15.04.020 Statement of purpose.
Special flood hazard areas in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are subject to periodic inundation of floodwaters which can cause loss of life or property, health or safety hazards, the disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the local tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare.
Flood losses are caused, in part, by cumulative effects of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Structures that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to flood losses.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote public health, safety and welfare, and to implement the Comprehensive Plan by minimizing flood losses and maintaining a stable tax base. To accomplish this purpose, it is the intent of this chapter to:
A. Provide for increased public awareness of flood hazards in the Fairbanks North Star Borough;
B. Comply with requirements placed on communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program;
C. Require that land uses vulnerable to flood losses, including public facilities and utilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damages at the time of initial construction or substantial improvement;
D. Restrict or prohibit land uses which are dangerous to health, safety or general welfare in times of flood, or can cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
E. Ensure that subdivision and development of land within the Borough is consistent with the need to minimize flood hazards;
F. Ensure that those who occupy special flood hazard areas assume responsibility for their actions. (Ord. 2009-55 § 2, 2010; Ord. 85-124 § 3, 1985. 2004 Code § 15.04.010.)