§ 7-5.705. Pressure equalization.

All new construction and substantial improvements that fully enclose areas below the lowest floor and 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 to meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: A minimum of two (2) 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 (1) foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. See Section 7-5.603(e)(5).

Pressure equalization shall be appropriate for unfinished or flood-resistant enclosures either unused or solely used for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in areas other than basements. All other structures shall be elevated or floodproofed pursuant to the terms of this chapter.

(§ 1 (Exh. A), Ord. No. 1268, eff. April 20, 2017)