In all special flood hazard areas, the following standards shall be required:
(a)
Anchoring.
(1)
All new construction and substantial improvements shall be 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.
(1)
All new construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damages for areas below the base flood elevation plus one foot freeboard.
(2)
All new construction and substantial improvements including manufactured homes, shall be constructed using methods and practices which minimize flood damages.
(3)
All new construction and substantial improvements including manufactured homes, shall be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air-conditioning equipment and other service facilities which are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(4)
Within Zones AH or AO, adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures shall be required.
(c)
Elevations and floodproofing.
(1)
The new construction or substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus one foot freeboard. Nonresidential structures shall meet the standards set forth in subsection (3) of this subsection. Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor plus one foot freeboard, including the basement, shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, or verified by the Building Inspector, to be properly elevated. Such certification or verification shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator.
(2)
The new construction or substantial improvement of any structure in Zone AO shall have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM plus one foot freeboard, or at least two feet if no depth number is specified plus one foot freeboard. Nonresidential structures shall meet the standards set forth in subsection (3) of this subsection. Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor, including the basement, shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, or verified by the Building Inspector, to be properly elevated. Such certification or verification shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator.
(3)
Nonresidential construction shall be elevated either in conformance with subsection (1) or (2) of this subsection or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities:
(i)
Be floodproofed so that below the base flood level plus one foot freeboard the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
(ii)
Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and
(iii)
Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the Floodplain Administrator.
(4)
For all new construction and substantial improvements, fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor, which areas 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 shall either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(i)
Either 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. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above the grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. Buildings with more than one enclosed area must have openings on exterior walls for each area to allow flood water to directly enter; or
(ii)
Be certified by a registered civil engineer or architect to comply with a local floodproofing standard approved by the Federal Insurance Administration.
(§ 1, Ord. 655, eff. May 19, 1988, as amended by § 2, Ord. 914, eff. March 24, 2021)