HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance 405 Amending Chapter 18, Article 4 of the Municipal Code of The Town of Fraser by the Adoption of Revised Regulations for The Prevention of Flood Damage Within the Town of Fraser & Prodividing Penalties for Violations of the Provisions Thereof TOWN OF FRASER
ORDINANCE NO.405
Series 2013
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE 4 OF THE MUNICIPALCODE OF THE
TOWN OF FRASER BY THE ADOPTION OF REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE
PREVENTION OF FLOOD DAMAGE WITHIN THE TOWN OF FRASER; AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS THEREOF.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 31, Article 23, Parts 2 and 3,
the Legislature of the State of Colorado has delegated the responsibility to local governmental
units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, flood hazard areas of the Town of Fraser, are subject to periodic inundation
which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and
impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general
welfare; and
WHEREAS, these flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in
floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of
flood hazards areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they
are inadequately elevated, floodproofed or otherwise protected from flood damage.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF
FRASER, COLORADO,THAT:
PART 1: AMENDMENT OF MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter 18 of the Code of the Town of Fraser,
Colorado (herein sometimes referred to as the "Municipal Code") is hereby amended as follows:
[Note: additions are shown in black bold underlined print; deletions are shown as
print:
FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION REGULATIONS
Sec. 18-4-10. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
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(a) It is the purpose of this Article to promote the public health, safety and general welfare
and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions
designed to:
(1) Protect human life and health;
(2) Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;
(3) Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public;
(4) Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
(5) Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains,
electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in floodplains;
(6) Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of
flood-prone areas in such a manner as to minimize future flood blight areas; and
(7) Insure that potential buyers are notified that property is in a flood area.
Sec. 18-4-20. METHODS OF REDUCING FLOOD LOSSES
(a) In order to accomplish its purposes, this Article uses the following methods:
(1) Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety or property in times of
flood, or cause excessive increases in flood heights or velocities;
(2) Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
(3) Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective
barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters;
(4) Control filling, grading, dredging and other development which may increase flood
damage;
(5) Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert
flood waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands.
Sec. 18-4-30. DEFINITIONS
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Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Article shall be interpreted to
give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this Article its most reasonable
application.
APPEAL—means a request for a review of the Town's Manager's interpretation of any
provisions of this Article or a request for a variance.
ALLUVIAL FAN FLOODING - means flooding occurring on the surface of an alluvial fan or
similar landform which originates at the apex and is characterized by high-velocity flows; active
processes of erosion, sediment transport, and deposition; and unpredictable flow paths.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING - means a designated AO, AH, or VO zone on a
community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)with a one percent chance or greater annual
chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel
does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be
evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD - is the land in the floodplain within a community subject
to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The area may be designated
as Zone A on the Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM). After detailed ratemaking has been
completed in preparation for publication of the FIRM, Zone A usually is refined into Zones A,
AE, AH, AO, Al-99, VO, V1-30, VE or V.
BASE FLOOD- means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
any given year.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE) - The elevation shown on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate
Map for Zones AE, AH, Al-A30, AR, AR/A,AR/AE, AR/A1-A30 AR/AH AR/AO, V1430,
and VE that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a one
percent chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.
BASEMENT- means any area of the building having its floor sub-grade(below ground level)on
all sides.
CONDITIONAL LETTER OF MAP REVISION (CLOMR) - FEMA's comment on a proposed
project,which does not revise an effective floodplain map, that would, upon
construction, affect the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and
thus result in the modification of the existing regulatory floodplain.
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CRITICAL FACILITY—A structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is
situated, as specified in Section 18-4-140, that if flooded may result in significant hazards
to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the
community at any time before, during and after a flood.
DEVELOPMENT- means any man-made change in improved and unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading,
paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.
ELEVATED BUILDING—means for insurance purposes, a nonbasement building which has its
lowest floor raised above ground level by foundation walls, shear walls, posts, piers, pilings or
columns.
EXISTING CONSTRUCTION -means for the purposes of determining rates, structures for
which the"start of construction" commenced before the effective date of the FIRM or before
January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date. "Existing construction" may also be
referred to as"existing structures."
EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION - means a manufactured home
park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a
community.
EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION- means
the preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which
the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction
of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
FLOOD OR FLOODING - means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from:
1. the overflow of inland or tidal waters.
2. the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)- means an official map of a community, on which the
Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood
hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
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FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY- is the official report provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. The report contains flood profiles, water surface elevation of the base
flood, as well as the Flood Boundary-Floodway Map.
FLOODPLAIN OR FLOOD-PRONE AREA- means any land area susceptible to being
inundated by water from any source (see definition of flooding).
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT- means the operation of an overall program of corrective and
preventive measures for reducing flood damage, including but not limited to emergency
preparedness plans, flood control works and floodplain management regulations.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS - means zoning ordinances, subdivision
regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain
ordinance, grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance)and other applications of police
power. The term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof,which
provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM -means 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 areas within a community subject to a
"special flood hazard" and the extent of the depths of associated flooding. Such a system
typically includes hurricane tidal barriers, dams, reservoirs, levees or dikes. These specialized
flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with sound engineering standards.
FLOOD PROOFING -means any combination of structural and non-structural additions,
changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or
improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY(REGULATORY FLOODWAY) - means the channel of a river or other
watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base
flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.
The Colorado statewide standard for the designated height to be used for all newly
studied reaches shall be one-half foot(six inches). Letters of Map Revision to existing
floodwav delineations may continue to use the floodwav criteria in place at the time of
the existing floodwav delineation.
FREEBOARD -The vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation
intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could
contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood
such as debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization
of the watershed.
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HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE - means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface
prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE - means any structure that is:
1. Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the
Department of Interior)or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as
meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
2. Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the
historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined
by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
3. Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic
preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior; or
4. Individually listed on a local inventory or historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either:
a) by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior
or;
b) directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
LEVEE - means a man-made structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and
constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the
flow of water so as to provide protection from temporary flooding.
LEVEE SYSTEM - means a flood protection system which consists of a levee, or levees, and
associated structures, such as closure and drainage devices, which are constructed and
operated in accordance with sound engineering practices.
LOWEST FLOOR-means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking or vehicles, building access
or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor;
provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the
applicable non-elevation design requirement of Section 60.3 of the National Flood Insurance
Program regulations.
MANUFACTURED HOME -means a structure transportable in one or more sections, which is
built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation
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when connected to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include a
"recreational vehicle".
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION -means a parcel (or contiguous parcels)
of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MEAN SEA LEVEL- means, for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the
National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD)of 1929 or other datum, to which base flood
elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
NEW CONSTRUCTION - means,for the purpose of determining insurance rates, structures for
which the"start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of an initial FIRM or
after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, and includes any subsequent improvements to
such structures. For floodplain management purposes, "new construction" means structures for
which the"start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of a floodplain
management regulation adopted by a community and includes any subsequent improvements
to such structures.
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION - means a manufactured home park
or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the
manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the
construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is
completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by a
community.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - means a vehicle which is:
1. built on a single chassis;
2. 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections;
3. designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and
4. designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters
for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use
START OF CONSTRUCTION -(for other than new construction or substantial improvements
under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act(Pub. L. 97-348)), includes substantial improvement
and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction,
repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180
days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent
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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
land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of
streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for basement,footings, piers or
foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the
property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not
part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction
means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether
or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
STRUCTURE - means a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that
is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE -means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent
of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT- means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value
of the structure before"start of construction" of the improvement. This includes structures which
have incurred "substantial damage", regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term
does not, however, include either:
1. 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 conditions or
2. Any alteration of a "historic structure", provided that the alteration will not preclude the
structure's continued designation as a "historic structure."
VARIANCE- is a grant of relief to a person from the requirement of this ordinance when specific
enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship. A variance, therefore, permits construction
or development in a manner otherwise prohibited by this ordinance. (For full requirements see
Section 60.6 of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations.)
VIOLATION -means the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with
the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development without
the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in Section
60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or(e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such
time as that documentation is provided.
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WATER SURFACE ELEVATION - means the height, in relation to the National Geodetic
Vertical Datum (NGVD)of 1929 (or other datum,where specified), of floods of various
magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.
Sec. 18-4-40. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a) Lands To Which This Ordinance Applies This Article shall apply to all areas of special
flood hazard and_areas removed from the floodplain by the issuance of a FEMA Letter of
Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)within the jurisdiction of Fraser.
(b) Basis For Establishing The Areas Of Special Flood Hazard The areas of special flood
hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a scientific and engineering
report entitled, "The Flood Insurance Study for F=Fase Grand County, Colorado and
Incorporated Areas," dated January 2, 2008, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps
and Flood Boundary-Floodway Maps (FIRM and FBFM)and any revisions thereto are hereby
adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.
(c) Establishment Of Development Permit. A Development Permit shall be required to
ensure conformance with the provisions of this Article.
(d) Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be located, altered, or have its use
changed without full compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable
regulations.
(e) Abrogation And Greater Restrictions. This ordinance is not intended to repeal, abrogate,
or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this
ordinance and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap,
whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions shall prevail.
(f) Interpretation. In the interpretation and application of this Article, all provisions shall be:
(1) considered as minimum requirements;
(2) liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
(3) deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under State statutes.
(g) Warning And Disclaimer Or Liability. The degree of flood protection required by this
ordinance is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and
engineering considerations. On rare occasions greater floods can and will occur and flood
heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This ordinance does not imply that
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land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such areas will be free
from flooding or flood damages. This ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the
community or any official or employee thereof for any flood damages that result from reliance on
this ordinance or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
Sec. 18-4-50. ADMINISTRATION
(a) Designation of the Floodplain Administrator. The Town Manager, or its designee, is
hereby appointed the Floodplain Administrator to administer and implement the provisions of
this ordinance and other appropriate sections of 44 CFR(National Flood Insurance Program
Regulations) pertaining to floodplain management.
(b) Duties & Responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator. Duties and responsibilities of
the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Maintain and hold open for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions
of this ordinance.
(2) Review permit application to determine whether proposed building site, including the
placement of manufactured homes, will be reasonably safe from flooding.
(3) Review, approve or deny all applications for development permits required by
adoption of this ordinance.
(4) Review permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have
been obtained from those Federal, State or local governmental agencies(including Section
404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334)from
which prior approval is required.
(5) Where interpretation is 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 Floodplain Administrator shall make the
necessary interpretation.
(6) Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating
Agency which is Colorado Water Conservation Board, prior to any alteration or relocation of
a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
(7) Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any
watercourse is maintained.
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(8) When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section
18-4-40(b), the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base
flood elevation data and floodway data available from a Federal, State or other source, in
order to administer the provisions of Sections 18-4-70 to 18-4-110.
(9) When a regulatory floodway has not been designated, the Floodplain Administrator
must require that no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development
(including fill)shall be permitted within Zones Al-30 and AE on the community's FIRM,
unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when
combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water
surface elevation of the base flood more than one-half foot at any point within the
community.
(10) Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood
Insurance Program regulations, a community may approve certain development in Zones
Al-30, AE, AH, on the community's FIRM which increases the water surface elevation of the
base flood by more than one-half foot, provided that the community first applies for a
conditional FIRM revision through FEMA(Conditional Letter of Map Revision).
(c) Permit Procedures.
(1) Application for a Development Permit shall be presented to the Floodplain
Administrator on forms furnished by him/her and may include, but not be limited to, plans in
duplicate drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and elevation of proposed
landscape alterations, existing and proposed structures, including the placement of
manufactured homes, and the location of the foregoing in relation to areas of special flood
hazard. Additionally, the following information is required:
(i) Elevation (in relation to mean sea level), of the lowest floor(including
basement) of all new and substantially improved structures;
(ii) Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential
structure shall be floodproofed;
(iii) A certificate from a registered professional engineer or architect that the
nonresidential floodproofed structure shall meet the floodproofing criteria of Section 18-
4-80(b);
(iv) Description of the extent to which any watercourse or natural drainage will be
altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
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(v) Maintain a record of all such information in accordance with Section 18-4-50 (b)
(1).
(2) Approval or denial of a Development Permit by the Floodplain Administrator shall be
based on all of the provisions of this ordinance and the following relevant factors:
(i) The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(ii) The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and
the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(iii) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
(iv) The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated
development;
(v) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and
emergency vehicles;
(vi) The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions
including maintenance and repair of streets and bridges, and public utilities and facilities
such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems;
(vii) The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of
the flood waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site;
(viii) The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(ix) The availability of alternative locations, not subject to flooding or erosion
damage, for the proposed use;
(x) The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan for that area.
Sec. 18-4-60. VARIANCE PROCEDURES
(a) The Board of Adjustment as established by the Town of Fraser shall hear and render
judgement on requests for variances from the requirements of this Article.
(b) The Board of Adjustment shall hear and render judgement on an appeal only when it is
alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Floodplain
Administrator in the enforcement or administration of this Article.
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(c) Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Adjustment may
appeal such decision in the courts of competent jurisdiction.
(d) The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all actions involving an appeal
and shall report variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency upon request.
(e) Variances may be issued for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration of
structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic
Places, without regard to the procedures set forth in the remainder of this Article.
(f) Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be
erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with
existing structures constructed below the base flood level, providing the relevant factors in
Section 18-4-50 (c) (2)of this Article have been fully considered. As the lot size increases
beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
(g) Upon consideration of the factors noted above and the intent of this Article, the Board of
Adjustment may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to
further the purpose and objectives of this Article.
(h) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood
levels during the base flood discharge would result.
(i) Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a
determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's
continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to
preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
(j) Prerequisites for granting variances:
(1) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(2) Variances shall only be issued upon:
(i) showing a good and sufficient cause;
(ii) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional
hardship to the applicant, and
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(iii) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood
heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create
nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local
laws or ordinances.
(3) Any application to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the
structure will be permitted to be built with the lowest floor elevation below the base flood
elevation, and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk
resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
(k) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial
improvements and for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent
use provided that:
(1) the criteria outlined in Section 18-4-60 (a)-(i)are met, and
(2) the structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood
damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
Sec. 18-4-70. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION/GENERAL STANDARDS
(a) In all areas of special flood hazards the following provisions are required for all new
construction and substantial improvements:
(1) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be designed (or modified)
and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure
resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
(2) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods
and practices that minimize flood damage;
(3) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials
resistant to flood damage;
(4) All new construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed with electrical,
heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that
are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the
components during conditions of flooding.
(5) All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system;
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(6) New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system and discharge from the systems into
flood waters; and,
(7) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding.
(b) When a regulatory floodway has not been designated, the Floodplain Administrator
must require that no new construction, substantial improvements, or other development
(including fill)shall be permitted within Zones Al-30 and AE on the community's FIRM, unless it
is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with
all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of
the base flood more than one-half foot at any point within the community; and,
(c) Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood
Insurance Program regulations, a community may approve certain development in Zones A1-
30, AE, AH, on the community's FIRM which increases the water surface elevation of the base
flood by more than one-half foot, provided that the community first applies for a conditional
FIRM revision through FEMA(Conditional Letter of Map Revision).
Sec. 18-4-80. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION/SPECIFIC STANDARDS
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as
set forth in (i)Section 18-4-40 (b), (ii)Section 18-4-50(b)(8), or(iii) Section 18-4-90(c), the
following provisions are required:
(a) Residential Construction - new construction and substantial improvement of any
residential structure shall have the lowest floor(including basement), elevated to one foot er
above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor
shall submit a certification to the Floodplain Administrator that the standard of this subsection as
proposed in Section 18-4-50(c)(1), is satisfied.
(b) Nonresidential Construction - new construction and substantial improvements of any
commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor
(including basement)elevated to er-one foot above the base flood level or together with
attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be designed so that below one foot above the base flood
level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and
with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic
loads and effects of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop
and/or review structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify
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that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of
practice as outlined in this subsection. A record of such certification which includes the specific
elevation (in relation to mean sea level)to which such structures are floodproofed shall be
maintained by the Floodplain Administrator.
(c) Enclosures - new construction and substantial improvements, with fully enclosed areas
below the lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage
in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to
automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit
of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered
professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(1) A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch
for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.
(2) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(3) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or
devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(d) Manufactured Homes—
(1) Require that all manufactured homes to be placed within Zone A on a community's
FHBM or FIRM shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize flood
damage. For the purposes of this requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated and
anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may
include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This
requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements for resisting
wind forces.
(2) Require that manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within
Zones Al-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM on sites (i)outside of a manufactured
home park or subdivision, (ii) in a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) in an
expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or(iv) in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred
"substantial damage" as a result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such
that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to of one foot above the base
flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to
resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
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(3) Require that manufactured homes be placed or substantially improved on sites in an
existing manufactured home park or subdivision with Zones Al-30, AH and AE on the
community's FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of paragraph (4)of this section be
elevated so that either:
(i) the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or one foot above the base flood
elevation, or
(ii) the manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other
foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in
height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation
system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
(e) Recreational Vehicles- Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones
Al-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM either:
(1) be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,
(2) be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or
(3) meet the permit requirements of Section 18-4-50(c)(1), and the elevation and
anchoring requirements for"manufactured homes" in paragraph (4) of this section. A
recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is
attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no
permanently attached additions.
(f) Below-Grade Residential Crawlspace Construction-New construction and substantial
improvement of any below-grade crawlspace shall:
(1) Have the interior grade elevation that is below base flood elevation no lower than two
feet below the lowest adjacent grade;
(2) Have the height of the below-grade crawlspace measured from the interior grade of the
crawlspace to the top of the foundation wall, not exceed four feet at any point;
(3) Have an adequate drainage system that allows floodwaters to drain from the interior
area of the crawlspace following a flood;
(4) Be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse,or lateral movement of the structure and be
capable of resisting the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads;
(5) Be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
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(6) Be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
(7) Be constructed with electrical, heating,ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning
equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water
from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding;
(8) Be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by
allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either
be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the
following minimum criteria:
(i) A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch
for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided;
(ii) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade;
(iii) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices
provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
Sec. 18-4-90. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION/STANDARDS FOR
SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS
(a) All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall be consistent with Sections 18-4-10 and 18-4-20 of this Article.
(b) All proposals for the development of subdivisions including the placement of
manufactured home parks and subdivisions shall meet Development Permit requirements of
Section 18-4-40 (c); Section 18-4-50 (c)and the provisions of Sections 18-4-70 to 18-4-110 of
this Article.
(c) Base flood elevation data shall be generated for subdivision proposals and other
proposed development including the placement of manufactured home parks and subdivisions
which is greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser, if not otherwise provided pursuant
to Section 18-4-40 (b)or Section 18-4-50 (b)(8)this Article.
(d) All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(e) All subdivision proposals including the placement of manufactured home parks and
subdivisions shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water
systems located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage.
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Sec. 18-4-100. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION/STANDARDS FOR
AREAS OF SHALLOW FLOODING (AO/AH ZONES)
Located within the areas of special flood hazard established in Section 18-4-40 (b), are areas
designated as shallow flooding. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base
flood depths of 1 to 3 feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of
flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is
characterized by ponding or sheet flow; therefore, the following provisions apply:
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures have the
lowest floor(including basement)elevated one foot above the highest adjacent grade at least
as high one foot above the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at
least three t, e (2)feet if no depth number is specified).
(b) All new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential structures:
(1) have the lowest floor(including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent
grade at least as high as one foot above the depth number specified in feet on the
community's FIRM (at least three twe,feet if no depth number is specified), or;
(2) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be designed so that below one
foot above the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability
of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads of effects of buoyancy.
(c) A registered professional engineer or architect shall submit a certification to the
Floodplain Administrator that the standards of this Section, as proposed in Section 18-4-50 (c)
(1)are satisfied.
(d) Require within Zones AH or AO adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes,
to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
Sec. 18-4-110. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION/FLOODWAYS
Floodways - located within areas of special flood hazard established in Section 18-4-40 (b)are
areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the
velocity of flood waters which carry debris, potential projectiles and erosion potential, the
following provisions shall apply:
(a) Encroachments are prohibited, including fill, new construction, substantial
improvements and other development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been
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demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with
standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase
in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(b) if Section 18-4-110 (1)above is satisfied, all new construction and substantial
improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of Sections 18-
4-70 to 18-4-110.
(c) Under the provisions of 44 CFR Chapter 1, Section 65.12, of the National Flood
Insurance Regulations, a community may permit encroachments within the adopted regulatory
floodway that would result in an increase in base flood elevations, provided that the community
first applies for a conditional FIRM and floodway revision through FEMA.
Sec. 18-4-'120. ALTERATION OF A WATERCOURSE
For all proposed developments that alter a watercourse within a Special Flood Hazard
Area, the following standards apply:
1. Channelization and flow diversion proiects shall appropriately consider issues of
sediment transport, erosion, deposition, and channel migration and properly
mitigate potential problems through the project as well as upstream and
downstream of any improvement activity. A detailed anal sis of sediment
transport and overall channel stability should be considered when appropriate to
assist in determining the most appropriate design.
2. Channelization and flow diversion proiects shall evaluate the residual 100-year
floodplain.
3. Any channelization or other stream alteration activity proposed by a aroiect
proponent must be evaluated for its impact on the regulatory floodplain and be in
compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local floodplain rules
regulations and ordinances.
4. Any stream alteration activity shall be designed and sealed by a registered
Colorado Professional Ennineer or Certified Professional Hydrologist
5. All activities within the regulatory floodplain shall meet all applicable Federal
State and Town of Fraser floodplain requirements and regulations.
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6. Within the Regulatory Floodwav stream alteration activities shall not be
constructed unless the project proponent demonstrates through a Floodwav
analysis and report, sealed by a registered Colorado Professional Engineer,that
there is not more than a-0.00-foot rise in the proposed conditions compared to
existing conditions Floodwav resulting from the project otherwise known as a No
Rise Certification, unless the community first applies for a CLOMR and Floodwav
revision in accordance with Section D of this Article
7. Maintenance shall be required for any altered or relocated portions of
watercourses so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished
Sec. 18-4-130. PROPERTIES REMOVED FROM THE FLOODPLAIN BY FILL
A F000dplain Development Permit shall not be issued for the construction of a new
structure or addition to an existing structure on a property removed from the floodplain
by the issuance of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) unless such
new structure or addition complies with the following:
I. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
The lowest floor(including basement), electrical, heating ventilation plumbing,
and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork)
must be elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation that existed prior to
the placement of fill.
2. NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
The lowest floor(Including basement), electrical, heating, ventilation plumbing,
and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork),
must be elevated to one foot above the Base Flood Elevation that existed prior to
the placement of fill, or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be
designed so that the structure or addition is watertight to at least one foot above
the base flood level that existed prior to the placement of fill with walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural
components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hvdrodvnamic
loads of effects of buovance.
Sec. 18-4-140. STANDARDS FOR CRITICAL FACILITIES
A Critical Facility is a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is
situated, as specified in Rule 6 of the Rules and Regulations for Regulatory Floodplains
in Colorado,that if flooded may result in siqnificant hazards to public health and safety
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or interrupt essential services and operations for the community at any time before
durina and after a flood.
1. CLASSIFICATION OF CRITICAL FACITILIES
it is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Fraser to identify
and confirm that specific structures in their community meet the following criteria:
Critical Facilities are classified under the followina categories: (a) Essential
Services; (b) Hazardous Materials; (c)At-risk Populations; and (d)Vital to
Restoring Normal Services.
a. Essential services facilities include public safety, emergency response,
emeraencv medical, designated emergency shelters, communications,
public utility plant facilities, and transportation lifelines.
These facilities consist of:
i. Public safety(police stations, fire and rescue stations, emeraencv
vehicle and equipment storage, and, emergency operation centers);
ii. Emergency medical (hospitals, ambulance service centers, urgent
care centers having emergency treatment functions, and non-
ambulatory surgical structures but excluding clinics, doctors
offices, and non-urgent care medical structures that do not provide
these functions);
ill. Designated emeraencv shelters;
iv. Communications (main hubs for telephone, broadcasting equipment
for cable systems, satellite dish systems, cellular systems,
television, radio, and other emergency warnina systems, but
excluding towers, poles, lines, cables, and conduits);
v. Public utility plant facilities for generation and distribution ( hubs,
treatment plants,substations and pumping stations for water, power
and gas, but not includina towers, poles, power lines, buried
pipelines,transmission lines, distribution lines, and service lines);
and
A. Air Transportation lifelines (airports (municipal and larger),
helicopter pads and structures serving emergency functions, and
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associated infrastructure (aviation control towers air traffic control
centers, and emergency equipment aircraft hangars)
Specific exemptions to this category include wastewater treatment plants
LWWTP), non-potable water treatment and distribution systems, and
hydroelectric power generating plants and related appurtenances
Public utility plant facilities may be exempted if it can be demonstrated to
the satisfaction of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Fraser that the
facility is an element of a redundant system for which service will not be
interrupted during a flood. At a minimum, it shall be demonstrated that
redundant facilities are available leither owned by the same utility or
available through an intergovernmental agreement or other contract) and
connected, the alternative facilities are either located outside of the '100-
year floodplain or are compliant with the provisions of this Article and an
operations plan is in effect that states how redundant systems will provide
service to the affected area in the event of a flood Evidence of ongoing
redundancy shall be provided to the Board of Trustees of the Town of
Fraser on an as-needed basis upon request
b. Hazardous materials facilities include facilities that produce or store highly
volatile,flammable, explosive,toxic and/or water-reactive materials
These facilities may include:
L Chemical and pharmaceutical plants (chemical plant
pharmaceutical manufacturing);
ii. Laboratories containing highly volatile,flammable, explosive, toxic
and/or water-reactive materials;
iii. Refineries:
iv. Hazardous waste storage and disposal sites; and
v. Above ground gasoline or propane storage or sales centers.
Facilities shall be determined to be Critical Facilities if they produce or
store materials in excess of threshold limits. If the owner of a facility is
required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)to
keep a Material Safety Data Sheet(MSDS) on file for any chemicals stored
or used in the work place, AND the chemical(s) is stored in quantities equal
to or greater than the Threshold Planning Quantity(TPQ)for that chemical,
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then that facility shall be considered to be a Critical Facility. The TPQ for
these chemicals is: either 500 pounds or the TPQ listed (whichever is
lower)for the 356 chemicals listed under 40 C.F.R. §302 (2010), also known
as Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS); or 10,000 pounds for any other
chemical. This threshold is consistent with the requirements for reportable
chemicals established by the Colorado Department of Health and
Environment. OSHA requirements for MSDS can be found in 29 C.F.R. F-4
1910 (2010). The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) regulation
"Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Notification,"40 C.F.R. $302
(2010)and OSHA regulation "Occupational Safety and Health Standards,"
29 C.F.R. § 1910 (2010) are incorporated herein by reference and include
the regulations in existence at the time of the promulgation this ordinance,
but exclude later amendments to or editions of the reaulations
Specific exemptions to this category include:
L Finished consumer products within retail centers and households
containing hazardous materials intended for household use, and
agricultural products intended for agricultural use.
ii. Buildings and other structures containing hazardous materials for
which it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local
authority having iurisdiction by hazard assessment and certification
by a qualified professional (as determined by the local jurisdiction
having land use authority) that a release of the subject hazardous
material does not pose a maior threat to the public.
iii. Pharmaceutical sales, use, storage, and distribution centers that do
not manufacture pharmaceutical products.
These exemptions shall not apply to buildings or other structures that also
function as Critical Facilities under another category outlined in this
Article,
c. At-risk population facilities include medical care, congregate care, and
schools.
These facilities consist of:
1. Elder care( nursing homes);
ii. Congregate care serving 12 or more individuals (day care and
assisted living);
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iii. Public and private schools (pre-schools K-12 schools) before-
school and after-school care serving 12 or more children);
d. Facilities vital to restoring normal services including government
operations.
These facilities consist of:
i. Essential government operations (public records courts, fails,
building permitting and inspection services community
administration and management maintenance and equipment
centers
ii. Essential structures for public colleges and universities
(dormitories, offices, and classrooms only)
These facilities may be exempted if it is demonstrated to the Board of
Trustees of the Town of Fraser that the facility is an element of a redundant
system for which service will not be interrupted during a flood At a
minimum, it shall be demonstrated that redundant facilities are available
(either owned by the same entity or available through an intergovernmental
agreement or other contract) the alternative facilities are either located
outside of the 100-year floodplain or are compliant with this ordinance and
an operations plan is in effect that states how redundant facilities will
provide service to the affected area in the event of a flood Evidence of
ongoing redundancy shall be provided to the Board of Trustees of the
Town of Fraser on an as-needed basis upon request
2. PROTECTION FOR CRITICAL FACILITIES
All new and substantially improved Critical Facilities and new additions to Critical
Facilities located within the Special Flood Hazard Area shall be regulated to a
higher standard than structures not determined to be Critical Facilities. For the
purposes of this ordinance, protection shall include one of the following:
a. Location outside the Special Flood Hazard Area; or
b. Elevation or floodproofing of the structure to at least two feet above the
Base Flood Elevation.
3. INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR NEW CRITICAL FACILITIES
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New Critical Facilities shall,when practicable as determined by the Board of
Trustees of the Town of Fraser have continuous non-inundated access (ingress
and egress for evacuation and emergency services) during a100-Year flood event.
Sec. 18-4-150. Penalties and enforcement
(a) Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this Article or the codes
adopted herein shall be punished as set forth in Section 1-4-10 of this Code.
(b) In the event of any violation or threatened violation of this Article, the Board of Trustees
may, in addition to other remedies provided by law, institute an appropriate action for injunction,
mandamus or abatement to prevent, enjoin, abate or remove such violation or threatened
violation.
PART 2: REPEAL. Any and all existing ordinances or parts of ordinances of the Town of
Fraser covering the same matters as embraced in this Ordinance are hereby repealed and all
ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby
repealed; provided, however, that such repeal shall not affect or prevent the prosecution or
punishment of any person for any act done or committed in violation of any ordinance hereby
repealed prior to the taking effect of this Ordinance.
PART 3: SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect
the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The Town of Fraser
hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection,
clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections,
sentences, clauses and phrases thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
PART 4: PUBLICATION: This Ordinance shall be published by title only.
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READ, PASSED, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES AND SIGNED THIS 15th DAY OF May, 2013.
Votes in favor: (D BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
Votes opposed: 0 TOWN OF FRASER, COLORADO
Votes abstained:—
BY:
( SEAL )
5teVe Vv\ator r®-le v„
ATTEST: �p �
Lu Berger, Town Clerk
Published in the Middle Park Times on JQ1
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