Chapter 19.04
STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE AND METHODS
Sections:
19.04.010 Statutory authorization.
19.04.030 Statement of purpose.
19.04.040 Methods of reducing flood losses.
19.04.010 Statutory authorization.
The City Council enacts this title under the authority granted to cities by Chapter XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution. Therefore, the City Council of the City of Galt does hereby adopt the following floodplain management regulations.
(Ord. 2012-13, Repealed and Replaced, 12/04/2012)
19.04.020 Findings of fact.
A. The flood hazard areas within the City of Galt are subject to periodic inundation which can result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
B. These flood losses may be exacerbated by uses that are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or protected from flood damage. The cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazard, which may increase flood heights and velocities, can also contribute to flood losses.
(Ord. 2012-13, Repealed and Replaced, 12/04/2012)
19.04.030 Statement of purpose.
It is the purpose of this title to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by legally enforceable regulations applied uniformly throughout the City to all publicly and privately owned land within floodprone, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) or flood related erosion areas. These regulations are designed to:
A. Protect human life and health;
B. Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
C. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
D. Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
E. Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains; electric, telephone and sewer lines; and streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard;
F. Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future blighted areas caused by flood damage;
G. Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and
H. Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
(Ord. 2012-13, Repealed and Replaced, 12/04/2012)
19.04.040 Methods of reducing flood losses.
In order to accomplish its purposes, this title includes regulations to:
A. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or flood heights or velocities;
B. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
C. Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;
D. Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage;
E. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.
(Ord. 2012-13, Repealed and Replaced, 12/04/2012)