McFarland Municipal Code Art. IV Administration

A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 15.12.070. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:

A. Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures.

B. Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure will be floodproofed, as required in Section 15.12.170(C)(2) of this chapter.

C. All appropriate certifications listed in Section 15.12.150(D) of this chapter; and

D. Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.

(Ord. No. 301-2005, § 4.1, 9-8-05)

The city manager is hereby appointed to administer, implement, and enforce this chapter by granting or denying development permits in accord with its provisions.

(Ord. No. 301-2005, § 4.2, 9-8-05)

The duties and responsibilities of the floodplain administrator shall include, but not be limited to the following:

A. Permit Review. Review all development permits to determine that:

1. Permit requirements of this chapter have been satisfied;

2. All other required state and federal permits have been obtained;

3. The site is reasonably safe from flooding; and

4. The proposed development does not adversely affect the carrying capacity of areas where base flood elevations have been determined but a floodway has not been designated. For purposes of this chapter, "adversely affects" means that the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development will increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point.

B. Review, Use and Development of Other Base Flood Data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 15.12.070, the floodplain administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal or state agency, or other source, in order to administer Article V. Any such information shall be submitted to the city council for adoption.

C. Notification of Other Agencies. In alteration or relocation of a watercourse:

1. Notify adjacent communities and the California Department of Water Resources prior to alteration or relocation.

2. Submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

3. Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse is maintained.

D. Documentation of Floodplain Development. Obtain and maintain for public inspection and make available as needed the following:

1. Certification required by Sections 15.12.170(C)(1) and 15.12.200 (lowest floor elevations);

2. Certification required by Section 15.12.170(C)(2) (elevation or floodproofing of nonresidential structures);

3. Certification required by Section 15.12.170(C)(3) (wet floodproofing standard);

4. Certification of elevation required by Section 15.12.190(B) (subdivision standards);

5. Certification required by Section 15.12.220(A) (floodway encroachments).

E. Boundary Determinations. Make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard (for example where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in Article VI.

F. Enforcement. Take action to remedy violations of this chapter as specified in Section 15.12.080.

(Ord. No. 301-2005, § 4.3, 9-8-05)

The city council of the city of McFarland shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the floodplain administrator in the enforcement or administration of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 301-2005, § 4.4, 9-8-05)