§ 5-32. Below-grade residential crawl- space construction.

New construction and substantial improvement of any below-grade crawlspace shall:

(a)

Have the interior grade of elevation that is below base flood elevation no lower than two (2) feet below the lowest adjacent grade;

(b)

Have the height of the below-grade crawlspace measured from the interior grade of the crawlspace to the top of the foundation wall, not exceed four (4) feet at any point;

(c)

Have an adequate drainage system that allows floodwaters to drain from the interior area of the crawlspace following a flood;

(d)

Be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure and be capable of resisting the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads;

(e)

Be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;

(f)

Be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage;

(g)

Be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding;

(h)

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:

(1)

A minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be provided;

(2)

The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one (1) foot above grade;

(3)

Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.

(Ord. No. 26-2002, 9-10-02, eff. 9-20-02)