Packet: Tiffin City Council Work Session (09/15/2026)

CHAPTER 160 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building. 34. “Structure” means anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground, including, but not limited to, buildings, factories, sheds, cabins, factory- built homes, storage tanks, grain storage facilities, and/or other similar uses. 35. “Substantial damage” means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damage condition would equal or exceed fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Volunteer labor and donated materials shall be included in the estimated cost of repair. 36. “Substantial improvement” means any improvement to a structure which satisfies either of the following criteria: A. Any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure either: (1) Before the start of construction of the improvement; or (2) If the structure has been substantially damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of State or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions. The term also does not include any alteration of a historic structure, provided the alteration will not preclude the structure’s designation as a historic structure. B. Any addition which increases the original floor area of a building by 25 percent or more. All additions constructed after the effective date of the first floodplain management regulations adopted by the community shall be added to any proposed addition in determining whether the total increase in original floor space would exceed 25 percent. 37. “Variance” means a grant of relief by a community from the terms of the floodplain management regulations. 38. “Violation” means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community’s floodplain management regulations. 160.02 STATUTORY AUTHORITY, FINDINGS OF FACT, AND PURPOSE. 1. Statutory Authority. The Legislature of the State of Iowa has in Chapter 364, Code of Iowa, as amended, delegated the power to cities to exercise any power and perform any function it deems appropriate to protect and preserve the rights, privileges, and property of the City or of its residents, and to preserve and improve the peace, safety, health, welfare, comfort, and convenience of its residents. 2. Findings of Fact. A. The flood hazard areas of the City are subject to periodic inundation which can result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1407 -