A substitute ordinance amending Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code, zoning regulations, by amending Section 17.28.040 Floodplain/floodway development standards by providing new restrictions on development in floodplains and floodways, all of which is more particularly described herein (Proposal No. 2002Z-019T).

WHEREAS, development within floodway areas of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County is strictly prohibited;

WHEREAS, improper development within floodplain areas of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County is considered undesirable and potentially unsafe;

WHEREAS, significant portions of the remaining undeveloped developable land within Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County is wholly or partially encumbered by floodplain and/or floodway;

WHEREAS, development within the floodplain may occur provided development does not jeopardize the long-term, environmental viability of rivers and creeks within Davidson County nor the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County’s eligibility for federal flood insurance; and,

WHEREAS, clustering single-family and two-family residential developments serves to better protect floodplains; creates a system of interconnected open space areas within, and between, developments to better protect and maintain woodlands, wildlife habitat, water quality; enhances the natural and built environments; and promotes more sustainable development.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNTY OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. By amending Section 17.28.040, “Floodplain/Floodway Development Standards”, by deleting the existing text in its entirety and inserting the following:

Development Constraints. Except as noted below, all development proposed on property encumbered by natural floodplain or floodway on the effective date of the ordinance codified shall leave a minimum of fifty percent of the natural floodplain area, including all of the floodway area, undisturbed and unmanipulated, and in its original, natural state as it existed prior to any development or all of the floodway area plus fifty feet on each side of the waterway, whichever is greater. Such area shall be adjacent to the floodway or as otherwise approved by the metro planning commission, to better maintain natural conditions designated as common open space and in its natural state, with the clearing of trees and brush prohibited.

A. Limited encroachments into the preserved floodplain may be authorized as a variance by the Stormwater Management Committee, as set forth in Section 15.64 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws. Such variances shall be approved only if the Committee finds that the encroachment reduces the flood danger or would improve and enhance the environmental quality of the affected floodplain section. Variances shall not be approved for greater than twenty percent of the floodplain area required to be preserved.

B. Protected floodway and floodplain areas may be manipulated for the purpose of installing public greenways, public parks, private parks that otherwise meet the definition of "parks" contained in this Code, golf courses, and state certified wetlands.

C. All development shall be undertaken consistent with the flood insurance standards and requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as necessary, to maintain the eligibility of the federal flood insurance program within Davidson County.

D. Properties zoned CC, CF, MUI, MUG, IR, IG and IWD shall not be constrained by this section, but shall otherwise conform to all provisions of Section 15.64, Stormwater Management of the Metropolitan Code of Laws.

E. Residential Development. Residential development on property encumbered by natural floodplain or floodway on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section shall comply with the following, except for the installation of streets and utilities where required by the planning commission to alleviate an undue hardship:

1. Single or Two-Family Lots. Land area designated as natural floodplain or floodway on the effective date of said section may be included within a residential lot, but if manipulated, shall not be counted towards satisfying the minimum lot size requirements of the base zoning district. Any residential lot, or any portion of a residential lot, containing natural floodplain shall be designated as a "critical lot" and minimum finished floor elevations shall be established on the final plat of subdivision approved by the metropolitan planning commission and the department of public works.

2. Cluster Lots. A single and/or two-family subdivision proposed on property containing natural floodplain and floodway areas is encouraged to employ the cluster lot option of Sections 17.12.080 or 17.36.070. Residential lots under the cluster lot option may be clustered within the manipulated areas of the natural floodplain. Any residential lot, or any portion of a residential lot, containing natural floodplain shall be designated as a "critical lot" and minimum finished floor elevations shall be established on the final plat of subdivision approved by the metropolitan planning commission and the department of public works. Protected floodway and floodplain areas shall not be excluded from the calculation of gross land area for purposes of determining lot yield pursuant to Section 17.12.080.

SECTION 2. BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this ordinance take effect immediately after its passage and such change be published in a newspaper of general circulation, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Bruce Stanley, Brenda Gilmore

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	April 2, 2002
Passed First Reading:	April 2, 2002
Referred to:	Planning Commission - Apporved 8-0 (2/13/03) Planning & Zoning Committee
Deferred Indefinitely:	May 9, 2002
Deferred to February 4:	January 7, 2003
Deferred:	February 4 , 2003
Passed Second Reading:	February 18, 2003
Passed Third Reading:	March 18, 2003
Approved:	March 31, 2003
By:
Effective:	April 5, 2003