Why the county has flood rules

Findings of Fact. Certain areas of the County are subject to periodic flooding caused by heavy rain storms, high wave action, and tsunamis which 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, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare. These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.Statement of Purpose. It is the purpose of this Article to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed:To protect human life and health;To minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;To minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;To minimize prolonged business interruptions;To minimize damage to public facilities and utilities located in areas of special flood hazard;To help maintain a stable tax base by minimizing future flood loss;To assist in notifying potential buyers that property is in an area of special flood hazard; andTo ensure that those who occupy areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.Methods of Reducing Flood Losses. In order to accomplish its purpose, this Article includes methods and provisions for:Requiring that facilities be protected to minimize flood damage at the time of initial construction;Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage;Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters; andPreventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.