(A) In all SFHAs, the new construction or substantial improvement of elevated structures shall have the lowest floor at or above the FPG.
(B) Elevated structures with fully-enclosed areas formed by the foundation and other exterior walls below the flood protection grade shall be designed to preclude finished living space and allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls. Designs must meet the following minimum criteria:
(1) Provide a minimum of two openings located in a minimum of two exterior walls which have a total net area of not less than one square inch for every one square foot of enclosed area;
(2) The bottom of all openings shall be not more than one foot above the exterior grade or the interior grade immediately beneath each opening, whichever is higher;
(3) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions;
(4) Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking for vehicles, as in a garage door, or for the limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises, as in a standard exterior door, or for entry to the living area, as in a stairway or elevator;
(5) The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be partitioned or finished into separate rooms; and
(6) The interior grade of such enclosed area shall be at an elevation at or higher than the exterior grade.
(Ord. 2014-05, passed 5-5-2014) Penalty, see § 10.99