Section D - District Provisions

Floodplain

• Anchoring

  New construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure.

• Elevated buildings

  Fully enclosed areas below regulatory flood protection elevation shall not be used for human habitation, only for parking, building access, or limited storage, and must have flood openings.

• Existing structures

  Existing structures may continue, but modifications less than 50% of market value must conform to VA USBC; modifications 50% or more must fully comply with ordinance.

• Flood carrying capacity

  The flood carrying capacity within an altered or relocated portion of any watercourse shall be maintained.

• Residential lowest floor elevation

  New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation to a minimum of one foot freeboard.

• Manufactured homeManufactured homeA dwelling built in a factory to a federal standard and transported to the site. standards

  Manufactured homes must be anchored and elevated to BFE+1 foot.

• Flood-resistant materials

  New construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.

• Minimize flood damage

  New construction or substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage.

• More restrictive provisions apply

  If there is any conflict between the provisions or requirements of the Floodplain Districts and those of any underlying district, the more restrictive provisions and/or those pertaining to the floodplain districts shall apply.

• Non-residential floodproofing

  Non-residential buildings may be floodproofed in lieu of being elevated provided that all areas below BFE+1 foot are watertight and certified by a professional engineer.

• Zoning permit required

  All uses, activities, and development occurring within any floodplain district, including placement of manufactured homes, shall be undertaken only upon the issuance of a zoning permit.

• Recreational vehicles

  Recreational vehicles must be on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet manufactured home requirements.

• Sanitary sewage systems

  New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters.

• Subdivision standards

  Subdivision proposals must minimize flood damage, have public utilities located to minimize flood damage, provide adequate drainage, and provide base flood elevation data for proposals exceeding 50 lots or 5 acres.

• Utilities protection

  Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.

• VarianceVariancePermission to depart from a specific dimensional rule, granted on a showing of hardship. criteria

  Variances shall be issued only upon showing of good cause, exceptional hardship, and no increase in flood heights, etc.

• On-site waste disposal

  On-site waste disposal systems shall be located and constructed to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.

• Water supply systems

  New and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the system.

• Watercourse alteration permit

  Prior to any proposed alteration or relocation of any channels or of any watercourse, a permit shall be obtained from the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.