(A) Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (i.e., including basements) 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 flood waters. Designs for the meeting his or her requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or 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 square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.
(2) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(3) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices; provided, they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.
(B) New and substantially improved structures must be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydro-dynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy.
(C) New and substantially improved structures must be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equal payment and or to this service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(Prior Code, Art. 15, Ch. 1, III) (Ord. passed 5-6-1997)