A.
In passing upon applications for special exceptions and variances, the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider all relevant factors and procedures specified in other sections of this chapter and Chapter 310, Zoning.
(1)
The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments. No special exception or variance shall be granted in the Floodway (FW) for any proposed use, development or activity that will cause any increase in flood levels during the one-hundred-year flood.
(2)
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the injury to others.
(3)
The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and ability of these systems to prevent disease, contamination and unsanitary conditions.
(4)
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owners.
(5)
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community.
(6)
The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location.
(7)
The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the proposed use.
(8)
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and development anticipated in the foreseeable future.
(9)
The relationship of the proposed use to the Comprehensive Plan and the floodplain management program for the area.
(10)
The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicle.
(11)
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the floodwaters expected at the site.
(12)
Such other factors which are relevant to the purposes of this part.
B.
The Zoning Hearing Board may refer any application and accompanying documentation pertaining to any request for a special exception or variance to any engineer or other qualified person or agency for technical assistance in evaluating the proposed project in relation to flood heights and velocities and the adequacy of the plans for protection and other related matters.
C.
Special exceptions and/or variances shall only be issued after the Zoning Hearing Board has determined that the granting of such will not result in: