Hollidaysburg

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Chapter 08: Flood Plains

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Chapter 8: Flood Plains — Summary of Regulations (Hollidaysburg, PA)

This document outlines the regulatory framework for floodplain management in the Borough of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. It is organized into seven parts covering general provisions, administration, identification of floodplain areas, technical standards, special permits, existing structures/variances, and definitions.

Part 1: General Provisions (§§100–104)

  • Intent: The chapter aims to:
    • Promote public health, welfare, and safety.
    • Encourage construction practices that prevent or minimize future flood damage.
    • Protect water supply and natural drainage systems.
    • Reduce financial burdens on the community by preventing excessive development in flood-prone areas.
  • Applicability:
    • Building permits are required for any construction or development within designated floodplain areas unless exempted.
    • Minor repairs to existing buildings do not require a permit.
  • Abrogation & Greater Restrictions: This chapter supersedes conflicting local ordinances but allows more restrictive provisions to remain in effect.
  • Severability & Liability Disclaimer: Standard legal clauses ensuring enforceability and limiting liability.

Part 2: Administration (§§200–211)

Covers the operational side of floodplain regulation:

  • Building Permits Required (§200)
  • Issuance Procedures (§201): How permits are granted.
  • Application Requirements (§202): What applicants must submit.
  • Review by County Conservation District (§203)
  • Review by Others (§204): Involvement of other agencies or entities.
  • Changes to Applications (§205)
  • Placards (§206): Likely refers to signage or notices required on-site.
  • Start of Construction (§207)
  • Inspection & Revocation (§208): Enforcement mechanisms.
  • Fees (§209)
  • Enforcement (§210)
  • Appeals (§211)

Part 3: Identification of Flood Plain Areas (§§300–302)

  • Designation (§300): Official mapping and identification of floodplain zones.
  • Changes in Delineations (§301): Process for updating floodplain boundaries.
  • Disputes (§302): Mechanism for resolving disagreements over floodplain designations.

Part 4: Technical Provisions (§§400–405)

Sets engineering and construction standards:

  • General (§400)
  • Special Floodway and Stream Setback Requirements (§401)
  • Elevation and Floodproofing Standards (§402)
  • Design and Construction Standards (§403)
  • Development Which May Endanger Human Life (§404)
  • Special Requirements for Manufactured Homes (§405)

Part 5: Activities Requiring Special Permits (§§500–502)

Certain high-risk developments need additional approval:

  • General (§500)
  • Application Review Procedures (§501)
  • Special Technical Requirements (§502)

Note: “Special Permit” is defined as required for hospitals, nursing homes, jails, new manufactured home parks/subdivisions, and substantial improvements to such facilities located in floodplains.

Part 6: Existing Structures; Variances (§§600–602)

Addresses pre-existing conditions and exceptions:

  • Existing Structures in Identified Flood Plain Areas (§600)
  • Variances (§601): Exceptions granted under specific conditions.
  • Variance Procedures and Requirements (§602)

Part 7: Definitions (§§700–701)

Clarifies key terms used throughout the chapter:

  • SPECIAL PERMIT: Approval needed for sensitive uses (hospitals, nursing homes, jails, etc.) in floodplains.
  • STRUCTURE: Any building, shed, manufactured home, or similar item attached to the ground.
  • SUBDIVISION: Division of land into two or more lots — excludes agricultural parcels >10 acres without new access roads/easements.
  • SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE: Damage where repair cost equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s pre-damage market value.
  • SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT: Reconstruction, rehabilitation, or addition costing ≥50% of the structure’s pre-improvement market value. Excludes:
    • A. Projects correcting health/safety code violations (minimum necessary for safe living).
    • B. Alterations to historic structures that preserve their historic designation.

Key Dates & Legal References

  • Original ordinance: Ordinance 599, enacted May 10, 1982.
  • Amendments:
    • Ordinance 626, April 13, 1987.
    • Ordinance 718, November 17, 1994.

For Residents

If you’re planning construction, renovation, or subdivision in Hollidaysburg — especially near streams or low-lying areas — check whether your property falls within a designated floodplain. You’ll likely need a building permit, and possibly a special permit or variance. Always consult the Zoning Officer before starting work. Minor repairs may be exempt, but major changes trigger strict rules to protect both your property and the community from flood risks.

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