The purpose of this page is to define functionally dependent use, a commonly used term in floodplain management.
Definition/Description
A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. This term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.
Under limited circumstances, variances may be issued for functionally dependent uses provided that the structure is protected by methods that minimize flood damages during the base flood and there are no additional threats to public safety. SEE Supplementary Information for Variance for more information.
NFIP Requirement
- 59.1 - Definition
- 60.6 - Variances and exceptions
- (a)(7) Variances