§ 105-151. Areas below elevated buildings.

(a)

Flood resistance. All new construction and substantial improvements of existing structures that include any fully enclosed area located below the lowest floor formed by foundation and other exterior walls shall be designed so as to be an unfinished and flood-resistant enclosure. The enclosure shall be designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the automatic entry and exit of floodwater.

(b)

Certification or minimum criteria. Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria:

(1)

Provide 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;

(2)

The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade; and

(3)

Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwater in both directions.

(c)

Use limits. So as not to violate the lowest floor criteria of this article, the unfinished and flood-resistant enclosure shall solely be used for parking of vehicles, limited storage of maintenance equipment used in connection with the premises, or entry to the elevated area. The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be partitioned or finished into separate rooms.

(Ord. of 8-15-2006(01), § 1(38-100))