Development may not occur in the floodplain where alternative
locations exist due to the inherent hazards and risks involved. Before
a permit is issued, the applicant shall demonstrate that new structures
cannot be located out of the floodplain and that encroachments onto
the floodplain are minimized.
All new or substantially improved residential and nonresidential structures shall have the lowest floor elevated to or above the flood protection elevation. Basements are not permitted. In nontidal and tidal floodplains, horizontal expansions which increase the footprint and that are less than substantial shall also have the lowest floor of the expansion elevated to or above the flood protection elevation. The elevation of the lowest floor shall be certified by a registered surveyor or professional engineer on the elevation certificate, after the lowest floor is in place. Enclosures below the flood protection elevation must be constructed with water-equalizing vents to meet the specifications of §
46-33.
In new subdivisions in nontidal and tidal floodplains, each
lot platted must have a suitable building site outside the floodplain.
Consideration must be given to clustering development lots out of
the floodplain and preserving the floodplain as open space. An access
road at or above the elevation of the one-hundred-year flood shall
be provided.