Chapter 20.08
ADMINISTRATION

20.08.010    Development permit required—Application.

20.08.020    Floodplain administrator—Designated.

20.08.030    Floodplain administrator—Duties and responsibilities.

20.08.010 Development permit required—Application.

A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazards. 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:

(1)    Proposed elevation, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures; in Zone AO or VO, elevation of highest adjacent grade and proposed elevation of lowest floor of all structures.

(2)    Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure will be floodproofed;

(3)    All appropriate certifications listed in Section 20.08.030(d); and

(4)    Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development. (Ord. 1278 § 2 (part), 2002).

20.08.020 Floodplain administrator—Designated.

The city services director is appointed to administer, implement, and enforce this title by granting or denying development permits in accordance with its provisions. (Ord. 1316 § 2(A), 2007).

20.08.030 Floodplain administrator—Duties and responsibilities.

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

(a)    Permit Review. Review all development permits to determine:

(1)    The permit requirements of this title have been satisfied.

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

(3)    The proposed building site will be reasonably safe from flooding.

(4)    The proposed development does not adversely affect the carrying capacity of the floodway. For purposes of this title, "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 for the base flood more than one foot at any point.

(b)    Use of Other Base Flood Data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 20.04.070, the floodplain administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state or other source, in order to administer Chapter 20.12 of this code. Any such information shall be submitted to the city for adoption.

(c)    Notification of Other Agencies.

(1)    Alteration or Relocation of a Watercourse.

(A)    Notify adjacent communities and the California Department of Water Resources prior to alteration or relocation;

(B)    Submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

(C)    Assure that the flood-carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse is maintained.

(2)    Base Flood Elevation Changes Due to Physical Alterations.

(A)    Within six months of information becoming available or project completion, whichever comes first, the floodplain administrator shall submit or assure that the permit applicant submits technical or scientific data to FEMA for a letter of map revision (LOMR).

(B)    All LOMRs for flood control projects are approved prior to the issuance of building permits. Building permits must not be issued based on conditional letters of map revision (CLOMRs). Approved CLOMRs allow construction of the proposed flood control project and land preparation as specified in the "start of construction" definition in Section 20.04.050(34).

Such submissions are necessary so that upon confirmation of those physical changes affecting flooding conditions, risk premium rates and floodplain management requirements are based on current data.

(3)    Changes in Corporate Boundaries. Notify FEMA in writing whenever the corporate boundaries have been modified by annexation or other means and include a copy of a map of the community clearly delineating the new corporate limits.

(d)    Obtain and maintain for public inspection and make available as needed:

(1)    The certification required in Section 20.12.040(a) (floor elevations),

(2)    The certification required in Section 20.12.040(b) (elevations in areas of shallow flooding),

(3)    The certification required in Section 20.12.040(c)(3) (elevation or floodproofing of non-residential structures),

(4)    The certification required in Section 20.12.040(d)(1) and (2) (wet floodproofing standard),

(5)    The certified elevation required in Section 20.12.060(a)(3) (subdivision standards),

(6)    The certification required in Section 20.12.080(b) (floodway encroachments).

(e)    Make interpretations, where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (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 Chapter 20.16 of this code.

(f)    Take action to remedy violations of this title as specified in Section 20.04.080. (Ord. 1336 § 4, 2011; Ord. 1316 § 2(B), (C), 2007; Ord. 1278 § 2 (part), 2002).