Appendix C
STANDARDS FOR SHALLOW FLOODING AREAS (AO ZONES)

Shallow flooding areas appear on FIRMs as AO zones with depth designations. The base flood depths in these zones range from 1 to 3 feet above ground where a clearly defined channel does not exist, or where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is usually characterized as sheet flow. In addition to other provisions in this code, the following additional provisions also apply in AO zones:

1.    New construction and substantial improvements of residential structures and manufactured homes within AO zones shall have the lowest floor (including basement and mechanical equipment) elevated above the highest adjacent grade to the structure, one foot or more above the depth number specified in feet on the community’s FIRM (at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade to the structure if no depth number is specified).

2.    New construction and substantial improvements of nonresidential structures within AO zones shall either:

a.    Have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade of the building site, one foot or more above the depth number specified on the FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified); or

b.    Together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be completely flood proofed to or above that level so that any space below that level is 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. If this method is used, compliance shall be certified by a registered professional engineer, or architect as in Section 16C.05.28.020(2)(B)(iii).

3.    Require adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

4.    Recreational vehicles placed on sites within AO zones on the community’s FIRM either:

a.    Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or

b.    Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached additions; or

c.    Meet the requirements of subsections (1) and (3) above and the anchoring requirements for manufactured homes (Section 16C.05.28.010(1)(b)).

(Ord. 8-2021 § 2(C) (Exh. 1), 2021).