Explanation
Background: With the adoption of the substantially revised Stormwater Drainage Manual by the Department of Public Utilities in 2006, the floodplain regulations contained in the Columbus Zoning Code and administered by the Department of Building and Zoning Services became only one small part of a larger regulatory framework. A subsequent review of the Department of Building and Zoning Service's operation recommended that the review for floodplain compliance be consolidated into the Department of Public Utilities to ensure the best level of customer service considering the many stormwater related submittals already being required and reviewed by that department.
This code change would move the floodplain regulations from the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, into the Public Utilities Code, Title 11 with all other codes administered by the Department of Public Utilities. These changes will not increase or alter in any way the regulatory requirements or create any new regulations, but rather allow for the review of all stormwater related development concerns by one department, thereby eliminating the segmented submittal requirements for this area of regulation.
Fiscal Impact: None
Title
To create Chapter 1150, "Floodplain Management," inside Title 11 of the Columbus City Codes which is administered by the Department of Public Utilities and to delete Chapter 3385, "Floodplain Management," from the Columbus Zoning Code so that floodplain review responsibilities would be consolidated into the Department of Public Utilities.
Body
WHEREAS, the Stormwater Drainage Manual's most recent updates, completed in 2006, is a Rule and Regulation adopted and administered by the Department of Public Utilities that further enhance floodplain regulations currently contained in the Columbus Zoning Code; and
WHEREAS, after a review of the Department of Building and Zoning Service's operation, it was recommended that the floodplain management responsibilities be handled by the Stormwater Section of the Department of Public Utilities as they already handle submittals for other aspects of stormwater regulatory compliance; and
WHEREAS, the Stormwater Management Section of the Department of Public Utilities has the technical expertise to evaluate and review proposed developments and related activity in the regulatory floodplain; and
WHEREAS, this code change will consolidate floodplain regulations into one functional review area, administered by the Department of Public Utilities, and will not change or alter the regulatory requirements contained therein; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby supplemented by the enactment of a new Chapter 1150, "Floodplain Management" consisting of twenty-four (24) sections oddly numbered 1150.01 through 1150.47 and reading as follows:
(See Attachment 1)
SECTION 2. That the Columbus City Codes, 1959, Chapter 4123, are hereby supplemented by the enactment of six (6) new sections oddly numbered 4123.51 through 4123.61, and reading as follows:
(See Attachment 2)
SECTION 3. That Chapter 3385 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. That Chapter 4175 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, is hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.