Article I. Flood Hazard Overlay (FHO)
18A.50.010 Purpose.
The Flood Hazard Overlay (FHO) is intended to identify and recognize those areas of the City subject to the hazards of periodic flooding and to establish special standards and regulations to guide development and reduce personal injury, property damage and loss of life from flooding in those areas. This overlay shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the incorporated areas of the City of Lakewood as identified on Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Flood Boundary Maps, and Floodway Maps. In advancing these principles and the general purposes of the comprehensive plan, the specific objectives are to:
A. Promote the general health, welfare and safety of the City’s residents, and protect human life and property from the dangers of flooding.
B. Prevent the establishment of certain structures and land uses unsuitable for human habitation because of the danger of flooding, unsanitary conditions or other hazards.
C. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding.
D. Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for sound use and development in flood-prone areas and to minimize prolonged business interruptions, and future blight areas.
E. Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities located in flood hazard areas.
F. Ensure that potential home and business buyers are notified that property is in a flood area.
G. Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood relief, damage repair and flood control projects.
H. Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
I. Qualify the City of Lakewood for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, thereby giving citizens and businesses the opportunity to purchase flood insurance.
J. Maintain the quality of water in rivers, streams, and lakes and their floodplains so as to protect public water supplies, areas of the Public Trust, and wildlife habitat protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act.
K. Retain the natural channel, shoreline, and floodplain creation processes and other natural floodplain functions that protect, create, and maintain habitat for threatened and endangered species.
L. Prevent or minimize loss of hydraulic, geomorphic, and ecological functions of floodplains and stream channels. [Ord. 726 § 2 (Exh. B), 2019.]