above the base flood elevation; or
be floodproofed to the base flood level.
(1) If the structure is to be elevated, fully enclosed
areas below the base flood elevation shall be
designed to automatically (without human interven-
tion) allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters for
the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic flood forces on
exterior walls. Designs for meeting this requirement
must either be certified by a licensed professional
engineer or a licensed architect or meet the following
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;
(ii) the bottom of all such openings shall be no higher
than one foot above the lowest adjacent finished
grade; and
(iii)openings may be equipped with louvers, valves,
screens or other coverings er devices provided
they permit the automatic entry and exit of
floodwaters.
(2) If the structure is to be floodproofed:
(i) a licensed professional engineer or architect
shall develop and/or review structural design,
specifications, and plans for the construction,
and shall certify that the design and methods of
construction are in accordance with accepted
standards of practice to make the structure
watertight with walls substantially impermeable to
the passage of water, with structural components
having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and
(ii) a licensed professional engineer or licensed land
surveyor shall certify the specific elevation (in
12
60.3 (b) & (c)
relation to mean sea level) to which the structure
is floodproofed.
The Local Administrator shall maintain on record a copy of
all such certificates noted in this section.
5.2-3 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARDS
WITHOUT RASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS
(1) New construction or substantial improvements of
structures including manufactured homes shall have the
lowest floor (including basement) elevated at least 2
feet above the highest adjacent grade next to the
proposed foundation of the structure.
(2) Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are
subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically
(without human intervention) allow for the entry ar-.d
exit of floodwaters for the purpose of equalizing
hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls. Designs
for meeting this requirement must either be certified
by a licensed professional engineer or a licensed
architect or meet the following 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;
the bottom of all such openings shall be no higher
than one foot above the lowest adjacent finished
grade; and
(iii)openings may be equipped with louvers, valves,
screens or other coverings or devices provided
they permit the automatic entry and exit of
floodwaters.
5.3 -FLOODwAYS
Located within areas of special flood hazard are areas designated
as f- loodways ( see definition, Section 2.0) . The floodway is an
extremely hazardous area due to high velocity flood waters
carrying debris and posing additional threats from potential
erosion forces. when floodway data is available for a particular
site as provided by Section 4.3-2, all encroachments including
fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other
development are prohibited within the limits of the floodway
unless a technical evaluation demonstrates that such
encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels
during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
SECTION 6.0
VA.R7�,,CE PROCEDURE
6.1 A.I'nFALS HOARD
(1) The Board of Zoning Appeals as established by
the Groton Town Board shall hear and decide
appeals and requests for variances from the requirements
of this local law.
(2) The Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide
appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any
requirement, decision, or determination made by the Local
Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this
local law.
(3) Those aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Zoning Aaeals
may appeal such decision to the Supreme Court pursuant to
Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules.
13
60.3 (b) & (c)
(4) In passing upon such applications, the Board of Zoning ADDeals
shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant
factors, standards specified in other sections of this
local law and:
(i) the danger that materials may be swept canto other
lands to the injury of others;
the danger to life and property due to flooding or
erosion damage;
( iii) the susceptibility of the proposed facility and its
contents to flood damage and the effect of such
damage on the individual owner;
(iv) the importance of the services provided by the
proposed facility to the conT=ity;
(v) the necessity to the facility of a waterfront
location, where applicable;
(vi) the availability of alternative locations for the
proposed use which are not subject to flooding or
erosion damage;
(vii) the compatibility of the proposed use with existing
and anticipated development;
(viii) the relationship of the proposed use to the
comprehensive plan and flood plain management
program of that area;
(ix) the safety of access to the property in times of
flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
(x) the costs to local governments and the dangers
associated with conducting search and rescue
operations during periods of flooding;
(xi) the expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of
rise, and sediment transport of the flood waters and
the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected
at the site; and
(xii) the costs of providing governmental services during
and after flood conditions, including search and
rescue operations, maintenance and repair of public
utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas,
electrical, and water systems and streets and
bridges.
(5) Upon consideration of the factors of Section 6.1(4) and
the purposes of this local law, the Board of Zoning Appeals
may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as
it deems necessary to further the purposes of this local
law.
(6) The Local Administrator shall maintain the records of all
appeal actions including technical information and report
anv variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency
upon request.
6.2 CONDITIONS FOR VARIANCES
(1) Generally, variances may be issued for new construction
and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of
one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded
by lots with existing structures constructed below the
1 J
base flood level, providing item (i-xii) in Section 6.1(4)
have been fully considered. As the lot size increases
beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification
required for issuing the variance increases.
14
60.3 (b) & (c)
(2) Variances may be issued for the reconstruction, rehabili-
tation or restoration of structures and contributing
structures listed on the national Register of Historic
Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places, without
regard to the procedures set forth in this local law.
(3) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction
and substantial improvements and for other development
necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use
provided that:
(i) the criteria of subparagraphs 1, 4, 5, and 6 of this
Section are met;
(ii) the structure or other development is protected by
methods that minimize flood damages during the base
flood and create no additional threats to public
safety.
(4) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway
if any increase in flood levels during the base flood
discharge would result.
(5) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the
variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood
hazard, to afford relief.
(6) Variances shall only be issued upon receiving written
justification:
(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.
(7) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted for a building
with the lowest floor below the base flood elevation shall
be giver_ written notice that the cost of flood insurance
will be canrnensurate with the increased risk.
Be it enacted this 14th day of April , 19 87 by the
Town Board of the Town of Groton of
Tompkins County, New York, to be effective immediately
upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State.
Teresa M. Robinson, Supervisor,.
Ellard L. Sovocool Councilman�j�;
Gordon C. VanBenschoten, Councilman
Donald E. Cummings, Councilman -1-
Joseph H. Graham, Councilman 41ZItl
SEAL
April 14, 1987
D �
A.ZST . CLERK
Colleen D. Pierson, Town Clerk
Town of Groton
15
(Complete the certification in the Paragraph, which applies to the filingf this l�,
olocal la and strike out the
natter therein which is riot Anr ir.v*h1q..I
1. (Final adoption by local legislative body only.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. 19 ........
19........
County
of the City of .............................. .
Town ....... was duly passed by the ... ..........................................
.............................
(Name of Legislative Body)
Village
on................................................19........ in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.
P
2. (Passage by local legislative body with approval or no disapproval by Elective Chief Executive Officer,"
at repassage after disapproval.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No......2............ of 19.87..
of the GA* of ....._,,,GROTON was dui passed b the TOWN BOARD
Towny P y e.................................................................................
AMIra�r _ (Name of Legislative Hody)
APRIL 1 87 �X�-d
on.................................................19........ and was approved by the SUPERVISOR
........... ......................
Elective Chief Executive Officer
and was deemed duly adopted onAPRIL 1 19. 7,,, in accordance with the applicable
....................
...................0................
provisions of law,
3. (Final adoption by referendum.)
I hereby certify that the Iocal law annexed hereto, designated as local law No ................... of 19..........
County
of the City of was duly Passed b the .......
...............................................................................Town
(Name of Legislative Body)
Village not disapproved
on...................................................19........ and was approved by the...............................................................
repassed after disapproval Elective Chief rzecutive officer
on- ..................................................................... 19 ........ Such local law was submitted to the people by reason of a
mandatory
_ permissive referendum, and received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors voting
general
thereon at the special election held on......................................................19........ , in accordance with the appli-
annual
cable provisions of law,
4. (Subject to permissive referendum , and final adoption because no valid petition filed requesting
referendum.)
1 hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No. .................. of 19..........
County
Ci
ofthe ty of ...................................... was duly passed by the................................................................................on
Town (Name rid Legislative Body)
Village not disapproved
_._._ ................_.............. 19........ and was approved by the.........................................................on
repassed after disapproval Elective Chief Executive Officer *
------......... ............................................ I9......... Such local law being subject to a permissive referendum and no
valid petition requesting such referendum having been filed, said local law was deemed duly adopted on
--- .... --................................................... 19.......9 in accordance with the applicable provisions of law,
'Elective Qdef Executive Officer means ar indu.des the Chief executive otiiceT of a county doted on a county -wide basis
or, if there be none, the chairman of the county dative body, the mayor of a cry or vilUv or the axperrimr of a town,
where auh officer Ja rested with power to approve or Yeto WcaJ lava or ordbummc
Page 16
S. (Cit). local law concerning Charter revision proposed by petition.)
I herebti- certify that the local law annexed hereto, designated as local law No ..................... of 19........
r the City of.......................................................................... having been submitted to referendum pursuant to the
visions of § 36 of the Lun.icipal home Rule Law,and having received the affirmative vote of a majority
pro § 37
pecof the qualified electors of such city voting thereon at the sm
8'el electi-on held on ..................................
................19 ............ became operative.
6. (County local law concerning adoption of Charter.)
I hereby certify that the local law annexed hereto. designated as Local Law No. 19...... of the
County of ......................................... State of New York, having been submitted to the Electors at the
General Election of November ........... 19 ........... pursuant to subdivisions S and 7 of Section 33 of the Muni-
cipal Home Rule Law, and having received the affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the
cities of said county as a unit and of a majority of the qualified electors of the towns of said county
considered as a unit voting at said general election, became operative.
(If any other authorized form of final adoption has been followed, please provide an appropriate
certification.) 4
V` I further certify that I have compared the preceding local law with the original on file in this office
and that the same is a correct transcript therefrom and of the whole of such original local law, and was
finally adopted in the manner indicated in paragraph ..........2 ................ above.
C3erk of the County kpalative body. City, To*m or Valap hark or
offices deznated by local legslaaw body
Date: APRIL 14, 1987
(Seal)
(Certification to be executed by County Attorney, Corporation Counsel, Town Attorney, Village Attorney
or other authorized Attorney of locality.)
STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF .... TOMPKIN.S,_....�..,,,,,,,,M,,,,
I. the undersigned. hereby certify that the foregoing local law contains the correct text and that all
proper proceedings have been had or taken for the ct a of the 1 1 law annexed hereto.
FoO �P TA.YLDR, . P0MER0Y.. & . LBD [STRONG
si mawre
TONN" ATTORNEYS �F�TAI) NED
o e . o • o • . • . . . . • • • . • • • . . • • • • . • • • • • o •
luk
Date: APRIL 14, 1987 c6w
of ..GROTQ
Town
Page 17
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