§ 11-629. FLOOD VENTING.

All new construction and substantial improvement with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, 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 floodwater. Designs for meeting this requirement must exceed the following minimum criteria:

(a)

Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect; or

(b)

Have a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed areas having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. 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 floodwater.

(Added Ord. 2005-102, § 2, eff. 9-20-05; Am. Ord. 2007-92, § 3, eff. 1-17-08).