Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 160 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. B. These flood losses, hazards, and related adverse effects are caused by: (1) The occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to flood damages which create hazardous conditions as a result of being inadequately elevated or otherwise protected from flooding; and (2) The cumulative effect of obstructions on the floodplain causing increases in flood heights and velocities. C. This chapter relies upon engineering methodology for analyzing flood hazards which is consistent with the standards established by the Department of Natural Resources. 3. Statement of Purpose. It is the purpose of this chapter to protect and preserve the rights, privileges, and property of the City and its residents and to preserve and improve the peace, safety, health, welfare, and comfort and convenience of its residents by minimizing those flood losses described in Section 160.02(2)(A) with provisions designed to: A. Reserve sufficient floodplain area for the conveyance of flood flows so that flood heights and velocities will not be increased substantially. B. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flood or which cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities. C. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including public facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction or substantial improvement. D. Protect individuals from buying lands which may not be suited for intended purposes because of flood hazard. E. Assure that eligibility is maintained for property owners in the community to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. 160.03 GENERAL PROVISIONS. 1. Lands to Which Chapter Applies. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all lands and development which have significant flood hazards. The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Johnson County and Incorporated Areas, City of Tiffin, Panels 154, 158, 159, 160, 166, and 167, dated December 26, 2025, which were prepared as part of the Johnson County Flood Insurance Study, shall be used to identify such flood hazard areas and all areas shown thereon to be within the boundaries of the base flood shall be considered as having significant flood hazards. The Flood Insurance Study for the County of Johnson is hereby adopted by reference and is made a part of this chapter for the purpose of administering floodplain management regulations. 2. Rules for Interpretation of Flood Hazard Boundaries. The boundaries of the Special Flood Hazard Areas shall be determined by scaling distances on the official Flood Insurance Rate Map. When an interpretation is needed as to the exact location CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1408 -