(A) For all new construction and substantial improvements, fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor, not 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 exist of floodwaters.
(B) Designs for meeting this requirement must 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 not higher than one foot above grade.
(3) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(Prior Code, § Q-13-134)