<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 18-41. - Specific standards.</div>
<div class="chunk-content">
            <p class="p0">
               In all special flood hazard areas where base flood elevation (BFE) data has been provided,
               as set forth in article III, <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTIIIGEPR_S18-7BAESSPFLHAAR" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-7</a>, or article IV, subsections <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTIVAD_S18-27DUREFLAD" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-27</a>(11) and (12), the following provisions are required:
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (1)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Residential construction.</span> New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure (including
                  manufactured homes) shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no
                  lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (2)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Nonresidential construction.</span> New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other
                  nonresidential structure shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated
                  no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. Structures located in A,
                  AE, AH, A99 and AO zones may be floodproofed to the regulatory flood protection elevation
                  in lieu of elevation provided that all areas of the structure, together with attendant
                  utility and sanitary facilities, below the regulatory flood protection elevation are
                  watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, using structural
                  components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and
                  the effect of buoyancy. For AO zones, the floodproofing elevation shall be in accordance
                  with article V, subsection <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-43.3STARSHFLZOAO" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-43.3</a>(2). A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the floodproofing
                  standards of this subsection are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to
                  the floodplain administrator as set forth in article IV, subsection <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTIVAD_S18-26FLDEPECERE" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-26</a>(3).
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (3)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Manufactured homes.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  New or replacement manufactured homes shall be elevated so that the reference level
                  of the manufactured home is no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Manufactured homes shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation
                  to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement in accordance with the State of
                  North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured/Mobile Homes, 1995 Edition, and any revision
                  thereto adopted by the Commissioner of Insurance pursuant to G.S. 143-143.15 or a
                  certified engineered foundation. Additionally, when the elevation would be met by
                  an elevation of the chassis 36 inches or less above the grade at the site, the chassis
                  shall be supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent
                  strength. When the elevation of the chassis is above 36 inches in height, an engineering
                  certification is required.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  All foundation enclosures or skirting shall be in accordance with article V, subsection
                  <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-41SPST" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-41</a>(4).
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  An evacuation plan must be developed for evacuation of all residents of all new, substantially
                  improved or substantially damaged manufactured home parks or subdivisions located
                  within floodprone areas. This plan shall be filed with and approved by the floodplain
                  administrator and the local emergency management coordinator.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (4)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Elevated buildings.</span> Fully enclosed area, of new construction and substantially improved structures, which
                  is below the lowest floor or below the lowest horizontal structural member in VE zones:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Shall not be designed or used for human habitation, but shall only be used for parking
                  of vehicles, building access, or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in
                  connection with the premises. Access to the enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary
                  to allow for parking of vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance equipment
                  (standard exterior door), or entry to the living area (stairway or elevator). The
                  interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be finished or partitioned into separate
                  rooms, except to enclose storage areas or building access via stairs or elevator;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Shall be constructed entirely of flood resistant materials at least to the regulatory
                  flood protection elevation; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Shall, in coastal high hazard areas (zone VE), meet requirements of article V, <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-43.1COHIHAARZOVE" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-43.1</a> shall include, in zones A, AE, AH, AO, A99 flood openings to automatically equalize
                  hydrostatic flood forces on walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters.
                  To meet this requirement, the openings must either be certified by a professional
                  engineer or architect or meet or exceed the following minimum design criteria:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Provide a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed area subject
                  to flooding;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The total net area of all openings must be at least one square inch for each square
                  foot of each enclosed area subject to flooding;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (iii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  If a building has more than one enclosed area, each area must have openings on exterior
                  walls to allow floodwater to automatically enter and exit;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (iv)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The bottom of all required openings shall be no higher than one foot above the higher
                  of the interior or exterior adjacent grade;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (v)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Flood openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other opening coverings or
                  devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both directions;
                  and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (vi)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Enclosures made of flexible skirting are not considered enclosures for regulatory
                  purposes, and, therefore, do not require flood openings. Masonry or wood underpinning,
                  regardless of structural status, is considered an enclosure and requires flood openings
                  as outlined above.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Shall, in coastal high hazard areas (zone VE), meet the requirements of article V,
                  <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-43.1COHIHAARZOVE" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-43.1</a>.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (5)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Additions/improvements.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Additions and/or improvements to pre-FIRM structures whereas the addition and/or improvements
                  in combination with any interior modifications to the existing structure are:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Not a substantial improvement, the addition and/or improvements must be designed to
                  minimize flood damages and must not be any more nonconforming than the existing structure.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  A substantial improvement, with modifications/rehabilitations/improvements to the
                  existing structure or the common wall is structurally modified more than installing
                  a doorway, both the existing structure and the addition and/or improvements must comply
                  with the standards for new construction.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Additions to post-FIRM structures with no modifications to the existing structure
                  shall require only the addition to comply with the standards for new construction.
                  Refer to the last sentence of article II, <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTIIDE_S18-5DE" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-5</a>, "regulatory flood protection elevation" for freeboard information.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Additions and/or improvements to post-FIRM structures whereas the addition and/or
                  improvements in combination with any interior modifications to the existing structure:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Are not a substantial improvement, the addition and/or improvements only must comply
                  with the standards for new construction consistent with the code and requirements
                  for the original structure.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  A substantial improvement, both the existing structure and the addition and/or improvements
                  must comply with the standards for new construction.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Any combination of repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement
                  of a building or structure taking place during a one-year period, the cumulative cost
                  of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before
                  the improvement or repair is started must comply with the standards for new construction.
                  For each building or structure, the one-year period begins on the date of the first
                  improvement or repair of that building or structure subsequent to the effective date
                  of this Chapter. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are
                  considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed.
                  The requirement does not, however, include either:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary
                  or safety code violations identified by the building official and that are the minimum
                  necessary to assume safe living conditions.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude
                  the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (6)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Recreational vehicles.</span> Recreation vehicles shall either:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Temporary placement.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Be on site for fewer than 180 consecutive days or;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Be fully licensed and ready for highway use (a recreational vehicle is ready for highway
                  use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick
                  disconnect type utilities and has no permanently attached additions);
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Permanent placement recreation vehicles that do not meet the limitations of temporary
                  placement shall meet all the requirements for new construction.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (7)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Temporary nonresidential structures.</span> Prior to the issuance of a floodplain development permit for a temporary structure,
                  the applicant must submit to the floodplain administrator a plan for the removal of
                  such structure(s) in the event of a hurricane, flash flood or other type of flood
                  warning notification. The following information shall be submitted in writing to the
                  floodplain administrator for review and written approval:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  A specified time period for which the temporary use will be permitted. Time specified
                  may not exceed three months, renewable up to one year;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  The name, address, and phone number of the individual responsible for the removal
                  of the temporary structure;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  The time frame prior to the event at which a structure will be removed (i.e., minimum
                  of 72 hours before landfall of a hurricane or immediately upon flood warning notification);
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  A copy of the contract or other suitable instrument with the entity responsible for
                  physical removal of the structure; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (e)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Designation, accompanied by documentation, of a location outside the special flood
                  hazard area to which the temporary structure will be moved.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (8)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Accessory structures.</span> When accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, etc.) are to be placed within
                  a special flood hazard area, the following criteria shall be met:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Accessory structures shall not be used for human habitation (including work, sleeping,
                  living, cooking or restroom areas);
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Accessory structures shall not be temperature-controlled;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Accessory structures shall be designed to have low flood damage potential;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Accessory structures shall be constructed and placed on the buildings site so as to
                  offer the minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (e)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Accessory structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with the provisions of
                  article V, subsection <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-40GEST" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-40</a>(1);
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (f)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  All service facilities such as electrical and heating equipment shall be installed
                  in accordance with article V, subsection <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-40GEST" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-40</a>(4);
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (g)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Accessory structures, regardless of the size or cost, shall not be placed below elevated
                  buildings in V and VE zones; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (h)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Flood openings to facilitate automatic equalization of hydrostatic flood forces shall
                  be provided below regulatory flood protection elevation in conformance with article
                  V, subsection <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-41SPST" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-41</a>(4)(d).
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="b2">
                  An accessory structure with a footprint less than 150 square feet or that is a minimal
                  investment of $5,000.00 or less and satisfies the criteria outlined above is not required
                  to meet the elevation or floodproofing certification standards of article V, subsection
                  <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-41SPST" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-41</a>(2). Elevation or floodproofing certifications are required for all other accessory
                  structures in accordance with article IV, subsection <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTIVAD_S18-26FLDEPECERE" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-26</a>(3).
                  </p>
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (9)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Tanks.</span> When gas and liquid storage tanks are to be placed within a special flood hazard
                  area, the following criteria shall be met:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Underground tanks.</span> Underground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse
                  or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads during conditions
                  of the design flood, including the effects of buoyancy assuming the tank is empty;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Above-ground tanks, elevated.</span> Above-ground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be elevated to or above the regulatory
                  flood protection elevation on a supporting structure that is designed to prevent flotation,
                  collapse or lateral movement during conditions of the design flood. Tank-supporting
                  structures shall meet the foundation requirements of the applicable flood hazard area;
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Above-ground tanks not elevated.</span> Above-ground tanks that do not meet the elevation requirements of article V, subsection
                  <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-41SPST" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">18-41</a>(2) of this Chapter shall not be permitted in V or VE zones. Tanks may be permitted
                  in other flood hazard areas provided the tanks are designed, constructed, installed,
                  and anchored to resist all flood-related and other loads, including the effects of
                  buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood and without release of contents in
                  the floodwaters or infiltration by floodwaters into the tanks. Tanks shall be designed,
                  constructed, installed, and anchored to resist the potential buoyant and other flood
                  forces acting on an empty tank during design flood conditions.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  <span class="ital">Tank inlets and vents.</span> Tank inlets, fill openings, outlets and vents shall be:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (i)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  At or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or fitted with covers designed
                  to prevent the inflow of floodwater or outflow of the contents of the tanks during
                  conditions of the design flood; and
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  (ii)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Anchored to prevent lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads,
                  including the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (10)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  <span class="ital">Other development.</span>
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (a)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Fences in regulated floodways and NEAs that have the potential to block the passage
                  of floodwaters, such as stockade fences and wire mesh fences, shall meet the limitations
                  of article V, <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-43FLNCRAR" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-43</a> of this chapter.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (b)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways in regulated floodways and NEAs. Retaining
                  walls and sidewalks and driveways that involve the placement of fill in regulated
                  floodways shall meet the limitations of article V, <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-43FLNCRAR" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-43</a> of this chapter.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (c)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Roads and watercourse crossings in regulated floodways and NEAs. Roads and watercourse
                  crossings, including roads, bridges, culverts, low-water crossings and similar means
                  for vehicles or pedestrians to travel from one side of a watercourse to the other
                  side, that encroach into regulated floodways shall meet the limitations of article
                  V, <a href="" data-chunk-id="CD_ORD_CH18FLDAPR_ARTVPRFLHARE_S18-43FLNCRAR" class="section-link" data-product-id="14528">section 18-43</a> of this chapter.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  (d)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Commercial storage facilities are not considered "limited storage" as noted in this
                  chapter, and shall be protected to the regulatory flood protection elevation as required
                  for commercial structures.
                  </p>
               		
               
            <p class="historynote0">
               (<a class="ordinance-link" href="" data-product-id="14528" data-ordinance-id="1094487">Res. of 7-6-2021</a>)
               </p></div>