Call to Order/Invocation
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in regular session ort Monday, May 5, 2003 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Dr. Charles O. Boyette, Mayor, called the meeting to order with the following Council members present: Albert Baker, George R. Ebron, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tern; Cynthia M. Heath, James B. Hodges and Linda E. Wilkerson. Town Manager Tim M. Johnson, Town Attorney Keith B. Mason and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present. Mayor Boyette gave the invocation.

Public Hearing - Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Mayor Boyette called the Public Hearing concerning the Flood Damage Prevent Ordinance to order at 7 :31 P.M. and introduced Mr. Martin Overholt, Code Enforcement Officer/Flood Plain Manager for the Town of Belhaven and asked him to brief the Council and public on this issue. Mr. Martin explained that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had recently mandated that all communities adopt the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Mr. Overholt further explained that the zone maps had been changed due to FEMA now using the 1988 vertical datum instead of the 1929 vertical datum which historically had used until now. The vertical datum is a tool (or base of measurement) and that is what has been changed not the
actual elevation. .

Questions from the Public
Mayor Boyette asked for any questions from the public. Mr. Roy O'Neal, resident of 558 Tooly Street, asked if this meant there would be a reduction in his flood insurance. Mr. Overholt stated not because of the new ordinance and utilization of the vertical datum of 1988 instead of 1929.

Closing Public Hearing
There being no further questions, Mayor Boyette declared the public hearing closed at 7:40 P.M.

Approval of Minutes - Regular Session April 7, 2003 and Beaufort County Economic Development Commission Minutes April 24, 2003
Mayor Boyette stated that the minutes of the Regular Session of the Town Council on April 7, 2003 and the minutes of the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC), hosted by the Town of Belhaven, April 24, 2003 were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Ebron made the motion to adopt the two sets of minutes as written. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Beaufort Hyde Martin (BHM) Regional Library Budget Request
Mayor Boyette recognized Ms. Mary Jane Carbo, Director of the Beaufort Hyde Martin (BHM) Regional Library. Ms. Carbo approached the board and gave them a handout showing the utilization statistics for the Belhaven library. Ms. Carbo praised the staff at the Belhaven Library, its volunteers, the Director's Board and1he Friends of the Library as these groups accomplish a lot. Ms. Carbo also thanked the Town for miscellaneous "favors" performed in the maintenance department. Ms. Carbo stressed that the $6,000 requested for the 2003/2004 budget
would be money well spent as the library provided, in a nine month period, 15,000 visits to the library, with 19,000 books videos or tapes check out; and 3,000 patrons using the "free" computers with Internet services totaling over $285,000 in services, should these items or services had been purchased by the patrons.

The Town of Belhaven would entertain discussions into the possibilities to partner with CDBH in this venture. Please feel free to share this letter with any person or organization as you see fit and I will be happy to speak with anyone about the Town's level of support. I may be reached at (252) 943-3055 Ext. 10, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:A.M. and 5 :00 P.M.

Sincerely,

Tim M. Johnson, Town Manager

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Adoption
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to adopt the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance as previously described in the Public Hearing by Code Enforcement Officer Martin Overholt. Town Manager Johnson stated that this ordinance adoption would have no impact on insurance rates and that effective May 15,2003 the new ordinance would be implemented. There were no further comments or questions from the Council or public. Councilman Hodges made the motion to repeal the existing flood damage prevention ordinance and to adopt the proposed ordinance as submitted. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE

Non-Coastal Regular Phase

ARTICLE 1.    STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE AND OBJECT IVES.

SECTION A.    STATUTORY AUTHORIZATIQN.

Municipal: The Legislature of the State of North Carolina has in Part 6, Article 21 of Chapter 143; Parts 3, 5, and 8 of Article 19 of Chapter l60A; and Article 8 of Chapter l60A of the North Carolina General Statutes, delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry.

Therefore, the Council of the Town of Belhaven, North Carolina, does ordain as follows:

SECTION B.    FINDINGS OF FACT.

(1)The flood prone areas within the jurisdiction of the Town of Belhaven haven 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.

(2)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 by uses vulnerable to floods or hazardous to other lands that are inadequately elevated, floodproofed, or otherwise unprotected from flood damages.

SECTION C.    STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote public health, safety, and general welfare arid to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions within flood prone areas by provisions designed to:

(1) restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion, flood heights or velocities;

(2) require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;

(3) control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;

(4) control filling, grading, dredging, and all other development which may increase erosion or flood damage; and,

(5) prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.

SECTION D.    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 relief efforts 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) 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 flood blight areas; and, . .

(7) to insure that potential home buyers are notified that property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.

ARTICLE 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 its most reasonable application.

"Accessory Structure (Appurtenant Structure)" means a structure that is 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 sheds 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 building)" 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 of this ordinance.

"Area of Special Flood Hazard" see "Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)"

"Basement" means any area of the building having its floor sub grade (below ground level) on all sides.

"Base Flood" means the flood having a one (1) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

"Base Flood Elevation (BFE)" means a determination as published in the Flood Insurance Study of the water surface elevations of the base flood.

"Building" see "Structure"

"Chemical Storage Facility" means a building, portion of a 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.

"Disposal" defined as in NCGS 130A-290(a)(6).

"Elevated Building" means a non-basement building that has its reference level 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, permanent structures or development into a floodplain, which may impede or alter the flow capacity of a floodplain.

"Existing Manufactured Home Park or Manufactured Home Subdivision" 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 construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is pre-FIRM.

"Flood" or "Flooding" means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
                       the overflow of inland or tidal waters; and,
                       the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.

"Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM)" means an official map of a 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 of the 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)" means an examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazard areas, corresponding water surface elevations (if appropriate), flood insurance risk zones, and other flood data in a community issued by FEMA. The Flood Insurance Study report includes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps (FBFMs), if published.

"Floodplain" or "Flood Prone Area" means any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source.

"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 Administrator" is the individual appointed to administer and enforce the floodplain management regulations.

"Floodplain 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 risk of flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitation facilities, or structures with their contents.

"Flood Prone Area" see "Floodplain"

"Floodway)[" 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.

"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.

Floor" see "Lowest Floor"

"Functionally Dependent Facility" means a facility that cannot be used for its intended purpose unless it is located in close proximity to water, such as 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 Management Facility" means a facility for the collection, storage, processing, treatment, recycling, recovery, or disposal of hazardous waste as defined in NCGS Article 9 of Chapter BOA.

"Highest Adjacent Grade (HAG)" means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to construction, next to the proposed walls of the structure. .

"Historic Structure" means any structure that is:

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;

certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of Interior as contributing to the historical significance of
registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualifY as a registered historic district;

individually listed on a State inventory of historic places;

individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of Interior, or
directly by the Secretary of Interior in states without approved programs.

"Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG)" means the elevation of the ground, sidewalk, patio slab, or deck support immediately next to the building after completion of the building. For Zone A and AO, use the natural grade elevation prior to construction.

"Lowest Floor" means the subfloor, top of slab or grade 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 of this 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 a "recreational vehicle".

"Market Value" means the building value, excluding the land (as agreed to between a willing buyer and seller), as established by what the local real estate market will bear. Market value can be established by independent certified appraisal, replacement cost depreciated by age of building (Actual Cash Value) or adjusted assessed values.

"Mean Sea Level" means, for purposes of the NFIP, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) as corrected in 1929, the North American Vertical Datum (NA VD) as corrected in 1988 or other vertical control datum used as a reference for establishing varying elevations within the floodplain, to which Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) shown on a FIRM are referenced. Refer to each FIRM panel to determine datum used.

"New Construction" means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of this ordinance and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

"Nonconforming .Building or Development" means any legally existing building or development which fails to comply with the current provisions of this ordinance.

"Non-Encroachment 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.

"Obstruction" includes, but is not limited to, any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, protection, excavation, channelization, bridge, conduit, culvert, building, wire, fence, rock, gravel, refuse, fill, structure, vegetation or other material in, along, across or projecting into any watercourse which may alter, impede, retard or change the direction and/or velocity of the flow of water, or due to its location, its propensity to snare or collect debris carried by the flow of water, or its likelihood of being carried downstream.

"Post-FIRM" means construction or other development that started on or after January 1, 1975 or on or after the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map for the area, whichever is later.

"Pre-FIRM" means construction or other development that started before January 1, 1975 or before the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map for the area, whichever is later.

"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; and,
(d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling, but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

"Reference Level" is the portion of a structure or other development that must be compared to the regulatory flood protection elevation to determine regulatory compliance of such building. Within Special Flood Hazard Areas designated as zones AI-A30, AE, A, A99, AO, or AH; the reference level is the top of the lowest floor.

"Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation" means the elevation to which all structures and other development located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas must be elevated or floodproofed, if non-residential. Within areas where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) have been determined, this elevation shall be the BFE.

"Remedy a Violation" means to bring the structure or other development into compliance with State or 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.

"Retrofitting" means measures, such as Floodproofing, elevation, construction of small levees, and other modifications, taken on an existing building or its yard to protect it from flood damage.

"Riverine" means relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including tributaries), stream, brook, etc.

"Salvage Yard" means property used for the storage, collection, and/or recycling of any type of equipment whatsoever, whether industrial or noncommercial, and including but not limited to vehicles, appliances and related machinery.

"Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)" is the land in the floodplain subject to a one (1 %) percent or greater chance of being flooded in any given year as determined in Article 3, Section B of this ordinance.

"Solid Waste Disposal Facility" means any facility involved in the disposal of solid waste, as defined in NCGS 130A-290(a)(35).

"Solid Waste Disposal Site" defined as in NCGS 130A-290(a)(36).

"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 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings, installation of piles, 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 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 the building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

"Structure" means a walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground.

"Substantial Damage" means damage of any origin sustained by a structure during any one year period whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. See definition of "substantial improvement

"Substantial Improvement" means any combination of repairs, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, taking place during anyone year period whereby 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 which have incurred "substantial damage", regardless of 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.

"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 Articles 4 and 5 is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided. .

"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.

"Water Surface Elevation (WSE)" means the height, in relation to mean sea level, of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.

ARTICLE 3.

GENERAl, PROVISIONS.

SECTION A.

LANDS TO WHICH THIS ORDINANCE APPLIES.

This ordinance shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the jurisdiction, including Extra-Territorial Jurisdictions (ETJ) if applicable, of the Town of Belhaven haven and within the jurisdiction of any other community whose governing body agrees, by resolution, to such applicability.

SECTION B.     BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS.

The Special Flood Hazard Areas are those identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or produced under the Cooperating Technical State (CTS) agreement between the State of North Carolina and FEMA in its Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM) or Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and its accompanying flood maps such as the Flood I:i1surance Rate Map(s) (FIRM) and/or the Flood Boundary Floodway Map(s) (FBFM), for Town of Belhaven haven dated January 3, 1986 , which with accompanying supporting data, and any revision thereto, including Letters of Map Amendment or Revision, are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance. The Special Flood Hazard Areas also include those defined through standard engineering analysis for private developments or by governmental agencies, but which have not yet been incorporated in the FIRM. This includes, but is not limited to, detailed flood data:

generated as a requirement of Article 4, Section C(11& 12) this Ordinance;
preliminary FIRMs where more stringent than the effective FIRM; or
post-disaster Flood Recovery Maps.

Municipal: In addition, upon annexation to the Town of Belhaven haven or inclusion in the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the Special Flood Hazard Areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and/or produced under the Cooperating Technical State agreement between the State of North Carolina and FEMA as stated above for the Unincorporated Areas of Beaufort County, with accompanying maps and .other supporting data, and any revision thereto, are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.

SECTION C.     ESTABLISHMENT OF 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 as determined in Article 3, Section B.

SECTION D.     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

SECTION E.     ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS.

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 F.     INTERPRETATION.

In the interpretation and application of this ordinance, all provisions shall be:

(a)     considered as minimum requirements;
(b)     liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and,
(c)     deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes

SECTION G.     WARNING AND DISCLAIMER OF UABILITY.

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 on rare occasions. Actual tJ.ood 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 on the part of Town of Belhaven 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 H.     PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION.

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 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this ordinance or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $50.00 or imprisoned for not more than thirty (30) days, or both. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Town of Belhaven from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.

ARTICLE 4.     ADMINISTRATION.

SECTION A.    DESIGNATION OF FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR.

The Code Enforcement Officer, hereinafter referred to as the "Floodplain Administrator", is hereby appointed to administer and implement the provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION B.     FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

(1)     Plans and Application Requirements. Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be made to the floodplain administrator on forms furnished by him or her prior to any development activities proposed to be located within flood prone areas. The following items/information 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:

     i) the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area of development/disturbance; existing and proposed structures, the location of utility systems, proposed grading/pavement areas, fIll materials,. storage areas, drainage facilities, and other proposed development;

     ii) the boundary of the Special Flood Hazard Area as delineated on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in Article 3, Section B or a statement that the entire lot is within the Special Flood Hazard Area;

     iii) flood zone(s) designation of the proposed development area as determined on the FIRM or other flood map as determined in Article 3, Section B;

     iv) the boundary of the floodway(s) or non-encroachment area(s) as determined in Article 3, Section B;

     v) the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) where provided as set forth in Article 3, Section B; Article 4, Section C(11& 12); or Article 5, Sections C, D and B(5);

     vi) the old and new location of any watercourse that will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development;

(b)     Proposed elevation, and method thereof, of all development within a Special Flood Hazard Area including but not limited to:

     i) Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the proposed reference level (including basement) of all structures;

     ii) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any non-residential structure will be floodproofed;

     iii) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any proposed utility systems will be elevated or . floodproofed;

(c)If floodproofing, a floodproofing certificate and back-up plans from a registered professional engineer or architect certifying that the non-residential flood-proofed development will meet the flood-proofing criteria in Article 5, Section B(2) and Section C(2).

(d)  A Foundation Plan drawn to scale which shall include details of the proposed foundation system to ensure all provisions of this ordinance are met. These details include but are not limited to:

     i) Proposed method of elevation, if applicable (i.e., fill, solid foundation perimeter wall, solid backfilled foundation, open foundation on columns/piers);

     ii) Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used in floodplains/details of sufficient openings to facilitate the unimpeded movements of floodwaters in accordance with Article 5, Section B(4);

(e) Usage details of any enclosed space 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)  Copy of all other Local, State and Federal permits required prior to floodplain development permit issuance (i.e. Wetlands, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Riparian Buffers, Mining, etc.) ,

     (h)  If floodplain development permit is issued for placement of Recreational Vehicles and/or Temporary Structures, documentation to ensure Article 5, Section B(6 & 7) of this code are met.

     (i)   If a watercourse is proposed to be altered and/or relocated, a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation; an engineering report on the effects of the proposed project on the flood-carrying capacity of the 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.

2)  Development Permit Data Requirements. The following information shall be provided at a minimum on the Floodplain Development Permit to ensure compliance with this code.

     (a)  A description of the development to be permitted under the floodplain development permit issuance.

     (b)  The Special Flood Hazard Area determination for the proposed development per available data specified in Article 3, Section B.

     (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)State that no fill material shall encroach into the floodway or non-encroachment area of any watercourse, if applicable.

(3)  Certification Requirements.

    (a) A Final As-Built Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) or Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) is required after construction is completed and prior to Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy issuance. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the floodplain administrator a certification of final as-built construction of the elevation or floodproofed elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities. Said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. When floodproofing is utilized, said 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 submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy issuance. In some instances, another certification may be required to certifY corrected as-built construction. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make said corrections required shall be cause to withhold the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy.

     (b) If a manufactured home is placed within anA, AO, AE, or AI-30 zone and the elevation of the chassis is above 36 inches in height, an engineered foundation certification is required per Article 5, Section B(3).

     (c) If a watercourse is to be altered or relocated, a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation; an engineering report on the effects of the 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.

     (d) Certification Exemptions. The following structures, if located within A, AO, AE or AI-30 zones, are exempt from the elevation/floodproofing certification requirements specified in items (a) and (b) above:

     i) Recreational Vehicles meeting requirements of Article 5, Section B(6)(a);

     ii) Temporary Structures meeting requirements of Article 5, Section B(7); and

     iii) Accessory Structures less than 150 square feet meeting requirements of Article 5, Section B(8).

SECTION C.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR

Duties of the floodplain administrator shall include, but not be limited to:

(1)   Review all floodplain development applications and issue permits for all proposed development with in flood prone areas to assure that the requirements of this ordinance have been satisfied.

(2)   Advise Permitee that additional Federal or State permits (i.e., Wetlands, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Riparian Buffers, Mining, etc.) may be required, and if specific Federal or State permits are known, require that copies of such permits be provided and maintained on file with the floodplain development permit.

(3)   Notify adjacent communities and the North Carolina Department of Crime 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.

(4)   Assure that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.

(5)   Prevent encroachments within floodways and non-encroachment areas unless the certification and flood hazard reduction provisions of Article 5, Section E are met.

(6)   Obtain actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the reference level (including basement) of all attendant utilities of all new or substantially improved structures, in accordance with Article 4, Section B(3).

(7)   Obtain the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the new or substantially improved structures and all utilities have been floodproofed, in accordance with Article 4, Section B(3).

(8)   Obtain actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of all public utilities, in accordance with Article 4, Section B(3).

(9)   When floodproofing is utilized for a particular structure, obtain certifications from a registered professional engineer or architect in accordance with Article 4, Section B(3) and Article 5, Section B(2).

(10) 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.

(11) When Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has not been provided in accordance with Article 3, Section B, obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data, along with floodway data and/or non-encroachment area data available from a Federal, State, or other source, including data developed pursuant to Article 5, Section E(4), in order to administer the provisions of this ordinance.

(12) When Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data is provided but no floodway nor non-encroachment area data has been provided in accordance with Article 3, Section B, obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any floodway data, and/or non-encroachment area data available from a Federal, State, or other source in order to administer the provisions of this ordinance.

(13) When the exact location of boundaries of the Special Flood Hazard Areas conflict with the current, natural topography information at the site, the property owner may apply and be approved for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) by FEMA. A copy of the Letter of Map Amendment issued from FEMA will be maintained by the floodplain administrator in the floodplain development permit file.

(14) Permanently maintain all records that pertain to the administration of this ordinance and make these records available for public inspection.

(15) 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.

(16) 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 of a stop-work order constitutes a misdemeanor.

(17) Revocation of floodplain development permit 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 specifications; 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.

(18) 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.

(19) Follow through with corrective procedures of Article 4, Section D.

SECTION D.     CORRECTIVE PROCEDURES.

(1)  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 of the building of the violation. The owner or occupant shall immediately remedy each of the violations of law pertaining to their property.

(2)  Actions in Event of Failure to Take Corrective Action: 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;

     (a) that the building or property is in violation of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance;

     (b) that a hearing will be held before the floodplain administrator at a designated place and time, not later than ten (10) days after the date of the 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,

     (c) that following the hearing, the floodplain administrator may issue such order to alter, vacate, or demolish the building; or to remove fill as appears appropriate.

(3) 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, he or she shall make an order in writing to the owner, requiring the owner to remedy the violation within a specified time period, not less than sixty (60) days. Where the floodplain administrator finds that there is imminent danger to life or other property, he may order that corrective action be taken in such lesser period as may be feasible.

(4) 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.

(5) Failure to comply with Order: If the owner of a building or property fails to comply with an order to take corrective action from which no appeal has been taken, or fails to comply with an order of the governing body following an appeal, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in the discretion of the court.

SECTION E.   VARIANCE PROCEDURES.

(1) The Board of Adjustments as established by the Town of Belhaven, hereinafter referred to as the "appeal board", shall hear . and decide requests for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.

(2) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the appeal board may appeal such decision to the Court, as provided in Chapter 7 A of the North Carolina General Statutes.

(3) Variances may be issued for 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 the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.

(4) 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:

   (a) the danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;

   (b) the danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;

   (c) the susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;

   (d) the importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;

   (e) the necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;

    (f) the availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion damage, for the proposed use;

   (g) the compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;

   (h) the relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management program for that area;

   (i) the safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;

   (j) the expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and,

   (k) 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.

(5) a written report addressing each of the above factors shall be submitted with the application for a variance.

(6) upon consideration of the factors listed above and the purposes of this ordinance; the appeal board may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this ordinance.

(7) variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway or non-encroachment area if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.

(8) Conditions for Variances:

   (a) Variances may not be issued when the variance will make the structure in violation of other Federal, State, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.

   (b) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

   (c) Variances shall only be issued upon:

     i) a showing of good and sufficient cause;

     ii) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship; and

     iii) 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 of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.

   (d) 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 a written statement that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced reference level elevation. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions.

   (e) The floodplain administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and report any variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of North Carolina upon request.

ARTICLE 5.   PROVISIONS FOR FI,OOD HAZARD REDUCTION.

SECTION A.  GENERAl, STANDARDS.

In all Special Flood Hazard Areas the following provisions are required:

(1) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure.

(2) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.

(3) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damages.

(4) 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 HV AC equipment, water softener units, bath/kitchen fixtures, ductwork, electric meter panels/boxes, utility/cable boxes, appliances (i.e., washers, dryers, refrigerator, etc.), hot water heaters, electric outlets/switches.

(5) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate inf1ltration of flood waters into the system. .

(6) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate inf1ltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters.

(7) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.

(8) 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.

(9) Non-conforming structures or other development may not be enlarged, replaced, or rebuilt unless such enlargement or reconstruction is accomplished in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance. Provided, however, nothing in this ordinance shall prevent the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of a building or structure existing on the effective date of this ordinance and located totally or partially within the floodway, non-encroachment area, or stream setback, provided that the bulk of the building or structure below the regulatory flood protection elevation in the floodway, non-encroachment area, or stream setback is not increased and provided that such repair, reconstruction, or replacement meets all of the other requirements of this ordinance.

(10) New solid waste disposal facilities, hazardous waste management facilities, salvage yards, and chemical storage facilities shall not be permitted in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 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 if the structure or tank is either elevated or floodproofed to at least the regulatory flood protection elevation and certified according to Article 4, Section B(3) of this code.

SECTION B.   SPECIFIC STANDARDS.

In all Special Flood Hazard Areas where Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has been provided, as set forth in Article 3, Section B, or Article 4, Section C(11& 12), the following provisions are required:

(1) Residential Construction.   New construction or 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;

(2) Non-Residential Construction.   New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential structure shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. Structures located in A, AD, AE and AI-30 Zones may be floodproofed to the regulatory flood protection elevation in lieu of elevation provided that all areas of the structure below the required flood protection elevation are watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, using structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in Article 4, Section B(3).

(3.) Manufactured Homes.

   (a) 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.

   (b) Manufactured homes shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement in accordance with the State of North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured/Mobile Homes, .
1995 Edition, and any revision thereto adopted by the Commissioner of Insurance pursuant to NCGS 1143-143.15 or a certified engineered foundation. Additionally, when the elevation would be met by an elevation of the chassis thirty-six (36) inches or less above the grade at the site, the chassis shall be supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength. When the elevation of the chassis is above thirty-six (36) inches in height, an engineering certification is required.

   (c) All foundation enclosures or skirting shall be in accordance with Article 5; Section B(4).

   (d) 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.

(4) Elevated Buildings. New construction or substantial improvements of elevated buildings that include fully enclosed areas that are below the regulatory flood protection elevation shall not be designed to be used for human habitation, but shall be designed to be used only for parking of vehicles, building access, or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises, be constructed entirely of flood resistant materials below the regulatory flood protection level in A, AO, AE, and AI-30 zones and meet the following design criteria:

   (a) Measures for complying with this requirement shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. To meet this requirement, the foundation must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum design criteria:

     i) Provide a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed area subject to flooding. .

     ii) The total net area of all openings must be at least one (1) square inch for each square foot of each enclosed area subject to flooding.

     iii) If a building has more than one enclosed area, each area must have openings on exterior walls to allow floodwater to directly enter;

     iv) The bottom of all required openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above the adjacent grade; and,

     v) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other opening coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions.

     vi) Foundation enclosures:

        1) Vinyl or sheet metal skirting is not considered an enclosure for regulatory and flood insurance rating purposes. Therefore such skirting does not require hydrostatic openings as outlined above.

        2) Masonry or wood underpinning, regardless of structural status, is considered an enclosure and requires hydrostatic openings as outlined above to comply with this ordinance.

   (b) Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking of vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises (standard exterior door) or entry to the living area (stairway or elevator). The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be partitioned or finished into separate rooms, except to enclose storage areas. .

(5) Additions/Improvements.

   (a) Additions and/or improvements to pre-FIRM structures whereas the addition and/or improvements in combination with any interior modifications to the existing structure

       i) are not a substantial improvement, the addition and/or improvements must be designed to minimize flood damages and must not be any more non-conforming than the existing structure.

       ii) are a substantial improvement, both the existing structure and the addition and/or improvements must comply with the standards for new construction.

   (b) Additions to post-FIRM structures with no modifications to the existing structure shall require only the addition to comply with the standards for new construction.

   (c) Additions and/or improvements to post-FIRM structures whereas the addition and/or improvements in combination with any interior modifications to the existing structure

       i) are not a substantial improvement, the addition and/or improvements only must comply with the standards for new construction.

       ii) are a substantial improvement, both the existing structure and the addition and/or improvements must comply with the standards for new construction.

   (d) Where a fire wall or independent perimeter load-bearing wall is provided between the addition and the existing building, the addition(s) shall be considered a separate building and only the addition must comply with the standards for new construction. .

(6) Recreational Vehic1es.

Recreation vehicles placed on sites within a Special Flood Hazard Area shall either:

   (a) be on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days and be fully licensed and ready for highway use (a recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and has no permanently attached additions); or

   (b) meet all the requirements for new construction, including anchoring and elevation requirements of Article 4, Section B and Article 5, Sections A and B(3).

Temporary Structures. Prior to the issuance of a floodplain development permit for a temporary structure, the following requirements must be met:

   (a) Applicants must submit to the floodplain administrator a plan for the removal of such structure(s) in the event of a hurricane or flash flood warning notification. The plan must include the following information:

       i) a specified time period for which the temporary use will be permitted;

(8) Assessory Structures. When accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, etc.) are to be placed within a Special Flood Hazard Area, the following criteria shall be met:

   (a) Accessory structures shall not be used for human habitation (including work, sleeping, living, cooking or restroom areas); .

   (b) Accessory structures shall be designed to have low flood damage potential;

   (c) Accessory structures shall be constructed and placed on the building site so as to offer the minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters;

   (d) Accessory structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with Article 5, Section A(1);

   (e) All service facilities such as electrical and heating equipment shall be installed in accordance with Article 5, Section A(4); and

   (f) Openings to relieve hydrostatic pressure during a flood shall be provided below regulatory flood protection elevation in conformance with Article 5 Section B( 4)(a).

   (g) An accessory structure with a footprint less than 150 square feet does not require an elevation or floodproofing certificate. Elevation or floodproofing certifications are required for all other accessory structures in accordance with Article 4, Section B(3).

SECTION C.   SUBDIVISIONS. MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS AND MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS.

All subdivision, manufactured home park and major development proposals located within Special Flood Hazard Areas shall:

(1) be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;

(2) have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage;

(3) have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure t6 flood hazards; and,

(4) have Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data provided if development is greater than the lesser of five (5) acres or fifty (50) lots/manufactured home sites. Such Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data shall be adopted by reference per Article 3, Section B to be utilized in implementing this code.

SECTION D.   STANDARDS FOR FLOODPLAINS WITHOUT ESTABLISHED BASE FLOOD EI,EV A TIONS.

Within the Special Flood Hazard Areas established in Article 3, Section B, where no Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data has been provided, the following provisions shall apply:

(1)   No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements or new development shall be permitted within a distance of twenty 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.

(2)   If Article 5, Section C(1) is satisfied and 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 elevations established in accordance with Article 4, Section C(11& 12). When Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data is not available from a Federal, State, or other source, the reference level, including basement, shall be elevated at least two - (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade.

SECTION E. STANDARDS FOR FLOODPLAINS WITH BFE BUT WITHOUT ESTABLISHED FLOODWAYS OR NON-ENCROACHMENT AREAS.

Along rivers and streams where Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data is provided but neither floodway nor non-encroachment areas are identified for a Special Flood Hazard Area on the FIRM or in the FIS, 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 of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the community.

SECTION F. FLOODWAYS.AND NON-ENCROACHMENT AREAS.

Located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas established in Article 3, Section B are areas designated as floodways or nonencroachment areas. The floodways and non-encroachment areas are extremely hazardous areas due to the velocity of floodwaters that have erosion potential and carry debris and potential projectiles. The following provisions shall apply to all development within such areas:

(1) No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other developments shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in the flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood. Such certification and technical data shall be presented to the floodplain administrator prior to issuance of floodplain development permit. .

(2) If Article 5, Section F(1) is satisfied, all development shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of this ordinance.

(3) No manufactured homes shall be permitted, except replacement manufactured homes in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision provided the following provisions are met:

   (a) the anchoring and the elevation standards of Article 5, Section B(3); and

   (b) the no encroachment standards of Article 5, Section F(1) are met.

SECTION G.   STANDARDS FOR AREAS OF SHALLOW FLOODING (AO ZONES).

Located within the Special Flood Hazard Areas established in Article 3, Section B, 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. The following provisions shall apply within such areas:

(1) All new construction and substantial improvements of all structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the depth number specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), in feet, above the highest adjacent grade. If no depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated at least to the regulatory flood protection elevation as defined for the SpeCial Flood Hazard Areas where no BFE has been established.

(2) All new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential structures shall have the option to, in lieu of elevation, be completely floodproofed together with attendant utilities and sanitary facilities to or above that level so that any space below that level is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. Certification is required as per Article 4, Section B(3) and Article 5, Section B(2).

ARTICLE 6.    LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS.

SECTION A.   EFFECT ON RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES UNDER THE EXISTING FLOOD DAMAGE PREV ENTION ORDINANCE.

This ordinance in part comes forward by re-enactment of some of the provisions of the flood damage prevention ordinance enacted August 15 1994 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 Town of Belhaven enacted on August l5, 1994, as amended, which are not reenacted herein are repealed.

SECTION B.   EFFECT UPON OUTSTANDING BUILDING 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 authorized agents before the time of passage of this ordinance; provided, however, that when construction is not begun under such outstanding permit within a period of six (6) months subsequent to passage of this ordinance or any revision thereto, construction or use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION C.   EFFECTIVE DATE.

This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.

SECTION D. ADOPTION CERTIFICATION.

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the flood damage prevention ordinance as adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Belhaven, North Carolina, on the 5th day of May, 2003.

WITNESS my hand and the official seal of the Town of Belhaven, on the 5th day of May of 2003.

Marie J. Adams, CMC
Town Clerk

Belhaven Waterway Marina Expansion - Mr. Les Porter
Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Les Porter, owner/operator of the Be1have:1) Waterway Marina was present to request expansion of his marina in the Marine Business zoning district. Mayor Boyette stated that according to Belhaven's Zoning Ordinance any construction in the Marine Business District would need a site plan approved by the planning board and the town council. Mr. Porter stated that he would like to add an additional nine boat slips at the end of the facility and a covered working area. Town Manager Johnson stated that Mr. Porter and his business had brought credibility to Belhaven's waterfront and appreciated his . business. There being no further comments or questions from the Council. Councilman Baker made the motion to concur with the planning board's recommendation of approval of the proposed expansion of the Belhaven Waterway Marina. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Planning Board/Board of Adjustment Vacancies
Mayor Boyette stated that two members on the Planning Broad/Board of Adjustment (PBBOA) terms were expiring and there was the need to appoint one Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
and one regular member of the PBBOA. Mayor Boyette stated that members with their terms' expiring were Mr. Wilber Logan, now chairman and Mr. Windell McCloud who have agreed to be reappointed for four year terms. Mayo Boyette stated that an ETJ member to replace Ms. Rosa White, whose term has expired and she wishes not to be reappointed and someone to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Del Stutzman, has moved from the area, whose term will expire in 2005.
Town Manager Johnson stated that Mr. Wesley Bowman has been an alternate member from the ETJ and has expressed his desire to become a regular member. Following much discussion, Councilman Baker made the motion to reappoint Mr. Wilber Logan and Mr. Windell McCloud as regular members for four year terms, and after advertisement in the local paper stating the need for membership to the PBBOA, to make other appointments at a later meeting. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Water Bill Complaint - Mr. Roy O'Neal- Village Homes Trailer Park,
Mayor Boy.ette stated that Mr. Roy O'Neal had approached the Council at the April 7, 2003 meeting requesting reimbursement for a $2,732.44 water bill at Village Homes which was automatically drafted from his account. At that meeting Mr. O'Neal was informed that his account at Village Homes had an additional charge from another water leak in his park. Mr. O'Neal had then stated that he was not liable and wanted reimbursement of the $2,732.44. Mayor Boyette also stated that when the water system was installed at Village Homes trailer park that he did not use Rockwell meters as the town suggested but used Kent water meters, so therefore the town installed a master meter at the street and that he was billed the overage between the readings to each mobile home and the total read at the master meter.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. O'Neal. Mr. O'Neal stated that there were two water leaks at his mobile home park on the customers side of the meter. Mr. O'Neal contended at length that the leaks were not his responsibility as one was inside a home which had been vacant since June 1999 and the other leak was for a mobile home, on the ground between the meter and the home, which was cut off January 16,2003. Mr. O'Neal contended that these charges for these leaks were not his responsibility. Mr. O'Neal stated that he had no problem in the past being billed or the difference in readings of the master meter and the tenants meters as there had been no real problems. Mr. O'Neal reiterated that the home which had been cut off in June 1999 was a mobile home which had been repossessed but that the finance company had never removed the home. .

Mayor Boyette recognized Town Manager Johnson who stated that when the water system was installed at Village Homes the town would not accept the quality of meter in which was installed so that the town installed a master meter at the street and as a courtesy to Mr. O'Neal read his meters to the mobile homes and billed the customers and then billed any overage read from the master meter to Mr. O'Neal. Town Manager Johnson stated that both of these leaks were billed to Mr. O'Neal because of the overage from the master meter and the individual meters as has been done historically. Town Manager Johnson stated. that
a sewer adjustment was given on one of the leaks, because it was water outside the home running on the . ground and not going through the sewer but, the second leak would not have a sewer adjustment because the water was running through the commode and therefore being treated as sewer.

Attorney Mason questioned Mr. O'Neal if he had forced any evictions. Mr. O'Neal stated no. Mr. Mason stated that the point of this issue is not the quality of the meters but the relationship that the Town has had with Village Homes with the cades of reading the individual meters and the master meter and billing the difference to Village Homes. Attorney Mason read the following from: " General Statutes 160A 314(d) Rents, rates, fees, charges, and penalties for enterprisory services shall be legal obligations of the owner of the premises served when:
(1) The property or premises is leased or rented to more than one tenant and services rendered t6 more than one tenant are measured by the same meter."

Decision on Village Homes Trailer Park Leak - Mr. Roy O'Neal
Following much discussion, Councilman Baker asked if installment would be permitted for these bills. Town Manager Johnson stated that Mr. O'Neal could have installments of six months to pay. Town Attorney stated that the town should read the master meter and the other meters be the property owner's responsibility. Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Steve Carawan, who asked on Mr. O'Neal's behalf if a retail rate for water could be charged. Town Manager Johnson stated. that if you started adjusting rates or forgiving bills for leaks, it would apply to everyone, and he would not advise that route. Attorney Mason informed Mr. O'Neal that he should proceed to get retribution from the finance company for the leak in the mobile home which has been vacant since 1999 and foreclosed on. Town Manager Johnson stated that should Mr. O'Neal want to set up a payment plan then he should contact his office tomorrow. The conclusion was that no adjustment were given and that the total was due by Mr. O'Neal on behalf of Village Homes Trailer Park.

Temporary Post Office Site - Lease Termination
Mayor Boyette stated that the Post Office had been temporary located on town property since July 2000 and that the Belhaven Citizens deserved a new free standing Post Office. Town Manager Johnson stated that the lease the Town had with the US Postal Service (USPS) was month to month and he strongly believed that the Town should end the lease with a six or nine months notice, to force the USPS to move forward with the lease/purchase of permanent facility on its' own property. There was much discussion, with the C_unci1 reiterating that a prioritized list of penn anent site had been forwarded to the USPS. Councilman Ebron made the motion directing the Town Manager to notify the USPS that the Town would be terminating the lease in nine months. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Town Manager Johnson stated that this should give the USPS enough time to budget for a new building/site.

Budget Workshop Schedule
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to set a budget workshop. After some discussion, Councilman Baker made the motion to set the Budget Workshop for Monday, May 12 at 7 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following: Sewer Plant had an overflow on April 11, 2003 due to several days of heavy rain. This overflow resulted in approximately 25,000 gallons of partially treated sewer entering Battalina Creek, notice was published as per the state and clean up made; Well #2 has hole in the inner casing - instead of patching may make a new well - water plant still should be complete in June 2003."

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette stated that with the completion of the Waterfront Development Plan and Feasibility Study, Belhaven was getting a lot of publicity with the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission holding their monthly meeting here on April 24 and the Beaufort County Committee of 100 held their meeting here on May 1, 2003. Mayor Boyette stated that our Waterfront Study Plan was getting a lot of support! Mayor Boyette stated that Mother's Day Weekend was historically Celebration as the Alumni Homecoming and would be held again this year.

Citizen's Comments
Mayor Boyette stated there was need for a three minute break and to reconvene into closed session as permitted by General Statutes 143-318.11(4). The meeting recessed at 9:45 P.M.

Reconvene and Adjournment
Councilman Hodges made the motion to reconvene into regular session. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting reconvened into regular session at 9:59P .M. There being no action taken or any further business, Councilwoman Wilkerson made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at l0 P.M.