HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd #177 - Flood Plain Management OrdinanceORDINANCE NO. = THIRD SERIES
CITY OF ORONO
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ORONO ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Article VIII Floodplain Management shall be deleted in its entirety and
the following shall be added to read as follows:
Article VIII Floodplain Management
DIVISION 1 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND PURPOSE
78-1101 Statutory Authorization: The legislature of the State of Minnesota has, in Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 103F and Chapter 462 delegated the responsibility to local government units to
adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the City Council of Orono, Minnesota,
does ordain as follows.
78-1102 Purpose:
(1) This ordinance regulates development in the flood hazard areas of the City of Orono.
These flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, which may result in loss of
life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental
services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and
impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare by minimizing these losses and disruptions.
(2) National Flood Insurance Program Compliance. This ordinance is adopted to comply with
the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44 Code of
Federal Regulations Parts 59 -78, as amended, so as to maintain the community's
eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(3) This ordinance is also intended to preserve the natural characteristics and functions of
watercourses and floodplains in order to moderate flood and stormwater impacts,
improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, provide
recreational opportunities, provide aesthetic benefits and enhance community and
economic development.
DIVISION 2.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
78-1103 How to Use This Ordinance: This ordinance adopts the floodplain maps applicable to
the City of Orono and includes three floodplain districts: Floodway, Flood Fringe, and General
Floodplain.
(1) Where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are delineated on the floodplain maps, the
standards in Divisions 4 or 5 will apply, depending on the location of a property.
(2) Locations where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are not delineated on the floodplain
maps are considered to fall within the General Floodplain district. Within the General
Floodplain district, the Floodway District standards in Division 4 apply unless the floodway
boundary is determined, according to the process outlined in Division 6. Once the
floodway boundary is determined, the Flood Fringe District standards in Division 5 may
apply outside the floodway.
(3) The use shall be permitted within the floodway district to the extent that they are not
prohibited by any other provision of this Code and provided all permits or
authorizations are received as may be required by other provisions of this Code or
regulation of other governmental agencies having jurisdiction, including without
limitation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District, and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District.
78-1104 Lands to Which Ordinance Applies: This ordinance applies to all lands within the
jurisdiction of Orono shown on the Official Zoning Map and/or the attachments to the map as
being located within the boundaries of the Floodway, Flood Fringe, or General Floodplain
Districts.
(1) The Floodway, Flood Fringe and General Floodplain Districts are overlay districts that are
superimposed on all existing zoning districts. The standards imposed in the overlay
districts are in addition to any other requirements in this ordinance. In case of a conflict,
the more restrictive standards will apply.
78-1105 Incorporation of Maps by Reference: The following maps together with all
attached material are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of the Official
Zoning Map and this ordinance. The attached material includes the Flood Insurance Study for
Hennepin County, Minnesota, and Incorporated Areas, dated November 4, 2016 and the Flood
Insurance Rate Map panels enumerated below, dated November 4, 2016, all prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. These materials are on file in the City Clerk's office.
Effective Flood Insurance Rate Map panels:
27053CO144F 27053CO292F 27053CO304F
27053CO165F 27053CO301F 27053CO306F
27053CO312F 27053CO311F 27053CO284F
27053CO302F 27053CO307F 27053CO316F
27053CO285F 27053CO303F 27053CO308F
78-1106 Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation: The regulatory flood protection
elevation (RFPE) is an elevation no lower than one foot above the elevation of the regional flood
plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from
designation of a floodway.
78-1107 Interpretation: The boundaries of the zoning districts are determined by scaling
distances on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
(1) Where a conflict exists between the floodplain limits illustrated on the official zoning map
and actual field conditions, the flood elevations shall be the governing factor. The City
Administrator must interpret the boundary location based on the ground elevations that
existed on the site on the date of the first National Flood Insurance Program map showing
the area within the regulatory floodplain, and other available technical data.
(2) Persons contesting the location of the district boundaries will be given a reasonable
opportunity to present their appeal to the Planning Commission and to submit technical
evidence.
78-1108 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions: It is not intended by this ordinance to
repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or other private agreements.
However, where this ordinance imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this ordinance
prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent
of the inconsistency only.
78-1109 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability: This ordinance does not imply that areas
outside the floodplain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from
flooding or flood damages. This ordinance does not create liability on the part of the City of
Orono or its officers or employees for any flood damages that result from reliance on this
ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.
78-1110 Severability: If any Division, clause, provision, or portion of this ordinance is
adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of law, the remainder of this ordinance shall not
be affected and shall remain in full force.
78-1111 Definitions: Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this
ordinance must be interpreted according to common usage and so as to give this ordinance its'
most reasonable application.
Accessory Use or Structure — a use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily
incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
Base Flood Elevation —The elevation of the "regional flood." The term "base flood elevation" is
used in the flood insurance survey.
Basement — any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor or base subgrade
(below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of excavation below ground level.
Conditional Use — a specific type of structure or land use listed in the official control that may be
allowed but only after an in-depth review procedure and with appropriate conditions or
restrictions as provided in the official zoning controls or building codes and upon a finding that:
(a) Certain conditions as detailed in the zoning ordinance exist.
(b) The structure and/or land use conform to the comprehensive land use plan if one
exists and are compatible with the existing neighborhood.
Critical Facilities —facilities necessary to a community's public health and safety, those that store
or produce highly volatile, toxic or water -reactive materials, and those that house occupants that
may be insufficiently mobile to avoid loss of life or injury. Examples of critical facilities include
hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, daycare facilities, nursing homes, fire and police stations,
wastewater treatment facilities, public electric utilities, water plants, fuel storage facilities, and
waste handling and storage facilities.
Development — any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including buildings
or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or
storage of equipment or materials.
Equal Degree of Encroachment — a method of determining the location of floodway boundaries so
that floodplain lands on both sides of a stream are capable of conveying a proportionate share of
flood flows.
Farm Fence — A fence as defined by Minn. Statutes Section 344.02, Subd. 1(a) -(d). An open type
fence of posts and wire is not considered to be a structure under this ordinance. Fences that have
the potential to obstruct flood flows, such as chain link fences and rigid walls, are regulated as
structures under this ordinance.
Flood — a temporary increase in the flow or stage of a stream or in the stage of a wetland or lake
that results in the inundation of normally dry areas.
Flood Insurance Rate Map -Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) means an official map of a
community, on which the Federal Insurance Administrator has delineated both the special hazard
areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. A FIRM that has been made
available digitally is called a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM).
Flood Frequency — the frequency for which it is expected that a specific flood stage or discharge
may be equaled or exceeded.
Flood Fringe—the portion of the Special Flood Hazard Area (one percent annual chance flood)
located outside of the floodway. Flood fringe is synonymous with the term "floodway fringe"
used in the Flood Insurance Study for Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Flood Prone Area — any land susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see
"Flood").
Floodplain — the beds proper and the areas adjoining a wetland, lake or watercourse which have
been or hereafter may be covered by the regional flood.
Floodproofing -- a combination of structural provisions, changes, or adjustments to properties and
structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages.
Floodway— the bed of a wetland or lake and the channel of a watercourse and those portions of
the adjoining floodplain which are reasonably required to carry or store the regional flood
discharge.
Lake Minnetonka means the naturally occurring lake shown on all the official maps referenced in
this chapter, including all bays, channels, inlets, lagoons, marshland and other water -connected
portions, whether naturally occurring or artificially created:
a. Defined ordinary high water elevation, 929.4 feet MSL.
b. Defined floodplain boundary, 100 -year flood, 931.5 feet MSL as established by the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD).
Lowest Floor—the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished
or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an
area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided, that such
enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non -elevation
design requirements of 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60.3.
Manufactured Home — a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a
permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when
attached to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include the term
"recreational vehicle."
New Construction - Structures, including additions and improvements, and placement of
manufactured homes, for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective
date of this ordinance.
Obstruction — any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection,
excavation, channel modification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or
matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or regulatory floodplain
which may impede, retard, or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or by
catching or collecting debris carried by such water.
One Hundred Year Floodplain — lands inundated by the "Regional Flood" (see definition).
Principal Use or Structure —all uses or structures that are not accessory uses or structures.
Reach — a hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a stream or river
influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a stream or
river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a reach.
Recreational Vehicle — a vehicle that is built on a single chassis, is 400 square feet or less when
measured at the largest horizontal projection, is designed to be self-propelled or permanently
towable by a light duty truck, and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as
temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. For the purposes of
this ordinance, the term recreational vehicle is synonymous with the term "travel trailer/travel
vehicle."
Regional Flood — a flood which is representative of large floods known to have occurred generally
in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected to occur on an average
frequency in the magnitude of the 1% chance or 100 -year recurrence interval. Regional flood is
synonymous with the term "base flood" used in a flood insurance study.
Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) - an elevation not less than one foot above the
elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on
the floodplain that result from designation of a floodway.
a. The regulatory flood protection elevation within the floodway and flood fringe
districts, except for Lake Minnetonka, shall be established by adding 1.0 foot to the base
flood water surface elevations within floodway listed in the floodway data table
contained in the flood insurance study. Regulatory flood protection elevations between
cross sections shall be interpolated.
b. The regulatory flood protection elevation for Lake Minnetonka shall be 932.5
MSL.
C. The regulatory flood protection elevation within the general floodplain district
shall be calculated by a qualified registered professional engineer in accordance with
procedures set forth in this article.
Repetitive Loss: Flood related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during
a ten year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event on the average
equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Special Flood Hazard Area — a term used for flood insurance purposes synonymous with "One
Hundred Year Floodplain."
Start of Construction — includes substantial improvement, and means the actual start of
construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or other improvement
that occurred before the permit's expiration date. The actual start is either the first placement of
permanent construction of a 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,
foundations, or the erection of temporary 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 of a building, whether or not
that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
Structure - anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground or on-site
utilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds, detached garages, cabins,
manufactured homes, recreational vehicles not meeting the exemption criteria specified in
Section 78-1137 (2) of this ordinance and other similar items.
Substantial Damage - means damage of any origin sustained by a structure where the cost of
restoring the structure to it's before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the
market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Substantial Improvement - within any consecutive 365 -day period, any reconstruction,
rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair), repair after damage, addition, or other
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value
of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes
structures that have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work
performed. The term does not, however, include either:
(a) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state
or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the
local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living
conditions.
(b) Any alteration of a "historic structure," provided that the alteration will not
preclude the structure's continued designation as a "historic structure." For the purpose
of this ordinance, "historic structure" is as defined in 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part
59.1.
78-1112 Annexations: The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by reference into Section
78-1105 above may include floodplain areas that lie outside of the corporate boundaries of the
City of Orono at the time of adoption of this ordinance. If any of these floodplain land areas are
annexed into the City of Orono after the date of adoption of this ordinance, the newly annexed
floodplain lands will be subject to the provisions of this ordinance immediately upon the date of
annexation.
78-1113 Detachments. The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by reference into Section
78-1105 above will include floodplain areas that lie inside the corporate boundaries of
municipalities at the time of adoption of this ordinance. If any of these floodplain land areas are
detached from a municipality and come under the jurisdiction of Orono after the date of
adoption of this ordinance, the newly detached floodplain lands will be subject to the provisions
of this ordinance immediately upon the date of detachment.
DIVISION 3 ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
78-1114 Districts:
1) Floodway District. The Floodway District includes those areas within Zones AE that have
a floodway delineated as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Section 78-
1105, as well as portions of other lakes, wetlands, and basins within Zones A and AE (that
do not have a floodway delineated) that are located at or below the ordinary high water
level as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.005, subdivision 14.
2) Flood Fringe District. The Flood Fringe District includes areas within Zones AE that have a
floodway delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Section 78-1105, but
are located outside of the floodway. For other lakes, wetlands and other basins within
Zones A and AE that do not have a floodway delineated, the Flood Fringe District also
includes those areas below the 1% annual chance (100 -year) flood elevation but above
the ordinary high water level as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.005,
subdivision 14.
3) General Floodplain District. The General Floodplain District includes riverine areas within
Zones A and AE that do not have a delineated floodway as shown on the Flood Insurance
Rate Map adopted in Section 78-1105.
78-1115 Applicability: Within the floodplain districts established in this ordinance, the use, size,
type and location of development must comply with the terms of this ordinance and other
applicable regulations. In no cases shall floodplain development adversely affect the efficiency
or unduly restrict the capacity of the channels or floodways of any tributaries to the main
stream, drainage ditches, or any other drainage facilities or systems. All uses not listed as
permitted uses or conditional uses in Divisions 4, 5 and 6 are prohibited. In addition, critical
facilities, as defined in Section 78-1111, are prohibited in all floodplain districts.
DIVISION 4 FLOODWAY DISTRICT (FW)
78-1116 Permitted Uses: The following uses, subject to the standards set forth in Section 78-
1117, are permitted uses if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district or any applicable
overlay district:
(1) General farming, pasture, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, truck farming,
forestry, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.
(2) Industrial -commercial loading areas, parking areas, and airport landing strips.
(3) Open space uses, including but not limited to private and public golf courses, tennis
courts, driving ranges, archery ranges, picnic grounds, boat launching ramps, swimming
areas, parks, wildlife and nature preserves, game farms, fish hatcheries, shooting
preserves, hunting and fishing areas, and single or multiple purpose recreational trails.
(4) Residential lawns, gardens, parking areas, and play areas.
(5) Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines and pipelines, provided that the
Department of Natural Resources' Area Hydrologist is notified at least ten days prior to
issuance of any permit.
78-1117 Standards for Floodway Permitted Uses:
(1) The use must have a low flood damage potential.
(2) The use must not obstruct flood flows or cause any increase in flood elevations and must
not involve structures, obstructions, or storage of materials or equipment.
(3) Any facility that will be used by employees or the general public must be designed with
a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area is
inundated to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity
(in feet per second) would exceed a product of four upon occurrence of the regional (1%
chance) flood.
78-1118 Conditional Uses: The following uses may be allowed as conditional uses following the
standards and procedures set forth in Section 78-1148 of this ordinance and further subject to
the standards set forth in Section 78-1119, if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district
or any applicable overlay district.
(1) Structures accessory to the uses listed in 78-1116 (1) (5) above and the uses listed
below.
(2) Extraction and storage of sand, gravel, and other materials.
(3) Marinas, boat rentals, docks, piers, wharves, and water control structures.
(4) Storage yards for equipment, machinery, or materials.
(5) Placement of fill or construction of fences that obstruct flood flows. Farm fences, as
defined in section 78-1111, are permitted uses.
(6) Travel -ready recreational vehicles meeting the exception standards in section 78-1144.
(7) Levees or dikes intended to protect agricultural crops for a frequency flood event equal to
or less than the 10 -year frequency flood event.
(8) All forms of shoreline protection, including wood, metal, mortared stone or concrete
seawalls.
78-1119 Standards for Floodway Conditional Uses:
(1) All Uses. A conditional use must not cause any increase in the stage of the 1% chance or
regional flood or cause an increase in flood damages in the reach or reaches affected.
(2) Fill; Storage of Materials and Equipment:
(a) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable,
explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(b) Fill, dredge spoil, and other similar materials deposited or stored in the floodplain must
be protected from erosion by vegetative cover, mulching, riprap or other acceptable
method. Permanent sand and gravel operations and similar uses must be covered by a
long-term site development plan.
(c) Temporary placement of fill, other materials, or equipment which would cause an
increase to the stage of the 1% percent chance or regional flood may only be allowed if
the City Council has approved a plan that assures removal of the materials from the
floodway based upon the flood warning time available.
(3) Accessory Structures. Accessory structures, as identified in Section 78-1118 (1), may be
permitted, provided that:
(a) structures are not intended for human habitation;
(b)structures will have a low flood damage potential;
(c) structures will be constructed an placed so as to offer a minimal obstruction to the
flow of flood waters;
(d) Service utilities, such as electrical and heating equipment, within these structures
must be elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or properly
floodproofed;
(e) Structures must be elevated on fill or structurally dry floodproofed in accordance
with the FP1 or FP2 floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code. All
floodproofed structures must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or
lateral movement and designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.
(f) As an alternative, an accessory structure may be internally/wet floodproofed to the
FP3 or FP4 floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code, provided the
accessory structure constitutes a minimal investment and does not exceed S76 square
feet in size. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a
registered professional engineer or meet or exceed the following criteria:
(1)To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be a minimum of
two "automatic" openings in the outside walls of the structure, with a total net area
of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding; and
(2)There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all
openings must be no higher than one foot above the lowest adjacent grade to the
structure. Using human intervention to open a garage door prior to flooding will
not satisfy this requirement for automatic openings.
(4) Structural works for flood control that will change the course, current or cross section of
protected wetlands or public waters are subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes,
Section 103G.24S.
(S) A levee, dike or floodwall constructed in the floodway must not cause an increase to the
1% chance or regional flood. The technical analysis must assume equal conveyance or
storage loss on both sides of a stream.
(6) Floodway developments must not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the channel
and adjoining floodplain of any tributary watercourse or drainage system.
Section 78-1120 through 78-1123 RESERVED
DIVISION 5 FLOOD FRINGE DISTRICT (FF)
78-1124 Permitted Uses: Permitted uses are those uses of land or structures allowed in the
underlying zoning district(s) that comply with the standards in Section 78-1125. If no pre-
existing, underlying zoning districts exist, then any residential or nonresidential structure or use
of a structure or land is a permitted use provided it does not constitute a public nuisance.
78-1125 Standards for Flood Fringe Permitted Uses:
(1) All structures, including accessory structures, must be elevated on fill so that the lowest
floor, as defined, is at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation. The finished fill
elevation for structures must be no lower than one foot below the regulatory flood
protection elevation and the fill must extend at the same elevation at least 15 feet
beyond the outside limits of the structure.
(2) Accessory Structures. As an alternative to the fill requirements of section 78-1125 (1),
structures accessory to the uses identified in Section 78-1124 may be permitted to be
internally/wet floodproofed to the FP3 or FP4 floodproofing classifications in the State
Building Code, provided that:
(a) the accessory structure constitutes a minimal investment, does not exceed 576 square
feet in size, and is only used for parking and storage.
(b) All portions of floodproofed accessory structures below the Regulatory Flood
Protection Elevation must be: (i) adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or
lateral movement and designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls,
(ii) be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage, and (iii) must have all
service utilities be water -tight or elevated to above the regulatory flood protection
elevation
(c) Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered
professional engineer or meet or exceed the following criteria:
(1)To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be a minimum of
two "automatic" openings in the outside walls of the structure, with a total net area
of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding; and
(2)There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all
openings must be no higher than one foot above the lowest adjacent grade to the
structure. Using human intervention to open a garage door prior to flooding will not
satisfy this requirement for automatic openings.
(3) The cumulative placement of fill or similar material on a parcel must not exceed 1,000
cubic yards, unless the fill is specifically intended to elevate a structure in accordance with
Section 78-1125 (1) of this ordinance, or if allowed as a conditional use under Section 78-
1126 (3) below.
(4) The storage of any materials or equipment must be elevated on fill to the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
(5) All service utilities, including ductwork, must be elevated or water -tight to prevent
infiltration of floodwaters.
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(6) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable,
explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(7) All fill must be properly compacted and the slopes must be properly protected by the
use of riprap, vegetative cover or other acceptable method.
(8) All new principal structures must have vehicular access at or above an elevation not more
than two feet below the regulatory flood protection elevation, or must have a flood
warning /emergency evacuation plan acceptable to the City of Orono.
(9) Accessory uses such as yards, railroad tracks, and parking lots may be at an elevation
lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. However, any facilities used by
employees or the general public must be designed with a flood warning system that
provides adequate time for evacuation if the area is inundated to a depth and velocity
such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity (in feet per second) would exceed a
product of four upon occurrence of the regional (1% chance) flood.
(10) Interference with normal manufacturing/industrial plant operations must be minimized,
especially along streams having protracted flood durations. In considering permit
applications, due consideration must be given to the needs of industries with operations
that require a floodplain location.
(11) Manufactured homes and recreational vehicles must meet the standards of Division 9 of
this ordinance.
78-1126 Conditional Uses: The following uses and activities may be allowed as conditional uses,
if allowed in the underlying zoning district(s) or any applicable overlay district, following the
procedures in Section 78-1148 of this ordinance.
(1) Any structure that is not elevated on fill or floodproofed in accordance with Sections 78-
1125 (1) and (2) of this ordinance.
(2) Storage of any material or equipment below the regulatory flood protection elevation.
(3) The cumulative placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill when the fill is not being
used to elevate a structure in accordance with Section 78-1125 (1) of this ordinance.
(4) The use of methods to elevate structures above the regulatory flood protection elevation,
including stilts, pilings, parallel walls, or above -grade, enclosed areas such as crawl spaces
or tuck under garages, shall meet the standards in Section 78-1127 (6).
78-1127 Standards for Flood Fringe Conditional Uses:
(1) The standards listed in Sections 78-1125 (4) through (10) to all conditional uses.
(2) Basements, as defined by Section 78-1118 of this ordinance, are subject to the following:
(a) Residential basement construction is not allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation.
(b) Non-residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood protection
elevation provided the basement is structurally dry floodproofed in accordance with
Section 78-1127 (3) of this ordinance.
(3) Where lot size constraints prevent the fill elevation from extending 15 feet beyond the
structure, a reduction in the fill extension may be allowed for lots less than 65 feet wide,
it
provided the lots were established prior to October 26, 1978, the initial establishment of
a floodplain ordinance.
(4) All areas of nonresidential structures, including basements, to be placed below the
regulatory flood protection elevation must be floodproofed in accordance with the
structurally dry floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code. Structurally dry
floodproofing must meet the FPI or FP2 floodproofing classification in the State Building
Code, which requires making the structure watertight with the walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components capable of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of buoyancy.
(5) The placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other similar material on a parcel
(other than for the purpose of elevating a structure to the regulatory flood protection
elevation) must comply with an approved erosion/sedimentation control plan.
(a) The plan must clearly specify methods to be used to stabilize the fill on site for a flood
event at a minimum of the regional (1% chance) flood event.
(b)The plan must be prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer or other
qualified individual acceptable to the City of Orono.
(c) The plan may incorporate alternative procedures for removal of the material from the
floodplain if adequate flood warning time exists.
(6) Storage of materials and equipment below the regulatory flood protection elevation must
comply with an approved emergency plan providing for removal of such materials within
the time available after a flood warning.
(7) Alternative elevation methods other than the use of fill may be utilized to elevate a
structure's lowest floor above the regulatory flood protection elevation. The base or floor
of an enclosed area shall be considered above -grade and not a structure's basement or
lowest floor if: 1) the enclosed area is above -grade on at least one side of the structure; 2)
it is designed to internally flood and is constructed with flood resistant materials; and 3) it
is used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage. The above -noted
alternative elevation methods are subject to the following additional standards:
(a) Design and Certification - The structure's design and as -built condition must be
certified by a registered professional engineer as being in compliance with the general
design standards of the State Building Code and, specifically, that all electrical, heating,
ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities must
be at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or be designed to prevent
flood water from entering or accumulating within these components during times of
flooding.
(b)Specific Standards for Above -grade, Enclosed Areas - Above -grade, fully enclosed areas
such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages must be designed to internally flood and
the design plans must stipulate:
(i) The minimum area of openings in the walls where internal flooding is to be used as
a floodproofing technique. There shall be a minimum of two openings on at least
two sides of the structure and the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than
one foot above grade. The automatic openings shall have a minimum net area of
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not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding unless a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that a
smaller net area would suffice. The automatic openings may be equipped with
screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the
automatic entry and exit of flood waters without any form of human intervention;
and
(ii) That the enclosed area will be designed of flood resistant materials in accordance
with the FP3 or FP4 classifications in the State Building Code and shall be used
solely for building access, parking of vehicles or storage.
DIVISION 6 GENERAL FLOODPLAIN DISTRICT (GF)
78-1128 Permitted Uses:
(1) The uses listed in Section 78-1116 of this ordinance, Floodway District Permitted Uses, are
permitted uses.
(2) All other uses are subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria specified in
Section 78-1129 below. Division 4 applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the
Floodway District. Division 5 applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the Flood
Fringe District.
78-1129 Procedures for Floodway and Flood Fringe Determinations:
(1) Upon receipt of an application for a permit or other approval within the General
Floodplain District, the City Administrator must obtain, review and reasonably utilize any
regional flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state, or other
source.
(2) If regional flood elevation and floodway data are not readily available, the applicant
must furnish additional information, as needed, to determine the regulatory flood
protection elevation and whether the proposed use would fall within the Floodway or
Flood Fringe District. Information must be consistent with accepted hydrological and
hydraulic engineering standards and the standards in Section 78-1129 (3) below.
(3) The determination of floodway and flood fringe must include the following components,
as applicable:
(a) Estimate the peak discharge of the regional (195 chance) flood.
(b) Calculate the water surface profile of the regional flood based upon a hydraulic
analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas.
(c) Compute the floodway necessary to conveyor store the regional flood without
increasing flood stages more than one-half (0.5) foot. A lesser stage increase than 0.5
foot is required if, as a result of the stage increase, increased flood damages would
result. An equal degree of encroachment on both sides of the stream within the reach
must be assumed in computing floodway boundaries.
(d)The applicant shall be responsible to submit one copy of the above information to a
designated engineer or other expert person or agency for technical assistance in
determining whether the proposed use is in the floodway or flood fringe district and
to determine the regulatory flood protection elevation. Procedures consistent with
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Minnesota Regulations 1983, Parts 6120.5000-6120.6200 and 44 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 65 shall be followed in this expert evaluation. The designated
engineer or expert is strongly encouraged to discuss the proposed technical
evaluation methodology with the respective department of natural resources' area
hydrologist prior to commencing the analysis.
(i) A typical valley cross-section(s) showing the channel of the stream, elevation of
land areas adjoining each side of the channel, cross-sectional areas to be
occupied by the proposed development, and high water information.
(ii) Plan (surface view) showing elevations or contours of the ground, pertinent
structure, fill, or storage elevations, the size, location, and spatial
arrangement of all proposed and existing structures on the site, and the
location and elevations of streets.
(iii) Photographs showing existing land uses, vegetation upstream and
downstream, and soil types.
(iv) Profile showing the slope of the bottom of the channel or flow line of the
stream for at least 500 feet in either direction from the proposed
development.
(4) The City Administrator will review the submitted information and assess the technical
evaluation and the recommended Floodway and/or Flood Fringe District boundary. The
assessment must include the cumulative effects of previous floodway encroachments.
The City Administrator may seek technical assistance from a designated engineer or other
expert person or agency, including the Department of Natural Resources. Based on this
assessment, the City Administrator may approve or deny the application.
(5) Once the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries have been determined, the City
Administrator must process the permit application consistent with the applicable
provisions of Division 4.0 and 5.0 of this ordinance.
DIVISION 7 LAND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
78-1130 In General: Recognizing that flood prone areas may exist outside of the designated
floodplain districts, the requirements of this section apply to all land within the City of Orono.
78-1131 Subdivisions: No land may be subdivided which is unsuitable for reasons of flooding or
inadequate drainage, water supply or sewage treatment facilities. Manufactured home parks and
recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are considered subdivisions under this ordinance.
(1) All lots within the floodplain districts must be able to contain a building site outside of the
Floodway District at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.
(2) All subdivisions must have road access both to the subdivision and to the individual
building sites no lower than two feet below the regulatory flood protection elevation,
unless a flood warning emergency plan for the safe evacuation of all vehicles and people
during the regional (1% chance) flood has been approved by the City of Orono. The plan
must be prepared by a registered engineer or other qualified individual, and must
demonstrate that adequate time and personnel exist to carry out the evacuation.
(3) For all subdivisions in the floodplain, the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries,
the regulatory flood protection elevation and the required elevation of all access roads
must be clearly labeled on all required subdivision drawings and platting documents.
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(4) In the General Floodplain District, applicants must provide the information required in
Section 78-1129 of this ordinance to determine the regional flood elevation, the Floodway
and Flood Fringe District boundaries and the regulatory flood protection elevation for the
subdivision site.
(5) If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood prone area, any
such proposal must be reviewed to assure that:
(a) All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage within
the flood prone area,
(b) All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems
are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and
(c) Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure of flood hazard.
78-1132 Building Sites. If a proposed building site is in a flood prone area, all new construction
and substantial improvements (including the placement of manufactured homes) must be:
(1) Designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent floatation, collapse, or lateral
movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the
effects of buoyancy;
(2) Constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
(3) Constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage; and
(4) Constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment
and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
Sections 78-1133 through 78-1139 Reserved
DIVISION 8 PUBLIC UTILITIES, RAILROADS, ROADS, AND BRIDGES
78-1140 Public Utilities: All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and water
supply systems to be located in the floodplain must be floodproofed in accordance with the State
Building Code or elevated to the regulatory flood protection elevation.
78-1141 Public Transportation Facilities: Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges to be located within
the floodplain must comply with Divisions 4.0 and 5.0 of this ordinance. These transportation
facilities must be elevated to the regulatory flood protection elevation where failure or
interruption of these facilities would result in danger to the public health or safety or where such
facilities are essential to the orderly functioning of the area. Minor or auxiliary roads or railroads
may be constructed at a lower elevation where failure or interruption of transportation services
would not endanger the public health or safety.
78-1142 On-site Water Supply and Sewage Treatment Systems: Where public utilities are not
provided: 1) On-site water supply systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration
of flood waters into the systems and are subject to the provisions in Minnesota Rules Chapter
4725.4350, as amended; and 2) New or replacement on-site sewage treatment systems must be
designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges
from the systems into flood waters, they must not be subject to impairment or contamination
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during times of flooding, and are subject to the provisions in Minnesota Rules Chapter
7080.2270, as amended.
DIVISION 9 MANUFACTURED HOMES, MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS, AND RECREATIONAL
VEHICLES.
78-1143 Manufactured Homes: New manufactured home parks and expansions to existing
manufactured home parks are prohibited in any floodplain district. For existing manufactured
home parks or lots of record, the following requirements apply:
(1) Placement or replacement of manufactured home units is prohibited in the Floodway
District.
(2) If allowed in the Flood Fringe District, placement or replacement of manufactured home
units is subject to the requirements of Division 5 of this ordinance and the following
standards.
(a) New and replacement manufactured homes must be elevated in compliance with
Division 5 of this ordinance and must be securely anchored to an adequately anchored
foundation system that resists flotation, collapse and lateral movement. Methods of
anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over -the -top or frame ties to
ground anchors, This requirement is in addition to applicable state or local anchoring
requirements for resisting wind forces.
(b) New or replacement manufactured homes in existing manufactured home parks must
meet the vehicular access requirements for subdivisions in section 78-1131(2).
78-1144 Recreational Vehicles: New recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds and expansions
to existing recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are prohibited in any floodplain district.
Placement of recreational vehicles in existing recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds in the
floodplain must meet the exemption criteria below or be treated as new structures meeting the
requirements of this ordinance.
(1) Recreational vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance if they are placed
in any of the following areas and meet the criteria listed in Section 78-1144 (2):
(a) Individual lots or parcels of record.
(b) Existing commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds.
(c) Existing condominium -type associations.
(2) Criteria for Exempt Recreational Vehicles:
(a) The vehicle must have a current license required for highway use.
(b) The vehicle must be highway ready, meaning on wheels or the internal jacking
system, attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities commonly used in
campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.
(c) No permanent structural type additions may be attached to the vehicle.
(d) The vehicle and associated use must be permissible in any pre-existing, underlying
zoning district.
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(e) Accessory structures are not permitted within the Floodway District. Any accessory
structure in the Flood Fringe District must be constructed of flood -resistant materials
and be securely anchored, meeting the requirements applicable to manufactured
homes in Section 78-1144 (2).
(f) An accessory structure must constitute a minimal investment
(3) Recreational vehicles that are exempt in Section 78-1144 (2) lose this exemption when
development occurs on the site that exceeds a minimal investment for an accessory
structure such as a garage or storage building. The recreational vehicle and all accessory
structures will then be treated as new structures subject to the elevation and
floodproofing requirements of Division 5.0 of this ordinance. No development or
improvement on the parcel or attachment to the recreational vehicle is allowed that
would hinder the removal of the vehicle should flooding occur.
DIVISION 10 ADMINISTRATION
78-1145 City Administrator: The City Administrator or other official designated by the
Administrator must administer and enforce this ordinance.
78-1146 Permit Requirements:
(1) Permit Required. A permit must be obtained from the City Administrator prior to
conducting the following activities:
(a) The erection, addition, modification, rehabilitation, or alteration of any building,
structure, or portion thereof. Normal maintenance and repair also requires a permit
if such work, separately or in conjunction with other planned work, constitutes a
substantial improvement as defined in this ordinance.
(b)The use or change of use of a building, structure, or land.
(c) The construction of a dam, fence, or on-site septic system, although a permit is not
required for a farm fence as defined in this ordinance.
(d)The change or extension of a nonconforming use.
(e)The repair of a structure that has been damaged by flood, fire, tornado, or any other
source.
(f) The placement of fill, excavation of materials, or the storage of materials or equipment
within the floodplain.
(g) Relocation or alteration of a watercourse (including new or replacement culverts and
bridges), unless a public waters work permit has been applied for.
(h)Any other type of "development" as defined in this ordinance.
(2) Application for Permit. Permit applications must be submitted to the City Administrator
on forms provided by the City Administrator. The permit application must include the
following as applicable:
(a) A site plan showing all pertinent dimensions, existing or proposed buildings, structures,
and significant natural features having an influence on the permit.
(b) Location of fill or storage of materials in relation to the stream channel.
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(c) Copies of any required municipal, county, state or federal permits or approvals.
(d)Other relevant information requested by the City Administrator as necessary to
properly evaluate the permit application.
(3) Certificate of City Compliance for a New, Altered, or Nonconforming Use. No building,
land or structure may be occupied or used in any manner until a certificate of zoning
compliance has been issued by the City Administrator stating that the use of the building
or land conforms to the requirements of this ordinance.
(4) Certification. The applicant is required to submit certification by a registered
professional engineer, registered architect, or registered land surveyor that the finished
fill and building elevations were accomplished in compliance with the provisions of this
ordinance. Floodproofing measures must be certified by a registered professional
engineer or registered architect.
(5) Record of First Floor Elevation. The City Administrator must maintain a record of the
elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new structures and alterations or
additions to existing structures in the floodplain. The City Administrator must also
maintain a record of the elevation to which structures and alterations or additions to
structures are floodproofed.
(6) Notifications for Watercourse Alterations. Before authorizing any alteration or
relocation of a river or stream, the City Administrator must notify adjacent communities.
If the applicant has applied for a permit to work in public waters pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, Section 103G.245, this will suffice as adequate notice. A copy of the notification
must also be submitted to the Chicago Regional Office of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
(7) Notification to FEMA When Physical Changes Increase or Decrease Base Flood Elevations.
As soon as is practicable, but not later than six months after the date such supporting
information becomes available, the City Administrator must notify the Chicago Regional
Office of FEMA of the changes by submitting a copy of the relevant technical or scientific
data.
78-1147 Variances and appeals:
(1) Variance Applications. An application for a variance to the provisions of this ordinance
will be processed and reviewed in accordance with applicable state statutes and Title IV,
Article II, Division 3 of this Ordinance.
(2) Adherence to State Floodplain Management Standards. A variance must not allow a use
that is not allowed in that district, permit a lower degree of flood protection than the
regulatory flood protection elevation for the particular area, or permit standards lower
than those required by state law.
(3) Additional Variance Criteria. The following additional variance criteria of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency must be satisfied:
(a) Variances must not be issued by a community within any designated regulatory
floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(b) Variances may only be issued by a community upon (i) a showing of good and
sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in
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exceptional hardship to the applicant, and (iii) a determination that the granting of a
variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety,
extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the
public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(c) Variances may only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(4) Flood Insurance Notice. The City Administrator must notify the applicant for a variance
that: 1) The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will
result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for
$100 of insurance coverage; and 2) Such construction below the base or regional flood
level increases risks to life and property. Such notification must be maintained with a
record of all variance actions.
(5) General Considerations. The community may consider the following factors in granting
variances and imposing conditions on variances and conditional uses in floodplains:
(a) The potential danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities
caused by encroachments;
(b)The danger that materials may be swept onto other [ands or downstream to the injury
of others;
(c) The proposed water supply and sanitation systems, if any, and the ability of these
systems to minimize the potential for disease, contamination and unsanitary
conditions;
(d)The susceptibility of any proposed use and its contents to flood damage and the effect
of such damage on the individual owner;
(e)The importance of the services to be provided by the proposed use to the community;
(f) The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location;
(g) The availability of viable alternative locations for the proposed use that are not subject
to flooding;
(h)The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and development
anticipated in the foreseeable future;
(i) The relationship of the proposed use to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and flood
plain management program for the area;
(j) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency
vehicles;
(k) The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the
flood waters expected at the site.
(6) Submittal of Hearing Notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The City
Administrator or designee shall submit hearing notices for proposed variances to the DNR
sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days' notice of the hearing. The notice may
be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mai[ to the respective DNR area hydrologist.
19
(7) Submittal of Final Decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting variances must
be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The notice may be sent by
electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.
(8) Record -Keeping. The City Administrator must maintain a record of all variance actions,
including justification for their issuance, and must report such variances in an annual or
biennial report to the Administrator of the National Flood Insurance Program, when
requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(9) Appeals. The city council shall hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is
error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an
administrative official in the enforcement or administration of this article.
78-1148 Conditional Uses:
(1) Administrative Review. An application for a conditional use permit under the provisions
of this ordinance will be processed and reviewed in accordance with Title IV, Article V of
this Ordinance.
(2) Factors Used in Decision -Making. In passing upon conditional use applications, the City
Council must consider all relevant factors specified in other sections of this ordinance, and
those factors identified in Section 78-1147 of this ordinance.
(3) Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits. The City Council may attach such
conditions to the granting of conditional use permits as it deems necessary to fulfill the
purposes of this ordinance. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(a) Modification of waste treatment and water supply facilities.
(b) Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
(c) Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
(d) Requirements for construction of channel modifications, compensatory storage,
dikes, levees, and other protective measures.
(e) Floodproofing measures, in accordance with the State Building Code and this
ordinance. The applicant must submit a plan or document certified by a registered
professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing measures are consistent with
the regulatory flood protection elevation and associated flood factors for the particular
area.
(4) Submittal of Hearing Notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The city
administrator or designee must submit hearing notices for proposed conditional uses to
the DNR sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days' notice of the hearing. The
notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.
(5) Submittal of Final Decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting conditional uses
must be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The notice may be sent by
electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.
DIVISION 11 NONCONFORMITIES
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78-1149 Continuance of Nonconformities: A use, structure, or occupancy of land which was lawful
before the passage or amendment of this ordinance but which is not in conformity with the
provisions of this ordinance may be continued subject to the following conditions. Historic
structures, as defined in Section 78-1111 of this ordinance, are subject to the provisions of
paragraphs (1) — (6) of this section.
(1) A nonconforming use, structure, or occupancy must not be expanded, changed, enlarged,
or altered in a way that increases its flood damage potential or degree of obstruction to
flood flows except as provided in Section 78-1149 (12) below. Expansion or enlargement
of uses, structures or occupancies within the Floodway District is prohibited.
(2) Any addition or structural alteration to a nonconforming structure or nonconforming use
that would result in increasing its flood damage potential must be protected to the
regulatory flood protection elevation in accordance with any of the elevation on fill or
floodproofing techniques (i.e., FP1 thru FP4 floodproofing classifications) allowable in the
State Building Code, except as further restricted in (3) and (7) below.
(3) If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and additions exceeds 50 percent of
the market value of any nonconforming structure, that shall be considered substantial
improvement, and the entire structure must meet the standards of Division 4 or 5 of this
ordinance for new structures, depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway
or Flood Fringe District, respectively. The cost of all structural alterations and additions
must include all costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all
manpower or labor.
(4) If any nonconforming use, or any use of a nonconforming structure, is discontinued for
more than one year, any future use of the premises must conform to this ordinance. The
Assessor must notify the City Administrator in writing of instances of nonconformities that
have been discontinued for a period of more than one year.
(5) If any nonconformity is substantially damaged, as defined in Section 78-1111 of this
ordinance, it may not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this
ordinance. The applicable provisions for establishing new uses or new structures in
Divisions 4 or 5 will apply depending upon whether the use or structure is in the Floodway
or Flood Fringe, respectively.
(6) If any nonconforming use or structure experiences a repetitive loss, as defined in 78-1111
of this ordinance, it must not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of
this ordinance.
(7) Any substantial improvement, as defined in Section 78-1111 of this ordinance, to a
nonconforming structure requires that the existing structure and any additions must meet
the requirements of Division 4.0 or 5.0 of this ordinance for new structures, depending
upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District.
DIVISION 12.0 PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT
78-1150 Violation Constitutes a Misdemeanor: Violation of the provisions of this ordinance or
failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards
established in connection with grants of variances or conditional uses) constitute a misdemeanor
and will be punishable as defined by law.
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78-1151 Other Lawful Action: Nothing in this ordinance restricts the City of Orono from taking
such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. If the responsible
party does not appropriately respond to the City Administrator within the specified period of
time, each additional day that lapses will constitute an additional violation of this ordinance and
will be prosecuted accordingly.
78-1152 Enforcement: In responding to a suspected ordinance violation, the City may utilize the
full array of enforcement actions available to it including but not limited to prosecution and
fines, injunctions, after -the -fact permits, orders for corrective measures or a request to the
National Flood Insurance Program for denial of flood insurance availability to the guilty party.
The City of Orono must act in good faith to enforce these official controls and to correct
ordinance violations to the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its eligibility in the National
Flood Insurance Program.
DIVISION 13.0 AMENDMENTS
78-1153 Floodplain Designation — Restrictions on Removal: The floodplain designation on the
Official Zoning Map must not be removed from floodplain areas unless it can be shown that the
designation is in error or that the area has been filled to or above the elevation of the regulatory
flood protection elevation and is contiguous to lands outside the floodplain. Special exceptions
to this rule may be permitted by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) if the Commissioner determines that, through other measures, lands are adequately
protected for the intended use.
78-1154 Amendments Require DNR Approval: All amendments to this ordinance must be
submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
prior to adoption. The Commissioner must approve the amendment prior to community
approval.
78-1155 Map Revisions Require Ordinance Amendments. The floodplain district regulations must
be amended to incorporate any revisions by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the
floodplain maps adopted in Section 78-1105 of this ordinance.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its
passage and publication.
ADOPTED this 12th day of §±pt gQQ16 on a vote of -4--ayes and -a-nays by the
City Council of Orono, Minnesota.
ATTEST:
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Lili Tod McMillan, Mayor