§ 34-85. Standards for areas of shallow flooding (zone AO).

Located within the special flood hazard areas established in section 34-3, 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 34-81 and 34-82, 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 two feet, above the highest adjacent grade; or at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified.

(2)

Nonresidential structures may, in lieu of elevation, be floodproofed to the same level as required in section 34-85(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 section 34-58(c) and section 34-82(2).

(3)

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

(Ord. of 7-5-88, art. 5, § E; Ord. of 6-4-07, eff. 7-3-07, art. 5, § G)

Editor's note

Article 5, § G of an ordinance adopted June 4, 2007, effective July 3, 2007 renamed § 34-85 from "Standards for areas of shallow flooding (AO Zones)" to "Standards for areas of shallow flooding (Zone AO)".