(A) Residential structures.
(1) In AE, A1-30, and AH Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation.
(2) In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 152.045(B)(4).
(3) The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or the most recent revisions thereof and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 to 405 as amended) shall be utilized.
(B) Nonresidential structures.
(1) In AE, A1-30, and AH Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation, or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed below the regulatory flood elevation:
(a) Is flood-proofed so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; and
(b) Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(2) In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated or completely flood-proofed up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 152.045(B)(4).
(3) Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, made watertight below the regulatory flood elevation shall be flood-proofed in accordance with the WI or W2 space classification standards contained in the publication entitled Flood-Proofing Regulations published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972, as amended March 1992) or with some other equivalent standard. All plans and specifications for such flood-proofing shall be accompanied by a statement certified by a registered professional engineer or architect which states that the proposed design and methods of construction are in conformance with the above referenced standards.
(4) The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or the most recent revisions thereof and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401-405 as amended) shall be utilized.
(C) Basements. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) which will be used solely for the parking of a vehicle, building access, or incidental storage in an area other than a basement, shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of flood waters. The term “fully enclosed space” also includes crawl spaces. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: 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 grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.
(D) Historic structures. See “substantial improvement” in § 152.006 for requirements for the substantial improvement of historic structures.
(E) Accessory structures and publicly owned gazebos and bandstands. Structures accessory to a principal building, and publicly owned gazebos and bandstands need not be elevated or flood-proofed to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements.
(1) The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation and shall be limited to the parking of vehicles, or to the storage of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or activity or as a stage area for public entertainment.
(2) The floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
(3) The structure shall have a low damage potential.
(4) The structure shall be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of flood waters.
(5) Power lines, wiring, and outlets shall be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
(6) Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, and the like are prohibited.
(7) Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
(8) The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation or movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry and exit of flood water for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on the walls. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria.
(a) A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(b) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, and the like or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.
(Ord. 2012-02, passed 4-2-2012)