HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 09-01 PCPPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
SPECIAL MEETING
September 1, 2016
1. Call to Order: 7:00 PM
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
• Motion to Approve the Planning Commission Special Meeting Agenda for September
1, 2016
4. Approval of Minutes
• Motion to Approve the August 25, 2016 meeting minutes (if available)
5. Chairperson's Explanation
The Planning Commission is an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to
hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes
recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these
matters.
6. PLANNING ITEMS
a) City of Brooklyn Center, MN
PUBLIC HEARING – Consideration of the Draft Ordinance Amending Chapter
35 of the City Ordinances Regarding Floodplain Management for the City of
Brooklyn Center.
Requested Planning Commission Action:
• Direct Staff to present Draft Ordinance
• Motion to open Public Hearing; take public input
• Motion to close Public Hearing
• Motion to formulate recommendation to the City Council
7. Adjournment
City Hall Community Center Police & Fire Departments
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6645 Humboldt Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1853
763.569.3300 Fax: 763.569.3494 763.569.3400 Fax: 763.569.3434 763.569.3333 Fax: 763.561.0717
Planning Commission
(763) 569-3335
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chair Randall Christensen and City Planning Commissioners
FROM: Gary Eitel, Director of Business and Development
Tim Benetti, Planning & Zoning Specialist/Planning Commission Secretary
DATE: September 1, 2016
RE: Consideration of the Draft Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 of the City Ordinances
Regarding Floodplain Management for the City of Brooklyn Center.
Attached please find the Draft Ordinance relating to the proposed amendments to City Code
Sections 35-2100 Flood Plain Management. City staff has been working with the Minnesota
Dept. of Natural Resources staff in preparing this new draft ordinance amendment, which we
anticipate will meet their general requirements and will be adopted shortly hereafter.
On May 4, 2016, the City of Brooklyn Center received a letter from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) regarding updated floodplain regulations for the community.
This letter, known as the Letter of Final Determination (LFD), explains that the Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs) of our community, as well as the Hennepin County Flood Insurance Study,
are now complete and will become effective on November 4, 2016 (which is 6 months from the
date of the LFD).
This letter explained that prior to the November 4, 2016 deadline, our community is required, as
a condition of continued eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to adopt or
show evidence of adoption of floodplain management regulations that meet the standards of
Paragraph 60.3(d) of the enclosed NFIP regulations (44 CFR 59, etc.) by this effective date.
FEMA has advised that, “without exception…”. a community will be suspended from the
National Flood Insurance Program if the required floodplain ordinance documents are not
received in its Chicago Regional Office by the study/map effective date (of November 4, 2016).
A suspended community may be reinstated if the community: 1) submits the required floodplain
ordinance language; and 2) documents that no improper floodplain development has occurred
since the study /map effective date or that any improper floodplain development has been
properly mitigated. During the suspension period, no flood insurance policies can be written or
renewed in the community. This would have a serious impact on people exposed to flood
damage or those who are trying to purchase homes in the designated 100-year floodplain, where
flood insurance is a requirement of the loan.
At this time, the City has received hard-copies of the updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM) of the community, along with the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) manuals, which include
“Flood Profile” section maps as an added reference and related attachment. The city has also
___________________________________________
City Hall Community Center Police & Fire Departments
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6645 Humboldt Avenue North
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1853
763.569.3300 Fax: 763.569.3494 763.569.3400 Fax: 763.569.3434 763.569.3333 Fax: 763.561.0717
been provided a CD-ROM of all new digitized floodplain mapping for the community, and
shapefiles for our own GIS mapping systems.
Planning staff is proposing a major modification to the formatting (bulleting) of the
original/current ordinance to the draft document attached to this report. Under the current
formatting, the Flood Plain Management begins with numbering of Section 35-2100 FLOOD
PLAIN MANAGEMENT, followed by subsequent and sequential section numbers for each part
contained within this floodplain ordinance (example in red text as follows):
Section 35-2100. FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT.
Section 35-2110. STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND PURPOSE.
1. Statutory Authorization
The Legislature of the State of Minnesota has, in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103F and
Chapter 368.01, delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt
regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the City Council of the City
of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, does ordain as follows:
2. Findings of Fact
a. The flood hazard areas of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, are subject
to periodic inundation which results in potential loss of life, loss of property,
health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services,
extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and
impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health,
safety, and general welfare.
b. Methods of Use to Analyze Flood Hazards. This ordinance is based upon a
reasonable method of analyzing flood hazards which is consistent with the
standards established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
c. National Flood Insurance Program Compliance. This Ordinance is adopted to
comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program
codified as 44 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 59-78, as amended, so as to
maintain the community’s eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Section 35-2120. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
1. Lands to Which Ordinance Applies
This ordinance shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of the City of Brooklyn Center shown on the
Official Zoning Map and/or the attachments thereto as being located within the boundaries of the
Floodway, Flood Fringe, or
Under the current Ch. 35 Zoning Code, these Section numbers are used to define or separate out
the different units or segments listed or provided for under the general Zoning regulations of the
___________________________________________
City Hall Community Center Police & Fire Departments
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6645 Humboldt Avenue North
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1853
763.569.3300 Fax: 763.569.3494 763.569.3400 Fax: 763.569.3434 763.569.3333 Fax: 763.561.0717
city. In other “Sections” of Zoning Code, where the section specifically targets or references one
subject matter or zoning district, it does not separate different parts of that section into separate
section numbers (normally just Number paragraphs and small-capped letters as sub-parts).
Staff is proposing to maintain the ordinance heading as Section 35-2100 , followed by “Sub-
Section” statements or sub-headings, (possibly revised to “Subpart”), and followed by respective
“Subdivision” text areas. (Example is shown below in gray shade).
SECTION 35-2100. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
SUB-SECTION 1.0. STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND
PURPOSE
Subdivision 1. Statutory Authorization: The legislature of the State of
Minnesota has, in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103F and Chapter 462 delegated the
responsibility to local government units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood
losses. Therefore, the City Council of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota does ordain as
follows.
Subdivision 2. Purpose:
(a) This ordinance regulates development in the flood hazard areas of the City of
Brooklyn Center (hereinafter referred to in some cases as the “City”). These
flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, which may result in loss of
life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and
relief, and impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this ordinance to
promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by minimizing these losses
and disruptions.
Planning staff will provide a more thorough explanation of this amendment and proposed
reformatting at the September 1st meeting.
Since this ordinance amendment is related to Chapter 35- Zoning Code, the Planning
Commission is tasked with conducting its own public hearing on this matter; provide input or
comments; and generate a recommendation for the City Council to consider. The City Council is
expected to take this Ordinance up on First Reading at the September 12, 2016 regular meeting,
whereby it will be recommended the City Council set a Second Reading and public hearing for
this ordinance at the October 10, 2016 meeting.
If Commissioners have any specific questions prior to the Sept. 1st meeting and as related to this
ordinance amendment, feel free also to contact Gary Eitel at (763) 569-3305 or Tim Benetti at
(763) 569-3319 for other questions. Thank you.
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on the 10th day of October 2016 at 7:00
p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard at the City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek
Parkway, to consider an Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 of the City Code of Ordinances
Regarding the Floodplain Management within the community of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance.
Please contact the City Clerk at (763) 569-3300 to make arrangements.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016 - _____
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 35 – ZONING OF THE CITY CODE
OF ORDINANCES REGARDING THE REGULATION OF FLOODPLAIN
MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER,
MINNESOTA
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 35 of the City Ordinances of the City of Brooklyn Center is hereby
amended in the following manner
SECTION 35-2100. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
SUB-SECTION 1.0. STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND
PURPOSE
Subdivision 1. Statutory Authorization: The legislature of the State of Minnesota
has, in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103F and Chapter 462 delegated the responsibility to
local government units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses.
Therefore, the City Council of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota does ordain as follows.
Subdivision 2. Purpose:
(a) This ordinance regulates development in the flood hazard areas of the City of
Brooklyn Center (hereinafter referred to in some cases as the “City”). These
flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, which may result in loss of
life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and
relief, and impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this ordinance to
promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by minimizing these losses
and disruptions.
(b) National Flood Insurance Program Compliance. This ordinance is adopted to
comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
codified as 44 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 59 -78, as amended, so as to
maintain the community’s eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(c) This ordinance is also intended to preserve the natural characteristics and
functions of watercourses and floodplains in order to moderate flood and
stormwater impacts, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic
and riparian habitat, provide recreational opportunities, provide aesthetic benefits
and enhance community and economic development.
SUB-SECTION 2.0. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Subdivision 1. How to Use This Ordinance: This ordinance adopts the floodplain
maps applicable to the City of Brooklyn Center and includes three floodplain districts:
Floodway, Flood Fringe, and General Floodplain.
(a) Where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are delineated on the floodplain maps,
the standards in Sub-Sections 4.0 or 5.0 will apply, depending on the location of a
property.
(b) Locations where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are not delineated on the
floodplain maps are considered to fall within the General Floodplain district.
Within the General Floodplain district, the Floodway District standards in Sub-
Section 4.0 apply unless the floodway boundary is determined, according to the
process outlined in Sub-Section 6.0 Once the floodway boundary is determined,
the Flood Fringe District standards in Sub-Section 5.0 may apply outside the
floodway.
Subdivision 2. Lands to Which Ordinance Applies: This ordinance applies to all
lands within the jurisdiction of the City of Brooklyn Center shown on the Official Zoning
Map and/or the attachments to the map as being located within the boundaries of the
Floodway, Flood Fringe, or General Floodplain Districts.
(a) The Floodway, Flood Fringe and General Floodplain Districts are overlay districts
that are superimposed on all existing zoning districts. The standards imposed in
the overlay districts are in addition to any other requirements in this ordinance. In
case of a conflict, the more restrictive standards will apply.
Subdivision 3. Incorporation of Maps by Reference: The following maps together
with all attached material are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of the
Official Zoning Map and this ordinance. The attached material includes the Flood
Insurance Study for Hennepin County, Minnesota, and Incorporated Areas, dated
November 4, 2016 and the Flood Insurance Rate Map panels enumerated below, dated
November 4, 2016, all prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These
materials are on file in the City Business and Development Department and the City
Clerk’s Office.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
Effective Flood Insurance Rate Map panels numbers as follows:
27053C0203F 27053C0204F 27053C0208F
27053C0209F 27053C0212F 27053C0216F
Subdivision 4. Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation: The regulatory flood
protection elevation (RFPE) is an elevation no lower than one foot above the elevation of
the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the
floodplain that result from designation of a floodway.
Subdivision 5. Interpretation: The boundaries of the zoning districts are determined
by scaling distances on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
(a) Where a conflict exists between the floodplain limits illustrated on the official
zoning map and actual field conditions, the flood elevations shall be the governing
factor. The Zoning Administrator must interpret the boundary location based on the
ground elevations that existed on the site on the date of the first National Flood
Insurance Program map showing the area within the regulatory floodplain, and
other available technical data.
(b) Persons contesting the location of the district boundaries will be given a reasonable
opportunity to present their case to the Planning Commission and to submit
technical evidence.
Subdivision 6. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions: It is not intended by this
ordinance to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or other
private agreements. However, where this ordinance imposes greater restrictions, the
provisions of this ordinance prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this
ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
Subdivision 7. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability: This ordinance does not imply
that areas outside the floodplain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will
be free from flooding or flood damages. This ordinance does not create liability on the
part of the City of Brooklyn Center or its officers or employees for any flood damages
that result from reliance on this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made
hereunder.
Subdivision 8. Severability: If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this
ordinance is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of law, the remainder of this
ordinance shall not be affected and shall remain in full force.
Subdivision 9. Definitions: Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases
used in this ordinance must be interpreted according to common usage and so as to give
this ordinance its most reasonable application.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
(a) Accessory Use or Structure – a use or structure on the same lot with, and of a
nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
(b) Base Flood Elevation – The elevation of the “regional flood.” The term “base
flood elevation” is used in the flood insurance survey.
(c) Basement – any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor or
base subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of
excavation below ground level.
(d) Critical Facilities – facilities necessary to a community’s public health and safety,
those that store or produce highly volatile, toxic or water-reactive materials, and
those that house occupants that may be insufficiently mobile to avoid loss of life
or injury. Examples of critical facilities include hospitals, correctional facilities,
schools, daycare facilities, nursing homes, fire and police stations, wastewater
treatment facilities, public electric utilities, water plants, fuel storage facilities,
and waste handling and storage facilities.
(e) Development – any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving,
excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.
(f) Equal Degree of Encroachment – a method of determining the location of
floodway boundaries so that floodplain lands on both sides of a stream are
capable of conveying a proportionate share of flood flows.
(g) Farm Fence – A fence as defined by Minn. Statutes Section 344.02, Subd. 1(a)-
(d). An open type fence of posts and wire is not considered to be a structure
under this ordinance. Fences that have the potential to obstruct flood flows, such
as chain link fences and rigid walls, are regulated as structures under this
ordinance.
(h) Flood – a temporary increase in the flow or stage of a stream or in the stage of a
wetland or lake that results in the inundation of normally dry areas.
(i) Flood Frequency – the frequency for which it is expected that a specific flood
stage or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.
(j) Flood Fringe – the portion of the Special Flood Hazard Area (one percent annual
chance flood) located outside of the floodway. Flood fringe is synonymous with
the term “floodway fringe” used in the Flood Insurance Study for Hennepin
County, Minnesota.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
(k) Flood Insurance Rate Map – an official map on which the Federal Insurance
Administrator has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium
zones applicable to the community. A FIRM that has been made available
digitally is called a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM).
(l) Flood Prone Area – any land susceptible to being inundated by water from any
source (see “Flood”).
(m) Floodplain – the beds proper and the areas adjoining a wetland, lake or
watercourse which have been or hereafter may be covered by the regional flood.
(n) Floodproofing – a combination of structural provisions, changes, or adjustments
to properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or
elimination of flood damages.
(o) Floodway – the bed of a wetland or lake and the channel of a watercourse and
those portions of the adjoining floodplain which are reasonably required to carry
or store the regional flood discharge.
(p) Lowest Floor – the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles,
building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered
a building’s lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render
the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of
44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60.3.
(q) Manufactured Home – a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is
built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent
foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term “manufactured
home” does not include the term “recreational vehicle.”
(r) New Construction - Structures, including additions and improvements, and
placement of manufactured homes, for which the start of construction commenced
on or after the effective date of this ordinance.
(s) Obstruction – any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment,
projection, excavation, channel modification, culvert, building, wire, fence,
stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any
channel, watercourse, or regulatory floodplain which may impede, retard, or
change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or by catching or
collecting debris carried by such water.
(t) One Hundred Year Floodplain – lands inundated by the “Regional Flood” (see
definition Subd. 9.(x) below).
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
(u) Principal Use or Structure – all uses or structures that are not accessory uses or
structures.
(v) Reach – a hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a
stream or river influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area,
the segment of a stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would
most typically constitute a reach.
(w) Recreational Vehicle – a vehicle that is built on a single chassis, is 400 square feet
or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, is designed to be self-
propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and is designed primarily
not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. For the purposes of this ordinance,
the term recreational vehicle is synonymous with the term “travel trailer/travel
vehicle.”
(x) Regional Flood – a flood which is representative of large floods known to have
occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be
expected to occur on an average frequency in the magnitude of the 1% chance or
100-year recurrence interval. Regional flood is synonymous with the term "base
flood" used in a flood insurance study.
(y) Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE) - an elevation not less than one
foot above the elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation
caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a
floodway.
(z) Repetitive Loss – Flood related damages sustained by a structure on two separate
occasions during a ten year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each
such flood event on the average equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the
structure before the damage occurred.
(aa) Special Flood Hazard Area – a term used for flood insurance purposes
synonymous with “One Hundred Year Floodplain.”
(bb) Special Use – a specific type of structure or land use listed in the official control
that may be allowed, subject to the procedures and standards contained in Sub-
Section 10.0 Subd. 4. of this ordinance, but only after an in-depth review
procedure and with appropriate conditions or restrictions as provided in the
official zoning controls or building codes and upon a finding that: (a) Certain
conditions as detailed in the zoning ordinance exist; and (b) The structure and/or
land use conform to the comprehensive land use plan if one exists and are
compatible with the existing neighborhood.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
(cc) Start of Construction – includes substantial improvement, and means the actual
start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or
other improvement that occurred before the permit’s expiration date. The actual
start is either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site,
such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the 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, 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 a building, whether
or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
(dd) Structure - anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the
ground or on-site utilities, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds,
detached garages, cabins, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles not meeting
the exemption criteria specified in Sub-Section 9.0 Subd. 2.(b) of this ordinance
and other similar items.
(ee) Substantial Damage - means damage of any origin sustained by a structure where
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.
(ff) Substantial Improvement - within any consecutive 365-day period, any
reconstruction, rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair), repair
after damage, addition, or other improvement of a structure, 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 that have
incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed.
The term does not, however, include either:
i. Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations
of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have
been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the
minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
ii. Any alteration of a “historic structure,” provided that the alteration will
not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a “historic structure.”
For the purpose of this ordinance, “historic structure” is as defined in 44
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 59.1.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
Subdivision 10. Annexations: The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by
reference into Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 3. above may include floodplain areas that lie
outside of the corporate boundaries of the City of Brooklyn Center at the time of adoption
of this ordinance. If any of these floodplain land areas are annexed into the City of
Brooklyn Center after the date of adoption of this ordinance, the newly annexed
floodplain lands will be subject to the provisions of this ordinance immediately upon the
date of annexation.
Subdivision 11. Detachments. The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted by
reference into Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 3. above will include floodplain areas that lie inside
the corporate boundaries of municipalities at the time of adoption of this ordinance. If
any of these floodplain land areas are detached from a municipality and come under the
jurisdiction of the City of Brooklyn Center after the date of adoption of this ordinance,
the newly detached floodplain lands will be subject to the provisions of this ordinance
immediately upon the date of detachment.
SUB-SECTION 3.0. ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
Subdivision 1. Districts:
(a) Floodway District.
The Floodway District includes those areas within Zones AE that have a floodway
delineated as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Sub-Section 2.0
Subd. 3. For lakes, wetlands and other basins within Zones AE that do not have a
floodway delineated, the Floodway District also includes those areas that are at or
below the ordinary high water level as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section
103G.005, subdivision 14.
(b) Flood Fringe District.
The Flood Fringe District includes areas within Zones AE that have a floodway
delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 3.
but are located outside of the floodway. For lakes, wetlands and other basins
within Zones AE that do not have a floodway delineated, the Flood Fringe District
also includes those areas below the 1% annual chance (100-year) flood elevation
but above the ordinary high water level as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section
103G.005, subdivision 14.
(c) General Floodplain District.
The General Floodplain District includes those areas within Zone A as shown on
the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 3.
Subdivision 2. Applicability: Within the floodplain districts established in this
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
ordinance, the use, size, type and location of development must comply with the terms of
this ordinance and other applicable regulations. In no cases shall floodplain development
adversely affect the efficiency or unduly restrict the capacity of the channels or
floodways of any tributaries to the main stream, drainage ditches, or any other drainage
facilities or systems. All uses not listed as permitted uses or special uses in Sub-Sections
4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 herein are prohibited. In addition, critical facilities, as defined in Sub-
Section 2.0 Subd. 9.(d) are prohibited in all floodplain districts.
SUB-SECTION 4.0. FLOODWAY DISTRICT (FW)
Subdivision 1. Permitted Uses: The following uses, subject to the standards set
forth in Sub-Section 4.0 Subd. 2 below are permitted uses if otherwise allowed in the
underlying zoning district or any applicable overlay district:
(a) General farming, pasture, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, truck
farming, forestry, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.
(b) Industrial-commercial loading areas, parking areas, and airport landing strips.
(c) Open space uses, including but not limited to private and public golf courses,
tennis courts, driving ranges, archery ranges, picnic grounds, boat launching
ramps, swimming areas, parks, wildlife and nature preserves, game farms, fish
hatcheries, shooting preserves, hunting and fishing areas, and single or multiple
purpose recreational trails.
(d) Residential lawns, gardens, parking areas, and play areas.
(e) Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines and pipelines, provided that
the Department of Natural Resources’ Area Hydrologist is notified at least ten
days prior to issuance of any permit.
Subdivision 2. Standards for Floodway Permitted Uses:
(a) The use must have a low flood damage potential.
(b) The use must not obstruct flood flows or cause any increase in flood elevations
and must not involve structures, obstructions, or storage of materials or
equipment.
(c) Any facility that will be used by employees or the general public must be
designed with a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation
if the area is inundated to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet)
multiplied by the velocity (in feet per second) would exceed a product of four
upon occurrence of the regional (1% chance) flood.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
Subdivision 3. Special Uses: The following uses may be allowed as special uses
following the standards and procedures set forth in Sub-Section 10.0 Subd. 4. of this
ordinance and further subject to the standards set forth in Sub-Section 4.0 Subd. 2. below,
if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district or any applicable overlay district.
(a) Structures accessory to the uses listed in Sub-Section 4.0 Subd. 1. (a), (b) and (c)
above and the uses listed in in Sub-Section 4.0 Subd. 3. (b) and (c) below.
(b) Extraction and storage of sand, gravel, and other materials.
(c) Marinas, boat rentals, docks, piers, wharves, and water control structures.
(d) Storage yards for equipment, machinery, or materials.
(e) Placement of fill or construction of fences that obstruct flood flows. Farm fences,
as defined Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 9.(g) are permitted uses.
(f) Travel-ready recreational vehicles meeting the exception standards in Sub-Section
9.0 Subd. 2.(b).
(g) Levees or dikes intended to protect agricultural crops for a frequency flood event
equal to or less than the 10-year frequency flood event.
Subdivision 4. Standards for Floodway Special Uses:
(a) All Uses. A special use must not cause any increase in the stage of the 1% chance
or regional flood or cause an increase in flood damages in the reach or reaches
affected.
(b) Fill; Storage of Materials and Equipment:
(1) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding,
flammable, explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant
life is prohibited.
(2) Fill, dredge spoil, and other similar materials deposited or stored in the
floodplain must be protected from erosion by vegetative cover, mulching,
riprap or other acceptable method. Permanent sand and gravel operations
and similar uses must be covered by a long-term site development plan.
(3) Temporary placement of fill, other materials, or equipment which would
cause an increase to the stage of the 1% percent chance or regional flood
may only be allowed if the City has approved a plan that assures removal
of the materials from the floodway based upon the flood warning time
available.
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(c) Accessory Structures. Accessory structures, as identified in Sub-Section 4.0
Subd. 3.(a) above may be permitted, provided that:
(1) structures are not intended for human habitation;
(2) structures will have a low flood damage potential;
(3) structures will be constructed an placed so as to offer a minimal
obstruction to the flow of flood waters;
(4) Service utilities, such as electrical and heating equipment, within these
structures must be elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection
elevation or properly floodproofed;
(5) Structures must be elevated on fill or structurally dry floodproofed in
accordance with the FP1 or FP2 floodproofing classifications in the State
Building Code. All floodproofed structures must be adequately anchored
to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement and designed to equalize
hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.
(6) As an alternative, an accessory structure may be internally/wet
floodproofed to the FP3 or FP4 floodproofing classifications in the State
Building Code, provided the accessory structure constitutes a minimal
investment and does not exceed 576 square feet in size. Designs for
meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered
professional engineer or meet or exceed the following criteria:
(i) To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be
a minimum of two “automatic” openings in the outside walls of the
structure, with a total net area of not less than one square inch for
every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; and
(ii) There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and
the bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above
the lowest adjacent grade to the structure. Using human
intervention to open a garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy
this requirement for automatic openings.
(d) Structural works for flood control that will change the course, current or cross
section of protected wetlands or public waters are subject to the provisions of
Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.245.
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(e) A levee, dike or floodwall constructed in the floodway must not cause an increase
to the 1% chance or regional flood. The technical analysis must assume equal
conveyance or storage loss on both sides of a stream.
(f) Floodway developments must not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the
channel and adjoining floodplain of any tributary watercourse or drainage system.
SUB-SECTION 5.0. FLOOD FRINGE DISTRICT (FF)
Subdivision 1. Permitted Uses: Permitted uses are those uses of land or structures
allowed in the underlying zoning district(s) that comply with the standards in Sub-Section
5.0 Subd. 2 below. If no pre-existing, underlying zoning districts exist, then any
residential or nonresidential structure or use of a structure or land is a permitted use
provided it does not constitute a public nuisance.
Subdivision 2. Standards for Flood Fringe Permitted Uses:
(a) All structures, including accessory structures, must be elevated on fill so that the
lowest floor, as defined, is at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.
The finished fill elevation for structures must be no lower than one foot below the
regulatory flood protection elevation and the fill must extend at the same
elevation at least 15 feet beyond the outside limits of the structure.
(b) Accessory Structures. As an alternative to the fill requirements of Sub-Section
5.0 Subd. 2.(a) noted above, structures accessory to the uses identified in Sub-
Section 5.0 Subd. 1 above may be permitted to be internally/wet floodproofed to
the FP3 or FP4 floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code, provided
that:
(1) the accessory structure constitutes a minimal investment, does not exceed
576 square feet in size, and is only used for parking and storage.
(2) All portions of floodproofed accessory structures below the Regulatory
Flood Protection Elevation must be:
(i) adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral
movement and designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on
exterior walls;
(ii) be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage; and
(iii) must have all service utilities be water-tight or elevated to above
the regulatory flood protection elevation.
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(3) Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a
registered professional engineer or meet or exceed the following criteria:
(i) To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be
a minimum of two “automatic” openings in the outside walls of the
structure, with a total net area of not less than one square inch for
every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; and
(ii) There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and
the bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above
the lowest adjacent grade to the structure. Using human
intervention to open a garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy
this requirement for automatic openings.
(c) The cumulative placement of fill or similar material on a parcel must not exceed
1,000 cubic yards, unless the fill is specifically intended to elevate a structure in
accordance with Sub-Section 5.0 Subd. 2.(a) of this ordinance, or if allowed as a
special use under Sub-Section 5.0 Subd. 3.(c) below.
(d) The storage of any materials or equipment must be elevated on fill to the regulatory
flood protection elevation.
(e) All service utilities, including ductwork, must be elevated or water-tight to prevent
infiltration of floodwaters.
(f) The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable,
explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(g) All fill must be properly compacted and the slopes must be properly protected by
the use of riprap, vegetative cover or other acceptable method.
(h) All new principal structures must have vehicular access at or above an elevation not
more than two feet below the regulatory flood protection elevation, or must have a
flood warning /emergency evacuation plan acceptable to the City.
(i) Accessory uses such as yards, railroad tracks, and parking lots may be at an
elevation lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. However, any
facilities used by employees or the general public must be designed with a flood
warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area is inundated
to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity (in
feet per second) would exceed a product of four upon occurrence of the regional
(1% chance) flood.
(j) Interference with normal manufacturing/industrial plant operations must be
minimized, especially along streams having protracted flood durations. In
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considering permit applications, due consideration must be given to the needs of
industries with operations that require a floodplain location.
(k) Manufactured homes and recreational vehicles must meet the standards of Sub-
Section 9.0 of this ordinance.
Subdivision 3. Special Uses: The following uses and activities may be allowed as
special uses, if allowed in the underlying zoning district(s) or any applicable overlay
district, following the procedures in Sub-Section 10.0 Subd. 4. of this ordinance.
(a) Any structure that is not elevated on fill or floodproofed in accordance with Sub-
Section 5.0 Subd. 2.(a) and (b) of this ordinance.
(b) Storage of any material or equipment below the regulatory flood protection
elevation.
(c) The cumulative placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill when the fill is
not being used to elevate a structure in accordance with Sub-Section 5.0 Subd.
2.(a) of this ordinance.
(d) The use of methods to elevate structures above the regulatory flood protection
elevation, including stilts, pilings, parallel walls, or above-grade, enclosed areas
such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages, shall meet the standards in Sub-
Section 5.0 Subd. 4.(f) below.
Subdivision 4. Standards for Flood Fringe Special Uses:
(a) The standards listed in Sub-Section 5.0 Subd. 2.(d) through (j) above apply to all
special uses.
(b) Basements, as defined by Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 9.(c) of this ordinance, are
subject to the following:
(1) Residential basement construction is not allowed below the regulatory
flood protection elevation; and
(2) Non-residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood
protection elevation provided the basement is structurally dry
floodproofed in accordance with the below Sub-Section 5.0 Subd. 4.(c) of
this ordinance.
(c) All areas of nonresidential structures, including basements, to be placed below the
regulatory flood protection elevation must be floodproofed in accordance with the
structurally dry floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code.
Structurally dry floodproofing must meet the FP1 or FP2 floodproofing
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classification in the State Building Code, which requires making the structure
watertight with the walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and
with structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads and the effects of buoyancy.
(d) The placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other similar material on a
parcel (other than for the purpose of elevating a structure to the regulatory flood
protection elevation) must comply with an approved erosion/sedimentation
control plan.
(1) The plan must clearly specify methods to be used to stabilize the fill on
site for a flood event at a minimum of the regional (1% chance) flood
event.
(2) The plan must be prepared and certified by a registered professional
engineer or other qualified individual acceptable to the City.
(3) The plan may incorporate alternative procedures for removal of the
material from the floodplain if adequate flood warning time exists.
(e) Storage of materials and equipment below the regulatory flood protection
elevation must comply with an approved emergency plan providing for removal
of such materials within the time available after a flood warning.
(f) Alternative elevation methods other than the use of fill may be utilized to elevate
a structure's lowest floor above the regulatory flood protection elevation. The
base or floor of an enclosed area shall be considered above-grade and not a
structure’s basement or lowest floor if: 1) the enclosed area is above-grade on at
least one side of the structure; 2) it is designed to internally flood and is
constructed with flood resistant materials; and 3) it is used solely for parking of
vehicles, building access or storage. The above-noted alternative elevation
methods are subject to the following additional standards:
(1) Design and Certification - The structure’s design and as-built condition
must be certified by a registered professional engineer as being in
compliance with the general design standards of the State Building Code
and, specifically, that all electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities must be at or above the
regulatory flood protection elevation or be designed to prevent flood water
from entering or accumulating within these components during times of
flooding.
(2) Specific Standards for Above-grade, Enclosed Areas - Above-grade, fully
enclosed areas such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages must be
designed to internally flood and the design plans must stipulate:
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(i) The minimum area of openings in the walls where internal
flooding is to be used as a floodproofing technique. There shall be
a minimum of two openings on at least two sides of the structure
and the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot
above grade. The automatic openings shall have a minimum net
area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of
enclosed area subject to flooding unless a registered professional
engineer or architect certifies that a smaller net area would suffice.
The automatic openings may be equipped with screens, louvers,
valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the
automatic entry and exit of flood waters without any form of
human intervention; and
(ii) That the enclosed area will be designed of flood resistant materials
in accordance with the FP3 or FP4 classifications in the State
Building Code and shall be used solely for building access, parking
of vehicles or storage.
SUB-SECTION 6.0. GENERAL FLOODPLAIN DISTRICT (GF)
Subdivision 1. Permitted Uses:
(a) The uses listed in Sub-Section 4.0 Subd. 1. of this ordinance, Floodway District
Permitted Uses, are permitted uses.
(b) All other uses are subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria
specified in Sub-Section 6.0 Subd. 2. below. Sub-Section 4.0 applies if the
proposed use is determined to be in the Floodway District. Sub-Section 5.0
applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the Flood Fringe District.
Subdivision 2. Procedures for Floodway and Flood Fringe Determinations:
(a) Upon receipt of an application for a permit or other approval within the General
Floodplain District, the Zoning Administrator must obtain, review and reasonably
utilize any regional flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal,
state, or other source.
(b) If regional flood elevation and floodway data are not readily available, the
applicant must furnish additional information, as needed, to determine the
regulatory flood protection elevation and whether the proposed use would fall
within the Floodway or Flood Fringe District. Information must be consistent with
accepted hydrological and hydraulic engineering standards and the standards in
Sub-Section 6.0 Subd. 2.(c) below.
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(c) The determination of floodway and flood fringe must include the following
components, as applicable:
(1) Estimate the peak discharge of the regional (1% chance) flood.
(2) Calculate the water surface profile of the regional flood based upon a
hydraulic analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas.
(3) Compute the floodway necessary to convey or store the regional flood
without increasing flood stages more than one-half (0.5) foot. A lesser
stage increase than 0.5 foot is required if, as a result of the stage increase,
increased flood damages would result. An equal degree of encroachment
on both sides of the stream within the reach must be assumed in
computing floodway boundaries.
(d) The Zoning Administrator will review the submitted information and assess the
technical evaluation and the recommended Floodway and/or Flood Fringe District
boundary. The assessment must include the cumulative effects of previous
floodway encroachments. The Zoning Administrator may seek technical
assistance from a designated engineer or other expert person or agency, including
the Department of Natural Resources. Based on this assessment, the Zoning
Administrator may approve or deny the application.
(e) Once the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries have been determined,
the Zoning Administrator must process the permit application consistent with the
applicable provisions of Sub-Section 4.0 and Sub-Section 5.0 of this ordinance.
SUB-SECTION 7.0. LAND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Subdivision 1. In General: Recognizing that flood prone areas may exist outside of
the designated floodplain districts, the requirements of this section apply to all land
within the City of Brooklyn Center.
Subdivision 2. Subdivisions: No land may be subdivided which is unsuitable for
reasons of flooding or inadequate drainage, water supply or sewage treatment facilities.
Manufactured home parks and recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are considered
subdivisions under this ordinance.
(a) All lots within the floodplain districts must be able to contain a building site
outside of the Floodway District at or above the regulatory flood protection
elevation.
(b) All subdivisions must have road access both to the subdivision and to the
individual building sites no lower than two feet below the regulatory flood
protection elevation, unless a flood warning emergency plan for the safe
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
evacuation of all vehicles and people during the regional (1% chance) flood has
been approved by the City. The plan must be prepared by a registered engineer or
other qualified individual, and must demonstrate that adequate time and personnel
exist to carry out the evacuation.
(c) For all subdivisions in the floodplain, the Floodway and Flood Fringe District
boundaries, the regulatory flood protection elevation and the required elevation of
all access roads must be clearly labeled on all required subdivision drawings and
platting documents.
(d) In the General Floodplain District, applicants must provide the information
required in Sub-Section 6.0 Subd. 2. of this ordinance to determine the regional
flood elevation, the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries and the
regulatory flood protection elevation for the subdivision site.
(e) If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood prone
area, any such proposal must be reviewed to assure that:
(1) All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage
within the flood prone area,
(2) All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water
systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood
damage, and
(3) Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure of flood hazard.
Subdivision 3. Building Sites. If a proposed building site is in a flood prone area,
all new construction and substantial improvements (including the placement of
manufactured homes) must be:
(a) Designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent floatation,
collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from
hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
(b) Constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood
damage;
(c) Constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage; and
(d) Constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed
and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within
the components during conditions of flooding.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
SUB-SECTION 8.0. PUBLIC UTILITIES, RAILROADS, ROADS, AND
BRIDGES
Subdivision 1. Public Utilities: All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical,
sewer, and water supply systems to be located in the floodplain must be floodproofed in
accordance with the State Building Code or elevated to the regulatory flood protection
elevation.
Subdivision 2. Public Transportation Facilities: Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges to
be located within the floodplain must comply with Sub-Section 4.0 and Sub-Section 5.0
of this ordinance. These transportation facilities must be elevated to the regulatory flood
protection elevation where failure or interruption of these facilities would result in danger
to the public health or safety or where such facilities are essential to the orderly
functioning of the area. Minor or auxiliary roads or railroads may be constructed at a
lower elevation where failure or interruption of transportation services would not
endanger the public health or safety.
Subdivision 3. On-site Water Supply and Sewage Treatment Systems: Where
public utilities are not provided: 1) On-site water supply systems must be designed to
minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and are subject to the
provisions in Minnesota Rules Chapter 4725.4350, as amended; and 2) New or
replacement on-site sewage treatment systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood
waters, they must not be subject to impairment or contamination during times of
flooding, and are subject to the provisions in Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080.2270, as
amended.
SUB-SECTION 9. MANUFACTURED HOMES, MANUFACTURED HOME
PARKS, AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Subdivision 1. Manufactured Homes: New manufactured home parks and expansions
to existing manufactured home parks are prohibited in any floodplain district. For
existing manufactured home parks or lots of record, the following requirements apply:
(a) Placement or replacement of manufactured home units is prohibited in the
Floodway District.
(b) If allowed in the Flood Fringe District, placement or replacement of manufactured
home units is subject to the requirements of Sub-Section 5.0 of this ordinance and
the following standards.
(1) New and replacement manufactured homes must be elevated in
compliance with Sub-Section 5.0 of this ordinance and must be securely
anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system that resists
flotation, collapse and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground
anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable state or local
anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.
(2) New or replacement manufactured homes in existing manufactured home
parks must meet the vehicular access requirements for subdivisions in
Sub-Section 7.0 Subd. 2.(b).
Subdivision 2. Recreational Vehicles: New recreational vehicle parks or
campgrounds and expansions to existing recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are
prohibited in any floodplain district. Placement of recreational vehicles in existing
recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds in the floodplain must meet the exemption
criteria below or be treated as new structures meeting the requirements of this ordinance.
(a) Recreational vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance if they are
placed in any of the following areas and meet the criteria listed in Sub-Section 9.0
Subd. 2.(b) below.
(1) Individual lots or parcels of record.
(2) Existing commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds.
(3) Existing condominium-type associations.
(b) Criteria for Exempt Recreational Vehicles:
(1) The vehicle must have a current license required for highway use.
(2) The vehicle must be highway ready, meaning on wheels or the internal
jacking system, attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities
commonly used in campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.
(3) No permanent structural type additions may be attached to the vehicle.
(4) The vehicle and associated use must be permissible in any pre-existing,
underlying zoning district.
(5) Accessory structures are not permitted within the Floodway District. Any
accessory structure in the Flood Fringe District must be constructed of
flood-resistant materials and be securely anchored, meeting the
requirements applicable to manufactured homes in Sub-Section 9.0 Subd.
2.(b).
(6) An accessory structure must constitute a minimal investment
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(c) Recreational vehicles that are exempt in Sub-Section 9.0 Subd. 2.(b) lose this
exemption when development occurs on the site that exceeds a minimal
investment for an accessory structure such as a garage or storage building. The
recreational vehicle and all accessory structures will then be treated as new
structures subject to the elevation and floodproofing requirements of Sub-Section
5.0 of this ordinance. No development or improvement on the parcel or
attachment to the recreational vehicle is allowed that would hinder the removal of
the vehicle should flooding occur.
SUB-SECTION 10.0. ADMINISTRATION
Subdivision 1. Zoning Official or Zoning Administrator: A Zoning Official (or
sometimes referred to herein as Zoning Administrator) or other official designated by the
City must administer and enforce this ordinance.
Subdivision 2. Permit Requirements:
(a) Permit Required. A permit must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator prior
to conducting the following activities:
(1) The erection, addition, modification, rehabilitation, or alteration of any
building, structure, or portion thereof. Normal maintenance and repair
also requires a permit if such work, separately or in conjunction with other
planned work, constitutes a substantial improvement as defined in this
ordinance.
(2) The use or change of use of a building, structure, or land.
(3) The construction of a dam, fence, or on-site septic system, although a
permit is not required for a farm fence as defined in this ordinance.
(4) The change or extension of a nonconforming use.
(5) The repair of a structure that has been damaged by flood, fire, tornado, or
any other source.
(6) The placement of fill, excavation of materials, or the storage of materials
or equipment within the floodplain.
(7) Relocation or alteration of a watercourse (including new or replacement
culverts and bridges), unless a public waters work permit has been applied
for such work.
(8) Any other type of “development” as defined in Sub-Section 2. Subd. 9.(e)
of this ordinance.
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(b) Application for Permit. Permit applications must be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator on forms provided by the Zoning Administrator. The permit
application must include the following as applicable:
(1) A site plan showing all pertinent dimensions, existing or proposed
buildings, structures, and significant natural features having an influence
on the permit.
(2) Location of fill or storage of materials in relation to the stream channel.
(3) Copies of any required municipal, county, state or federal permits or
approvals.
(4) Other relevant information requested by the Zoning Administrator as
necessary to properly evaluate the permit application.
(c) Certificate of Zoning Compliance for a New, Altered, or Nonconforming Use.
No building, land or structure may be occupied or used in any manner until a
certificate of zoning compliance has been issued by the Zoning Administrator
stating that the use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this
ordinance.
(d) Certification. The applicant is required to submit certification by a registered
professional engineer, registered architect, or registered land surveyor that the
finished fill and building elevations were accomplished in compliance with the
provisions of this ordinance. Floodproofing measures must be certified by a
registered professional engineer or registered architect.
(e) Record of First Floor Elevation. The Zoning Administrator must maintain a
record of the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new
structures and alterations or additions to existing structures in the floodplain. The
Zoning Administrator must also maintain a record of the elevation to which
structures and alterations or additions to structures are floodproofed.
(f) Notifications for Watercourse Alterations. Before authorizing any alteration or
relocation of a river or stream, the Zoning Administrator must notify adjacent
communities. If the applicant has applied for a permit to work in public waters
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.245, this will suffice as adequate
notice. A copy of the notification must also be submitted to the Chicago Regional
Office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
(g) Notification to FEMA When Physical Changes Increase or Decrease Base Flood
Elevations. As soon as is practicable, but not later than six months after the date
such supporting information becomes available, the Zoning Administrator must
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notify the Chicago Regional Office of FEMA of the changes by submitting a copy
of the relevant technical or scientific data.
Subdivision 3. Variances:
(a) Variance Applications. An application for a variance to the provisions of this
ordinance will be processed and reviewed in accordance with applicable state
statutes and Section 35-240 of the City Zoning Ordinance.
(b) Adherence to State Floodplain Management Standards. A variance must not
allow a use that is not allowed in that district, or permit a lower degree of flood
protection than the regulatory flood protection elevation for the particular area, or
permit standards lower than those required by state law.
(c) Additional Variance Criteria. The following additional variance criteria of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency must be satisfied:
(1) Variances must not be issued by a community within any designated
regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood
discharge would result.
(2) (Variances may only be issued by a community upon (i) a showing of
good and sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the
variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and (iii) a
determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased
flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public
expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or
conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(3) Variances may only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(d) Flood Insurance Notice. The Zoning Administrator must notify the applicant for
a variance that: 1) The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the
base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to
amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage; and 2) Such construction
below the base or regional flood level increases risks to life and property. Such
notification must be maintained with a record of all variance actions.
(e) General Considerations. The community may consider the following factors in
granting variances and imposing conditions on variances and special uses in
floodplains:
(1) The potential danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or
velocities caused by encroachments;
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(2) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to
the injury of others;
(3) he proposed water supply and sanitation systems, if any, and the ability of
these systems to minimize the potential for disease, contamination and
unsanitary conditions;
(4) The susceptibility of any proposed use and its contents to flood damage
and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(5) The importance of the services to be provided by the proposed use to the
community;
(6) The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location;
(7) The availability of viable alternative locations for the proposed use that
are not subject to flooding;
(8) The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and
development anticipated in the foreseeable future;
(9) The relationship of the proposed use to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan
and flood plain management program for the area;
(10) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and
emergency vehicles;
(11) The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment
transport of the flood waters expected at the site.
(f) Submittal of Hearing Notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Zoning Administrator must submit hearing notices for proposed variances to
the DNR sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days’ notice of the hearing.
The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR
area hydrologist.
(g) Submittal of Final Decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting
variances must be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The
notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area
hydrologist.
(h) Record-Keeping. The Zoning Administrator must maintain a record of all
variance actions, including justification for their issuance, and must report such
variances in an annual or biennial report to the Administrator of the National
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Flood Insurance Program, when requested by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
Subdivision 4. Special Uses:
(a) Administrative Review. An application for a special use permit under the
provisions of this ordinance will be processed and reviewed in accordance with
Section 35-220 of the City Zoning Ordinance.
(b) Factors Used in Decision-Making. In passing upon special use applications, the
City must consider all relevant factors specified in other sections of this
ordinance, and those factors identified in Sub-Section 10.0 Subd. 3.(e) of this
ordinance.
(c) Conditions Attached to Special Use Permits. The City may attach such conditions
to the granting of special use permits as it deems necessary to fulfill the purposes
of this ordinance. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(1) Modification of waste treatment and water supply facilities.
(2) Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
(3) Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.
(4) Requirements for construction of channel modifications, compensatory
storage, dikes, levees, and other protective measures.
(5) Floodproofing measures, in accordance with the State Building Code and
this ordinance. The applicant must submit a plan or document certified by
a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing
measures are consistent with the regulatory flood protection elevation and
associated flood factors for the particular area.
(d) Submittal of Hearing Notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Zoning Administrator must submit hearing notices for proposed special
uses to the DNR sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days’ notice of
the hearing. The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the
respective DNR area hydrologist.
(e) Submittal of Final Decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting
special uses must be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The
notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area
hydrologist.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
SUB-SECTION 11.0. NONCONFORMITIES
Subdivision 1. Continuance of Nonconformities: A use, structure, or occupancy of
land which was lawful before the passage or amendment of this ordinance but which is
not in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance may be continued subject to the
following conditions. Historic structures, as defined in Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 9.(ff) ii. of
this ordinance, are subject to the provisions of Sub-Section 11.0 Subd. 1.(a) through (f)
noted below of this ordinance.
(a) A nonconforming use, structure, or occupancy must not be expanded, changed,
enlarged, or altered in a way that increases its flood damage potential or degree
of obstruction to flood flows except as provided in Sub-Section 11.0 Subd. 1.(b)
below. Expansion or enlargement of uses, structures or occupancies within the
Floodway District is prohibited.
(b) Any addition or structural alteration to a nonconforming structure or
nonconforming use that would result in increasing its flood damage potential
must be protected to the regulatory flood protection elevation in accordance
with any of the elevation on fill or floodproofing techniques (i.e., FP1 thru FP4
floodproofing classifications) allowable in the State Building Code, except as
further restricted in Sub-Section 11.0 Subd. 1.(c) and (g) below.
(c) If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and additions exceeds fifty
percent (50%) of the market value of any nonconforming structure, that shall be
considered substantial improvement, and the entire structure must meet the
standards of Sub-Sections 4.0 or 5.0 of this ordinance for new structures,
depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe
District, respectively. The cost of all structural alterations and additions must
include all costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on
all manpower or labor.
(d) If any nonconforming use, or any use of a nonconforming structure, is
discontinued for more than one year, any future use of the premises must
conform to this ordinance. The Assessor must notify the Zoning Administrator
in writing of instances of nonconformities that have been discontinued for a
period of more than one year.
(e) If any nonconformity is substantially damaged, as defined in Sub-Section 2.0
Subd. 9.(ee) of this ordinance, it may not be reconstructed except in conformity
with the provisions of this ordinance. The applicable provisions for establishing
new uses or new structures in Sub-Sections 4.0 or 5.0 will apply depending
upon whether the use or structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe,
respectively.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
(f) If any nonconforming use or structure experiences a repetitive loss, as defined
in Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 9.(z) of this ordinance, it must not be reconstructed
except in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance.
(g) Any substantial improvement, as defined in Sub-Section 2.0 Subd. 9.(ff) of this
ordinance, to a nonconforming structure requires that the existing structure and
any additions must meet the requirements of Sub-Sections 4.0 or 5.0 of this
ordinance for new structures, depending upon whether the structure is in the
Floodway or Flood Fringe District.
SUB-SECTION 12.0. PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT
Subdivision 1. Violation Constitutes a Misdemeanor: Violation of the provisions of
this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of
conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of variances or special
uses) constitute a misdemeanor and will be punishable as defined by law.
Subdivision 2. Other Lawful Action: Nothing in this ordinance restricts the City of
Brooklyn Center from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or
remedy any violation. If the responsible party does not appropriately respond to the
Zoning Administrator within the specified period of time, each additional day that lapses
will constitute an additional violation of this ordinance and will be prosecuted
accordingly.
Subdivision 3. Enforcement: Violations of the provisions of this ordinance will be
investigated and resolved in accordance with the provisions of Section 35-1040 of the
City Zoning Ordinance. In responding to a suspected ordinance violation, the Zoning
Administrator and City may utilize the full array of enforcement actions available to it
including but not limited to prosecution and fines, injunctions, after-the-fact permits,
orders for corrective measures or a request to the National Flood Insurance Program for
denial of flood insurance availability to the guilty party. The City of Brooklyn Center
must act in good faith to enforce these official controls and to correct ordinance
violations to the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its eligibility in the National Flood
Insurance Program.
SUB-SECTION 13.0. AMENDMENTS
Subdivision 1. Floodplain Designation – Restrictions on Removal: The floodplain
designation on the Official Zoning Map must not be removed from floodplain areas
unless it can be shown that the designation is in error or that the area has been filled to or
above the elevation of the regulatory flood protection elevation and is contiguous to lands
outside the floodplain. Special exceptions to this rule may be permitted by the
Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if the Commissioner
determines that, through other measures, lands are adequately protected for the intended
use.
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-_____
Subdivision 2. Amendments Require DNR Approval: All amendments to this
ordinance must be submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) prior to adoption. The Commissioner must approve the
amendment prior to community approval.
Subdivision 3. Map Revisions Require Ordinance Amendments. The floodplain
district regulations must be amended to incorporate any revisions by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency to the floodplain maps adopted in Sub-Section 2.0
Subd. 3. of this ordinance.
Section 2. The following Section Numbers are hereby deleted by reference:
Sections 35-2110; 35-2120, 35-2130, 35-2140, 35-2150, 35-2160, 35-2170, 35-2180, 35-
2181, 35-2190, 35-2200, 35-2210, and 35-2220
Section 3. Section 35-2182 ADULT ESTABLISHMENTS is hereby renumbered and moved to
Section 35-2200
Section 4. This ordinance shall become effective after adoption and upon thirty days
following its legal publication.
Adopted this ________ day of _______________ 2016.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Date of Publication:
Effective Date: