HomeMy WebLinkAbout20091116 - VI-15
Memo
To: Mayor Hicks and City Council
From: John Hinzman, Planning Director
Date: November 16, 2009
st
Subject1 Reading\Order Public Hearing –
:Ordinance Amendment #P2009-29
– City Code Chapter 151 – Flood Plain Regulations
REQUEST
st
The City Council is asked to consider 1 reading and order a public hearing to amend
Hastings City Code Chapter 151 Flood Plain Regulations. The amendment replaces the
entire existing Flood Plain Ordinance. The amendment is based on the State of
Minnesota’s Model Flood Plain Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the amendment at the
November 9, 2009 meeting. During the public hearing, one person spoke with questions on
the affects of the remapping to existing structures.
BACKGROUND
The amendment is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as
part of the revised Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) studies for Washington and Dakota
Counties. FIRM is used to determine susceptibility to flooding for insurance purposes and
has not been updated since 1981.
PROPOSED CHANGES
Proposed changes are identified below. The existing Flood Plain Requirements can be
found at:
http://www.ci.hastings.mn.us/InsideCityHall/Charter&Ordinances/CodeTitle15/ICHCityOr
dinancesTitle15.htm.
Zoning Map
- Zoning Map must identify all Floodplain districts.
Comprehensive Plan
- Areas within the 2030 growth plan must be referenced in the floodplain ordinance.
Definitions
- Definitions added for the following:
Lowest Floor
o
Manufactured Home
o
Recreational Vehicle
o
Substantial Damage
o
Substantial Improvements
o
Annexations
o
Floodway District
Deletions
- No longer a primary zoning district; serves alongside the underlying zoning (i.e. Ag,
etc).
- Removal of the following Special Uses: Circuses, carnivals, and similar transient
amusement enterprises; kennels and stables. These uses no longer allowed in
Floodway District.
- Elimination of “Other uses similar in nature to uses described which are consistent
with the provisions...” from Special Use Permitted activities.
- Elimination of general provision allowing fill in floodway provided it serves a
“beneficial purpose and the amount thereof must not exceed that necessary to
achieve the purpose”.
Additions
- Added following conditional uses:
Storage yards for equipment, machinery and materials.
o
Construction of fences
o
Recreational Vehicles
o
Structural Works for Flood Control
o
Must be permissible in the underlying zoning district.
o
Flood Fringe District
Deletions
- Flood control works section deleted, including:
Minimum height and design of dikes, levees, floodwalls and similar
o
structures.
Modifications regulating additions to existing structural works.
o
When flood protection elevations are affected by flood control works.
o
Additions
- Storage of materials and equipment shall be elevated on fill to the regulatory flood
elevation.
- Modification to definition of flood warning system calculation.
Waste Treatment Facilities
- Elimination of detailed language regulating waste treatment facilities in Floodplain
Districts.
Travel Trailer (Recreational Vehicles)
- Conditions established for keeping of travel trailers and recreational vehicles in
floodplain districts.
-
Special (Conditional) Uses
- Deletion of following application submittal items:
Typical valley cross section showing the channel of the stream, elevation of
o
land, etc.
Plan view showing elevations, contours, etc.
o
Profile showing the slope of the channel or flow line of the stream
o
Non Conforming Uses
- Deletion of the following items:
Existing uses that become nuisances shall not be entitled to continue.
o
Uses permitted as Special Uses shall not be considered a non-conforming
o
use.
Non-conforming uses must be eliminated or brought into compliance within a
o
reasonable timeframe.
Process for certifying non conforming uses that have been flood proofed.
o
- Date of non-conformity changed to adoption of ordinance from June 6, 1977.
Administration
- City must notify adjacent communities of any alteration or relocation of a
watercourse.
- City must notify FEMA when physical changes increase or decrease the 100 year
flood plain elevation.
Board of Adjustment
- More detailed variance language.
- Decision time for Board of Adjustment to make a decision needs to be determined.
Existing ordinance = reasonable period of time.
Penalties for Violation
- Establishes new powers, procedures, and penalties for ordinance violations.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Flood Plain Amendment
ORDINANCE NO.______________, THIRD SERIES
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HASTINGS, MINNESOTA AMENDING
HASTINGS CITY CODE CHAPTER 151 – FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS
BE IT ORDAINED
by the City Council of the City of Hastings as follows:
§
151 of the Hastings City Code is hereby deleted in its entirety, and replaced as follows:
151.01 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND
§
PURPOSE.
(A)Statutory authorization: The legislature of the State of Minnesota has, in Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 103F and Chapter 462 delegated the responsibility to local government units to
adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the City of Hastings, Minnesota
does ordain as follows:
(B)Findings of fact:
(1) The flood hazard areas of the City of Hastings, Minnesota, are subject to periodic
inundation which results in potential loss of life, loss of property, health and safety hazards,
disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures or flood
protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public
health, safety, and general welfare.
(2)Methods used to analyze Flood Hazards. This Ordinance is based upon a reasonable
method of analyzing flood hazards which is consistent with the standards established by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
(3)National Flood Insurance Program compliance. This Ordinance is adopted to
comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44
Code of Federal Regulations Parts 59 -78, as amended, so as to maintain the community’s
eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(C)Statement of purpose: It is the purpose of this Ordinance to promote the public health,
§
safety, and general welfare and to minimize those losses described in 151.01(B)(1) by
provisions contained herein.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
151.02 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
§
(A)Lands to which ordinance applies: This Ordinance shall apply to all lands within the
jurisdiction of the City of Hastings, Minnesota shown on the Official Zoning Map and/or the
attachments thereto as being located within the boundaries of the Floodway, Flood Fringe, or
General Flood Plain Districts.
(B)Establishment of Official Zoning Map: The Official Zoning Map together with all
materials attached thereto is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this
Ordinance. The attached material shall include: 1) Flood Insurance Study for Washington
County, Minnesota And Incorporated Areas and Flood Insurance Rate Map Panels therein
numbered 27163C0438E and 27163C0451E, both dated February 3, 2010 and prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency; and 2) Flood Insurance Study for Dakota County,
Minnesota and Incorporated Areas and Flood Insurance Rate Map Panels therein numbered
27037C0144E, 27037C0163E, 27037C0164E, 27037C0257E, 27037C0259E, 27037C0276E,
27037C0277E and 27037C0278E, all dated _________ and prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The Official Zoning Map shall be on file in the Office of the Zoning
Administrator.
(C)R
egulatory Flood Protection Elevation: The regulatory flood protection elevation shall
be an elevation no lower than one foot above the elevation of the regional flood plus any
increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the flood plain that result from
designation of a floodway.
(D)Interpretation:
(1) In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be held
to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor of the City of Hastings and
shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by state statutes.
(2) The boundaries of the zoning districts shall be determined by scaling distances on the
Official Zoning Map. Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of
the district as shown on the Official Zoning Map, as for example where there appears to be a
conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions and there is a formal appeal of the
decision of the Zoning Administrator, the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall make
the necessary interpretation. All decisions will be based on elevations on the regional (100-year)
flood profile, the ground elevations that existed on the site at the time the Community adopted its
initial floodplain ordinance or on the date of the first National Flood Insurance Program map
showing the area within the 100-year floodplain if earlier, and other available technical data.
Persons contesting the location of the district boundaries shall be given a reasonable opportunity to
present their case to the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals and to submit technical
evidence.
(E)Abrogation and greater restrictions: It is not intended by this Ordinance to repeal,
abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this
Ordinance imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail. All other
ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency
only.
(F)Warning and disclaimer of liability: This Ordinance does not imply that areas outside
the flood plain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from flooding or
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
flood damages. This Ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the City of Hastings or any
officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Ordinance or
any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
(G)Severability: If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this Ordinance is adjudged
unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Ordinance
shall not be affected thereby.
(H)Definitions: Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Ordinance
shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning as they have in common usage and so as
to give this Ordinance its most reasonable application.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE
. A use or structure on the same lot with, and of
a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
BASEMENT
. Means any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor or
base subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of excavation below
ground level.
CONDITIONAL USE
. Means a specific type of structure or land use listed in the
official control that may be allowed but only after an in-depth review procedure and with
appropriate conditions or restrictions as provided in the official zoning controls or building codes
and upon a finding that:
(a)Certain conditions as detailed in the zoning ordinance exist.
(b)The structure and/or land use conform to the comprehensive land use plan if one
exists and are compatible with the existing neighborhood.
EQUAL DEGREE OF ENCROACHMENT
. A method of determining the location of
floodway boundaries so that flood plain lands on both sides of a stream are capable of conveying
a proportionate share of flood flows.
FLOOD
. A temporary increase in the flow or stage of a stream or in the stage of a
wetland or lake that results in the inundation of normally dry areas.
FLOOD FREQUENCY.
The frequency for which it is expected that a specific flood
stage or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.
FLOOD FRINGE
. That portion of the flood plain outside of the floodway. Flood
FLOODWAY FRINGE
fringe is synonymous with the term used in the Flood Insurance Study
for Washington County, Minnesota and Incorporated Areas and the Flood Insurance Study for
Dakota County, Minnesota and Incorporated Areas.
FLOOD PLAIN.
The beds proper and the areas adjoining a wetland, lake or
watercourse which have been or hereafter may be covered by the regional flood.
FLOOD PROOFING.
A combination of structural provisions, changes, or adjustments
to properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood
damages.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
FLOODWAY.
The bed of a wetland or lake and the channel of a watercourse and those
portions of the adjoining flood plain which are reasonably required to carry or store the regional
flood discharge.
LOWEST FLOOR.
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or
storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building’s lowest floor.
MANUFACTURED HOME.
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which
is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation
MANUFACTURED HOME
when attached to the required utilities. The term does not include
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
the term.
OBSTRUCTION.
Any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment,
projection, excavation, channel modification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill,
structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or regulatory
flood plain which may impede, retard, or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself
or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water.
PRINCIPAL USE OR STRUCTURE.
Means all uses or structures that are not
accessory uses or structures.
REACH.
A hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a stream
or river influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a
stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a reach.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.
A vehicle that is built on a single chassis, is 400 square
feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, is designed to be self-propelled or
permanently towable by a light duty truck, and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent
dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. For
the purposes of this Ordinance, the term recreational vehicle shall be synonymous with the term
travel trailer/travel vehicle.
REGIONAL FLOOD
. A flood which is representative of large floods known to have
occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected to occur
on an average frequency in the magnitude of the 100-year recurrence interval. Regional flood is
synonymous with the term "base flood" used in a flood insurance study.
REGULATORY FLOOD PROTECTION ELEVATION
. The regulatory flood
protection elevation shall be an elevation no lower than one foot above the elevation of the
regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the flood plain
that result from designation of a floodway.
STRUCTURE
. Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground
or on-site utilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds, detached garages,
cabins, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles not meeting the exemption criteria specified in
§
151.09(C)(1) of this Ordinance and other similar items.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
. Means damage of any origin sustained by a structure
where the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed
50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT.
Within any consecutive 365-day period, any
reconstruction, rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair), repair after damage,
addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of
the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term
includes structures that have incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work
performed. The term does not, however, include either:
(a)Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or
local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by
the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure
safe living conditions.
(b)Any alteration of an “historic structure,” provided that the alteration will not
preclude the structure’s continued designation as an “historic structure.” For the
purpose of this Ordinance, “historic structure” shall be as defined in 44 Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 59.1.
:.
(I) Annexations. Means a modification of a specific permitted development standard
required in an official control including this Ordinance to allow an alternative development
standard not stated as acceptable in the official control, but only as applied to a particular
property for the purpose of alleviating a hardship, practical difficulty or unique circumstance as
defined and elaborated upon in a City's respective planning and zoning enabling legislation.
ANNEXATIONS.§
The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by reference into
151.02(B) above may include floodplain areas that lie outside of the corporate boundaries of the
City of Hastings at the time of adoption of this Ordinance. If any of these floodplain land areas
are annexed into the City of Hastings after the date of adoption of this Ordinance, the newly
annexed floodplain lands shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance immediately upon
the date of annexation into the City of Hastings.
151.03 ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS.
§
(A)Districts:
(1)Floodway District. The Floodway District shall include those areas designated as
§
floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted in 151.02(B).
(2)Flood Fringe District. The Flood Fringe District shall include those areas designated
as floodway fringe. The Flood Fringe District shall include those areas shown on the Flood
§
Insurance Rate Maps as adopted in 151.02(B) as being within Zone AE but being located
outside of the floodway.
(3)General Flood Plain District. The General Flood Plain District shall include those
areas designated as Zone A or Zone AE without a floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps
§
adopted in 151.02(B).
(B)Compliance: No new structure or land shall hereafter be used and no structure shall be
constructed, located, extended, converted, or structurally altered without full compliance with the
terms of this Ordinance and other applicable regulations which apply to uses within the
jurisdiction of this Ordinance. Within the Floodway, Flood Fringe and General Flood Plain
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
§§§
Districts, all uses not listed as permitted uses or conditional uses in 151.04, 151.05, and
151.06 that follow, respectively, shall be prohibited. In addition, a caution is provided here that:
(1) New manufactured homes, replacement manufactured homes and certain travel
trailers and travel vehicles are subject to the general provisions of this Ordinance and specifically
§
151.09.
(2) Modifications, additions, structural alterations, normal maintenance and repair, or
repair after damage to existing nonconforming structures and nonconforming uses of structures or
§
land are regulated by the general provisions of this Ordinance and specifically 151.11.
(3) As-built elevations for elevated or flood proofed structures must be certified by
ground surveys and flood proofing techniques must be designed and certified by a registered
professional engineer or architect as specified in the general provisions of this Ordinance and
§
specifically as stated in 151.10 of this Ordinance.
§ 151.04 FLOODWAY DISTRICT (FW).
(A)Permitted uses.
(1) General farming, pasture, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, truck
farming, forestry, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.
(2) Industrial-commercial loading areas, parking areas, and airport landing strips.
(3) Private and public golf courses, tennis courts, driving ranges, archery ranges, picnic
grounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, parks, wildlife and nature preserves, game
farms, fish hatcheries, shooting preserves, target ranges, trap and skeet ranges, hunting and
fishing areas, and single or multiple purpose recreational trails.
(4) Residential lawns, gardens, parking areas, and play areas.
(B)Standards for floodway permitted uses.
(1) The use shall have a low flood damage potential.
(2) The use shall be permissible in the underlying zoning district if one exists.
(3) The use shall not obstruct flood flows or increase flood elevations and shall not
involve structures, fill, obstructions, excavations or storage of materials or equipment.
(C)Conditional uses.
§§
(1) Structures accessory to the uses listed in 151.04(A) above and the uses listed in
151.04(C) below.
(2) Extraction and storage of sand, gravel, and other materials.
(3) Marinas, boat rentals, docks, piers, wharves, and water control structures.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
(4) Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines, and pipelines.
(5) Storage yards for equipment, machinery, or materials.
(6) Placement of fill or construction of fences.
(7) Recreational vehicles either on individual lots of record or in existing or new
subdivisions or commercial or condominium type campgrounds, subject to the exemptions and
provisions of § 151.09(C) of this Ordinance.
(8) Structural works for flood control such as levees, dikes and floodwalls constructed to
any height where the intent is to protect individual structures and levees or dikes where the intent
is to protect agricultural crops for a frequency flood event equal to or less than the 10-year
frequency flood event.
(9) Circuses, carnivals, and similar transient amusement enterprises.
(10) Kennels and stables.
(D)Standards for floodway conditional uses.
(1)All uses. No structure (temporary or permanent), fill (including fill for roads and
levees), deposit, obstruction, storage of materials or equipment, or other uses may be allowed as a
conditional use that will cause any increase in the stage of the 100-year or regional flood or cause
an increase in flood damages in the reach or reaches affected.
(2) All floodway conditional uses shall be subject to the procedures and standards
§
contained in 151.10(D) of this Ordinance.
(3) The conditional use shall be permissible in the underlying zoning district if one
exists.
(4)Fill.
(a) Fill, dredge spoil, and all other similar materials deposited or stored in the flood
plain shall be protected from erosion by vegetative cover, mulching, riprap or other acceptable
method.
(b) Dredge spoil sites and sand and gravel operations shall not be allowed in the
floodway unless a long-term site development plan is submitted which includes an
erosion/sedimentation prevention element to the plan.
(c) As an alternative, and consistent with Subsection (b) immediately above, dredge
spoil disposal and sand and gravel operations may allow temporary, on-site storage of fill or other
materials which would have caused an increase to the stage of the 100-year or regional flood but
only after the City has received an appropriate plan which assures the removal of the materials
from the floodway based upon the flood warning time available. The conditional use permit must
be title registered with the property in the Office of the County Recorder.
(5)Accessory Structures.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
(a) Accessory structures shall not be designed for human habitation.
(b) Accessory structures, if permitted, shall be constructed and placed on the
building site so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of flood waters.
1. Whenever possible, structures shall be constructed with the longitudinal axis
parallel to the direction of flood flow; and
2. So far as practicable, structures shall be placed approximately on the same
flood flow lines as those of adjoining structures.
(c) Accessory structures shall be elevated on fill or structurally dry flood proofed in
accordance with the FP-1 or FP-2 flood proofing classifications in the State Building Code. As
an alternative, an accessory structure may be flood proofed to the FP-3 or FP-4 flood proofing
classification in the State Building Code provided the accessory structure constitutes a minimal
investment, does not exceed 500 square feet in size at its largest projection, and for a detached
garage, the detached garage must be used solely for parking of vehicles and limited storage. All
flood proofed accessory structures must meet the following additional standards:
1. The structure must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or
lateral movement of the structure and shall be designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on
exterior walls;
2. Any mechanical and utility equipment in a structure must be elevated to or
above the regulatory flood protection elevation or properly flood proofed; and
3. To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be a
minimum of two “automatic” openings in the outside walls of the structure having a total net area
of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. There
must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all openings must be no
higher than one foot above the lowest adjacent grade to the structure. Using human intervention
to open a garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy this requirement for automatic openings.
(6)Storage of materials and equipment.
(a) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable,
explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(b) Storage of other materials or equipment may be allowed if readily removable
from the area within the time available after a flood warning and in accordance with a plan
approved by the City.
(7) Structural works for flood control that will change the course, current or cross
section of protected wetlands or public waters shall be subject to the provisions of Minnesota
Statute, Chapter 103G. Community-wide structural works for flood control intended to remove
areas from the regulatory flood plain shall not be allowed in the floodway.
(8) A levee, dike or floodwall constructed in the floodway shall not cause an increase to
the 100-year or regional flood and the technical analysis must assume equal conveyance or
storage loss on both sides of a stream.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
(9)Garbage and solid waste disposal.
(a) No conditional use permits for garbage and waste disposal sites shall be issued
for floodway areas.
(b) Provided further, there shall be no further encroachment upon the floodway at
existing sites.
§ 151.05 FLOOD FRINGE DISTRICT (FF).
(A)Permitted uses. Permitted uses shall be those uses of land or structures listed as
permitted uses in the underlying zoning use district(s). If no pre-existing, underlying zoning use
districts exist, then any residential or non residential structure or use of a structure or land shall be
a permitted use in the Flood Fringe District provided such use does not constitute a public
nuisance. All permitted uses shall comply with the standards for Flood Fringe District “Permitted
§§
Uses” listed in 151.05(B) and the "Standards for all Flood Fringe Uses" listed in 151.05(E).
(B)Standards for flood fringe permitted uses.
(1) All structures, including accessory structures, must be elevated on fill so that the
lowest floor including basement floor is at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.
The finished fill elevation for structures shall be no lower than one (1) foot below the regulatory
flood protection elevation and the fill shall extend at such elevation at least fifteen (15) feet
beyond the outside limits of the structure erected thereon.
(2) As an alternative to elevation on fill, accessory structures that constitute a minimal
investment and that do not exceed 500 square feet at its largest projection may be internally flood
§
proofed in accordance with 151.04(D)(5)(c).
(3) The cumulative placement of fill where at any one time in excess of one-thousand
(1,000) cubic yards of fill is located on the parcel shall be allowable only as a conditional use,
§
unless said fill is specifically intended to elevate a structure in accordance with 151.05(B)(1) of
this ordinance.
(4) The storage of any materials or equipment shall be elevated on fill to the regulatory
flood protection elevation.
§
(5) The provisions of 151.05(E) of this Ordinance shall apply.
(6) Flood control works shall be subject to the provision of division (B) above and the
following provisions:
(a) The minimum height and design of any dikes, levees, flood walls, or similar
structural works shall be based upon the flood profile of the regional flood confined between the
structures subject to the following:
1. For urban areas, the minimum height and design of structural works shall be
at least three (3) feet above the elevation of the regional flood as confined by structures, or at the
elevation of the standards project flood, whichever is greater; and
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
2. Modifications and additions to existing structural works shall assure that the
work will provide a means of decreasing the flood damage potential in the area. Any existing
structural work which potentially threatens public health or safety shall be modified or
reconstructed in order to meet the standards contained herein within a period of 5 years of the
effective date of this chapter.
(b) Flood protection elevations and floodway limits which reflect proposed
measures for flood control shall not be effective until the measures are constructed and operative
unless the proposed measures will increase flood heights, in which event, the regulatory flood
protection elevations and flood plain limits shall reflect the anticipated increases.
(C)Conditional uses. Any structure that is not elevated on fill or flood proofed in
§§
accordance with 151.05(B)(1) - 151.05(B)(2) and or any use of land that does not comply with
§§
the standards in Section 151.05(B)(3) - 151.05(B)(4) shall only be allowable as a conditional
use. An application for a conditional use shall be subject to the standards and criteria and
§§§
evaluation procedures specified in 151.05(D) - 151.05(E) and 151.10(D) of this Ordinance.
(D)Standards for flood fringe conditional uses.
(1) Alternative elevation methods other than the use of fill may be utilized to elevate a
structure's lowest floor above the regulatory flood protection elevation. These alternative
methods may include the use of stilts, pilings, parallel walls, etc., or above-grade, enclosed areas
such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages. The base or floor of an enclosed area shall be
considered above-grade and not a structure's basement or lowest floor if: 1) the enclosed area is
above-grade on at least one side of the structure; 2) it is designed to internally flood and is
constructed with flood resistant materials; and 3) it is used solely for parking of vehicles, building
access or storage. The above-noted alternative elevation methods are subject to the following
additional standards:
(a)Design and certification. The structure's design and as-built condition must be
certified by a registered professional engineer or architect as being in compliance with the general
design standards of the State Building Code and, specifically, that all electrical, heating,
ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities must be at or
above the regulatory flood protection elevation or be designed to prevent flood water from
entering or accumulating within these components during times of flooding.
(b)Specific standards for above-grade, enclosed areas. Above-grade, fully
enclosed areas such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages must be designed to internally flood
and the design plans must stipulate:
1. A minimum area of openings in the walls where internal flooding is to be
used as a flood proofing technique. There shall be a minimum of two openings on at least two
sides of the structure and the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one-foot above grade.
The automatic openings shall have a minimum net area of not less than one square inch for every
square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding unless a registered professional engineer or
architect certifies that a smaller net area would suffice. The automatic openings may be equipped
with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the
automatic entry and exit of flood waters without any form of human intervention; and
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2. That the enclosed area will be designed of flood resistant materials in
accordance with the FP-3 or FP-4 classifications in the State Building Code and shall be used
solely for building access, parking of vehicles or storage.
§
(2) Basements, as defined by 151.02(H) of this Ordinance, shall be subject to the
following:
(a) Residential basement construction shall not be allowed below the regulatory
flood protection elevation.
(b) Non-residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood protection
elevation provided the basement is structurally dry flood proofed in accordance with
§
151.05(D)(3) of this Ordinance.
(3) All areas of non residential structures including basements to be placed below the
regulatory flood protection elevation shall be flood proofed in accordance with the structurally
dry flood proofing classifications in the State Building Code. Structurally dry flood proofing
must meet the FP-1 or FP-2 flood proofing classification in the State Building Code and this shall
require making the structure watertight with the walls substantially impermeable to the passage of
water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic loads and the effects of buoyancy. Structures flood proofed to the FP-3 or FP-4
classification shall not be permitted.
(4) When at any one time more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other similar material is
located on a parcel for such activities as on-site storage, landscaping, sand and gravel operations,
landfills, roads, dredge spoil disposal or construction of flood control works, an
erosion/sedimentation control plan must be submitted. The plan must clearly specify methods to
be used to stabilize the fill on site for a flood event at a minimum of the 100-year or regional
flood event. The plan must be prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer or
other qualified individual acceptable to the City. The plan may incorporate alternative procedures
for removal of the material from the flood plain if adequate flood warning time exists.
(5)Storage of materials and equipment.
(a) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable,
explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(b) Storage of other materials or equipment may be allowed if readily removable
from the area within the time available after a flood warning and in accordance with a plan
approved by the City.
§
(6) The provisions of 151.05(E) of this Ordinance shall also apply.
(E)Standards for all flood fringe uses.
(1) All new principal structures must have vehicular access at or above an elevation not
more than two (2) feet below the regulatory flood protection elevation. If a variance to this
requirement is granted, the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals must specify limitations on
the period of use or occupancy of the structure for times of flooding and only after determining
that adequate flood warning time and local flood emergency response procedures exist.
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(2)Commercial uses. Accessory land uses, such as yards, railroad tracks, and parking
lots may be at elevations lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. However, a permit
for such facilities to be used by the employees or the general public shall not be granted in the
absence of a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area would
be inundated to a depth and velocity such that when multiplying the depth (in feet) times velocity
(in feet per second) the product number exceeds four (4) upon occurrence of the regional flood.
(3)Manufacturing and industrial uses. Measures shall be taken to minimize
interference with normal plant operations especially along streams having protracted flood
durations. Certain accessory land uses such as yards and parking lots may be at lower elevations
§
subject to requirements set out in 151.05(E)(2) above. In considering permit applications, due
consideration shall be given to needs of an industry whose business requires that it be located in
flood plain areas.
(4) Fill shall be properly compacted and the slopes shall be properly protected by the use
of riprap, vegetative cover or other acceptable method. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) has established criteria for removing the special flood hazard area designation
for certain structures properly elevated on fill above the 100-year flood elevation - FEMA's
requirements incorporate specific fill compaction and side slope protection standards for multi-
structure or multi-lot developments. These standards should be investigated prior to the initiation
of site preparation if a change of special flood hazard area designation will be requested.
(5) Flood plain developments shall not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the
channel and adjoining flood plain of any tributary watercourse or drainage system where a
floodway or other encroachment limit has not been specified on the Official Zoning Map.
§
(6) Standards for recreational vehicles are contained in 151.09(C).
(7) All manufactured homes must be securely anchored to an adequately anchored
foundation system that resists flotation, collapse and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring
may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors.
This requirement is in addition to applicable state or local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
§ 151.06 GENERAL FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICT.
(A)Permissible uses.
§
(1) The uses listed in 151.04(A) of this Ordinance shall be permitted uses.
(2) All other uses shall be subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria
§§
pursuant to 151.06(B) below. 151.04 shall apply if the proposed use is in the Floodway
§
District and 151.05 shall apply if the proposed use is in the Flood Fringe District.
(B)Procedures for floodway and flood fringe determinations within the general flood plain
district.
(1) Upon receipt of an application for a permit or other approval within the General
Flood Plain District, the applicant shall be required to furnish such of the following information
as is deemed necessary by the Zoning Administrator for the determination of the regulatory flood
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protection elevation and whether the proposed use is within the Floodway or Flood Fringe
District.
(a) A typical valley cross-section(s) showing the channel of the stream, elevation of
land areas adjoining each side of the channel, cross-sectional areas to be occupied by the
proposed development, and high water information.
(b) Plan (surface view) showing elevations or contours of the ground, pertinent
structure, fill, or storage elevations, the size, location, and spatial arrangement of all proposed and
existing structures on the site, and the location and elevations of streets.
(c) Photographs showing existing land uses, vegetation upstream and downstream,
and soil types.
(d) Profile showing the slope of the bottom of the channel or flow line of the stream
for at least 500 feet in either direction from the proposed development.
(2) The applicant shall be responsible to submit one copy of the above information to a
designated engineer or other expert person or agency for technical assistance in determining
whether the proposed use is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District and to determine the
regulatory flood protection elevation. Procedures consistent with Minnesota Regulations 1983,
Parts 6120.5000 - 6120.6200 and 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 65 shall be followed in this
expert evaluation. The designated engineer or expert is strongly encouraged to discuss the
proposed technical evaluation methodology with the respective Department of Natural Resources'
Area Hydrologist prior to commencing the analysis. The designated engineer or expert shall:
(a) Estimate the peak discharge of the regional flood.
(b) Calculate the water surface profile of the regional flood based upon a hydraulic
analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas.
(c) Compute the floodway necessary to convey or store the regional flood without
increasing flood stages more than 0.5 foot. A lesser stage increase than .5' shall be required if, as
a result of the additional stage increase, increased flood damages would result. An equal degree
of encroachment on both sides of the stream within the reach shall be assumed in computing
floodway boundaries.
(3) The Zoning Administrator shall present the technical evaluation and findings of the
designated engineer or expert to the City. The City must formally accept the technical evaluation
and the recommended Floodway and/or Flood Fringe District boundary or deny the permit
application. The City, prior to official action, may submit the application and all supporting data
and analyses to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Natural
Resources or the Planning Commission for review and comment. Once the Floodway and Flood
Fringe District Boundaries have been determined, the City shall refer the matter back to the
Zoning Administrator who shall process the permit application consistent with the applicable
§§
provisions of 151.04 and 151.05 of this Ordinance.
§ 151.07 SUBDIVISIONS.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
(A)Review criteria. No land shall be subdivided which is unsuitable for the reason of
flooding, inadequate drainage, water supply or sewage treatment facilities. All lots within the
flood plain districts shall be able to contain a building site outside of the Floodway District at or
above the regulatory flood protection elevation. All subdivisions shall have water and sewage
treatment facilities that comply with the provisions of this Ordinance and have road access both
to the subdivision and to the individual building sites no lower than two feet below the regulatory
flood protection elevation. For all subdivisions in the flood plain, the Floodway and Flood Fringe
District boundaries, the regulatory flood protection elevation and the required elevation of all
access roads shall be clearly labeled on all required subdivision drawings and platting documents.
(B)Floodway/flood fringe determinations in the general flood plain district. In the General
§
Flood Plain District, applicants shall provide the information required in 151.06(B) of this
Ordinance to determine the 100-year flood elevation, the Floodway and Flood Fringe District
boundaries and the regulatory flood protection elevation for the subdivision site.
(C)Removal of special flood hazard area designation. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) has established criteria for removing the special flood hazard area designation
for certain structures properly elevated on fill above the 100-year flood elevation. FEMA's
requirements incorporate specific fill compaction and side slope protection standards for multi-
structure or multi-lot developments. These standards should be investigated prior to the initiation
of site preparation if a change of special flood hazard area designation will be requested.
§ 151.0
8 PUBLIC UTILITIES, RAILROADS, ROADS, AND BRIDGES.
(A)Public utilities. All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and water
supply systems to be located in the flood plain shall be flood proofed in accordance with the State
Building Code or elevated to above the regulatory flood protection elevation.
(B)Public transportation facilities. Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges to be located within
§§
the flood plain shall comply with 151.04 and 151.05 of this Ordinance. Elevation to the
regulatory flood protection elevation shall be provided where failure or interruption of these
transportation facilities would result in danger to the public health or safety or where such
facilities are essential to the orderly functioning of the area. Minor or auxiliary roads or railroads
may be constructed at a lower elevation where failure or interruption of transportation services
would not endanger the public health or safety.
(C)On-site sewage treatment and water supply systems. Where public utilities are not
provided: 1) On-site water supply systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration
of flood waters into the systems; and 2) New or replacement on-site sewage treatment systems
must be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and
discharges from the systems into flood waters and they shall not be subject to impairment or
contamination during times of flooding. Any sewage treatment system designed in accordance
with the State's current statewide standards for on-site sewage treatment systems shall be
determined to be in compliance with this Section.
§ 151.09 MANUFACTURED HOMES AND MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS
AND PLACEMENT OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.
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(A) New manufactured home parks and expansions to existing manufactured home parks
§
shall be subject to the provisions placed on subdivisions by 151.07 of this Ordinance.
(B) The placement of new or replacement manufactured homes in existing manufactured
home parks or on individual lots of record that are located in flood plain districts will be treated
§
as a new structure and may be placed only if elevated in compliance with 151.05 of this
Ordinance. If vehicular road access for pre-existing manufactured home parks is not provided in
§
accordance with 151.05(E)(1), then replacement manufactured homes will not be allowed until
the property owner(s) develops a flood warning emergency plan acceptable to the City.
(1) All manufactured homes must be securely anchored to an adequately anchored
foundation system that resists flotation, collapse and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring
may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors.
This requirement is in addition to applicable state or local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
§
(C) Recreational vehicles that do not meet the exemption criteria specified in 151.09(C)(1)
below shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and as specifically spelled out in
§§
151.09(C)(3) - 151.09(C)(4) below.
(1)Exemption. Recreationalvehicles are exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance
§
if they are placed in any of the areas listed in 151.09(C)(2) below and further they meet the
following criteria:
(a) Have current licenses required for highway use.
(b) Are highway ready meaning on wheels or the internal jacking system, are
attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities commonly used in campgrounds and
recreational vehicle parks and the recreationalvehicle has no permanent structural type additions
attached to it.
(c) The recreationalvehicle and associated use must be permissible in any pre-
existing, underlying zoning use district.
(2)Areas exempted for placement of recreational vehicles.
(a) Individual lots or parcels of record.
(b) Existing commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds.
(c) Existing condominium type associations.
§
(3) Recreational vehicles exempted in 151.09(C)(1) lose this exemption when
development occurs on the parcel exceeding $500 for a structural addition to the recreational
vehicle or exceeding $500 for an accessory structure such as a garage or storage building. The
recreational vehicle and all additions and accessory structures will then be treated as a new
structure and shall be subject to the elevation/flood proofing requirements and the use of land
§§
restrictions specified in 151.04 and 151.05 of this Ordinance. There shall be no development
or improvement on the parcel or attachment to the recreational vehicle that hinders the removal of
the recreational vehicle to a flood free location should flooding occur.
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009
(4) New commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds and new residential type
subdivisions and condominium associations and the expansion of any existing similar use
exceeding five (5) units or dwelling sites shall be subject to the following:
(a) Any new or replacement recreationalvehicle will be allowed in the Floodway or
Flood Fringe Districts provided said recreationalvehicle and its contents are placed on fill above
the regulatory flood protection elevation and proper elevated road access to the site exists in
§
accordance with 151.05(E)(1) of this Ordinance. No fill placed in the floodway to meet the
requirements of this Section shall increase flood stages of the 100-year or regional flood.
(b) All new or replacement recreational vehicles not meeting the criteria of (a)
above may, as an alternative, be allowed as a conditional use if in accordance with the following
provisions and the provisions of 10.4 of the Ordinance. The applicant must submit an emergency
plan for the safe evacuation of all vehicles and people during the 100 year flood. Said plan shall
be prepared by a registered engineer or other qualified individual, shall demonstrate that adequate
time and personnel exist to carry out the evacuation, and shall demonstrate the provisions of
§
151.09(C)(1)(a) and (b) of this Ordinance will be met. All attendant sewage and water facilities
for new or replacement recreational vehicles must be protected or constructed so as to not be
§
impaired or contaminated during times of flooding in accordance with 151.08(C) of this
Ordinance.
§ 151.10 ADMINISTRATION.
(A)Zoning administrator. A Zoning Administrator or other official designated by the City
shall administer and enforce this Ordinance. If the Zoning Administrator finds a violation of the
provisions of this Ordinance the Zoning Administrator shall notify the person responsible for
§
such violation in accordance with the procedures stated in 151.12 of the Ordinance.
(B)Permit requirements.
(1)Permit required. A Permit issued by the Zoning Administrator in conformity with
the provisions of this Ordinance shall be secured prior to the erection, addition, modification,
,
rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair) or alteration of any building, structure,
or portion thereof; prior to the use or change of use of a building, structure, or land; prior to the
construction of a dam, fence, or on-site septic system; prior to the change or extension of a
nonconforming use; prior to the repair of a structure that has been damaged by flood, fire,
tornado, or any other source; and prior to the placement of fill, excavation of materials, or the
storage of materials or equipment within the flood plain.
(2)Application for permit. Application for a permit shall be made in duplicate to the
Zoning Administrator on forms furnished by the Zoning Administrator and shall include the
following where applicable: plans in duplicate drawn to scale, showing the nature, location,
dimensions, and elevations of the lot; existing or proposed structures, fill, or storage of materials;
and the location of the foregoing in relation to the stream channel.
(3)State and federal permits. Prior to granting a permit or processing an application for
a conditional use permit or variance, the Zoning Administrator shall determine that the applicant
has obtained all necessary state and federal permits.
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(4)Certificate of zoning compliance for a new, altered, or nonconforming use. It shall
be unlawful to use, occupy, or permit the use or occupancy of any building or premises or part
thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted, altered, or enlarged in its use or structure
until a certificate of zoning compliance shall have been issued by the Zoning Administrator
stating that the use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this Ordinance.
(5)Construction and use to be as provided on applications, plans, permits, variances
and certificates of zoning compliance. Permits, conditional use permits, or certificates of zoning
compliance issued on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use,
arrangement, and construction set forth in such approved plans and applications, and no other use,
arrangement, or construction. Any use, arrangement, or construction at variance with that
§
authorized shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance, and punishable as provided by 151.12
of this Ordinance.
(6)Certification. The applicant shall be required to submit certification by a registered
professional engineer, registered architect, or registered land surveyor that the finished fill and
building elevations were accomplished in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
Flood proofing measures shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or registered
architect.
(7)Record of first floor elevation. The Building Official shall maintain a record of the
elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new structures and alterations or
additions to existing structures in the flood plain. The Zoning Administrator shall also maintain a
record of the elevation to which structures or alterations and additions to structures are flood
proofed.
(8)Notifications for watercourse alterations. The Zoning Administrator shall notify, in
riverine situations, adjacent communities and the Commissioner of the Department of Natural
Resources prior to the community authorizing any alteration or relocation of a watercourse. If the
applicant has applied for a permit to work in the beds of public waters pursuant to Minnesota
Statute, Chapter 103G, this shall suffice as adequate notice to the Commissioner of Natural
Resources. A copy of said notification shall also be submitted to the Chicago Regional Office of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
(9)Notification to FEMA when physical changes increase or decrease the 100-year
flood elevation. As soon as is practicable, but not later than six (6) months after the date such
supporting information becomes available, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the Chicago
Regional Office of FEMA of the changes by submitting a copy of said technical or scientific data.
(C)Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals.
(1)Rules. The Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall operate in accordance
with City Code Chapter 30.02 and may exercise all of the powers conferred on such Boards by
State law.
(2)Administrative review. The Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall hear and
decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or
determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement or administration of this
Ordinance.
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(3)Variances. The Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals may authorize upon
appeal in specific cases such relief or variance from the terms of this Ordinance as will not be
contrary to the public interest and only for those circumstances such as hardship, practical
difficulties or circumstances unique to the property under consideration, as provided for in the
respective enabling legislation for planning and zoning for cities or counties as appropriate. In
the granting of such variance, the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall clearly identify
in writing the specific conditions that existed consistent with the criteria specified in this
Ordinance, any other zoning regulations in the Community, and in the respective enabling
legislation that justified the granting of the variance. No variance shall have the effect of
allowing in any district uses prohibited in that district, permit a lower degree of flood protection
than the regulatory flood protection elevation for the particular area, or permit standards lower
than those required by state law. The following additional variance criteria of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency must be satisfied:
(a) Variances shall not be issued by a community within any designated regulatory
floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(b) Variances shall only be issued by a community upon (i) a showing of good and
sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional
hardship to the applicant, and (iii) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in
increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create
nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or
ordinances.
(c) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(4) Hearings. Upon filing with the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals of an
appeal from a decision of the Zoning Administrator, or an application for a variance, the Board of
Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall fix a reasonable time for a hearing and give due notice to
the parties in interest as specified by law. The Board of Adjustment shall submit by mail to the
Commissioner of Natural Resources a copy of the application for proposed variances sufficiently
in advance so that the Commissioner will receive at least ten days notice of the hearing.
(5)Decisions. The Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall arrive at a decision
on such appeal or variance within 60 days. In passing upon an appeal, the Board of Zoning
Adjustment and Appeals may, so long as such action is in conformity with the provisions of this
Ordinance, reverse or affirm, wholly or in part, or modify the order, requirement, decision or
determination of the Zoning Administrator or other public official. It shall make its decision in
writing setting forth the findings of fact and the reasons for its decisions. In granting a variance
the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals may prescribe appropriate conditions and
§
safeguards such as those specified in 151.10(D)(6), which are in conformity with the purposes of
this Ordinance. Violations of such conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms
under which the variance is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance punishable
§
under151.12. A copy of all decisions granting variances shall be forwarded by mail to the
Commissioner of Natural Resources within ten (10) days of such action.
(6)Appeals. Appeals from any decision of the Board of Zoning Adjustment and
Appeals may be made, and as specified in this community's official controls and also by
Minnesota Statutes.
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(7)Flood insurance notice and record keeping. The Zoning Administrator shall notify
the applicant for a variance that: 1) The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the
base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high
as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and 2) Such construction below the 100-year or regional
flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with a
record of all variance actions. A community shall maintain a record of all variance actions,
including justification for their issuance, and report such variances issued in its annual or biennial
report submitted to the Administrator of the National Flood Insurance Program.
(D)Conditional uses. The Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall hear and decide
applications for conditional uses permissible under this Ordinance. Applications shall be
submitted to the Zoning Administrator who shall forward the application to Board of Zoning
Adjustment and Appeals for consideration.
(1)Hearings.Upon filing with the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appealsan
application for a conditional use permit, the Zoning Administratorshall submit by mail to the
Commissioner of Natural Resources a copy of the application for proposed conditional use
sufficiently in advance so that the Commissioner will receive at least ten days notice of the
hearing.
(2)Decisions. The City shall arrive at a decision on a conditional use within 60 days. In
granting a conditional use permit the City shall prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards,
§
in addition to those specified in 151.10(D)(6), which are in conformity with the purposes of this
Ordinance. Violations of such conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms under
which the conditional use permit is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance
§
punishable under 151.12. A copy of all decisions granting conditional use permits shall be
forwarded by mail to the Commissioner of Natural Resources within ten (10) days of such action.
(3)Procedures to be followed by the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals in
passing on conditional use permit applications within all flood plain districts.
(a) Require the applicant to furnish such of the following information and additional
information as deemed necessary by the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals for
determining the suitability of the particular site for the proposed use:
1. Plans in triplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions,
and elevation of the lot, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, flood proofing
measures, and the relationship of the above to the location of the stream channel; and
2. A typical valley cross section showing the channel of the stream, elevation of
land areas adjoining each side of the channel, cross-sectional areas to be occupied by the
proposed development, and high water information;
3. Plan (surface view) showing elevations or contours of the ground; pertinent
structure, fill, or storage elevations; size, location and spatial arrangement of all proposed and
existing structures on the site; location and elevations of streets, water supply; sanitary facilities;
photographs showing existing land uses and vegetation upstream and downstream; and soil types;
4. Profile showing the slope of the bottom of the channel or flow line of the
stream; and
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5. Specifications for building construction and materials, flood proofing, filling,
dredging, grading, channel improvement, storage of materials, water supply and sanitary
facilities.
(b) Transmit one copy of the information described in subsection (a) to a designated
engineer or other expert person or agency for technical assistance, where necessary, in evaluating
the proposed project in relation to flood heights and velocities, the seriousness of flood damage to
the use, the adequacy of the plans for protection, and other technical matters.
(c) Based upon the technical evaluation of the designated engineer or expert, the
Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals shall determine the specific flood hazard at the site and
evaluate the suitability of the proposed use in relation to the flood hazard.
(4)Factors upon which the decision of the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals
shall be based. In passing upon conditional use applications, the Board of Zoning Adjustment
and Appeals shall consider all relevant factors specified in other sections of this Ordinance, and:
(a) The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities
caused by encroachments.
(b) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the
injury of others or they may block bridges, culverts or other hydraulic structures.
(c) The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the ability of these
systems to prevent disease, contamination, and unsanitary conditions.
(d) The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and
the effect of such damage on the individual owner.
(e) The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the
community.
(f) The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location.
(g) The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the proposed
use.
(h) The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and
development anticipated in the foreseeable future.
(i) The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and flood plain
management program for the area.
(j) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles.
(k) The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of
the flood waters expected at the site.
(l) Such other factors which are relevant to the purposes of this Ordinance.
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(5)Time for acting on application. The City shall act on an application in the manner
described above within 60 days from receiving the application, except that where additional
§
information is required pursuant to 151.10(D)(3) of this Ordinance. The Board of Zoning
Adjustment and Appeals shall render a written decision within 60 days from the receipt of such
additional information.
(6)Conditions attached to conditional use permits. Upon consideration of the factors
listed above and the purpose of this Ordinance, the Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals
shall attach such conditions to the granting of conditional use permits as it deems necessary to
fulfill the purposes of this Ordinance. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(a) Modification of waste treatment and water supply facilities.
(b) Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
(c) Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
(d) Requirements for construction of channel modifications, compensatory storage,
dikes, levees, and other protective measures.
(e) Flood proofing measures, in accordance with the State Building Code and this
Ordinance. The applicant shall submit a plan or document certified by a registered professional
engineer or architect that the flood proofing measures are consistent with the regulatory flood
protection elevation and associated flood factors for the particular area.
§ 151.11 NONCONFORMING USES.
(A) A structure or the use of a structure or premises which was lawful before June 6, 1977
but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance may be continued subject to
§
the following conditions. Historic structures, as defined in 151.02(H) of this Ordinance, shall be
§§
subject to the provisions of 151.11(A)(1) - 151.11(A)(5) of this Ordinance.
(1) No such use shall be expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered in a way that increases
its nonconformity.
(2) Any structuralalteration or addition to a nonconforming structure or nonconforming
use which would result in increasing the flood damage potential of that structure or use shall be
protected to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation in accordance with any of the elevation on
fill or flood proofing techniques (i.e., FP-1 thru FP-4 floodproofing classifications) allowable in
§§
the State Building Code, except as further restricted in 151.11 (A)(3) and 151.11 (A)(6)
below.
(3) The cost of allstructural alterations or additions to any nonconforming structure over
the life of the structure shall not exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure unless the
conditions of this Section are satisfied. The cost of all structural alterations and additions must
include all costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all manpower or
labor. If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and additions exceeds 50 percent of the
§§
market value of the structure, then the structure must meet the standards of 151.04 or 151.05 of
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this Ordinance for new structures depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or
Flood Fringe District, respectively.
(4) If any nonconforming use is discontinued for l2 consecutive months, any future use
of the building premises shall conform to this Ordinance. The Assessor shall notify the Zoning
Administrator in writing of instances of nonconforming uses that have been discontinued for a
period of l2 months.
(5) If any nonconforming use or structure is substantially damaged, as defined in
§
151.02(H) of this Ordinance, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the
provisions of this Ordinance. The applicable provisions for establishing new uses or new
§§§
structures in 151.04, 151.05 or 151.06 will apply depending upon whether the use or structure
is in the Floodway, Flood Fringe or General Flood Plain District, respectively.
§
(6) If a substantial improvement occurs, as defined in 151.02(H) of this Ordinance,
from any combination of a building addition to the outside dimensions of the existing building or
a rehabilitation, reconstruction, alteration, or other improvement to the inside dimensions of an
existing nonconforming building, then the building addition and the existing nonconforming
§§
building must meet the requirements of 151.04 or 151.05 of this Ordinance for new structures,
depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District, respectively.
§ 151.12
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.
(A) Violation of the provisions of this Ordinance or failure to comply with any of its
requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with
grants of variances or conditional uses) shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as
defined by law.
(B) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City of Hastings from taking such other
lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. Such actions may include but
are not limited to:
(1) In responding to a suspected Ordinance violation, the Zoning Administrator and
Local Government may utilize the full array of enforcement actions available to it including but
not limited to prosecution and fines, injunctions, after-the-fact permits, orders for corrective
measures or a request to the National Flood Insurance Program for denial of flood insurance
availability to the guilty party. The Community must act in good faith to enforce these official
controls and to correct Ordinance violations to the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its
eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(2) When an Ordinance violation is either discovered by or brought to the attention of
the Zoning Administrator, the Zoning Administrator shall immediately investigate the situation
and document the nature and extent of the violation of the official control. As soon as is
reasonably possible, this information will be submitted to the appropriate Department of Natural
Resources' and Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Office along with the
Community's plan of action to correct the violation to the degree possible.
(3) The Zoning Administrator shall notify the suspected party of the requirements of this
Ordinance and all other official controls and the nature and extent of the suspected violation of
these controls. If the structure and/or use is under construction or development, the Zoning
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Administrator may order the construction or development immediately halted until a proper
permit or approval is granted by the Community. If the construction or development is already
completed, then the Zoning Administrator may either: (1) issue an order identifying the corrective
actions that must be made within a specified time period to bring the use or structure into
compliance with the official controls; or (2) notify the responsible party to apply for an after-the-
fact permit/development approval within a specified period of time not to exceed 30-days.
(4) If the responsible party does not appropriately respond to the Zoning Administrator
within the specified period of time, each additional day that lapses shall constitute an additional
violation of this Ordinance and shall be prosecuted accordingly. The Zoning Administrator shall
also upon the lapse of the specified response period notify the landowner to restore the land to the
condition which existed prior to the violation of this Ordinance.
§ 151.13 AMENDMENTS.
The flood plain designation on the Official Zoning Map shall not be removed from flood plain
areas unless it can be shown that the designation is in error or that the area has been filled to or
above the elevation of the regulatory flood protection elevation and is contiguous to lands outside
the flood plain. Special exceptions to this rule may be permitted by the Commissioner of Natural
Resources if he determines that, through other measures, lands are adequately protected for the
intended use.
All amendments to this Ordinance, including amendments to the Official Zoning Map, must be
submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of Natural Resources prior to adoption.
Changes in the Official Zoning Map must meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
(FEMA) Technical Conditions and Criteria and must receive prior FEMA approval before
adoption. The Commissioner of Natural Resources must be given 10-days written notice of all
hearings to consider an amendment to this Ordinance and said notice shall include a draft of the
Ordinance amendment or technical study under consideration.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage
EFFECTIVE DATE:
and approval and publication, as required by law and/or charter.
ADOPTED
by the Hastings City Council on this ______ day of ________, 2009.
_________________________________
Paul J. Hicks, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________________________
Melanie Mesko Lee, City Clerk
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the above is a true and correct copy of an ordinance presented
to and adopted by the City of Hastings, County of Dakota, Minnesota, on the ____ day of
_________, 2009, as disclosed by the records of the City of Hastings on file and of record
in the office.
_____________________________________________
Melanie Mesko Lee, City Clerk
( SEAL)
This instrument drafted by:
City of Hastings (JWH)
101 4th St. East
Hastings, MN 55033
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City of Hastings Floodplain Ordinance – PC Draft – November 9, 2009