Borough of Lansdowne, PA Article VII Existing Structures in Identified Floodplain Areas

§ 187-30 Existing structures.

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 § 187-31 shall apply.

§ 187-31 Improvements.

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 identified floodplain area that would cause any increase in base flood elevation. In A Area/District(s), base flood elevations are determined using the methodology in § 187-18D.

B. 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.

C. The above activity shall also address the requirements of 34 Pa. Code, as amended, and the 2009 International Building Code and Appendix G of the 2009 International Residential Code.

D. Within any Floodway Area/District (see § 187-18A), no new construction or development shall be allowed unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office and is consistent with the Borough's Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 289, Stormwater Management.

E. Within any AE Area/District without floodway (see § 187-18C), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.

[Amended 8-19-2015 by Ord. No. 1297]

F. 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. At a minimum, simple things such as elevating the water heater, putting outside heat pumps up on cinder blocks, sealing ductwork, installing backflow valves, battery backup sump pumps, flood shielding for doorways and other openings in areas of shallow flooding, etc., shall be addressed following an event.

G. Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure which has been the subject of prior incident for which flood insurance proceeds were paid shall be elevated and/or floodproofed to the greatest extent possible. At a minimum, simple things such as elevating the water heater, putting outside heat pumps up on cinder blocks, sealing ductwork, installing backflow valves, battery backup sump pumps, flood shielding for doorways and other openings in areas of shallow flooding, etc., shall be addressed following an event.

H. Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind that meets the definition of "repetitive loss"/cumulative substantial damage, substantial improvement shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this chapter.