Board of Adjustment Agenda and Packet 2011 08 17

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the applicant's engineer, Curt Parker, completed a detailed study in accordance with FEMA guidelines to determine a base flood elevation of 5,308.1 feet (See attachment 2) for the site. FLOODPLAIN CRITERIA: The Board of Adjustment has authority to hear and decide, grant or deny this application for a Floodplain Development Permit pursuant to the powers granted the Board in § 17.56.210.B of the Louisville Municipal Code. The Board may grant a permit only if it makes findings that all of the criteria, as established under § 17.56.160 A-F, have been satisfied, insofar as applicable. The following is an overview of the proposals compliance with Section 17.56.160 of the LMC. • 17.56.160 A. Flood District Encroachments: "The cumulative effect of any proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, shall not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point. Certification by a registered professional engineer stating that any encroachment shall not result in such an increase in flood levels during the occurrence of a 100-year flood shall be required" The applicant has demonstrated that the existing building at 1303 Empire Road is elevated above the base flood elevation as determined by Mr. Parker's study. Since the applicant is not expanding the existing building as part of this application, the planned improvements will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood. Staff finds this criterion has been met. • 17.56.160 B. Structures: 1. "Structures will have low flood damage" 2. The structure or structures, if permitted, will be constructed and placed on the building site so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of floodwaters. Whenever possible, structures will be constructed with the longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of flow of floodwaters, and so far as practicable, structures will be placed so their longitudinal axes are approximately on the same line as those of adjoining structures. 3. Structures will be firmly anchored as required by this section to prevent the structure from floating away and thus threatening to further restrict bridge openings and other restricted sections of the stream or river. 4. The lowest floor, including the basement floor, of any structure to be erected, constructed, reconstructed, or moved on the floodplain shall be constructed on fill at or above the elevation or level required by this section for the particular area and use specified, and the fill shall extend at such elevation at least 15 feet beyond the limits of any structure or building erected thereon. The applicant has demonstrated through completion of an engineer stamped elevation certificate that the structure is located above the 5308.1' Base Flood Elevation as determined by Mr. Parkers study. Given the fact that the structure will be elevated above the base flood elevation, the structure will have low flood damage and will not obstruct the flow of floodwaters. The applicant will apply for a building permit to make 3