§ 7B-7. Responsibilities of chief building official or designee.

Duties of the chief building official or designee shall include:

(a)

Permit Review.

(1)

Review all permits to determine that the permit requirements of this chapter have been satisfied;

(2)

Review all permits to determine if the proposed development would adversely affect the flood-carrying capacity of the area of special flood hazard. For purposes of this chapter, "adversely affect" means that the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development would increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot (1′) at any point;

(3)

Review all permits to determine if all other required state and federal permits have been obtained.

(b)

Use of Other Base Flood Data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 7B-2, the chief building official shall obtain, review and utilize any base flood elevation data available from a federal, state, county or other source, in order to administer this chapter.

(c)

Information to be Obtained and Maintained.

(1)

Obtain and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures;

(2)

For all new or substantially improved flood proofed structures:

(i)

Verify and record the actual elevation of flood proofing (in relation to mean sea level),

(ii)

Maintain the flood proofing certifications required in Section 7B-5,

(iii)

Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this chapter.

(d)

Alteration of Watercourses. Require that maintenance is provided within any altered or relocated portion of a watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished. Notify adjacent communities and the California Department of Water Resources prior to such alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(e)

Interpretation of FIRM Boundaries. Make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as hereinafter provided.

(f)

Base flood elevations may increase or decrease resulting from physical changes affecting flooding conditions. As soon as practicable, but not later than six (6) months after the date such information becomes available, the county of Sonoma shall notify the administrator of the changes by submitting technical or scientific data in accordance with this part. Such a submission is necessary so that upon confirmation of those physical changes affecting flooding conditions, risk premium rates and flood plain management requirements will be based upon current data.

(Ord. No. 5700 § 1, 2007; Ord. No. 4887 § 6 (part), 1995: Ord. No. 4127 § 3, 1990: Ord. No. 4083, 1989.)