Ordinance would stiffen building requirements in borough flood zones

Manville wants structures in flood-prone areas to be built without basements and to be raised high enough to withstand flooding and foundation damage.

By: Audrey Levine
   The Borough Council introduced an ordinance Monday that would prevent construction in flood-prone areas unless the structures are built without basements and raised high enough to withstand flooding and foundation damage.
   According to Mayor Angelo Corradino, the ordinance was requested by Lou Gara, borough construction official, and Gary Garwache, borough engineer.
   If passed, new building in the borough’s flood-prone areas "must meet certain flood prevention criteria, such as raising the first floor one foot above sea level," Mayor Corradino said.
   According to Mr. Garwacke, the proposed ordinance is an update of prior flood plans already set in place by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He said the minor updates are based on the borough’s experiences through the April nor’easter, as well as other past floods.
   The proposed ordinance provides several provisions for flood hazard reduction, including the requirement that all structural additions should be anchored to the ground to prevent flotation, collapse or movement of the structure.
   In addition, new and replacement water supply systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the system.
   For subdivisions, all proposals must provide for adequate drainage to reduce exposure to any possible flood damage.
   In addition, Mr. Garwacke said the proposed ordinance prevents basements from being built, but allows for crawlspaces with the capability to let the water flow through.
   Violations of the terms of the proposed ordinance will result in a fine of no more than $2,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days or both, depending on the offense.
   "All the updates are required by FEMA," Mr. Garwacke said. "They are minor to conform with the flood maps."