Purpose

The purpose of the floodplain ordinance is to:

• Conserve economic and natural values and provide for the wise utilization of water and related land resources
• Maintain the Village's eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program
• Minimize potential losses due to periodic flooding that adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare, including:
  • Disruption of commerce and governmental services
  • Extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief
  • Health and safety hazards
  • Impairment of the tax base
  • Loss of life
  • Loss of property
• Preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters

Ordinance

This Title is enacted pursuant to the authority granted to the Village of Wheeling (Village) 65 ILCS 5/1-2-1, 5/11-12-12, 5/11-30-2, 5/11-30-8, and 5/11-31-2 (1994) by the Illinois Constitution of 1970, Article 7 Section 6. This Title is adopted in order to accomplish the following specific purposes:

(1) To meet the requirements of 615 ILCS 5/18g Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act;

(2) To assure that new development does not increase the flood or drainage hazards to others, or unstable conditions
susceptible to erosion;

(3) To protect new buildings and major improvements to buildings from flood damage;

(4) To protect human life and health from the hazards of flooding;

(5) To lessen the burden on the taxpayer for flood control projects, repairs to flood- damaged public facilities and utilities,
and flood rescue and relief operations;

(6) To make federally subsidized flood insurance available for property in the Village by fulfilling the requirements of the
National Flood Insurance Program;

(7) To comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44 CFR 59-79, as amended;

(8) To protect, conserve, and promote the orderly development of land and water resources;

(9) To preserve the natural hydrologic and hydraulic functions of watercourses and floodplains and to protect water quality
and aquatic habitats;

(10) To preserve the natural characteristics of stream corridors in order to moderate flood and storm water impacts, improve
water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, provide recreational opportunities, provide
aesthetic benefits and enhance community and economic development.