Sec. 611.19-611.21

All new construction and substantial improvements of nonresidential structures shall: 1. Have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the flood depth specified on the flood insurance rate map... or 2. Together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be completely floodproofed to the specified flood level so that any space below that level is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.

All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the flood depth specified on the flood insurance rate map, above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM. If no flood depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated no less than one foot freeboard above the flood depth level above the highest adjacent grade.

Adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes shall be provided to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

A structure or use of a structure or premises which lawfully existed before the enactment of these provisions, but which is not in conformity with these provisions, may be continued subject to the following conditions: Existing structures in the floodway area shall not be expanded or enlarged unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that the proposed expansion would not result in any increase in the base flood elevation. Any modification, alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to a structure and/or use located in any floodplain areas to an extent or amount of less than 50 percent of its market value shall conform to the VA USBC. The modification, alteration, repair, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to a structure and/or use, regardless of its location in a floodplain area to an extent or amount of 50 percent or more of its market value shall be undertaken only in full compliance with this Land Development Ordinance and shall require the entire structure to conform to the VA USBC.

All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage; shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage; shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards; and base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals and other proposed development proposals that exceed 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser.

Variances shall be issued only upon (i) a showing of good and sufficient cause; (ii) after the board of zoning appeals has determined that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and (iii) after the board of zoning appeals has determined that the granting of such variance will not result in (a) unacceptable or prohibited increases in flood heights; (b) additional threats to public safety; (c) extraordinary public expense; and will not (d) create nuisances; (e) cause fraud or victimization of the public; or (f) conflict with local laws or ordinances.