Article 3 — General Provisions

This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of Yolo County. (Ord. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014)

The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for Yolo County, California and Incorporated Areas, dated May 16, 2012, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM’s), dated May 16, 2012 and June 18, 2010, and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. The Flood Insurance Study and attendant mapping is the minimum area of applicability of this chapter and may be supplemented by studies for other areas which allow implementation of this chapter and which are approved by the Floodplain Administrator. The Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps are on file at the Yolo County Community Services Department, 292 West Beamer Street, Woodland, CA, 95695.

(Ord. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014; as amended by Ord. 1500, eff. July 26, 2018)

No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with

conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Nothing herein shall prevent the Board of Supervisors from taking such lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

(Ord. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014)

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

(Ord. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014)

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. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014)

The degree of flood protection required by this chapter 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 be increased by manmade or natural causes. 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 Yolo County, any officer or employee thereof, the State of California, the Federal Insurance Administration, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.

(Ord. 1445, eff. August 14, 2014)