Flood Standards Workgroup Recommendations

Approved by the Florida Building Commission August 11, 2009

 

 

           

1. The I-Code provisions should be used as the basis for inclusion of flood provisions relevant to buildings and structures into each of the respective codes (FBC). Members agreed that on balance, ICC provisions should be retained unless there is a specific need for a Florida Specific Requirement.

 

2. Adopt ASCE 24 (Flood Resistant Design and Construction Standards) by reference as the flood provisions in each of the codes (FBC).

 

3. Allow local jurisdictions to adopt higher standards for flood resistance provision to address local concerns within the Code (based on local flood studies), to ensure local’s ability to be eligible for the NFIP’s Community Rating System.

 

4. Seek a legislative exception so that local CRS (higher flood resistant standards) would not be subject to the local technical amendment requirements of the Code, subject to a consistency review with updated editions of the code.

           

5. Develop a model “companion” ordinance that  includes NFIP-consistent administrative provisions and includes NFIP requirements for development other than buildings and structures that are not within the scope of the Code. Also, include a list of more stringent requirements that local jurisdictions could consider for possible adoption.

 

6. Inconsistencies between the CCCL and V Zone requirements shall continue to be resolved at the local level, and on a case-by-case basis.

 

7. A interagency group should be formed to develop a strategy for determining whether any inconsistencies between the CCCL and V Zone requirements can be resolved by code changes in the next code cycle (i.e., coordination between FBC, DEP, DEM, FEMA).

 

8. Adoption of flood maps and administrative procedures shall be at the local level.

 

9. Retain ICC format, modify as appropriate for Florida and develop cross-reference list, similar to Chapter 27 for the Electrical Code.

 

10. Seek statutory change to section 553.80 F.S. to clarify that this provision not be used to deviate from flood resistant requirements."