O-1987-1533-A - actual date passed 10/28/1996

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Ordinance 1533-A contin. Page 20 e certification to the Floodplain Administrator that the standard of this subsection as proposed in Article 4, Section C(1 )a., is satisfied. (2) Nonresidential Construction - new construction and substantial improvements of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure shall either have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood level or, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be designed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop and review structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice as outlined in this subsection. A record of such certification which includes the specific elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which such structures are flood proofed shall be maintained by the Floodplain Administrator. (3) Enclosures New construction and substantial improvements, with 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 and exit of floodwater. Designs for meeting requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: (a) A minimum of two openings which have 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. (c) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.