New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or non-residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one foot above the level of the base flood elevation. Structures located in A-zones may be flood-proofed in lieu of elevation provided that all areas of the structure below the required elevation are water tight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, using structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this division are satisfied. The certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in § 154.020.
(Ord. passed 6-1-1987)