The provisions of this chapter do not require any changes or improvements to be made to lawfully existing structures; provided, however, when an improvement is made to any existing structure, the provisions of § 235-32 of this chapter 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 BFE.
B.
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within special floodplain area that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE 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.
D.
The above activity shall also address the requirements of 34 Pa. Code, as amended from time to time, and the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), or the latest revisions thereof.
E.
Within any Floodway Area/District (see § 235-17A of this chapter), no new construction or development shall be allowed unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
F.
Within any AE Area/District without floodway (see § 235-17B of this chapter), no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse unless a permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.