Skip to main content
Loading…
This section is included in your selections.

A. New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure within a SFHA shall be elevated in accordance with Section 15.55.270 to or above the higher of either:

1. The base flood elevation plus two (2) feet, or

2. An elevation one and one-half (1.5) feet above the average centerline of the adjacent street, or as determined by the city engineer if special topography conditions warrant.

B. New construction of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure within a Zone X shall be elevated in accordance with Section 15.55.270 to or above an elevation one and one-half (1.5) feet above the average centerline of the adjacent street, or as determined by the city engineer if special topography conditions warrant. A FEMA Elevation Certificate is not required for new construction within a Zone X.

C. As an alternative to elevation, a new or substantial improvement to a nonresidential structure and its attendant utility and sanitary facilities may be dry floodproofed to the base flood elevation plus two (2) feet. A dry floodproofed building must meet the following:

1. Below the base flood elevation plus two (2) feet, the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water.

2. The structural components are capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.

3. The plans are certified by a registered professional engineer or licensed architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting provisions of this subsection based on their development and/or review of the structural design, specifications and plans.

4. Upon completion of the construction and before issuance of the certificate of occupancy, the permit applicant shall provide an “as-built” FEMA Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA form 81-65) signed by a professional engineer currently licensed in the state of Washington.

D. Slab-on-grade structures in the SFHA may be elevated to the base flood elevation plus one (1) foot.

(Ord. 6605 § 2, Added, 01/25/2017)