§ 28-52. Specific standards.  


Latest version.
  • In all areas identified as numbered and unnumbered A zones, AE, and AH Zones, where base flood elevation data have been provided, as set forth in section 28-51, the following provisions are required:

    (1)

    Residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot above base flood elevation. Manufactured homes shall comply with section 28-53.

    (2)

    Nonresidential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential structures, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot above the base flood elevation or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be floodproofed so that below the base flood elevation the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator as set forth in section 28-33(9).

    (3)

    For all new construction and substantial improvements, fully enclosed areas that are located below the lowest floor, and that are used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement, and that are subject to flooding, shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:

    a.

    A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided; and

    b.

    The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

(Ord. No. 160928 , § 1, 12-15-16)