(A) The flood insurance rate map (FIRM) identifies areas of special flood hazard areas (SFHA). Development may take place within the SFHA; provided the requirements of the County Flood Damage Prevention Ord. 161-95 is followed. For development occurring in an area outside of an identified SFHA, but experiences similar flooding hazards, it is highly recommended that the same development criteria of Ord. 161-95 be followed. Additional information regarding flooding may be found on FEMA’s website, www.fema.gov.
(B) Development standards in all areas of SFHA include the following.
(1) Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood elevation. A state registered professional engineer or land surveyor shall submit an elevation certification to the County Floodplain Administrator.
(2) Non-residential construction. New construction and substantial improvements of any commercial, industrial or other non-residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood elevation. A state-registered professional engineer or land surveyor shall submit an elevation certificate of flood proofing certificate, or both, to the County Floodplain Administrator.
(3) Manufactured homes. Manufactured homes shall be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation and is securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement. The manufactured home chassis shall be supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are not less than 36 inches in height above grade and are securely fastened to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement.
(4) Recreational vehicles. Recreational vehicles shall be located on a site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, are fully licensed and ready for highway use or meet elevation and anchoring requirements for “manufactured homes”.
(5) Enclosures.
(a) New construction and substantial improvements with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing entry and exit of floodwaters.
(b) Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a state- registered professional engineer or land surveyor to meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
1. A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided;
2. The bottom of all openings shall be not higher than one foot above foot grade; and
3. 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. 2010-018, passed - -) Penalty, see § 150.999