§ 710-20. Definitions and term usage.

(A)

Substantial damage. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure where the cost of restoring the structure to its condition prior to damage would equal or exceed fifty (50) percent of the adjusted replacement cost of the structure before the damage occurred, as estimated using the most current RS Means or Marshall & Swift construction cost data publications.

(B)

Substantial improvement. Replacement of any two (2) exterior walls and the roof within a period of one (1) year shall constitute a substantial improvement. Substantial improvement shall also mean any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure within a period of one (1) year, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty (50) percent of the market value of the structure, as determined by the Office of the Property Appraiser of Broward County, either:

(1)

Before the improvement or repair is started, or

(2)

If the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred.

The total cost shall not include nonstructural interior finishing, except when determining whether the structure has been substantially improved as a result of a single improvement or repair, or substantially damaged as a result of a single event. For purposes of this definition, substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the structure commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimension of the structure. The term does not include:

(1)

Any project for the improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which are necessary solely to assure safe living conditions;

(2)

Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Florida Inventory of Historic Places; or

(3)

Any aesthetic improvement of an exterior façade which does not increase the footprint of a nonconforming structure or the square footage of a structure devoted to a nonconforming use, or the number of nonconforming dwelling units, and is approved by the community development director in accordance with section 710-60(F)(4).

(C)

Structure. The term "structure" shall mean all buildings and structures.

(Ord. No. 2010-20, § 2(Exh. A), 9-14-10; Ord. No. 2012-025, § 9, 10-9-12)