Ord 101-2005 12/6/2005ORDINANCE NO. b� 1
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 54 FLOODS, OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES, TO ADD A DEFINITION OF AN ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE, AND TO ALLOW ACCESSORY STRUCTURES TO BE
BUILT WITHIN THE 100 -YEAR FLOODPLAIN WITHOUT ELEVATING
THE FLOOR OF THE STRUCTURE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS;
FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS
ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS
REQUIRED BY LAW.
WHEREAS, FEMA allows communities within the National Flood Insurance
Program to adopt language which allows for the placement of small low value
accessory structures within the 100 -year floodplain without the requirement to elevate
the floor; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that this amendment to the
floodplain management section of the Code of Ordinances is in the public interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1 . Chapter 54, Floods, Article II Flood Damage Prevention, Division 1
Generally, Section 54 -26 Definitions, is hereby amended to add the text "Accessory
Structure ", along with its definition, in its proper alphabetized order and shall read as
follows:
Accessory Structure means a structure which is on the same parcel of
property as the principle structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of
the principle structure (such as garages and storage sheds).
SECTION 2 . Chapter 54, Floods, Article II Flood Damage Prevention, Division 3
Flood Hazard Reduction Standards, Section 54 -92 Specific Standards, is hereby
amended to add the following text:
(6) Accessory Structures. Accessory structures may be built below
one foot above the base flood elevation provided that such
structures satisfy the following standards in unnumbered and
numbered A Zones:
a. Structure is low valued and represents a minimal investment.
b. Structure shall be small in size, not to exceed 600 square feet.
c. Structure shall be unfinished on the interior.
d. Structure can be used only for parking and limited storage.
e. Structure shall not be used for human habitation (including
work, sleeping, living, cooking, or restroom areas).
f. Service facilities such as electrical and heating equipment must
be elevated to one foot above the BFE or flood proofed.
g. Structure is constructed and placed on building site so as to
offer the minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters.
h. Structure is designed to have low flood damage potential i.e.
constructed with flood resistance materials.
i. Structure is firmly anchored to prevent floatation, collapse, and
lateral movement.
Floodway requirements must be met in the construction of the
structure.
<. Openings to relieve hydrostatic pressure during a flood shall be
provided below one foot above the BFE.
SECTION 3 . It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at
which this ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 6th day of December 2005.
ATTEST:
City Cler
� � i Y ��
MAYOR