§ 4123.61. Enclosure below the lowest floor.

The following standards apply to all new and substantially improved residential and nonresidential, non-basement structure which are elevated to the flood protection elevation using pilings, columns, posts or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to allow unimpeded movement of floodwaters. 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 shall:

(A)

Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect; or

(B)

Meet or exceed the following criteria:

(1)

A minimum of two openings are provided having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area that would be subject to flooding; and

(2)

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

(3)

Openings equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices must permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters.

(Ord. No. 1177-2010, § 2, 9-27-2010)