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 § 123-32 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 identified floodplain area that would cause any increase in BFE. In A Area/District(s), BFEs are determined using the methodology in § 123-19C.
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 Part XIV, Uniform Construction Code, as amended, and the 2009
International Building Code and the 2009 International Residential
Code, or latest edition of either.
D.
Within any Floodway Area/District (see § 123-19A), no new construction or development shall be allowed unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection's regional office.
E.
Within any AE Area/District without floodway (see § 123-19B), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
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.
G.
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.
