§ 197.315. Specific standards.

In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data have been provided as set forth pursuant to § 197.302 of this building code, § 197.314, "General Standards-Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction"; § 197.317, "Floodways"; or, § 197.319, "Subdivisions and Large Developments," the following provisions are required:

A.

Residential Construction.

1.

New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation.

B.

Nonresidential Construction.

1.

New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the level of the base flood elevation, or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, shall:

a.

Be floodproofed so that, below the base flood level, the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;

b.

Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads, and effects of buoyancy; and

c.

Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the standards of this Division are satisfied.

2.

A variance to the elevation or dry floodproofing standards may be granted for accessory structures, such as sheds and detached garages, containing no more than five hundred seventy-six square feet and built at a cost of less than seven thousand dollars. These structures must meet the encroachment provisions of § 197.317 of this building code and the following additional standards:

a.

Accessory structures shall not be used for human habitation;

b.

Accessory structures shall be designed to have low flood damage potential;

c.

Accessory structures shall be constructed and placed on the building site so as to offer the minimum resistance to the flow of flood waters;

d.

Accessory structures shall be firmly anchored to prevent flotation; and

e.

Service facilities such as electrical and heating equipment shall be elevated or floodproofed.

f.

Accessory structures shall meet the opening requirements of § 197.318, "Enclosures Below the First Floor".

(Ord. 538-2001; Ord. 388-1998)