§ 11-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Base flood means the flood having a one (1) percent chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year, as defined by the flood insurance study. Base flood levels may be determined by elevations contained in the flood insurance study.

Development means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating or drilling operations.

Floodproofing means 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, structures and their contents.

Mobile home means a structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. It does not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers. The term includes, but is not limited to, the definition of "mobile home" as set forth in regulations governing the mobile home safety and construction standards program.

Substantial improvement means any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started; or if the structure has been damaged, and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For purposes of this definition, "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alterations of any structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not include any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or city health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions; or any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the state register of historic places or with a city historic district.

(Code 1977, § 5.723)

Cross reference

Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.