A. No variances shall be granted to any development located in a "designated floodway" as defined in section 14-1-2 of this chapter. However, when a development proposal is located outside of a regulatory floodway and whenever the standards of this chapter place undue hardship on a specific development proposal, the applicant may apply to the village zoning board of appeals/plan commission for a variance. The village zoning board of appeals/plan commission shall review the applicant's request for a variance and shall submit its recommendation to the village board, which shall then vote to approve or deny the request for a variance. (1965 Code § 17-18-12; amd. 2009 Code)
B. No variance shall be granted unless the applicant demonstrates that:
1. The development activity cannot be located outside the SFHA.
2. An exceptional hardship would result if the variance were not granted.
3. The relief requested is the minimum necessary.
4. There will be no additional threat to public health, safety, beneficial stream uses and functions, especially aquatic habitat, or creation of a nuisance.
5. There will be no additional public expense for flood protection, lost environmental stream uses and functions, rescue or relief operations, policing or repairs to streambeds and banks, roads, utilities or other public facilities.
6. The provisions of subsections 14-1-5B and 14-1-7B of this chapter shall still be met. (1965 Code § 17-18-12)
7. The activity is not in a designated floodway. (1965 Code § 17-18-12; amd. 2009 Code)
8. The applicant's circumstances are unique and do not represent a general problem.
9. The granting of a variance will not alter the essential character of the area involved including existing stream uses.
C. The village building director shall notify an applicant in writing that a variance from the requirements of section 14-1-8 of this chapter that would lessen the degree of protection to a building will:
1. Result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as twenty five dollars ($25.00) for one hundred dollars ($100.00) of insurance coverage.
2. Increase the risks to life and property.
3. Require that the applicant proceed with knowledge of these risks and that he will acknowledge in writing that he assumes the risk and liability.
D. Variances requested in connection with restoration of a site or building listed on the National Register of Historical Places or documented as worthy of preservation by the Illinois historic preservation agency may be granted using criteria more permissive than the requirements of subsections B1 and B2 of this section. (1965 Code § 7-18-12)