The following minimum standards shall apply for all construction proposed to be undertaken within any identified floodplain area.
(A) Fill. If fill is used, it shall:
(1) Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all points;
(2) Consist of soil or small rock materials only. Sanitary landfills shall not be permitted;
(3) Be compacted to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring or setting;
(4) Be no steeper than one vertical to two horizontal, unless substantiated data, justifying steeper slopes are submitted to, and approved by the Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer; and
(5) Be used to the extent to which it does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
(B) Drainage. Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the flow of stormwater runoff in a safe and efficient manner. The system shall ensure proper drainage along streets, and provide positive drainage away from buildings. The system shall also be designed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties.
(C) Water and sanitary sewer facilities and systems.
(1) All new or replacement sanitary sewer facilities, and private package sewage treatment plants (including all pumping stations and collector systems) shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into the floodwaters. In addition, they should be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage and impairment.
(2) Sanitary sewer facilities and systems shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into floodwaters.
(3) No part of any on-site sewage system shall be located within any identified floodplain area except in strict compliance with all state and local regulations for such systems. If any such system is permitted, it shall be located so as to avoid impairment to it, or contamination from it, during a flood.
(D) Other utilities. All other utilities, such as gas lines, electrical and telephone systems, shall be located, elevated (where possible) and constructed to minimize the change of impairment during a flood.
(E) Streets. The finished elevation of proposed new streets shall be not more than one foot below the regulatory flood elevation.
(F) Utilities. All utilities such as gas lines, electrical and telephone systems shall be placed above the regulatory flood elevation and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(G) Storage. All materials that are bouyant, flammable, explosive, or in times of flooding, could be injurious to human, animal or plant life, and not listed in § 151.064 shall be stored at or above the regulatory flood elevation and/or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
(H) Placement of buildings and structures. All buildings and structures shall be designed, located and constructed so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of water and shall be designed to have a minimum effect upon the flow and height of floodwater.
(I) Anchoring.
(1) All buildings and structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with accepted engineering practices to prevent floatation, collapse or lateral movement.
(2) All air ducts, large pipes, storage tanks and other similar objects or components located below the regulatory flood elevation shall be securely anchored or affixed to prevent flotation.
(J) Floors, walls and ceilings.
(1) Wood flooring used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be installed to accommodate a lateral expansion of the flooring, perpendicular to the flooring grain without causing structural damage to the building.
(2) Plywood used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a “marine” or “water-resistant” variety.
(3) Walls and ceilings at or below the regulatory floor elevation shall be designed and constructed of materials that are water-resistant and will withstand inundation.
(4) Windows, doors and other components at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be made of metal or water-resistant materials.
(K) Paints and adhesives.
(1) Paints or other finishes used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a “marine” or “water-resistant paint” or other finishing material.
(2) Adhesives used at or below the regulatory flood elevation shall be of a “marine” or “water-resistant” quality.
(3) All wooden components (doors, trim cabinets and the like) shall be finished with a “marine” or “water-resistant paint” or other finishing material.
(L) Electrical systems and components.
(1) Electric water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning and ventilating systems, and other electrical equipment or apparatus shall be placed above the regulatory flood elevation and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(2) Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three feet above the 100-year flood elevation.
(3) Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be dropped from above.
(M) Plumbing.
(1) Water heaters, furnaces, and other mechanical equipment or apparatus shall be placed above the regulatory flood elevation and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
(2) All on-site sewage disposal systems shall be designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into the floodwaters. In addition, they should be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage and impairment.
(3) All gas and oil supply systems shall be designed to prevent the infiltration of floodwaters into the system and discharges from the system into floodwaters. Additional provisions shall be made for the drainage of these systems in the event that floodwater infiltration occurs.
(N) Use of openings in enclosures below a structure’s lowest floor.
(1) For all new construction and substantial improvement, fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry of floodwaters.
(2) Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 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 the flooding shall be provided;
(b) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and
(c) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(Ord. 43C, passed 11-1-2001)