15.05.250 Variance procedures.
The Floodplain Administrator shall hear and render judgment on requests for variances from the requirements of this chapter as follows:
A. Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of one-half (0.5) acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, provided the relevant factors in PMC 15.05.340 have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the one-half (0.5) acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
B. Upon consideration of the factors noted above and the intent of this chapter, the Floodplain Administrator may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as deemed necessary to further the purpose and objectives of this chapter as stated in PMC 15.05.130.
C. Variances shall not be issued within any designated floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.
D. Prerequisites for granting variances:
1. Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
2. Variances shall only be issued upon:
a. Showing a good and sufficient cause;
b. A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and
c. A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing Town ordinances.
3. Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the structure will be permitted to be built with the lowest floor elevation below the base flood elevation, and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
E. Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements and for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use; provided, that:
1. The criteria outlined in subsections (A) through (E) of this section are met, and
2. The structure or other development is protected by methods that minimize flood damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
F. The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain a record of all actions involving an appeal and shall report variances to the Federal Emergency Management Agency upon request. (Ord. 711 §1 (Exh. A), 2017)