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 § 209-35 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.[1] In A Area/District(s), BFEs are determined using the methodology in § 209-19C.
[1]
Editor's Note: "BFE" refers to base flood elevation.
B. 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any Floodway Area/District that would cause any increase in BFE.
C. 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within AE Area/District without floodway that would, together with all other existing and anticipated development, increase the BFE more than one foot at any point.
D. 
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.
E. 
The above activity shall also address the requirements of Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Code, as amended and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: "IBC" and "IRC" refer to the International Building Code and the International Residential Code, respectively.
F. 
Within any Floodway Area/District (see § 209-19A), no new construction or development shall be allowed unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
G. 
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.
H. 
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.