Certain unique characteristics of manufactured homes installed in flood hazard areas pose an elevated risk of substantial damage to property.
(A) All manufactured homes to be sited within any floodplain areas of the city shall be installed by a contractor possessing a valid state manufactured home installer’s license. The installer shall use an installation design engineered to withstand flood hazards specific to the particular home site. Manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within the flood hazard areas shall be installed in accordance with the following standards:
(1) The lowest floor, ductwork, and utilities including HVAC/heat pump shall be elevated two feet above the base flood elevation;
(2) Elevation shall be on reinforced piers on a permanent foundation or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength engineered for use in a flood hazard area. Installation designs incorporating dry stacked block piers shall not be used in flood hazard areas;
(3) All manufactured homes shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system in compliance with the requirements of W. Va. Code 42-19-10.1, 42-19-10.2, and 42-19-10b as authorized by W. Va. Code 21-9-4. The anchoring shall be adequate to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include but are not limited to the over-the-top and frame ties, attached to permanent foundation elements. Ground anchors may not be adequate to satisfy flood specific anchoring requirements. This requirement is in addition to applicable state and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces;
(4) Permanently attached rigid skirts and perimeter wall skirts of brick or block must have openings; this type of skirting can collapse during floods and compromise supporting piers. The openings must be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces by allowing for entry and exit of flood waters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or 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 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, valves, or other coverings or devices; provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.
(5) Any additions to a manufactured home shall be similarly anchored and vented.
(B) The licensed state manufactured home installer placing the unit shall perform a site inspection and certify, in writing, that the manufactured home has been installed to the standards set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. passed 5-4-1992; Ord. passed 2-8-2010)