The provisions of this chapter do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures. However, when an improvement is made to any existing structure, the provisions of §
274-33 shall apply.
The following provisions shall apply whenever any improvement
is made to an existing structure located within any identified floodplain
area:
A. No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed
within any floodway area that would cause any increase in the elevation
of the one-hundred-year flood.
B. No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed
within any FE area that would, together with all other existing and
anticipated development, increase the one-hundred-year flood elevation
more than one foot at any point.
C. Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement, of
any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of 50% or
more of its market value, shall constitute a substantial improvement
and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions
of this chapter. The above activity shall also address the requirements
of the 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 through 405, as amended, and the
2003 IBC (Sec. 3402.1 and 1612.4) and the 2003 IRC (Secs. R105.3.1.1
and 323.1.4).
D. Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any
kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of less than
50% of its market value, shall be elevated and/or floodproofed to
the greatest extent possible.
E. Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any
kind that meets the definition of "repetitive loss" shall be undertaken
only in full compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
F. The requirements of 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 through 405, as amended,
and the 2003 IRC (Secs. R102.7.1, R105.3.1, R105.3.1.1 and Appendices
E and J) or the latest revision thereof and the 2003 IBC (Secs. 101.3,
3403.1 and Appendix G) or the latest revision thereof shall also be
utilized in conjunction with the provisions of this section.