A. Elevation certificate.
1. An elevation certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33) is required prior to the actual start of any new construction. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator a certification of the elevation of the reference level, in relation to mean sea level. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder prior to the beginning of construction. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to deny a floodplain development permit.
2. An elevation certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33) is required after the reference level is established. Within seven (7) calendar days of establishment of the reference level elevation, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator a certification of the elevation of the reference level, in relation to mean sea level. Any work done within the seven (7)-day calendar period and prior to submission of the certification shall be at the permit holder's risk. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to further work being permitted to proceed. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to issue a stop-work order for the project.
3. A final as-built elevation certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33) is required after construction is completed and prior to certificate of compliance/occupancy issuance. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator a certification of final as-built construction of the elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the certificate data submitted. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder immediately and prior to certificate of compliance/occupancy issuance. In some instances, another certification maybe required to certify corrected as-built construction. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to withhold the issuance of a certificate of compliance/occupancy.
B. Floodproofing certificate.
1. If non-residential floodproofing is used to meet the regulatory flood protection elevation requirements, a floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-34), with supporting data, an operational plan, and an inspection and maintenance plan are required prior to the actual start of any new construction. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator a certification of the floodproofed design elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities, in relation to mean sea level. Floodproofing certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect and certified by same. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the certificate data, the operational plan, and the inspection and maintenance plan. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the applicant prior to permit approval. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to deny a floodplain development permit. Failure to construct in accordance with the certified design shall be cause to withhold the issuance of a certificate of compliance/occupancy.
2. A final finished construction floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-34), with supporting data, an operational plan, and an inspection and maintenance plan are required prior to the issuance of a certificate of compliance/occupancy. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit to the Floodplain Administrator a certification of the floodproofed design elevation of the reference level and all attendant utilities, in relation to NAVD 1988. Floodproofing certificate shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect and certified by same. The Floodplain Administrator shall review the certificate data, the operational plan, and the inspection and maintenance plan. Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the applicant prior to certificate of occupancy. Failure to submit the certification or failure to make required corrections shall be cause to deny a floodplain development permit. Failure to construct in accordance with the certified design shall be cause to deny a certificate of compliance/occupancy.
3. Manufactured dwelling. If a manufactured home is placed within zone A, AE, or A1-30 and the elevation of the chassis is more than thirty-six (36) inches in height above-grade, an engineered foundation certification is required in accordance with the provisions of Sec.8-1.19.B.3.b.
4. Watercourse alteration. If a watercourse is to be altered or relocated, a description of the extent of watercourse alteration or relocation; a professional engineer's certified report on the effects of the proposed project on the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse and the effects to properties located both upstream and downstream; and a map showing the location of the proposed watercourse alteration or relocation shall all be submitted by the permit applicant prior to issuance of a floodplain development permit.
C. Certification exemptions. The following structures, if located within zone A, AE or A1-30, are exempt from the elevation/floodproofing certification requirements specified in items (A) and (B) of this subsection:
1. Recreational vehicles meeting requirements of Sec. 8-1.19.B.6.
2. Temporary structures meeting requirements Sec. 8-1.19.B.7; and
3. Accessory structures less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet meeting requirements of Sec. 8-1.19.B.8.
D. Determinations for existing buildings and structures. For applications for building permits to improve buildings and structures, including alterations, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, change of occupancy, additions, rehabilitations, renovations, substantial improvements, repairs of substantial damage, and any other improvement of or work on such buildings and structures, the Floodplain Administrator, in coordination with the Building Official, shall:
1. Estimate the market value, or require the applicant to obtain an appraisal of the market value prepared by a qualified independent appraiser, of the building or structure before the start of construction of the proposed work; in the case of repair, the market value of the building or structure shall be the market value before the damage occurred and before any repairs are made;
2. Compare the cost to perform the improvement, the cost to repair a damaged building to its pre-damaged condition, or the combined costs of improvements and repairs, if applicable, to the market value of the building or structure;
3. Determine and document whether the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage; and
4. Notify the applicant if it is determined that the work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage and that compliance with the flood resistant construction requirements of the NC Building Code and this chapter is required.
(Ord. No. O-23-04-18-3, § 1, 4-18-23)