A. Purpose. The first-floor height of new Principal Buildings are regulated by FEMA's base flood elevation (BFE) and the town's local freeboard requirements to minimize flood risk and protect against storm surge. However, the overall foundation height should be limited to ensure Neighborhood Compatibility with historic structures and non-elevated homes located throughout the town.
B. Design standards.
(1) The bottom elevation of the Principal Building's lowest horizontal structural member shall be no more than eight (8) feet above finished grade.
(2) The finished floor shall be no more than nine (9) feet four (4) inches above finished grade.
(3) If the base flood elevation (BFE) conflicts with the maximum height limitations noted above in Sections 21-31B.(1)-(2), the lowest horizontal structural member shall be no higher than the design flood elevation (DFE) with a finished floor elevation (FFE) no higher than two (2) feet above DFE elevation.
(4) The standards outlined in B.(1)-(3) do not apply to designated historic buildings. Designated historic building must comply with the standards set forth in Section 21-44.
(Ord. 2020-17, passed 11-17-2020) (2-20-24)
C. Design Review Board. The Design Review Board may grant up to a one foot (1') modification in this Design Standard if the modification or other modifications achieve greater Neighborhood Compatibility as described in ARTICLE XII.
D. CCOD Lots. (3/20/12) Structures located on lots within the CCOD Overlay Districts shall not have their foundation heights set by reference to Sec. 21-31, but rather shall be governed by the foundation height requirements set forth specifically within the Overlay ordinance. See Sec. 21-49. (3/20/12)
(Ord. 2023-07, passed 2-20-2024)