New construction or substantial improvements of elevated buildings that include fully enclosed areas formed by foundation and other exterior walls below the base flood elevation shall be designed to preclude finished living space and designed to allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.
(A) Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria:
(1) Provide 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;
(2) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and
(3) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions.
(B) Electrical, plumbing and other utility connections are prohibited below the base flood elevation.
(C) Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking of vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises (standard exterior door) or entry to the living area (stairway or elevator).
(D) The interior portion of the enclosed area shall not be partitioned or finished into separate rooms.
(Ord. passed 6-1-1987)