1310.14 SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION.

   In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth in Section 1310.03 or 1310.10(b), the following provisions are required:

   (a)   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. Where base flood elevation data are no available the structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent natural grade.

   (b)   Nonresidential Construction.

      (1)   New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the level of the base flood elevation, or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, shall:

         A.   Be flood proofed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;

         B.   Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads with effects of buoyancy; and

         C.   Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the standards of this subsection. Such certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in Section 1310.08(a).

      (2)   A variance to the elevation or dry flood proofing standards may be granted for accessory structures, such as sheds or detached garages, containing 576 square feet or less in gross floor area. Such structures shall meet the encroachment provisions of Section 1310.15(a) and the following additional standards:

         A.   They shall not be used for human habitation;

         B.   They shall be designed to have low flood damage potential;

         C.   They shall be constructed and placed on the building site so as to offer the minimum resistance to the flow of flood waters;

         D.   They shall be firmly anchored to prevent flotation; and

         E.   Service facilities such as electrical and heating equipment shall be elevated or flood proofed.

         F.   They shall be constructed of flood resistant materials;

         G.   They shall meet the opening requirements of Section 1310.14(d)(3).

   (c)   Manufactured Homes. The following standards shall apply to all new and substantially improved manufactured homes not subject to the manufactured home requirements of Ohio R.C. 3733.01.

      (1)   Manufactured home shall be anchored in accordance with Section 1310.13(a)(2).

      (2)   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. Where base flood elevations are not available, the structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent natural grade.

   (d)   Enclosures Below Lowest Floor. New construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, that do not have basements and that are elevated to the flood protection elevation using pilings, columns, posts, or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to allow unimpeded movement of flood waters may have an enclosure below the lowest floor provided the enclosure meets the following standards:

      (1)   Be used only for the parking of vehicles, building access, or storage; and

      (2)   Be designed and certified by a registered engineer or architect to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of flood waters; or

      (3)   Have a minimum of two openings on different walls having a total net area not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area, and the bottom of all such openings being no higher than one foot above grade. The openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

   (e)   Historic Structures. Repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure, shall be exempt from the development standards of Section 1310.14.

   (f)   Recreational Vehicles. Recreational vehicles must meet at least one of the following standards:

      (1)   They shall not be located on sites in special flood hazard areas for more than 180 days, or

      (2)   They must be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or

      (3)   They must meet all standards of Section 1310.14.

   (g)   Above Ground Gas or Liquid Storage Tanks. All above ground gas or liquid storage tanks shall be anchored to prevent flotation or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads. (Ord. 52-2009. Passed 6-8-09.)