Siskiyou County Municipal Code Art. 4 Permits for Floodplain Development

Any person, owner or authorized agent who intends to conduct any development in a flood hazard area shall first make application to the Floodplain Administrator and shall obtain the required permit for floodplain development. No permit shall be issued until compliance with the requirements of these regulations and all other applicable codes and regulations has been satisfied. No building permit shall be issued based on Conditional Letters of Map Revision issued by FEMA. Depending on the nature and extent of proposed development that includes a building or structure, the Floodplain Administrator may determine a permit for floodplain development is required in addition to a building permit.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)

The applicant shall file an application in writing on a form furnished by the Floodplain Administrator. The information provided shall:

(1) Identify and describe the development to be covered by the permit.

(2) Describe the land on which the proposed development is to be conducted by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the site.

(3) Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed development is intended.

(4) Be accompanied by a site plan and construction documents as specified in Article 5 of these regulations, including grading, excavation and filling plans and other information deemed appropriate by the Floodplain Administrator.

(5) State the valuation of the proposed work.

(6) Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent.

(7) Include such other data and information required by the Floodplain Administrator to demonstrate compliance with these regulations.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)

The issuance of a permit for floodplain development under these regulations or the building codes shall not be construed to be a permit for, or approval of, any violation of these regulations, the building code, or any other county ordinance. The issuance of a permit for floodplain development based on submitted documents and information shall not prevent the Floodplain Administrator from requiring the correction of errors and omissions. The Floodplain Administrator is authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure or site which is in violation of these regulations.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)

The applicant shall obtain all other required state and federal permits prior to initiating work authorized by these regulations and shall provide documentation to the Floodplain Administrator. Such permits may include, but are not limited to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits under Clean Water Act § 404; California Regional Water Quality Control Board certifications under Clean Water Act § 401; and California Department of Fish and Wildlife permits under Fish & Game Code § 1602.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)

A permit for floodplain development shall become invalid when the proposed development is not commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or when the work authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the work commences. Extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. The Floodplain Administrator is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each unless FEMA has issued notification of revision to the Flood Insurance Rate Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps that alter the flood hazard area or floodway boundaries, flood zones, or base flood elevations, in which case the permit is invalid. Where a permit lapses due to FIRM/FIS revision, reissuance shall require demonstration of compliance with updated BFEs/floodways.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)

The Floodplain Administrator is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit for floodplain development issued under these regulations wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of these regulations or any other county ordinance.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)

When it is alleged there is an error in any decision or determination made by the Floodplain Administrator in the interpretation or enforcement of these regulations, such decision or determination may be appealed to the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors by filing a written appeal setting forth the reasons of the appeal. The appeal shall be in writing and filed with the Siskiyou County Planning Division within ten (10) days of the decision or determination. Upon receipt of such appeal, the Planning Division shall set the matter for hearing before the Board of Supervisors, notice thereof to be given in the same time and manner as provided by law.

(Ord. No. 25-07, § I, 10-21-2025)