§ 5.3. Specific standards.

In all areas of special flood hazard A1-30, AE, AH where base flood elevation data has been provided, as set forth in 3.2, or 4.3.10., the following provisions are required:

5.3.1. (a) Residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least to one (1) foot above the base flood elevation (BFE). Electrical, plumbing, machinery or other utility equipment that service the structure must be elevated to or above the BFE.

5.3.2. (b) Nonresidential construction.

(1)

New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or nonresidential structure located in Zone A1-30, AE & AH shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least to one (1) foot above the level of the base flood elevation; or

(2)

Non-residential structures located in all A-zone may be flood-proofed in lieu of being elevated provided that together with all attendant utilities and sanitary facilities the areas of the structure below the required elevation are water tight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, and use structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall review and/or develop structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with acceptable standards of practice for meeting the provisions of this subsection. Such certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in [section] 4.2.1.(f).

(3)

Electrical, plumbing, machinery or other utility equipment that service the structure must be elevated to or above the BFE.

5.3.3. Elevated buildings. New construction or substantial improvements of elevated buildings that include fully enclosed areas formed by foundation and other exterior walls below the base flood elevation shall be designed to preclude finished living space and designed to allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.

(a)

Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria:

(1)

Provide a minimum or two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot or enclosed area subject to flooding;

(2)

The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and,

(3)

Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, values or other coverings of devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions.

(b)

Electrical, plumbing, and other utility connections are prohibited below the base flood elevation;

(c)

Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking of vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises (standard exterior door) or entry to the living area (stairway or elevator); and

5.3.4. Floodways. Located within areas of special flood hazard established in section 3.2. are areas designated as floodways on the community's flood boundary and floodway map. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of flood waters which carry debris, potential projectiles and has erosion potential, the following provisions shall apply:

Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other developments unless certification (with supporting technical data) by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any (0.00) increase in flood levels during occurrence of the flood discharge;

In A Zones where base flood elevations have been determined, but before a floodway is designated, no new construction, substantial improvement, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted which will increase base flood elevations more than one (1) foot at any point along the watercourse when all anticipated development is considered cumulatively with the proposed development.

A permit may be given which allows encroachments resulting in increases in base flood elevations provided the community first obtains a conditional floodway revision by meeting the requirements of C.F.R.44, Chapter 1, subsection 65.12.

(Ord. of 8-12-08)