In all areas of special flood hazards the following standards are required:
(A) 
Anchoring. All new construction and substantial improvements of structures, including manufactured homes, shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.
(B) 
Construction Materials and Methods. All new construction and substantial improvements of structures, including manufactured homes, shall be constructed:
(1) 
With flood resistant materials, and utility equipment resistant to flood damage for areas below the base flood elevation;
(2) 
Using methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
(3) 
With electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding; and
(4) 
Within zones AH or AO, so that there are adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures.
(C) 
Elevation and Floodproofing.
(1) 
Residential Construction. All new construction or substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement:
(a) 
In AE, AH, A1-30 zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
(b) 
In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.
(c) 
In an A zone, without BFEs specified on the FIRM (unnumbered A zone), elevated to or above the base flood elevation; as determined under Section 25.38.041(C).
(d) 
In V zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation adjusted to reflect sea level rise as specified in Section 25.38.041(C)(2) for the expected life of the development (minimum of seventy-five years).
Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, shall be certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor, and inspected by the building inspector to be properly elevated. Such certification and inspection record shall be provided to the floodplain administrator.
(2) 
Nonresidential Construction. All new construction or substantial improvements of nonresidential structures shall either be elevated to conform with Section 25.38.050(C)(1) or:
(a) 
Be floodproofed, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, below the elevation recommended under Section 25.38.050(C)(1), so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
(b) 
Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and
(c) 
Be certified by a registered civil engineer or architect that the standards of Section 25.38.050(C)(2)(a) and (b) are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator.
(3) 
Flood Openings. All new construction and substantial improvements of structures with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, 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 floodwater. Designs for meeting this requirement must meet the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
For non-engineered openings:
(i) 
Have a minimum of two openings on different sides having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding,
(ii) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade,
(iii) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwater, and
(iv) 
Buildings with more than one enclosed area must have openings on exterior walls for each area to allow flood water to directly enter; or
(b) 
Be certified by a registered civil engineer or architect.
(4) 
Manufactured Homes. See Section 25.38.053.
(5) 
Garages and Low Cost Accessory Structures.
(a) 
Attached Garages.
(i) 
A garage attached to a residential structure, constructed with the garage floor slab below the BFE, must be designed to allow for the automatic entry of flood waters. See Section 25.38.050(C)(3). Areas of the garage below the BFE must be constructed with flood resistant materials. See Section 25.38.050(B).
(ii) 
A garage attached to a nonresidential structure must meet the above requirements or be dry floodproofed. For guidance on below grade parking areas, see FEMA Technical Bulletin TB-6.
(b) 
Detached Garages and Accessory Structures.
(i) 
"Accessory structures" used solely for parking (two-car detached garages or smaller) or limited storage (small, low-cost sheds), as defined in Section 25.38.020, may be constructed such that its floor is below the base flood elevation (BFE), provided the structure is designed and constructed in accordance with the following requirements:
A. 
Use of the accessory structure must be limited to parking or limited storage;
B. 
The portions of the accessory structure located below the BFE must be built using flood-resistant materials;
C. 
The accessory structure must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral movement;
D. 
Any mechanical and utility equipment in the accessory structure must be elevated or floodproofed to or above the BFE;
E. 
The accessory structure must comply with floodplain encroachment provisions in Section 25.38.056; and
F. 
The accessory structure must be designed to allow for the automatic entry of flood waters in accordance with Section 25.38.050(C)(3).
(ii) 
Detached garages and accessory structures not meeting the above standards must be constructed in accordance with all applicable standards in Section 25.38.050.
(6) 
Crawlspace Construction. This subsection applies to buildings with crawl spaces up to two feet below grade. Below-grade crawl space construction in accordance with the requirements listed below will not be considered basements.
(a) 
The building must be designed and adequately anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy. Crawl space construction is not allowed in areas with flood velocities greater than five feet per second unless the design is reviewed by a qualified design professional, such as a registered architect or professional engineer;
(b) 
The crawl space is an enclosed area below the base flood elevation (BFE) and, as such, must have openings that equalize hydrostatic pressures by allowing for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. For guidance on flood openings, see FEMA Technical Bulletin 1-93;
(c) 
Crawl space construction is not permitted in V zones. Open pile or column foundations that withstand storm surge and wave forces are required in V zones;
(d) 
Portions of the building below the BFE must be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage. This includes not only the foundation walls of the crawl space used to elevate the building, but also any joists, insulation, or other materials that extend below the BFE; and
(e) 
Any building utility systems within the crawl space must be elevated above BFE or designed so that floodwaters cannot enter or accumulate within the system components during flood conditions.
(f) 
Requirements for all below-grade crawl space construction, in addition to the above requirements, to include the following:
(i) 
The interior grade of a crawl space below the BFE must not be more than two feet below the lowest adjacent exterior grade (LAG), shown as D in Figure 3 of Technical Bulletin 11-01;
(ii) 
The height of the below-grade crawl space, measured from the interior grade of the crawl space to the top of the crawl space foundation wall must not exceed four feet (shown as L in Figure 3 of Technical Bulletin 11-01) at any point;
(iii) 
There must be an adequate drainage system that removes floodwaters from the interior area of the crawl space within a reasonable period of time after a flood event, not to exceed seventy-two hours; and
(iv) 
The velocity of floodwaters at the site should not exceed five feet per second for any crawl space. For velocities in excess of five feet per second, other foundation types should be used.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
(A) 
All new and replacement water supply and sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate:
(1) 
Infiltration of flood waters into the systems; and
(2) 
Discharge from the systems into flood waters.
(B) 
On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them, or contamination from them during flooding.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
(A) 
All new subdivisions proposals and other proposed development located within or affecting a special flood hazard area (SFHA) or base flood area shall:
(1) 
Identify the special flood hazard areas (SFHA) and base flood elevations (BFE). In V zones, identify the BFE adjusted to reflect sea level rise as specified in Section 25.38.041(C)(2) for the expected life of the development (minimum of seventy-five years).
(2) 
Identify the elevations of lowest floors of all proposed structures and pads on the final plans.
(3) 
If the site is filled above the base flood elevation, the following as-built information for each structure shall be certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor and provided as part of an application for a letter of map revision based on fill (LOMR-F) to the floodplain administrator:
(a) 
Lowest floor elevation;
(b) 
Pad elevation;
(c) 
Lowest adjacent grade.
(B) 
All subdivision proposals and other proposed development shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.
(C) 
All subdivision proposals and other proposed development shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage.
(D) 
All subdivisions and other proposed development shall provide adequate drainage to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
(A) 
All manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved, on sites located: (1) outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision; (2) in a new manufactured home park or subdivision; (3) in an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision; or (4) in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision upon which a manufactured home has incurred "substantial damage" as the result of a flood, shall:
(1) 
Within zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to or above the base flood elevation and be securely fastened to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
(2) 
Within zones V1-30, V, and VE on the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map, meet the requirements of Section 25.38.057.
(B) 
All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision within zones A1-30, AH, AE, V1-30, V, and VE on the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map that are not subject to the provisions of Section 25.38.053(A) will be securely fastened to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement, and be elevated so that either the:
(1) 
Lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation. In V zones, the lowest floor of the manufactured homes is at or above the base flood elevation adjusted to reflect sea level rise as specified in Section 25.38.041(C)(2) for the expected life of the development (minimum of seventy-five years); or
(2) 
Manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than thirty-six inches in height above grade.
Upon the completion of the manufactured home structure, the elevation of the lowest floor including basement shall be certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor, and inspected by the building inspector to be properly elevated. Such certification and inspection record shall be provided to the floodplain administrator.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
(A) 
All recreational vehicles placed in zones A1-30, AH, AE, V1-30 and VE will either:
(1) 
Be on the site for fewer than one hundred eighty consecutive days; or
(2) 
Be fully licensed and ready for highway use. A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions; or
(3) 
Meet the permit requirements of Section 25.38.042 of this chapter and the elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes in Section 25.38.053.
(B) 
Recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones V1-30, V, and VE on the community's Flood Insurance Rate Map will meet the requirements of Section 25.38.054(A) and Section 25.38.057.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
(A) 
Requirement for Contingency Floodproofing Measures.
(1) 
Businesses located in areas of special flood hazard areas shall install contingency floodproofing measures as defined under municipal code Section 25.38.020 and as determined by the floodplain administrator. "Special flood hazard area (SFHA)" means an area in the floodplain subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is shown on an FHBM or FIRM as zone A, AO, A1, A30, AE, A99, AH, V1, V30, VE or V. The following floodproofing mitigation measures shall be installed at flood vulnerable building locations within ninety days of written notification from the city (only windows, doors and openings subject to floodwaters are required to be retrofitted with contingency floodproofing measures):
(a) 
Doors. Hinged and/or removable panels and similar barriers that can withstand the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures of floodwaters;
(b) 
Windows. Hinged and/or removable panels or any other fenestration, glazing, or protective techniques capable of withstanding floodwaters; and
(c) 
Other Openings. Application of plates, sealants, mortar, gaskets and similar materials around and in utility openings and other similar wall penetrations.
(2) 
The floodplain administrator shall provide, and from time to time may revise and update, suitable design guidelines and details showing the methods, materials and implementation of the devices required by this section. The floodplain administrator shall review and approve the plans for the proposed contingency floodproofing measures.
(3) 
If not permanently installed, flood contingency devices shall be installed immediately after forecasts of heavy precipitation and/or after the city has declared the possibility for potential flooding conditions. The flood contingency devices shall remain installed until the threat of flooding has ceased. The flood contingency devices shall be designed to prevent flooding up to six inches above the latest Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), base flood elevation (BFE) or in V zones, the base flood elevation shall be adjusted to reflect sea level rise as specified in Section 25.38.041(C)(2) for the expected life of the development (minimum of seventy-five years).
(4) 
Flood contingency devices shall be stored on site within every business that is located within a special flood hazard area. Removable flood contingency devices shall be stenciled with at least two-inch high red letters indicating the following information:
(a) 
"Flood Prevention Gate (do not throw away)";
(b) 
The location of the opening that the device protects; and
(c) 
The property address for which the contingency devices serves.
(B) 
Contingency Floodproofing Measures Plan.
(1) 
A flood mitigation plan shall be kept on-site within the business and on record at the city for every business that is located within a special flood hazard area. The plan shall include the location of where the flood contingency devices are stored and directions on how to install them. All persons employed to work in a business located within areas of special flood hazards shall be trained on how to install these devices and be provided a copy of the flood contingency measures plan. The plan shall require that each year on the last Monday in October, the business ownership and employees practice installation of the flood mitigation contingency devices.
(2) 
When a change of use occurs for any business located within a special flood hazard area, a contingency floodproofing measures plan shall be provided by the owner of the property to the new business/lease holder. If the new use requires a conditional use permit or an amendment to an existing conditional use permit, the flood mitigation contingency plan shall also be included with the application as an attachment.
(C) 
Administrative Relief and Exemptions.
(1) 
A business shall be exempt from the requirements of 25.38.055 (installing floodproofing mitigation measures) if the business is in compliance with the applicable provisions of 25.38.050 (Standards of Construction) as determined by the city's floodplain administrator.
(2) 
Any flood vulnerable building location that is already equipped with contingency floodproofing mitigation measures, as indicated under Municipal Code Section 25.38.055(A)1(a-c), shall be exempt from the requirements of 25.38.055. It shall be the responsibility of the business and/or property owner to show contingency floodproofing building compliance and is subject to approval and inspection by the city's floodplain administrator.
(3) 
Any property or business owner may seek an extension of the applicable ninety-day installation period by filing a written application prior to the expiration of the installation period, in the form specified by the community development department and subject to payment of a filing fee; provided, however, that the period shall not be extended for more than six months.
(4) 
The determination of the director of community development shall be made in writing within thirty days of receipt of a complete application. In making a determination as to whether the ninety-day period should be extended, the following matters, among other relevant information, should be considered:
(a) 
The business/property location in regard to the flood hazard area;
(b) 
The estimated expenditure to install the required flood contingency devices (itemized construction cost estimates from a licensed contractor shall be submitted);
(c) 
The previous extent of flood damage that has occurred at this location, if any; and
(d) 
The necessary permanent construction activity to install the required contingency flood measures.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
Since floodways are an extremely hazardous area due to the velocity of flood waters which carry debris, potential projectiles and erosion potential, the following provisions apply:
(A) 
Until a regulatory floodway is adopted, no new construction, substantial development or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1-30 and AE, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the city of Laguna Beach.
(B) 
Within an adopted regulatory floodway, the city of Laguna Beach shall prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other development, unless certification by a registered civil engineer is provided demonstrating that the proposed encroachment shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(C) 
If Section 25.38.056(A) and (B) are satisfied, all new construction, substantial improvement and other proposed new development shall comply with all other applicable flood hazard reduction provisions of Sections 25.38.050 through 25.38.057.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)
Within coastal high hazard areas, zones V, V1-30, and VE, as established under Section 25.38.031, the following standards shall apply:
(A) 
All new residential and non-residential construction, including substantial improvement/damage, shall be elevated on adequately anchored pilings or columns and securely anchored to such pilings or columns so that the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor (excluding the pilings or columns) is elevated to or above the base flood elevation adjusted to reflect sea level rise as specified in Section 25.38.041(C)(2) for the expected life of the development (minimum of seventy-five years). The pile or column foundation and structure attached thereto shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood and anticipated sea level rise. Wind loading values used shall be those required by applicable state or local building standards.
(B) 
All new construction and other development shall be located on the landward side of the reach of mean high tide.
(C) 
All new construction and substantial improvement shall have the space below the lowest floor free of obstructions or constructed with breakaway walls as defined in Section 25.38.020 of this chapter. Such enclosed space shall not be used for human habitation and will be usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage.
(D) 
Fill shall not be used for structural support of buildings or roads.
(E) 
Man made alteration of sand dunes that would increase potential flood damage is prohibited.
(F) 
The floodplain administrator shall obtain and maintain the following records:
(1) 
Certification by a registered engineer or architect that a proposed structure complies with Section 25.38.057(A); and
(2) 
The elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings or columns) of all new and substantially improved structures, and whether such structures contain a basement.
(Ord. 1576 § 1, 2013)