18.10.050 General provisions.
A. Lands to Which This Chapter Applies. This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the city of Gig Harbor. GHMC 18.10.100 also applies to areas that include riparian buffer zone within the jurisdiction of the city of Gig Harbor.
B. Basis for Establishing the Areas of Special Flood Hazard. The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration in a scientific and engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for Pierce County, and Incorporated Areas,” dated March 7, 2017, and any revisions thereto, with an accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated March 7, 2017, and any revisions thereto, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter. The flood insurance study and the FIRM are on file at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335. The best available information for flood hazard area identification as outlined in GHMC 18.10.060 shall be the basis for regulation until a new FIRM is issued that incorporates data utilized under GHMC 18.10.060.
C. Penalties for Noncompliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of the provisions of this chapter for failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall be enforced according to the procedures in Chapter 17.07 GHMC.
D. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
E. Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:
1. Considered as minimum requirements;
2. Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
3. Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
F. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the city, any officer or employee thereof, or the Federal Insurance Administration for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder. (Ord. 1356 § 1, 2017; Ord. 1264 § 1, 2013; Ord. 1259 § 3, 2013; Ord. 1074 § 2, 2007).