Article X, Floodplain Overlay District, Sec. 110-376

Within any floodway area, no encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements or other development shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in the 100-year flood elevation.

Recreational vehicles placed on sites shall either be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use; or meet the permit requirements for placement and the elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes.

Any modification, alteration, repair, reconstruction or improvement of any kind to a structure and/or use, regardless of its locations 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 the provisions of this article and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

A structure or use of a structure or premises which lawfully existed before March 9, 1995, but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this article, 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 performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed expansion would not result in any increase in the 100-year flood elevation.

All applications for development in the floodplain district and all building permits issued for the floodplain shall incorporate the following information: elevation of lowest floor, floodproofing elevation, 100-year flood elevation, topographic information.

Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the flow of stormwater runoff in a safe and efficient manner. The system shall ensure proper drainage along streets, and provide positive drainage away from buildings. The system shall also be designed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties.

Variances shall be issued only after the board of zoning appeals has determined that the granting of such will not result in unacceptable or prohibited increases in flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, and will not create nuisances, cause fraud or victimization of the public, or conflict with local laws or ordinances.

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

In the event of 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.