A. Generally, variances may be issued for the new construction and substantial improvement to be erected on a lot of 1/2 acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood elevation, provided the procedures of § 8.22.180 and § 8.22.190 of this chapter have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond 1/2 acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
B. 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.
C. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
D. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
E. Variances shall only be issued upon a:
1. Showing of good and sufficient cause;
2. Determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant;
3. 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 § 8.22.050 of this chapter in the definition of "Functionally Dependent Use"; and,
4. 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.
(Ord. 08-935, passed 8-12-2008; Ord. 06-836, passed 11-28-2006; Ord. 91-364, § 1 (part), passed - -1991)