Chapter 17.04
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections:
17.04.020 Statement of purpose and liability disclaimer.
17.04.030 Methods of reducing flood losses.
17.04.040 Application of title.
17.04.060 Abrogation and greater restrictions.
17.04.080 Compliance required.
17.04.010 Findings of fact.
The findings of fact are the following:
A. The flood hazard areas of Whatcom County are subject to periodic inundation which results 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. Without taking appropriate care and precautions, development in floodplains and watersheds may increase flood heights, frequencies, and velocities, and may result in a greater threat to humans, damage to property, destruction of natural floodplain functions, and adverse impacts to water quantity, quality, and habitat. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.020 Statement of purpose and liability disclaimer.
This title is enacted as an exercise of the police power of the county for the benefit of the public at large. It is not intended to create a special relationship with any individual, or individuals, nor to identify and protect any particular class of persons. The purpose of this title is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas in a manner that does not adversely affect endangered species or their habitats. The degree of property and habitat protection required by this title is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on occasion. Flood heights may be increased by manmade or natural causes. This title does not imply that land outside of the areas of special flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This title shall not create liability on the part of Whatcom County, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration, for any damages to property or habitat that result from reliance on this title or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder. Nor shall the county or any officer, agent, or employee thereof incur or be held as assuming any liability by reason or in consequence of any permission, certificate of inspection, inspection or approval authorized herein, or issued or given as herein provided, or by reasons or consequence of any things done or acts performed pursuant to the provisions of this title. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.030 Methods of reducing flood losses.
In order to accomplish its purposes, this title includes methods and provisions for:
A. Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities;
B. Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, shall be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
C. Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters;
D. Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and
E. Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert flood waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.040 Application of title.
This title shall apply to all special flood hazard areas, as defined in WCC 17.08.040, within the jurisdiction of Whatcom County. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.050 Basis for establishing areas of special flood hazard.
Repealed by Ord. 2017-056. (Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 90-94; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.060 Abrogation and greater restrictions.
This title is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this title and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.070 Interpretation.
In the interpretation and application of this title, 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. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.080 Compliance required.
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this title and other applicable regulations. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A; Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.090 Penalty for noncompliance.
Repealed by Ord. 2017-056. (Ord. 96-050 Exh. A; Ord. 87-25 (part)).
17.04.100 Severability.
The provisions and sections of this title shall be deemed separable and the invalidity of any portion of this title shall not affect the validity of the remainder. (Ord. 2021-053 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-005 Exh. A; Ord. 2017-056 Exh. A).