FEMA

Reducing Flood Losses 

Through the International 

Codes

Meeting the Requirements of the 

National Flood Insurance Program

2nd Edition, 2005

®

Reducing Flood Losses 

Through the International 

Codes®: 

Meeting the Requirements of the 

National Flood Insurance Program 

Second Edition (2005) 

This guide is based on the 2003 editions of the International Codes® (ICodes®) and the 2004 Supplement to the International Codes®

Table of Contents

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP i 

Executive Summary..................................................................................... v 

Acknowledgments ......................................................................................ix 

1. Introduction.....................................................................................1-1

1.1 Purpose of This Guide ................................................................1-1 

 1.2 The I-Codes and the NFIP ..........................................................1-1 

 1.3 Intended Audience......................................................................1-2 

 1.4 Where to Get Help......................................................................1-2 

 1.5 Purpose and Overview of the NFIP............................................1-3 

 1.6 Overview of Community and State Responsibilities 

 Under the NFIP...........................................................................1-4 

 1.7 Benefits of Participating in the NFIP..........................................1-7 

 1.8 Implications of Not Participating in the NFIP............................1-8 

 1.9 FEMA’s Involvement with Model Codes and Standards 

 Producing Organizations ............................................................1-9 

 1.10 ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other 

 Structures..................................................................................1-10 

 1.11 ASCE 24: Flood-Resistant Design and Construction..............1-10 

 1.12 NES: Evaluation Protocol........................................................1-11 

 1.13 Flood Elevations: BFE and DFE .............................................1-11 

2. Approaches to Floodplain Management ............................2-1

 2.1 The Comprehensive Approach ...................................................2-1 

 2.2 Stand-Alone Floodplain Management Regulations Approach ...2-2 

 2.3 Building Code Approach ............................................................2-3 

 2.4 Advantages of Reducing Flood Losses Through 

 the I-Codes..................................................................................2-3 

3. Implications of Adopting the I-Codes..................................3-1 

 3.1 Development Other Than Buildings...........................................3-1 

 3.2 On-Site Utility Systems Implications Pertaining to the 

 Utility-Related I-Codes...............................................................3-2 

 3.3 The NFIP’s Community Rating System and the I-Codes...........3-5 
Table of Contents ii 

 3.4 Considering Higher Standards ................................................... 3-8 

 3.5 Implementing Higher Standards in the I-Codes......................... 3-9 

 3.6 Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage.................. 3-12 

 3.7 Historic Structures.................................................................... 3-16 

 3.8 Increased Cost of Compliance.................................................. 3-17 

4. Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP .................. 4-1

 4.1 Modifications of the I-Codes...................................................... 4-1 

 4.2 Regulate All Development......................................................... 4-2 

 4.3 Record Keeping.......................................................................... 4-2 

 4.4 Requiring Other Permits............................................................. 4-3 

 4.5 Notifying Potentially Impacted Parties ...................................... 4-4 

 4.6 Evaluating Floodway Impacts.................................................... 4-5 

 4.7 Flood Hazard Map-Related Duties............................................. 4-5 

 4.8 Elevation Certificates ................................................................. 4-7 

 4.9 Inspections.................................................................................. 4-9 

 4.10 Enforcement and Violations..................................................... 4-12 

 4.11 The Variance Process............................................................... 4-12 

5. State Building Codes and Flood Provisions .................... 5-1

 5.1 Meeting More Restrictive State Requirements .......................... 5-1 

 5.2 State Amendments to the I-Codes.............................................. 5-1 

 5.3 Local Amendments to State Building Codes ............................. 5-2 

 5.4 Exemptions from State Building Codes ..................................... 5-2 

 5.5 Direct State Regulation of Certain Activities or Buildings........ 5-3 

 5.6 Referencing Flood Maps in the Building Codes ........................ 5-3 

6. Your Community's Approach ................................................. 6-1

 6.1 Assessing Your Community’s Current Approach...................... 6-1 

 6.2 Modifying Your Community’s Approach.................................. 6-2 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP iii 

List of Tables, Figures, and Worksheets 

Table 1-1 Summary of Selected Key NFIP Provisions, 

Code Citations, and Reference Documents............................ 1-13 

Table 3-1 Selected ASCE 24-98 Provisions and Opportunities for 

Community Rating System Credits.......................................... 3-7 

Table 3-2 Maximum Allowable Points for Higher Standards .................. 3-9 

Figure 6-1 Approaches to Fulfilling the Requirements of the NFIP.......... 6-3 

Worksheet A The NFIP and the I-Codes........................................................ 6-4 

Worksheet B Assessing Your Community’s Approach ................................. 6-5 

Worksheet C Discussion Topics, Decision Steps........................................... 6-6 

Appendices 

Appendix A References and Online Resources............................................. A-1 

Appendix B Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the 

Flood Resistance Provisions of the IBC ....................................B-1 

Appendix C Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the 

Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRC ....................................C-1 

Appendix D FEMA Regional Offices and NFIP State Coordinators ............ D-1 

Appendix E Sample Plan Review and Inspection Checklists ........................E-1 

Executive Summary

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP v 

For more than 30 years, most local jurisdictions have participated in the 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by adopting and enforcing 

floodplain management ordinances or regulations. The NFIP was created 

as a partnership: The federal government makes NFIP flood insurance 

and other federal assistance available to residents and businesses, and 

communities agree to regulate mapped flood hazard areas to reduce future 

flood damage. 

With the publication of the International Building Code® (IBC®), the 

International Residential Code® (IRC®) the International Existing 

Building Code® (IEBC®), and the rest of the International Codes® (ICodes®), the opportunity exists for communities to integrate building 

safety and floodplain management. This guide, Reducing Flood Losses 

Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the 

National Flood Insurance Program, will help communities decide how 

best to accomplish that integration in order to initiate or continue participation in the NFIP. 

The 2003 editions of the I-Codes (and modifications approved in 2004) 

contain provisions that meet the minimum flood-resistant design and 

construction requirements of the NFIP. It is important to note, however, 

that adoption of one or more of the codes, by themselves, may not address 

all NFIP requirements. Crosswalks of the NFIP regulations and the ICodes, including Appendix G of the IBC, have been prepared and 

included in this guide. 

These flood-resistant provisions in the I-Codes stem from cooperative 

efforts among the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the 

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and other individuals and 

organizations. These efforts began in 1991 with the development of flood 

load provisions. Those load provisions became part of ASCE 7 in 1995, 

were expanded in the 1998 edition of ASCE 7, and further amended in 

ASCE 7-02. 
vi Executive Summary

Cooperative efforts continued with the development of ASCE 24-98, a 

standard for minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and 

construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas. As of mid2004, a new edition of ASCE 24 was in development and may be 

referenced in the 2006 edition of the I-Codes. 

Chapter 1 presents a brief overview of the NFIP, including the benefits 

of participation and the implications of choosing not to participate. The 

NFIP is a voluntary program, but its benefits are far-reaching. 

Responsibilities of participating communities extend beyond issuance of 

building permits, and include administrative and map-related functions. 

Technical assistance and support are available from NFIP State 

Coordinating Agencies and FEMA regional offices. 

Chapter 2 outlines some broad approaches to managing flood hazard 

areas. Integrating a community’s approach with the I-Codes involves 

careful consideration and planning to reduce overlap of regulations, 

duplication of effort, and conflicts. Advantages of using the building 

code to satisfy floodplain requirements are outlined. 

Chapter 3 is a collection of topics on the implications of adopting the 

I-Codes for participation in the NFIP: 

• Section 3.1 reviews the NFIP definition of “development” because 

the NFIP requires that communities regulate all development in 

flood hazard areas, not just buildings and structures. 

• Section 3.2 summarizes how the utility-related I-Codes address 

provisions to protect building support utility systems. 

• Section 3.3 briefly outlines the NFIP’s Community Rating System, 

which provides discounts on the cost of flood insurance within 

communities that adopt regulations that exceed the minimum 

requirements of the NFIP. 

• Section 3.4 offers explanations for consideration by communities 

that may elect to adopt certain standards that are higher than the 

minimum requirements of the NFIP. 

• Section 3.5 offers sample building code text amendments language 

to implement higher standards. 

• Section 3.6 summarizes the NFIP requirements pertaining to 

substantial improvements and repair of substantial damage, both 

concepts are particularly important when dealing with older 

buildings. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP vii 

• Section 3.7 summarizes how the codes address certain historic 

structures and describes two options: issue permit or approve by 

variance. 

• Section 3.8 is a brief explanation of a part of the standard coverage 

provided by NFIP flood insurance. Under specific circumstances, 

notably if a flood causes substantial damage, this coverage provides 

the owner with an additional payment towards the cost of bringing 

the building into compliance with the flood-resistant provisions. 

Chapter 4 outlines certain responsibilities that communities assume 

when they participate in the NFIP. While many responsibilities are 

incorporated into the I-Codes, a number of others should be reviewed to 

make sure that they are assigned. 

Chapter 5 addresses several important considerations related to state 

requirements. States that adopt the I-Codes at the state level may have 

made amendments or may require that local amendments be approved by 

the state. Some states have specific requirements for flood hazard area 

development and some issue floodplain permits. Others exempt certain 

activities or types of buildings from the requirement to obtain a building 

permit, while some states may issue building permits for some activities. 

And, notably, if the code is adopted at the state level, then the matter of 

references to community flood hazard maps must be addressed. 

Chapter 6 outlines a straightforward process, using worksheets, to help 

communities assess how their current approaches to regulating 

development in flood hazard areas and building permits compare with the 

NFIP requirements. Also, a review process is outlined to facilitate 

decisions about appropriate modifications to processes and regulations. 

Appendices include references and online resources (Appendix A), 

crosswalks of the NFIP requirements with the IBC (Appendix B) and the 

IRC (Appendix C), contact information for FEMA and state offices, and 

sample plan review and inspection checklists.

Acknowledgments

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP ix 

The original edition of this guide was prepared by the American Society 

of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This second edition was prepared with 

financial support provided by the Mitigation Division of the U. S. 

Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness & Recovery 

(DHS/FEMA). The following reviewers contributed to this second 

edition: 

Wayne Berggren, CFM, City of Mandeville, Louisiana, representing 

the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc. 

Lois Forster, DHS/FEMA 

John Ingargiola, DHS/FEMA 

Trudie Johnson, CFM, City of Hilton Head, South Carolina, 

representing the Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc. 

Gregory A. Main, CFM, Indiana Department of Natural Resources 

Christy L. Miller, CFM, Alaska Department of Commerce, 

Community & Economic Development 

Kimberly Paarlberg, International Code Council, Inc. 

Laura Pfister, Montana Floodplain Management Program 

Rebecca C. Quinn, CFM, RCQuinn Consulting, Inc. 

Michael Robinson, DHS/FEMA 

1. Introduction

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-1 

______________________ 

When the IBC is 

adopted, the IRC is 

adopted by reference. 

If a state or community chooses not to 

regulate one- and 

two-family dwellings 

through the IRC, it 

must specifically 

exclude the IRC in its 

Ordinance for 

Adoption. In this 

case, for the purpose 

of NFIP participation, 

the activities regulated by the IRC must 

be covered elsewhere 

in a floodplain 

management 

ordinance or 

regulation. 

______________________

1.1 Purpose of This Guide 

This guide is intended to help community officials decide how to 

integrate the International Codes® (I-Codes®) into their current floodplain 

development and regulatory processes in order to meet the requirements 

to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Careful 

attention is required to ensure that all requirements of the NFIP are 

addressed by communities through both building codes and other 

ordinances or regulations. Adoption of one or more of the I-Codes, by 

themselves, does not necessarily meet those requirements. 

This guide is not intended as an endorsement of any specific approach for 

achieving effective management of flood hazards, nor does it explain the 

NFIP requirements and how to administer them. References and online 

resources are listed in Appendix A. 

1.2 The I-Codes and the NFIP 

This guide covers the family of codes known as the I-Codes that were 

developed under the auspices of the International Code Council® (ICC®). 

Each code in the series either meets or exceeds the minimum 

requirements of the NFIP with respect to the scope of each code: 

• The 2003 International Building Code® (IBC®) meets the minimum 

design and construction requirements of the NFIP for all buildings 

and structures, including, by reference, one- and two-family 

dwellings. Appendix G addresses other NFIP requirements such as 

map-related duties, subdivisions, site work, manufactured homes, 

recreational vehicles, underground and above-ground storage tanks, 

and variances. 

• The 2003 International Residential Code® (IRC®) meets the 

minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and construction 

of one- and two-family dwellings. For construction in the floodway, 

the IRC refers to the IBC. 

• The 2003 International Plumbing Code® (IPC®) meets the minimum 

requirements for flood-resistant design and construction of 

plumbing systems. 

• The 2003 International Mechanical Code® (IMC®) meets the 

minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and construction 

of mechanical systems. 
Introduction 1-2 

______________________ 

For the purposes of 

the NFIP and this 

guide, the term 

“community” means 

“any State or area or 

political subdivision 

thereof, or any Indian 

tribe or authorized 

tribal organization, or 

Alaska Native Village 

or authorized native 

organization, which 

has the authority to 

adopt and enforce 

floodplain management regulations for 

the areas within its 

jurisdiction.” Counties, cities, towns, and 

parishes are communities. In some 

states, flood control 

districts or planning 

districts may meet the 

definition if they 

exercise land-use 

authority. 

______________________

• The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®) meets the 

minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and construction 

of fuel gas systems. 

• The 2003 International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC®) 

meets the minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and 

construction of private sewage disposal systems. 

• The 2003 International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®) meets the 

minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and construction 

for existing buildings by reference to the requirements of the IBC. 

• The 2003 International Code Council Performance CodeTM (ICC 

PCTM) provides performance-based standards to provide resistance to 

flood loads and damage. 

Table 1-1, starting on page 1-13, lists key provisions of the NFIP that 

pertain to buildings. These provisions are cross-referenced to specific 

sections of the codes, related standards, and NFIP resource documents. 

Appendices B and C contain crosswalks of the complete text of the NFIP 

regulations and the pertinent sections from the IBC and IRC, respectively. 

1.3 Intended Audience 

This guide is intended for officials of any unit of government who are 

responsible for regulating land development and building processes. It is 

designed specifically to help those whose agencies are responsible for 

regulating floodplain development and those who administer building 

codes. These responsibilities may be under the jurisdiction of a single 

agency or distributed among several agencies. Regardless of how your 

community is organized, it is recommended that this guide be reviewed 

by every agency that has a role in land development and construction 

regulation. 

1.4 Where to Get Help 

Each state has an office that is designated as the State Coordinating 

Agency for the National Flood Insurance Program, commonly referred to 

as the “NFIP State Coordinator.” Contact information for the NFIP State 

Coordinators and a list of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 

(FEMA) 10 regional offices are included in Appendix D. 

FEMA and others have produced numerous documents and publications 

related to the NFIP and regulation of flood hazard areas. Reference and 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-3 

______________________ 

If your community 

does not currently 

participate in the 

NFIP (see Section 

1.8), you are strongly 

urged to join. To do 

so, contact either your 

NFIP State Coordinator or your FEMA 

Regional Office listed 

in Appendix D. 

______________________

resource materials, including cited publications and online resources, are 

listed in Appendix A. 

1.5 Purpose and Overview of the NFIP 

NFIP Purpose. The original authorizing legislation for the NFIP was 

passed in 1968. Congress expressly found that “a program of flood 

insurance can promote the public interest by encouraging sound land use 

by minimizing exposure of property to flood losses. . . ” 

The NFIP is intended to encourage states and local governments to 

recognize and incorporate flood hazards in land use and development 

decisions. In some communities this is achieved by guiding development 

to areas with lower risk. When decisions result in development within 

flood hazard areas, application of the criteria set forth in federal 

regulation (44 CFR Section 60.3) is intended to minimize exposure and 

flood-related damage. 

Overview of the NFIP. The NFIP is administered by the DHS/FEMA 

and has three main elements: 

1. Hazard identification and mapping, under which engineering 

studies are conducted and flood maps are prepared to delineate areas 

that are predicted to be subject to flooding under certain conditions; 

2. Floodplain management criteria for development, which establish 

the minimum requirements for communities to apply to development within mapped flood hazard areas with the intent of recognizing hazards in the entire land development process; and 

3. Flood insurance, which provides financial protection for property 

owners to cover flood-related damage to buildings and contents. 

Federal flood insurance is designed to provide an alternative to disaster 

assistance and disaster loans for home and business owners. Disaster 

assistance rarely comes close to covering all of the costs to repair and 

clean up. While available to qualified victims, disaster loans do not 

significantly ease the financial burden due to repayment terms. It is 

important to remember that disaster assistance is available only after 

floods have been declared major disasters by the President of the United 

States. Disaster loans are available after major disasters and when the 

U.S. Small Business Administration determines that an event has affected 

a certain number of uninsured homes and businesses. In contrast, NFIP 
Introduction 1-4 

flood insurance claims will be paid any time damage from a qualifying 

flood event occurs. 

Another important objective of the NFIP is to break the cycle of flood 

damage. Many buildings have been flooded, repaired or rebuilt, and 

flooded again. Before the NFIP, in some parts of the country this cycle 

occurred every couple of years: people rebuilt in the same flood-prone 

areas and used the same construction techniques that did not adequately 

resist flood damage. 

By encouraging communities to guide development to lower risk areas, 

and by requiring elevation of new buildings and nonconforming buildings 

that sustain major damage, one of the long-term objectives of the NFIP 

can be achieved: reducing flood damage and losses. Older buildings may 

be removed or replaced, or they may be upgraded or modified with 

techniques that lead to little or no flood damage. Through the land 

development process, developers can often be required or encouraged to 

keep new development out of high-risk areas. 

1.6 Overview of Community and State 

Responsibilities Under the NFIP 

Overview of Community Responsibilities. NFIP regulations (44 CFR 

Section 59.22) outline actions to be taken by a community to become and 

remain eligible to participate in the NFIP. A community agrees to take 

certain actions, including: 

• Adopting and enforcing floodplain management regulations that 

either meet or exceed the minimum standards of the NFIP. 

• Applying the regulations to all designated special flood hazard areas 

(SFHAs) throughout its jurisdiction. 

• Submitting to FEMA the regulations (and subsequent amendments 

thereto), including copies of related zoning, building, and 

subdivision regulations; health codes; special purpose ordinances; 

and other corrective and preventive measures enacted to reduce or 

prevent flood-related damage. 

• Submitting to FEMA certain estimates relating to the community as 

a whole and to the flood hazard area, including population, number 

of residences, number of small businesses, and number of other 

structures. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-5 

• Responding to FEMA’s periodic request for information on the 

community, including the number of permits and variances that may 

have been issued for development in the flood hazard area. 

• Identifying the location where flood hazard maps will be maintained 

and available for public inspection. 

• Appointing or designating an agency or individual official with the 

responsibility for the floodplain management program. 

• Maintaining a file with specific information on all development that 

occurs within the mapped flood hazard area, including 

documentation of certain building elevations and documentation of 

floodproofing designs, and making this information available for 

public inspection. 

• Conducting periodic field inspections to ensure that ongoing 

development complies with issued permits and to check for 

unpermitted development. 

• Having objectives in the comprehensive plan that are consistent 

with floodplain management goals. 

• Notifying FEMA when revisions to the flood hazard maps are 

necessary and providing available data to support those revisions. 

• Cooperating with federal, state, local, and private entities that 

undertake projects to study, survey, identify, and map flood hazard 

areas. 

• Notifying FEMA, the state, and adjacent communities of any 

alteration or relocation of a watercourse. 

• Notifying FEMA when the community’s boundaries have been 

modified by such legal actions as annexation. 

Overview of State Responsibilities. The states have agreed to coordinate 

the NFIP with their communities and have designated an agency that is 

responsible for those functions (see Appendix D). The NFIP State 

Coordinator’s office is specifically charged with being a link between 

FEMA and communities and can advise communities on how to comply 

with the NFIP requirements as well as any applicable state laws and 

regulations. The NFIP State Coordinator stays current on NFIP issues 

and can advise communities as to how specific provisions have been 

interpreted in many situations. 

The duties and responsibilities of the NFIP State Coordinator’s office are 

set forth in the NFIP regulations (44 CFR Section 60.25) and include: 

• Enacting, if necessary, legislation that enables communities to 

regulate development in designated flood hazard areas. 
Introduction 1-6 

• Encouraging and assisting communities to qualify for participation 

in the NFIP. 

• Guiding and assisting communities in developing, implementing, 

and maintaining floodplain management regulations. 

• Providing communities and the general public with NFIP 

information. 

• Assisting communities in disseminating information about flood 

hazard areas and floodplain management requirements. 

• Assisting in the delineation of flood hazard areas when possible, and 

providing technical information to FEMA. 

• Recommending priorities for federal activities relative to 

community needs. 

• Notifying FEMA of problems with community regulations if such 

problems cannot be resolved between the state and the community. 

• Establishing minimum floodplain management standards for state 

activities. 

• Coordinating floodplain management activities with other state, 

regional, and local planning and enforcement agencies. 

• Assisting in the identification and implementation of mitigation 

recommendations. 

• Participating in training opportunities and preparedness programs. 

Other ways that some NFIP State Coordinators may support communities 

include: 

• Providing advice on improvements to local administrative 

procedures for issuing permits, handling variances, inspecting 

construction, and remedying violations. 

• Producing a floodplain management newsletter. 

• Reviewing proposed code and ordinance amendments to ensure 

NFIP compliance. 

• Explaining ways to use flood hazard maps, including how to seek 

revisions. 

• Assisting communities with applications to participate in the 

Community Rating System (CRS). 

• Conducting training workshops on all aspects of the NFIP and 

floodplain management. 

• Performing on-site technical assistance visits. 

• Providing reports on community compliance to FEMA. 

• Developing a program of certification for floodplain managers. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-7 

______________________ 

General information 

about flood insurance 

is on the Internet at 

www.fema.gov

______________________

1.7 Benefits of Participating in the NFIP 

While there is no federal requirement that communities participate in the 

NFIP, most communities choose to do so to make flood insurance 

available to their citizens. In addition, federal assistance for acquisition 

or construction of buildings in flood hazard areas is not available in 

nonparticipating communities. To participate, a community agrees to 

adopt, administer, and enforce provisions that either meet or exceed the 

minimum floodplain management requirements set forth in federal 

regulations. 

If your community does not presently participate in the NFIP, you are 

strongly urged to join. To do so, contact either your NFIP State 

Coordinator or the FEMA Regional Office that supports your state. 

There are four significant benefits of participating in the NFIP. One 

focuses on property protection, while the remaining three focus on 

financial security. Specifically: 

1. Development that complies with the minimum NFIP performance 

criteria is less likely to experience major damage. Studies have 

shown that, on average, buildings that meet the NFIP criteria sustain 

approximately 80 percent less damage than those that do not. 

2. Federally insured or regulated lenders must require that 

improvements located in mapped flood hazard areas be insured for 

flood damage. If a community does not participate in the NFIP, 

then lenders must notify borrowers that federal disaster assistance 

for flood damage will not be available, including grants and loans. 

3. People who have flood insurance have a significant advantage over 

those who have no financial support or those who have to get loans 

to help repair and rebuild. Most homeowners’ property insurance 

explicitly excludes damage from floods, and non-NFIP flood 

insurance is hard to find. However, it is easy for most home and 

business owners to get NFIP flood insurance because many private 

companies write and sell policies on behalf of the NFIP. 

4. Federal disaster assistance is available to repair or restore public 

buildings in flood hazard areas if damaged by a disaster that is 

declared by the President of the United States. 

In participating communities, NFIP flood insurance is available for both 

residential and nonresidential buildings, and additional coverage is 

available for contents. Policies on buildings in flood hazard areas shown 

on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) include coverage that provides a 
Introduction 1-8 

claim payment to help defray certain costs when a flood-damaged 

building is required to be brought into compliance with community 

floodplain management requirements. This additional coverage, called 

“Increased Cost of Compliance,” is described in Section 3.8. The amount 

of this coverage is stated in the flood insurance policy documents. 

1.8 Implications of Not Participating 

in the NFIP 

Communities that have been provided a FIRM by FEMA may elect not to 

participate in the NFIP (unless required to do so by state law). If 

communities choose not to participate in the NFIP, the following apply: 

• NFIP flood insurance is not available. 

• Federal agencies cannot provide grants and loans for construction, 

reconstruction, repair, rehabilitation, or additions to buildings in 

mapped SFHAs, including such agencies as the U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Small Business Administration 

(SBA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

• Federal disaster assistance will not be provided in identified flood 

hazard areas for permanent restorative construction. This means 

that public buildings damaged by flooding are not eligible for 

federal disaster assistance. 

• Individuals and families will receive only limited federal disaster 

housing assistance when a major disaster is declared. Federal grants 

and assistance for repairs are not available. 

• Direct federal loans to residents and developers for properties in 

flood hazard areas are not available from government programs such 

as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal 

Housing Administration (FHA). 

• Other regulated mortgage lenders may make loans for properties in 

flood hazard areas, but they are required to notify borrowers that 

federal disaster assistance will not be provided in the event of a 

flood disaster. 

Communities that initially declined to participate when the FIRM was 

prepared may subsequently decide to join the NFIP. Insurance on 

buildings that were constructed in flood hazard areas after the date of the 

FIRM will be rated based on the risk of flooding. If they were built 

below the base flood elevation (BFE) and are subject to damage, then 

flood insurance will be very expensive. The FIRM in effect at the time a 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-9 

building was constructed, and the applicable actuarial rates based on that 

map, applies regardless of when the community elects to join the NFIP.

1.9 FEMA’s Involvement with Model Codes 

and Standards Producing Organizations 

Many communities that participate in the NFIP do so through singlepurpose floodplain management ordinances. For the most part, these 

ordinances are administered in land planning offices, usually in 

coordination with the building permit office. In other cases, communities 

participate through various combinations of laws, ordinances, and 

regulations. Despite efforts to coordinate, occasional conflicts have been 

known to arise between the NFIP requirements and a community’s 

building and other health and safety codes. 

In the early 1990s, FEMA requested assistance from the National Institute 

of Building Sciences to examine 23 model building codes and standards, 

and to perform a detailed comparison between NFIP regulations, model 

building codes, consensus standards, and technical guidance documents. 

The work was supported by the following model codes and standards 

organizations: 

• the Building Officials and Code Administrations International, Inc. 

(BOCA)*, 

• the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI)*, 

• the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)*, 

• the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and 

• the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards 

(NCSBCS). 

* Effective February 1, 2003, BOCA, SBCCI and ICBO became one 

organization, the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC).

The result of this cooperative effort was the Code Compatibility Report, 

published in three volumes in October 1992. The report outlined 

recommended changes to the codes and to various FEMA documents. As 

the three major code organizations made progress on the development of 

the I-Codes, FEMA executed an agreement with the Structural 

Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers 

(ASCE). ASCE was tasked with monitoring progress and proposing 

changes to the codes to improve consistency with the NFIP. 
Introduction 1-10 

In the early 1990s, FEMA and ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute 

initiated work to develop flood loads for inclusion in ASCE 7 and a 

standard for flood-resistant design and construction (ASCE 24). 

Although the NFIP had been in effect since 1968, and by 1990 nearly 

19,000 counties and towns were participating, there were no consensus 

standards for determining flood loads or for flood-resistant design and 

construction. 

As the I-Codes were developed, FEMA, with support of ASCE, proposed 

code changes. The 2000 editions were found to be consistent with the 

NFIP minimum provisions. In the subsequent code development cycles 

additional modifications continued to improve consistency. 

1.10 ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for 

Buildings and Other Structures 

In 1991, FEMA and ASCE organized a committee of nationally 

recognized experts in the fields of structural engineering, construction 

techniques, and building codes and regulations. The committee was 

tasked with developing flood load provisions to be included in ASCE 7. 

Following the consensus standards process, including balloting, these 

provisions first appeared in ASCE 7-95. Additional revisions were made 

to the flood load provisions in the 1998 edition of ASCE 7. 

The current edition, ASCE 7-02, is a referenced standard in the 2003 IBC. 

1.11 ASCE 24: Flood Resistant Design and 

Construction 

In 1995, ASCE organized a standards development committee of nearly 

40 nationally recognized individuals in the fields of floodplain 

management, structural engineering, construction techniques, and 

building codes and regulations. Following the consensus standards 

process, including balloting, the committee’s work resulted in the 1998 

edition of ASCE 24, which provides minimum requirements for floodresistant design and construction of buildings and structures located in 

flood hazard areas, including new structures and substantial repair or 

improvement of existing structures that are not designated as historic 

structures. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-11 

ASCE 24-98, is a referenced standard in the 2003 IBC and was used in 

the development of the flood-resistant design and construction provisions 

of the 2003 IRC. As of mid-2004, a major revision is in development. 

The new 2005 edition may be referenced in the 2006 edition of the ICodes. 

1.12 NES: Evaluation Protocol 

In 1999, the National Evaluation Service, Inc. (NES), with support from 

FEMA, convened an advisory committee to develop an evaluation plan 

for determining the flood resistance of materials entitled NES Evaluation 

Protocol for Determination of Flood-Resistance Properties of Building 

Elements. This protocol provides guidance for testing to evaluate 

building elements for the ability to resist the effects of floodwater 

exposure. It serves as a starting point for manufacturers to determine 

whether their building products are suitable for use below flood levels. 

Building materials that may be evaluated include interior and exterior 

wall, floor, ceiling, and roof materials and finishes; structural elements; 

insulating materials; and windows, doors, vents, and other types of fixed 

or operable openings. The protocol addresses determining the physical 

and/or performance characteristics of the evaluation subject, exposure to 

simulated floodwater (fresh and saline), minimum drying times, and 

testing after exposure to establish changes in performance characteristics. 

1.13 Flood Elevations: BFE and DFE 

The BFE, as used by the NFIP, is the elevation of the floodwater surface 

relative to the datum specified on the FIRM that is expected to be reached 

by a flood having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any 

given year. Although the term is misleading, this flood is commonly 

called the “100-year flood.” 

The I-Codes, ASCE 7, and ASCE 24 use the term “design flood 

elevation” (DFE). The DFE is the elevation of the design flood, 

including wave height in coastal areas, relative to a specified datum. The 

DFE must equal or exceed the BFE in all cases. The design flood, from 

which the DFE is derived, is the flood associated with the greater of the 

following two areas: 
Introduction 1-12 

1. The area flooded by 1-percent annual chance flood (base flood), or 

2. The area designated as the flood hazard area on a community’s 

flood hazard map. 

A community may designate flood hazard areas by electing to incorporate 

such factors as the impacts of future development conditions on runoff, or 

a surcharge on flood stages resulting from designation of a floodway that 

is more restrictive than that designated by FEMA. Communities also 

may choose to base the DFE on a lower frequency flood (greater 

magnitude) or on an historical flood that was higher than the base flood 

used by FEMA. 

Many states require freeboard and many communities choose to adopt 

freeboard where it is not required. Freeboard is an added factor of safety 

expressed in feet above a specific flood elevation. It tends to compensate 

for the many unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights 

greater than those computed for ideal situations. Freeboard may be 

incorporated in the DFE (e.g., by defining the DFE as the BFE plus 

freeboard), or it may be specified to be added to the DFE. 

There are circumstances where FIRMs do not specify BFEs: 

• Zone A is used for flood hazard areas where engineering analyses 

have not been performed to develop detailed flood elevations. In 

these areas, other sources for flood information should be consulted, 

including the state, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the 

Natural Resources Conservation Service. FEMA has prepared a 

guidance document that outlines simplified methods to approximate 

the BFE, Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone 

A Areas: A Guide for Obtaining and Developing Base (100-Year) 

Flood Elevations (FEMA 265). 

• AO and AH zones where shallow overland or sheetflow is expected. 

The flood elevation is designated as a depth number on the map, or 

if not designated, the flood elevation is to be at least 2 feet (610 

mm) above the highest grade adjacent to the proposed building 

footprint. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-13 

Table 1-1. Summary of Selected Key NFIP Provisions, 

Code Citations, and Reference Documents 

(See Appendices B and C for comprehensive crosswalks of the NFIP regulations to the IBC and IRC, respectively.)

Key Provisions 

of the NFIP 2003 IBC 2003 IRC ASCE 24-98 

Other 

Publications 

60.3(a)(3)(i) new 

construction and 

substantial 

improvements to be 

designed and 

adequately anchored 

to prevent flotation, 

collapse, or lateral 

movement 

1605.2.2 and 

1605.3.1.2 flood loads 

and load combinations 

(reference ASCE 7) 

1612.4 design and 

construction (reference 

ASCE 24) 

R301.1 construction to 

support all loads, 

including flood loads 

R323.1.1 structural 

systems designed, 

connected, and 

anchored 

Section 5.6 anchorage 

and connections to 

resist effects of vertical 

and lateral loads 

ASCE 7-02, Minimum 

Design Loads for 

Buildings and Other 

Structures 

60.3(a)(3)(ii) new 

construction and 

substantial 

improvements to be 

constructed with 

materials resistant to 

flood damage

801.1.3 interior 

finishes, trim, and 

decorative materials to 

be in accordance with 

FEMA FIA-TB#2 

1403.7 exterior walls to 

be resistant to water 

damage

R323.1.7 and R501.3 

building materials to be 

flood-resistant, 

installation methods for 

flooring and walls to 

conform to FEMA 

FIA-TB#2

Chapter 6 exposed 

structural and 

nonstructural materials, 

including connections, 

to be resistant to 

damage, deterioration, 

corrosion or decay due 

to direct and prolonged 

contact with floodwater

National Evaluation 

Service, Inc., 

Evaluation Plan for 

Determination of 

Flood-Resistance of 

Building Elements

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB#2: 

Flood-Resistant 

Material Requirements 

for Buildings Located 

In Special Flood 

Hazard Areas

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB#8: 

Corrosion Protection 

for Metal Connectors in 

Coastal Areas for 

Structures Located in 

Special Flood Hazard 

Areas

60.3(a)(3)(iv) 

electrical, heating, 

ventilation, plumbing, 

and air-conditioning 

equipment and other 

service facilities to be 

designed and/or 

located to protect 

components 

1612.4 design and 

construction of buildings 

and structures 

(including utility support 

systems) to be in 

accordance with ASCE 

24 

R323.1.5 new and 

replacement 

mechanical and 

electrical systems to be 

elevated 

IFGC R301.5 appliance 

installations to be 

elevated or otherwise 

protected 

R1601.3.8 ducts and 

duct systems to be 

elevated 

Chapter 8 utilities and 

attendant equipment to 

be elevated or 

designed, constructed 

and installed to prevent 

floodwaters from 

entering or 

accumulating within the 

components; utilities not 

to be mounted on 

breakaway walls 

FEMA 348, Protecting 

Building Utilities From 

Flood Damage: 

Principles and 

Practices for the 

Design and 

Construction of Flood 

Resistant Building 

Utility Systems

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB#4: 

Elevator Installation for 

Buildings Located in 

Special Flood Hazard 

Areas

60.3(a)(6)(i) 

new/replacement 

sanitary sewage 

system designed to 

minimize/eliminate 

infiltration/discharges 

(ii) on-site waste 

disposal systems 

located to avoid 

impairment or 

contamination 

Appendix G 401.3 

Sewer facilities 

R323.1.6 general 

performance, refer to 

Chapter 3 of the 

International Private 

Sewage Disposal 

Code®

Section 8.3 buried and 

exposed plumbing 

systems, systems below 

flood level, and sanitary 

systems, including 

septic tanks 

FEMA 348, Protecting 

Building Utilities From 

Flood Damage: 

Principles and 

Practices for the 

Design and 

Construction of Flood 

Resistant Building 

Utility Systems
Introduction 1-14

Table 1-1. Summary of Selected Key NFIP Provisions, 

Code Citations, and Reference Documents 

(See Appendices B and C for comprehensive crosswalks of the NFIP regulations to the IBC and IRC, respectively.)

Key Provisions 

of the NFIP 2003 IBC 2003 IRC ASCE 24-98 

Other 

Publications 

60.3(b)(1) require 

permits for all 

development, including 

placement of 

manufactured homes 

Appendix G 101.3 

Scope (and definition of 

Development) 

R101.2 Scope 

R105.3.1.1 specifically 

addresses substantial 

improvement and 

substantial damage of 

existing buildings 

Appendix E 

Manufactured Housing 

Used as Dwellings 

AE101, Exception, 

refers to IRC Section 

R323 

Appendix J Existing 

Buildings AJ102.5 work 

in existing buildings in 

flood hazard areas per 

R105.3.1.1 

Section 1.1 defines the 

scope to be new 

structures, including 

subsequent work and 

substantial repair or 

substantial 

improvement 

ASFPM and Federal 

Interagency Floodplain 

Management Task 

Force, Addressing 

Your Community’s 

Flood Problems: A 

Guide for Elected 

Officials 

FEMA EMI IS-9, 

Managing Floodplain 

Development Through 

the NFIP (independent 

study course) 

60.3(b)(5) where flood 

elevation data are 

provided: 

(i) obtain lowest floor 

elevation of new and 

substantially improved 

structures 

(ii) for floodproofed 

nonresidential 

structures, obtain 

elevation to which 

structure was 

floodproofed 

(iii) maintain records 

of elevations 

109.3.3 inspection and 

submission of Elevation 

Certificate 

1612.5.1 submission of 

specific certifications, 

including Elevation 

Certificate 

104.7 and Appendix G 

103.8 retention of 

department records 

R109.1.3 inspections 

and submission of 

Elevation Certificate 

R104.7 retention of 

department records 

Does not address 

administrative 

requirements or 

submission of 

certifications 

Elevation Certificate

(FEMA Form 81-31). 

[Online]. Available: 

www.fema.gov/nfip/el

vinst.shtm

Floodproofing 

Certificate (FEMA 

Form 81-65) [Online]. 

Available: 

www.fema.gov/fhm/dl

_fpc.shtm 

FEMA 467-1, 

Floodplain 

Management Bulletin: 

Elevation Certificate

60.3(b)(8) require 

installation of MFH 

using methods to 

minimize flood 

damage, including 

anchoring, and to 

resist wind forces 

Appendix G 501.1 

elevation requirements 

Appendix G 501.2 

foundation requirements 

Appendix G 501.3 

anchoring requirements 

R323.1.8 MFH 

elevation per R323.2; 

anchor and tie-down per 

AE604 and AE605. 

MFH in floodways per 

IBC 

Appendix AE101 

refers to IRC Section 

R323 

Does not specifically 

address manufactured 

housing separate from 

other buildings. 

Foundations for MFH to 

be designed as other 

foundations and based 

on location within flood 

hazard areas (with and 

without high velocity 

wave action) 

FEMA 85, 

Manufactured Home 

Installation in Flood 

Hazard Areas 

[Note: HUD, NFPA 

and ICC are 

developing MFH 

standards, including 

installation provisions.] 

60.3(c)(2) require all 

new and substantially 

improved structures to 

have the lowest floor 

elevated to or above 

the flood elevation 

1603.1.6 Flood load 

(information in 

application) 

1612.4 design and 

construction (reference 

ASCE 24) 

3402.1 Exception 

requires substantial 

improvement or repair 

of existing buildings to 

be brought into 

compliance with flood 

provisions 

R105.3.1.1 specifically 

addresses substantial 

improvement and 

substantial damage of 

existing buildings 

R323.2.1 elevation 

requirements, except for 

conforming enclosures 

R323.1.4 lowest floor, 

excluding enclosures 

that meet certain use 

limitations and are 

compliant 

Section 2.4 specifies 

general elevation 

requirements 

Section 2.5 and 

Chapter 5 detail 

foundation design 

requirements 

FEMA 259, 

Engineering Principles 

and Practices for 

Retrofitting Flood 

Prone Residential 

Buildings
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 1-15 

Table 1-1. Summary of Selected Key NFIP Provisions, 

Code Citations, and Reference Documents 

(See Appendices B and C for comprehensive crosswalks of the NFIP regulations to the IBC and IRC, respectively.)

Key Provisions 

of the NFIP 2003 IBC 2003 IRC ASCE 24-98 

Other 

Publications 

60.3(c)(3) for 

nonresidential 

structures: 

(i) lowest floor 

elevated, or 

(ii) floodproofed 

(including utility and 

sanitary facilities) 

1612.4 design and 

construction (reference 

ASCE 24) 

Not applicable to oneand two-family 

dwellings 

Section 2.4 specifies 

general elevation 

requirements 

Chapter 7 details 

restrictions and 

requirements for dry 

and wet floodproofing 

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB#3: NonResidential 

Floodproofing – 

Requirements and 

Certification for 

Buildings Located in 

Special Flood Hazard 

Areas 

FEMA 348, Protecting 

Building Utilities From 

Flood Damage: 

Principles and 

Practices for the 

Design and 

Construction of Flood 

Resistant Building 

Utility Systems

60.3(c)(4) for 

floodproofed 

nonresidential 

structures: 

(i) registered design 

professional to develop 

and/or review the 

structural design and 

certify 

(ii) certification 

retained in records 

104.7 retention of 

department records 

1612.5.1 submission of 

specific certifications, 

including Elevation 

Certificate 

Not applicable to oneand two-family 

dwellings 

Chapter 7 details 

restrictions and 

requirements for dry 

and wet floodproofing, 

but does not include 

administrative 

requirements 

Floodproofing 

Certificate (FEMA 

Form 81-65) [Online]. 

Available: 

www.fema.gov/fhm/dl

_fpc.shtm

60.3(c)(5) fully 

enclosed areas below 

elevated buildings are 

to be: limited in use 

(parking, access, 

storage); provided with 

flood openings that 

meet minimum criteria 

or are designed and 

certified by a 

registered design 

professional 

1202.3 under-floor 

ventilation (exception 

allows flood openings) 

1612.4 design and 

construction (reference 

ASCE 24) 

1612.5.1 Flood hazard 

certificates (for flood 

opening designs other 

than as specified) 

R323.2.2 enclosed 

area below design flood 

elevation, use 

limitations and flood 

opening specifications 

R408.5 Enclosing 

underfloor spaces to 

have flood openings 

Garages allowed if 

elevated or compliant 

with provisions for 

enclosures below 

elevated buildings 

Section 2.6 details 

provisions for 

enclosures below DFE, 

including engineered 

and nonengineered 

openings 

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB#1: 

Openings in 

Foundation Walls for 

Buildings Located in 

Special Flood Hazard 

Areas 

60.3(d)(3) prohibit 

floodway encroachment unless no impact 

on flood levels is 

demonstrated 

Appendix G 103.5 and

G 401.1 floodway 

development not 

authorized unless no 

increase in flood level is 

demonstrated 

R301.2.4 residential 

development in 

floodways to be 

reviewed under the IBC 

R323.1.8 manufactured 

housing in floodways to 

comply with the IBC

Section 2.3 flood 

elevations and 

conveyance to be 

maintained 

FEMA EMI IS-9, 

Managing Floodplain 

Development Through 

the NFIP (independent 

study course) 

FEMA FIA-12, 

Appeals, Revisions, 

and Amendments to 

NFIP Maps: A Guide 

for Community Officials
Introduction 1-16

Table 1-1. Summary of Selected Key NFIP Provisions, 

Code Citations, and Reference Documents 

(See Appendices B and C for comprehensive crosswalks of the NFIP regulations to the IBC and IRC, respectively.)

Key Provisions 

of the NFIP 2003 IBC 2003 IRC ASCE 24-98 

Other 

Publications 

Additional requirements for buildings and structures in flood hazard areas subject to high velocity 

wave action (V Zones) 

60.3(e)(4) require all 

new and substantially 

improved construction 

to be elevated on 

pilings and columns so 

that: 

(i) bottom of lowest 

horizontal structural 

member of the lowest 

floor is at or above the 

flood elevation, 

(ii) pile or column 

foundation and 

structure are anchored 

to resist flotation, 

collapse and lateral 

movement due to wind 

and water loads; 

registered design 

professional to develop 

or review the design, 

specifications and 

plans and provide 

certification 

1603.1.6 specifies 

elevation of the bottom 

of the lowest horizontal 

structural member 

1605.2.2 and 

1605.3.1.2 flood loads 

and combined loads

1612.4 design and 

construction (reference 

ASCE 24) 

1612.5.2 submission of 

certifications 

R323.3.1 elevation 

requirements 

R323.3.2 foundation 

requirements, including 

wind and water loads 

R323.3.5 registered 

professional to certify 

design and methods of 

construction 

Section 2.4 and 

Section 4.4 specify 

elevation requirements 

Section 2.5, Chapter 4,

and Chapter 5 address 

foundations and 

designs 

FEMA 55, Coastal 

Construction Manual 

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB #8: 

Corrosion Protection 

for Metal Connectors in 

Coastal Areas for 

Structures Located in 

Flood Hazard Areas

60.3(e)(5) enclosed 

areas, if any, are to be 

constructed with nonsupporting, breakaway 

walls, lattice, or 

screening intended to 

collapse under wind 

and water loads; uses 

limited to parking, 

building access, or 

storage 

1612.4 requires design 

and construct in 

accordance with ASCE 

24 

1612.5.2 submission of 

certification of 

breakaway wall design 

under certain 

circumstances 

R323.3.3 specifications 

for walls and partitions 

of enclosures below 

elevated buildings, 

specifically for 

breakaway walls 

Section 4.6 outlines 

provisions for enclosures below DFE with 

breakaway walls, and 

references ASCE 7 

(Section 5.3.2.2) for 

design criteria 

FEMA 55, Coastal 

Construction Manual

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB #5: 

Free of Obstruction 

Requirements for 

Buildings Located in 

Coastal High Hazard 

Areas

Technical Bulletin 

FEMA FIA-TB #9: 

Design and 

Construction Guidance 

for Breakaway Walls 

Below Elevated 

Coastal Buildings
2. Approaches to

Floodplain Management

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 2-1 

______________________ 

The comprehensive 

approach yields 

another potential 

benefit. Avoiding and 

minimizing flood 

hazards may result in 

credits under the 

NFIP’s Community 

Rating System, 

described in Section 

3.3. 

______________________

States and communities throughout the United States take a number of 

approaches to floodplain management. While this guide does not cover 

every variation, it highlights three common approaches to illustrate the 

types of issues you may face in your community as you integrate 

floodplain management and building codes. The three approaches 

described below are: 

• The comprehensive approach, 

• The stand-alone floodplain management regulation approach, and 

• The building code approach, relying on the International Codes® (ICodes). 

Section 2.4 outlines several advantages to using the I-Codes to participate 

in the NFIP. It is important for you to fully understand those advantages 

before you begin to evaluate your community’s approach, which is 

covered in Chapter 6. 

2.1 The Comprehensive Approach 

Under the broad concept of “floodplain management” many communities 

coordinate several separate regulatory functions in separate agencies to 

achieve multiple land use, environmental, and public safety goals. These 

goals often include avoiding flood hazard areas when buildable land is 

available outside of mapped flood hazard areas and otherwise minimizing 

flood hazard area development. Minimization techniques include such 

measures as low-density zoning, waterway buffers or setbacks, transfer of 

development rights, evacuation access requirements, and others. While 

specific programs or functional organizations may vary considerably 

from community to community, the “comprehensive approach” to 

floodplain management is generally considered to include: 

• A plan, whether it is called a comprehensive plan, general plan, land 

use plan, master plan, or is a combination of several plans. This 

plan is a collection of policies and guidance on how the community 

is expected to grow, change, and look in the future. With respect to 

flood hazard areas, this plan may recognize existing and future risks 

and establish a goal of reducing future exposure through various 

mechanisms. 
Approaches to Floodplain Management 2-2 

• A zoning ordinance, which is a tool to help achieve the goals set 

forth in the plan. Zoning typically divides a community into 

districts and establishes use and development criteria within each 

district type. Typical zoning districts are residential, commercial, 

industrial, and agriculture, and various permutations and 

combinations of these uses. Development criteria typically specify 

such parameters as density, size, bulk, height, setbacks, and 

appearance. Some communities address floodplains as a separate 

conservation zone with its own specifications, or as an “overlay” to 

the other zones, in which case the zoning specifications are 

modified to achieve flood-related goals. 

• A subdivision ordinance, which is another tool to achieve the 

planning goals. These regulations typically address lot size, shape, 

and setbacks; curbs, sidewalks, and gutters; open space; and public 

improvements such as street layout and dimensions, drainage and 

storm water management, and installation of utilities. Many 

subdivision ordinances are designed to avoid mapped flood hazard 

areas through the use of open space conservation and setbacks from 

bodies of water. Where floodplain impacts are unavoidable, 

ordinances may guide development to less hazard-prone areas 

through lot layouts to put building pads on higher ground, or by 

requiring consideration of non-fill methods of elevating buildings. 

• Building and other health and safety codes, which are applied after 

zoning, land use, and subdivision decisions, regarding what and 

where to build, have been made. The primary purpose of building 

and other health and safety codes is to provide minimum 

requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general 

welfare. 

For a complete discussion of the comprehensive approach to floodplain 

management, and for an examination of a variety of tools to achieve flood 

damage reduction goals through the subdivision process, refer to 

Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard Areas, Planning Advisory Service 

Report Number 473, published by the American Planning Association. 

2.2 Stand-Alone Floodplain Management 

Regulations Approach 

Many communities that participate in the NFIP have adopted a separate 

ordinance to address most, if not all, of the minimum requirements of the 

NFIP. Typically administered by a planning office, this single-purpose, 

stand-alone ordinance also incorporates other state and community 

floodplain management requirements, including administrative 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 2-3 

______________________ 

When the IBC is 

adopted, the IRC is 

adopted by reference. 

If you specifically 

exclude the IRC, then 

you must recapture

one- and two-family 

dwellings in another 

ordinance in order to 

participate in the 

NFIP. Similarly, you 

will include in that 

ordinance the 

provisions of IBC

Appendix G if you do 

not adopt it. 

______________________

procedures, land management criteria, and building-specific provisions. 

The extent to which the stand-alone ordinance is coordinated with the 

building code and other health and safety codes, whether on paper or 

through coordinated review procedures, varies significantly from state to 

state and community to community. 

Some states and communities do not regulate development in general, but 

have a single “special use” permit that is required only in mapped flood 

hazard areas. Typically, this approach is taken solely to meet the 

minimum floodplain management requirements of the NFIP. 

2.3 Building Code Approach 

Prior to the availability of the 2000 I-Codes, the model building codes 

included flood-related provisions to varying degrees, but none were fully 

consistent with the requirements of the NFIP (FEMA, Code Compatibility 

Report). Therefore, to participate in the NFIP most communities adopted 

stand-alone floodplain management regulations or ordinances that 

typically included administrative, land use, and building sciences 

provisions. 

With the 2003 I-Codes , it is possible to integrate building codes and 

floodplain management into a single administrative process. In order to 

participate in the NFIP using this approach, all of the I-Codes must be 

adopted, including International Building Code® (IBC®) Appendix G. A 

separate ordinance is still required in order to capture development that is 

not covered by the scopes of the I-Codes (roads, bridges, culverts, dams, 

ponds, levees, floodwalls, and some utility infrastructure). 

The inclusion of flood-resistant provisions in the I-Codes may bring new 

functions to many building departments, specifically with regard to the 

activities addressed in IBC Appendix G. However, it may help 

streamline the development process for some communities. 

2.4 Advantages of Reducing Flood Losses 

Through the I-Codes 

Continued close coordination between departments is vital to achieve a 

comprehensive approach to floodplain management. Adopting the 

I-Codes may result in shifting some provisions and responsibilities to the 

building department. As part of the discussion and decision process 
Approaches to Floodplain Management 2-4 

outlined in Chapter 6, you will need to address some of the implications 

of participating in the NFIP through the I-Codes, including: 

• All Hazard-Related Building Construction Requirements are in One 

Place. In the past, the model building codes have included, to some 

extent, provisions related to natural hazards such as seismic hazards, 

high winds, severe winter storms, and flood hazards. The I-Codes

address all of these hazards on a consistent and rational basis, which 

allows mitigation of the effects of the natural hazards that are found 

within each jurisdiction’s boundaries. 

• Minimize Code Conflicts. The likelihood of conflicting code 

provisions or interpretation increases when a community has two or 

more regulations that apply to a single project. When different 

departments, agencies, or offices administer the building code and 

other health and safety codes, along with the floodplain 

management ordinance, conflicts or misinterpretation among 

various code and ordinance provisions can result. This is especially 

true when one office administers the floodplain management 

provisions and another office administers the building code. 

Another way that code conflicts arise is when amendments are made 

to one code or ordinance and others are not amended at the same 

time to maintain consistency. 

• Strengthened Enforcement. Building departments routinely inspect 

construction, and they have clear authority and responsibility to 

require compliance and to enforce building permit conditions. 

Stand-alone floodplain management ordinances also include 

administrative provisions, including enforcement. Often, these 

enforcement provisions do not parallel the building department’s 

enforcement procedures, especially if a model floodplain 

management ordinance was adopted without tailoring to local 

circumstances. Having separate and perhaps differing provisions 

for inspection and enforcement may lead to problems, such as if a 

permittee claims inconsistent treatment by different departments, 

agencies, or offices. 

• Effective, Routine Inspections. Building departments typically 

conduct multiple inspections at specific times during the 

construction process, and builders are accustomed to standard 

notification procedures. In communities where the flood-resistant 

design and construction provisions are enforced by a department 

other than the building department, inspections to check those 

specific provisions may not be conducted with the same regularity 

or may not be coordinated with the building inspections. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 2-5 

______________________ 

Section 3.5 provides 

additional background 

on substantial improvement and repair 

of substantially 

damaged buildings in 

flood hazard areas. 

______________________

• Consistent Permit Conditions and Requirements. Other problems 

arise if the building permit, construction plans and specifications, 

and inspection forms do not explicitly state the elements required 

for compliance with flood-resistant design and construction 

requirements. Inspectors may lack the proper information to 

perform their required duties effectively. For example, it would be 

difficult to verify that a building footprint is located outside of the 

floodway if the floodway boundary is not shown on the site plan 

submitted as part of the application for a building permit. Similarly, 

if the flood openings specifications for an enclosed area beneath an 

elevated building are described in writing as a condition of the 

floodplain permit but are not shown on the construction drawings, 

they may be overlooked by both the contractor and the building 

inspector. 

• Improved Treatment of Existing Buildings. One of the NFIP 

requirements that community officials sometimes find challenging 

to enforce effectively applies to existing buildings that are located in 

flood hazard areas that are proposed for improvements or restoration 

and repair after substantial damage. Building departments routinely 

handle permits for existing buildings, yet planning and zoning 

departments, which are often responsible for administering 

floodplain management ordinances, rarely deal with proposals to 

physically modify structures that are on sites that are already 

developed. This has been known to lead to gaps in enforcement of 

the substantial improvement and substantial damage requirements of 

the NFIP. 

3. Implications of Adopting

the I-Codes

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-1 

______________________ 

The NFIP and IBC 

Appendix G define 

“Development” to 

mean “any man-made 

change to improved 

or unimproved real 

estate, including but 

not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, 

paving, excavation or 

drilling operations, or 

storage of equipment 

or materials.” [NFIP 

§59.1] 

______________________

As your community considers whether to use the International Codes® (ICodes)

 as the primary means to regulate floodplain development and to 

participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can use 

this section as a resource. It covers some of the floodplain management 

implications that will need to be addressed as you make your decisions. 

Worksheet B in Chapter 6 will help you assess your current floodplain 

management practices and procedures, the starting point for determining 

how the adoption of the I-Codes will impact those practices and what 

changes will be necessary as a result. 

Topics covered in this section include: floodplain development other 

than buildings; the utility-related I-Codes; the NFIP’s Community Rating 

System (CRS); choosing higher standards for flood hazard area development (including sample code revision texts); regulating substantial 

damage and substantial improvement; historic structures, and the NFIP’s 

Increased Cost of Compliance insurance coverage. Chapter 4 addresses 

community responsibilities, including record keeping, permitting 

requirements, modifications to the I-Codes, flood hazard map duties, 

elevation certificates, inspections, and variances. 

3.1 Development Other Than Buildings 

The NFIP requires that minimum development standards be applied to all 

development, including buildings and structures that are built or 

substantially improved in the flood hazard area. The NFIP definition of 

“Development” is very broad: it includes temporary structures and 

development activities other than buildings. The same definition is 

included in the International Building Code® (IBC®), Appendix G. These 

other development activities are regulated to prevent encroachments and 

obstructions that may increase flood heights. 

Because the NFIP requires communities to regulate all development in 

flood hazard areas, a code that applies only to buildings does not fulfill 

the requirements for participation. The building code, or a combination 

of the code and another ordinance, must address all development. It is 

also important to note that adopting the IBC alone will not meet NFIP 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-2 

______________________ 

Section 1.13 explains 

the base flood 

elevation (BFE) used 

by the NFIP and the 

design flood elevation 

(DFE) used by the 

I-Codes and ASCE 

24. 

______________________

requirements because it does not contain the floodplain management 

criteria that apply to development other than buildings. 

IBC Appendix G addresses these development activities: subdivision of 

land; site development and utilities; placement of manufactured home 

units and recreational vehicles; above-ground and underground tanks; and 

other building work that is not within the scope of the IBC (detached 

accessory structures; fences in floodways that may block the passage of 

floodwaters; oil derricks; retaining walls; sidewalks and driveways; and 

prefabricated swimming pools). 

Certain other development activities that are not normally addressed by 

building officials are included in the scope of IBC Appendix G. 

Specifically, development includes “other structures” that may impact 

waterways and floodways, such as fills, transportation infrastructure 

(roads, bridges, and culverts), and water resources facilities (flood walls 

and levees, channel modifications, dams, and ponds). For the most part, 

these activities may be permitted if outside of a mapped floodway, 

although analyses are to be prepared if a floodway has not been 

determined. 

3.2 On-Site Utility Systems Implications 

Pertaining to the Utility-Related I-Codes 

With respect to minimizing flood damage, the overall objectives for onsite utility systems for buildings constructed in flood hazard areas are to 

minimize damage and to facilitate clean up and repairs so that people can 

return to their homes and businesses in a timely manner after a flood. 

The most effective way to achieve this objective is to elevate utilities to 

or above the design flood elevation (DFE). This requirement is 

specifically addressed in the IBC, the International Residential Code® 

(IRC®), and the specific utility codes, including the International 

Mechanical Code® (IMC®), the International Plumbing Code® (IPC®), 

the International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC®), and the 

International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®). 

Post-flood field investigations conducted by the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) reinforce the critical importance of 

elevating or otherwise protecting building utility systems from floodwater 

that may enter or accumulate within the system components. Exterior 

mechanical units, such as heat pumps and air-conditioning units, are 

easily elevated to or above the DFE on roofs, platforms, or fill pads. In 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-3 

______________________ 

FEMA has prepared a 

guidance document 

on utilities: Protecting 

Building Utilities From 

Flood Damage: Principles and Practices 

for the Design and 

Construction of Flood 

Resistant Building 

Utility Systems

(FEMA 348). 

______________________ 

these cases, care should be directed to more than just the height of the 

platform. Utility platforms are subject to the same flood loads as building 

foundations, and should be designed and constructed to resist those loads. 

Platforms may be independent from the base building structure or 

attached or cantilevered from the structure. If higher than 3 to 4 feet (914 

to 1219 mm) off the ground, access stairs may be required by the 

applicable code, and the platform should be sized to allow access for 

repair and maintenance of the supported equipment. 

Where elevating building support utility equipment or systems above the 

DFE is not feasible, the NFIP regulations provide a performance-based 

option: 

If a proposed building site is in a flood-prone area, all new 

construction and substantial improvements shall . . . (iii) be 

constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damages, 

and (iv) be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, 

plumbing, and air conditioning equipment designed and/or located 

so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the 

components during conditions of flooding. [Section 60.3(a)(3)] 

To date, FEMA and most states and communities have relied on manufacturers’ specifications, warranties, and written statements that specify 

which types of equipment meet this performance-based provision. For 

the community, this suggests that applicants may be required to submit a 

written statement from the manufacturer before a permit to use utility 

service equipment below the DFE is approved. States and communities 

have reported that manufacturers almost always refuse to provide such a 

statement or warranty because most equipment is not designed to be flood 

resistant. Indeed, experience indicates that most mechanical and 

electrical equipment suffers major damage when exposed to floodwater. 

Each of the I-Codes addresses protection of building support utility 

systems from flood damage in the following manner: 

• 2003 IBC. Section 1612.1 sets forth the general requirement that 

“all new construction of buildings, structures and portions of 

buildings and structures, including substantial improvements and 

restoration of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall 

be designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards 

and flood loads.” Although this text does not specifically reference 

utility service equipment, the NFIP requires that it apply to all 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-4 

elements of a building, including building support utility systems. 

Subsequent chapters of the IBC refer to the individual I-Codes for 

specific utilities. 

• 2003 IRC. Section R323 covers general flood-resistant construction 

provisions, including establishment of the DFE and protection of 

mechanical systems, electrical systems, and ducts by elevation to or 

above the DFE. Section R323.1.6 includes requirements for the 

protection of water supply and sanitary sewage systems located in 

flood hazard areas, requiring both to be designed to minimize 

infiltration into the systems. In addition, sewage systems are to be 

designed to minimize discharges of sewage into floodwater. 

• 2003 IPC. Section 309 specifically addresses flood-resistant 

requirements. Systems and equipment in structures in flood hazard 

areas are to be capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic 

loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy. Certain 

system elements must be sealed or elevated, including water supply 

pumps, potable water well seals, and manhole covers. 

• 2003 IMC. Section 301.13 includes the general requirement that 

mechanical systems are to be placed above the BFE or protected to 

prevent water from entering or accumulating within appliance ducts 

or plenum spaces. Sections 602.4 and 603.7.3 require that plenum 

spaces and ducts meet the same criteria or be capable of resisting 

hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including 

buoyancy. 

• 2003 IPSDC. Certain types of private sewage disposal systems 

involve placement of fill dirt. Sections 301, 303, and 304 are 

comprehensive in that prior to approval of a disposal system, the 

building official is required to receive written evidence that 

construction in and filling of flood hazard areas is acceptable. The 

code includes a number of restrictions on placement of private 

sewage disposal systems in floodways, and mound systems are not 

allowed in the flood hazard area (see Section 902). Section 805 

specifies that new and replacement holding tanks are to be protected 

from flood damage, adequately anchored to counter buoyant forces, 

and vents and service manholes are to be at least 2 feet (610 mm) 

above the regulatory flood elevation established by the local 

jurisdiction. 

• 2003 IFGC. Section 301.11 includes the general requirement that 

appliance installations are to be placed above the BFE or protected 

to prevent water from entering or accumulating within appliances, 

ducts, or plenum spaces. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-5 

______________________ 

The CRS has three 

goals: 

1. Reduce flood 

losses; 

2. Facilitate accurate 

insurance rating; 

and 

3. Promote awareness of flood 

insurance. 

______________________

• 2003 International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®). Long-term 

reduction in exposure to flood hazards is one of the reasons that 

development in flood hazard areas is regulated. IEBC is organized 

to address repairs, repairs of damaged buildings, alterations, 

additions, and relocated or moved buildings. For work covered by 

the IEBC, if the work constitutes substantial improvement 

(including repair of substantial damage), the existing building is to 

be brought into compliance with the flood-resistant design 

requirements for new construction. Certain historic buildings in 

flood hazard areas are not required to be brought into compliance 

provided they retain their historic designation. 

• 2003 International Code Council Performance CodeTM (ICC PCTM). 

This code focuses the user on outcomes rather than prescriptive 

solutions. Based on the building use and occupancy, designs are to 

resist certain event magnitudes such that maximum tolerated levels 

of damage are not exceeded. Section 501.3.4 identifies expected 

loads for design. The flood with a mean return period of 100 years 

is to be used to determine flood resistance for all structures except 

Performance Group I. 

3.3 The NFIP’s Community Rating System 

and the I-Codes 

For more than 30 years, communities that participate in the NFIP have 

recognized flood hazards in construction and development decisions. 

Many communities have chosen to guide development towards areas of 

lower risk and new buildings often are located out of harm’s way. Until 

1990, the NFIP had few incentives for communities to do more than 

administer the minimum NFIP regulatory provisions and flood insurance 

rates were the same in every community, even though some elected to 

exceed those provisions. 

The Community Rating System (CRS) was established to encourage 

specific community and state activities that exceed the NFIP minimum 

floodplain management requirements and that have been shown effective 

at reducing damage and claims against the NFIP. In communities that 

apply to the CRS and are verified as implementing some of those 

activities, citizens who purchase flood insurance benefit from discounted 

premiums. 

The amount of flood insurance premium discount is based on a 

community’s CRS classification. There are 10 classes, with a 5 percent 

discount for each class. Class 10 has no premium discount, and Class 1 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-6 

______________________ 

Adopting the I-Codes 

yields Community 

Rating System credit. 

______________________

yields the maximum discount of 45 percent for policies on buildings in 

the mapped flood hazard area (and 10 percent on buildings not in the 

mapped area). A community’s CRS classification is based on the number 

of credit points calculated for specific floodplain management activities 

undertaken to meet the goals of the NFIP and the Community Rating 

System. To be a CRS Class 7 or better, a community must have Building 

Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) classifications of 6 or 

better for both residential/personal and nonresidential/commercial. 

BCEGS is a measure of both the provisions in the code as they relate to 

natural hazards and a community’s administration of the code. 

Participation in the CRS is voluntary. Any community that is in full 

compliance with the rules and regulations of the NFIP, also called “good 

standing,” may apply for a CRS classification. Technical support may be 

requested from the NFIP State Coordinator and the appropriate FEMA 

Regional Office. The application process is described in the CRS 

Application (FEMA FIA-15A). 

Eighteen creditable activities are organized under four categories. FEMA 

conducted extensive evaluations of all the activities and developed a 

system of credit points. The points are based on how well each activity 

helps achieve the goals of the CRS. Communities are welcome to 

propose alternative approaches that go beyond the minimum requirements 

of the NFIP. FEMA will evaluate alternative approaches to determine 

how much, if any, CRS credit is appropriate. 

The IBC incorporates specific requirements of the NFIP, in large measure 

by reference to ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction. 

ASCE 24 is organized to apply standards based on the structure categories used by the I-Codes. This means that some standards that exceed 

the minimum NFIP requirements are not applied uniformly to all 

buildings and structures in flood hazard areas. Table 3-1 lists some of 

ASCE 24-98 provisions and notes on corresponding CRS credits. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-7 

Table 3-1. Selected ASCE 24-98 Provisions and 

Opportunities for Community Rating System Credits 

ASCE 24-98 Provisions Community Rating System Notes 

Foundations to be designed for load 

combinations, including flood loads 

Credit for Foundation Protection 

Specific standards for High Risk Flood Hazard 

Areas (alluvial fans, flash flood, mudslide, 

erosion-prone, high velocity, ice jam, and 

debris flow areas) 

Credit based on the portion of the flood hazard 

area that is identified as subject to unique 

flood-related hazards along with Special 

Hazards Regulations are applied 

Based on structure category and type of flood 

hazard area, applies freeboard to lowest floor 

elevation 

Credit for Freeboard, depending on the 

additional height (from 1 to 3 feet) and 

weighted by potential number of structures in 

each category 

Based on structure category and type of flood 

hazard area, applies freeboard to utilities and 

mechanical and electrical equipment 

Credit for Other Higher Standards, weighted by 

potential number of structures in each category 

Tanks to be secured against 1.5 times potential 

buoyancy 

Credit for Other Higher Standards 

Specifies foundation types allowed in flood 

hazard areas subject to high velocity wave 

action and high risk flood hazard areas 

Credit for Other Higher Standards 

Erosion analysis to establish minimum 

foundation depth in flood hazard areas subject 

to high velocity wave action 

Credit for Special Hazards, prorated by percent 

of flood hazard area that is subject to high 

velocity wave action 

Minimum warning time specified, and 

emergency operations plan required, for use of 

floodproofing that requires human intervention 

Credit for Flood Warning Program, weighted by 

potential number of nonresidential buildings 

Some activities that are eligible for CRS credit may be required or 

implemented by a state or a regional district, rather than at the local level. 

For example, some states have regulations that require freeboard, or state 

dam safety programs may meet national standards. All communities that 

apply for the CRS receive credit based on approved statewide standards 

and activities. 

FEMA periodically reviews each CRS community’s activities and 

performance. If the credited activities are not being implemented 

properly or fully, credit points and the CRS classification may be revised. 

A community may add, change, or drop creditable activities each year. 

The discount in flood insurance premiums is only one of the rewards that 

a community gains by undertaking activities credited by the CRS. Other 

sound reasons include improved public safety, reduced damage to 

property and public infrastructure, avoidance of economic disruption and 

losses, reduction of human suffering, protection of the environment and, 

most importantly, promoting disaster-resistant communities. 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-8 

To learn more about the CRS, contact the NFIP State Coordinator, the 

appropriate FEMA Regional Office, or check the NFIP CRS section of 

FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/nfip/crs.shtm. 

3.4 Considering Higher Standards 

The NFIP sets minimum national standards that apply to all communities, 

regardless of the unique characteristics that may be present. For a 

number of reasons, states may require higher standards, or communities 

may elect to apply provisions that exceed the minimum NFIP 

requirements: 

• Flood history may prompt consideration of more restrictive provisions. 

• Past events may have been more severe than the predicted 1-percent 

annual exceedance probability flood (also known as the 100-year 

flood) or events may have occurred more often than expected. 

• Communities may have identified unique hazards associated with 

flooding, including flash flooding, alluvial fan flooding, ice jam 

flooding, mud flows, debris flows, and flood-related erosion and 

bluff failure. 

• Upland development may have altered the runoff conditions, so that 

the magnitude and frequency of flooding have changed since the 

NFIP’s maps were prepared. 

• Advances in recent years have improved the modeling 

methodologies used to develop flood hazard mapping, but it may 

take many years before all current maps are revised to take 

advantage of the improved models. 

Another frequently cited basis for electing to administer a higher standard 

is recognition that the engineering methods used to predict flood 

discharges and water surface elevations are mathematical approximations 

of the natural phenomenon of flooding. In addition, flood hazard maps 

may be based on topographic maps with wide contour intervals, or flood 

discharges were not computed to anticipate upland development. 

Choosing higher standards, such as freeboard, adds a factor of safety to 

acknowledge that flood hazard area delineation is not a precise science. 

The NFIP’s Community Rating System, described in Section 3.3, offers 

credit points to communities that adopt floodplain management 

provisions that exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The 

maximum number of points available for certain higher regulatory 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-9 

______________________ 

Communities that 

adopt a freeboard 

usually do so to 

provide an inexpensive yet effective 

means to increase 

flood protection. 

There is another 

reason that property 

owners will appreciate. When homes 

are built above the 

BFE, whether 1 foot 

(304 mm), 2 feet (610 

mm), or 3 feet (914 

mm) higher, owners 

will qualify for a 

reduction in NFIP 

flood insurance 

premiums ranging 

from 20 to 40 percent. 

______________________

standards is summarized in Table 3-2. Actual points will be determined 

based on the specific provisions of a community’s program. 

Table 3-2. Maximum Allowable Points for Higher Standards 

Community Rating System Activity 430: Higher 

Regulatory Standards

Maximum 

CRS Credits 

(as of 2002)

Freeboard (up to 3' above BFE) 300 points 

Foundation Protection (fill compaction, engineered design) 35 points 

Cumulative Substantial Improvement (over specific period) 110 points 

Lower Substantial Improvement Threshold (less than 50%) 90 points 

Protect Critical Facilities (to 500-year flood level) 100 points 

Protect Flood Storage Capacity (minimize use of fill) 80 points 

Protect Natural and Beneficial Floodplain Functions 40 points 

Prohibit or Limit Enclosures Below Elevated Buildings 300 points 

Other Higher Standards 50 points 

Land Development Criteria (e.g., low-density zoning) 700 points 

Special Hazards Regulations (unique flood-related hazards) Variable points 

State-Mandated Regulatory Standards 45 points 

Building Code and Staffing (BCEGS) 120 points 

Manufactured Housing (stringent anchoring & elevation) 50 points 

Coastal A Zone (regulated to V zone standards) 650 points 

3.5 Implementing Higher Standards in the 

 I-Codes 

Once you have considered higher standards that are appropriate for your 

community’s circumstances, then you need to determine the best way to 

implement those standards. In this section some of the higher standards 

that apply specifically to buildings are described and sample language to 

revise the IBC and the IRC is suggested. 

Freeboard. Freeboard is a factor of safety that results in elevating 

buildings above the minimum flood elevation required by the NFIP, the 

BFE. Floods can and do rise higher than established BFEs. For riverine 

waterways, continuing development in upstream watersheds will, over 

time, cause more runoff that may worsen flooding. Future land use 

conditions, such as increased development and runoff, are presently not 

taken into consideration in FEMA’s flood insurance studies. One 

hundred CRS credit points are allowed for each additional foot of 

freeboard up to 3 feet (914 mm), for a maximum of 300 points. Some 

freeboard, based on structure category, is incorporated into the provisions 

of ASCE 24. 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-10 

Sample code revision language 

IBC: 1612.4.1 Freeboard. A freeboard of * ft ( * m) shall be 

added where the design flood elevation or other elevation 

requirements are specified.

IRC: R323.1.3.1 Freeboard. A freeboard of * ft ( * m) shall be 

added where the design flood elevation or other elevation 

requirements are specified.

* Insert selected freeboard height. 

Prohibition on Enclosures Below Elevated Buildings. Flood hazard 

areas are subject to considerable forces that may be exerted on the 

foundation system and any portion of a building that extends below the 

DFE. Enclosures below otherwise properly elevated buildings are 

allowable under the NFIP and the I-Codes, provided the enclosures meet 

certain provisions. However, to minimize obstructing flow and damage 

that can still be sustained, some communities choose to prohibit 

enclosures below elevated buildings altogether. Prohibiting enclosures 

below elevated buildings may earn CRS credits. 

Sample code revision language

IBC: 1612.4.1 Enclosures below design flood elevation. Fully 

enclosed areas below the design flood elevation shall not be permitted.

Exception. Crawl spaces that comply with the requirements for 

openings in enclosures below the design flood elevation in ASCE 24.

IRC: R323.2.2 Enclosed area below design flood elevation. 

Enclosed areas, including crawl spaces, that are below the design flood 

elevation shall: Fully enclosed areas below the design flood elevation 

shall not be permitted.

(1) Be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or 

storage. 

Exception. Crawl spaces shall: (remainder of section unchanged)

IRC: R323.3.4 Walls below design flood elevation. Delete the 

existing text in its entirety and replace: Walls and partitions shall not be 

permitted below the elevated floor.

Exception. Walls constructed with insect screening or open lattice.

IRC: R323.3.5 Enclosed areas below design flood elevation. 

Delete in its entirety and renumber following section.
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-11 

______________________ 

In flood hazard areas 

subject to high velocity wave action, elevated buildings with 

enclosures less than 

300 square feet (28 

m2

) in size have lower 

federal flood 

insurance rates than 

those with larger 

enclosures. 

______________________

Limit the Size of Enclosures Below Elevated Buildings. Limiting the 

size of enclosures below elevated buildings is another way to minimize 

flood damage. The NFIP and the I-Codes allow enclosures that are used 

solely for building access, storage, or parking. All other uses are 

prohibited. Enclosures for access and storage do not need to be large; 

otherwise, owners may be tempted to convert the areas to uses that are 

not allowed, such as bedrooms, family rooms, bathrooms, and workshops. 

Limiting the size of enclosures to less than 300 square feet (28 m2

) yields 

100 CRS credit points. An additional 50 points are available if the 

regulations require owners to sign a nonconversion agreement whereby 

property owners acknowledge the use restrictions and agree not to 

convert enclosures below elevated buildings. 

Sample code revision language 

IBC: 1612.4.1 Enclosures below design flood elevation. Fully 

enclosed areas below the design flood elevation shall be no larger 

than * square feet ( * m2) in total enclosed area.

Exception. Crawl spaces that comply with the requirements for 

openings in enclosures below the design flood elevation in ASCE 

24.

IRC: R323.2.2 Enclosed area below design flood elevation. 

Enclosed areas, including crawl spaces, that are below the design 

flood elevation shall: 

1. Be no larger than * square feet ( * m2

) in total enclosed 

area. Retain and renumber two items for allowable uses and 

criteria for flood openings.

Exception. Crawl spaces that comply with the openings criteria in 

(3) are not limited in size. 

IRC: R323.3.5 Enclosed area below design flood elevation. 

Enclosed areas below the design flood elevation shall be: 

1. No larger than * square feet ( * m2

) in total enclosed 

area, and

2. Used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or 

storage. 

Exception. Walls constructed with insect screening or open lattice.

* Insert selected size limit. 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-12 

Foundation and Elevation Requirements in “Coastal A Zones.” Flood 

hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action are called V Zones. 

Flood hazard areas immediately inland of V Zones experience some 

wind-driven waves and are called “Coastal A Zones.” The Coastal A 

Zone is not delineated on flood hazard maps prepared by FEMA, but is a 

zone where wave forces, overland transport of sand, debris impacts, 

foundation scour, and erosion potential should be taken into 

consideration. Two conditions characterize the Coastal A Zone: 

stillwater depth greater than or equal to 2 feet (610 mm), and breaking 

wave heights greater than or equal to 1.5 feet (457 mm). Note that the 

stillwater depth requirement is necessary, but is not sufficient by itself, to 

render an area a Coastal A Zone because some of these areas do not 

develop breaking waves. One way to address these conditions is to adopt 

and apply the V Zone foundation and elevation requirements in Coastal A 

Zones. Applying the higher foundation and elevation requirements may 

earn up to 135 CRS credit points. 

Sample code revision language 

IBC: 1612.4.1 Areas inland of certain coastal areas. In flood 

hazard areas inland of and contiguous to flood hazard areas subject 

to high velocity wave action, buildings and structures shall be 

designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions in ASCE 

24 for buildings and structures in flood hazard areas subject to high 

velocity wave action. Areas subject to this requirement are those 

where the stillwater depth is greater than or equal to 2.0 feet, and 

breaking wave heights are greater than or equal to 1.5 feet. 

IRC: R323.2.1 Areas inland of certain coastal areas. In flood 

hazard areas inland of and contiguous to flood hazard areas subject 

to high velocity wave action, buildings and structures shall be 

designed and constructed in accordance with R323.3. Areas subject 

to this requirement are those where the stillwater depth is greater 

than or equal to 2.0 feet, and breaking wave heights are greater than 

or equal to 1.5 feet. 

3.6 Substantial Improvement and Substantial 

Damage 

The I-Codes’ definition of “Substantial improvement” is consistent with 

the NFIP. If a proposed improvement, or the repair of damage due to any 

cause, will cost more than 50 percent of the market value of the building 

before the improvement or repair, then the entire building is to be made 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-13 

______________________ 

Complete with detailed diagrams and 

explanations, Homeowner’s Guide to 

Retrofitting: Six Ways 

to Protect Your House 

from Flooding (FEMA 

312), is a good resource for owners, 

designers, and 

builders who are 

considering improvements and repairs. 

______________________

compliant with the flood-resistant provisions. This requirement applies to 

all buildings and structures located in all flood hazard areas, except 

designated historic structures. 

To help address many of the questions that often arise, FEMA prepared 

Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings (FEMA 

213). It also has useful information about substantial improvements that 

are not triggered by a damaging event. Improvements to existing 

buildings generally are one of four types: 

1. Rehabilitation of an older building without modifying its external 

dimensions. 

2. Additions to an existing building that increase the square footage 

and usually involve modifying the structure of the original building. 

3. Reconstruction of a building, in whole or in part, on the same 

footprint and foundation. 

4. Restoration or repair of damage of any origin to restore a building to 

its predamaged condition. 

Substantial damage may be caused by damage of any nature. Therefore, 

after a damage event, whether flood, fire, tornado, earthquake, vandalism, 

or any other cause, the substantial damage requirements of the I-Codes 

should prompt field inspections to evaluate damage that may trigger the 

substantial improvement/substantial damage requirements for buildings 

and structures located in flood hazard areas. 

After a damage event that affects multiple properties or large areas, 

buildings that are in flood hazard areas should be checked for damage. 

Some communities distribute flyers explaining permit requirements and 

how exposure to future flood damage can be reduced during repairs. 

Most property owners may be unaware that they need permits to repair 

and restore damaged buildings. 

Quick action is needed when substantial damage is discovered because 

most owners want to repair or rebuild immediately and get back to 

“normal.” It is good to keep in mind that if they have been damaged by 

flood, then “normal” means they are likely to get damaged again by the 

next flood. After major natural hazard events such as floods, tornadoes, 

and earthquakes, some communities and states organize special permit 

assistance teams or set up recovery center desks where impacted people 

can get help. 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-14 

Following major flooding, states and communities often seek technical 

support and assistance from FEMA to evaluate flood damage. Contact 

your NFIP State Coordinator or FEMA Regional Office to find out about 

post-disaster assistance that may be available when many damaged 

buildings must be evaluated. FEMA has developed a user-friendly 

software program, and paper forms, that can be used to help determine 

whether specific buildings have been substantially damaged. The 

software is free and is included with Guidance on Estimating Substantial 

Damage Using the NFIP Residential Substantial Damage Estimator

(FEMA 311), which also includes a field workbook and training video on 

CD-ROM. 

2003 IBC. The IBC covers substantial improvement and substantial 

damage in a number of places. First, the scope of the code is broad and 

includes: 

• 101.2 Scope: includes alteration, movement, enlargement, 

replacement, and repair. Thus, activities that may qualify as 

substantial improvement or substantial repair are included within the 

scope. 

• 105 Permits, 105.1 Required: reinforces intended activities that are 

subject to the requirements of the code, including those that enlarge, 

alter, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure. 

• 105.2.3 Repairs: clarifies that applications for permits need not be 

submitted for “ordinary repairs,” provided such repairs do not 

include certain actions that may affect the structural design and 

other elements of the building. 

The IBC includes substantial improvements and restoration of substantial 

damage among activities listed in Section 1612.1 that are to be designed 

and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads. 

“Substantial improvement” and “substantial damage” are defined in 

Section 1612.2. 

Importantly, Chapter 34 addresses existing buildings, and specific 

language addresses flood hazard areas: 

3402.1 Existing buildings or structures. 

Exception: For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas 

established in Section 1612.3, any additions, alterations or repairs 

that constitute substantial improvement of the existing structure, as 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-15 

defined in Section 1612.2, shall comply with the flood design 

requirements for new construction and all aspects of the existing 

structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for 

new construction for flood design. 

The scope of Chapter 34 is broad, covering “the alteration, repair, 

addition and change of occupancy of existing structures.” These 

definitions are substantially the same as the NFIP terminology: 

• Addition is an extension or increase in floor area or height of a 

building or structure. 

• Alteration is any construction or renovation to an existing structure 

other than repair or addition. 

• Repair is the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing 

building for the purpose of its maintenance. 

2003 IRC. The IRC covers substantial improvement and substantial 

damage in three sections: 

• R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged 

existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding: 

specifies that the building official shall examine applications and 

prepare a finding with regard to the value of the proposed work. If 

the value equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the 

building before the damage occurred or the improvement is started, 

the finding is provided to the board of appeals. 

• R112.2.1 Determination of substantial improvement in areas prone 

to flooding: the board of appeals is to determine if a proposal, referred to it by the building official pursuant to Section R105.3.1.1, 

constitutes a substantial improvement (or repair of substantial 

damage). If the proposed work is found to be a substantial 

improvement or repair of substantial damage, it must meet the 

requirements of Section R323. Section R112.2.1 sets forth specific 

work that is not included in the term “substantial damage” and that 

need not be included in the valuation. 

• Appendix J Existing Buildings and Structures, Section AJ102.5 

Flood hazard areas: specifies that work in existing buildings is 

subject to the provisions of Section R105.3.1.1, described above. 

2003 IEBC. The IEBC is organized based on the nature of the work: 

repairs; repair of damaged buildings; alterations (Levels 1, 2 and 3); work 

associated with change of occupancy classification; additions (horizontal, 

vertical, new/raised foundations); and relocated or moved buildings. The 

provisions of the IEBC that pertain to flood resistance are all triggered by 
Implications of Adopting the I-Codes 3-16 

______________________ 

Substantial 

improvement or repair 

of substantial damage 

of historic structures 

may be handled in 

two ways. After a 

finding that the 

structure will retain its 

historic designation: 

• If you are issuing a 

building permit for 

other work, you 

can cite the 

exception to the 

flood provisions. 

• You can issue a 

variance to the 

requirements. 

______________________

the determination of whether the work constitutes substantial 

improvement or substantial damage. In every instance where that occurs, 

the existing building is required to be brought into compliance with 

Section 1612 of the IBC. 

The IEBC also includes provisions for historic structures. The following 

section describes how certain historic structures may be handled. 

3.7 Historic Structures 

Work that, by valuation, would be determined to be substantial 

improvement or repair of substantial damage of certain historic structures 

is treated in a different manner than is described in Section 3.7. If a 

historic structure retains its historic designation, the NFIP does not 

require that it be brought into compliance with the flood-resistant 

provisions. This provision is found in the I-Codes. The best way to 

determine if a structure retains its historic designation is to require the 

applicant to have the proposed work reviewed by the appropriate entity 

that makes such designations and keep a copy of the findings in your 

permanent records. 

It is important to note that only historic structures that meet certain 

criteria that are outlined in the I-Codes need not be brought into 

compliance. Simply being named “historic” or being located in an 

historic district does not qualify. The following language is found in the 

IBC (Section 3406.1), the IRC (Section R112.2.1) and the IEBC (Section 

1001.4) to describe historic structures that are not subject to the 

compliance requirement: 

Exception: Historic buildings that are: 

1. Listed or preliminarily determined to be eligible for listing in the 

National Register of Historic Places; or 

2. Determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior as 

contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic 

district or a district preliminarily determined to qualify as an 

historic district; or 

3. Designated as historic under a state or local historic preservation 

program that is approved by the Department of Interior. 

Simply because a building qualifies for the exception does not relieve you 

of the responsibility to work with the owner to consider measures to 

reduce flood damage and protect historic resources. Such measures 

include: elevation on a raised foundation; use of water-resistant 

materials; relocation of flood-prone equipment and utilities; and 

reconfiguration of the use of space. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 3-17 

______________________ 

Although not widely 

available, some 

private insurance 

companies do provide 

flood coverage that is 

not underwritten by 

the federal government. Those policies 

most likely do not 

include additional 

coverage to help pay 

the increased cost of 

bringing a building 

into compliance. 

______________________

______________________ 

To help answer questions, FEMA prepared 

Guidance for State 

and Local Officials: 

Increased Cost of 

Compliance 

Coverage (FEMA 

301). 

______________________

3.8 Increased Cost of Compliance 

The requirement to achieve compliance after substantial damage is sustained has been part of the NFIP regulations since 1974. Standard NFIP 

flood insurance policies issued or renewed since May 1997 include 

coverage called Increased Cost of Compliance. This coverage is intended 

to help bear a substantial part of the cost of bringing a flood-damaged 

building into compliance with the flood-resistant provisions of the 

community’s codes and regulations. Most buildings insured under the 

NFIP that are declared “substantially damaged” by the community will 

qualify for an additional insurance claim payment of up to an amount 

stated in the flood insurance policy. In 2004, the maximum amount is 

$30,000; the actual amount that is paid is a function of the nature of the 

work and a determination of eligibility of costs. This additional claim 

payment may also be used as part of the nonfederal cost-share for certain 

federally funded flood mitigation grants. 

Building officials have a significant role in working with property owners 

and insurance adjusters in order for owners to be able to file a claim for 

these Increased Cost of Compliance funds. A formal determination of 

substantial damage must be made and a building permit for the work 

required to achieve compliance must be issued. Contact your NFIP State 

Coordinator as soon as you suspect that flood damage may qualify as 

substantial damage. 

Increased Cost of Compliance claim payments may be available for 

insured buildings that sustain repetitive flood losses, but only if the 

community has adopted a specific cumulative substantial damage 

provision that either meets or exceeds the definition in the standard flood 

insurance policy. 

4. Community Responsibilities

Under the NFIP

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-1 

______________________ 

A modification to the 

flood-resistant 

provisions of the 

I-Codes may result in 

a code that does not 

meet the minimum 

requirements of the 

NFIP. If this 

happens, in order to 

continue to participate 

in the NFIP, the state 

or community must 

adopt compensating 

provisions in a 

separate ordinance or 

regulation. Before 

changing any floodresistant provision of 

the I-Codes, contact 

your NFIP State 

Coordinator or the 

appropriate FEMA 

Regional Office to discuss the impact of the 

proposed changes. 

______________________

If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program 

(NFIP), then the responsibilities described in this section are already 

being addressed, although perhaps by an office other than the building 

department. Worksheet B in Chapter 6 can be used to identify each 

department in your community that has a role in administering the current 

floodplain management regulations. The NFIP provides insurance and 

flood hazard information. In return, states and communities agree to 

regulate development in flood hazard areas. 

The NFIP was founded on the principle that managing floodplain 

development at the local level will lead to avoidance and minimization of 

future flood damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) provides convincing evidence to support this concept: Buildings 

that are constructed in compliance with the NFIP requirements sustain 

little or no damage during most floods. 

When a community decides to participate in the NFIP it accepts the 

responsibility to adopt, administer, and enforce floodplain management 

provisions that either meet or exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. 

Communities become partners with the federal government. The 

objectives of the partnership are to reduce safety risks to people, to 

protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains, to mitigate 

flood damage to real and personal property, and to create disasterresistant communities. 

4.1 Modifications of the I-Codes 

Review Chapter 5 about some state actions that may affect how you 

coordinate your building code and NFIP responsibilities. Check with 

your NFIP State Coordinator and the state building official to determine if 

your state has adopted the International Codes® (I-Codes) and if there 

were any modifications to the flood-resistant provisions of the I-Codes. 

As you compare the flood-resistant provisions of the I-Codes to your 

current floodplain management regulations, you may determine that you 

need to adopt amendments to the code in order to retain your local 
Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP 4-2 

______________________ 

If your state or community amends or 

does not adopt the 

administrative provisions outlined in the 

IBC (including Appendix G) and the 

IRC, then you must 

recapture those provisions in another 

ordinance. Be sure to 

review the remainder 

of this section and 

Section 1.6 for an 

overview of community responsibilities 

under the NFIP. 

______________________

standards. FEMA encourages communities to adopt higher standards and 

has established the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) to recognize 

the value of doing so. Section 3.3 is a brief overview of the CRS. 

Examples of higher standards, along with suggested code revision 

language, are found in Section 3.4 and Section 3.5. 

4.2 Regulate All Development 

As described in Section 3.1, to participate in the NFIP communities must 

regulate all development. When examining how the I-Codes help you to 

fulfill that responsibility, pay special attention to ensure that this is 

accomplished. Any activity that is either exempt or not covered by the 

codes adopted in your community must be recaptured. 

4.3 Record Keeping 

Keeping complete permit records is a key element of your community’s 

responsibilities under the NFIP. The I-Codes contain specific 

requirements concerning record keeping: 

• Section 104.7 of the International Building Code® (IBC®) requires 

retention of all official records “for the period required for retention 

of public records.” 

• The NFIP and IBC Appendix G require that records related to 

development in flood hazard areas be maintained permanently and 

that they be available for public inspection and review. In addition 

to retaining permit files, many communities keep a separate log of 

permits issued in flood hazard areas. 

• Section R104.7 of the International Residential Code® (IRC®) 

requires retention of official records of applications, permits and 

certificates issued, reports of inspections, and notices and orders 

issued. Such records are to be retained “for the period required for 

retention of public records.” 

Required Documentation. The I-Codes require communities to obtain 

and retain documentation needed to determine that floodplain 

development activities are compliant, including: 

• Documentation of lowest floor elevations (IBC Sections 109.3.3 

and 1612.5; IRC Sections R109.1.3 and R323.1.9), 

• Documentation of floodproofing (IBC Section 1612.5), 

• Documentation of the design of nonstandard flood openings (IBC

Section 1612.5), 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-3 

• In certain circumstances, documentation of breakaway wall design 

(IBC Section 1612.5; IRC Section R323.3.6), 

• Documentation of foundation design, only in flood hazard areas 

subject to high velocity wave action (IBC Section 1612.5; IRC 

Section R323.3.6), 

• Documentation that floodway encroachments will not increase flood 

levels (IBC Appendix G, Section G103.5), 

• Notifications provided to adjacent communities, the state, and 

FEMA for watercourse alterations (IBC Appendix G, Section 

G103.6), 

• Documentation of all floodplain management variance actions, 

including justifications (IBC Appendix G, Section G105.2; IRC 

Section R104.7), 

• Notifications provided to recipients of floodplain management 

variances of certain cautions [IBC Appendix G, Section G105.7(5); 

IRC Section R112.2.2(5)], and 

• Copies of inspection reports for buildings located in flood hazard 

areas (IBC Appendix G, Section G103.8; IRC Section R104.7). 

Biennial Reports to FEMA. Periodically, FEMA sends Biennial Report 

forms to each participating community. The information to be reported 

by the community, including updates of previously submitted data, helps 

FEMA and the states plan for technical assistance and flood map needs. 

FEMA is particularly interested in the number of permits issued and 

variances granted. Accurate record keeping is essential for a community 

to be able to properly complete the Biennial Report forms. 

Plan Review and Inspection Checklist. Some communities use a 

checklist during plan review to verify that appropriate flood-resistant 

provisions have been checked and are acceptable. The sample plan 

review checklists included in Appendix E are designed to be transferred 

to the inspection staff and used to document that specific flood-resistant 

construction details have been found to be acceptable. Use of a checklist 

is not required by the NFIP. However, it is a good way to document plan 

review and compliance. 

4.4 Requiring Other Permits 

The NFIP regulations specifically require that communities review 

proposed development to ensure that all other necessary permits have 

been received. Such permits and approvals may need to be obtained from 
Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP 4-4 

federal, state, or local regulatory authorities. Examples at the federal 

level include permitting under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 

1972 and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, and 

consultation or permitting under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. 

State and regional agencies may also regulate activities in flood hazard 

areas, including activities that impact wetlands, forestry resources, dunes, 

the shoreline or coastal zone, subaquatic vegetation, threatened and 

endangered species, navigation, and waterways. 

Section 105.3.1 of the IBC directs the building official to reject 

applications that do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws. 

Although not defined, pertinent laws include applicable federal, state, or 

other local laws. IBC Appendix G, Section G103.2 specifically requires 

that proposed developments in flood hazard areas are not to be approved 

until applicants provide proof that other necessary permits have been 

granted by federal or state authorities. Coordination of multiple permits 

may help applicants to avoid added costs associated with differing 

requirements. 

4.5 Notifying Potentially Impacted Parties 

When an applicant proposes activities that involve alteration of a 

watercourse, IBC Appendix G, Section G103 specifies that the building 

official shall require the applicant to notify FEMA, the state, and adjacent 

communities. Changes to streams and rivers have the potential to 

significantly alter flow patterns and carrying capacities, which may 

adversely impact upstream, cross-stream, and downstream properties. 

The NFIP regulations require that the carrying capacity of an altered 

watercourse be not less than that of the natural watercourse before 

alterations were made. Engineering analyses are required to demonstrate 

that this requirement is satisfied. Applicants are to submit a comparison 

of the existing and proposed channel capacities, a description of the 

proposed alterations, land use of the adjacent properties, information 

about adjacent property owners, and an assessment of the potential 

impacts. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-5 

______________________ 

Some flood hazard 

areas, mapped 

without performing 

engineering analyses 

to develop detailed 

BFEs, are shown as 

“Zone A” on FIRMs. 

A valuable resource 

document is FEMA 

265, Managing 

Floodplain 

Development in 

Approximate Zone A 

Areas: A Guide for 

Obtaining and 

Developing Base 

(100-Year) Flood 

Elevations.

______________________

______________________ 

The floodway is the 

channel and adjacent 

land areas that must 

be reserved in order 

to pass the base flood 

without cumulatively 

increasing the water 

surface elevation 

more than a 

designated height, 

which is specified in 

the Flood Insurance 

Study. Floodways 

are delineated along 

most waterways that 

are studied using 

detailed methods. 

______________________

4.6 Evaluating Floodway Impacts 

Communities are required to prohibit any floodway encroachments, 

including fills, new construction, and substantial improvements, if they 

would cause flood levels to increase more than a designated height. The 

designated height limit on the allowable increase is found in the floodway 

tables of a community’s Flood Insurance Study. 

If a community decides to permit a floodway proposal that could cause an 

increase in the base flood elevation (BFE), a Conditional Letter of Map 

Revision (CLOMR) and floodway map revision must be reviewed and 

issued by FEMA. Preliminary permit approvals should be conditioned on 

the applicant obtaining the CLOMR. 

4.7 Flood Hazard Map-Related Duties 

At a minimum, communities must use the Flood Insurance Rate Map 

(FIRM) and floodway map, if provided by FEMA, in the administration 

of flood-resistant provisions adopted for participation in the NFIP. Flood 

hazard data that are available from other federal, state, or other sources 

may be used if FEMA has not provided a map or if detailed data are not 

specified, for example, in flood hazard areas without BFE information. 

Communities must notify FEMA and the NFIP State Coordinator if they 

intend to adopt maps showing flood hazard areas that are larger or 

different than those on the FIRMs. This situation may arise if a 

community conducts a detailed study of an area that was not mapped by 

FEMA. It may also arise if the community prepares maps of flood hazard 

areas using criteria that are different than the minimum map 

specifications used by the NFIP, such as future watershed development 

runoff, “no-rise” floodway, or other aspect that would result in a more 

restrictive flood hazard area. Under these circumstances, the elevation of 

the flood hazard area is referred to as the design flood elevation (DFE). 

At a minimum, the DFE equals the BFE, which is shown on the FIRM. 

Section 1.13 includes definitions of both DFE and BFE. 

Participating communities are required to: 

• Participate in studies to produce or revise the maps. For the most 

part, flood-prone communities have some level of map issued by 

FEMA. From time to time, waterways are restudied or new studies 

are conducted in areas without detailed flood elevation data. 
Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP 4-6 

______________________ 

To help applicants 

gather and complete 

the data necessary 

for map changes, 

FEMA developed 

application and 

certification forms that 

are accessible online. 

Additional detailed 

guidance on all of the 

map change 

processes is found in 

Appeals, Revisions, 

and Amendments to 

NFIP Maps: A Guide 

for Community 

Officials (FEMA FIA12). 

______________________

• Adopt revisions issued by FEMA. A change to an effective NFIP 

map is called a “map revision.” The effective map is the most 

recent map. When a map revision is warranted, FEMA will revise 

and republish the affected map panels and, if necessary, the Flood 

Insurance Study report. This is referred to as a “physical map 

revision.” If the scale of the revision is small, or if it affects only 

one property, FEMA will issue a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). 

A LOMR describes the changes and officially revises the effective 

map. 

• Retain all versions of the maps. The most recent map, called the 

“effective” map, is to be used to regulate development in flood 

hazard areas. Previous versions of the map should be retained for 

historical purposes and in the event permit or enforcement decisions 

need to be reconstructed. 

• Allow for public access to the maps. Flood hazard maps serve 

multiple purposes. They are the basis for mortgage lenders 

requiring flood insurance and insurance agents use them to 

determine insurance rates. Citizens should have ready access to the 

maps so they can better understand flood risks and the implications 

of decisions regarding permits and flood insurance. 

• Notify FEMA when revisions are needed. FEMA should be notified 

when a community becomes aware of a significant need for a 

change to the flood hazard maps. 

The following are related to FEMA’s efforts to keep maps current to 

reflect changes in conditions: 

• Map Modernization. Through a collaborative process and a new 

way of doing business, FEMA has started a multiyear initiative to 

revise and update the nation’s flood hazard maps. Partnerships with 

state, regional, and local stakeholders will be pursued to facilitate 

such tasks as collecting, updating, and adopting flood data. 

• Community boundaries. Most FIRMs are issued for individual 

communities, and the areas shown are those within the corporate 

boundaries at the time the map was prepared. Over time, FEMA 

will convert FIRMs to digital media and will issue them on a 

“countywide” basis rather than individual towns, cities, and the 

unincorporated areas of counties. 

• Engineering analyses of certain proposed activities. Applications 

for permits for certain proposed activities, such as flood control 

structures, bridges and culverts, waterway alterations, or fill for 

multiple lots, are to be supported with documented analyses. FEMA 

reviews the analyses to determine whether the proposals meet the 

criteria for a map revision. FEMA’s initial comments are known as 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-7 

______________________ 

Many communities 

attach a blank FEMA 

Elevation Certificate 

to the issued permit 

and clearly indicate 

when it must be 

completed and 

submitted. 

______________________

______________________ 

Learn more by 

reading FEMA’s 

Technical Bulletin 

#10, Ensuring that 

Structures Built on Fill 

In or Near Special 

Flood Hazard Areas 

Are Reasonably Safe 

From Flooding (NFIP 

Interim Guidance). 

______________________

“conditional determinations” that are issued as CLOMR and 

Conditional Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F). 

When a project is completed, “as-builts” are submitted to support 

FEMA’s issuance of a final Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or 

a physical map revision. 

• Flood fringe fills (individual lots). In flood hazard areas designated 

as Zone A (but without floodways), if individual lots are filled so 

that the buildable surface is at or above the BFE or DFE, owners 

may submit documentation and request that FEMA remove the 

flood hazard area designation. If the fill meets certain criteria, 

including acknowledgment by the community that any structures are 

“reasonably safe from flooding,” then FEMA will issue a Letter of 

Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F). Without the LOMR-F, 

lenders will require that flood insurance be purchased on buildings 

that, based on the FIRM, appear to be within the mapped flood 

hazard area. 

• Naturally high ground (individual lots). Because of the scale of the 

original topography and the approximate nature of flood hazard 

mapping techniques, some land areas may have been inadvertently 

included in the mapped flood hazard area. Land owners may submit 

documentation to show that an individual structure and/or a legally 

described parcel of land is above the BFE. FEMA will issue a 

LOMA if it is determined that the parcel of land is actually above 

the BFE. The LOMA applies to only the described structure or 

parcel, and officially amends the effective map. 

4.8 Elevation Certificates 

Certain ground and building elevations are to be surveyed and certified so 

that building officials can determine the elevation of the lowest floor. 

The lowest floor elevation is the most significant element in determining 

that floodplain construction is compliant. The same elevation 

certification is used by insurance agents to determine appropriate 

insurance ratings. A good resource for understanding the certification 

and documentation of elevations is the Floodplain Management Bulletin: 

Elevation Certificate (FEMA 467-1). 

Ideally, the elevations are checked when the lowest floor level is set and 

before further vertical construction takes place. That way, errors in the 

elevation can be corrected with minimal cost and delay. Because the 

building official’s determination of the “lowest floor” is, in part, 

dependent on the location of utilities and the final site grading, 
Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP 4-8 

______________________ 

Certain other certifications may be required: 

• Floodproofing 

certificate, for 

certain 

nonresidential 

buildings designed 

to be watertight. 

• Pile or column 

certification, for 

buildings in flood 

hazard areas 

subject to high 

velocity wave 

action. 

• Breakaway wall 

certification, only if 

anticipated loads 

exceed certain 

values set forth in 

the code. 

• Flood opening 

certification, if flood 

openings do not 

conform to the 

prescriptive 

specifications in 

the code. 

______________________

documentation of the a final elevations must be completed and sealed 

when that work is finished. 

FEMA’s Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) can be ordered from 

FEMA. It is available online in the library section of FEMA’s website,

www.fema.gov/nfip/elvinst.shtm. The form includes several pages of 

instructions and illustrations with specifics for the surveyor/engineer and 

the building official: 

• Surveyor/Engineer. A registered professional who is licensed to 

perform elevation surveys is required to complete, sign, and affix a 

professional seal to the documentation of elevations. The 

documentation must be dated to document when the elevations were 

surveyed because continuing construction or future modifications 

could alter and/or outdate the information shown. The registered 

professional is responsible for obtaining and certifying accurate 

elevations of key ground and building elevations. 

Using the diagrams provided by FEMA, the registered professional 

determines which building elevations to survey by selecting the 

building diagram that most closely represents the actual building. If 

the diagrams do not match the configuration of the building, the 

registered professional may need to note in the comment section to 

clarify the diagram selected. The Elevation Certificate and building 

diagrams specify the various elevations that are to be surveyed or 

measured, including: 

− The bottom floor and the next higher floor; 

− The floor of enclosures, attached garages, below-grade areas, 

and the interior grade of crawl spaces; 

− Lowest elevation of machinery, appliances and other utility 

equipment servicing the building; 

− For buildings in flood hazard areas subject to high velocity 

wave action, the top of floors and the bottom of the lowest 

horizontal structural members; 

− For all buildings, the highest and lowest adjacent grades; and 

− For buildings with enclosures below the elevated floor, the 

number and total net area of flood openings that are within 12 

inches (305 mm) of the adjacent grade are to be noted on the 

certificate. 

• Building Official. The issued building permit should clearly specify 

the DFE and the minimum elevation of the lowest floor (including 

basement). When documentation of the elevations is submitted by a 

registered design professional, it is the building official’s 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-9 

responsibility to determine that all required surveyed elevations and 

information are noted on the “as-built” certification. 

If all the required elevations have been surveyed, the building official 

then determines which level is the lowest floor and compares its “asbuilt” elevation to the DFE. This comparison determines whether the 

building is compliant with the elevation provisions of the code. If 

not compliant, enforcement action should be initiated immediately. 

In determining the lowest floor, two factors should be kept in mind: 

• In flood hazard areas not subject to wave action (A Zones), if an 

enclosed area below an elevated building has flood openings, has 

flood-resistant materials, and if it is used only for parking, building 

access, or storage*, then it is not considered the “lowest floor,” and 

• In areas subject to high velocity wave action (V Zones), if an 

enclosed area beneath an elevated building has breakaway walls, 

flood-resistant materials, and is used only for parking, building 

access, or storage*, then it is not considered the “lowest floor.” 

[* Enclosures intended for access and limited storage do not need to be large; otherwise, 

owners may be tempted to convert the areas to uses that are not permissible, such as 

bedrooms, family rooms, bathrooms, and workshops. Anything stored is subject to flooding. 

Therefore, only limited storage should be allowed. Storage does not include working 

appliances such as freezers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers.] 

A copy of the documentation of elevations (e.g., FEMA’s Elevation 

Certificate) is to be placed in the community’s permanent permit file. To 

facilitate reporting to FEMA and the state, some communities keep a 

separate log with information on flood hazard area permits. At a later 

date, if documentation of elevations is not found in the file, the 

community will be required to obtain a replacement to verify proper 

administration of the NFIP requirements. 

4.9 Inspections 

Even when building permits and construction plans are complete, good 

inspection and enforcement procedures are important. Building 

inspectors need to understand the flood-resistant design and construction 

requirements that they are to check. If deviations from the conditions of 

the permit are found early during construction, it is easier to work with 

the owner and builder to achieve compliance through corrective actions. 

Using a plan review and inspection checklist (examples in Appendix E) 

can make inspections easier because the inspector will have a 
Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP 4-10 

standardized summary of flood-related requirements that are not seen in 

non-floodplain buildings. A checklist also documents the inspection, 

which can be important for maintaining a community’s good standing in 

the NFIP. 

The following summarizes some of the inspections that can be performed 

to facilitate compliance with flood-resistant provisions: 

• Stake Out or Site Inspection. The best time to make sure a building 

will be located correctly is during the site inspection when setbacks 

and distances from the watercourse or floodway can be checked. 

Checking that the lowest floor is properly elevated is easier if there 

is a nearby elevation benchmark or reference mark. If one of the 

reference marks shown on the flood hazard map is not close to the 

site, placement of a temporary reference mark on site can make it 

easier to check the elevation when the floor level is set, and to 

certify the elevation when the “as-built” documentation of 

elevations is completed. 

• Fill Inspection. Fill that is placed to structurally support a building 

should be inspected to check compaction. Compaction reports 

should be collected during the fill inspection. It is also important to 

check that the final elevation of the fill is as high as required by the 

permit because this will affect the final elevation of the lowest floor. 

• Footing or Foundation Inspection. For foundations that will create 

enclosures below otherwise elevated buildings, inspectors should 

check for the specified number, size, and location of flood openings. 

Flood openings are to be close to the ground and should not be 

confused with under-floor air ventilation openings, which are 

located just under the floor level. For slab-on-grade buildings, the 

lowest floor inspection is conducted at this time. 

• Lowest Floor Inspection. Under Sections 109.3 of the IBC and 

R109.1.3 of the IRC, the documentation of the lowest floor 

elevation is to be submitted. An important part of administering 

provisions for flood-resistant construction is making sure that 

buildings are elevated properly. The best time to verify compliance 

is when the lowest floor elevation is set and before further vertical 

construction takes place. An error of a foot or two in elevation may 

seem minor, but correction can be expensive and complicated if that 

error is discovered once the walls and roof are in place. In addition, 

federal flood insurance is very costly for new buildings that are 

constructed with the lowest floor below the BFE. 

• Final Inspection. A final inspection to document compliance with 

the floodplain management requirements of the I-Codes can be done 

at the same time as the final inspection to issue the occupancy 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-11 

certificate. During the final inspection, the important things to 

check include: 

− Verify that utilities and other building elements are located 

properly, usually above the BFE or DFE. Frequently overlooked items include: heating, cooling, and ventilation 

equipment; electrical outlets; plumbing fixtures; and ductwork 

that is installed under the floor, usually in a crawl space. 

− In flood hazard areas not subject to high velocity wave action 

(A Zones), inspect enclosures below elevated buildings to 

ensure the flood openings are correct in number, total net open 

area, and placement. If standard air ventilation units are used 

as flood vents, the closure mechanism must be permanently 

disabled so that floodwater can automatically enter and exit 

freely, without any human intervention. 

− In flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action 

(V Zones), inspect enclosures below elevated buildings to 

determine that breakaway walls are constructed to freely break 

away without causing damage to the building’s foundation or 

the elevated portion of the building. To minimize transfer of 

loads during flood conditions, utility connections shall not be 

mounted on, or penetrate through, breakaway walls. 

− For enclosed areas below the BFE or DFE, check that the 

approved use (parking, storage, and building access) appears to 

be consistent with what has been built. 

− Check that exterior fill is placed according to the approved 

plans and specifications, and that next to all sides of the 

foundation the fill is not higher than the interior slab or grade 

of crawl spaces (unless the interior crawlspace grade is filled to 

above the BFE). 

− Verify that flood damage-resistant materials are used below the 

DFE. Refer to FEMA Technical Bulletin Flood-Resistant 

Material Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood 

Hazard Areas (FEMA FIA-TB #2). 

− Examine building support utilities to determine if they have 

been elevated or otherwise installed according to plans to resist 

flood damage. Heat pumps and pad-mounted air-conditioning 

units must be on elevated platforms. 

− Collect the “as-built” documentation of elevations prior to the 

final sign-off. 

− If used, complete and sign the plan review and inspection 

checklist and place all inspection reports in the permit file. 
Community Responsibilities Under the NFIP 4-12 

______________________ 

Communities are 

encouraged to consult 

with either the NFIP 

State Coordinator or 

the appropriate FEMA 

Regional Office prior 

to issuing variances. 

Even if allowed by a 

properly issued 

variance, NFIP flood 

insurance on a building that is only 1 or 2 

feet (305 or 610 mm) 

below the BFE may 

cost two to three 

times more than if the 

lowest floor of the 

building is at the 

minimum elevation. 

______________________

• Post-Damage Inspections. After a flood or any event that causes 

significant damage, buildings located in flood hazard areas should 

be inspected. Some communities distribute flyers explaining permit 

requirements and how future flood damage can be reduced during 

the repair process. Most homeowners do not realize that they may 

need permits to repair and restore damaged buildings if they are in 

flood hazard areas. Damage that may meet the “substantial 

damage” definition must be addressed in accordance with the 

applicable provisions of the I-Codes (see Section 3.6). 

4.10 Enforcement and Violations 

Proper enforcement of the floodplain management provisions is a critical 

part of a community’s responsibility under the NFIP. During 

construction, violations of these provisions are to be resolved as soon as 

they are discovered and before further construction takes place. What 

may appear to be a minor violation could end up being expensive when 

the owner purchases NFIP flood insurance. A community’s standing in 

the NFIP depends on making a good faith effort to successfully resolve 

violations. By allowing any violation to go unresolved, the community 

may set a precedent, making it more difficult to take future enforcement 

actions. 

Perhaps one of the more persuasive arguments for adopting the I-Codes is 

to consolidate enforcement authority for flood-resistant design and 

construction provisions. The building department typically has 

mechanisms in place to aggressively handle code violations, while 

planning and zoning departments may not. 

4.11 The Variance Process 

For the purposes of the NFIP, a variance is a grant of relief from the 

application of the NFIP floodplain management requirements. A 

variance allows construction in a manner that is otherwise prohibited. 

Variances are granted for floodplain management purposes only. A 

community may issue a variance to allow a building to be constructed in a 

manner that is at variance to the minimum NFIP provisions, but NFIP 

flood insurance will still be rated according to risk and might be 

prohibitively expensive. 

The primary goals of the flood-resistant provisions of the code are to 

reduce damage and to protect public health and safety for the entire 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 4-13 

community. Achieving these goals also results in disaster-resistant and 

livable communities. Very few variances to the floodplain management 

provisions can be justified. A variance should not be granted if a 

proposed activity increases the susceptibility of buildings and people to 

flooding and flood damage. 

As a guiding principle, a variance should pertain to the unique 

characteristics of the land itself. A properly issued variance may be 

granted for a parcel of land with physical characteristics so unusual that 

complying with the code would create an exceptional hardship for the 

applicant. A variance should not be granted based on the personal 

circumstances of an individual. 

The 2003 IBC. Section 112 creates a board of appeals to hear and decide 

appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building 

official. Specific requirements, considerations, and conditions for issuing 

variance from floodplain management requirements can be found in IBC 

Appendix G, Section G105. 

The 2003 IRC. Section R112 creates a board of appeals to hear appeals 

of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official. The 

board of appeals has specific responsibilities related to flood hazard area 

development: 

• R112.2.1 Determination of substantial improvement in areas prone 

to flooding: requires the board of appeals to evaluate the building 

official’s finding regarding the value of proposed improvements to 

existing buildings to determine if the work constitutes a substantial 

improvement, and 

• R112.2.2 Criteria for issuance of a variance for areas prone to 

flooding: sets forth specific criteria, consistent with the minimum 

NFIP requirements, to be applied in the review and consideration of 

variances to the minimum flood hazard area criteria. 

5. State Building Codes

and Flood Provisions

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 5-1 

______________________ 

Freeboard is the most 

common state 

floodplain 

requirement; it is 

found in the statutes 

or regulations of 15 

states. Section 3.4

offers sample 

language to capture 

this requirement in 

the I-Codes. 

______________________

States handle building codes in a number of ways that can affect whether 

and to what extent communities can rely on the code to participate in the 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Regardless of how your state 

does it, you need to be sure that state-level amendments do not jeopardize 

the minimum flood-resistant provisions. In addition, in order to achieve 

the level of flood protection desired by your community (especially if you 

participate in the Community Rating System and administer any higher 

standards), you will need to coordinate your amendments with both the 

state building code agency and the NFIP State Coordinator. 

Whether the building codes are adopted at the state level for local 

administration or adopted at the local level, either way will affect how 

you will reference the flood hazard maps that are the basis for regulation 

(see Section 5.6). 

5.1 Meeting More Restrictive State 

Requirements 

Many states have specific requirements that apply to development in 

flood hazard areas. Typically the requirements are set forth in statutes or 

regulations that are under the jurisdiction of the natural resource, 

community development, or emergency management agency. 

The NFIP State Coordinator can identify all specific restrictive state 

requirements. Some of the more common higher standards provisions 

imposed by state regulations include freeboard, more restrictive floodway 

encroachment limits, setbacks, and factors to address erosion. 

5.2 State Amendments to the I-Codes 

Before considering any amendment to the International Codes® (I-Codes) 

provisions that are related to flood hazard areas and flood-resistant 

construction, the state agency that is responsible for the state code should 

work with the NFIP State Coordinator and the appropriate Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regional office. Whether 

amendments are proposed at the state level or local amendments are 

approved at the state level, care must be taken to ensure that 
State Building Codes and Flood Provisions 5-2 

modifications are consistent with the requirements for the NFIP. 

Otherwise, the burden falls to communities to resolve inconsistencies in 

their floodplain management ordinances. 

5.3 Local Amendments to State Building 

Codes 

One of the primary purposes for a statewide building code is consistency 

between communities. For this reason, some states do not allow 

communities to amend the code. However, most state building code 

authorities have a mechanism by which communities can seek approval to 

adopt amendments to the code to address local circumstances with 

adequate justification. 

Many communities have incorporated in their floodplain management 

ordinances provisions that exceed the minimum requirements of the 

NFIP, and the justifications for those higher standards may vary from 

community to community. Common justifications include the need to 

provide a greater degree of protection given a community’s history of 

flooding or to recognize uncertainties in modeling and mapping the flood 

hazard. In addition, lower federal flood insurance premiums may be 

available if a community participates in the NFIP’s Community Rating 

System (see Section 3.3). Incorporating those higher standards into your 

local building code may require approval by the state building code 

agency. 

5.4 Exemptions from State Building Coded 

The I-Codes list specific types of work that are exempt from the permit 

requirements of the codes. Some state building codes identify additional 

specific activities or additional types of buildings that also are exempt. 

Examples that have been identified include buildings under a certain size, 

manufactured housing units installed according to a manufacturer’s 

instructions, agricultural buildings and structures, and structures and 

activities undertaken by specific industries such as mining or logging. 

As described in Section 3.1, NFIP minimum standards require that 

participating communities apply floodplain management requirements to 

all development in flood hazard areas. If your state exempts specific 

activities or types of buildings from the state building code, you must 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 5-3 

______________________ 

Most communities 

have FIRMs with 

more than one panel. 

Each map panel may 

have a different date. 

It is important that the 

date of each currently 

effective map panel 

be identified. 

Check with your NFIP 

State Coordinator to 

learn how map 

revisions should be 

handled. 

______________________

recapture them in your floodplain management ordinance to ensure 

compliance with the NFIP requirements. 

5.5 Direct State Regulation of Certain 

Activities or Buildings 

Some states issue building permits for certain activities or specific types 

of occupancies or buildings that are then exempt from a local building 

permit. For example, some states issue permits and conduct inspections 

of all public school buildings, some states regulate certain other public 

buildings, and some states regulate the installation of manufactured 

homes in manufactured home parks. 

In situations where the state has direct regulatory authority, the authority 

to address the floodplain development aspects may be shared between the 

community and the state. For example, the community may approve a 

project under its zoning ordinance or floodplain management ordinance, 

while the state requires compliance with codes pertaining to design and 

construction. 

Check with your state building code official and the NFIP State 

Coordinator to determine whether these or similar situations exist in your 

state. Coordinated actions may be necessary to ensure that all NFIP 

requirements are adequately addressed. You may need to recapture in 

your floodplain management ordinance those activities that are authorized 

by state permit to ensure compliance with flood-resistant requirements. 

5.6 Referencing Flood Maps in the Building 

Codes 

FEMA prepares Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps 

(FIRMs) for flood-prone communities. Some waterways studied using 

detailed engineering methods show floodways, which may be shown on 

the FIRM or on a separate Flood Boundary and Floodway Map. FIRMs 

and floodway maps serve as the minimum basis for delineating flood 

hazard areas within which development is regulated. A growing number 

of communities develop and adopt their own maps, often using a basis 

that results in higher predicted water surface elevations and greater areas 

subject to regulation. Section 1.13 describes the base flood elevation 

(BFE) developed by the NFIP and the design flood elevation (DFE) that 

is referenced by the I-Codes. 
State Building Codes and Flood Provisions 5-4 

Flood hazard areas are established in the International Building Code®

(IBC®) (see Section 1612.3) and in the International Residential Code®

(IRC®) [see Table R301.2(1)]. In both, the governing body is to adopt a 

flood hazard map and supporting data. At a minimum, FIRMs, floodway 

maps, and Flood Insurance Studies prepared by FEMA shall be cited: 

• IBC Section 1612.3, Establishment of flood hazard areas: 

specifically requires the governing body to adopt a flood hazard 

map and supporting data. The text calls for insertion of the name of 

the jurisdiction and the date of issuance of the map and study. 

When the code is adopted at the local level, this approach works 

well. When the IBC is adopted at the state level for local 

administration, a code revision may be appropriate so that each 

community will include specific citations of its maps and studies in 

the ordinance for adoption. 

• IRC R301.2, Climatic and geographic design criteria: requires 

local jurisdictions to establish criteria in Table R301.2(1). The table 

is designed for insertion of criteria that may vary from community 

to community, such as wind speed, seismic design category, and 

other criteria. For flood hazards, the table requires each community 

to insert the date of entry into the NFIP and the date of the FIRMs, 

floodway maps, or other map adopted by the community. 
6. Your Community’s Approach

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 6-1 

Regulating flood hazard area development is not a “one-size-fits-all” 

process. Communities vary considerably both within a state and across 

the country. Each state has its own statutes and regulations, which may 

mandate – or limit – how a community approaches building codes, other 

health and safety codes, and floodplain management regulations. 

The International Codes® (I-Codes) include the minimum provisions 

pertinent to buildings that are necessary to meet the National Flood 

Insurance Program (NFIP) floodplain management requirements [other 

provisions are included in the International Building Code® (IBC®), 

Appendix G]. Your community needs to assess the current approach used 

to satisfy the requirements of the NFIP in order to determine the best way 

to coordinate the building code with your current land planning and 

regulatory framework. 

Before working through the process, you should review Chapter 5 and 

contact the NFIP State Coordinator and the state building code official to 

learn about state-specific requirements. States that adopt the I-Codes at 

the state level may have made amendments or may require that local 

amendments be approved by the state. Some states have specific 

requirements for flood hazard area development and some issue 

floodplain permits. Others exempt certain activities or types of buildings 

from the requirement to obtain a building permit, and some states may 

issue building permits for some activities. 

6.1 Assessing Your Community’s Current 

Approach 

Perhaps the most important issue that you need to consider is whether the 

I-Codes will replace some or all of your current floodplain management 

regulations. During this consideration, you may want to use the 

crosswalks in Appendices B and C to compare specific sections of the 

2003 editions of IBC and the International Residential Code® (IRC®) 

(and 2004 supplement) with the NFIP regulations. 

The worksheets on pages 6-4 and 6-5 are useful tools to assess your 

community’s current approach. Worksheet A lists certain functions and 

regulatory requirements related to the flood-resistant provisions of the 
Your Community’s Approach 6-2 

NFIP. Across the top are listed the I-Codes in which those functions and 

requirements can be found. Worksheet B is set up for use in the 

following manner: 

• Across the top you can list all of your community’s departments that 

are involved in regulating flood hazard areas. The typical 

departments are listed, and space is provided for you to add others, 

if appropriate to your community’s organization. 

• Consider the functions and regulatory requirements of the NFIP that 

are listed on the right. Mark the table to indicate the department that 

currently is responsible for each, keeping in mind that more than 

one department may share some responsibilities. Representatives 

from each of these departments should be invited to participate in 

the decision process that comes next. 

6.2 Modifying Your Community’s Approach 

The next step you need to take to coordinate the I-Codes is to get together 

with representatives of all departments that currently have a role in 

floodplain management, as noted on Worksheet B. More than likely, a 

series of meetings will be needed. The topics and objectives suggested in 

Worksheet C on page 6-6 may help you lay out the steps needed to 

produce a clearly coordinated approach to managing flood hazard areas. 

Chapter 2 outlined three approaches that should be reviewed to 

understand your options: the comprehensive approach; the stand-alone 

floodplain management regulations approach; and the building code 

approach. Review Chapter 3 to look at some options to consider, such as 

higher standards. Be sure that your discussions touch on all of 

community responsibilities listed in Chapter 4 so that each one is 

assigned to the appropriate office. And, before you get too far along, 

review Chapter 5 and check with the appropriate state offices to 

understand state-specific requirements and processes. 

The purpose of the initial session with representatives of different 

departments in your community is to determine your approach (see 

Figure 6-1) and to start the process of effectively integrating the I-Codes. 

Keep the following objectives in mind: 

• All NFIP requirements must be addressed; 

• If flood-related provisions are addressed in multiple codes or 

regulations, then coordination is critical to avoid overlap, conflicting 

provisions, and duplication; 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 6-3 

• A department must be designated to be responsible for each code or 

regulation related to floodplain management; and 

• Communication between the departments that deal with related 

provisions needs to be arranged to facilitate the development review 

process. 

 Figure 6-1. Approaches to Fulfilling the Requirements of the NFIP 

Use IBC Appendix 

G as guidance and 

review amendments 

to the I-Codes with 

your NFIP State 

Coordinator or 

FEMA Regional 

Office.

Review 

amendments to the 

IBC, IBC Appendix 

G, IRC, IEBC, or 

other I-Codes that 

affect NFIP 

compliance (if any) 

with your NFIP 

State Coordinator 

or FEMA Regional 

Office.

Review with other 

State and 

community 

authorities involved 

in regulation of 

flood hazard areas 

to avoid overlap, 

conflicting 

provisions, and 

duplication.

Then

you must

And

be certain to

If

you use this 

approach

NOTE: Take extra care if you propose amendments to the flood hazard 

provisions of the IBC, IBC Appendix G, IRC, IEBC, or other I-Codes. 

Amendments should be carefully reviewed to avoid inconsistencies with 

the NFIP minimum requirements. Prior to adoption of amendments 

consult with your NFIP State Coordinator or your FEMA Regional 

Office.

Adopt the IBC and 

IBC Appendix G 

(and by reference 

the IRC, IEBC, and 

other I-Codes).

Ensure that the 

NFIP requirements 

that are not retained 

when adopting the 

I-Codes are 

incorporated into 

community land use 

and other 

ordinances or 

regulations.

If your community 

has an NFIPcompliant floodplain 

management 

ordinance or 

regulation in place, 

then continue to 

maintain and 

enforce those 

provisions.

International Codes

Only.

Stand-Alone 

Floodplain 

Management 

Regulations.

Comprehensive 

Approach: Local 

Plans, Ordinances, 

and the 

International 

Codes.
Your Community’s Approach 6-4 

Worksheet A. The NFIP and the I-Codes 

The International Codes 

National Flood Insurance Program 

Provisions and Processes IBC 

IBC 

App. G IRC IEBC IPC IMC IPSDC IFGC 

Planning and Zoning 

1. Compatibility with conservation, resource, or overlay 

zoning (density, setbacks, etc.). 

2. Consideration of overall planning objectives, including 

flood hazard reduction objectives.  

3. Storm water management and drainage. 

4. Subdivision of land. 

Development Review 

1. Changes to land (filling, grading, paving, excavation, 

mining, dredging, drilling, channel modifications, 

alteration of sand dunes and/or mangrove stands). 

 

2. One- and two-family dwellings (except in floodways).  

3. Buildings and structures (including tanks, towers, and 

one- and two-family dwellings in floodways).   

4. Site-related public/private utilities (sewage disposal, 

water supply).     

5. Building support utilities (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, 

fuel).      

6. Existing buildings and structures (additions, 

alterations, repairs, rehabilitations).    

7. Site development (water, sewer, drainage, on-site 

waste disposal systems).   

8. Transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, 

culverts). 

9. Other water resources infrastructure (dams, ponds, 

levees, floodwalls). 

10 Placement/replacement of manufactured housing.   

11. Recreational vehicle parks.  

12. Refer to other federal, state, local agencies and 

require appropriate permits. 

13. Review and grant of variances.   

Records 

1. Maintain records of corporate boundaries; report 

changes to FEMA. 

2. Maintain record of permits and variances, including 

documented elevations (Elevation Certificates) and 

documented floodproofing designs (Floodproofing 

Certificates); make available for public inspection. 

    

3. Maintain flood hazard maps; make available for public 

inspection. 

4. Identify, record, and report map needs to FEMA. 

Inspection and Enforcement 

1. Subdivision lot layout (with respect to flood hazard 

areas).  

2. Location of building/structure footprints on lot.    

3. Foundations.  

4. Lowest floor elevation (buildings and structures).    

5. Lowest floor elevation (manufactured housing units).   

6. Enclosure below lowest floor (flood openings or 

breakaway).   

7. Collect/review documentation (elevation, 

floodproofing, flood openings, breakaway wall).    

8. Damaged buildings (to determine if building is 

substantially damaged).    
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP 6-5 

Worksheet B. Assessing Your Community’s Approach 

Your Community’s Organization

Planning Zoning 

Subdivision Health 

Flood 

Control or 

Storm 

Water 

Engineering or 

Public 

Works 

Building 

Code Other Other Other

Provisions and Processes 

(Check which department handles 

each code provision or function)

Planning and Zoning 

 1. Compatibility with conservation, resource, or overlay 

zoning (density, setbacks, etc.).

2. Consideration of overall planning objectives, including 

flood hazard reduction objectives. 

3. Storm water management and drainage. 

4. Subdivision of land. 

Development Review 

 1. Changes to land (filling, grading, paving, excavation, 

mining, dredging, drilling, channel modifications, 

alteration of sand dunes and/or mangrove stands). 

2. One- and two-family dwellings (except in floodways). 

3. Buildings and structures (including tanks, towers, and 

one- and two-family dwellings in floodways). 

4. Site-related public/private utilities (sewage disposal, 

water supply). 

5. Building support utilities (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, 

fuel). 

6. Existing buildings and structures (additions, 

alterations, repairs, rehabilitations). 

7. Site development (water, sewer, drainage, on-site 

waste disposal systems). 

8. Transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, 

culverts). 

9. Other water resources infrastructure (dams, ponds, 

levees, floodwalls). 

10 Placement/replacement of manufactured housing. 

11. Recreational vehicle parks. 

12. Refer to other federal, state, local agencies and 

require appropriate permits. 

13. Review and grant of variances. 

Records 

 1. Maintain records of corporate boundaries; report 

changes to FEMA. 

2. Maintain record of permits and variances, including 

documented elevations (Elevation Certificates) and 

documented floodproofing designs (Floodproofing 

Certificates); make available for public inspection. 

 3. Maintain flood hazard maps; make available for public 

inspection. 

4. Identify, record, and report map needs to FEMA. 

Inspection and Enforcement 

 1. Subdivision lot layout (with respect to flood hazard 

areas). 

2. Location of building/structure footprints on lot. 

3. Foundations. 

4. Lowest floor elevation (buildings and structures). 

5. Lowest floor elevation (manufactured housing units). 

6. Enclosure below lowest floor (flood openings or 

breakaway). 

7. Collect/review documentation (elevation, 

floodproofing, flood openings, breakaway wall). 

8. Damaged buildings (to determine if building is 

substantially damaged). 
Your Community’s Approach 6-6 

Worksheet C. Discussion Topics, Decision Steps 

Steps Actions 

Date 

Completed 

1 Identify all departments involved in floodplain management (Worksheet B), 

circulate this guide as background, and convene a meeting. 

2 Review how each of the NFIP functions and regulatory requirements is met 

under your current approach to floodplain management. 

3 Review Chapter 3 to understand additional floodplain management 

implications of using the I-Codes to participate in the NFIP. This chapter also 

briefly discusses some opportunities to further reduce the impacts of flooding 

beyond those required under the NFIP. 

4 Review Chapter 5 and check with the NFIP State Coordinator and the state 

building code agency for state-specific requirements. 

5 Review Worksheet A to understand which of the NFIP functions and 

requirements are addressed in each of the I-Codes. 

6 Discuss the NFIP functions and requirements that are currently performed by 

departments other than those that are responsible for administering the 

various building codes. 

7 Determine which of the I-Codes your community is required to adopt by state 

law, or which you will choose to adopt if your state does not have a 

requirement. Refer to Figure 6-1 to see how this determination influences 

how you handle development that is covered by IBC Appendix G. 

8 Review Worksheet B again with respect to how the NFIP functions and 

requirements are currently addressed. Decide whether those functions and 

requirements will continue to be administered by the noted departments, 

which may be appropriate to the comprehensive approach and to effectively 

guide development as part of the planning, zoning, and subdivision 

processes. 

9 Identify which functions and requirements will be administered by the building 

department upon adoption of the I-Codes. 

10 If the decision is to consolidate some or all of those functions and 

requirements in the building department, then a critical review of all of the 

existing ordinances that address floodplain management provisions must be 

prepared to determine if there are any elements that are not covered by the ICodes. Those elements must be recaptured either by amending the I-Codes 

or by inclusion in another ordinance. 

11 If elements are to be recaptured, review the I-Codes and prepare the 

appropriate language to be included in the Ordinance for Adoption. 

12 Review Sections 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 to understand how certain higher standards 

may be beneficial to your community. 

13 If your community decides to adopt higher standards, prepare the appropriate 

language to be included in the Ordinance for Adoption. 

14 If necessary, prepare a separate floodplain management ordinance to retain 

only those provisions not covered by the I-Codes. 

15 Submit the Ordinance for Adoption of the I-Codes, plus the separate 

floodplain management ordinance, to your NFIP State Coordinator. The 

NFIP State Coordinator will coordinate with the FEMA Regional Office to 

review the materials and determine whether they are acceptable for your 

community’s continued participation in the NFIP. 
Appendix A. References and

Online Resources

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP A-1 

FEMA publications and forms may be obtained at no cost. These and 

other materials may also be available online at 

www.fema.gov/library/prepandprev.shtm#mit 

Hardcopy publications and forms may be ordered from: 

DHS/FEMA 

P.O. Box 2012 

Jessup, Maryland 20794-2012 

Toll free: 1-800-480-2520

APA PAS #473, Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard Areas. 

Washington, DC: American Planning Association, 1997. 

ASCE 7-98, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. 

Reston, VA: American Society of Civil Engineers, 1998. 

ASCE 7-02, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. 

Reston, VA: American Society of Civil Engineers, 2002. 

ASCE 24-98, Flood Resistant Design and Construction. Reston, VA: 

American Society of Civil Engineers, 1998. 

ASFPM and Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force, 

Addressing Your Community’s Flood Problems: A Guide for Elected 

Officials. Madison, WI: Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc., 

1996. 

FEMA, 44 CFR, Part 59-60, National Flood Insurance Program. 

Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1990. 

FEMA Federal Insurance Administration, Code Compatibility Report. 

Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1992. 

FEMA EMI IS-9, Managing Floodplain Development Through the NFIP

(independent study course). Emmitsburg, MD: Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute, 2000. 
References and Online Resources A-2

FEMA FIA-12, Appeals, Revisions, and Amendments to NFIP Maps: A 

Guide for Community Officials. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration, 1993. 

FEMA FIA-15A, CRS Application. Washington, DC: Federal 

Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration, 

2002. 

FEMA 55CD (3rd edition), Coastal Construction Manual: Principles And 

Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, And Maintaining 

Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas. Washington, DC: Federal 

Emergency Management Agency, 2000. 

FEMA 85, Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas. 

Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1985. 

FEMA 213, Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged 

Buildings. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 

1991. 

FEMA 259, Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood 

Prone Residential Buildings. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, 1995. 

FEMA 265, Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A 

Areas: A Guide for Obtaining and Developing Base (100-Year) Flood 

Elevations. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 

1995. 

FEMA 301, Guidance for State and Local Officials: Increased Cost of 

Compliance Coverage. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, 2003. 

FEMA 311, Guidance on Estimating Substantial Damage Using the 

NFIP Residential Substantial Damage Estimator. Washington, DC: 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1998. 

FEMA 312, Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect 

Your House from Flooding. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, 1998. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP A-3 

FEMA 348, Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage: 

Principles and Practices for the Design and Construction of Flood 

Resistant Building Utility Systems. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency 

Management Agency, 1999. 

FEMA 467-1, Floodplain Management Bulletin: Elevation Certificate. 

Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2004.

FEMA. (2002) Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form 81-65). 

[Online]. Available: www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_fpc.shtm 

FEMA. (2003) Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31). [Online]. 

Available: www.fema.gov/nfip/elvinst.shtm 

FEMA. (various dates) NFIP Technical Bulletin Series. Washington, 

DC: National Flood Insurance Program. [Online]. Available: 

www.fema.gov/fima/techbul.shtm 

FEMA FIA-TB #0: User’s Guide to Technical Bulletins. 1999. 

FEMA FIA-TB #1: Openings in Foundation Walls for Buildings 

Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 1993. 

FEMA FIA-TB #2: Flood-Resistant Material Requirements for 

Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 1993. 

FEMA FIA-TB #3: Non-Residential Floodproofing—Requirements 

and Certification for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard 

Areas. 1993. 

FEMA FIA-TB #4: Elevator Installation for Buildings Located in 

Special Flood Hazard Areas. 1993. 

FEMA FIA-TB #5: Free of Obstruction Requirements for Buildings 

Located in Coastal High Hazard Areas. 1993. 

FEMA FIA-TB #6: Below Grade Parking Requirements for Buildings 

Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 1993. 

FEMA FIA-TB #7: Wet Floodproofing Requirements for Structures 

Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 1993. 
References and Online Resources A-4

FEMA FIA-TB #8: Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors in 

Coastal Areas for Structures Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. 

1996. 

FEMA FIA-TB #9: Design and Construction Guidance for 

Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Coastal Buildings. 1999. 

FEMA FIA-TB #10: Ensuring that Structures Built on Fill in or Near 

Special Flood Hazard Areas Are Reasonably Safe From Flooding. 

2001. 

FEMA FIA-TB #11: Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located 

in Special Flood Hazard Areas (NFIP Interim Guidance). 2001. 

IBC-2003, International Building Code. Falls Church, VA: International 

Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

ICC PC-2003, International Code Council Performance Code. Falls 

Church, VA: International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

IEBC-2003, International Existing Building Code. Falls Church, VA: 

International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

IFGC-2003, International Fuel Gas Code. Falls Church, VA: 

International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

IMC-2003, International Mechanical Code. Falls Church, VA: 

International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

IPC-2003, International Plumbing Code. Falls Church, VA: 

International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

IPSDC-2003, International Private Sewage Disposal Code. Falls 

Church, VA: International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

IRC-2003, International Residential Code. Falls Church, VA: 

International Code Council, Inc., 2003. 

Supplement to the International Codes. Falls Church, VA: International 

Code Council, Inc., 2004. 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP A-5 

NES Evaluation Protocol for Determination of Flood-Resistance 

Properties of Building Elements. National Evaluation Service, Inc., April 

2000. 

Appendix B. Crosswalk of the

NFIP Regulations to the Flood

Resistance Provisions of the IBC

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP B-1 
Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IBC®

 B-2 
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Sec. 59.1 DefinitionsBASE FLOOD. Base flood means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. 

BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. BASE FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the base flood, including wave height, relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) or other datum specified on the flood insurance rate map (FIRM). 

BASEMENT. Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. 

BASEMENT. The portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. 

[Not defined in the NFIP regulations.] DESIGN FLOOD. The flood associated with the greater of the following two areas: 

1. Area with a floodplain subject to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any year, or 2. Area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally 

designated. 

[Not defined in the NFIP regulations.] DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the “design flood,” including wave height, relative to the 

datum specified on the community’s legally designated flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AO, the design flood elevation shall be the elevation of the highest existing grade of the building’s perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specified on the flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AO where the depth number is not specified on the map, the depth number shall be taken as being equal to 2 feet (610mm). 

DEVELOPMENT. Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. 

101.2 Scope 105.1 [Permits] Required 105.2 Work exempt from permitAppendix G. DEVELOPMENT. Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, temporary or permanent storage of materials, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavations, operations and other land disturbing activities. 

See FLOODPROOFING. DRY FLOODPROOFING. A combination of design modifications that result in a building or structure, 

including the attendant utility and sanitary facilities, being watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capacity to resist loads as identified in ASCE 7.

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION (EXISTING STRUCTURES). For the purposes of determining rates, structures for which the “start of construction” commenced before the effective date of the FIRM or before January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date. “Existing construction” may also be referred to as “existing structures.” 

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION. Any buildings and structures for which the “start of construction” commenced before the effective date of the community’s first floodplain management code, ordinance or standard. “Existing construction” may also be referred to as “existing structures.” EXISTING STRUCTURES. See “Existing construction.”
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FLOOD or FLOODING.(a) A general and temporary condition of partial or complete 

inundation of normally dry land areas from. 

 (1) The overflow of inland or tidal waters.  (2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface 

waters from any source. 

FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land from: 1. The overflow of inland or tidal waters. 2. The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

[Not defined in the NFIP regulations.] FLOOD DAMAGE RESISTANT MATERIALS. Any construction material capable of withstanding direct and 

prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining any damage that requires more than cosmetic repair.

[Not defined in the NFIP regulations.] FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The greater of the following two areas: 

1. The area within a floodplain subject to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any year. 2. The area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally 

designated. 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA SUBJECT TO HIGH VELOCITY WAVE ACTION. Area within the flood hazard area which is subject to high velocity wave action, and shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard map as Zone V, VO, or V1-30.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community, on which the Administrator has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. 

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (see FLOOD ELEVATION STUDY). An examination, evaluation and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation and determination of mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and/or flood-related erosion hazards. 

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency containing the Flood Insurance Rate Map, the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), the water surface elevation of the base flood and supporting technical data.

FLOODWAY – See REGULATORY FLOODWAY. FLOODWAY. The channel of the river, creek, or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be 

reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.

FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE. A use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.

Appendix G. FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT FACILITY. A facility which cannot be used for its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water, such as a docking or port facility necessary for the loading or unloading of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, or ship repair. The term does not include long-term storage, manufacture, sales, or service facilities.
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HISTORIC STRUCTURE.(a) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places 

(a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register; 

(b) Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the 

Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; 

 (c) Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in 

states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or 

(d) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in 

communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either. 

 (1) By an approved state program as determined by the 

Secretary of the Interior or 

 (2) Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without 

approved programs. 

HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Buildings that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under an appropriate state or local law (see Section 3406).

LOWEST FLOOR. The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of Sec. 60.3. 

LOWEST FLOOR. The floor of the lowest enclosed area, including basement, but excluding any unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, useable solely] for vehicle parking, building access, or limited storage provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of this section.

MANUFACTURED HOME. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term “manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle.” 

Appendix G. MANUFACTURED HOME. A structure that is transportable in one or more sections, built on a permanent chassis, designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities, and constructed to the Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards and rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The term also includes mobile homes, park trailers, travel trailers, and similar transportable structures that are placed on a site for 180 consecutive days or longer.

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION. A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale. 

Appendix G. MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION. A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
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RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A vehicle which is. (a) built on a single chassis; (b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest 

horizontal projection; 

(c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a 

light duty truck; and 

(d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but 

as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. 

Appendix G. RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A vehicle that is built on a single chassis, 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal 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 security devices, and has no permanently attached additions.

REGULATORY FLOODWAY. The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.

See FLOODWAY.

REMEDY A VIOLATION. to bring the structure or other development into compliance with State or local flood plain management regulations, or, if this is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its noncompliance. Ways that impacts may be reduced include protecting the structure or other affected development from flood damages, implementing the enforcement provisions of the ordinance or otherwise deterring future similar violations, or reducing Federal financial exposure with regard to the structure or other development. 

113 Violations Appendix G101.4 VIOLATIONS. Any violation of a provision of this appendix, or failure to comply with a permit or variance issued pursuant to this appendix or any requirement of this appendix, shall be handled in accordance with Section 113.

SPECIAL HAZARD AREA. Area of special flood hazard is the land in the flood plain within a community subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The area may be designated as Zone A on the FHBM. After detailed ratemaking has been completed in preparation for publication of the flood insurance rate map, Zone A usually is refined into Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, AE, A99, AR, AR/A1-30, AR/AE, AR/AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, or V1-30, VE, or V. For purposes of these regulations, the term “special flood hazard area (SFHA)” is synonymous in meaning with the phrase “area of special flood hazard.”

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The land area subject to flood hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard map as Zone A, AE, A1-30, A99, AR, AO, AH, V, VO, VE, or V1-30.
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START OF CONSTRUCTION. Construction (for other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (Pub. L. 97-348)), includes substantial improvement, and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building. 

START OF CONSTRUCTION. The date of permit issuance for new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, or other improvement is within 180 days after the date of issuance. The actual start of construction means the first placement of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or footings, installation of pilings or construction of columns. Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, excavation, grading, or filling), or the installation of streets or walkways, or excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations, or the erection of temporary forms, or the installation of accessory buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main building. For a substantial improvement, the actual “start of construction” means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

STRUCTURE. For flood plain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. “Structure” for insurance coverage purposes, means a walled and roofed building, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site, as well as a manufactured home on a permanent foundation. For the latter purpose, the term includes a building while in the course of construction, alteration or repair, but does not include building materials or supplies intended for use in such construction, alteration or repair, unless such materials or supplies are within an enclosed building on the premises. 

101.2 Scope 105.2 Work exempt from a permit

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. 

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
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SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either. (1) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct 

existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions or 

(2) Any alteration of a “historic structure”, provided that the 

alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a “historic structure.”

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either: (1) 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 assure safe living conditions.

(2) Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued 

designation as a historic structure.

VARIANCE. A grant of relief by a community from the terms of a flood plain management regulation. 

104.10 Modifications 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. [In flood hazard areas, modifications require a formal variance.] Appendix G. VARIANCE. A grant of relief from the requirements of this section which permits construction in a manner otherwise prohibited by this section where specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship.

VIOLATION. The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's flood plain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in Sec. 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.

113 Violations Appendix G. VIOLATION. A development that is not fully compliant with this appendix or Section 1612 , as applicable

59.22 [This section outlines actions to be taken by communities to be eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program, including application procedures, documentation requirements, and a commitment to fulfill certain functions and responsibilities.] 

1 (a)(9)(iii) Maintain for public inspection and furnish upon request certificates of elevation and certificates 

of floodproofing. 

104.7 Department Records Appendix G103.8 Records. The building official shall maintain a permanent record of all permits issued in flood hazard areas, including copies of inspection reports and certifications required in Section 1612.
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2 (b)(1) Appoint the agency or official with the responsibility, authority, and means to implement the 

commitments, including certain reporting requirements. 

103 Department of Building Safety 104 Duties and Powers of the Building OfficialAppendix G104.3 Validity of permit. The issuance of a permit under this appendix shall not be construed to be a permit for, or approval of, any violation of this appendix or any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. The issuance of a permit based on submitted documents and information shall not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors. The building official is authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure or site which is in violation of this appendix or other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Appendix G104.4 Expiration. A permit shall become invalid if the proposed development is not commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the work commences. Extensions shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. Appendix G104.5 Suspension or revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under this appendix wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or code of this jurisdiction.

Sec. 60.2 Minimum compliance with flood plain management criteria. [Sections (a) through (c) pertain to meeting specific criteria set forth herein, as a function of the type of flood-related hazard and the level of detail provided on the flood hazard map prepared by FEMA. Section (e) provides for coordination with State Coordinating Agencies with respect to submission of regulations for participation in the NFIP; Section (f) addresses the community function to submit reports periodically, when requested; and Section (g) directs communities to assure that their comprehensive plans are consistent with floodplain management objectives.]

3 (h) The community shall adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations based on data 

provided by the Administrator. Without prior approval of the Administrator, the community shall not adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations based upon modified data reflecting natural or man-made changes. 

1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. To establish flood hazard areas, the governing body shall adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for [INSERT NAME OF JURISDICTION],” dated [INSERT DATE OF ISSUANCE], as amended or revised with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section. Appendix G102.2 Establishment of flood hazard areas. Flood hazard areas are established in Section 1612.3 of the International Building Code, adopted by the governing body on __________.
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Sec. 60.3 Floodplain management criteria for flood-prone areas. (a) When the Administrator has not defined the special flood hazard areas within a community, has not provided water surface elevation data, and has not provided sufficient data to identify the floodway or coastal high hazard area, but the community has indicated the presence of such hazards by submitting an application to participate in the Program, the community shall:

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(1) Require permits for all proposed construction or other development, including the placement of manufactured homes, to determine whether such development is proposed within flood hazard areas; 

101.2 Scope 105.2 Work exempt from permit 105.2.2 Repairs1612.1 General (Flood Loads). Within flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, all new construction of buildings, structures and portions of buildings and structures, including substantial improvements and restoration of substantial damage to buildings and structures, shall be designed and constructed to resist the effects of flood hazards and flood loads. For buildings that are located in one or more flood hazard area, the provisions associated with the most restrictive flood hazard area shall apply. 3403.1 Existing buildings or structures. Additions or alterations to any building or structure shall conform with the requirements of the code for new construction. Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure which will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any provisions of this code. An existing building plus additions shall comply with the height and area provisions of Chapter 5. Portions of the structure not altered and not affected by the alteration are not required to comply with the code requirements for a new structure. 3403.1.1 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, any additions, alterations or repairs that constitutes substantial improvement of the existing structure, as defined in Section 1612.2, shall comply with the flood design requirements for new construction and all aspects of the existing structure shall be brought into compliance with the requirements for new construction for flood design. Appendix G101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific flood hazard areas through the establishment of comprehensive regulations for management of flood hazard areas, designed to: 1. Prevent unnecessary disruption of commerce, access, and public service during times of flooding; 2. Manage the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and shorelines; 3. Manage filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage or erosion 

potential; 

4. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will divert flood waters or which can increase 

flood hazards; and 

5. Contribute to improved construction techniques in the floodplain.
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Appendix G102.1 General (Applicability). This appendix, in conjunction with the International Building Code, provides minimum requirements for development located in flood hazard areas, including the subdivision of land, installation of utilities, placement and replacement of manufactured homes, new construction and repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or additions to new construction, substantial improvement of existing buildings and structures, including restoration after damage, and certain building work exempt from permit under §105.2. Appendix G103.1 Permit applications. The building official shall review all permit applications to determine whether proposed development sites will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed development site is in a flood hazard area, all site development activities, including grading, filling, utility installation, and drainage modification, and all new construction and substantial improvements (including the placement of prefabricated buildings and manufactured homes), and certain building work exempt from permit under §105.2, shall be designed and constructed with methods, practices, and materials that minimize flood damage and that are in accordance with this code and the ASCE 24. Appendix G104.1 Required. Any person, owner or authorized agent who intends to conduct any development in a flood hazard area shall first make application to the building official and shall obtain the required permit G801.1 Detached accessory structures. Detached accessory structures shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrostatic loads, including the effects of bouyancy, during conditions of the design flood. Fully enclosed accessory structures shall have flood openings to allow for the automatic entry and exit of flood waters. G801.2 Fences. Fences in floodways that may block the passage of floodwaters, such as stockade fences and wire mesh fences, shall meet the requirement of BG103.5. G801.3 Oil derricks. Oil derricks located in flood hazard areas shall be designed in conformance with the flood loads in Section 1603.1.6 and Section 1612. G801.4 Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways. Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways shall meet the requirements of Section 1803.4. G801.5 Prefabricated Swimming pools. Prefabricated swimming pools in floodways shall meet the requirement of BG103.5. 

5 (2) Review proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been received from other 

governmental agencies from which approval is required by Federal or State law, including section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334; 

105.3.1 Action on application Appendix G103.2 Other permits. It shall be the responsibility of the building official to assure that approval of a proposed development shall not be given until proof that necessary permits have been granted by federal or state agencies having jurisdiction over such development.
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(3) Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a flood-prone area, all new construction and substantial improvements shall: (i) be designed (or modified) and adequately 

anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, 

(ii) be constructed with materials resistant to flood 

damage, 

(iii) be constructed by methods and practices that 

minimize flood damages, and 

(iv) 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. 

106.2 Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades, and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The building official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted. 801.1.3 Applicability. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, interior finishes, trim, and decorative materials that extend below the design flood elevation shall be flood-damage-resistant materials. 1403.6 Flood resistance. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, exterior walls extending below the design flood elevation shall be resistant to water damage. Wood shall be pressurepreservative treated in accordance with AWPA C1, C2, C3, C4, C9, C15, C18, C22, C23, C24, C28, P1, P2 and P3, or decay-resistant heartwood of redwood, black locust, or cedar. 1603.1.6 Flood design data. For buildings located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the following documentation pertaining to design, if required in Section 1612.5, shall be shown, regardless of whether flood loads govern the design of the building:(1) In flood hazard areas not subject to high-velocity wave action, the elevation of proposed lowest floor, 

including basement.

(2) In flood hazard areas not subject to high-velocity wave action, the elevation to which any nonresidential 

building will be dry floodproofed.

(3) In flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action, the proposed elevation of the bottom of the 

lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor, including basement.

1605.2.2 Other loads. Where F, H, P or T are to be considered in design, each applicable load shall be 

added to the above combinations in accordance with Section 2.3.2 of ASCE 7. Where Fa is to be considered in design, the load combinations of Section 2.3.3 of ASCE 7 shall be used. 

1605.3.1.2 Other loads. Where F, H, P or T are to be considered in design, the load combinations of Section 2.4.1 of ASCE 7 shall be used. Where Fa is to be considered in design, the load combinations of Section 2.4.2 of ASCE 7 shall be used. 1612.4 Design and construction. The design and construction of buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas, including flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action, shall be in accordance with ASCE 24. 
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1801.1 Scope (Soils and Foundations). The provisions of this chapter shall apply to building and foundation systems in those areas not subject to scour or water pressure by wind and wave action. Buildings and foundations subject to such scour or water pressure loads shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 16. 1803.4 Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, grading and/or fill shall not be approved: 

1. Unless fill is placed, compacted, and sloped to minimize shifting, slumping and erosion during the rise and fall of floodwater and, as applicable, wave action. 2. In floodways, unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed by a registered design professional in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed grading and/or fill will not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the design flood. 3. In flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action, unless such fill is conducted and/or placed to avoid diversion of water and waves toward any building or structure. 4. Where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, unless it has been demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed flood hazard area encroachment, when combined with all other existing and anticipated flood hazard area encroachment, will not increase the design flood elevation more than one foot at any point.

3001.2 Referenced standards. Except as otherwise provided for in this code, the design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and their components shall conform to ASME A17.1, ASME A90.1, ASME B20.1, ALI ALCTV, and ASCE 24 for construction in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3. 3102.7 Engineering design. The structure shall be designed and constructed to sustain dead loads, loads due to tension or inflation, live loads including wind, snow, flood, and seismic loads and in accordance with Chapter 16. 3403.1.1 [Existing buildings or structures] Flood hazard areas . SEE BLOCK 4 Appendix G101.1 Purpose (Flood Resistant Construction). SEE BLOCK 4 Appendix G101.2 Objectives. The objectives of this appendix are to protect human life, minimize the expenditure of public money for flood control projects, minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding, minimize prolonged business interruption, minimize damage to public facilities and utilities, help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of flood-prone areas, contribute to improved construction techniques in the floodplain, and ensure that potential owners and occupants are notified that property is within flood hazard areas. Appendix G101.3 Scope. The provisions of this appendix shall apply to all proposed development in a flood hazard area established in Section 1612 of this code, including certain work exempt from permit under §105.2. 
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Appendix G104.2 Application for permit. The applicant shall file an application in writing on a form furnished by the building official. Such application shall: 

1. Identify and describe the development to be covered by the permit. 2. Describe the land on which the proposed development is to conducted by legal description, street 

address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the site. 

3. Include a site plan showing the delineation of flood hazard areas, floodway boundaries, flood 

zones, design flood elevations, ground elevations, proposed fill and excavation, and drainage patterns and facilities. 

4. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed development is intended. 5. Be accompanied by construction documents, grading and filling plans, and other information 

deemed appropriate by the building official. 

6. State the valuation of the proposed work. 7. Be signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized agent. 8. Appendix G401.5 Storm drainage. Storm drainage shall be designed to convey the flow of surface 

waters so as to minimize or eliminate damage to persons or property. 

Appendix G401.6 Streets and sidewalks. Streets and sidewalks shall be designed to minimize potential for increasing or aggravating flood levels. Appendix G701.1 Underground tanks. Underground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood. Appendix G701.2 Above-ground tanks. Above-ground tanks in flood hazard areas shall be elevated to or above the design flood elevation or shall be anchored or otherwise designed and constructed to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood. Appendix G701.3 Tank inlets and vents. In flood hazard areas, tank inlets, fill openings, outlets and vents shall be: 

1. At or above the design flood 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. 

2. Anchored to prevent lateral movement resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including 

the effects of buoyancy, during conditions of the design flood. 
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Appendix G801.1 Detached accessory structures. Detached accessory structures shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement resulting from hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyncy, during conditions of the design flood. Fully enclosed accessory structures shall have flood openings to allow for the automatic entry and exit of flood waters. Appendix G801.2 Fences. Fences in floodways that may block the passage of floodwaters, such as stockade fences and wire mesh fences, shall meet the requirement of BG103.5. Appendix G801.3 Oil derricks. Oil derricks located in flood hazard areas shall be designed in conformance with the flood loads in Section 1603.1.6 and Section 1612. Appendix G801.4 Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways. Retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways shall meet the requirements of Section 1803.4. Appendix G801.5 Prefabricated Swimming pools. Prefabricated swimming pools in floodways shall meet the requirement of BG103.5. 

7 (4) Review subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including manufactured 

home parks or subdivisions, to determine whether such proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood-prone area, any such proposals shall be reviewed to assure that: (i) all such proposals are consistent with the need 

to minimize flood damage within the floodprone area, 

(ii) all public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, 

gas, electrical, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and 

(iii) adequate drainage is provided to reduce 

exposure to flood hazards; 

Appendix G301.1 General (Subdivisions). Any subdivision proposal, including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions, or other proposed new development in a flood hazard area shall be reviewed to assure that: 1. All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage, and 2. All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electric, and water systems are located and 

constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and 

3. Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards. Appendix G301.2 Subdivision requirements. The following requirements shall apply in the case of any proposed subdivision, including proposals for manufactured home parks and subdivisions, any portion of which lies within a flood hazard area: 1. The flood hazard area, including floodways and areas subject to high velocity wave action, as 

appropriate, shall be delineated on tentative and final subdivision plats; 

2. Design flood elevations shall be shown on tentative and final subdivision plats; 3. Residential building lots shall be provided with adequate buildable area outside the floodway; and 4. The design criteria for utilities and facilities set forth in this appendix and appropriate International Codes 

shall be met. 

Appendix G401.5 Storm drainage. SEE BLOCK 6

8 (5) Require within flood-prone areas new and replacement water supply systems to be designed to 

minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems; and 

Appendix G401.4 Water facilities. All new or replacement water facilities shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8, ASCE 24 to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems.
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9 (6) Require within flood-prone areas (i) new and replacement sanitary sewage 

systems to be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters and 

(ii) onsite waste disposal systems to be located to 

avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding. 

Appendix G401.3 Sewer facilities. All new or replaced sanitary sewer facilities, private sewer treatment plants (including all pumping stations and collector systems) and onsite waste disposal systems, shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 8, ASCE 24 to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the facilities and discharge from the facilities into flood waters,or impairment of the facilities and systems.

(b) When the Administrator has designated areas of special flood hazards (A zones) by the publication of a community's FHBM or FIRM, but has neither produced water surface elevation data nor identified a floodway or coastal high hazard area, the community shall: 

10 (1) Require permits for all proposed construction and other developments including the placement of 

manufactured homes, within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM; (2) Require the application of the standards in paragraphs (a) (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of this section to development within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM; 

[Prior provisions cumulative]

11 (3) Require that all new subdivision proposals and other proposed developments (including proposals 

for manufactured home parks and subdivisions)greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the lesser, include within such proposals base flood elevation data; 

Appendix G103.3 Determination of design flood elevations. If design flood elevations are not specified, the building official is authorized to require the applicant to: 1. Obtain, review and reasonably utilize data available from a federal, state or other source, or 2. Determine the design flood elevation in accordance with accepted hydrologic and hydraulic engineering 

techniques. Such analyses shall be performed and sealed by a registered design professional. Studies, analyses, and computations shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow thorough review and approval by the building official. The accuracy of data submitted for such determination shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

12 (4) Obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a 

Federal, State, or other source, including data developed pursuant to paragraph (b)(3) of this section, as criteria for requiring that new construction, substantial improvements, or other development in Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM meet the standards in paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(5), (c)(6), (c)(12), (c)(14), (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section; 

1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 3 Appendix G103.3 Determination of design flood elevations. SEE BLOCK 11
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13 (5) Where base flood elevation data are utilized, within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM. 

(i) Obtain the elevation (in relation to mean sea 

level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures, and 

(ii) Obtain, if the structure has been floodproofed 

in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was floodproofed, and (iii) Maintain a record of all such information with the official designated by the community under Sec. 59.22 (a)(9)(iii); 

104.7 Department records 109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation documentation required in Section 1612.5 shall be submitted to the code official. 1612.5 Flood hazard documentation. The following documentation shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional and shall be submitted to the building official. 1. For construction in flood hazard areas not subject to high velocity wave action:  1.1 The elevation of the lowest floor elevation, including basement, as required by the lowest floor 

elevation inspection in Section 109.3.3. 

 1.2 For fully enclosed areas below the design flood elevation where provisions to allow for the automatic 

entry and exit of floodwaters do not meet the minimum requirements in Section 2.6.1.1, ASCE 24, construction documents shall include a statement that the design will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces in accordance with Section 2.6.1.2, ASCE 24. 1.3 For dry floodproofed nonresidential buildings, construction documents shall include a statement that the dry flood proofing is designed in accordance with ASCE 24. 

14 (6) Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating Office prior 

to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit copies of such notifications to the Administrator; 

Appendix G103.6 Watercourse alteration. Prior to issuing a permit for any alteration or relocation of any watercourse, the building official shall require the applicant to provide notification of the proposal to the appropriate authorities of all affected adjacent government jurisdictions, as well as appropriate state agencies. A copy of the notification shall be maintained in the permit records and submitted to FEMA.

15 (7) Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse is 

maintained; 

Appendix G103.6.1 Engineering analysis. The building official shall require submission of an engineering analysis which demonstrates that the flood carrying capacity of the altered or relocated portion of the watercourse will not be decreased. Such watercourses shall be maintained in a manner which preserves the channel’s flood carrying capacity.

16 (8) Require that all manufactured homes to be placed within Zone A on a community's FHBM or 

FIRM shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize flood damage. For the purposes of this requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated and anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces. 

Appendix G501.1 Elevation (Manufactured Homes). All new and replacement manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved in a flood hazard area shall be elevated such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to or above the design flood elevation. Appendix G501.2 Foundations. All new and replacement manufactured homes, including substantial improvement of existing manufactured homes, shall be placed on a permanent, reinforced foundation that is designed in accordance with Section 1612 of the building code. Appendix G501.3 Anchoring. All new and replacement manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved in a flood hazard area shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize flood damage. Manufactured homes shall be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring are authorized to include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces. 
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(c) When the Administrator has provided a notice of final flood elevations for one or more special flood hazard areas on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated other special flood hazard areas without base flood elevations on the community's FIRM, but has not identified a regulatory floodway or coastal high hazard area, the community shall. 

17 (1) Require the standards of paragraph (b) of this section within all A1-30 zones, AE zones, A zones, 

AH zones, and AO zones, on the community's FIRM; 

[Prior provisions cumulative]

18 (2) Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures 

within Zones A1-30, AE and AH zones on the community's FIRM have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood level, unless the community is granted an exception by the Administrator for the allowance of basements in accordance with Sec. 60.6 (b) or (c); 

1603.1.6 Flood design data. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 1807.1.2.1 Flood hazard areas. For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the finished ground level of an underfloor space such as a crawl space shall be equal to or higher than the outside finished ground level. 

Exception: Underfloor spaces of Group R-3 buildings that meet the requirements of FEMA/FIA TB 11-1. 

3403.1.1 Flood hazard areas (Existing buildings or structures). SEE BLOCK 4 

19 (3) Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential 

structures within Zones A1-30, AE and AH zones on the community's FIRM: (i) have the lowest floor (including basement) 

elevated to or above the base flood level or, 

(ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary 

facilities, be designed so that below the base flood level the structure 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; 

1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 3403.1.1 Flood hazard areas (Existing buildings or structures). SEE BLOCK 4 
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20 (4) Provide that where a non-residential structure is intended to be made watertight below the base 

flood level, (i) a registered professional engineer or architect 

shall develop and/or review structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the applicable provisions of paragraph (c)(3)(ii) or (c)(8)(ii) of this section, and 

(ii) a record of such certificates which includes the 

specific elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which such structures are floodproofed shall be maintained with the official designated by the community under Sec. 59.22(a)(9)(iii); 

104.7 Department records. 1612.5.1 Flood hazard documentation. [Flood hazard areas not subject to high velocity wave action] SEE BLOCK 13 Appendix G103.8 Records. SEE BLOCK 1 

21 (5) Require, for all new construction and substantial improvements, that fully enclosed areas 

below the lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which 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 or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria. A minimum of two 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 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. 

1202.3.2 [Under-floor ventilation] Exceptions5. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the opening requirements of ASCE 

24 are authorized to be satisfied by ventilation openings that are designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24. 

1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.5 Flood hazard documentation. [Flood hazard areas not subject to high velocity wave action] SEE BLOCK 13 
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22 (6) Require that manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within Zones A1-30, 

AH, and AE on the community's FIRM on sites (i) Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision,(ii) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred “substantial damage” as the result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to or above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation collapse and lateral movement. 

Appendix G. Section 501 Manufactured Homes. SEE BLOCK 16 

23 (7) Require within any AO zone on the community's FIRM that all new construction and 

substantial improvements of residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified); 

1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 

24 (8) Require within any AO zone on the community's FIRM that all new construction and 

substantial improvements of nonresidential structures (i) have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified), or (ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be completely floodproofed to that level to meet the floodproofing standard specified in Sec. 60.3(c)(3)(ii); 

1603.1.6 Flood design data. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 1807.1.2.1 Flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 18 3403.1.1 Flood hazard areas (Existing buildings or structures). SEE BLOCK 4 

25 (9) Require within any A99 zones on a community's FIRM the standards of paragraphs 

(a)(1) through (a)(4)(i) and (b)(5) through (b)(9) of this section; 

1603.1.6 Flood design data. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 1807.1.2.1 Flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 18 3403.1.1 Flood hazard areas (Existing buildings or structures). SEE BLOCK 4 
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26 (10) Require until a regulatory floodway is designated, that no new construction, substantial 

improvements, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1-30 and AE on the community's FIRM, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the community. 

1803.4 Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 6 Appendix G103.4 Activities in riverine flood hazard areas. In riverine flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, the building official shall not permit any new construction, substantial improvement or other development, including fill, unless the applicant demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated flood hazard area encroachment, will not increase the design flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the community. 

27 (11) Require within Zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes, to guide 

floodwaters around and away from proposed structures. 

Appendix G401.5 Storm drainage. SEE BLOCK 6

28 (12) Require that manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing 

manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones A-1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(6) of this section be elevated so that either (i) The lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation, or (ii) The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation, collapse, and lateral movement. 

Appendix G501 Manufactured Homes. SEE BLOCK 16 

29 (13) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Sec. 60.3, a community may approve certain 

development in Zones Al-30, AE, and AH, on the community's FIRM which increase the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than one foot, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM revision, fulfills the requirements for such a revision as established under the provisions of Sec. 65.12, and receives the approval of the Administrator. 

Appendix G103.5 Floodway encroachment. Prior to issuing a permit for any floodway encroachment, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other development or land disturbing activity, the building official shall require submission of a certification, along with supporting technical data, that demonstrates that such development will not cause any increase of the level of the base flood. Appendix G103.5.1 Floodway revision. A floodway encroachment that increases the level of the base flood is authorized if the applicant has applied for a conditional FIRM revision and has received the approval of FEMA.
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30 (14) Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM either(i) Be on the site for fewer than 

180 consecutive days, (ii) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or (iii) Meet the permit requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section and the elevation and anchoring requirements for “manufactured homes” in paragraph (c)(6) of this section. 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 security devices, and has no permanently attached additions. 

Appendix G601.1 Placement prohibited (Recreational Vehicles). The placement of recreational vehicles shall not be authorized in flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action and in floodways.Appendix G601.2 Temporary placement. Recreational vehicles in flood hazard areas shall be fully licensed and ready for highway use, and shall be placed on a site for less than 180 consecutive days. Appendix G601.3 Permanent placement. Recreational vehicles that are not fully licensed and ready for highway use, or that are to be placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days shall meet the requirements of Section G501 for manufactured homes.

(d) When the Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within Zones A1-30 and/or AE on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated AO zones, AH zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has provided data from which the community shall designate its regulatory floodway, the community shall:

31 (1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c) (1) through (14) of this section; [Prior provisions cumulative] 32 (2) Select and adopt a regulatory floodway based on the principle that the area chosen for the regulatory floodway must be designed to carry the waters 

of the base flood, without increasing the water surface elevation of that flood more than one foot at any point; 

1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 3 Appendix G103.4 Activities in riverine flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 26

33 (3) Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other 

development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge; 

1803.4 Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 6 Appendix G103.5 Floodway encroachment. SEE BLOCK 29 Appendix G103.5.1 Floodway revision. SEE BLOCK 29 Appendix G401.1 Development in floodways. Development or land disturbing activity shall not be authorized in the floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment will not result in any increase in the level of the base flood. Appendix J101.2 Flood hazard areas. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to grading, excavation and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments, in floodways within flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, or in flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed work will not result in any increase in the level of the base flood. 
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34 (4) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Sec. 60.3, a community may permit encroachments within 

the adopted regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in base flood elevations, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM and floodway revision, fulfills the requirements for such revisions as established under the provisions of Sec. 65.12, and receives the approval of the Administrator. 

1803.4 Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 6 Appendix G103.5.1 Floodway revision. SEE BLOCK 29

(e) When the Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within Zones A1-30 and/or AE on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated AH zones, AO zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has identified on the community's FIRM coastal high hazard areas by designating Zones V1-30, VE, and/or V, the community shall. 

35 (1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section; [Prior provisions cumulative]36 (2) Within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on a community's FIRM, 

(i) obtain the elevation (in relation to mean sea 

level) of the bottom of the lowest structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings and columns) of all new and substantially improved structures, and whether or not such structures contain a basement, and 

(ii) maintain a record of all such information with 

the official designated by the community under Sec. 59.22(a)(9)(iii); 

104.7 Department records1603.1.6 Flood design data. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.1 General (Flood Loads). SEE BLOCK 4 1612.5 Flood hazard documentation. The following documentation shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional and shall be submitted to the building official: 2. For construction in flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action:  2.1 The elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member as required by the lowest 

floor elevation inspection in Section 109.3.3. 

 2.2 Construction documents shall include a statement that the building is designed in accordance with 

ASCE 24, including that the pile or column foundation and building or structure to be attached thereto is designed to be anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and flood loads acting simultaneously on all building components, and other load requirements of Chapter 16. 

 2.3 For breakaway walls designed to resist a nominal load of less that 10 psf (0.48 kN/m2) or more than 

20 psf (0.96 kN/m2), construction documents shall include a statement that the breakaway wall is designed in accordance with ASCE 24.

Appendix G103.8 Records. SEE BLOCK 1 Appendix G501 Manufactured Homes. SEE BLOCK 16

37 (3) Provide that all new construction within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on the community's FIRM is 

located landward of the reach of mean high tide; 

Appendix G401.2 Flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action.1. Development or land disturbing activity shall only be authorized landward of the reach of mean high tide. 2. The use of fill for structural support of buildings is prohibited.
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38 (4) Provide that all new construction and substantial improvements in Zones V1-30 and VE, and also 

Zone V if base flood elevation data is available, on the community's FIRM, are elevated on pilings and columns so that (i) the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural 

member of the lowest floor (excluding the pilings or columns) is elevated to or above the base flood level; and 

(ii) the pile or column foundation and structure 

attached thereto is anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by applicable State or local building standards. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop or review the structural design, specifications and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of paragraphs (e)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section. 

109.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. SEE BLOCK 13 1603.1.6 Flood design data. SEE BLOCK 6 1605.2.2 Other loads. SEE BLOCK 6 1605.3.1.2 Other loads. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.4 Design and construction. SEE BLOCK 6 1612.5 Flood hazard documentation. [Flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action] SEE BLOCK 36

39 

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(i) Provide that all new construction and 

substantial improvements within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on the community's FIRM have the space below the lowest floor either free of obstruction or constructed with non-supporting breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening intended to collapse under wind and water loads without causing collapse, displacement, or other structural damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. For the purposes of this section, a breakaway wall shall have a design safe loading resistance of not less than 10 and 

1403.7 Flood resistance for high-velocity wave action areas. For buildings in flood hazard areas subject to high-velocity wave action as established in Section 1612.3, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system components shall not be mounted on or penetrate through exterior walls that are designed to break away under flood loads. 1612.4 Design and construction. The design and construction of buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas, including flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action, shall be in accordance with ASCE 24. 1612.5.2 Flood hazard documentation. [Flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action] SEE BLOCK 36 
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39 

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design or when so required by local or State codes) may be permitted only if a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that the designs proposed meet the following conditions: (ii) Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a 

water load less than that which would occur during the base flood; and, 

The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement, or other structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components (structural and non-structural). Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by applicable State or local building standards. Such enclosed space shall be useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. 

40 (6) Prohibit the use of fill for structural support of buildings within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on the 

community's FIRM; 

1803.4 Grading and fill in flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 6Appendix G401.2 Flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action. SEE BLOCK 37 

41 (7) Prohibit man-made alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands within Zones V1-30, VE, and 

V on the community's FIRM which would increase potential flood damage. 

Appendix G103.7 Alterations in coastal areas. Prior to issuing a permit for any alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands in flood hazard areas subject to high velocity wave action, the building official shall require submission of an engineering analysis which demonstrates that the proposed alteration will not increase the potential for flood damage.

42 (8) Require that manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within Zones V1-30, V, and 

VE on the community's FIRM on sites (i) Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision, (ii) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred “substantial damage” as the result of a flood, meet the standards of paragraphs (e)(2) through (7) of this section and that manufactured homes placed or substantially improved on other sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones VI-30, V, and VE on the community's FIRM meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(12) of this section. 

Appendix G501. Manufactured Homes. SEE BLOCK 16 
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43 (9) Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones V1-30, V, and VE on the 

community's FIRM either (i) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, (ii) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or (iii) Meet the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (e) (2) through (7) of this section. 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 security devices, and has no permanently attached additions. 

Appendix G601. Recreational Vehicles. SEE BLOCK 30

Sec. 60.6 Variance and exceptions

44 (a) The Administrator does not set forth absolute criteria for granting variances from the criteria set 

forth in Secs. 60.3, 60.4, and 60.5. The issuance of a variance is for flood plain management purposes only. Insurance premium rates are determined by statute according to actuarial risk and will not be modified by the granting of a variance. The community, after examining the applicant's hardships, shall approve or disapprove a request. While the granting of variances generally is limited to a lot size less than one-half acre (as set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section), deviations from that limitation may occur. However, as the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing a variance increases. The Administrator may review a community's findings justifying the granting of variances, and if that review indicates a pattern inconsistent with the objectives of sound flood plain management, the Administrator may take appropriate action under Sec. 59.24(b) of this subchapter. 

Appendix G105.1 General (Variances). The board of appeals established pursuant to Section 112 shall hear and decide requests for variances. The board of appeals shall base its determination on technical justifications, and has the right to attach such conditions to variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes and objectives of this appendix and Section 1612. Appendix G105.6 Considerations. In reviewing applications for variances, the board of appeals shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, all other portions of this appendix, and the following: 1. The danger that materials and debris may be swept onto other lands resulting in further injury or 

damage; 

2. The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage; 3. The susceptibility of the proposed development, including contents, to flood damage and the effect of 

such damage on current and future owners; 

4. The importance of the services provided by the proposed development to the community; 5. The availability of alternate locations for the proposed development that are not subject to flooding or 

erosion; 

6. The compatibility of the proposed development with existing and anticipated development; 7. The relationship of the proposed development to the comprehensive plan and floodplain management 

program for that area; 

8. The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles; 9. The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and debris and sediment transport of the flood 

waters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site, and; 

10. The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions including maintenance 

and repair of public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems, streets and bridges.
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45 Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a 

determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.

Appendix G105.3 Historic structures. A variance is authorized to be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of a historic structure upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure, and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure. 

Exception: within flood hazard areas, historic structures that are not: a. Listed or preliminarily determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; 

or 

b. Determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior as contributing to the historical 

significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined to qualify as an historic district; or 

c. Designated as historic under a state or local historic preservation program that is approved by the 

Department of Interior. 

46 Procedures for the granting of variances by a community are as follows. (1) Variances shall not be 

issued by a community within any designated regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result; 

Appendix G105.5 Restrictions. The board of appeals shall not issue a variance for any proposed development in a floodway if any increase in flood levels would result during the base flood discharge.

47 (2) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements to 

be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, in conformance with the procedures of paragraphs (a) (3), (4), (5) and (6) of this section; 

Appendix G105.1 General (Variances). SEE BLOCK 44 Appendix G105.6 Considerations. SEE BLOCK 44 

48 (5) Variances shall only be issued by a community upon 

(i) a showing of good and sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the 

variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and 

(iii) a determination that the granting of a variance 

will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances; 

Appendix G105.7 Conditions for issuance. Variances shall only be issued by the board of appeals upon: 1. A technical showing of good and sufficient cause that the unique characteristics of the size, 

configuration, or topography of the site renders the elevation standards inappropriate; and 

2. A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship by rendering the 

lot undevelopable; and 

3. A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional 

threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, nor create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances; and 

4. A determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford 

relief; and 

5. Notification to the applicant in writing over the signature of the building official that the issuance of a 

variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage, and that such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property.
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49 (4) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum 

necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief; 

Appendix G105.7 Conditions for issuance. BLOCK 48

50 (5) A community shall notify the applicant in writing over the signature of a community official that 

(i) the issuance of a variance to construct a 

structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and 

(ii) such construction below the base flood level 

increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions as required in paragraph (a)(6) of this section; and 

Appendix G105.7 Conditions for issuance. SEE BLOCK 48

51 (6) A community shall (i) maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their 

issuance, and (ii) report such variances issued in its annual or biennial report submitted to the Administrator. 

Appendix G105.2 Records. The building official shall maintain a permanent record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance.

52 (7) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements and 

for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use provided that (i) the criteria of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) 

of this section are met, and 

(ii) the structure or other development is protected 

by methods that minimize flood damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety.

Appendix G105.4 Functionally dependant facilities. A variance is authorized to be issued for the construction or substantial improvement of a functionally dependant facility provided the criteria in Section 1612.1 are met and the variance is the minimum necessary to allow the construction or substantial improvement, and that all due consideration has been given to methods and materials that minimize flood damages during the design flood and create no additional threats to public safety.
Appendix C. Crosswalk of the

NFIP Regulations to the Flood

Resistance Provisions of the IRC

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP C-1 
Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRCTM

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Sec. 59.1 Definitions BASE FLOOD. Base flood means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. SEE BLOCK 3 Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Flood Hazards. SEE BLOCK 3 R323.1.3 Establishing the design flood elevation. SEE BLOCK 12 

BASEMENT. Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. 

R323.1.4 Lowest floor. SEE BLOCK 28 R323.2.1 [Flood hazard areas (including A Zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 18R323.3.2 [Coastal flood hazard areas (including V Zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 36 R408.5 [Under-Floor Space] Finished grade. SEE BLOCK 18 

DEVELOPMENT. Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. 

R101.2 Scope. R105.1 Permits required. R105.2 Work exempt from permit. R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION (EXISTING STRUCTURES). For the purposes of determining rates, structures for which the “start of construction” commenced before the effective date of the FIRM or before January 1, 1975, for FIRMs effective before that date. “Existing construction” may also be referred to as “existing structures.” 

R102.7.2 [Existing Structures] Additions, alterations or repairs. SEE BLOCK 4 BUILDING, EXISTING in Chapter 2. 

FLOOD OR FLOODING.(a) A general and temporary condition of partial or complete 

inundation of normally dry land areas from. 

 (1) The overflow of inland or tidal waters.  (2) The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of 

surface waters from any source. 

[General usage throughout.] 

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community, on which the Administrator has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. 

R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. Exception. SEE BLOCK 3 Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Flood Hazards. SEE BLOCK 3 

FLOODWAY – See REGULATORY FLOODWAY. R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. Exception. SEE BLOCK 3 

Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Flood Hazards. SEE BLOCK 3

HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE. The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure. 

R323.2.1 [Flood hazard areas (including A Zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 18
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HISTORIC STRUCTURE.(a) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic 

Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register; 

(b) Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of 

the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; 

(c) Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in 

states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or 

(d) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in 

communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either. 

 (1) By an approved state program as determined by the 

Secretary of the Interior or 

 (2) Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without 

approved programs. 

[Not explicitly defined; refer to definition in IBC®.]

LOWEST FLOOR. The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of Sec. 60.3. 

R309.5 [Garages and Carports] Flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 21 R323.1.4 Lowest floor. SEE BLOCK 18 

MANUFACTURED HOME. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term “manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle.” 

Chapter 2, MANUFACTURED HOME. Appendix E Manufactured Housing Used as Dwellings. 

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION. A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale. 

[Subdivision of land not addressed in IRCTM; see IBC® Appendix G.] 
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RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A vehicle which is. (a) built on a single chassis; (b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest 

horizontal projection; 

(c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a 

light duty truck; and 

(d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but 

as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. 

R107 Temporary structures and uses.

REGULATORY FLOODWAY. The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.

See FLOODWAY.

REMEDY A VIOLATION. to bring the structure or other development into compliance with State or local flood plain management regulations, or, if this is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its noncompliance. Ways that impacts may be reduced include protecting the structure or other affected development from flood damages, implementing the enforcement provisions of the ordinance or otherwise deterring future similar violations, or reducing Federal financial exposure with regard to the structure or other development. 

R113 Violations. 

STRUCTURE. For flood plain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. “Structure” for insurance coverage purposes, means a walled and roofed building, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site, as well as a manufactured home on a permanent foundation. For the latter purpose, the term includes a building while in the course of construction, alteration or repair, but does not include building materials or supplies intended for use in such construction, alteration or repair, unless such materials or supplies are within an enclosed building on the premises.

R102.1 Scope. R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Appendix E Manufactured Housing Used as Dwellings. 

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 
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SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred “substantial damage”, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either. (1) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct 

existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions or 

(2) Any alteration of a “historic structure”, provided that the 

alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a “historic structure.” 

R102.7.1 [Existing structures] Additions, alterations or repairs. R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R108.3 Building permit valuations. 

VARIANCE. A grant of relief by a community from the terms of a flood plain management regulation. 

R104.10.1 [Modifications] Areas prone to flooding. BLOCK 44 R112.2.2 Criteria for issuance of a variance for flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 47 

VIOLATION. The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's flood plain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in Sec. 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided. 

R113 Violations. 

Sec. 59.22 [This section outlines actions to be taken by communities to be eligible for the Program, including application procedures, documentation requirements, and a commitment to fulfill certain functions and responsibilities.] 

1 (a)(9)(iii) Maintain for public inspection and furnish upon request certificates of elevation and 

certificates of floodproofing. 

R104.7 Department records.

2 (b)(1) Appoint the agency or official with the responsibility, authority, and means to implement 

the commitments, including certain reporting requirements. 

R103 Department of Building Safety. R104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. 
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Sec. 60.2 Minimum compliance with flood plain management criteria. [Sections (a) through (c) pertain to meeting specific criteria set forth herein, as a function of the type of flood-related hazard and the level of detail provided on the flood hazard map prepared by FEMA. Section (e) provides for coordination with State Coordinating Agencies with respect to submission of regulations for participation in the NFIP; Section (f) addresses the community function to submit reports periodically, when requested; and Section (g) directs communities to assure that their comprehensive plans are consistent with floodplain management objectives.] 

3 (h) The community shall adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations based on data 

provided by the Administrator. Without prior approval of the Administrator, the community shall not adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations based upon modified data reflecting natural or man-made changes. 

R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood hazard areas (including A or V Zones) as established in Table R301.2(1) shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section R323. Exception: All buildings and structures in identified floodways established in Table R301.2(1) shall be designed and constructed as stipulated in the International Building Codel. Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Flood Hazards. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with (a) the date of the jurisdiction’s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), (b) the dates(s) of the currently effective FIRM and FBFM, or other flood hazard map adopted by the community, as may be amended.R323.1 General. Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood hazard areas (including A or V Zones) as established in Table 301.2(1) shall be designed and constructed with the provisions in this section. Exception: All buildings and structures located in whole or in part in identified floodways as established in Table R301.2(1) shall be designed and constructed as stipulated in the International Building Code. 

Sec. 60.3 Floodplain management criteria for flood-prone areas. (a) When the Administrator has not defined the special flood hazard areas within a community, has not provided water surface elevation data, and has not provided sufficient data to identify the floodway or coastal high hazard area, but the community has indicated the presence of such hazards by submitting an application to participate in the Program, the community shall: 

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(1) Require permits for all proposed construction or other development, including the placement of manufactured homes, to determine whether such development is proposed within flood hazard areas; 

R101.2 Scope. R102.7.1 [Existing structures] Additions, alterations or repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs to any structure shall conform to that required for a new structure without requiring the existing structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building. R105.2 Work exempt from permit. R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. For applications for reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of existing buildings or structures located in an area prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), the building official shall examine or cause to be examined the construction documents and shall prepare a finding with regard to the value of the proposed work. For buildings that have sustained damage of any origin, the value of the proposed work shall include the cost to repair the building or structure to its predamage condition. If the building official finds that the value of proposed work equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building or structure before the damage has occurred or the improvement is started, the finding shall be provided to the board of appeals for a determination of substantial improvement or substantial damage. Applications determined by the board of appeals to constitute substantial improvement or substantial damage shall meet the requirements of R323.
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R106.1.3 Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. For buildings and structures located in whole or in part in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2(1), construction documents shall include:1. Delineation of flood hazard areas, floodway boundaries, and flood zones, and the design flood elevation, 

as appropriate;

2. The elevation of the proposed lowest floor, including basement; in areas of shallow flooding (AO zones), 

the height of the proposed lowest floor, including basement, above the highest adjacent finished grade; 

3. The elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member in coastal high hazard areas (V 

Zone); and

4. If design flood elevations are not included on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the 

code official and the applicant shall obtain and reasonably utilize any design flood elevation and floodway data available from other sources.

R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. SEE BLOCK 3 Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Flood Hazards.. SEE BLOCK 3 R323.2 Flood hazard areas (including A Zones). All areas that have been determined to be prone to flooding but not subject to high velocity wave action shall be designated as flood hazard areas. All buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood hazard areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections R323.2.1 through R323.2.3. Appendix E Manufactured Housing, Section AE101 Scope. Exception: In addition to these provisions, new and replacement manufactured homes to be located in flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2(1) of the International Residential Code shall meet the applicable requirements of Section R323 of the International Residential Code.Appendix J Existing Buildings and Structures, Section AJ102.5 Flood hazard areas. Work performed in existing buildings located in a flood hazard area as established by Table 301.2(1) shall be subject to the provisions of R105.3.1.1. 

5 (2) Review proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been received from other 

governmental agencies from which approval is required by Federal or State law, including section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334; 

R105.3.1 (Permits) Action on application. 
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(3) Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a flood-prone area, all new construction and substantial improvements shall 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R301.1 Design. Buildings and structures, and all parts thereof, shall be constructed to support safely all loads, including dead loads, live loads, roof loads, flood loads, snow loads, wind loads and seismic loads as prescribed in this code. The construction of buildings and structures shall result in a system that provides a complete load path capable of transferring all loads from their point of origin through the load-resisting elements to the foundation. R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. SEE BLOCK 3R323.1 [Flood Resistant Construction] General. Exception. [Refers to IBC® for floodway construction.) SEE BLOCK 3 R323.1.1 Structural systems. All structural systems of all buildings and structures shall be designed, connected and anchored to resist flotation, collapse or permanent lateral movement due to structural loads and stresses from flooding equal to the design flood elevation. R323.1.2 Flood-resistant construction. All buildings and structures erected in areas prone to flooding shall be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage. R323.1.5 Protection of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. Electrical systems, equipment and components, and heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and plumbing appliances, plumbing fixtures, duct systems, and other service equipment shall be located at or above the design flood elevation. If replaced as part of a substantial improvement, electrical systems, equipment and components, and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing appliances, plumbing fixtures, duct systems, and other service equipment shall meet the requirements of this section. Systems, fixtures, and equipment and components shall not be mounted on or penetrate through walls intended to break away under flood loads. 

Exception: Electrical systems, equipment and components, and heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and plumbing appliances, plumbing fixtures, duct systems, and other service equipment are permitted to be located below the design flood elevation provided that they are designed and installed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components and to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the design flood elevation in compliance with the flood-resistant construction requirements of the International Building Code. Electrical wiring systems are permitted to be located below the design flood elevation provided they conform to the provisions of the electrical part of this code for wet locations. 
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(i) be designed (or modified) and adequately 

anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy, 

(ii) be constructed with materials resistant to flood 

damage, 

(iii) be constructed by methods and practices that 

minimize flood damages, and

(iv) 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. 

R323.1.7 Flood-resistant materials. Building materials used below the design flood elevation shall comply with the following: 1. All wood, including floor sheathing, shall be pressure preservatively treated in accordance with AWPA U1 

for the species, product, preservative and end use or the decay-resistant heartwood or redwood, black locust, or cedars. Preservatives shall conform to AWPA P1/13, P2, P3 or P5. 

2. Materials and installation methods used for flooring and interior and exterior walls and wall coverings shall 

conform to the provisions of FEMA/FIA-TB-2. 

R323.2.3 Foundation design and construction. Foundation walls for all buildings and structures erected in flood hazard areas shall meet the requirements of Chapter 4. 

Exception: Unless designed in accordance with Section 404. 1. The unsupported height of 6 inches (152 mm) plain masonry walls shall be no greater than 3 feet 

(914 mm). 

2. The unsupported height of 8 inches (203 mm) plain masonry walls shall be no greater than 4 feet 

(1219 mm). 

3. The unsupported height of 8 inches (203 mm) reinforced masonry walls shall be no greater than 8 

feet (2438 mm). 

For the purpose of this exception, unsupported height is the distance from the finished grade to the underfloor space and the top of the wall. 

R401.1 [Foundations] General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1) shall meet the provisions of Section R323. M1401.5 Flood hazard. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), heating and cooling equipment and appliances shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5 M1601.3.7 Flood hazard areas. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), duct systems shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5 M1701.6 [Combustion air] Opening location. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), openings shall be located at or above the design flood elevation established in Section R323. M2001.3 Flood resistant installation. In areas prone to flooding as established in Table R301.2(1), boilers, water heaters, and their control systems shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5. 
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G2404.7 (301.11) Flood hazard. For structures located in flood hazard areas, the appliance, equipment and system installations regulated by this code shall be located or installed at or above the design flood elevation and shall comply with the flood-resistant construction requirement of Section R323. 

Exception: The appliance, equipment and system installations regulated by this code are permitted to be located below the design flood elevation provided that they are designed and installed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components and to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the design flood elevation and shall comply with the flood-resistant construction requirements of Section R323. 

M2201.6 Flood resistant installation. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), tanks shall be installed at or above the design flood elevation established in Section R323 or shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral movement under conditions of the design flood. G2404.7 (301.11) Flood hazard. For structures located in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), the appliance, equipment and system installations regulated by this code shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5. P2601.3 Flood hazard area. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), plumbing fixtures, drains, and appliances shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5. P2705.1 General.7. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), plumbing fixtures shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5.P3001.3 Flood resistant installation. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), drainage waste and vent systems shall be located and installed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into floodwaters. P3101.5 Flood resistance. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), vents shall be located at or above the design flood elevation established in Sec. R323. Appendix E Manufactured Housing, Section AE502.3 Footings and foundations. Piers and bearing walls shall be supported on masonry or concrete foundations or piles or other approved foundation systems which shall be of sufficient capacity to support all loads. 
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7 (4) Review subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including 

manufactured home parks or subdivisions, to determine whether such proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood-prone area, any such proposals shall be reviewed to assure that: (i) all such proposals are consistent with the 

need to minimize flood damage within the flood- prone area, 

(ii) all public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, 

gas, electrical, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and 

(iii) adequate drainage is provided to reduce 

exposure to flood hazards; 

[Subdivision of land not addressed in IRCTM; see IBC® Appendix G.]R323.1.6 Protection of water supply and sanitary sewage systems. New and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems in accordance with the plumbing provisions of this code. New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into systems and discharges from systems into floodwaters in accordance with the plumbing provisions of this code and Chapter 3 of the International Private Sewage Disposal Code. 

8 (5) Require within flood-prone areas new and replacement water supply systems to be designed 

to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems; and 

R323.1.6 Protection of water supply and sanitary sewage systems. SEE BLOCK 7P2602.2 Flood resistant installation. In areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1): 

1. Water-supply systems shall be designed and constructed to prevent infiltration of floodwaters. 2. Pipes for sewage disposal systems shall be designed and constructed to minimize or eliminate 

infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into floodwaters. 

9 (6) Require within flood-prone areas (i) new and replacement sanitary sewage 

systems to be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters and 

(ii) onsite waste disposal systems to be located to 

avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding. 

R323.1.6 Protection of water supply and sanitary sewage systems. SEE BLOCK 7
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(b) When the Administrator has designated areas of special flood hazards (A zones) by the publication of a community's FHBM or FIRM, but has neither produced water surface elevation data nor identified a floodway or coastal high hazard area, the community shall: 

10 (1) Require permits for all proposed construction and other developments including the placement of 

manufactured homes, within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM; (2) Require the application of the standards in paragraphs (a) (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of this section to development within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM; 

[Prior provisions cumulative.] 

11 (3) Require that all new subdivision proposals and other proposed developments (including proposals 

for manufactured home parks and subdivisions)greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the lesser, include within such proposals base flood elevation data; 

[Subdivision of land not addressed in IRCTM; see IBC® Appendix G.] 

12 (4) Obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a 

Federal, State, or other source, including data developed pursuant to paragraph (b)(3) of this section, as criteria for requiring that new construction, substantial improvements, or other development in Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM meet the standards in paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(5), (c)(6), (c)(12), (c)(14), (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section; 

R106.1.3(3) Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.1.3 Establishing the design flood elevation. The design flood elevation shall be used to define areas prone to flooding, and shall describe, at a minimum, the base flood elevation at the depth of peak elevation of flooding (including wave height) which has a 1 percent (100–year flood) or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. R323.1.3.1 Determination of design flood elevations. If design flood elevations are not specified, the building official is authorized to require the applicant to: 

1. Obtain and reasonably utilize data available from a federal, state or other source, or 2. Determine the design flood elevation in accordance with accepted hydrologic and hydraulic 

engineering practices used to define special flood hazard areas. Determinations shall be undertaken by a registered design professional who shall document that the technical methods used reflect currently accepted engineering practice. Studies, analyses, and computations shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow thorough review and approval. 

R323.1.3.2 Determination of impacts. In riverine flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, the applicant shall demonstrate that the effect of the proposed buildings and structures on design flood elevations, including fill, when combined with all other existing and anticipated flood hazard area encroachments, will not increase the design flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the jurisdiction. 
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13 (5) Where base flood elevation data are utilized, within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM: 

(i) Obtain the elevation (in relation to mean sea 

level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new and substantially improved structures, and 

(ii) Obtain, if the structure has been floodproofed 

in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was floodproofed, and (iii) Maintain a record of all such information with the official designated by the community under Sec. 59.22 (a)(9)(iii); 

R104.7 Department records R109.1.3 Floodplain inspections. For construction in areas prone to flooding as established by Table 301.2(1), upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the building official shall require submission of documentation, prepared and sealed by a registered design professional, of the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, required in Section R323.R323.1.9 As-built elevation documentation. A registered design professional shall prepare and seal documentation of the elevations specified in Section R323.2 or R323.3. [NFIP requirement 60.3(b)(5)(ii) applies to non-residential construction; see IBC®.]

14 (6) Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating Office 

prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit copies of such notifications to the Administrator; 

[Not addressed in IRCTM, see IBC® Appendix G.] 

15 (7) Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse 

is maintained; 

[Not addressed in IRCTM, see IBC® Appendix G.] 

16 (8) Require that all manufactured homes to be placed within Zone A on a community's FHBM or 

FIRM shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize flood damage. For the purposes of this requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated and anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces. 

R323.1.8 Manufactured housing. New or replacement manufactured housing shall be elevated in accordance with Section R323.2 and the anchor and tie-down requirements of Sections AE604 and AE605 of Appendix E shall apply. The foundation and anchorage of manufactured housing to be located in identified flood ways as established in Table R301.2(1) shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions in the International Building Code. Appendix E Manufactured Housing, Section AE101 Exception SEE BLOCK 4 

(c) When the Administrator has provided a notice of final flood elevations for one or more special flood hazard areas on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated other special flood hazard areas without base flood elevations on the community's FIRM, but has not identified a regulatory floodway or coastal high hazard area, the community shall: 

17 (1) Require the standards of paragraph (b) of this section within all A1-30 zones, AE zones, A zones, 

AH zones, and AO zones, on the community's FIRM; 

[Prior provisions cumulative.] 
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18 (2) Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures 

within Zones A1-30, AE and AH zones on the community's FIRM have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above the base flood level, unless the community is granted an exception by the Administrator for the allowance of basements in accordance with Sec. 60.6 (b) or (c); 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.2.1 [Flood hazard areas (including A Zones)] Elevation requirements.1. Buildings and structures shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the design flood elevation. 2. In areas of shallow flooding (AO Zones), buildings and structures shall have the lowest floor (including 

basement) elevated at least as high above the highest adjacent grade as the depth number specified in feet (mm) on the FIRM, or at least 2 feet (51 mm) if a depth number is not specified. 

3. Basement floors that are below grade on all sides shall be elevated to or above the design flood 

elevation. 

Exception: Enclosed areas below the design flood elevation, including basements whose floors are not below grade on all sides, shall meet the requirements of Section R323.2.2.R323.1.4 Lowest floor. The lowest floor shall be the floor of the lowest enclosed area, including basement, but excluding any unfinished flood-resistant enclosure that is useable solely for vehicle parking, building access or limited storage provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the building or structure in violation of this section. R408.5 (Under-Floor Space) Finished grade. . . . where there is evidence that the surface water does not readily drain from the building site, the grade in the under-floor space shall be as high as the outside finished grade, unless an approved drainage system is provided. Appendix J Existing Buildings and Structures, Section AJ102.5 Flood hazard areas. SEE BLOCK 4 

19 (3) Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential 

structures within Zones A1-30, AE and AH zones on the community's firm: (i) have the lowest floor (including basement) 

elevated to or above the base flood level or, 

(ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary 

facilities, be designed so that below the base flood level the structure 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; 

[NFIP requirement 60.3(c)(3) applies to non-residential construction, see IBC®.] 
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20 (4) Provide that where a non-residential structure is intended to be made watertight below the base 

flood level, (i) A registered professional engineer or architect 

shall develop and/or review structural design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the applicable provisions of paragraph (c)(3)(ii) or (c)(8)(ii) of this section, and 

(ii) A record of such certificates which includes 

the specific elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which such structures are floodproofed shall be maintained with the official designated by the community under Sec. 59.22(a)(9)(iii); 

[NFIP requirement 60.3(c)(4) applies to non-residential construction, see IBC®.] 

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(5) Require, for all new construction and substantial improvements, that fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which 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 or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: A minimum of two 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 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. 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R309.5 [Garages] Flood hazard areas. For buildings located in flood hazard areas as established by Table 301.2(1), garage floors shall be: Elevated to or above the design flood elevation as determined in Section R323; or Located below the design flood elevated provided they are at or above grade on all sides, are used solely for parking, building access, or storage, meet the requirements of Section R323, and are otherwise constructed in accordance with this code. 
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R323.2.2 Enclosed area below design flood elevation. Enclosed areas, including crawl spaces, that are below the design flood elevation shall: 1. Be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage. 2. Be provided with flood openings which shall meet the following criteria: 

2.1 There shall be a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed area; if a building has more than one enclosed area below the design flood elevation, each area shall have openings on exterior walls. 2.2 The total net area of all openings shall be at least 1 square inch (645 mm2) for each square foot (0.093 m2) of enclosed area, or the openings shall be designed and the construction documents shall include a statement that the design and installation will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters. 2.3 The bottom of each opening shall be 1 foot (305 mm) or less above the adjacent ground level. 2.4 Openings shall be at least 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter. 2.5 Any louvers, screens or other opening covers shall allow the automatic flow of floodwaters into and out of the enclosed area. 2.6 Openings installed in doors and windows that meet requirements 2.1 through 2.5, are acceptable; however, doors and windows without installed openings do not meet the requirements of this section. 

R408.6 [Under-Floor Space] Flood resistance. For buildings located in areas prone to flooding as established in Table R301.2(1): 

1. Walls enclosing the underfloor space shall be provided with flood openings in accordance with 

Section R323.2.2. 

2. The finished ground level of the underfloor space shall be equal to or higher than the outside finished 

ground level. Exception: Underfloor spaces that meet the requirements of FEMA/FIA TB 11-1. (TB 11-1 is Crawl Space Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas) 
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22 (6) Require that manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within Zones 

A1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM on sites (i) Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision,(ii) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred “substantial damage” as the result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to or above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation collapse and lateral movement. 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.1.8 Manufactured housing. SEE BLOCK 16 Appendix E Manufactured Housing, Section AE101, Exception SEE BLOCK 4

23 (7) Require within any AO zone on the community's FIRM that all new construction and substantial 

improvements of residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified); 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.2.1 [Flood hazard areas (including A Zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 18 

24 (8) Require within any AO zone on the community's FIRM that all new construction and substantial 

improvements of nonresidential structures (i) have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified), or (ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be completely floodproofed to that level to meet the floodproofing standard specified in Sec. 60.3(c)(3)(ii); 

[NFIP requirement 60.3(c)(8) applies to non-residential construction, see IBC®.] 

25 (9) Require within any A99 zones on a community's FIRM the standards of paragraphs (a)(1) through 

(a)(4)(i) and (b)(5) through (b)(9) of this section; 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.2.1 [Flood hazard areas (including A Zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 18 
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26 (10) Require until a regulatory floodway is designated, that no new construction, substantial 

improvements, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1-30 and AE on the community's FIRM, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the community. 

R106.1.3 Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 

27 (11) Require within Zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes, to 

guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures. 

R401.3 [Foundations] Drainage. Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer connection or other approved point of collection so as to not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded so as to drain surface water away from foundation walls. . . . 

28 (12) Require that manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved on sites in an 

existing manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones A-1-30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM that are not subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(6) of this section be elevated so that either (i) The lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation, or (ii) The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation, collapse, and lateral movement. 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.1.8 Manufactured housing. SEE BLOCK 16 Appendix E Manufactured Housing, Section AE101.1 General. Exception. SEE BLOCK 4 

29 (13) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Sec. 60.3, a community may approve certain 

development in Zones Al-30, AE, and AH, on the community's FIRM which increase the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than one foot, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM revision, fulfills the requirements for such a revision as established under the provisions of Sec. 65.12, and receives the approval of the Administrator. 

[Not addressed in IRCTM, see IBC® Appendix G.] 
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30 (14) Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1-30, AH, and AE on the 

community’s FIRM either (I) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, (ii) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or (iii) Meet the permit requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section and the elevation and anchoring requirements for “manufactured homes” in paragraph (c)(6) of this section. 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 security devices, and has no permanently attached additions. 

R107 Temporary structures.

(d) When the Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within Zones A1-30 and/or AE on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated AO zones, AH zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has provided data from which the community shall designate its regulatory floodway, the community shall: 

31 (1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c) (1) through (14) of this section; [Prior provisions cumulative.] 32 (2) Select and adopt a regulatory floodway based on the principle that the area chosen for the 

regulatory floodway must be designed to carry the waters of the base flood, without increasing the water surface elevation of that flood more than one foot at any point; 

Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Flood Hazards. SEE BLOCK 3 

33 (3) Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other 

development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge; 

R106.1.3 Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. Exception. SEE BLOCK 3 
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34 (4) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Sec. 60.3, a community may permit encroachments 

within the adopted regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in base flood elevations, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM and floodway revision, fulfills the requirements for such revisions as established under the provisions of Sec. 65.12, and receives the approval of the Administrator. 

[IRCTM not applicable to floodway construction; refer to IBC®.] 

(e) When the Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within Zones A1-30 and/or AE on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated AH zones, AO zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has identified on the community's FIRM coastal high hazard areas by designating Zones V1-30, VE, and/or V, the community shall: 

35 (1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section; [Prior provisions cumulative.] 36 (2) Within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on a community's FIRM, 

(i) obtain the elevation (in relation to mean 

sea level) of the bottom of the lowest structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings and columns) of all new and substantially improved structures, and whether or not such structures contain a basement, and 

(ii) maintain a record of all such information 

with the official designated by the community under Sec. 59.22(a)(9)(iii); 

R104.7 Department records. R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R106.1.3 Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 13 R109.1.3 Floodplain inspections. SEE BLOCK 13 R323.1.9 As-built elevation documentation. SEE BLOCK 13 R323.3 Coastal high hazard areas (including V Zones). Areas that have been determined to be subject to wave heights in excess of 3 feet (914 mm) or subject to high velocity wave action or wave–induced erosion shall be designated as coastal high hazard areas. All buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in coastal high hazard areas shall be designated and constructed in accordance with Sections R323.3.1 through R323.3.6. R323.3.2 [Coastal flood hazard areas (including V Zones)] Elevation requirements.1. All buildings and structures erected within coastal high hazard areas shall be elevated so that the lowest 

portion of all structural members supporting the lowest floor, with the exception of mat or raft foundations, piling, pile caps, columns, grade beams and bracing, is located at or above the design flood elevation. 

2. Basement floors that are below grade on all sides are prohibited. 3. The use of fill for structural support is prohibited. 4. The placement of fill beneath buildings and structures is prohibited. Exception: Walls and partitions enclosing areas below the design flood elevation shall meet the requirements of Sections R323.3.4 and R323.3.5. 
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37 (3) Provide that all new construction within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on the community's FIRM is 

located landward of the reach of mean high tide; 

R323.3.1 Location and site preparation. 1. Buildings and structures shall be located landward of the reach of mean high tide. 2. Site preparations shall not alter sand dunes and mangrove stands if an engineering analysis demonstrates that the potential for flood damage is increased. 

38 (4) Provide that all new construction and substantial improvements in Zones V1-30 and VE, 

and also Zone V if base flood elevation data is available, on the community's FIRM, are elevated on pilings and columns so that (i) the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural 

member of the lowest floor (excluding the pilings or columns) is elevated to or above the base flood level; and 

(ii) the pile or column foundation and structure 

attached thereto is anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by applicable State or local building standards. A registered professional engineer or architect shall develop or review the structural design, specifications and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of paragraphs (e)(4)(I) and (ii) of this section. 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.3.2 [Coastal high hazard areas (including V Zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 36 R323.3.3 Foundations. All buildings and structures erected in coastal high hazard areas shall be supported on pilings or columns and shall be adequately anchored to such pilings or columns. Piling shall have adequate soil penetrations to resist the combined wave and wind loads (lateral and uplift). Water loading values used shall be those associated with the design flood. Wind loading values shall be those required by this code. Pile embedment shall include consideration of decreased resistance capacity caused by scour of soil strata surrounding the piling. Pile systems design and installation shall be certified in accordance with Section R323.3.6. Mat, raft or other foundations that support columns shall not be permitted where soil investigations that are required in accordance with Section R401.4 indicate that soil material under the mat, raft or other foundation is subject to scour or erosion from wave–velocity flow conditions. Slabs, pools, pool decks and walkways shall be located and constructed to be structurally independent of buildings and structures and their foundations to prevent transfer of flood loads to the buildings and structures during conditions of flooding, scour or erosion from wave-velocity flow conditions, unless the buildings and structures and their foundation are designed to resist the additional flood load. R323.3.6 Construction documents. The construction documents shall include documentation that is prepared and sealed by a registered design professional that the design and methods of construction to be used meet the applicable criteria of this section. 
Page C-23 IRC 

Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRCTM.

NFIP Regulations IRCTM 2003 (including approvals from 2003/04 cycle)

39 (5) Provide that all new construction and sub- stantial improvements within Zones V1-30, VE, and 

V on the community's FIRM have the space below the lowest floor either free of obstruction or constructed with non-supporting breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening intended to collapse under wind and water loads without causing collapse, displacement, or other structural damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. For the purposes of this section, a breakaway wall shall have a design safe loading resistance of not less than 10 and no more than 20 pounds per square foot. Use of breakaway walls which exceed a design safe loading resistance of 20 pounds per square foot (either by design or when so required by local or State codes) may be permitted only if a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that the designs proposed meet the following conditions: (i) Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a 

water load less than that which would occur during the base flood; and, 

(ii) The elevated portion of the building and 

supporting foundation system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement, or other structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components (structural and non-structural). Water loading values used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by applicable State or local building standards. Such enclosed space shall be useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage. 

R105.3.1.1 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 4 R323.3.4 Walls below design flood elevation. Walls and partitions are permitted below the elevated floor, provided that such walls and partitions are not part of the structural support of the building or structure and: 1. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing system components are not to be mounted on or penetrate through 

walls that are designed to break away under flood loads, and 

2. Are constructed with insect screening or open lattice, or: 3. Are designed to break away or collapse without causing collapse, displacement or other structural 

damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. Such walls, framing and connections shall have a design safe loading resistance of not less than10 pounds per square foot (0.48 kN/m2) and no more than 20 pounds per square foot (0.96 kN/m2); or 

4. Where wind loading values of this code exceed 20 pounds per square foot (0.96 kN/m2), the construction 

documents shall include documentation prepared and sealed by a registered design professional that:

 4.1 The walls and partitions below the design flood elevation have been designed to collapse from a 

water load less than that which would occur during the design flood. 

 4.2. The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system have been designed to 

withstand the effects of wind and flood loads acting simultaneously on all building components (structural and nonstructural). Water loading values used shall be those associated with the design flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by this code. 

R323.3.5 Enclosed areas below design flood elevation. Enclosed areas below the design flood elevation shall be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage.

40 (6) Prohibit the use of fill for structural support of buildings within Zones V1-30, VE, and V on the 

community's FIRM; 

R323.3.2(3) and (4) [Coastal flood hazard areas (including V zones)] Elevation requirements. SEE BLOCK 36
Page C-24 IRC 

Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRCTM.

NFIP Regulations IRCTM 2003 (including approvals from 2003/04 cycle)

41 (7) Prohibit man-made alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands within Zones V1-30, VE, and V 

on the community's FIRM which would increase potential flood damage. 

R323.3.1 Location and site preparation. SEE BLOCK 37

42 (8) Require that manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within Zones V1-30, V, and 

VE on the community's FIRM on sites (i) Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision, (ii) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred “substantial damage” as the result of a flood, meet the standards of paragraphs (e)(2) through (7) of this section and that manufactured homes placed or substantially improved on other sites in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones VI-30, V, and VE on the community's FIRM meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(12) of this section. 

R323.1.8 Manufactured housing. SEE BLOCK 16 Appendix E Manufactured Housing AE101, Exception. SEE BLOCK 4

43 (9) Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones V1-30, V, and VE on the 

community's FIRM either (i) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, (ii) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or(iii) Meet the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (e) (2) through (7) of this section. 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 security devices, and has no permanently attached additions. 

R107 Temporary structures. 
Page C-25 IRC 

Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRCTM.

NFIP Regulations IRCTM 2003 (including approvals from 2003/04 cycle)

Sec. 60.6 Variance and exceptions 

44 (a) The Administrator does not set forth absolute criteria for granting variances from the criteria set 

forth in Secs. 60.3, 60.4, and 60.5. The issuance of a variance is for flood plain management purposes only. Insurance premium rates are determined by statute according to actuarial risk and will not be modified by the granting of a variance. The community, after examining the applicant's hardships, shall approve or disapprove a request. While the granting of variances generally is limited to a lot size less than one-half acre (as set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section), deviations from that limitation may occur. However, as the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the technical justification required for issuing a variance increases. The Administrator may review a community's findings justifying the granting of variances, and if that review indicates a pattern inconsistent with the objectives of sound flood plain management, the Administrator may take appropriate action under Sec. 59.24(b) of this subchapter. 

R104.10.1 [Modifications] Areas prone to flooding. The building official shall not grant modifications to any provision related to flood hazard areas as established by Table R301.2(1) without the granting of a variance to such provisions by the board of appeals.
Page C-26 IRC 

Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRCTM.

NFIP Regulations IRCTM 2003 (including approvals from 2003/04 cycle)

45 Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a 

determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure. 

R112.2.1 Determination of substantial improvement in areas prone to flooding. When the building official provides a finding required in Section R105.3.1.1, the board of appeals shall determine whether the value of the proposed work constitutes a substantial improvement. A substantial improvement means any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building or structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the building or structure has sustained substantial damage, all repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not include: 1. Improvements of a building or structure required to correct existing health, sanitary, or safety code 

violations identified by the building official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or 

2. Any alteration of a historic building or structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the continued 

designation as a historic building or structure. For the purposes of this exclusion, a historic building is: 

2.1 Listed or preliminarily determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; or 2.2 Determined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior as contributing to the historical 

significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined to qualify as an historic district; or 

2.3 Designated as historic under a state or local historic preservation program that is approved by the 

Department of Interior. 

46 Procedures for the granting of variances by a community are as follows: (1) Variances shall not 

be issued by a community within any designated regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result; 

R301.2.4 Floodplain construction. Exception. [Floodway approvals not allowed, refer to IBC®.] SEE BLOCK 3 

47 (2) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements to 

be erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, in conformance with the procedures of paragraphs (a) (3), (4), (5) and (6) of this section; 

R112.2.2 Criteria for issuance of a variance for areas prone to flooding. A variance shall only be issued upon: 1. A showing of good and sufficient cause that the unique characteristics of the size, configuration, or 

topography of the site render the elevation standards of Section 323 inappropriate. 

2. A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship by rendering the lot 

undevelopable. 

3. A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats 

to public safety, extraordinary public expense, nor create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing laws or ordinances. 

4. A determination that the variance is the minimum necessary to afford relief, considering the flood hazard. 5. Submission to the applicant of written notice specifying the difference between the design flood elevation 

and the elevation to which the building is to be built, stating that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced floor elevation, and stating that construction below the design flood elevation increases risks to life and property. 
Page C-27 IRC 

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NFIP Regulations IRCTM 2003 (including approvals from 2003/04 cycle)

48 (3) Variances shall only be issued by a community upon 

(i) a showing of good and sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the 

variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and 

(iii) a determination that the granting of a variance 

will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances; 

R112.2.2(2) and (3) Criteria for issuance of a variance for areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 47 

49 (4) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum 

necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief; 

R112.2.2(4) Criteria for issuance of a variance for areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 47 

50 (4) A community shall notify the applicant in writing over the signature of a community official 

that (i) the issuance of a variance to construct a 

structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and 

(ii) such construction below the base flood level 

increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variance actions as required in paragraph (a)(6) of this section; and 

R104.7 Department Records. R112.2.2(5) Criteria for issuance of a variance for areas prone to flooding. SEE BLOCK 47

51 (6) A community shall (i) maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their 

issuance, and (ii) report such variances issued in its annual or biennial report submitted to the Administrator. 

R104.7 Department Records. R112.1 [Board of Appeals] General.
Page C-28 IRC 

Crosswalk of the NFIP Regulations to the Flood Resistance Provisions of the IRCTM.

NFIP Regulations IRCTM 2003 (including approvals from 2003/04 cycle)

52 (7) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements 

and for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use provided that (i) the criteria of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) 

of this section are met, and 

(ii) the structure or other development is 

protected by methods that minimize flood damages during the base flood and create no additional threats to public safety. 

[Functionally dependent uses are non-residential uses; refer to IBC®.] 
Appendix D. FEMA Regional

Offices and NFIP State Coordinators

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP D-1 

FEMA’s Regional Offices 

FEMA HEADQUARTERS 

Office of the Associate Director for 

Mitigation 

500 C Street, S.W. 

Washington, DC 20472 

(202) 646-2781 

REGION I – CT, MA, ME, NH, 

RI, VT 

Mitigation Division 

99 High St, 6th Floor 

Boston, MA 02109 

(617) 223-9540 

REGION II – NJ, NY, PR, VI 

Mitigation Division 

26 Federal Plaza, Room 1337 

New York, NY 10278-0002 

(212) 680-3600 

REGION III – DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, 

WV 

Mitigation Division 

615 Chestnut Street, Sixth Floor 

Philadelphia, PA 19106 

(215) 931-5608 

REGION IV – AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, 

NC, SC, TN 

Mitigation Division 

3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Rm 270 

Atlanta, GA 30341 

(770) 220-5200 

REGION V – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI 

Mitigation Division 

536 S. Clark Street, 6th Floor 

Chicago, IL 60605-1521 

(312) 408-5500 

REGION VI – AR, LA, NM, OK, TX 

Mitigation Division 

Federal Regional Center 

800 North Loop 288 

Denton, TX 76201-3698 

(940) 898-5399 

REGION VII – IA, KS, MO, NE 

Mitigation Division 

2323 Grand Boulevard Ste 900 

Kansas City, MO 64108-2760 

(816) 263-7061 

REGION VIII – CO, MT, ND, SD, 

UT, WY 

Mitigation Division 

Denver Federal Center 

Building 710, Box 25267 

Denver, CO 80225-0267 

(303) 235-4800 

REGION IX – AZ, CA, GU, HI, NV 

Mitigation Division 

1111 Broadway, Ste 1200 

Oakland, CA 94607 

(415) 923-7100 

REGION X – AK, ID, OR, WA 

Mitigation Division 

Federal Regional Center 

130 228th Street, SW. 

Bothell, WA 98021-9796 

(425) 487-4600 
FEMA Regional Offices and NFIP State Coordinators D-2

NFIP State Coordinators 

ALABAMA 

Alabama Department of Economic & 

Community Affairs 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 6590 

Montgomery, AL 36103-5690 

(334) 353-1966 ● fax (334) 242-0776 

ALASKA 

Alaska Department of Commerce, 

Community & Economic Development 

NFIP State Coordinator 

550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1770 

Anchorage, AK 99501-3510 

(907) 269-4567 ● fax (907) 269-4563 

ARIZONA 

Arizona Department of Water 

Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

500 N. Third Street 

Phoenix, AZ 85004-3903 

(602) 417-2400, ext. 7197 

fax (602) 417-2423 

ARKANSAS 

Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation 

Commission 

NFIP State Coordinator 

101 E. Capitol, Suite 350 

Little Rock, AR 72201 

(501) 682-3907 ● fax (501) 682-3991 

CALIFORNIA 

California Department of Water 

Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1416 9th Street, Room 1623 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

(916) 574-0611 ● fax (916) 653-3639 

COLORADO 

Colorado Water Conservation Board 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1313 Sherman St, Room 721 

Denver, CO 80203 

(303) 866-4805 ● fax (303) 866-4474 

CONNECTICUT 

Connecticut Department of 

Environmental Protection 

NFIP State Coordinator 

79 Elm Street 

Hartford, CT 06106-5127 

(860) 424-3537 ● fax (860) 424-4075 

DELAWARE 

Delaware Division of Soil and Water 

NFIP State Coordinator 

89 Kings Highway 

Dover, DE 19901 

(302) 739-4411 ● fax (302) 739-6724 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 

District of Columbia Department of Health 

NFIP State Coordinator 

51 N Street, NE 

Washington, DC 20002 

(202) 535-2248 ● fax (202) 535-1364 

FLORIDA 

Florida Department of Community Affairs 

NFIP State Coordinator 

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard 

Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100 

(850) 413-9959 ● fax (850) 410-1582 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP D-3 

GEORGIA 

Georgia Department of Natural 

Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

7 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive 

Atlanta, GA 30334 

(404) 656-6382 ● fax (404) 656-6383 

HAWAII 

Hawaii Department of Land and 

Natural Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 221 

Honolulu, HI 96813 

(808) 587-0248 ● fax (808) 587-0283 

IDAHO 

Idaho Department of Water Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1301 N. Orchard 

Boise, ID 83706 

(208) 327-7993 ● fax (208) 327-7866 

ILLINOIS 

Illinois Department of Natural 

Resources 

Office of Water Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

524 S. 2nd Street 

Springfield, IL 62701-1787 

(217) 782-4435 ● fax (217) 524-1454 

INDIANA 

Indiana Division of Water 

NFIP State Coordinator 

402 W. Washington Street, 

Room W264 

Indianapolis, IN 46204 

(317) 234-1107 ● fax (317) 233-4579 

IOWA 

Iowa Department of Natural Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

Wallace State Office Building 

Des Moines, IA 50319 

(515) 281-8942 ● fax (515) 281-8895 

KANSAS 

Kansas Department of Agriculture 

Division of Water Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

109 SW 9th Street, 2nd Floor 

Topeka, KS 66612-1283 

(785) 296-2513 ● fax (785) 296-4835 

KENTUCKY 

Kentucky Division of Water 

NFIP State Coordinator 

14 Reilly Road 

Frankfort, KY 40601 

(502) 564-3410 ● fax (502) 564-9003 

LOUISIANA 

Louisiana Department of Transportation & 

Development 

Floodplain Management Section 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 94245, Capitol Station 

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9425 

(225) 274-4354 ● fax (225) 274-4351 

MAINE 

Maine State Planning Office 

NFIP State Coordinator 

38 State House Station 

Augusta, ME 04333-0038 

(207) 287-8063 ● fax (207) 287-6489 

MARYLAND 

Maryland Department of Environment 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1800 Washington Boulevard, Ste 430 

Baltimore, MD 21224 

(410) 537-3914 ● fax (410) 537-3873 
FEMA Regional Offices and NFIP State Coordinators D-4

MASSACHUSETTS 

Massachusetts Department of 

Conservation & Recreation 

NFIP State Coordinator 

251 Causeway Street, Suite 600-700 

Boston, MA 02202 

(617) 626-1406 ● fax (617) 626-1349 

MICHIGAN 

Michigan Department of 

Environmental Quality 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 38458 

Lansing, MI 48909-7958 

(517) 335-3448 ● fax (517) 373-9965 

MINNESOTA 

Minnesota Department of Natural 

Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

500 Lafayette Road 

St. Paul, MN 55155-4032 

(651) 296-0444 ● fax (651) 296-0445 

MISSISSIPPI 

Mississippi Emergency Management 

Agency 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 4501 

Jackson, MS 39204-4501 

(601) 366-6325 ● fax (601) 366-5349 

MISSOURI 

Missouri Emergency Management 

Agency 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 116 

Jefferson City, MO 65102 

(573) 526-9141 ● fax 573-526-9198 

MONTANA 

Montana Floodplain Management 

Program 

NFIP State Coordinator 

48 N. Last Chance Gulch 

Helena, MT 59620-1601 

(406) 444-6654 ● fax (406) 444-0533 

NEBRASKA 

Nebraska Department of Natural Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

301 Centennial Mall South 

Lincoln, NE 68509-4876 

(402) 471-3936 ● fax (402) 471-2900 

NEVADA 

Nevada Division of Water Planning 

NFIP State Coordinator 

123 W Nye Lane, #242 

Carson City, NV 89706-0898 

(775) 687-4380 ● fax (775) 687-6972 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

New Hampshire Office of State Planning 

NFIP State Coordinator 

107 Pleasant Street 

Concord, NH 03301 

(603) 271-2231 ● fax (603) 225-7341 

NEW JERSEY 

New Jersey Department of Environmental 

Protection 

Flood Plain Management Section 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 419 

Trenton, NJ 08625 

(609) 292-2296 ● fax (609) 984-1908 

NEW MEXICO 

New Mexico Office of Emergency 

Management 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 1628 

Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628 

(505) 476-9681 ● fax (505) 471-5922 

NEW YORK 

New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation 

NFIP State Coordinator 

625 Broadway 

Albany, NY 12233-3507 

(518) 402-8146 ● fax (518) 402-9029 
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes®

: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP D-5 

NORTH CAROLINA 

North Carolina Division of Emergency 

Management 

NFIP State Coordinator 

4713 Mail Service Center 

Raleigh, NC 27699-4713 

(919) 715-8000 ● fax (919) 715-5408 

NORTH DAKOTA 

North Dakota State Water Commission 

NFIP State Coordinator 

900 East Boulevard Avenue 

Bismarck, ND 58505-0850 

(701) 328-4898 ● fax (701) 328-3747 

OHIO 

Ohio Department of Natural Resources 

Division of Water 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1939 Fountain Square Drive 

Columbus, OH 43224 

(614) 265-6750 ● fax (614) 447-9503 

OKLAHOMA 

Oklahoma Water Resources Board 

NFIP State Coordinator 

3800 N. Classen Boulevard 

Oklahoma City, OK 73118 

(405) 530-8800 ● fax (405) 530-8900 

OREGON 

Oregon Department of Land 

Conservation & Development 

NFIP State Coordinator 

635 Capitol Street, NE, Suite 150 

Salem, OR 97301-2540 

(503) 373-0050, ext. 250 

fax (503) 378-5518 

PENNSYLVANIA 

Pennsylvania Department of 

Community and Economic 

Development 

Floodplain Management Division 

NFIP State Coordinator 

313 Forum Building 

Harrisburg, PA 17120 

(717) 720-7445 ● fax (717) 234-4560 

PUERTO RICO 

Puerto Rico Planning Board 

NFIP Coordinator 

Minillas Government Center 

P.O. Box 41119 

Santurce, PR 00940-1119 

(787) 723-6200 ● fax (787) 268-6858 

RHODE ISLAND 

Rhode Island Emergency Management 

Agency, MURI 

NFIP State Coordinator 

645 New London Avenue 

Cranston, RI 02920 

(401) 949-9996 ● fax (401) 949-1891 

SOUTH CAROLINA 

South Carolina Department of Natural 

Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1000 Assembly Street, Room 345C 

Columbia, SC 29202 

(803) 734-9120 ● fax (803) 734-9106 

SOUTH DAKOTA 

South Dakota Division of Emergency 

Management 

NFIP State Coordinator 

118 W Capitol Avenue 

Pierre, SD 57501 

(605) 773-3238 ● fax (605) 773-3580 

TENNESSEE 

Tennessee Department of Economic & 

Community Development 

NFIP State Coordinator 

312 8th Avenue, 10th Floor 

Nashville, TN 37243-0405 

(615) 741-2211 ● fax (615) 741-0607 

TEXAS 

Texas Natural Resource Conservation 

Commission 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 13087-MC 160 

Austin, TX 78711-3087 

(512) 239-6155 ● fax (512) 239-4770 
FEMA Regional Offices and NFIP State Coordinators D-6

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 

Virgin Islands Department of Planning 

& Natural Resources 

NFIP Coordinator 

CE King Airport, Terminal Bldg 2nd 

St. Thomas, VI 00802 

(340) 774-3320 ● fax (340) 774-5706 

UTAH 

Utah Division of Comprehensive 

Emergency Management 

NFIP State Coordinator 

State Office Building, #1110 

Salt Lake City, UT 84114 

(801) 538-3750 ● fax (801) 538-3770 

VERMONT 

Vermont Department of Environmental 

Conservation 

NFIP State Coordinator 

103 S. Main Street, Building 10N 

Waterbury, VT 05671-0408 

(802) 241-3770 ● fax (802) 241-3287 

VIRGINIA 

Virginia Department of Conservation 

NFIP State Coordinator 

203 Governor Street, Suite 206 

Richmond, VA 23219-2019 

(804) 786-8073 ● fax (804) 786-1798 

WASHINGTON 

Washington Department of Ecology 

Land Resources Program 

NFIP State Coordinator 

P.O. Box 47775 

Olympia, WA 98504-7775 

(360) 407-7253 ● fax (360) 407-2305 

WEST VIRGINIA 

West Virginia Office of Emergency Services 

NFIP State Coordinator 

1900 Kanawha Boulevard, Room EB-80 

Charleston, WV 25305-0360 

(304) 558-5380 ● fax (304) 344-4538 

WISCONSIN 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

NFIP State Coordinator 

101 S. Webster 

Madison, WI 53702 

(608) 266-8036 ● fax (608) 264-9200 

WYOMING 

Wyoming Emergency Management Agency 

NFIP State Coordinator 

122 West 25th Street 

Cheyenne, WY 82002 

(307) 777-4918 ● fax (307) 635-6017 
Appendix E. Sample Plan Review

and Inspection Checklists

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes Series: Meeting the Requirements of the NFIP E-1 

SAMPLE

page 1 – A Zone Checklist 

 Application #: _________________ 

Applicant: _________________________________ 

Plan Review Checklist 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA APPLICATION REVIEW – A ZONES 

Terms: FHA = Flood Hazard Area; DFE = Design Flood Elevation

Reviewer’s Initials 

and Date of 

Review 

Review Steps 

NOTE: For variance requests, use this form to document efforts to achieve the greatest 

degree of compliance.

 Is proposed development consistent with zoning? 

□ NO. Applicant to request a zoning amendment. 

□ YES. Proceed with review. 

FIRM Panel # and date 

__________________ 

FLOODWAY Panel # 

and date 

__________________ 

DFE 

__________________ 

Check FIRM, floodplain/floodway boundaries, base flood elevations, and map revisions and 

LOMRs issued by FEMA. Is proposal in the floodplain and/or floodway? 

□ NO. Sign and date this form and put in file. 

□ YES. Must meet the flood resistant provisions of the code. 

□ YES, FLOODWAY. All residential structures (including Manufactured Housing units) in 

floodways to comply with IBC®

. 

□ YES, FLOODWAY. Require engineer’s “no rise” analysis and supporting hydraulic data in 

file before continuing review. 

□ YES, in FHA without DFEs. Check other sources, use estimating methods, or require 

applicant to determine. 

□ YES, in FHA, but applicant has elevation data that shows natural site elevation above 

DFE. Advise applicant to obtain LOMA and submit copy for the file. 

□ YES, in Coastal A Zone; refer to V Zone Checklist if V Zone requirements are applied. 

□ YES, in 500-year floodplain. Floodplain review not required; flood-resistance encouraged.

Site plan shows nature of development proposal, location, dimensions, wetlands, 

floodplain/floodway boundaries, and ground elevations. 

□ YES, continue review. 

□ NO, return to applicant to revise application and site plan. 

Can the proposed development be modified to avoid floodplain? 

□ YES. Explain flood hazards to applicant and make recommendations to minimize flood 

hazards and damage potential. 

□ NO, but can impacts be further minimized? Can fill be minimized? Buildings moved to 

higher ground? 

Has the applicant obtained and provided copies of all necessary State and federal permits, e.g., 

wetlands? 

□ NO, advise applicant which agencies to contact. 

□ YES, require copies for the file. 

Will a watercourse be altered? 

□ NO. Continue review. 

□ YES. Applicant to provide copies of notices to adjacent communities, federal agencies, 

and the NFIP State Coordinator. 

□ YES. Engineer‘s analysis required to show same flood carrying capacity; method of 

maintenance specified. 

Is fill proposed? Will fill be compacted? Side-slopes are no steeper than 2:1? Protected from 

erosion? 

□ NO fill. Continue review. 

□ YES, fill used to elevate building will be compacted, sloped, and stabilized. 

□ YES, but not for building elevation. Purpose for fill: ________________________ 
SAMPLE

page 2 – A Zone Checklist 

Application #: _________________ 

Plan Review Checklist 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA APPLICATION REVIEW – A ZONES 

Initials and Date Review Steps 

Is the application for improvement or addition to an existing building? 

□ NO. A new structure is proposed, continue review. 

□ YES, but building is documented in file as a “historic structure” and proposed work will not 

 change historic designation; encourage flood resistance. 

□ YES. Costs of work are documented and compared to market value. 

□ If costs equal or exceed 50% of market value of structure, provide finding to Board of 

 Appeals for determination of Substantial Improvement. 

□ Proposed work is not a Substantial Improvement. Flood hazard review not required.

Are new structures proposed to be elevated (new residential or non-residential buildings, storage 

tanks, manufactured homes)? Give applicant a blank Elevation Certificate. 

□ NO. STOP! A permit cannot be issued for non-elevated residential buildings. 

□ NO. Non-residential may be floodproofed (see design documentation requirements) 

□ YES, on fill. Basements into fill are not allowed. 

□ YES, on piers, pilings, or columns. 

□ YES, on solid foundation walls (see Enclosed areas below DFE). 

Check the following for Manufactured Housing units: 

□ Are flood hazards avoided as much as possible? 

□ In Floodway, refer to IBC® for foundation design. 

□ Foundation is reinforced (dry-stack block NOT allowed). 

□ Ground anchors and tie-downs shown on plans? 

□ Elevated above the DFE? 

Check the following for utility support systems: 

□ Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating/air conditioning components elevated? 

□ Septic designed to minimize inflow/discharge under flood conditions? 

□ On-site water supply designed to minimize inflow under flood conditions? 

□ Above-ground tanks are anchored/elevated? 

□ Below-ground tanks are designed to resist flotation? 

If new, non-residential structure is not elevated, will it be floodproofed? 

□ YES, non-residential building will be floodproofed to not less than 1' above DFE, and 

signed and sealed design documentation is in file. 

□ YES, agricultural building to be wet floodproofed. 

□ NO. Permit shall not be approved. 

Enclosed areas below DFE (stairwells, sheds, garages, storage areas, crawl spaces)? 

□ NO. Continue review. 

□ YES, number, total net open area, and location of flood openings shown on plan. 

□ YES, plan shows acceptable use (parking, limited storage, and access). 

□ YES, flood resistant materials specified. 

□ YES, utilities, if any, are all elevated above DFE. 

□ Record permit in log of floodplain permits. 

□ Make sure that all necessary documents are in the file. 

□ Issue Permit and transfer file to Inspections. 

PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW COMPLETED BY: _________________________ DATE: ____________ 

□ ISSUE PERMIT approved by: ___________________________ 

□ DENY PERMIT approved by: ___________________________ 
SAMPLE

page 3 – A Zone Checklist 

Permit #: ________________ 

Date: ________________ 

Applicant: _________________________________ 

Inspection Checklist 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA INSPECTIONS – A ZONES

Inspector’s 

Initials and Date 

of Inspection Inspection Steps 

 Before site inspection: 

□ REVIEW permit file before going in the field. 

□ ASK permit reviewer questions to understand requirements. 

□ Are other State and federal permits in the file? 

 Measure stake out distances from waterway or landmark. Is development in the right place? Is 

fill correct distance from waterway or landmark? 

□ NO. Take enforcement action to correct problems. 

□ YES. Check fill compaction and side slopes. Basements into fill not allowed. 

 Elevation of lowest floor checked during framing or foundation inspection after lowest floor is in 

place. Elevations checked and acceptable? 

□ YES. 

□ NO! Take enforcement action to correct problems. 

 For enclosures below DFE (including crawl spaces): Are flood damage resistant materials 

used? Does use of enclosure appear to be limited to crawl space, parking, building access, or 

limited storage? Are flood openings no more than 12" above grade? Are there enough flood 

openings (based on total net open area), are they on at least two sides, and do they allow 

automatic entry/exit of floodwater? 

□ YES. 

□ Building does not have enclosures below DFE. 

□ NO! Take enforcement action to correct problems. 

 Other Notes Based on Inspection: 

 Issue Occupancy Certificate only if final inspection shows compliance with floodplain 

requirements. 

FINAL INSPECTION COMPLETED BY: _________________________________ DATE: _______________ 
SAMPLE

page 4 – A Zone Checklist 

This page intentionally blank. 
SAMPLE

page 1 – V Zone Checklist 

 Application #: _________________ 

Applicant: _________________________________ 

Plan Review Checklist 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA APPLICATION REVIEW – V ZONES

Terms: FHA = Flood Hazard Area; DFE = Design Flood Elevation

Reviewer’s Initials 

and Date of Review 

Review Steps 

NOTE: For variance requests, use this form to document efforts to achieve the 

greatest degree of compliance.

 Is proposed development consistent with zoning? 

□ NO. Applicant to request a zoning amendment. 

□ YES. Proceed with review. 

 Is proposal in Coastal Barrier Resources Area (CoBRA) or Otherwise Protected Area? 

□ NO, continue review. 

□ YES, advise applicant that flood insurance is not available, document to file, continue 

review (must comply with flood provisions). 

FIRM Panel # and date 

____________________ 

DFE ________________ 

Check FIRM, floodplain and zone boundaries, base flood elevations, and map revisions or 

LOMRs issued by FEMA. Is proposal in the Coastal Flood Hazard Area subject to high 

velocity wave action (V Zone)? 

□ NO, not in Flood Hazard Area; sign and date this form and put in file. 

□ NO, in “Coastal A Zone” (apply V Zone requirements). 

□ NO, in riverine A Zone. Use A Zone checklist. 

□ YES, in V Zone, must meet flood resistant provisions of the code. 

 Site plan shows development proposal, location, dimensions, wetlands, FHA/V Zone 

boundaries, DFE, and ground elevations (NGVD or other datum on FIRM). 

□ YES, continue review. 

□ NO, return to applicant to revise application and site plan. 

 Can the proposed development be modified to avoid FHA /V Zone? 

□ YES. Explain flood hazards to applicant and make recommendations to minimize 

flood hazards and damage potential. 

□ NO. Can floodplain impacts be further minimized? Maximize setback from the water? 

 Buildings moved to higher elevation? 

 Has the applicant obtained and provided copies of all necessary State and federal permits, 

e.g., wetlands, coastal zone consistency? 

□ NO, advise applicant which agencies to contact. 

□ YES, require copies in the file. 

 Will a dune be altered? 

□ NO, continue review. 

□ YES. Require State coastal zone approval before continuing. 

 Is a pool proposed? 

□ NO. Continue review. 

□ YES, not attached to the building; continue review. 

□ YES, attached to the building. Continue review only if included in foundation design. 
SAMPLE

page 2 – V Zone Checklist 

Application #: _________________ 

Plan Review Checklist 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA APPLICATION REVIEW – V ZONES

Initials and Date Review Steps 

Is the application for improvement or addition to an existing building? 

□ NO. A new structure is proposed, continue review. 

□ YES, but building is documented in file as a “historic structure” and proposed work will 

not change historic designation; encourage flood resistance. 

□ YES. Costs of improvements are documented and compared to market value. 

□ If costs of proposed addition equal or exceed 50% of market value of structure, 

provide finding to Board of Appeals for determination of Substantial Improvement. 

□ Proposed work is not a Substantial Improvement. Flood hazard review not 

required. 

Are new buildings proposed to be elevated? Give applicant a blank Elevation Certificate. 

□ NO. STOP! A permit cannot be issued for non-elevated buildings. 

□ YES, on fill. STOP! Structural fill not allowed in V Zones, require redesign. 

□ YES, on piers, pilings, or columns; signed and sealed design certification submitted? 

□ YES, on parallel shear walls (parallel to expected direction of flow?); signed and sealed 

design certification submitted? 

Check the following for utility support systems: 

□ Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating/air conditioning components elevated? 

□ Septic designed to minimize inflow/discharge under flood conditions? 

□ On-site water supply designed to minimize inflow under flood conditions? 

□ Above-ground storage tanks are anchored/elevated? 

□ Below-ground storage tanks are designed to resist flotation/erosion? 

 Enclosed area below DFE proposed (stairwells, sheds, garages, storage areas)? 

□ NO. Continue review. 

□ YES, enclosed by insect screening or lattice. Continue review. 

□ YES, applicant has provided signed and sealed documentation of breakaway wall 

design. 

□ YES, design not documented. Advise applicant to obtain signed and sealed 

documentation of breakaway wall design from registered design professional. 

□ YES, flood resistant materials will be used. 

□ YES, utilities not penetrating or attached to breakaway walls. 

□ Record permit in log of floodplain permits. 

□ Make sure that all necessary documents are in the file. 

□ Issue Permit and transfer file to Inspections. 

PERMIT APPLICATION REVIEW COMPLETED BY: _________________________ DATE: ____________ 

□ ISSUE PERMIT approved by: ___________________________ 

□ DENY PERMIT approved by: ___________________________ 
SAMPLE

page 3 – V Zone Checklist 

Permit #: ________________ 

Date: ________________ 

Applicant: _________________________________ 

Inspection Checklist 

FLOOD HAZARD AREA INSPECTIONS – V ZONES

Inspector’s Initials and 

Date of Inspection Inspection Steps 

 Before site inspection: 

□ REVIEW permit file before going in the field. 

□ ASK permit reviewer questions to understand requirements. 

□ Are other State and federal permits in the file? 

 Measure distances from landmark. Is development in the right place? 

□ NO. Take enforcement action to correct problems. 

□ YES. Continue inspection. 

 Elevation of lowest floor checked during framing or foundation inspection after lowest 

floor is in place. Elevations checked and acceptable? 

□ YES. 

□ NO! Take enforcement action to correct problems. 

 For enclosures below DFE: Are walls insect screening or lattice? Are walls breakaway, 

and no utilities attached to or penetrate breakaway walls? Are flood damage resistant 

materials used? Does use of enclosure appear to be limited to parking, building access, 

or limited storage? 

□ YES. 

□ Building does not have enclosures. 

□ NO! Take enforcement action to correct problems. 

 Other Notes Based on Inspection: 

 Issue Occupancy Certificate only if final inspection shows compliance with floodplain 

requirements. 

FINAL INSPECTION COMPLETED BY: ________________________________ DATE: ________________