(a)
A person may file an application for a variance from the requirements of this chapter
with the floodplain administrator.
(b)
The floodplain administrator shall act on and make written determinations on applications
for variances from the requirements of this chapter.
(c)
In passing upon such applications, the floodplain administrator shall consider all
technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections
of this chapter, and shall also consider:
(1)
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
(2)
The danger of life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(3)
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the
effect of such damage on the existing individual owner and future owners of the property;
(4)
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to Santa Barbara
County;
(5)
The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(6)
The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use which are not subject
to flooding or erosion damage;
(7)
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
(8)
The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management
program for that area;
(9)
The safety of access to the property in time of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
(10)
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of
the flood waters expected at the site; and
(11)
The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, including
maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical,
and water system, and streets and bridges.
(d)
Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice over the
signature of the floodplain administrator that (1) the issuance of a variance to construct
a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for
flood insurance up to amounts as high as twenty-five dollars for one hundred dollars
of insurance coverage and (2) such construction below the base flood level increases
risks to life and property. A copy of the notice shall be recorded by the applicant
in the office of the Santa Barbara County recorder, and shall be recorded in a manner
so that it appears in the chain of title of the affected parcel of land; and a conformed
copy of said recordation shall be provided to the floodplain administrator as indicated
in the conditions attached to the variance.
(e)
The floodplain administrator will maintain a record of all variance actions, including
justification for their issuance, and report such variances issued in its biennial
report submitted to the Federal Insurance Administration, Federal Emergency Management
Agency.