12-19-1996 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

• • #FV97-001 Page 2 of 8 1/16/97 WHEREAS, these flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in flood plains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or otherwise protected from flood damage; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte deems it necessary in order to promote the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provision designed: To protect human life and health; To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public; To minimize prolonged business interruptions; To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in flood plains; To help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas; and To ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in a flood area; and WHEREAS, in order to accomplish its purposes, the City Council of the City of La Porte deems an Ordinance necessary which uses the following methods: Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety or property in times of flood, or cause excessive increase in flood heights or velocities; Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve as such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction; Control the alteration of natural flood plains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters; Control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood damage;