Non-Residential Floodproofing — Requirements and

Certification

for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas

in accordance with the

National Flood Insurance Program

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FEDERAL INSURANCE ADMINISRTATION

FIA-TB-3

4/93
Key Word/Subject index:

This index allows the user to quickly locate key words and subjects in this Technical Bulletin. The Technical Bulletin User’s Guide (printed separately) provides references to key

words and subjects throughout the Technical Bulletins. For definitions of selected terms,

refer to the Glossary at the end of this bulletin.

Key Word/Subject

A-zone floodproofing

Floodproofing, Emergency Operations Plan, minimum acceptable

Floodproofing, Inspection and Maintenance Plan, minimum acceptable

Floodproofing, recognition of for insurance rating purposes

High hazard area, safety and access in

Hydrodynamic forces on floodproofed building

Hydrostatic forces on floodproofed building

Non-residential floodproofing certificate, how to fill out

Page

2

5

5

4

3

8

6

10

Any comments on the Technical Bulletins should be directed to:

FEMA/FIA

Office of Loss Reduction

Technical Standards Division

500 C St., SW, Room 417

Washington, D.C. 20472

Technical Bulletin 3-93 replaces Technical Bulletin 90-3 (draft) “Non-Residential Floodproofing Certification

Requirements. ”

Graphic design based on the Japanese print The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-

1849), Asiatic collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
TECHNICAL BULLETIN 3-93

Non-Residential Floodproofing — Requirements and Certification

for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas

in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program

Introduction

This bulletin describes design, construction, and planning requirements for the floodproofing of

non-residential buildings under the ‘National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations and

how to correctly complete the NFIP’s Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures

form. For the purposes of this bulletin, floodproofing means making a building watertight,

substantially impermeable to floodwaters.

Before a floodproofed building is designed, numerous planning considerations, including flood

warning time, uses of the building, mode of entry to and exit from the building and the site in

general, floodwater velocities, flood depths, debris impact potential, and flood frequency, must

be addressed to ensure that dry floodproofing will be a viable floodplain management tool.

These critical considerations are discussed within this bulletin.

In the FEMA publication “Floodproofing of Non-Residential Structures,” floodproofing is

described as a combination of adjustments and/or additions of features to buildings that eliminate

or reduce the potential for flood damage. Examples of such adjustments and additions include

anchoring of the building to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement; installation of

watertight closures for doors and windows; reinforcement of walls to withstand floodwater

pressures and impact forces generated by floating debris; use of membranes and other sealants to

reduce seepage of floodwater through walls and wall penetrations; installation of pumps to

control interior water levels; installation of check valves to prevent the entrance of floodwater or

sewage flows through utilities; and the location of electrical, mechanical, utility, and other

valuable damageable equipment and contents above the expected flood level.

Floodproofing components for an individual building may also include floodwalls, small localized levees, or berms around buildings. However, such components, because they are not part of

the building itself, are generally not credited for the flood insurance rating of a building under

the NFIP and are therefore not detailed within this bulletin.

The NFIP allows a new or substantially improved non-residential building in an A zone (Zone A,

AE, A 1-A30, AR, AO, or AH) to have a lowest floor below the base flood elevation (BFE),

provided that the building has been designed, constructed, and certified to be floodproofed and to

meet established criteria. Floodproofing of areas below the BFE in residential buildings is not

permitted under the NFIP. In a Coastal High Hazard Area (Zone V, VE, or V 1 -V30), construction or substantial improvement of a building with a lowest floor elevation below the BFE is not

allowed, regardless of any floodproofing techniques employed.

A Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures (FEMA Form 81 -65) has been

developed by FEMA for use in the certification of non-residential floodproofing designs. Because of the increased potential for significant building damage due to the failure of the

floodproofing system, the NFIP requires a design certification for all floodproofed buildings. In
accordance with Section 60.3(c)(4), communities shall require a correctly completed certificate

(or its equivalent) for every floodproofed building within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

and shall maintain the completed certificates on file.

A Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures is required for the following types of

buildings (in A zones only):

● Floodproofed non-residential buildings (no residential uses).

● Floodproofed mixed-use buildings that are professionally designed with all residential uses

located above the floodproofing design elevation.

NFIP Regulations

The NFIP regulations that specifically apply to the design of floodproofing for non-residential

buildings are within Section 60.3(c)(3), which states that the community shall:

“Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential structures within Zones A1 -A30, AE, and AH 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. ”

Section 60.3(c)(8) further states that the community shall:

“Require within any AO zone on the community’s FIRM that all new construction or

substantial improvements of non-residential 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 (base flood) level to meet the floodproofing standard specified in

paragraph 60.3(c)(3)(ii).”

Additionally, Section 60.3(c)(4) requires that any floodproofing design be certified in the following manner:

“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 the accepted standards

of practice for meeting the applicable provisions of paragraphs (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... ”
I 1

It should be noted that Technical Bulletins provide guidance on the minimum requirements

of the NFIP regulations. Community or State requirements that exceed those of the NFIP

take precedence. Design professionals should contact the community to determine whether

more restrictive local or State regulations apply to the building or site in question. All

II applicable standards of the State or local building code must also be met for any building in II

a flood hazard area.

Planning Considerations

A review of the following factors for the site in question will assist the design professional in

determining whether floodproofing is appropriate. For example, if a site will be surrounded by

rapidly rising, high-velocity floodwaters during a flood, and the available warning time is short,

then the site is unsuitable for a floodproofed building.

Warning Time

The rate-of-rise of floodwaters for the site in question, the established flood warning system (if

any), the flood warning time available, and the reliability of the flood warning must be reviewed

to determine appropriate floodproof design elements. The rate-of-rise or the flood warning time

available through an existing reliable (community-based or regionally based) flood warning

system must be adequate to provide sufficient lead time to evacuate a floodprone building when

flooding threatens. In addition, sufficient warning time must exist to successfully place

floodproofing components, such as removable flood shields or gates, if such components are to

be included in the floodproofing design. Other examples of floodproofing techniques that can

require human intervention are operating sump pumps and closing valves. The amount of time

necessary to put human intervention floodproofing components in place will depend upon the

number of components, their complexity, and the availability of personnel to place them.

Floodproofed buildings are not appropriate for any site in a flash flood area, because of the

potentially short warning time.

Safety and Access

Safe access to a floodproofed building is a critical factor in the determination of whether

floodproofing is an appropriate design alternative. In 1987, Colorado State University conducted

a study of human stability in flood flow conditions based on the product number of depth of flow

multiplied by the floodwater velocity. Results of this study indicated that any floodplain location

with a product number of 4 or greater represents a significant hazard to individuals. Floodplain

sites with a base flood product number number of 4 or greater (depth in feet multiplied by velocity in feet per second) will create a hazard for anyone attempting to escape from or gain access to

the site. Such sites are not generally acceptable for floodproofed buildings, unless modifications

are made to the site to reduce the flood hazard.

For any floodproofed building, all roads to be used as evacuation routes must remain passable as

the floodwaters rise. In addition, all roads that provide access to buildings whose dryfloodproofing components require human intervention must remain passable long enough for the

3
floodproofing components to be installed and for all personnel to safely evacuate the site. For

sites with an acceptably low hazard (product number less than 4) that are contiguous to land

above the BFE, evacuation and access during times of flooding are generally not critical considerations.

Flood Velocities, Flood Depths, and Debris

For sites with flood velocities in excess of 5 feet per second or base flood depths in excess of 3

feet, the cost of dry-floodproofed construction may be prohibitive. Part 3 of the section of this

bulletin titled “Minimum Engineering Considerations” describes the flood forces that a

floodproofed building must be able to resist. Flood-borne debris can generate impact forces that

may make a dry-floodproofed design technically infeasible and therefore inappropriate. A level

of safety above the BFE, referred to as freeboard, is recommended, as discussed under “Minimum Engineering Considerations. ”

Note: While buildings need only be protected to the BFE for floodplain management purposes, freeboard is considered for flood insurance rating purposes. Because of the additional

risk associated with any floodproofed building, 1 foot is subtracted from the elevation to

which a building has been floodproofed, for insurance rating (if the building is floodproofed

at least to the BFE). Therefore, to receive an insurance rating based on 100-year flood

protection, the building must be floodproofed to an elevation at least 1 foot above the BFE.

Insurance premiums will be lower if floodproofing exceeds this requirement.

L’ II

Flood Frequency

A site that has been flooded frequently may not be appropriate for a dry-floodproofed building.

The cumulative wear-and-tear on a building’s external components as a result of recurring

inundation may render a dry floodproofing strategy infeasible. The cost of repeated business

interruption and of frequent cleanup activities, as well as the effects of having to repeatedly

implement a flood emergency plan, must be assessed.

If the evaluation of each of the aforementioned factors indicates that dry floodproofing is a

viable floodplain management alternative, then a floodproofing design is developed. For all

floodproofed buildings, the design professional must then produce both a Flood Emergency

Operation Plan and an Inspection and Maintenance Plan for the building.

Flood Emergency Operation Plan

A Flood Emergency Operation Plan is an integral part of any building’s floodproofing design

and is critical when the floodproofing requires human intervention such as the installation of

flood gates or flood shields. A Flood Emergency Operation Plan is necessary for any

floodproofed building to ensure that the floodproofing components will operate properly under

all conditions, including power failures. A continuous source of electricity to operate any necessary floodproofing components, such as pumps, will be needed for any floodproofing design that
includes such components. The design professional must produce the plan. An adequate plan

must include the following:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

An established chain of command and responsibility with leadership responsibilities clearly

defined for all aspects of the plan.

A procedure for notification of necessary parties when flooding threatens and flood warnings

are issued. Personnel required to be at the building should have a planned and safe means of

ingress and should have no other emergency response duties during a flood event. Alternates

should be assigned in the event that the primary persons responsible are unable to complete

their assigned duties under the plan.

A list of specific duties assigned to ensure that all responsibilities are addressed expeditiously. The locations of materials necessary to properly install all floodproofing components must be included in the list.

An evacuation plan for all personnel—those without duties for the flood emergency as well

as those with duties for implementing the plan. All possible ingress and egress routes must

be identified.

A periodic training and exercise program to keep personnel aware of their duties and responsibilities. Training drills should be held at least once a year and should be coordinated with

community officials. Flood safety precautions should be repeated during each training drill.

Inspection and Maintenance Plan

Every floodproofing design requires some degree of periodic maintenance and inspection to

ensure that all components will operate properly under flood conditions. The necessary inspection and maintenance activities, including inspection intervals and repair requirements, must be

described in the Inspection and Maintenance Plan. Components that should be inspected as part

of an annual (as a minimum) maintenance and inspection program include the following:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Mechanical equipment such as sump pumps and generators.

Flood shields and closures, to ensure that they fit properly and that the gaskets and seals are

in good working order, properly labeled, and stored as indicated in the Flood Emergency

Operation Plan.

Walls and wall penetrations, for cracks and potential leaks.

Levees and berms, for excessive vegetative growth, cracks, or leaks.

Both the Flood Emergency Operation Plan and the Inspection and Maintenance Plan are necessary at the time that the Non-Residential Floodproofing Certificate is submitted to the community. Before issuing a building permit, the community should require that the property owner

sign an agreement stating that the plan will be adhered to. The community should also be assured that the inspection and maintenance activities required by the plan will continue regardless

of changes in the ownership of the floodproofed building. This assurance should be accomplished by appropriate deed restrictions. Any lease agreement should also contain clear language

stating the leaseholder’s responsibilities for the floodproofed building.

5
Minimum Engineering Considerations

The design professional, a registered professional engineer or architect, must certify that the

following requirements have been met by the building’s design, specifications, and plans:

1.

2.

3.

The building must be watertight (i.e., floodwaters must not enter the building envelope):

a.

b.

The building must be watertight to the floodproof design elevation, which is further

defined as being at least the BFE. As previously noted, floodproofing to any elevation

less than 1 foot above the BFE will have a serious negative impact on the flood insurance

rating for the building. Generally a minimum of 1 foot of freeboard is recommended.

Additional freeboard is warranted for sites where predicted flood depths may be inaccurate, such as sites within large drainage areas and rapidly urbanizing areas.

The building’s walls must be “substantially impermeable to the passage of water.”

FEMA has adopted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) definition of substantially

impermeable from the COE publication “Flood Proofing Regulations.” This document

states that a substantially impermeable wall “shall not permit the accumulation of more

than 4 inches of water depth during a 24-hour period if there were no devices provided

for its removal. However, sump pumps shall be required to control this seepage.” Floodresistant materials, described in Technical Bulletin 2, “Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements,” must be used in all areas where such seepage is likely to occur.

The building’s utilities and sanitary facilities, including heating, air conditioning, electrical,

water supply, and sanitary sewage services, must be located above the BFE, completely

enclosed within the building’s watertight walls, or made watertight and capable of resisting

damage during flood conditions.

All of the building’s structural components must be capable of resisting specific flood-related

forces. These are the forces that would be exerted upon the building as a result of floodwaters reaching the BFE (at a minimum) or floodproofing design level, and include the following:

a. Hydrostatic Flood Force—This is the force that water at rest exerts on any submerged

object. For a floodproofed building design, the calculations of hydrostatic flood forces

must include saturated soil pressure on any portion of the building that is below grade

(see Figure 1). Guidelines for determining hydrostatic pressure are provided on the

following page.

6
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURES

BY WATER DEPTH

HEIGHT (H)

(WATER DEPTH]

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Ph (LBS/SQ.FT.) I

62.4

124.8

187.2

249.6

312.0

374.4

436.8

499.2

561.6

624.0

II II

H

Buoyancy Force

Figure 1. Hydrostatic Pressure Diagram

Resultant Lateral Force Due to Hydrostatic Pressure from Freestanding Water:

Fh = 1⁄2wH2

where: Fh

is the lateral force from freestanding water (in pounds per linear

foot of surface)

w is the specific weight of water (62.4 pounds per cubic foot)

H is the height of the standing water (to the floodproof design level)

If any portion of the building is below grade, then calculate the Resultant Cumulative

Lateral Force Due to Hydrostatic Pressure from Saturated Soil:

Fsat = 1⁄2SD2+Fh

where: Fs a t is the lateral force from saturated soil

s is the equivalent fluid weight of saturated soil (in pounds per

cubic foot)

D is the depth of saturated soil (in feet)

Fh

is the lateral force from freestanding water

Note: See Appendix C of the FEMA “Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures”

for further information.

7
b. Buoyancy-This is the vertical force associated with the building's tendency to float

when inundated or surrounded by floodwaters. This force can be calculated as shown

below.

Buoyancy Force:

Fb = wAH

where: Fb

is the force due to buoyancy

w is the specific weight of water (62.4 pounds per cubic foot)

A is the area of horizontal surface (floor or slab) being acted upon (in

square feet)

H is the depth of building below the floodproofing design level (in feet)

Note: See Appendix C of the FEMA “Design Manual for Retrofitting Ftood-Prone Residential Structures”

for further information.

c. Hydrodynamic Force—This is the force exerted on vertical surfaces exposed to moving

floodwaters. The determination of hydrodynamic force is based on the expected velocity

of the floodwaters with depths to the floodproofing design level (BFE or higher). The

projected average base flood velocity within the floodway may be obtained using FEMA

Flood Insurance Studies (FISS) where a floodway has been identified. It should be noted

that velocities in the flood fringe will generally be less than the floodway velocities

presented in the FIS. Where no FIS velocity data exist, velocities should be determined

using Manning’s equation, as found in most hydraulic reference and text books.

Hydrodynamic Force:

Fd = Cdm1⁄2(V)

2A

where: Fd

is the lateral force due to hydrodynamic pressure

Cd

is the drag coefficient

m is the mass density of water (1.94 slugs per cubic foot)

v is the velocity of the water (in feet per second)

A is the area of the wall affected (in square feet)

Note: See Appendix C of the FEMA “Design Manual for Retrofitting Ftood-Prone Residential Structures” for

further information.

8
d. Debris Impact Force—This is the force associated with flood-borne debris striking the

side of a building. This force presents the greatest unknown to the designer, but a value

must be estimated to develop an effective floodproofing design. Unless more detailed

information is available, such as historical debris flow data, the formula shown below

should be used. This formula assumes a 1-second duration of impact. The weight of the

object is generally estimated at 1,000 pounds but can be reduced to 500 pounds for areas

subject to minor debris flow potential. Any areas subject to severe debris (such as mountainous regions or areas subject to ice floes) are not appropriate sites for floodproofed

buildings unless the designer takes these forces into account in designing and armouring

the building. Armouring often results in designs that are not cost-effective.

where: Fi

w

v

g

t

Debris Impact Force:

is the Impact Force

is the weight of the object (in pounds)

is the velocity of the object (in feet per second)

is the acceleration due to gravity (32.2 feet per second2

)

is the duration of impact (in seconds)

Note: See Appendix C of the FEMA “Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures”

for further information.

4. Like all construction that falls under the NFIP regulations, the building must meet the requirements of all applicable portions of local and State building codes, including the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act; life-safety codes for ingress, egress, and clearing; and venting and combustion air requirements.

9
Preparation of the Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Buildings

The Floodproofing Certificate is required for all non-residential buildings to be floodproofed and

is to be completed by the design professional. The first part of the Certificate contains information concerning the location and ownership of the building.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM O.M.B. No. 3067-007

FLOODPROOFING CERTIFICATE

FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES

The floodproofing of non-residential buildings maybe permitted as an alternative to elevating to or above the Base Flood Elevation;

however, a floodproofing design certification is required. This form is to be used for that certification. Floodproofing of a residential

building does not alter a cummunity’s floodplain management elevation requirements or affect the insurance rating unless the

community has been issued an exception by FEMA to allow floodproofed residential basements. The permitting of a floodproofed

residential basement requires a separate certification specifying that the design complies with the local floodplain management

ordinance.

FOR INSURANCE COMPANY USE

BUILDING OWNER’S NAME POLICY NUMBER

STREET ADDRESS (including Apt., Unit, Suite and/or Bldg. Number) OR P.O ROUTE AND BOX NUMBER COMPANY NAIC NUMBER

OTHER DESCRIPTION (Lot and Block Numbers, etc.)

CITY STATE ZIP CODE

Building location and Ownership information

Section I of the Certificate is the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information, including the

BFE used in designing the floodproofing system. Copies of the FIRM should be available

through the community’s floodplain administrator.

SECTION I FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION

Provide the following from the proper FIRM:

COMMUNITY NUMBER I PANEL NUMBER I SUFFIX I DATE OF FIRM INDEX I FIRM ZONE I BASE FLOOD ELEVATION I

(in AO Zones use depth)

I

Section I

10
Section II requests information regarding the floodproofing design. The first item is the elevation, referenced to the datum of the FIRM (generally the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of

1929), to which the building is floodproofed. This elevation must be equal to or greater than the

BFE. It is important to note that for insurance rating purposes, the floodproofing design must

provide protection to 1 foot above the BFE to receive rating credit. If the building is

floodproofed only to the BFE, then the building’s insurance rating will result in a higher premium. Before a decision is made to floodproof to less than 1 foot above the BFE, insurance

implications should be carefully considered.

The second item is the height of the floodproofing above the lowest adjacent grade. This information is intended to be used by community building officials, FEMA, and NFIP insurance

underwriters to analyze the level of safety that the floodproofing design will provide. Since

floodwaters exert greater pressure on the floodproofed building as the height of the flooding

increases (see Figure 1), floodproofing that exceeds 3 feet in height represents a greater risk and

may result in insurance rates that reflect this increased risk.

SECTION II FLOODPROOFING INFORMATION (By a Registered Professional Engineer or Architect)

Floodproofing Design Elevation Information:

Building is floodproofed to an elevation of __.__ feet NGVD. (Elevation datum used must be the same as that on

the FIRM.)

Height of floodproofing on the building above the lowest adjacent grade is feet.

(NOTE: for insurance rating purposes, the building’s floodproofed design elevation must be at least one foot above the

Base Flood Elevation to receive rating credit. If the building is floodproofed only to the Base Flood Elevation, then the

building’s insurance rating will result in a higher premium.)

Section II

Section III is the actual certification of the floodproofing design as required in Section 60.3(c)(4)

of the NFIP regulations. It is important to note that design professionals signing this form are

certifying that they have developed and/or reviewed the design plans and specifications and find

them in compliance with accepted standards of practice for dry floodproofing. This certification

is based on the floodproofing design, not the as-built condition of the building. The person

signing this form must be a registered professional engineer or architect within the state or

territory where the building will be constructed or substantially improved.

11
SECTION Ill CERTIFICATION (By a Registered Professional Engineer or Architect)

Non-Residential Floodproofed Construction Certification:

I certify that based upon development and/or review of structural design, specifications, and plans for construction that

the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the

following provisions:

The structure, together with attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, is watertight to the floodproofed design

elevation indicated above, with walls that are substantially impermeable to the passage of water.

All structural components are capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic flood forces, including the

effects of buoyancy, and anticipated debris impact forces.

I certify that the information on this certificate represents my best effort to interpret the data available. I understand that

any false statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001.

CERTIFIER’S NAME LICENSE NUMBER (or Affix Seal)

TITLE COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

SIGNATURE DATE PHONE

Copies should be made of this certificate for: 1) community official, 2) insurance agent/company, 3) building owner.

FEMA Form 81-65

Section Ill

The NFIP

The NFIP was created by Congress in 1968 to provide federally backed flood insurance coverage, because flood insurance was generally unavailable from private insurance companies. The

NFIP is also intended to reduce future flood losses by identifying floodprone areas and ensuring

that new development in these areas is adequately protected from flood damage. The NFIP is

based on an agreement between the federal government and participating communities that have

been identified as being floodprone. FEMA, through the Federal Insurance Administration

(FIA), makes flood insurance available to the residents of a participating community provided

that the community adopts and enforces adequate floodplain management regulations that meet

the minimum NFIP requirements. The NFIP encourages communities to adopt floodplain management ordinances that exceed the minimum NFIP criteria. Included in the NFIP requirements,

found under Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, are minimum building design and

12
construction standards for buildings located in SFHAS. Through their floodplain management

ordinances, communities adopt the NFIP design performance standards for new and substantially

improved buildings located in floodprone areas identified on FIA’s FIRMs.

Technical Bulletins

This is one of a series of Technical Bulletins FEMA has produced to provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the NFIP. These standards are contained in Title 44 of

the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3. The bulletins are intended for use primarily by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing NFIP regulations and

by members of the development community, such as design professionals and builders. New

bulletins, as well as updates of existing bulletins, are issued periodically, as necessary. The

bulletins do not create regulations; rather they provide specific guidance for complying with the

minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. Users of the Technical Bulletins who need

additional guidance concerning NFIP regulatory requirements should contact the Natural Hazards Branch of the appropriate FEMA regional office. The “User’s Guide to Technical Bulletins” lists the bulletins issued to date and provides a key word/subject index for the entire series.

Ordering Information

Copies of the Technical Bulletins can be obtained from the appropriate FEMA regional office.

Technical Bulletins can also be ordered from the FEMA publications warehouse. Use of FEMA

Form 60-8 will result in a more timely delivery from the warehouse — the form can be obtained

from FEMA regional offices and your state’s Office of Emergency Management. Send publication requests to FEMA Publications, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, D.C. 20024.

Further Information

The following publications provide further information concerning non-residential

floodproofing:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

“Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings,” FEMA, May 1991, FEMA213.

“Block and Brick Wall Integrity Against Water Heights and Systems and Materials to Prevent

Flood Waters From Entering Buildings,” Carl E. Pace, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1984.

“Commercial-Industrial Flood Audit,” New England District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

n.d.

“Cooperative Flood Loss Reduction, A Technical Manual for Communities and Industries,”

Flood Loss Reduction Associates, 1981.

“Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures,” FEMA, September

1986, FEMA-1 14.

“Floodproofing Non-Residential Structures,” FEMA, May 1986, FEMA- 102.

13
7. “Flood Proofing Regulations,” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, March 1992, EP 1165-2-314.

8. “Human Stability in a High Flood Hazard Zone,” S.R. Abt, R.J. Whittlen, A. Taylor, and D.J.

Love, Water Resource Bulletin, August 1989.

9. “Sealants, Part 1,“ John P. Cook, Progressive Architecture, December 1974.

10. “Sealants, Part 2,” John P. Cook, Progressive Architecture, February 1975.

11. “Systems and Materials to Prevent Flood Waters from Entering Buildings,” U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers, 1984.

12. “Tests of Brick-Veneer Walls and Enclosures for Resistance to Flood Waters,” Carl E. Pace,

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lower Mississippi Division, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1978.

Glossary

Base flood — The flood that has a 1-percent probability of being equaled or exceeded in any

given year (also referred to as the 100-year flood).

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) — The height of the base flood, usually in feet, in relation to the

National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 or other datum as specified.

Basement — Any area of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

Coastal High Hazard Area — An area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the

inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to highvelocity wave action from storms or seismic sources.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — The independent federal agency that, in

addition to carrying out other activities, oversees the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Federal Insurance Administration (FIA) — The component of FEMA directly responsible for

administering the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) — The insurance and floodplain management map issued

by FEMA that identifies, on the basis of detailed or approximate analyses, areas of 100-year

flood hazard in a community.

Floodprone area — Any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwater from any

source.

Lowest floor — The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area of a building, including a basement. Any NFIP-compliant unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure useable solely for parking of

vehicles, building access, or storage (in an area other than a basement) is @ considered a

building’s lowest floor.

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Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) — Area delineated on a Flood Insurance Rate Map as

being subject to inundation by the base flood and designated as Zone A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO,

AH, V, VE, or V1-V30.

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 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 that have

incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed.

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