Article 3 — General Provisions

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all areas identified as being within a floodplain or within a flood-prone area within the City of Artesia.

(Ord. 698, § 2)

No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the term of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of the provision of this chapter (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Nothing herein shall prevent the City Council from taking such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. (Ord. 698, § 2)

This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.

(Ord. 698, § 2)

In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:

• (a) Considered as minimum requirements;

• (b) Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and

• (c) Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes. (Ord. 698, § 2)

A development permit shall be obtained for all proposed construction or other development in the City, including the placement of manufactured homes, so that it may be determined whether such construction or other development is within flood-prone areas. (Ord. 698, § 2)

The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Flood heights may be increased by manmade or natural causes. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasion. This chapter does not imply that land outside the Areas of Special Flood Hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the City Council or by any officer or employee of the City of Artesia, the

State of California, or the Federal Insurance Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.

(Ord. 698, § 2)