§ 13-78. Definitions

The following words and phrases shall have the definition and construction set forth in this section as used in this article, unless otherwise provided:

Area of shallow flooding. A designated AH or AO zone on the flood insurance rate map (FIRM) in which:

(a) The base flood depths range from one to three feet; and

(b) A clearly defined channel does not exist; and

(c) The path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate; and

(d) Velocity flow may be evident.

Area of special flood hazard. The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.

Base flood. The flood having a one (1) percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

Design flood. That flood against which protection is to be provided by means of land use regulation, flood protective or flood control works. For the purposes of this article, the design flood shall be at the 100-year recurrence interval, corresponding to the base flood as defined above.

Development. Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, grading or paving located within the flood hazard area.

Flood. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of land areas from the overflow of inland and tidal waters, and the rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source and mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused or precipitated by accumulations of water on or under the ground.

Flood hazard area. An area having flood, mud-slide (i.e., mudflow) and flood-related erosion hazards, or as shown on a sectional district map, flood insurance rate map (FIRM) or flood boundary and floodway map.

Flood insurance rate map (FIRM) and flood boundary and floodway map. The official maps published by the Federal Insurance Administration (dated August 9, 2002, and any subsequent amendments or revisions thereof) on which are delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

Flood insurance study. The "Flood Insurance Study for the City of Costa Mesa, California, Orange County" (preliminary study dated August 9, 2002, and any subsequent revisions or updates thereof) prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration providing flood profiles, as well as the boundaries and the water surface elevations of the base flood, including the flood boundary and flood-way map.

Floodplain. The land area adjacent to a watercourse, and other land areas susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see definition of "flood").

Floodplain administrator. The development services director, or his designee, is appointed to administer and enforce the floodplain management regulations.

Flood proofing. Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, and structures and their contents.

Flood protection system. Those physical structural works for which funds have been authorized, appropriated and expended and which have been constructed specifically to modify flooding in order to reduce the extent of the area within a community subject to a flood hazard and the extent of the depth of associated flooding. Such a system typically included channels, storm drains or levees or dikes. These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with sound engineering standards.

Flood related erosion. The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining, caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as a flash flood or by an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding.

Floodway. The channel of a river or other watercourse and adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one (1) foot.

Floodway fringe. The area of the floodplain on either side of the "floodway" where encroachment may be permitted.

Lowest floor. The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that the enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this article.

Land use district symbol. The applicable designation for the zoning of property, contained in this title.

Manufactured home. Any structure that is transportable in one or more sections, built on a permanent chassis, and designated to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include a "recreational vehicle."

Manufactured home park or subdivision. Any lot (or abutting lots) of land divided into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected requiring a fixed location on the ground or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground except business signs and other improvements of a minor character. For floodplain management purposes, "structure" means a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground, and includes a manufactured home.

Substantial improvement. Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals to or exceeds 50 percent of the appraised value or which involves fifty (50) percent or more of the existing square footage of the structure either (a) before the improvement or repair is started, or (b) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure.

Start of construction. The date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement, or other improvement was within one hundred eighty (180) days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include the following:

(a) Land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling;

(b) Installation of streets and/or walkways;

(c) Excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor

(d) Installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure.

(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 04-1, § 1, 1-20-04 ; Ord. No. 06-20, § 1a., 9-19-06 )