Loading...
(A) 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 level, providing divisions (B) through (E) below have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the one-half acre, the technical justification required by issuing the variance increases.
(B) Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
(C) Variances shall only be issued on a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(D) Variances shall only be issued upon:
(1) A showing of good and sufficient cause;
(2) A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and
(3) A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(E) Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given a written notice that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest flood elevation.
(2000 Code, § 9-810)
(A) A structure or the use of a structure or premises which was lawful before the passage or amendment of the ordinance but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter may be continued subject to the following conditions.
(1) If such use is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any future use of the building premises shall conform to this chapter. The Utility Department shall notify the City Administrator in writing of instances of nonconforming uses where utility services have been discontinued for a period of 12 months.
(2) Uses or adjuncts thereof which are or become nuisances shall not be entitled to continue as nonconforming uses.
(B) If any nonconforming use or structure is destroyed by any means, including flood, it shall not be reconstructed, if the cost is more than 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred, unless it is reconstructed in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. This limitation does not include the cost of any alteration to comply with existing state or local regulations or the cost of any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.
(2000 Code, § 9-811)
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this chapter are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
(2000 Code, § 9-813)
In this interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall be liberally construed in favor of the City Council and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by state statutes.
(2000 Code, § 9-814)
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on engineering and scientific methods of study. Larger floods may occur on rare occasions or the flood height may be increased by human-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This chapter does not imply that areas outside floodplain district boundaries or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from flooding or flood damage. This ordinance shall not create liability on the part of the city or any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that may result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
(2000 Code, § 9-815)
Loading...