O24-13

ORDINANCE NO. O24-13  
 
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 
GLENDALE, 
MARICOPA 
COUNTY, 
ARIZONA, 
AMENDING THE GLENDALE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 17 
(FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT) AND SETTING FORTH 
AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 
 
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE as follows: 
 
WHEREAS, the City council adopted Chapter 17, Floodplain Management by 
Ordinance 1319 on November 6, 1984, and further amended Chapter 17 by Ordinance 1500 on 
June 23, 1987. 
 
WHEREAS, the City council adopted Chapter 17, Floodplain Management by 
Ordinance 2863 on November 13, 2013, By repealing it in its entirety and adopting a new 
Chapter 17, Floodplain Management Ordinance and declaring it and emergency. 
 
 WHEREAS, in accordance with Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations Section 60.3 (d), 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires communities to adopt current, 
legally enforceable floodplain management measures. 
 
SECTION 1.  That the Glendale City Code Chapter 17 - Floodplain Management is 
amended and shall read as follows: 
 
Chapter 17 - FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT1 
Footnotes: 
Editor's note(s)—Resolution No. 4742, § Exh. A, §§ 1—3, adopted Nov. 13, 2013, repealed Ch. 
17, Arts. I—III, §§ 17-1—17-15, 17-26—17-29, 17-41—17-50, in its entirety and enacted 
new provisions to read as herein set out. Prior to this amendment, Arts. I—III pertained to 
similar subject matter. See Code Comparative Table for derivation.  
Cross reference(s)—Buildings and building regulations, Ch. 9; grading and drainage regulations, 
Ch. 18.5; landscaping, Ch. 19; mobile home parks and mobile home subdivisions, Ch. 23; 
planning and development, Ch. 28; subdivisions, Ch. 31; zoning, App. A.  
Note(s)—A certain document entitled "Chapter 17, Floodplain Management," attached as 
Exhibit A, three copies of which are on file in the office of the City Clerk, is hereby 
declared to be a public record. Said copies are ordered to remain on file with the City Clerk 
for public use and inspection.

ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL 
Sec. 17-l. Short Title. 
This cChapter shall be known as the Floodplain Management Ordinance of the City of 
Glendale with Rules and Regulations pursuant to the provisions of The Flood Disaster Protection 
Act and The National Flood Insurance Act, as amended.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A),11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-2. Statutory authorization. 
Through A.R.S. § 48-3610 (Assumption of Powers and Duties), the Arizona State Legislature 
enabled the cCity of Glendale to assume the powers and duties for floodplain management and 
adopt regulations in conformance with A.R.S. § 48-36039 (Floodplain Delineation) designed to 
promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the City Council 
of Glendale, Arizona does ordain as follows: 
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-3. Findings of fact. 
(a) The Special fFlood hHazard aAreas of the cCity of Glendale are subject to periodic inundation 
which may results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruptions 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.  
(b) These flood losses aremay be caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of 
sSpecial fFlood hHazards Areas which increase flood heights and velocities, and when 
inadequately anchored cause, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately 
floodproofed, elevated, or otherwise protected, from flood damage also contribute to the flood 
loss.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-4. Statement of Purpose. 
(a) It is Tthe purpose of this cChapter is to provide floodplain management regulations for all 
subdivision of land, construction of dwelling, commercial or industrial structures, or uses 
which may divert, retard or obstruct floodwater and threatenpromote public health, safety, 
orand the general welfare, and provide for the establishment of minimum flood protection 
elevations and flood damage prevention requirements for uses, structures and facilities which 
are vulnerable to flood damage; provide for the coordination by the council with all other 
interested and affected political subdivisions and state agencies, and to minimize public and 
private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to:  
(1) To pProtect human life and health;

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(2) To mMinimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;  
(3) To mMinimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and 
generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;  
(4) To mMinimize prolonged business interruptions;  
(5) To mMinimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water mains, and gas 
mains, electric lines, telephone lines, and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas 
of sSpecial fFlood hHazard Areas;  
(6) To hHelp maintain a stable tax base by providing for the secondsound use and 
development of areas of sSpecial fFlood hHazard Areas so as to minimize future flood 
blight areas caused by flooding; and  
(7) To insure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood 
hazard;  
(8) To insure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility 
for their actions; and,  
(97) To Participate in and maintain eligibility for stateflood insurance and disaster relief.  
 
Sec. 17-5. Methods of reducing flood loss. 
(ba) In order to accomplish its purposes, this cChapter includes methods and provisions forto:  
(1) Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due to 
water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood 
heights or velocities;  
(2) Requireing that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be 
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;  
(3) Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective 
barriers, which help accommodate or channel flood waters;  
(4) Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood 
damage; and,  
(5) Preventing or regulateing the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert 
flood waters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.  
(6) These regulations take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, 
ordinances and codes.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13)

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Sec. 17-56. Definitions. 
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this cChapter shall be interpreted 
so as to give them the meaning they have in common usage and to give this cChapter its most 
reasonable application.  
Accessory Structure, low-cost and small: 
(1) A structure/building that is solely for the parking of no more than two (2) cars; or limited 
storage (small, low cost sheds)on the same parcel of property as a principal structure and 
the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.  For floodplain 
management purposes, the term includes only accessory structures used for parking and 
storage, be small, represent a minimal investment by owners, and have low damage 
potential.  
(2) One hundred twenty (120) square feet or less.  
Administrative Appeals Board: A board authorized to hear and decide appeals and requests 
for floodplain variances from the requirements of this cChapter. The Administrative Appeals 
Board is made up of the Building Safety Official, City Engineer, Zoning Official, Principal 
Engineer or designee, and on City of Glendale resident with applicable experience as acceptable 
to the Board. Any floodplain variance granted by the Administrative Appeals Board must be 
approved by the Floodplain Board.  
Appeal: A request for a review of the Floodplain Administrator's interpretation of any 
provision of this cChapter or a request for a floodplain variance.  
Area of shallow flooding: A designated AO or AH Zone on a community's Flood Insurance 
Rate Map (FIRM) with a one percent (l1%) or greater annual chance of flooding to an average 
depth of one (1) to three (3) 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: The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one 
percent (1%) or greater chance of flooding in any given year. This area is designated as zone A, 
AE, AO, AH, and A1-30 on the FIRM and other areas determined by the criteria adopted by the 
city's director of water resources (see "Special Flood Hazard Area").  
Base flood: TheA flood having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in 
any given year.  
Base Flood Elevation (BFE): The computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to 
rise during the base flood.shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Zones AE, AH, Al-30, VE 
and Vl-V30 that indicate the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a one percent 
(1%) or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.  
Basement: Any area of the building having its floor sub-grade, i.e., below ground level on all 
sides.  
Breakaway walls: Any type of wall, whether solid or lattice, and whether constructed of 
concrete, masonry, wood, metal, plastic or any other suitable building material which is not part

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of the structural support of the building and which is so designed as to breakaway, during the base 
flood, without damage to the structural integrity of the building on which it is used or any structure 
to which it might be carried by flood waters.  
Building: See "Structure." 
Chief Engineer: See “Floodplain Administrator 
Community: Any state or area of political subdivision thereof, or an Indian tribe or authorized 
tribal organization or authorized native organization, which has the authority to adopt and enforce 
floodplain management regulations for the areas within its jurisdiction. 
Critical feature: An integral and readily identifiable part of a flood protection system without 
which the flood protection provided by the entire system would be compromised.  
Delineated floodplain: That area delineated and mapped as floodplain, as approved by the 
Federal Insurance Administration and as shown on the official flood insurance rate map of the 
cCity.  
Development: Any manmade change to improved or 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 located within the area of special flood 
hazard.  
Encroachment: The advance or infringement of uses, plant growth, fill, excavation, buildings, 
permanent structures or development into a floodplain, which may impede or alter the flow 
capacity of a floodplain. Activities or construction within the floodway including fill, new 
construction, substantial improvements, and other development.  These activities are prohibited 
within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and 
hydraulic analysis that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels. 
Existing manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision: A parcel (or 
contiguous parcels) of land divided into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale 
for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lot on which the manufactured home is to 
be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, either final site grading or the 
pouring of concrete pads, and the construction of streets) is completed before December 6, 1984.  
Expansion to an existing manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision. 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, either final site grading 
or pouring of concrete pads, or the construction of streets).  
Financial assistance: Any form of loan, grant, guaranty, insurance, payment, rebate, subsidy, 
disaster assistance loan or grant, or any other form of direct or indirect federal assistance, other 
than general or special revenue sharing or formula grants made to states.  
Flood or flooding: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 
normally dry land areas from:  
(1) The overflow of flood waters; and/or  
(2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; and/or

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(3) 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 flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and 
unforeseeable event which results in flooding as defined in this definition.  
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): The official map of a community on which the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the areas of sSpecial fFlood 
hHazards Areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.  
Flood Insurance Study (FIS): The official report provided by the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA) that includes flood profiles, Flood Insurance Rate Maps 
(FIRMs)the flood boundary floodway map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.  
Floodplain or flood-prone area: Any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from 
any source. See "fFlood or flooding."  
Floodplain Administrator: The public works administrator or his designee who is assigned to 
administer and enforce the floodplain management regulations.  
Floodplain Board: The City Council of the City of Glendale shall be the Floodplain Board. 
In the event the Floodplain Board must recuse itself from deciding a matter, the Board of Directors 
of the Flood Control District of Maricopa County shall hear such Floodplain disputes or floodplain 
variances to provide the appropriate enforcement of this ordinanceChapter.  
Floodplain management: The operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive 
measures for reducing flood damage and preserving and enhancing, where possible, natural 
resources in the floodplain, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood 
control works, floodplain management regulations, and open space plans. 
Floodplain management regulations: This Chapter and other Zzoning ordinances, 
subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as 
floodplain ordinance, grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other applications of 
police power which control development in flood-prone areas. Thise term describes such federal, 
state or local regulations in any combination thereof, which provide standards for the purpose 
ofpreventing and reducing flood loss and damage prevention and reduction.  
Floodproofed: Watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and 
with structural components having the capability of restricting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads 
and effects of buoyancy.  
Floodproofing: Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or 
adjustments to non-residential structures which reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to real 
estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents by 
means other than elevation.  
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 "special flood

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hazard" and the extent of the depths of associated flooding. Such a system typically includes dams, 
reservoirs, 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 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 an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which 
results in flooding.  
Flood-related erosion area or Flood-related erosion-prone area: A land area adjoining the 
shore of a lake or other body of water, which due to the composition of the shoreline or bank and 
high water levels or wind-driven currents, is likely to suffer flood-related erosion damage.  
Flood-related erosion area management: The operation of an overall program of corrective 
and preventative measures for reducing flood-related erosion damage, including but not limited to 
emergency preparedness plans, flood-related erosion control works, and floodplain management 
regulations.  
Floodway: 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. Also referred to as the "Regulatory Floodway."  
Fraud and victimization: As related to Section 17-29 of this ordinance, means that the 
variance granted must not cause fraud on, or victimization of, the public. In examining this 
requirement, the City Council will consider the fact that every newly constructed building adds to 
government responsibilities and remains a part of the community for fifty to one hundred years. 
Buildings that are permitted to be constructed below the base flood elevation are subject during all 
those years to increased risk of damage from floods, while future owners of the property and the 
community as a whole are subject to all the costs, inconvenience, danger, and suffering that those 
increased flood damages bring. In addition, future owners may purchase the property, unaware 
that it is subject to potential flood damage, and can be insured only at very high flood insurance 
rates.  
Flood Zones: As shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) by Title 44 CFR § 60.5, 
as amended. 
Zone A: No Base Flood Elevations determined. 
Zone AE: Base Flood Elevations determined. 
Zone AH: Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet (usually areas of ponding); Base Flood Elevations 
determined. 
Zone AO: Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain); average depths 
determined. For areas of alluvial fan flooding, velocities also determined. 
Zone X (unshaded): Areas determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.

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Zone X (shaded): Areas of 0.2% annual chance flood; areas of 1% annual chance flood with 
average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; and areas protected 
by levees from 1% annual chance flood. 
Freeboard: An additional one (1) foot of height above the BFE is used as a factor of safety 
in determining the level at which a structure’s lowest floor must be elevated or dry floodproofed 
to be in accordance with this Chapter. 
Functionally dependent use: A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is 
located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port 
facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building 
and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.  
Governing body: The local governing unit, i.e., county or municipality that is empowered to 
adopt and implement regulations to provide for the public health, safety and general welfare of its 
citizenry.  
Hardship: As referenced in Section 17-29 of this ordinanceChapter, the definition of 
exceptional hardship is the hardship be exceptional, unusual, and peculiar to the property involved. 
that would result from a failure to grant the requested variance. The Floodplain Board requires that 
the variance be exceptional, and peculiar to the property involved. Mere economic or financial 
hardship alone is not exceptional. Inconvenience, aesthetic considerations, physical handicaps, 
personal preferences, or the disapproval of one's neighbors likewise cannot, as a rule, qualify as 
an exceptional hardship. TheAll of these problems listed maycan be resolved, or may be required 
to be resolved, through other means without granting a floodplain variance, even if the alternative 
is more expensive, or requires the property owner to build elsewhere or put the parcel to a 
differentce use other than originally intended.  
Highest aAdjacent gGrade (HAG): The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior 
to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.  
Historic Structure: 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 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 of 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.

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Levee: A manmade 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: 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: The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, (including a basement)see 
“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 such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of 
the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this cChapter.  
Manufactured home: 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 when 
attachedconnected to the required utilities. For floodplain management purposes the term 
"manufactured home'' also includes mobile homes, park trailers, travel trailers and other similar 
vehicles placed on a site for greater than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive daysThe term 
“manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle”.  
Manufactured home park or subdivision: A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided 
into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for sale or rent.  
Market value: Defined in the substantial damage and substantial improvement 
proceduresReplacement cost of a structure less depreciation since construction.  
Mean sea level: For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the National Geodetic 
Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929, North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, or other 
datum, to which Base Flood elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map 
(FIRM) are referenced.  
New construction: For the purposes of determining insurance rates, structures for which the 
"start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate 
Map 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 December 6, 1984, and includes any 
subsequent improvements to such structure.  
New manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision: A parcel (or contiguous 
parcels) of land divided into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale for which the 
construction of facilities for servicing the lot (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, 
either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads, and the construction of streets) is 
completed on or after December 6, 1984.  
Obstruction: Includes, but is not limited to, any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, 
pile, abutment, protection, excavation, channelization, bridge, conduit, culvert, building, wire, 
fence, rock, gravel, refuse, fill, structure, vegetation or other material in, along, across, or 
projecting into any watercourse which may alter, impede, retard or change the direction and/or

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velocity of the flow of water, or due to its location, its propensity to snare or collect debris carried 
by the flow of water, or its likelihood of being carried downstream.  
One-hundred-year flood or 100-year flood: The flood having a one percent (1%) chance of 
being equaled or exceeded in any given year. See "Base flood".  
Person: Any individual or hisindividual’s agent, a firm, partnership, association, corporation, 
or agent of the aforementioned groups, or thethis state, of anyits agenciesy or political subdivision 
thereof.  
Program: The nNational fFlood iInsurance pProgram (NFIP) authorized by 42 U.S.C. §§ 
4001-4128, as amended.  
Program deficiency: A defect in a community's floodplain management regulations or 
administrative procedures that impairs effective implementation of those floodplain management 
regulations or of the NFIP standards.  
Public safety and nuisance: As related to Section 17-16 and 17-62 of this ordinanceChapter, 
means that the granting of a floodplain variance must not result in anything which is injurious to 
safety or health of an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, 
or unlawfully obstructs the free passage or use, in the customary manner, of any navigable lake, 
or river, bay, stream, canal, or basin.  
Reach: The longitudinal segments of a stream, wash or watercourse which may include, but 
not be limited to, the segment of the flood hazard area where flood heights are primarily controlled 
by man-made or natural obstructions or constrictions.  
Recreational vehicle. For purposes of this ArticleChapter only, a recreational vehicle is defined as 
a vehicle which is:  
(1) Built on a single chassis;  
(2) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;  
(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 a temporary living 
quarters for recreational, camping travel, or seasonal use.  
Regulatory Flood Elevation (RFE): An elevation one (1) foot above the Base Flood Elevation 
for a watercourse for which the base flood elevation has been determined and shall be determined 
by the criteria developed by the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources for all 
other watercourses.  
Regulatory floodway: 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. 
Remedy a violation: To bring the structure or other development into compliance with state 
or local floodplain management regulations, or, if this is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its 
noncompliance. Ways that impacts may be reduced include protecting the structure or other 
affected development from flood damages, implementing the enforcement provisions of the

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ordinanceChapter or otherwise deterring future similar violations, or reducing federal financial 
exposure with regard to the structure or other development.  
Riverine: Relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including tributaries), stream, brook, 
etc.  
Sheet flow area: See "Area of shallow flooding".  
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): An area in the floodplain subject to a one percent (1%) 
or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map 
(FIRM) as zZone A, AO, AHl-30, or AE, A99 or AH.  
Start of construction: Includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development 
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 
from the date of the permit. The actual start date means either the first placement of permanent 
construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slabs 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 a basement, footing, 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 as 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: A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is 
principally above ground; a manufactured home is a structure. For floodplain management 
purposes, a structure is a walled and roofed building that is principally above ground, where walled 
is considered “two or more outside rigid walls” and roofed is “a fully secured roof.” The term 
includes gas and liquid storage tanks and manufactured homes. The terms “structure” and 
“building” are used interchangeably in the NFIP regulations and this bulletin. Floodplain managers 
must use professional judgment to determine which proposed development projects are “walled 
and roofed,” and thus regulated as structures, and which proposed projects are regulated as 
development. 
Substantial damage: Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of 
restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) 
of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.  
Substantial improvement: Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or improvement tof a 
structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the 
structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures which 
have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work performed. However, the 
term does not include either:  
(1) Any project for improvement of a structure required to comply with existing violations 
or to comply with state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which have

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been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum 
necessary to assure safe living 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, Floodplain: A grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter which permits 
construction or other used or property in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this 
chapter.  
Violation: 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 this cChapter 
is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.  
Water Surface Elevation (WSE): The height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical 
Datum (NVGD) of 1929, North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, or other datum, of 
floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.  
Watercourse: Any lake, river, creek, stream, wash, arroyo, channel or other topographic 
feature on or over body of water having banks and beds through which waters flow at least 
periodically. The term mayWatercourse includes specifically designated areas in which substantial 
flood damage may occur.  
Water Surface Elevation (WSE): The height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical 
Datum (NVGD) of 1929, North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, or other datum, of 
floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-6. Interpretation. 
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:  
(1) Considered as minimum requirements;  
(2) Liberally construed in favor of Council direction and policy; and  
(3) Deemed neither to limit nor expand any other powers granted under state statutes.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-7. Jurisdictional Applicability. 
This ordinance shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the corporate limits of 
the City of Glendale.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13)

Created: 2023-08-23 10:08:50 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 104) 
 
Page 13 of 36 
Sec. 17-8. Compliance. 
All development of land, construction of residential, commercial or industrial structures, or 
future development within delineated floodplain areas is subject to the terms of this chapter and 
other applicable regulations.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-9. Statutory Exceptions. 
(a) In accordance with A.R.S. § 48-3609(H), unless otherwise expressly provided, this and any 
regulation adopted pursuant to this article do not affect:  
(1) Existing legal uses of property or the right to continuation of such legal use. However, 
if a nonconforming use of land or a building or structure is discontinued for twelve 
months, or destroyed to the extent of 50 percent of its value as determined by a competent 
real estate appraiser, any further use shall comply with this article and regulations of the 
City of Glendale;  
(2) Reasonable repair or alteration of property for the purposes for which the property was 
legally used on August 3, 1984, or any regulations affecting such property takes effect, 
except that any alteration, addition or repair to a nonconforming building or structure 
which would result in increasing its flood damage potential by fifty percent (50%) or 
more shall be either floodproofed or elevated to or above the Regulatory Flood 
Elevation;  
(3) Reasonable repair of structures constructed with the written authorization required by 
A.R.S. § 48-3613, as amended; and  
(4) Facilities constructed or installed pursuant to a Certificate of Environmental 
Compatibility issued under A.R.S. § 40-360 et seq., as amended.  
(b) Before any authorized construction begins for the exceptions listed below, the responsible 
person must submit plans for the construction to the Floodplain Board, or its designee, for 
review and comment. In accordance with A.R.S. § 48-3613, written authorization shall not 
be required, nor shall the Floodplain Board prohibit:  
(1) The construction of bridges, culverts, dikes and other structures necessary to the 
construction of public highways, roads and streets intersecting or crossing a watercourse;  
(2) The construction of storage dams for watering livestock or wildlife, structures on banks 
of a watercourse to prevent erosion of or damage to adjoining land if the structure will 
not divert, retard or obstruct the natural channel of the watercourse or dams for the 
conservation of floodwaters as permitted by A.R.S. § 45-1201 et seq., as amended;  
(3) Construction of tailing dams and waste disposal areas for use in connection with mining 
and metallurgical operations. This paragraph does not exempt those sand and gravel 
operations that will divert, retard or obstruct the flow of waters in any watercourse from

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 14 of 36 
 
complying with and acquiring authorization from the Floodplain Board pursuant to 
regulations adopted by the Floodplain Board under this article;  
(4) Other construction upon determination by the Floodplain Board that written 
authorization is unnecessary;  
(5) Any flood control district, county, city, town or other political subdivision from 
exercising powers granted to it under A.R.S. § 48-3601 et seq., as amended;  
(6) The construction of streams, waterways, lakes and other auxiliary facilities in 
conjunction with development of public parks and recreation facilities by a public 
agency or political subdivision; or  
(7) The construction and erection of poles, towers, foundations, support structures, guy 
wires and other facilities related to power transmission as constructed by any utility 
whether a public service corporation or a political subdivision.  
(c) In addition to other penalties or remedies otherwise provided by law, this state, a political 
subdivision, or a person who may be damaged, or has been damaged as a result of the 
unauthorized diversion, retardation or obstruction of a watercourse, has the right to 
commence, maintain and prosecute any appropriate action or pursue any remedy to enjoin, 
abate or otherwise prevent any person from violating or continuing to violate this section or 
regulations adopted pursuant to this Article. If a person is found to be in violation of this 
Section, the court shall require the violator to either comply with this Section if authorized by 
the Floodplain Board, or remove the obstruction and restore the watercourse to its original 
state. The court may also award such monetary damages as are appropriate to the injured 
parties resulting from the violation, including reasonable costs and attorney fees.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
ARTICLE II. GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 17-7. Land to which this Chapter applies. 
 
This Chapter shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the corporate limits of the 
City of Glendale. 
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-108. Basis for establishing areas of sSpecial fFlood hHazard Area. 
The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
in a scientific engineering report entitled The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for Maricopa County, 
Arizona and Incorporated Areas, dated September 30, 2005, with accompanying Flood Insurance 
Rate Maps (FIRMS) dated September 30, 2005, and all subsequent amendments and/or revisions, 
are adopted by reference and declared a part of this chapter. This FIS and attendant mapping is the 
minimum area of applicability of this ordinance and may be supplemented by studies for other 
areas which allow implementation of this ordinance and which are recommended to the Floodplain 
Board by the Floodplain Administrator. The Floodplain Board, within its area of jurisdiction, shall

Created: 2023-08-23 10:08:50 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 104) 
 
Page 15 of 36 
delineate (or may, by rule, require developers of land to delineate) areas where development is 
ongoing or imminent, and thereafter as development becomes imminent, delineate floodplains 
consistent with the criteria developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the 
Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. The FIS and FIRM panels are on file at 
the office of the city clerk and a copy is on file in the office of the city engineer.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-9. Compliance. 
All development of land, construction of residential, commercial or industrial structures, or 
future development within delineated floodplain areas is subject to the terms of this chapter and 
other applicable regulations.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-10. Abrogation and greater restrictions. 
This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, 
or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or 
deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions, shall 
prevail.  
Sec. 17-11. Interpretation. 
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:  
(1) Considered as minimum requirements;  
(2) Liberally construed in favor of Council direction and policy; and  
(3) Deemed neither to limit nor expand any other powers granted under state statutes.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-112. Warning and dDisclaimer of liability. 
(a) The degree of flood protection required by this cChapter is considered reasonable for 
regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods 
can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural 
causes. This cChapter does not imply that land outside the areas of sSpecial flood hHazard 
Areas or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This 
cChapter shall not create liability on the part of the city, any officer or employee thereof or 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for any flood damages that result from 
reliance on this cChapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.  
(b) This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants 
or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant 
or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more stringent restrictions, shall 
prevail.

Created: 2023-08-23 10:08:50 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 104) 
 
Page 16 of 36 
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-13. Statutory Exceptions. 
(a) In accordance with A.R.S. § 48-3609(I), unless otherwise expressly provided, this and any 
regulation adopted pursuant to this article do not affect:  
(1) Existing legal uses of property or the right to continuation of such legal use. However, 
if a nonconforming use of land or a building or structure is discontinued for twelve 
months, or destroyed to the extent of 50 percent of its market value as determined by a 
competent real estate appraiser, any further use shall comply with this article and 
regulations of the City of Glendale;  
(2) Reasonable repair or alteration of property for the purposes for which the property was 
legally used on August 3, 1984, or any regulations affecting such property takes effect, 
except that any alteration, addition or repair to a nonconforming building or structure 
which would result in increasing its flood damage potential by fifty percent (50%) or 
more shall be either floodproofed or elevated to or above the Regulatory Flood 
Elevation;  
(3) Reasonable repair of structures constructed with the written authorization required by 
A.R.S. § 48-3613, as amended; and  
(4) Facilities constructed or installed pursuant to a Certificate of Environmental 
Compatibility issued under A.R.S. Title 40, Chapter 2, Article 6.2; and  
(b) Before any authorized construction begins for the exceptions listed below, the responsible 
person must submit plans for the construction to the Floodplain Board, or its designee, for 
review and comment. In accordance with A.R.S. § 48-3613(C):  
(1) The construction of bridges, culverts, dikes and other structures necessary to the 
construction of public highways, roads and streets intersecting or crossing a watercourse;   
(2) The construction of storage dams for watering livestock or wildlife, structures on banks 
of a watercourse to prevent erosion of or damage to adjoining land if the structure will 
not divert, retard or obstruct the natural channel of the watercourse or dams for the 
conservation of floodwaters as permitted by A.R.S. Title 45, Chapter 6;  
(3) Construction of tailing dams and waste disposal areas for use in connection with mining 
and metallurgical operations. This paragraph does not exempt those sand and gravel 
operations that will divert, retard or obstruct the flow of waters in any watercourse from 
complying with and acquiring authorization from the Floodplain Board pursuant to 
regulations adopted by the Floodplain Board under this article; and 
(4) Other construction upon determination by the Floodplain Board that written 
authorization is unnecessary;  
(5) Any flood control district, county, city, town or other political subdivision from 
exercising powers granted to it under A.R.S. Title 48, Chapter 21, Article 1;

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 17 of 36 
 
(6) The construction of streams, waterways, lakes and other auxiliary facilities in 
conjunction with development of public parks and recreation facilities by a public 
agency or political subdivision; and  
(7) The construction and erection of poles, towers, foundations, support structures, guy 
wires and other facilities related to power transmission as constructed by any utility 
whether a public service corporation or a political subdivision.  
(c) In accordance with A.R.S. §48-3613(D) in addition to other penalties or remedies otherwise 
provided by law, this state, a political subdivision, or a person who may be damaged, or has 
been damaged as a result of the unauthorized diversion, retardation or obstruction of a 
watercourse, has the right to commence, maintain and prosecute any appropriate action or 
pursue any remedy to enjoin, abate or otherwise prevent any person from violating or 
continuing to violate this section or regulations adopted pursuant to A.R.S. Title 48, Chapter 
21, Article 1. If a person is found to be in violation of this Section, the court shall require the 
violator to either comply with this Section if authorized by the Floodplain Board, or remove 
the obstruction and restore the watercourse to its original state. The court may also award 
such monetary damages as are appropriate to the injured parties resulting from the violation, 
including reasonable costs and attorney fees.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-12. Declaration of public nuisance. 
All development located or maintained within any area of special flood hazard after August 
8, 1973, in violation of this ordinance, is a public nuisance per se and may be abated, prevented or 
restrained by the city.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-14.  Violations. 
 It is unlawful for a person to engage in any development or to divert, retard, or obstruct the 
flow of waters in a watercourse if it creates a hazard to life or property without securing 
the written authorization required by A.R.S. § 48-3613. Where the watercourse is a 
delineated floodplain, it is unlawful to engage in any development affecting the flow of 
waters without securing written authorization required by A.R.S. § 48-3613. 
 A person who violates Section 17-15(a) is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. 
 A person who violates this Chapter may be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed the fine 
chargeable for a class 2 misdemeanor or, by agreement with the person in violation, a non-
monetary penalty that serves the purposes of the community. Each day the violation 
continues constitutes a separate violation. 
 A person who without written authorization damages or interferes with a facility that is 
owned, operated, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the community is liable for both of 
the following: 
(1) Any actual damages to persons or property that is caused by the damage or interference.

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 18 of 36 
 
(2) Payment of costs to the community for remediating the damage or interference. 
 
Sec. 17-15. Notice of Violations 
If the Floodplain Administrator finds that a person has engaged or is engaging in development in 
the floodplain without a floodplain use permit, has engaged or is engaging in any development that 
is not in compliance with an active floodplain use permit or has damaged or interfered with 
facilities that are authorized pursuant to A.R.S. Title 48, Chapter 21, as amended, without written 
authorization of the Floodplain Board, the Floodplain Administrator shall issue a notice of 
violation to the owner, occupant or manager of the real property on which the development is 
located or to the person who has damaged or interfered with the facilities. The notice of violation 
shall identify the violations observed and order the violator to cease and desist any ongoing activity 
that is not in compliance with the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter or cease and desist 
any damage or interference that is not authorized by the Board.  The notice of violation shall 
include the date and time by which the person must mail or deliver a response to the notice of 
violation. 
Sec. 17-13. Abatement of violations. 
Within thirty (30) days of discovery of a violation of this chapter, the Floodplain 
Administrator shall submit a report to the Floodplain Board which shall include all information 
available to the Floodplain Administrator which is pertinent to said violation. Within thirty (30) 
days of receipt of this report, the Floodplain Board shall, after all administrative appeals are 
exhausted, either:  
(1) Take any necessary action to effect the abatement of such violation; or  
(2) Issue a variance to this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; or  
(3) Order the owner of the property upon which the violation exists to provide whatever 
additional information may be required for their determination. Such information must 
be provided to the Floodplain Administrator within thirty (30) days of such order, and 
he shall submit an amended report to the Floodplain Board within twenty (20) days. At 
its next regularly scheduled public meeting, the Floodplain Board shall either order the 
abatement of said violation or shall grant a variance in accordance with the provisions 
of this chapter;  
(4) Submit to the Floodplain Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency a 
declaration for denial of insurance, stating that the property is in violation of a state or 
local law, regulation or ordinance, under Section 1316 of the National Flood Insurance 
Act of 1968, as amended;  
(5) A party aggrieved by a final decision of the City Council acting as the Floodplain Board 
may appeal to the Superior Court.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13)

Created: 2023-08-23 10:08:50 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 104) 
 
Page 19 of 36 
Sec. 17-16. Declaration of public nuisance. 
All development located or maintained within the Special Flood Hazard Area after August 8, 
1973, in violation of this Chapter established by the Floodplain Board and without written 
authorization from the Floodplain Board, is a public nuisance per se and may be abated, prevented, 
or restrained by the City.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-174. Severability. 
This cChapter and the various sections hereof are hereby declared to be severable. Should 
any section of this cChapter be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be 
unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the cChapter as a whole, 
or any portion thereof other than the sections so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 1(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Secs. 17-158—17-25. Reserved. 
ARTICLE III. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 
Sec. 17-26. Designation of the Floodplain Administrator. 
(a) The Floodplain Administrator is hereby appointed to administer, and implement, and enforce 
this cChapter by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its 
provisions.  
(b) The duties of the Floodplain Administrator shall include, but not be limited to:  
(1) Permit review:  
a. 
Review all development permits to determine that the permit requirements of this 
cChapter have been satisfied.  
b. 
Review all development permits to determine that all necessaryrequired permits 
have been obtained from those federal, state or local governmental agencies from 
which prior approval is required.  
c. 
Review all development permits to determine if the proposed development 
adversely affects the flood carrying capacity of the area of special flood hazard. For 
purposes of this chapter, "adversely affects" means 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 (1) foot at any point.  
dc. Determine that the site is reasonably safe from flooding.

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 20 of 36 
 
e. 
In areas where a floodway has not been designated, the proposed development does 
not adversely affect the carrying capacity of areas where Base Flood Elevations 
have been determined. For purposes of this chapter, "adversely affects" means 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 (1) foot at any point. 
f. 
Review all development permits for improvements and/or damages to existing 
structures to determine if the application of the substantial improvement rules 
apply, including establishing a definition of market value determination and 
verifying that the estimated improvement and/or repair costs are less than 50% of 
the market value of the structure. 
(2) Use of other base flood data:  
a. 
When Base Flood Elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 
17-910, the Floodplain Administrator shall obtain, review, and reasonably use any 
bBase fFlood eElevation data available from a federal, state or other source, in order 
to administer this cChapter. Any such information shall be consistent with the 
requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Director of 
the Arizona Department of Water Resources and shallmay be submitted to the 
Floodplain Board for adoption.  
b. 
Base Flood Elevations may increase or decrease resulting from physical changes 
affecting flooding conditions. As soon as practicable, but not later than six months 
after the date such information becomes available, the Floodplain Administrator 
shall notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the changes by 
submitting technical or scientific data in accordance with 44 CFR § 65.3. Such a 
submission is necessary so that upon confirmation of those physical changes 
affecting flooding conditions, risk premium rates and floodplain management 
requirements will be based upon current data.  
(3) Information to be oObtained and maintained for public inspection: The city shall oObtain 
and maintain for public inspection and make available as needed for flood insurance 
policies:  
a. 
The certified Regulatory Flood Elevation Certification required inby Section 17-
43(a), (c) and Section 17-47 (lowest flood elevations, bottom of the structural frame 
and utilities);  
b. 
The elevation cCertification required for additional development standards, 
including subdivisions, required inby Section 17-43(b) (lowest flood elevations or 
floodproofing of nonresidential structures and utilities) and 17-46;  
c. 
The 
floodproofing 
cCertification 
required 
in 
Section 
17-43(e) 
(flood 
vents/openings) and 17-46;  
d. 
The certified elevationCertification required in Section 17-43 and 17-46(a)(2) 
(subdivisions and other proposed development standards;

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 21 of 36 
 
e. 
The flood vent cCertification required in Section 17-493(1) (floodway 
encroachments);  
f. 
The floodway encroachment certification required in Section 17-48;  
gf. A complete record of all floodplain variance actions, including justification for their 
issuance; and,  
hg. A record ofObtain and maintain improvement and damage calculations, as required 
in Section 17-26.  
(4) Alteration of watercoursesNotification to other entities:  
a. 
Notify adjacent communities and the Arizona Department of Water Resources prior 
to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such 
notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and  
b. 
Require that the flood carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of said 
watercourse is maintained. 
c. 
Base Flood Elevations may increase or decrease resulting from physical changes 
affecting flooding conditions. As soon as practicable, but not later than six months 
after the date such information becomes available, the Floodplain Administrator 
shall notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the changes by 
submitting technical or scientific data in accordance with 44 CFR § 65.3. Such a 
submission is necessary so that upon confirmation of those physical changes 
affecting flooding conditions, risk premium rates and floodplain management 
requirements will be based upon current data.  
(85) Changes in rate of flow: Within one hundred twenty (120) days after completion of 
construction of any flood control protective works which changes the rate of flow during 
the flood or the configuration of the floodplain upstream or downstream from or adjacent 
to the project, the person or agency responsible for installation of the project shall 
provide to the governing bodies of all jurisdictions affected by the project a new 
delineation of all floodplains affected by the project. The new delineation shall be done 
according to the criteria adopted by the director of water resources.  
(5) 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 provided in Section 17-29;  
(6) Abate violations: Take actions on violations of this chapter as required in Section 17-13;  
(76) Notice to flood control district:  
a. 
Advise in writing the County Flood Control District and any adjunct jurisdiction 
having responsibility for floodplain management and provide a copy of the 
development plans of all applications for floodplain use permits or floodplain 
variances to develop land in a floodplain or floodway within one mile of the 
corporate limits of the city.

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 22 of 36 
 
b. 
Advise the County Flood Control District in writing and provide a copy of any 
development plan of any major development proposed within a floodplain or 
floodway which could affect floodplains, floodways or watercourses within the 
district's area of jurisdiction.  
c. 
Written notice and a copy of the plan of development shall be sent to the County 
Flood Control District no later than three (3)ten (10) working days after the city 
receives the plan.  
(8) Changes in rate of flow: Within one hundred twenty (120) days after completion of 
construction of any flood control protective works which changes the rate of flow during 
the flood or the configuration of the floodplain upstream or downstream from or adjacent 
to the project, the person or agency responsible for installation of the project shall 
provide to the governing bodies of all jurisdictions affected by the project a new 
delineation of all floodplains affected by the project. The new delineation shall be done 
according to the criteria adopted by the director of water resources.  
(9) Substantial improvement and substantial damage procedures:  
a. 
Develop detailed procedures for identifying and administering requirements for 
substantial improvement and substantial damage, to include defining "Market 
Value."  
b. 
Assure procedures are coordinated with other departments and divisions and 
implemented by community staff.  
(107) 
Corporate boundary changes: Notify the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
and the Arizona Department of Water Resources of acquisition by means of annexation, 
incorporation, or otherwise, of additional areas of jurisdiction.  
(11) Biennial report: Complete and submit a Biennial Report to the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency. 
(8) Map Determinations: Make interpretations where needed, as to the exact location of the 
boundaries of Special Flood Hazard Areas (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 provided in Section 17-61;  
(9) Remedial actions: Take remedial actions on violations of this Chapter as required in 
Section 17-15 herein;  
(Res. No. 4742, § 2(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-27. Recommendations. 
Hydrologic-related floodplain regulations and engineering matters pertaining to the 
administration and direction of these regulations shall be officially referred to the Administrative 
Appeals Board which shall be responsible for advice and recommendations to the Council.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 2(Exh. A), 11-13-13)

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 23 of 36 
 
Sec. 17-28. Establishment of Development Permits. 
(a) The city shall require permits for all proposed construction and other development (including 
placement of prefabricated buildings and manufactured homes) on properties in any sSpecial 
fFlood hHazard aArea.  
(b) The city shall require that all necessary permits have been received from those governmental 
agencies from which approval is required by federal or state law.  
(c) A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins, including 
placement of manufactured homes, within any area of sSpecial fFlood hHazard Area 
established in Section 17-108. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms 
furnished by the Floodplain Administrator and may include, but not be limited to; plans in 
duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area 
in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and 
the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:  
(1) Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) 
of all structures; in zZone AO, elevation of existing highest adjacent natural grade and 
proposed elevation of lowest floor of all structures;  
(2) Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structures will be 
floodproofed;  
(3) Certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing 
methods for any nonresidential structure meet the floodproofing criteria in Section 17-
43(b); and  
(4) Obtain a concise dDescription of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or 
relocated as a result of proposed development.; and 
(5) All newBase Flood Elevation data for subdivision proposals and other proposed 
development (including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions), 
greater than fifty (50) lots or five (5) acres, whichever is the lesser., shall:  
a. 
Identify the area of the special flood hazard area and the elevation of the base flood; 
and  
b. 
Identify on the final plans the elevation(s) of the proposed structure(s) and pads. If 
the site is filled above the base flood elevation, the final lowest floor and grade 
elevations shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor and 
provided to the Floodplain Administrator.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 2(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-29. Variance Procedures; Nature of Variances; Appeals. 
(a) Nature of Variances. The variance criteria set forth in this section of the ordinance are based 
on the general principle of zoning law that variances pertain to a piece of property and are not 
personal in nature. A variance may be granted for a parcel of property with physical

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 24 of 36 
 
characteristics so unusual that complying with the requirements of this ordinance would 
create an exceptional hardship to the applicant or the surrounding property owners. The 
characteristics must be unique to the property and not be shared by adjacent parcels. The 
unique characteristic must pertain to the land itself, not to the structure, its inhabitants or the 
property owners.  
(b) It is the duty of the City of Glendale to help protect its citizens from flooding. This need is so 
compelling and the implications of the cost of insuring a structure built below the regulatory 
flood elevation are so serious that variances from the flood elevation or from other 
requirements in the flood ordinance are rare. The long-term goal of preventing and reducing 
flood loss and damage can only be met if variances are strictly limited. Therefore, the variance 
guidelines provided in this ordinance are more detailed and contain multiple provisions that 
must be met before a variance can be properly granted. The criteria are designed to screen out 
those situations in which alternatives other than a variance are more appropriate.  
(c) Administrative Appeals Board.  
(1) The Administrative Appeals Board of the City of Glendale shall hear and decide appeals 
and requests for variances from the requirements of this ordinance.  
(2) The Administrative Appeals Board shall hear and decide appeals 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 ordinance.  
(3) In passing upon such applications, the Administrative Appeals Board shall consider all 
technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this 
ordinance, and:  
a. 
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;  
b. 
The danger of life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;  
c. 
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the 
effect of such damage on the individual owner;  
d. 
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;  
e. 
The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;  
f. 
The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use, which are not subject 
to flooding or erosion damage;  
g. 
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;  
h. 
The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain 
management program for that area;  
i. 
The safety of access to the property in time of flood for ordinary and emergency 
vehicles;  
j. 
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the 
flood waters expected at the site; and,

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 25 of 36 
 
k. 
The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, 
including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, 
electrical, water system and streets and bridges.  
(4) Upon consideration of the factors of Section 17-29(c) and the purposes of this ordinance, 
the Administrative Appeals Board may attach such conditions to the granting of 
variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this ordinance.  
(5) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice over the 
signature of a community official that:  
a. 
The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will 
result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as 
$25.00 for $100.00 of insurance coverage, and  
b. 
Such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property; 
and  
c. 
The land upon which the variance is granted shall be ineligible for exchange of state 
land pursuant to the flood relocation and land exchange program provided by 
A.R.S. § 26-301 et seq., as amended. A copy of the notice shall be recorded in the 
office of the Maricopa County Recorder and shall be recorded in a manner so that 
it appears in the chain of title of the affected parcel of land.  
(6) The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all variance actions, including 
justification for their issuance and report such variances issued in its biennial report 
submitted to Federal Emergency Management Agency.  
(d) Conditions for variances.  
(1) Generally, 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 
elevation, provided the procedures of Articles II and III of this ordinance have been 
fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the technical 
justification required for issuing the variance increases.  
(2) Variances may be issued for the repair, rehabilitation or restoration of structures 
listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic 
Places, upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not 
preclude the structures continued designation as a historic structure and the variance 
is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the 
structure.  
(3) Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood 
levels during the base flood discharge would result.  
(4) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum 
necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.  
(5) Variances shall only be issued upon a:

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 26 of 36 
 
a. 
Showing of good and sufficient cause;  
b. 
Determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship 
to the applicant;  
c. 
Showing that the use cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or 
carried out in close proximity to water. This includes only facilities defined in 
Section 17-5 of this ordinance in the definition of "Functionally Dependent Use"; 
and,  
d. 
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.  
e. 
Any variance granted must be recommended to, and approved by, the City Council 
acting as the Floodplain Board.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 2(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Secs. 17-3025—17-40. Reserved. 
ARTICLE IIIV. PROVISIONS AND STANDARDS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION 
In all Special Flood Hazard Areas, the following standards are required: 
Sec. 17-41. Anchoring. 
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, 
collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic 
loads, including the effects of buoyancy; and  
(b) All manufactured homes shall meet the anchoring standards of Section 17-47.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-42. Construction materials and methods. 
(a) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with Mmaterials and 
utility equipment resistant to flood damage.;  
(b) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed using methods and 
practices that minimize flood damage.; and 
(c) All new construction and substantial improvement and other proposed new development 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; and,

Created: 2023-08-23 10:08:50 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 104) 
 
Page 27 of 36 
(dc) Within Zones AH or AO, adequate drainage paths shall be constructed around structures on 
slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-43. Elevation and floodproofing. 
(a) Residential Construction 
(a) New Residential construction, new andor substantial improvement of any structure shall have 
the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the rRegulatory fFlood eElevation. 
Nonresidential structures may meet the standards in paragraph (c) below. Upon the 
completion of the structure the elevation of the lowest floor including basement shall be 
certifiedcertification by a registered professional engineer or surveyor that the elevation 
requirements of the lowest floor, including the basement, of this section have been satified 
shall beand provided to the Floodplain aAdministrator for verification.  
(1) 
In a Zone AO, the Base Flood Elevation is determined from the FIRM panel.  If 
unspecified, the required elevation is at minimum two (2) feet above the highest adjacent 
grade. 
(2) 
In a Zone A where the Base Flood Elevation has not been determined, the Base 
Flood Elevation is determined locally by the criteria set out in Section 17-26(b)(3). 
(3) 
In Zones AE and AH, the Base Flood Elevation is determined from the FIS and/or 
FIRM. 
(4) 
A garage attached to a residential structure, constructed with the garage floor slab 
below the Regulatory Flood Elevation, must be designed to allow for the automatic entry 
and exit of flood waters and must be used solely for parking, access and/or storage.  See 
section 17-43(e). 
New construction and substantial improvement of any structure in zone AO shall have the 
lowest floor, including basement, higher than the highest adjacent grade at least one (1) foot 
higher than the depth number on the FIRM, or at least two (2) feet if no depth number is 
specified. Nonresidential structures may meet the standards in paragraph (c), below. Upon 
completion of the structure a registered professional engineer shall certify to the administrator 
that the elevation of the structure meets this standard.  
(cb) Nonresidential Construction (Commercial or Industrial) 
Nonresidential construction, new or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor 
either be elevated into conformeance with paragraphs (a) or (b)Section 17-43(a)(1)(2) or (3), 
above, or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities:  
(1) Be floodproofed so that below the Regulatory Flood Elevation so that the structure is 
watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;  
(2) Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads 
and effects of buoyancy; and

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 28 of 36 
 
(3) Upon completion of the structure, Be certificationed by a registered professional 
engineer or architectsurveyor that the elevation requirement of the lowest floor, 
including the basement standards of this subsection have beenare satisfied. Such 
certifications shalland be provided to the Floodplain Administrator for verification; or 
certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing 
standards of this section are satisfied shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator 
for verification.  
(c) Manufactured homes 
 
Manufactured homes shall meet the standards in Section 17-47. 
(d) Accessory Structures (garage and storage) 
For all new construction and substantial improvement with fully enclosed areas below the 
lowest floor (excluding basements) that are Accessory structures usedable solely for parking 
of vehicles, building access or storage, may be constructed such that the floor is below the 
Regulatory Flood Elevation, provided the structure is and which are subject to flooding shall 
be designed and constructed in accordance with the following requirements: 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 to meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:  
 
(1) Use of the accessory structure must be limited to parking of vehicles or storage; 
 
(2) The portions of the accessory structure located below the Regulatory Flood Elevation 
must be built using flood resistant materials; 
 
(3) The accessory structure must be adequately anchored to prevent floatation, collapse and 
lateral movement; 
 
(4) Any machinery or equipment servicing the accessory structure must be elevated or 
floodproofed to or above the Regulatory Flood Elevation; 
 
(5) The accessory structure must comply with floodway encroachment provisions in Section 
17-49; and 
 
(6) The accessory structure must be designed to allow for the automatic entry and exit of 
flood waters in accordance with Section 17-43(e).  
 
Detached garages, storage structures, and other accessory structures not meeting the above 
standards must be constructed in accordance with all applicable standards in Section 17-
43(a)(1), (2) or (3). 
 
Upon completion of the structure,  certification by a registered professional engineer or 
surveyor that the requirements of this section have been satisfied shall be provided to the 
Floodplain Administrator for verification. 
(e) 
Flood Openings 
All new construction and substantial improvement with fully enclosed areas below the lowest 
floor (excluding basements) that are usable solely for parking vehicles, building access, or 
storage, and which are subject to flooding, shall be designed to automatically equalize

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 29 of 36 
 
hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. 
Designs for meeting this requirement must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: 
(1) Non-engineered openings 
a. 
Have aA minimum of two (2) openings, on different sides of each enclosed area, 
having a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for every square foot of 
enclosed area subject to flooding. shall be provided.  
b. 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade.  
c. 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or 
devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.  
(4) If it is not feasible or desirable to meet the openings criteria stated above, a registered 
engineer or architect may design and certify the openings. 
(2) Engineered Openings 
a. Engineered openings (or covers and devices) that are specifically designed and 
certified by a registered engineer or architect as meeting the required performance 
and design requirements. 
 
b. Engineered openings (or covers and devices) for which an Evaluation Report has 
been issued by the International Code Council (ICC) Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-
ES), a subsidiary of the International Code Council, Inc. 
 
(e) Manufactured homes shall meet the above standards and also the standards in Section 17-47. 
Machinery and service equipment 
 
All new construction and substantial improvement and other proposed new development shall 
be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment 
and other service facilities that are designed and/or located at or above the Regulatory Flood 
Elevation so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during 
conditions of flooding. 
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13)
Sec. 17-44. Standards for storage of materials and equipment. 
(a) The storage or processing of materials that are in time of flooding buoyant, flammable, 
explosive, or could be injurious to human, animal or plant life if released due to damage from 
flooding is prohibited in Special Flood Hazard Areas.  
(b) Storage of other material or equipment may be allowed if not subject to damage by floods 
and if firmly anchored to prevent flotation or if readily removable from the area within the 
time available after flood warning.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13)

Created: 2023-08-23 10:08:51 [EST] 
(Supp. No. 104) 
 
Page 30 of 36 
Sec. 17-45. Standards for utilitieswater supply and waste disposal systems. 
(a) All new and replacement water supply and sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to 
minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system and discharge from systems 
into flood waters.  
(b) On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination 
from them during flooding.  
(c) Waste disposal systems shall not be installed wholly or partially in a the regulatory floodway.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-46. Additional development Sstandards, including for subdivisions. 
(a) All new subdivision proposals and other proposed developments (including proposals for 
manufactured home parks and subdivisions), greater than fifty (50) lots or five (5) acres, 
whichever is the lesser, shall:  
(1) Identify the Special fFlood hHazard aArea and the elevation of the bBase fFlood 
Elevation.  
(2) Identify on the final plans the elevation(s) of the proposed structure(s) and pads. If the 
site is filled above the bBase fFlood eElevation, the final lowest floor and finished grade 
elevations shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor and 
provided to the Floodplain Administrator.  
(3) All subdivision proposals and other proposed developments shall Bbe consistent with 
the need to minimize flood damage.  
(4) All subdivision proposals and other proposed developments shall have public utilities 
and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to 
minimize flood damage.  
(45) All subdivision proposals and other proposed developments Be reviewed to assure 
thatshall provide adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-47. Standards for manufactured homes. 
(a) All new and replacement manufactured homes and additions to manufactured homes that are 
placed on site or substantially improved shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral 
movement by one of the following methods:  
(1) By providing an anchoring system designed to withstand horizontal forces of twenty-
five (25) pounds per square foot and uplift forces of fifteen (15) pounds per square foot; 
(2) By providing over the top and frame ties to ground anchors, specifically:

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 31 of 36 
 
a. 
Over-the top ties be provided at each of the four (4) comers of the manufactured 
home, with two (2) additional ties per side at intermediate locations, except that 
manufactured homes less than fifty (50) feet long require only one (1) additional tie 
per side;  
b. 
Frame ties be provided at each corner of the home with five (5) additional ties per 
side at intermediate points, except that manufactured homes less than fifty (50) feet 
long require only four (4) additional ties per side; and,  
c. 
All components of the anchoring system be capable of carrying a force of four 
thousand eight hundred (4,800) pounds.  
(b) All manufactured homes be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system 
to resist floatation, 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. The 
following standards are required for all new and replacement manufactured homes and 
additions to manufactured homes:  
(1) Adequate surface drainage and access for a hauler shall be provided.  
(2) All manufactured homes shall be placed on pads or lots elevated on compacted fill or 
piling so that the bottom of the structural frame or the lowest point of any attached 
appliances, whichever is lower, is at or above the regulatory flood elevation. If elevated 
on pilings:  
a. 
The lots shall be large enough to permit steps;  
b. 
The pilings shall be placed in stable soil no more than ten (10) feet apart; and  
c. 
Reinforcement shall be provided for pilings more than six (6) feet above the ground 
level.  
Upon completion of installation of the manufactured home, certification by a registered 
professional engineer or surveyor that the elevation requirements of this section have been 
satisfied shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator for verification. 
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-48. Standards for recreational vehicles. 
All recreational vehicles that are placed on site shall:  
(1) Be onsite for fewer than 180 consecutive days; or  
(2) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use. 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; or  
(3) Meets the permit requirements of 17-28 of this ordinance and the elevation and 
anchoring requirements for manufactured homes in Section 17-47.

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 32 of 36 
 
Sec. 17-49. Areas of shallow fFloodwaysing. 
Located within the areas of sSpecial fFlood hHazard Area established in Section 17-108 are 
areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the 
velocity of floodwaters which carry debris, potential projectiles, and can potentially cause erosion 
potential, the following provisions apply to all adopted regulatory floodways:  
(1) Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and 
other development unless certification by a registered professional engineer or architect 
is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood 
levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.  
(2) If Section 17-489(1) is satisfied, all new construction and substantial improvements shall 
comply with Article IV. all other applicable flood hazard provisions of this ordinance.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-49. Areas of shallow flooding. 
For areas designated as shallow flooding, the provisions of Section 17-43 shall apply.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-50. Unlawful Acts. 
(a) It is unlawful for a person to engage in any development or to divert, retard or obstruct the 
flow of waters in a watercourse if it creates a hazard to life or property without securing the 
written authorization required by A.R.S. § 48-3613, as amended. Where the watercourse is a 
delineated floodplain, it is unlawful to engage in any development affecting the flow of waters 
without securing written authorization required by A.R.S. § 48-3613, as amended.  
(b) Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of a 
misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues shall be a separate offense punishable as 
hereinabove described.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13; Ord. No. 2863, § 2, 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-51. Garages and low cost accessory structures. 
(a) Attached garages.  
(1) A garage attached to a residential structure, constructed with the garage floor slab below 
the Regulatory Flood Elevation, must be designed to allow for the automatic entry of 
flood waters. Areas of the garage below the Regulatory Flood Elevation must be 
constructed with flood resistant materials (Sections 17-42 and 17-43).  
(2) A garage attached to a nonresidential structure must meet the above requirements or be 
dry floodproofed.

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 33 of 36 
 
(b) Detached garages and accessory structures. "Accessory structures" used solely for parking 
two (2)-car detached garages or smaller) or limited storage (small, low-cost sheds), as defined 
in Section 17-5, may be constructed such that the floor is below the Regulatory Flood 
Elevation, provided the structure is designed and constructed in accordance with the 
following requirements:  
(1) Use of the accessory structure must be limited to parking or limited storage;  
(2) The portions of the accessory structure located below the Regulatory Flood Elevation 
must be built using flood-resistant materials;  
(3) The accessory structure must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and 
lateral movement;  
(4) Any mechanical and utility equipment in the accessory structure must be elevated or 
floodproofed to or above the Regulatory Flood Elevation;  
(5) The accessory structure must comply with floodplain encroachment provisions in 
Section 17-48; and  
(6) The accessory structure must be designed to allow for the automatic entry of flood waters 
in accordance with Section 17-43.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Sec. 17-52. Standards for recreational vehicles. 
For purposes of this Article, all recreational vehicles placed on site shall:  
(1) Be on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; or  
(2) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use. 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; or  
(3) Meets the permit requirements of 17-28 of this ordinance and the elevation and 
anchoring requirements for manufactured homes in Section 17-47.  
(Res. No. 4742, § 3(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Secs. 17-50—17-60. Reserved. 
ARTICLE V. FLOODPLAIN VARIANCE PROCEDURE 
Sec. 17-61. Floodplain Variance Procedures; Nature of Floodplain Variances; Appeals. 
(a) Nature of Floodplain Variances. The floodplain variance criteria set forth in this section of 
the Chapter are based on the general principle of zoning law that variances pertain to a piece 
of property and are not personal in nature. A floodplain variance may be granted for a parcel 
of property with physical characteristics so unusual that complying with the requirements of 
this Chapter would create an exceptional hardship to the applicant or the surrounding property

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 34 of 36 
 
owners. The characteristics must be unique to the property and not be shared by adjacent 
parcels. The unique characteristic must pertain to the land itself, not to the structure, its 
inhabitants, or the property owners.  
(b) It is the duty of the City of Glendale to help protect its citizens from flooding. This need is so 
compelling and the implications of the cost of insuring a structure built below the rRegulatory 
fFlood eElevation are so serious that floodplain variances from the flood elevation or from 
other requirements in the flood ordinance are rare. The long-term goal of preventing and 
reducing flood loss and damage can only be met if floodplain variances are strictly limited. 
Therefore, the floodplain variance guidelines provided in this Chapter are more detailed and 
contain multiple provisions that must be met before a floodplain variance can be properly 
granted. The criteria are designed to screen out those situations in which alternatives other 
than a floodplain variance are more appropriate.  
(c) Administrative Appeals Board.  
(1) The Administrative Appeals Board of the City of Glendale shall hear and decide appeals 
and requests for floodplain variances from the requirements of this Chapter.  
(2) The Administrative Appeals Board shall hear and decide appeals 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 ordinance.  
(3) In considering such applications, the Administrative Appeals Board shall consider all 
technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this 
Chapter, and:  
a. 
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;  
b. 
The danger of life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;  
c. 
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the 
effect of such damage on the individual owner;  
d. 
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;  
e. 
The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;  
f. 
The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use, which are not subject 
to flooding or erosion damage;  
g. 
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;  
h. 
The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain 
management program for that area;  
i. 
The safety of access to the property in time of flood for ordinary and emergency 
vehicles;  
j. 
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the 
flood waters expected at the site; and,

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 35 of 36 
 
k. 
The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, 
including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, 
electrical, water system and streets and bridges.  
(4) Upon consideration of the factors of Section 17-61(c) and the purposes of this Chapter, 
the Administrative Appeals Board may attach such conditions to the granting of 
floodplain variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this Chapter.  
(5) Any applicant to whom a floodplain variance is granted shall be given written notice 
over the signature of a community official that:  
a. 
The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the Regulatory Base Flood 
Elevation will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts 
as high as $25.00 for $100.00 of insurance coverage, and  
b. 
Such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property; 
and  
(6) The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all floodplain variance actions, 
including justification for their issuance. 
Sec. 17-62. Conditions for a Floodplain Variance. 
(a) Conditions for floodplain variance shall only be issued:  
(1) Upon a determination that the granting of a floodplain variance will not result in 
increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, 
create nuisances, cause fraud, victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local 
laws, Chapters or ordinances  
(2) Upon a determination that the floodplain variance is the minimum necessary, 
considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.  
(3) Floodplain Variances shall not be issued within any floodway if any increase in the Base 
Flood Elevation would result. 
(4) Upon showing of good and sufficient cause: 
a. 
Upon determination that failure to grant the floodplain variance would result in 
exceptional hardship to the applicant; and 
b. 
Upon showing that the use cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located 
or carried out in close proximity to water. This includes only facilities defined in 
Section 17-6 of this Chapter in the definition of "Functionally Dependent Use".   
(5) 
Generally, floodplain 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 Regulatory Flood 
Elevation, provided the procedures of Articles II and III of this chapter have been fully 
considered. As the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the technical justification 
required for issuing the floodplain variance increases.

(Additions are indicated by underline; deletions by strikethrough) 
 
Page 36 of 36 
 
(Res. No. 4742, § 2(Exh. A), 11-13-13) 
Secs. 17-63—17-70. Reserved. 
 
 
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of 
Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona, this 14th day of May, 2024. 
 
 
 
            ____________________ 
Mayor Jerry P. Weiers 
ATTEST: 
 
              _________________________ 
Julie K. Bower, City Clerk        (SEAL) 
 
APPROVED AS TO FORM: 
 
             __________________________ 
Michael D. Bailey, City Attorney 
 
REVIEWED BY: 
             __________________________ 
Kevin R. Phelps, City Manager