The flood hazard areas of Santa Barbara County are subject to periodic inundation
which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption
of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood
protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect
the public health, safety and general welfare.
(b)
These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of
special flood hazards which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately
anchored, damage uses in other areas. Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated
or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.