By John Tredrea, Special Writer
STOCKTON — Officials of Stockton, a town that has dealt with flooding problems since its inception due to its proximity to the Delaware River, have introduced an ordinance aimed at reducing damage from flooding in the future.
The flood damage prevention ordinance was introduced by Borough Council on Jan. 9, borough Clerk Michele Hovan said.
The proposed measure is expected to get a public hearing and be put to a council adoption vote on Feb. 13.
Under state law, a public hearing must precede an adoption vote by a municipal government on any ordinance.
Under the proposed measure, all prefabricated homes to be erected, or substantially improved, would have to be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
Methods of anchoring may 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 and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.
For all new construction and substantial improvements or additions to existing structures under the proposed ordinance, the electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities would have to be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
A portion of the ordinance addresses nonresidential construction. In areas designated “special flood hazard” zones, that type of construction would have to have its lowest floor, including basement together with the attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, either:
— Elevated to the level of the base flood elevation and meet requirements on grading and drainage, or;
— Be flood-proofed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice.

