14.18.130 Standards for building construction in SFHA.
A. A Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) shall be obtained prior to the construction of a proposed flood control project based on design plans approved by the City. Construction of the proposed flood control project and land preparation as specified in the start of construction definition will be allowed after the CLOMR is approved by FEMA.
B. All LOMRs for flood control projects shall be approved by FEMA prior to the issuance of building permits. Building permits shall not be issued based on CLOMRs.
C. The following requirements pertain to construction in areas that have not been removed from the SFHA by an approved LOMR:
1. All new construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;
2. All new construction and substantial improvements, including manufactured homes, shall be constructed:
a. With flood resistant materials as specified in FEMA Technical Bulletin TB 2-93, and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
b. Using methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
c. With electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding; and
d. Within Zones AH or AO, so that there are adequate drainage paths around the structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from the structures.
3. All new construction and substantial improvements of structures with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, 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 floodwater. Designs for meeting this requirement must be certified by a registered civil or structural engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
a. For non-engineered openings:
i. Have a minimum of two openings on different sides having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding;
ii. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade;
iii. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices; provided, that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwater; and
iv. Buildings with more than one enclosed area must have openings on exterior walls for each area to allow floodwater to directly enter. (Ord. 3477 § 1, 2019; Ord. 3210, 2011; Ord. 3097, 2007).