§ 14-76. Standards for areas of shallow flooding (zone AO).

Located within the special flood hazard areas established in section 14-8 are areas designated as shallow flooding areas. These areas have special flood hazards associated with base flood depths of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist and where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate. In addition to sections 14-72 and 14-73, all new construction and substantial improvements shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

The reference level shall be elevated at least as high as the depth number specified on the flood insurance rate map (FIRM), in feet, plus a freeboard of three feet of above the BFE.

(2)

Nonresidential structures may, in lieu of elevation, be floodproofed to the same level as required in section 14-74(1) so that the structure, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, below that level shall be 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. Certification is required in accordance with sections 14-46(c) and 14-73(2).

(3)

Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures on slopes, to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

(Code 1990, § 7-70; Ord. of 2-14-2007; Ord. of 6-12-2013)