Shallow flooding areas appear on the FIRM as AO Zones with depth designations. The base flood depths in these zones range from 1 to 3 feet above ground where a clearly defined channel does not exist, or where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is usually characterized as sheet flow. In these areas the following provisions apply.
(A) New construction and substantial improvements of residential structures and manufactured homes within AO Zones shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest grade adjacent to the building, a minimum of one foot above the depth specified on the FIRM (at least 2 feet if no depth number is specified).
(B) New construction and substantial improvements of nonresidential structures within AO Zones shall either:
(1) Have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade of the building site, 1 foot or more above the depth number specified on the FIRM (at least 2 feet if no depth number is specified); or
(2) Together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be completely flood proofed to or above that level so that any space below that level 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. If this method is used, compliance shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect as in § 151.377(B)(3).
(C) Require adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
(D) Recreational vehicles placed on sites with AO Zones on the community FIRM shall either:
(1) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; and
(2) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, 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 elevations; or
(3) Meet the requirements of this section above and the elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes.
(Ord. 2021-08-02, passed 10-12-2021)