Sec. 86-568 through 86-575

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

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 conditions: existing structures in floodway shall not be expanded unless no increase in BFE; modifications less than 50% of market value shall conform to VA USBC; modifications 50% or more shall fully comply with this article; etc.

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

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

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

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.

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 obtained for proposals exceeding 50 lots or five acres.

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

Variances shall be issued only upon a showing of good and sufficient cause, exceptional hardship, and no increase in flood heights, threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, nuisances, fraud, or conflict with local laws. Variances generally limited to lots less than one-half acre. No variance for accessory structures exceeding 600 sq ft.

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

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

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

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.

The floodplain districts described above shall be overlays to the existing underlying districts as shown on the official zoning ordinance map, and as such, the provisions for the floodplain districts shall serve as a supplement to the underlying district provisions.