January 21, 2025 Special Call Meeting The Martin County Board of Commissioners met in a Special Called Session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Martin County Governmental Center, Commissioners Boardroom, 305 E. Main Street, Wiliamston, North Carolina. ASSEMBLY Present in the Commissioners Boardroom: Chairman Joe R. Ayers, Vice Chair David "Skip" Gurganus, Commissioner Dempsey Bond Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Taylor, Commissioner Ronnie Smith, Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Benjamin R. Eisner (WEBEX), Clerk to the Board Julia S. Rease (WEBEX), and Human Resources Director Donna Zube. Others present: SheriffTim Manning Chairman Ayers called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioner Bond Jr. led the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Gurganus provided the invocation. AGENDA APPROVAL Commissioner Bond Jr. made a Motion to Approve the agenda as presented, with a Second by Commissioner Taylor. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC HEARING (S) - Resolution ofl Intent Text Amendments to Chapter 14 ofthe Martin County Code ofOrdinances and Addition of the Floodplain Ordinance as a New Chapter of the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance. At: 6:03 p.m., Commissioner Bond Jr., made the Motion to Enter Public Hearing - Resolution of Intent Text Amendments to Chapter 14 ofthe Martin County Code of Ordinances and Addition of the Floodplain Ordinance as a New Chapter of the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance, with a Second by Vice Chairman Gurganus. The Motion was Carried Unanimously (5-0). A sign up sheet and pens were placed on a table outside of the meeting door before the meeting. Sheriff Manning retrieved the public hearing sign up sheet and no names were listed. Chairman Ayers asked if anyone had comments and or questions from the audience, Board, and staff. There were no comments or questions. At: 6:03 p.m. Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Enter Public Hearing - Resolution of Intent Text Amendments to Chapter 14 of the Martin County Code ofOrdinances and Addition of the Floodplain Ordinance as a New Chapter of the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance, with a Second by Commissioner Bond Jr. The Motion was Carried Unanimously (5- 0). 1 NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution of Intent Text Amendments to Chapter 14 of the Martin County Code of Ordinances and Addition of the Floodplain Ordinance as a New Chapter of the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent a letter to Martin County regarding the need to make updates, revisions, and or adopt floodplain management measures that satisfied the 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 60.3(d) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. The NFIP Representatives for Western and Eastern, North Carolina assisted staff in this matter by reviewing the current language of the floodplain management measures for Martin County and advised staffin making revisions and additions. The text amendments of the Martin Code of Ordinance was reviewed by the Board of Commissioners at a regular Board meeting on January 8, 2025. A public hearing was required per 160 D General Statutes for public feedback. A Special Call meeting was voted upon at the January 8, 2025 meeting to take place on January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Boardroom. The public hearing notice was advertised properly via newspaper. The resolution, if approved, included the adoption of the text amendments to Chapter 14 of the Martin County Code or Ordinances and the addition ofthe Floodplain Ordinance as a new chapter oft the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance. The resolution is as stated: G6 - MARTIN county RESOLUTION OF INTENT TEXT CHANGE AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 14 OF THE MARTIN COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES AND ADDITION OF THE FLOODPLAIN ORDINANCE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO THE MARTIN COUNTY UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE WHEREAS, the applicant, staff of the County of Martin, has requested to insert the Floodplain Ordinance into the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance as a new chapter; and WHEREAS, the applicant, staff of the County of Martin, has requested to amend Chapter 14, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, ofthe Martin County Code ofOrdinances WHEREAS, the County of Martin Board of Commissioners reviewed the Floodplain Ordinance Text Amendments at their January 8, 2025, meeting and found the proposed text change amendments to be consistent with the requirements set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) being reasonable, and 2 WHEREAS, a Public Hearing occurred for the public's interest in this matter at the Board of Commissioners January 21, 2025 meeting, WHEREAS, the County staff, recommended the adoption of this Resolution to Add the Floodplain Ordinance as a new chapter to the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance and to Amend text in Chapter 14, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, oft the Martin County Code of Ordinances, to the Board of Commissioners at their January 21, 2025, meeting, and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNTY OF MARTIN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS THAT the proposed Martin County Code of Ordinances Text Amendment ofChapter 14, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and Addition of the Floodplain Ordinance to the Martin County Unified Development Ordinance is consistent with the requirements set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by ensuring that the County of Martins' zoning and development code can establish regulation to reflect floodplain information when making infrastructure, rezoning, and development regulation decisions. CHAPTER 14. Flood Damage Prevention Article I: Statutory Authorization, Findings of Fact, Purpose, and Objectives Section 14.1 Statutory Authorization The Legislature of the State of North Carolina has in Part 6, Article 21 of Chapter 143; Article 6 ofChapter 153A; Article 8 ofChapter 160A; and Article 7, 9, and 11 ofChapter 160D ofthe North Carolina General Statutes, delegated to local governmental units the authority to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. Therefore, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Martin, North Carolina, does ordain as follows: (A) Findings of Fact The flood prone areas within the jurisdiction of the County of Martin are subject to periodic inundation, which results in loss of life, property, health, and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures of flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare. These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains causing increases in flood heights and velocities and by the occupancy in flood prone areas of uses vulnerable to floods or other hazards. (B) Statement of Purpose It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions within flood prone areas by provisions designed to: (1) Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards or that result in damaging increases in erosion, flood heights or velocities; (2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities that serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time ofinitial construction; 3 (3) Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of floodwaters; (4) Control filling, grading, dredging, and all other development that may increase erosion or flood damage; and (5) Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers that will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands. (C) Objectives The objectives of this ordinance are: (1) To protect human life and health; (2) To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; (3) To minimize the need for rescue and reliefefforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public; (4) To minimize prolonged business losses and interruptions; (5) To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities (i.e., water and gas mains, electric, telephone, cable and sewer lines, streets, and bridges) that are located in flood prone areas; (6) Minimize damage to private and public property due to flooding; (7) Make flood insurance available to the community through the National Flood Insurance Program; (8) Help maintain the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains; (9) To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood prone areas; and (10) To ensure that potential buyers are aware that property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Article I. Definitions Section 14.2 Definitions Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance shall be interpreted SO as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance it's most reasonable application. "Accessory Structure (Appurtenant Structure)" means a structure located on the same parcel of property as the principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure. Garages, carports, and storage sheds are common urban accessory structures. Pole barns, hay shed, and the like qualify as accessory structures on farms, and may or may not be located on the same parcel as the farm dwelling or shop building. "Addition (to an existing structure)" means an extension or increase in the floor area or height of a building or structure. "Appeal" means a request for a review of the floodplain administrator's interpretation of any provision ofthis ordinance. 6 Alteration of a Watercourse" means a dam, impoundment, channel relocation, change in channel alignment, channelization, or change in cross-sectional area ofthe channel or the channel capacity, or any other form ofmodification which may alter, impede, retard or change the direction and/or velocity of the riverine flow of water during conditions ofthe base flood. 4 "Area of Shallow Flooding" means a designated Zone AO on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with base flood depths determined to be from one (1) to three (3) feet. These areas are located where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate, and where velocity flow may be evident. "Area ofSpecial Flood Hazard" see "Special Flood Hazard area (SFHA)" "Area of Future-Conditions Flood Hazard" means the land area that would be inundated by the -percemtamnual-chance (100-year) flood based on future-conditions hydrology. "Basement" means any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. "Base Flood" means the flood having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. "Base Flood Elevation (BFE)" means a determination ofthe water surface elevations ofthe base flood as published in the Flood Insurance Study. When the BFE has not been provided in a "Special Flood Hazard Area,' "i it may be obtained from engineering studies available from a Federal or State or other sources using FEMA approved engineering methodologies. This elevation, when combined with the "Freeboard, 7 establishes the "Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation." "Building" see "Structure" "Chemical Storage Facility" means a building, portion ofa building, or exterior area adjacent to a building used for the storage of any chemical or chemically reactive products. "Development" means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. "Development Activity" means any activity defined as Development, which will necessitate a Floodplain Development Permit. This includes buildings, structures, and non-structural. items, including (but not limited to) fill, bulkheads, piers, pools, docks, landings, ramps, and erosion controlistabilization measures. "Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM)" means the digital official map of a community, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), on which both the Special Flood Hazard Areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community are delineated. "Disposal" means, as defined in NCGS 130A-290(a)(6), the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any solid waste into or on any land or water SO that the solid waste or any constituent part ofthe solid waste may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters, including groundwaters. "Elevated Building" means a non-basement building which has its lowest elevated floor raised above ground level by foundation walls, shear walls, posts, piers, pilings, or columns. "Encroachment" means the advance or infringement of uses, fill, excavation, buildings, structures, or development into a floodplain, which may impede or alter the flow capacity of a floodplain. "Existing building and existing structure" means any building and/or structure for which the "start of construction" commenced before July 16, 1991. Existing Construction: For the purposes of determining rates, structures for which the start of construction commenced before the effective date ofthe FIRM or before July 16, 1991, for FIRMs effective prior to that date. "Existing construction" may also be referred to as "existing structures." 29 "Existing Manufactured Home Park orManufactured Home Division" means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the 5 construction ofs streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) was completed before the original effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by the community, dated December 23, 1987. "Flood" or "Flooding" means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from: (A) The overflow ofinland or tidal waters; and/or (B) The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff surface waters from any source. "Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM)" means an official map ofa community, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on which the Special Flood Hazard Areas and the floodways are delineated. This official map is a supplement to and shall be used in conjunction with the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)." "Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM)" means an official map of a community, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where the boundaries ofthe Special Flood Hazard Areas have been defined as Zone A. "Flood Insurance" means the insurance coverage provided under the National Flood Insurance Program. "Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)" means an official map of a community, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on which both the Special Flood Hazard Areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community are delineated. "Flood Insurance Study (FIS)" mean an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards, corresponding water surface elevations (ifa appropriate), flood hazard risk zones, and other flood data in a community issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Flood Insurance study report includes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and the Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps (FBFMs), if published. "Flood Prone Area" see "Floodplain" "Floodplain" means any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source. "Floodplain Administrator" is the individual appointed to administer and enforce the floodplain management regulations. "Floodplain Development Permit" means any type of permit that is required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance, prior to the commencement of any development activity. "Floodplain Management" means the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage and preserving and enhancing, where possible, natural resources in the floodplain, including, but not limited to, emergency preparedness plans, flood control works, floodplain management regulations, and open space plans. "Floodplain Management Regulations" means this ordinance and other zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances, and other applications of police power, which control development in flood-prone areas. This term describes federal, state, or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide standards for preventing and reducing flood loss and damage. "Floodproofing" means any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures, which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitation facilities, structures, and their contents. "Flood-resistant material" means any building product material, component or system] capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact (minimum 72 hours) with floodwaters without sustaining damage that requires more than low-cost cosmetic repair. Any material that is water- soluble or is not resistant to alkali or acid in water, including normal adhesives for above-grade 6 use, is not flood-resistant. Pressure- treated lumber or naturally decay-resistant lumbers are acceptable flooring materials. Sheet-type flooring coverings that restrict evaporation from below and materials that are impervious, but dimensionally unstable are not acceptable. Materials that absorb or retain water excessively after submergence are not flood- resistant. Please refer to Technical Bulletin 2, Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements, and available from the FEMA. Class 4 and 5 materials, referenced therein, are acceptable flood-resistant materials. "Floodway" means the channel of a river or other watercourse, including the area above a bridge or culvert when applicable, and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one (1) foot. "Floodway" encroachment analysis" means an engineering analysis ofthe impact that a proposed encroachment into a floodway or non-encroachment area is expected to have on the floodway boundaries and flood levels during the occurrence ofthe base flood discharge. The evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified North Carolina licensed engineer using standard engineering methods and models. "Flood Zone" means a geographical area shown on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or Flood Insurance Rate Map that reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area. "Freeboard" means the height added to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to account for the many unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood and floodway conditions, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the hydrological effect of urbanization on the watershed. The Base Flood Elevation plus the freeboard establishes the "Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation. 9 "Functionally Dependent Facility" means a facility, which cannot be used for its intended purpose unless it is located in close proximity to water, limited to a docking or port facility necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, or ship repair. The term does not include long-term storage, manufacture, sales, or service facilities. "Hazardous Waste Facility" means, as defined in NCGS 130A, Article 9, a facility for the collection, storage, processing, treatment, recycling, recovery, or disposal of hazardous waste. "Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG)" means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction, immediately next to the proposed walls ofthe structure. "Historic Structure" means any structure that is: (A) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the US Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register; (B) Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; (C) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic landmarks in communities with a "Certified Local Government (CLG) Program;" or (D) Certified as contributing to the historical significance of a historic district designated by a community with a "Certified Local Government (CLG) Program." Certified Local Government (CLG) Programs are approved by the US Department of the Interior in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources through the State Historic Preservation Officer as having met the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended in 1980. 7 "Letter of Map Change (LOMC)" means an official determination issued by FEMA that amends or revises an effective Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Insurance Study. Letters ofMap Change include: (A) Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA): An official amendment, by letter, to an effective National Flood Insurance Program map. A LOMA is based on technical data showing that a property had been inadvertently mapped as being in the floodplain, but is actually on natural high ground above the base flood elevation. A LOMA amends the current effective Flood Insurance Rate Map and establishes that a specific property, portion of a property, or structure is not located in a special flood hazard area. (B) Letter ofMap Revision (LOMR): A revision based on technical data that may show changes to flood zones, flood elevations, special flood hazard area boundaries and floodway delineations, and other planimetric features. (C) Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F): A determination that a structure or parcel of land has been elevated by fill above the BFE and is, therefore, no longer located within the special flood hazard area. In order to qualify for this determination, the fill must have been permitted and placed in accordance with the community's floodplain management regulations. (D) Conditional Letter ofl Map Revision (CLOMR): A formal review and comment as to whether a proposed project complies with the minimum NFIP requirements for such projects with respect to delineation of special flood hazard areas. A CLOMR does not revise the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Insurance Study; upon submission and approval of certified as-built documentation, a Letter ofl Map Revision may be issued by FEMA to revise the effective FIRM. "Light Duty Truck" means any motor vehicle rated at 8,500 pounds Gross Vehicular Weight Rating or less which has a vehicular curb weight of 6,000 pounds or less and which has a basic vehicle frontal area of 45 square feet or less as defined in 40 CFR 86.082-2 and is: (A) Designed primarily for purposes of transportation of property or is a derivation of such a vehicle, or (B) Designed primarily for transportation of persons and has a capacity ofmore than 12 persons; or (C). Available with special features enabling off-street or off-highway operation and use. "Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG)" means the lowest elevation of the ground, sidewalk, or patio slab immediately next to the building, or deck support, after completion of the building. "Lowest Floor" means lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or limited storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such an enclosure is not built SO as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements ofthis ordinance. *Manufactured Home" means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term manufactured home" does not include "recreational vehicle. 99 Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision" means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale. "Market Value" means the building value, not including the land value and that of any accessory structures or other improvements on the lot. Market value may be established by independent 8 certified appraisal; replacement cost depreciated for age of building and quality of construction (Actual Cash Value); or adjusted tax assessed values. "New Construction" means structures for which the ""start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of the initial floodplain management regulations, December 23, 1987 and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. Non-Eneroachment Area" means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one (1) foot as designated in the Flood Insurance Study report. "Post-FIRM" means construction or other development for which the "start of construction" occurred on or after July 16, 1991, the effective date oft the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map. "Pre-FIRM" means construction or other development for which the "start of construction" occurred before July 16, 1991, the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map. "Principally Above Ground" means that at least fifty-one percent (51%) oft the actual cash value ofthe structure is above ground. "Public Safety" and/or "Nuisance" means anything which is injurious to the safety or health of an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, or unlawfully obstructs the free passage or use, in the customary manner, of any navigable lake, or river, bay, stream, canal, or basin. "Recreational Vehicle (RV)" means a vehicle, which is: (A) Built on a single chassis; (B) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection; (C) Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; (D) Designed primarily not for use as aj permanent dwelling, but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use, and (E) Is fully licensed and ready for highway use. "Reference Level" is the top of the lowest floor for structures with Special Flood Hazard Areas designated as Zone Al-A30, AE, A, A99 or AO. "Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation" means the "Base Flood Elevation" plus the "Freeboard." In "Special Flood Hazard Areas" where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) have been determined, this elevation shall be the BFE plus two (2) feet offreeboard. In "Special Flood Hazard Areas" where no BFE has been established, this elevation shall be at least four (4) feet above the highest adjacent grade. "Remedy a Violation" means to bring the structure or other development into compliance with State and community floodplain management regulations or, if this is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its noncompliance. Ways that impacts may be reduced include protecting the structure or other affected development from flood damages, implementing the enforcement provisions of the ordinance or otherwise deterring future similar violations, or reducing Federal financial exposure with regard to the structure or other development. "Riverine" means relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including tributaries), stream, brook, etc. "Salvage Yard" means any non-residential property used for the storage, collection, and/or recycling of any type of equipment, and including but not limited to vehicles, appliances, and related machinery. "Solid Waste Disposal Facility" means, as defined in NCGS 130A-290(a)(35), any facility involved in the disposal of solid waste. 9 "Solid Waste Disposal Site" means, as defined in NCGS 130A-290(a)(36), any place at which solid wastes are disposed ofby incineration, sanitary landfill, or any other method. "Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)" means the land in the floodplain subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of being flooded in any given year, as determined in Section 14.4 of this ordinance. "Start of Construction" includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement was within one hundred eighty (180) days ofthe permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction ofa structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection oftemporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part ofthe building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions oft the building. "Structure" means a walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, or a gas, liquid, or liquefied gas storage tank that is principally above ground. "Substantial Damage" means damage of any origin sustained by a structure during any five-year (5) cumulative period whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) oft the market value oft the structure before the damage occurred. See definition of "substantial improvement. 9 Substantial damage also means flood- related damage sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a 10-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on the average, equals or exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) ofthe market value of the structure before the damage occurred. "Substantial Improvement" means any combination of repairs, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, taking place during any five-year (5) cumulative period for which the cost equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value oft the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures, which have incurred "substantial damage, 99 regardless oft the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either: (A) Any correction of existing violations of State or community health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the community code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or (B) Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the alteration is approved by variance issued pursuant to Section 14.15 ofthis ordinance. "Technical Bulletin and Technical Fact Sheet" means a FEMA publication that provides guidance concerning the building performance standards ofthe NFIP, which are contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3. The bulletins and fact sheets are intended for use primarily by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing NFIP regulations and by members of the development community, such as design professionals and ouilders. New bulletins, as well as updates of existing bulletins, are issued periodically as needed. The bulletins do not create regulations; rather they provide specific guidance for 10 complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. It should be noted that Technical Bulletins and Technical Fact Sheets provide guidance on the minimum requirements of the NFIP regulations. State or community requirements that exceed those of the NFIP take precedence. Design professionals should contact the community officials to determine whether more restrictive State or local regulations apply to the building or site in question. All applicable standards of the State or local building code must also be met for any building in a flood hazard area. "Temperature Controlled" means having the temperature regulated by a heating and/or cooling system, built-in or appliance. "Variance" is a grant of relief from the requirements of this ordinance. "Violation" means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in Chapters IV and V of this ordinance is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided. "Water Surface Elevation (WSE)" means the height, in relation to NAVD 1988, of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas. "Watercourse" means a lake, river, creek, stream, wash, channel or other topographic feature on or over which waters flow at least periodically. Watercourse includes specifically designated areas in which substantial flood damage may occur. Article III. General Provisions Section 14.3 Lands to Which this Ordinance Applies This ordinance shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the jurisdiction of the County of Martin and within the jurisdiction of any other community whose governing body agrees, by resolution, to such applicability. Section 14.4 Basis for Establishing the Special Flood Hazard Areas The Special Flood Hazard Areas are those identified under the Cooperating Technical State (CTS) agreement between the State of North Carolina and FEMA in its Flood Insurance Study (FIS) dated January 17, 2025 for Martin County including any digital data developed as part ofthe FIS, which are adopted by reference and declared a part of this ordinance and all revisions thereto. Future revisions to the FIS and DFIRM panels that do not change flood hazard data within the jurisdictional authority of The County of Martin are also adopted by reference and declared a part of this ordinance. Section 14.5 Establishment of a Floodplain Development Permit A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas determined in accordance with Section 14.4 ofthis ordinance. Section 14.6 Compliance No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted, altered, or developed in any way without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable regulations. 11 Section 14.7 Abrogation and Greater Restriction This ordinance is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this ordinance and another conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail. Section 14.8 Interpretation In the interpretation and application oft this ordinance, all provisions shall be: (A) Considered as minimum requirements; (B) Liberally construed in favor oft the governing body; and (C) Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes. Section 14.9 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability The degree of flood protection required by this ordinance is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering consideration. Larger floods can and will occur. Actual flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This ordinance does not imply that land outside the Special Flood Hazard Areas or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This ordinance shall not create liability ofthe part of the County ofMartin or by any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder. Section 14.10 Penalties for Violations Violation of the provisions of this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements, including violation of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of variance or special exceptions, shall constitute a Class I misdemeanor pursuant to NC G.S. 143-215.58. Any person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $100.00 or imprisoned for not more than thirty (30) days, or both. Each day that such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the County ofMartin from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. Article 1V. Administration Section 14.11 Designation of Floodplain Administrator The Director of Inspections and/or County Planner, or their designated agent, hereinafter referred to as the Floodplain Administrator, 9 is hereby appointed to administer and implement the provisions of this ordinance. Section 14.12 Floodplain Development Application, Permit, and Certification Requirements Application Requirements. Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be made to the floodplain administrator prior to any development activities located within Special Flood Hazard Areas. The following items shall be presented to the floodplain administrator to apply for a floodplain development permit: (A) A plot plan drawn to scale, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following specific details of the proposed floodplain development: 12 (1)The nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area of evelopmen/listurhancte existing and proposed structures, utility systems, grading/pavement areas, fill materials, storage areas, drainage facilities, and other development; (2) The boundary ofthe Special Flood Hazard Area as delineated on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in Section 14.4, or a statement that the entire lot is within the Special Flood Hazard Area; (3) Flood zone(s) designation ofthe proposed development area as determined on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in Section 14.4; (4) The boundary of the floodway(s) or non-encroachment area(s) as determined in Section 14-14; (5) The Base Flood Elevations (BFE) where provided as set forth in Section 14-4; Section 14-13; or Section 14-19; (6) The old and new location of any watercourse that will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development; (7) The easement dedication, as determined to be necessary by the Flood Plain Administrator, in order to ensure the proper drainage ofland and unobstructed flow along ditches and/or watercourses as defined herein. (B) Proposed elevation, and method thereof, of all development within a Special Flood Hazard Area including but not limited to: (1) Elevation in relation to NAVD 1988 of the proposed reference level (including basement) of all structures; (2) Elevation in relation to NAVD 1988 to which any non-residential structure in Zone AE, A, or AO will be flood-proofed; and (3) Elevation in relation to NAVD 1988 to which any proposed utility systems will be elevated or floodproofed. (C) If floodproofing, a floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-153) with supporting data and an operational plan that includes, but is not limited to, installation, exercise, and maintenance of floodproofing measures. (D) A Foundation Plan, drawn to scale, which shall include details of the proposed system to ensure all provisions of this ordinance are met. These details include but are not limited to: (1) The proposed method ofelevation, ifapplicable (i.e., fill, solid foundation perimeter wall, solid backfilled foundation, open foundation on columns/ postspierspilesshear walls) (2) Openings to facilitate equalization ofhydrostatic flood forces on walls in accordance with this Ordinance, when solid foundation perimeter walls are used in Zones A, AO, AE, and Al-30. (E) Usage details ofany enclosed areas below the regulatory flood protection elevation. (F) Plans and/or details for the protection of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems to be located and constructed to minimize flood damage. (G) Signed disclosure statement and release of liability: "I, certify that all activities proposed within the Special Flood Hazard Area comply with all regulations of the following Local, State, and Federal agencies/permits relevant to floodplain development (Wetlands, Endangered Species, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Riparian Buffers, Mining, etc.)." (H) Documentation for placement of Recreational Vehicles and/or Temporary Structures, when applicable, to ensure Section 14-17 (F and G) of this ordinance are met. 13 (I). A description of proposed watercourse alteration or relocation, when applicable, including an engineering report on the effects ofthe proposed project on the flood-carrying capacity ofthe watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and downstream; and a map (if not shown on plot plan) showing the location of the proposed watercourse alteration or relocation. Permit Requirements. The Floodplain Development Permit shall include, but not be limited to: (A) A description of all the development to be permitted under the floodplain development permit e.g. house, garage, pool, septic, bulkhead, cabana, pier, bridge, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials, etc.). (B) The Special Flood Hazard Area determination for the proposed development per available data specified in this Chapter. (C) The regulatory flood protection elevation required for the reference level and all attendant utilities. (D) The regulatory flood protection elevation required for the protection of all public utilities. (E). All certification submittal requirements with timelines. (F) A statement that no fill material or other development shall encroach into the floodway or non-encroachment area of any watercourse unless the requirements of Section 14-21 have been met. (G) The flood openings requirements, ifin Zones A, AO, AE, or Al-30. (H) Limitations ofbelow BFE enclosure uses (ifa applicable) (i.e., Parking, Building Access, and Limited Storage only). Certification Requirements. (A) Elevation Certificates (1). An Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152) may be required as determined by the Floodplain Administrator prior to the actual start of any new construction. It shall be the duty ofthe permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of the elevation of the reference level, in relation to NAVD 1988. The floodplain administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder prior to the beginning of construction. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to deny a floodplain development permit. An Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152) may be required as determined by the Floodplain Administrator after the reference level is established. Within seven (7) calendar days of establishment of the reference level elevation, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of the elevation of the reference level, in relation to NAVD 1988. Any work done within the seven (7) day calendar period and prior to submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder's risk. The floodplain administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to further work being permitted to proceed. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to issue a stop-work order for the project. 14 Violators of stop work orders shall be subject to misdemeanor charges and may be subject to a civil citation carrying a $50.00 a day fine, with each day of violations constituting a separate offense. (2) A final as-built Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-152) is required after construction is completed and prior to certificate of Complanc/Ocupaney issuance. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of final as- built construction oft the elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities. The floodplain administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to Certificate of Complance/Oecupaney issuance. In some instances, another certification may be required to certify corrected as-built construction. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to withhold the issuance of a Certificate of Complance/Oecupaney, (B) Floodproofing Certificate (1) If non-residential floodproofing is used to meet the regulatory flood protection elevation requirements, a Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-153), with supporting data, operational plan, and inspection and maintenance plan are required prior to the actual start of any new construction. It shall be the duty oft the permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of the floodproofed design elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities, in relation to NAVD 1988. Floodproofing certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect and certified by same. The floodplain administrator shall review the certificate data, the operational plan and inspection and maintenance plan. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the applicant prior to permit approval. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to deny a floodplain development permit. Failure to construct in accordance with the certified design shall be cause to withhold the issuance of a Certificate of Complance/Oecupaney, (2) A final Finished Construction Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-153). with supporting data, an operational plan, and an inspection and maintenance plan are required prior to the issuance of a Certificate ofCompliameOcupaney, It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator a certification of the floodproofed design elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities, in relation of NAVD 1988. Floodproofing certificate shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect and certified by the same. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the certificate data, the operational plan, and the inspection and maintenance plan. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the applicant prior to Certificate of Occupancy. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to deny a Floodplain Development Permit. Failure to construct in accordance with the certified design shall be cause to deny a Certificate of Complanc/Oecupaney, 15 (C) If a manufactured home is placed within Zone A, AO, AE, or A1-30 and the elevation of the chassis is more than thirty-six (36) inches in height above grade, an engineered foundation certification is required per Section 14.17 (C). (D) If a watercourse is to be altered or relocated, a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation; a professional engineer's certified report on the effects ofthe proposed project on the flood- carrying capacity of the watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and downstream; and a map showing the location of the proposed watercourse alteration or relocation shall all be submitted by the permit applicant prior to issuance of a floodplain development permit. (E) Certification Exemptions. The following structures, iflocated within Zone A, AO, AE, or Al- 30, are exempt from the clevation/loodproofing certification requirements specified in items (a) and (b) ofthis subsection: (1) Recreational Vehicles meeting requirements of Section 14.17 (F)(a); (2) Temporary Structures meeting requirements of Section 14.17 (G); and (3) Accessory Structures less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet and meeting requirements of Section 14.17 (H). Section 14.13 Duties and Responsibilities of] Floodplain Administrator The Floodplain Administrator shall perform, but not be limited to, the following duties: (A) Review all floodplain development applications and issue permits for all proposed development within Special Flood Hazard Areas to assure that the requirements of this ordinance have been satisfied. (B) Review all proposed development within Special Flood Hazard Areas to assure that all necessary Local, State, and Federal permits have been received. (C) Notify adjacent communities and the North Carolina Department ofCrime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, State Coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (D). Assure that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion ofs said watercourse SO that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished. (E) Prevent encroachments into floodways and non-encroachment areas unless the certification and flood hazard reduction provisions of Section 14.21 are met. (F) Obtain actual elevation (in relation to NAVD 1988) ofthe reference level (including basement) and all attendant utilities of all new or substantially improved structures, in accordance with Section 14.12. (G) Obtain actual elevation (in relation to NAVD 1988) to which all new and substantially improved structures and utilities have been floodproofed, in accordance with Section 14.12. (H) Obtain actual elevation (in relation to NAVD 1988) of all public utilities in accordance with Section 14-12. (I) When floodproofing is utilized for a particular structure, obtain certification from a registered professional engineer or architect in accordance with Section 14.12 and Section 14.17 (B). (J) Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of boundaries of the Special Flood Hazard Areas (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions), make the necessary interpretation. The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in this article. 16 (K)When Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has not been provided in accordance with Section 14.4, obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data, along with floodway data or non-encroachment area data available from a Federal, State, or other source, including data developed pursuant to Section 14.19, in order to administer the provisions of this ordinance (L)When Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data is provided but no floodway nor non-encroachment area data has been provided in accordance with Section 14.4, obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any floodway data or non-encroachment area data available from a Federal, State, or other local source in order to administer the provisions of this ordinance. (M)When the lowest ground elevation of a parcel or structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area is above the Base Flood Elevation, may advise the property owner of the option to apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA. Maintain a copy of the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) issued by FEMA in the floodplain development permit file. (N) Permanently maintain al] records that pertain to the administration oft this ordinance and make these records available for public inspection recognizing that such information may be subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. (0) Make on-site inspections of work in progress. As the work pursuant to a floodplain development permit progresses, the floodplain administrator shall make as many inspections of the work as may be necessary to ensure that the work is being done according to the provisions of the local ordinance and the terms of the permit. In exercising this power, the floodplain administrator has a right, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the jurisdiction of the community at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action. (P) Issue stop-work orders as required. Whenever a building or part thereof: is being constructed, reconstructed, altered, or repaired in violation of this ordinance, the floodplain administrator may order the work to be immediately stopped. The stop-work order shall be in writing and directed to the person doing the work. The stop-work order shall state the specific work to be stopped, the specific reason(s) for the stoppage, and the condition(s) under which the work may be resumed. Violation ofa a stop-work order constitutes a misdemeanor. Violators shall be subject to civil citation and fine not to exceed $50 a day with each day constituting a separate offense. (Q) Revoke floodplain development permits as required. The floodplain administrator may revoke and require the return of the floodplain development permit by notifying the permit holder in writing stating the reason(s) for the revocation. Permits shall be revoked for any substantial departure from the approved application, plans, or specification; for refusal or failure to comply with the requirements of State or local laws; or for false statements or misrepresentations made in securing the permit. Any floodplain development permit mistakenly issued in violation of an applicable State or local law may also be revoked. (R) Make periodic inspections throughout all special flood hazard areas within the jurisdiction of the community. The floodplain administrator and each member of his or her inspections department shall have a right, upon presentation of! proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the territorial jurisdiction of the department at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action. (S) Follow through with corrective procedures of Section 14.14. (T) Review, provide input, and make recommendations for variance requests. 17 (U) Maintain a current map repository to include, but not limited to, historical and effective FIS Report, historical and effective FIRM, and other official flood maps and studies adopted in accordance with Section 14-4 of this ordinance, including any revisions thereto including Letters ofMap Change, issued by FEMA. Notify State and FEMA of mapping needs. (V) Coordinate revisions to FIS reports and FIRMS, including Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) and Letters of Map Revisions (LOMR). Section 14.14 Corrective Procedures (A) Violations to Be Corrected. When the floodplain administrator finds violations of applicable State and local laws, it shall be his or her duty to notify the owner or occupant ofthe building of the violation. The owner or occupant shall immediately remedy each of the violations of law cited in such notifications. (B) Actions in Event of Failure to Take Corrective Actions. If the owner of a building or property shall fail to take prompt corrective action, the floodplain administrator shall give the owner written notice, by certified or registered mail to the owner's last known address or by personal service, stating: (1) that the building or property is in violation of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance; (2) that a hearing will be held before the floodplain administrator and town manager at a designated place and time, not later than ten (10) days after the date ofthe notice, at which time the owner shall be entitled to be heard in person or by counsel and to present arguments and evidence pertaining to the matter; and (3) that following the hearing, the floodplain administrator may issue an order to alter, vacate, or demolish the building; or to remove fill as appears appropriate. (C) Order to Take Corrective Action. If, upon a hearing held pursuant to the notice prescribed above, the floodplain administrator shall find that the building or development is in violation of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, they shall issue an order in writing to the owner, requiring the owner to remedy the violation within a specified time period, not less than sixty (60) calendar days, nor more than (180) calendar days. Where the floodplain administrator finds that there is imminent danger to life or other property, they may order that corrective action be taken in such lesser period as may be feasible. (D) Appeal. Any owner who has received an order to take corrective action may appeal the order to the local elected governing body by giving notice of appeal in writing to the floodplain administrator and the clerk within ten (10) days following issuance of the final order. In the absence of an appeal, the order of the floodplain administrator shall be final. The local governing body shall hear an appeal within a reasonable time and may affirm, modify and affirm, or revoke the order. (E) Failure to Comply with Order. Ifthe owner of a building or property fails to comply with an order to take corrective action for which no appeal has been made of fails to comply with an order of the governing body following an appeal, the owner shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor pursuant to NC G:S. 143-215.58 and shall be punished at the discretion of the court. Section 14.15 Variance Procedures (A) The Board of Adjustment as established by County of Martin, hereinafter referred to as the "appeal board," 97 shall hear and decide requests for variances from the requirements of this ordinance. 18 (B) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the appeal board may appeal such decision to the Court, as provided in Chapter 7A oft the North Carolina General Statutes (C) Variances may be issued for: (1) The repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon the determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and that the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure. (2) Functionally dependent facilities if determined to meet the definition as stated in Section 14.2 of this ordinance, provided provisions of Section 14.15 (I)(b), (C), and (e) have been satisfied, and such facilities are protected by methods that minimize flood damages. (3). Any other type of development provided it meets the requirements stated in this section. (D)I In passing upon variances, the appeal board shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, all standards specified in other sections of this ordinance, and: (1) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others; (2) The danger oflife and property due to flooding or erosion damage; (3) The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner; (4) The importance ofthe services provided by the proposed facility to the community; (5) The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location as defined under Section 14.2 of this ordinance as a functionally dependent facility, where applicable; (6) The availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for the proposed use; (7) The compatibility oft the proposed use with existing and anticipated development; (8) The relationship ofthe proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for that area; (9) The safety ofaccess to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles; (10)The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the floodwaters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and (11)The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, and streets and bridges; (E) A written report addressing each of the above factors shall be submitted with the application for a variance. (F) Upon consideration of the factors listed above and the purposes of this ordinance, the appeal board may attach such conditions to the granting ofvariances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this ordinance. (G) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice specifying the difference between the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and the elevation to which the structure is to be built and that such construction below the Base Flood Elevation increases risks to life and property, and that the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the Base Flood Elevation will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance. Such notification shall be maintained with a record ofall variance actions, includingjustification for their issuance. (H) The floodplain administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and report any variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State ofNorth Carolina upon request. ( ) Conditions for Variances: 19 (1) Variances shall not be issued when the variance will make the structure in violation of other Federal, State, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. (2) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway or non- encroachment area ifthe variance would result in any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge. (3) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief. (4) Variances shall only be issued prior to development permit approval. (5)Variances shall only be issued upon: (a) a showing of good and sufficient cause; (b)a a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship; and (c) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense, create nuisance, cause fraud on or victimization ofthe public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances. (J) A variance may be issued for solid waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste management facilities, salvage yards, and chemical storage facilities that are located in Special Flood Hazard Areas provided that all of the following conditions are met. (1) The use serves a critical need in the community. (2) No feasible location exists for the use outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. (3) The reference level of any structure is elevated or floodproofed to at least the regulatory flood protection elevation. (4) The use complies with all other applicable Federal, State, and local laws. (5) The County ofMartin has notified the Secretary ofthe North Carolina Department ofPublic Safety ofits intention to grant a variance at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to granting the variance. Article V. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction Section 14.16 General Standards In all Special Flood Hazard Areas, the following provisions are required: (A) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement oft the structure. (B) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage. (C) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damages. (D) Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located SO as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding. These include, but are not limited to, HVAC equipment, water softener units, bath/kitchen fixtures, ductwork, electric/gas meter panels/boxes, utility/cable boxes, appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, etc.), hot water heaters, and electric outlets/switches. (E) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the system. 20 (F) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters. (G) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding. (H) Any alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvements to a structure, which is in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, shall meet the requirements of "new construction" as contained in this ordinance. (I) New solid waste disposal facilities and sites, hazardous waste management facilities, salvage yards, and chemical storage facilities shall not be permitted, except by variance as specified in Section 14.15(J). A structure or tank for chemical or fuel storage incidental to an allowed use or to the operation of a water treatment plant or wastewater treatment facility may be located in a Special Flood Hazard Area only ifthe structure or tank is either elevate or floodproofed to at least the regulatory flood protection elevation and certified according to Section 14.12 Certificate Requirements of this ordinance. (J). All subdivision proposals and other development proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage. (K.) All subdivision proposals and other development proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage. (L) All subdivision proposals and other development proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards. (M)AII subdivision proposals and other development proposals shall have received all necessary permits from those governmental agencies for which approval is required by Federal or State law, including Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334. (N) When a structure is partially located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the entire structure shall meet the requirements for new construction and substantial improvements. (O) When a structure is located in multiple flood hazard zones or in a flood hazard risk zone with multiple base flood elevations, the provisions for the more restrictive flood hazard risk zone and highest Base Flood Elevation (BFE) shall apply. Section 14.17 Specific Standards In all Special Flood Hazard Areas where Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has been provided, as set forth in Section 14.4, or Section 14.13, the following provisions, in addition to Section 14.16, are required: (A) Residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including manufactured homes) shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation, as defined in Section 14.2 of this ordinance. (B) Non-Residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other non-residential structure shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation, as defined in Section 14.2 of this ordinance. Structures located in A, AE, AH, AO, A99 Zones may be floodproofed to the regulatory flood protection elevation in lieu of elevation provided that all areas of the structure, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, below the 21 regulatory flood protection elevation are watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage ofwater, using structural components having the capacity of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. For AO Zones, the floodproofing elevation shall be in accordance with Section 14.22. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator as set forth in Section 14.12 Certificate Requirements, along with the operational plan and the inspection and maintenance plan. (C) Manufactured Homes. (1) New or replacement manufactured homes shall be elevated SO that the reference level of the manufactured home is no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation, as defined in Section 14.2 ofthis ordinance. (2) Manufactured homes shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement, either by engineer certification, or in accordance with the most current edition of the State of North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes adopted by the Commissioner of Insurance pursuant to NCGS 143- 143.15.Additionally, when the elevation would be met by an elevation ofthe chassis thirty- six (36) inches or less above the grade at the site, the chassis shall be supported by reinforced piers or engineered foundation. When the elevation of the chassis is above thirty-six (36) inches in height, an engineering certification is required. (3) All enclosures or skirting below the lowest floor shall meet the requirements of Section 14.17(D)(a), (b), and (c). (4) An evacuation plan must be developed for evacuation of all residents of all new, substantially improved, or substantially damaged manufactured home parks or subdivisions located within flood prone areas. This plan shall be filed with and approved by the floodplain administrator and the local Emergency Management coordinator. (D) Elevated Buildings. Fully enclosed area, of new construction and substantially improved structures, which is below the lowest floor. (1) Shall not be designed or be used for human habitation, but shall only be used for parking of vehicles, building access, or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises. Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking ofvehicles (garage door) or limited storage ofmaintenance equipment (standard exterior door), or entry to the living area (stairway or elevator). The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be finished or partitioned into separate rooms, except to enclose storage areas; (2) Shall not be emperature-controled or conditioned; (3) Shall be constructed entirely of flood resistant materials below the regulatory flood protection elevation; (4) Shall include, in Zones A, AO, AE, and A1-30, flood openings to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. To meet this requirement, the openings must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum design criteria: (a) A minimum oft two (2) flood openings on different sides of each enclosed area subject to flooding; (b) The total net area of all flood openings must be at least one (1) square inch for each square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; 22 (c) Ifal building has more than one (1) enclosed area, each enclosed area must have flood openings to allow floodwaters to automatically enter and exit; (d) The bottom of all required flood openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above the adjacent grade; (e) Flood openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices, provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both direction; and (f) Enclosures made of flexible skirting are not considered enclosures for regulatory purposes, and, therefore, do not require flood openings. Masonry or wood underpinning, regardless of structural status, is considered an enclosure and requires flood openings as outlined above. (E) Additonyimprovements. (1) Additions and/or improvements to pre-FIRM structures when the addition and/or improvements in combination with an interior modification to the existing structure are: (a) Not a substantial improvement, the addition and/or improvements must be designed to minimize flood damages and must not be any more nonconforming than the existing structure. (b) A substantial improvement, both the existing structure and the addition and/or improvements must comply with the standards for new construction. (2) Additions to post-FIRM structures with no modifications to the existing structure other than a standard door in the common wall shall require only the addition to comply with the standards for new construction. (3) Additions and/or improvements to post-FIRM structures when the addition and/or improvements in combination with any interior modifications to the existing structure are: (a) Not a substantial improvement, the addition and/or improvements only must comply with the standards for new construction. (b) A substantial improvement, both the existing structure and the addition and/or improvement must comply with the standard for new construction. (4) Any combination of repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement of a building or structure taking place during a five-year (5) period, the cumulative cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started must comply with the standards for new construction. For each building or structure, the five-year (5) period begins on the date of the first improvement or repair ofthat building or structure subsequent to the effective date ofthis ordinance. Substantial damage also means flood-related damage sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a 10-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on the average, equals or exceeds 25 percent oft the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The requirement does not, however, include either: (a) Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the building official and that are the minimum necessary to assume safe living conditions. (b) Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure. (F) Recreational Vehicles. Recreational vehicles shall either: (1)Temporary Placement 23 (a) be on site for fewer than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days and be fully licensed and ready for highway use (a recreational vehicle is ready for highway use ifit is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities, and has no permanently attached additions); (2) Permanent Placement. Recreational vehicles that do not meet the limitations of Temporary Placement shall meet all the requirements for new construction. (G) Temporary Non-Residential Structures. Prior to the issuance of a floodplain development permit for a temporary structure, the applicant must submit to the floodplain administrator a plan for the removal of such structure(s) in the event ofa hurricane, flash flood, or other type of flood warning notification. The following information shall be submitted in writing to the floodplain administrator for review and written approval; (1) A specified time period for which the temporary use will be permitted. Time specified may not exceed three (3) months, renewable up to one (1) year; (2) The name, address, and phone number of the individual responsible for the removal of the temporary structure; (3) The time frame prior to the event at which a structure will be removed (i.e., minimum of seventy- two (72) hours before landfall of a hurricane or immediately upon flood warning notification); (4) A copy of the contract or other suitable instrument with the entity responsible for physical removal of the structure; and (5) Designation, accompanied by documentation, ofa location outside the Special Flood Hazard Area, to which the temporary structure will be moved. (H) Accessory Structures. When accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, etc.) are to be placed within a Special Flood Hazard Area, the following criteria shall be met: (1) Accessory structures shall not be used for human habitation (including working, sleeping, living, cooking, or restroom areas); (2) Accessory structures shall not be emperature-controlet; (3) Accessory structures shall be designed to have low flood damage potential; (4) Accessory structures shall be constructed and placed on the building site sO as to offer the minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters; (5). Accessory structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with Section 14.16(A); (6) All service facilities such as electrical shall be installed in accordance with Section 14.16(D); and (7) Flood openings to facilitate automatic equalization of hydrostatic flood forces shall be provided below regulatory flood protection elevation in conformance with Section 14.12(D). An accessory structure with a footprint less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet that satisfies the criteria outlined above is not required to meet the elevation or floodproofing standards of Section 14.17 (B). Elevation or floodproofing certifications are required for all other accessory structures in accordance with Section 14.12. (I) Tanks. When gas and liquid storage tanks are to be placed within a Special Flood Hazard Area, the following criteria shall be met: (1.) Underground Tanks. Underground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads during conditions of the design flood, including the effects of buoyancy assuming the tank is empty; 24 (2) Above ground tanks, elevated. Above-ground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be elevated to or above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation on a supporting structure that is designed to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement during conditions of the design flood. Tank- supporting structures shall meet the foundation requirements of the applicable flood hazard area; (3) Above-ground tanks, not elevated. Above-ground tanks that do not meet the elevation requirements of Section 14.17(B) of this ordinance shall be permitted in flood hazard areas provided the tanks are designed, constructed, installed and anchored to resist all flood-related and other loads, including the effects ofbuoyancy, during conditions ofthe design flood and without release of contents in the doodwaters or infiltration by floodwaters into the tanks. Tanks shall be designed, constructed, installed, and anchored to resist the potential buoyant and other flood forces acting on an empty tank during design flood conditions. (4) Tank inlets and vents. Tank inlets, fill openings, outlets and vents shall be: (a) At or above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation or fitted with covers designed to prevent the inflow of floodwater or outflow ofthe contents ofthe tanks during conditions ofthe design flood; and (b) Anchored to prevent lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood. (J) Other Development. (1) Fences in regulated floodways and Non-Encroachment Areas that have the potential to block the passage of floodwaters, such as stockade fences and wire mesh fences, shall meet the limitations of Section 14.21. (2) Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways in regulated floodways and Non-Encroachment Areas. Retaining walls and sidewalks and driveways that involve the placement of fill in regulated floodways shall meet the limitations of Section 14.21. (3) Roads and watercourse crossings in regulated floodways and Non-Encroachment Areas. Roads and watercourse crossings, including roads, bridges, culverts, low-water crossings and similar means for vehicles or pedestrians to travel from one side of a watercourse to the other side, that encroach into regulated floodways shall meet the limitations of Section 14.21 of this ordinance. Section 14.18 Reserved Section 14.19 Standards for Floodplain without Established Base Flood Elevations Within the Special Flood Hazard Areas designated as Approximate Zone A and established in Section 14.4, where no Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has been provided by FEMA, the following provisions, in addition to Section 14.16 and 14.17, shall apply: (A) No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements or new development shall be permitted within a distance of twenty (20) feet each side from top of bank or five times the width of the stream, whichever is greater, unless certification with supporting technical data by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that such encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge. (B) The BFE used in determining the regulatory flood protection elevation shall be determined based on one of the following criteria set in priority order: 25 (1) If Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data is available from other sources, all new construction and substantial improvements within such areas shall also comply with all applicable provisions of this ordinance and shall be elevated or floodproofed in accordance with standards in Sections 14.16 and 14.17. (2) When floodway or non-encroachment data is available from a Federal, State, or other source, all new construction and substantial improvements within floodway and non- encroachment areas shall also comply with the requirements of Chapter V, Section 14.17 and Section 14.21. (3) All subdivision, manufactured home park, and other development proposals shall provide Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data if development is greater than five (5) acres or has more than fifty (50) lots/manufactured home sites. Such Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data shall be adopted by reference per Section 14.4 to be utilized in implementing this ordinance. (4) When Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data is not available from a Federal, State, or other source as outlined above, the reference level shall be elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection elevation, as defined in Section 14.2. Section 14.20 Standards for Riverine Floodplains with BFE without Established Floodways or Non- Encroachment Areas Along rivers and streams where BFE data is provided by FEMA or is available from another source but neither floodway nor non-encroachment areas are identified for a Special Flood Hazard Area on the FIRM or in the FIS report, the following requirements shall apply to all development within such areas: e (A) Standards outlined in Section 14.16 and 14.17; and (B) Until a regulatory floodway or non-encroachment area is designated, no encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, shall be permitted unless certification with supporting technical data by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation ofthe base flood more than one (1) foot at any point within the community Section 14.21 Floodways and Non-Encroachment Areas Areas designated as floodways or non-encroachment areas are located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas established in Section 14-4. The floodways and non-encroachment areas are extremely hazardous due to the velocity offloodwaters that have erosion potential and carry debris and potential projectiles. The following provisions, in addition to standards outlined in Sections 14.16 and 14.17, shall apply to all development within such areas: (A) No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other developments shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated that: (1) The proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in the flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood, based on hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice and presented to the floodplain administrator prior to issuance of floodplain development permits, or (2). A Conditional Letter ofMap Revision (CLOMR) has been approved by FEMA. A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) must also be obtained upon completion of the proposed encroachment. 26 (B) IfSection 14.21(A) is satisfied, all development shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions ofthis ordinance. (C) No manufactured homes shall be permitted, except replacement of manufactured homes in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, provided the following provisions are met: (1) The anchoring and the elevation standards of Section 14.17(C); and (2) The no encroachment standard of Section 14.21(A). Section 14.22 Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding (Zone AO) Located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas established in Section 14.4 are areas designated as shallow flooding areas. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood depths of one (1) to three (3) feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate. In addition to Section 14.16, all new construction and substantial improvements shall meet the following requirements: (A) The reference level shall be elevated at least as high as the depth number specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), in feet, plus a freeboard ofi two (2) feet, above the highest adjacent grade; or at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade plus a freeboard of two (2) feet if no depth number is specified. (B) Non-residential structures may, in lieu of elevation, be floodproofed to the same level as required in Section 14.22(A) SO that the structure, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, below that level shall be watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage ofwater and with structural components having the capability ofresisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. Certification is required as per Section 14.12 Certification Requirement and Section 14- 17(B). (C) Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures. Article VI. Legal Status Provisions Section 14.23: Effect on Rights and Liabilities Under the Existing Flood Hazard Prevention Ordinance This ordinance in part comes forward by re-enactment of some of the flood damage prevention ordinance enacted December 23, 1987 as amended, and it is not the intention to repeal but rather to re-enact and continue to enforce without interruption of such existing provisions, SO that all rights and liabilities that have accrued thereunder are: reserved and may be enforced. The enactment of this ordinance shall not affect any action, suit, or proceeding instituted or pending. All provisions of the flood damage prevention ordinance of the County of Martin enacted on December 23, 1987, as amended, which are not reenacted herein, are repealed. The flood damage prevention ordinance enacted prior to the enactment of 160D remain the same and are only being re-adopted with this Ordinance. Please note the section numbers are the same but for example, 14- 24 below is now 14.24. Section 14.24: Effect upon Outstanding Floodplain Development Permits Nothing herein contained shall require any change in the plans, construction, size, or designated use of any development or any part thereof for which a floodplain development permit has been granted by the floodplain administrator or his or her authorized agents before the time of passage of this ordinance; provided, however, that when construction is not begun under such outstanding 27 permit within a period of six (6) months subsequent to the date of issuance of the outstanding permit, construction or use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance. Section 14.25: Severability Ifany section, clause, sentence, or phrase ofthe Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then said holding shall in no way effect the validity ofthe remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 14.26: Effective Date This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption by the County of Martin Board of Commissioners. Section 14.27: Re-Enactment Certification Thereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the flood damage prevention ordinance as adopted as part of the Unified Development Ordinance and that the flood damage prevention ordinance text amendments be adopted in Chapter 14 of the Martin County Code of Ordinances pursuant to NC G.S. 160D by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, on the day of 20 WITNESS my hand and the official seal of, this the day of month ofyear 20 SECTION 2. These amendments and this addition will become effective immediately upon adoption of this ordinance on this, day of 20 Signed: Joe R. Ayers, Chairman Martin County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Adopt the Resolution as stated, with a Second by Commissioner Taylor. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). BOARD REPORIS/COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS -NONE ADJOURNMENT At: 6:05 p.m., Commissioner Taylor made a Motion to Adjourn, with a Second from Commissioner Bond Jr. The Motion was Carried Unanimously (5-0). lok. yors 5 Jbe R. Ayers, Chairman nlig Shc Julia S. Rease, Clerk to the Board 28