§ 20.08.350 — Construction materials and methods

20.08.350 - Construction materials and methods.

(A) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage. (B) All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage. (C) For all new construction and substantial improvements, 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 floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: 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 shall be provided. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

(Ord. 3282 § 1 (part), 1987: Ord. 2115 § 1 (part), 1980: prior code § 11-5-8.1(B))