§ 197.318. Enclosures below the lowest floor.

The following standards apply to all new and substantially improved residential and nonresidential non-basement structures which are elevated to the base flood elevation using pilings, columns, posts, or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to allow unimpeded movement of flood waters. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must:

A.

Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect; or,

B.

Meet or exceed the following criteria:

1.

A minimum of two openings having a total net area of less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided.

2.

The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

(Ord. 538-2001)