Non-residential structures in CAZs shall be designed and constructed to meet V Zone requirements, including requirements for breakaway walls. However, the NFIP regulations also require flood openings in walls surrounding enclosures below elevated buildings in CAZs (see Technical Bulletin 1, Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures). Breakaway walls used in CAZs must have flood openings that allow for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters to minimize damage caused by hydrostatic loads. Openings also function during smaller storms or if anticipated wave loading does not occur with the base flood.
(A) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be elevated so that the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings or columns) is no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. Floodproofing shall not be utilized on any structures in Coastal A Zones to satisfy the regulatory flood protection elevation requirements.
(B) All new construction and substantial improvements shall have the space below the lowest horizontal structural member free of obstruction so as not to impede the flow of flood waters, with the following exceptions:
(1) Open wood latticework or insect screening may be permitted below the lowest floor for aesthetic purposes only and must be designed to wash away in the event of wave impact and in accordance with the provisions of Section 155.11.18(D)(4)(a). Design plans shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 155.11.13(A)(4)(c)2.; or
(C) All new construction and substantial improvements shall include, in Zones CAZ, flood openings to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. To meet this requirement, the openings must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the design criteria in Section 155.11.18(D)(4).
(D) Concrete pads, including patios, decks, parking pads, walkways, driveways, etc. must meet the provisions of Section 155.11.19(E).
(E) All new construction and substantial improvements shall meet the provisions of Section 155.11.19(C).
(F) A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the design, specifications and plans for construction are in compliance with the provisions of Section 155.11.13 and Section 155.11.19(C) and (D), on the current version of the North Carolina V-Zone Certification form or a locally developed V-Zone Certification form.
(G) Recreational vehicles may be permitted in Coastal A Zones provided that they meet the recreational vehicle criteria of Section 155.11.18(F)(1).
(H) Fill/grading must meet the provisions of Section 155.11.19(K).
(I) Decks and patios must meet the provisions of Section 155.11.19(O) and (P).
(J) In coastal high hazard areas, development activities other than buildings and structures must meet the provisions of Section 155.11.19(Q).
(Ord. 1780, passed 7-10-18; Am. Ord. 1838, passed 3-10-22)