Chapter 17.09
FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS
Sections:
17.09.050 Special consideration for anadromous fish.
17.09.010 Purpose.
Floodplains and other areas subject to flooding perform important hydrologic functions and may present a risk to persons and property. The purpose of this chapter is to both protect such areas and minimize flooding hazards. (Ord. 1566-05 § 24, 2005; Ord. 1113 § 2, 1992).
17.09.020 Definitions.
A. “Areas of special flood hazard” means land in a floodplain within the city subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in a given year.
B. “Base flood” means the flood having a one percent chance of being equalled or exceeded in a given year, also referred to as the “100-year flood”.
C. “Base flood elevation” means water surface elevation, in feet, above mean sea level for the base flood and referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1988 (or Pierce County datum or United States Coast and Geodetic Datum of 1988 which are the same).
D. “Flood” or “flooding” means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normal dry land areas from:
1. The overflow of inland or tidal waters; and/or
2. The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.
E. “Floodfringe” is the area subject to inundation by the base flood, but outside the limits of the floodway, and which may provide needed temporary storage capacity for flood waters.
F. “Flood insurance rate map (FIRM)” means the official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium zones applicable in the city.
G. “Flood hazard areas” means land in a floodplain within the city subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in a given year.
H. “Floodplain” means the total area subject to inundation by the base flood, including the floodfringe and floodway areas.
I. “Floodway” means the channel of a river, or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to convey and discharge the base flood, without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation by more than one foot, and those areas designated as deep and/or fast-flowing water. (Ord. 1777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2012; Ord. 1113 § 3, 1992).
17.09.030 Applicability.
A. Floodplains and other areas subject to flooding and thus performing important hydrological functions.
B. All flood hazard areas shall be as identified in the following scientific and engineering reports:
1. The latest edition of “The flood insurance study for the city of Fife, Washington,” with the accompanying flood insurance rate maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
2. The latest edition of “The flood insurance study for Pierce County, Washington,” with the accompanying flood insurance rate maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (Ord. 1566-05 § 25, 2005; Ord. 1113 § 4, 1992).
17.09.040 Regulation.
All development in flood hazard areas shall comply with Chapter 15.40 FMC, and the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). (Ord. 1566-05 § 26, 2005; Ord. 1113 § 5, 1992).
17.09.050 Special consideration for anadromous fish.
Development in flood hazard protection areas that involve riparian habitat shall also comply with Chapter 17.15 FMC. (Ord. 1566-05 § 27, 2005).