Resolution 246-20151
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO. 246 - 2015
WHEREAS, Monroe County is currently a participating community in the National
Flood Insurance Program �NFIP)
, and
interpretation of NFIP regulations; and
WHEREAS, Monroe County desires to become eligible to enter FEMA's Community
Rating System (CRS); and
WHEREAS, Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), in part, requires that in interpreting
other provisions of this chapter, the building official shall be guided by the current edition of
FEMA's 44 CFR, and FEMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins as
adopted by resolution from time to time by the board of county commissioners;
Section 1. Pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), the Board hereby adopts
Monroe County "V-Zone Certification and Calculations Documentation Policy" dated October 1,
2015, a copy of which is attached hereto.
Section 2. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to forward one (1) certified copy of
this Resolution to the Building Department.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
• MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
Mayor y . olhiAage
.4
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe Cou'll
Florida, at a regular meeting he eptember, 2015.
Mayor Danny L. Kolhage
Mayor pro to Heather Carruthers Yes
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy Yes
Commissioner George Neugent fe
Commissioner David Rice Yes
County of Monroe
Growth Management Divisio
AnUdiaLiLepartment
Murray E. Nelson Government Center
102050 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Voice: (305) 853-8800
FAX: (305) 853-8818
I
1 11
George Neugent, Dist. 2
Wavid Rice, Dist. 4
Sylvia Murphy, Dist. 5
We strive to be caring, professional, and fair.
Date: October 1, 2015
To: Growth Management Staff
From: Wes Maltby, Interim Monroe County Building Official
Re: V-Zone Certification and Calculations Documentation Policy
Regulatory References: The following are useful excerpts from directly relevant V Zone regula�io
They are not intended as all-encompassing reproductions of these regulations. In all cases, the ongil
regulations should be consulted.
I UT
Section 122-2 (c)
In interpreting other provisions of this chapter, the building official shall be guided by the current edition
of FEMA's 44 CFR, and FEMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins as
adopted by resolution from time to time by the board of county commissioners.
Section 122-3 (b)
Except for work specifically exempted under chapter 6, the building official shall require building
pen development permits for all proposed construction or other improvements within
areas of special flood hazard. In addition to the standard requirements for a building permit, an
application for a building permit for construction or improvements within areas of special flood hazard
shall contain the information and certifications set forth in a form provided by the building official.
Section 122-4 (b) (5)
V-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 1 of 13
�101�1 rM In I E61414 a 4TIVel I iq RIRK�1,01" r, I U'd I , . r AII1W I
j. Compliance with the provisions contained in section 122-4(b)(5)i. of this section shall be
certified by a registered professional engineer or architect.
V-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 2 of 13
alteration, k. Any A improvement • a structure not #
below the base flood elevation level excegyp! as provided ,1 b ;
of #'
1. No manmade alteration of mangroves or beach berm system shall be permitted which will
increase the potential for flood damage.
,, ; ,
Section R301.2.4 Floodplain Construction.
Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in the flood hazard areas(including A or
V Zones) as established in Table R301.2(1 Shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
Section R322. Buildings and structures located in whole or in part in identified floodways shall
be designed and constructed in accordance with ASCE 24.
22.1 General.
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
the provisions contained in this section. Buildings and structures located in whole or in part in
identified floodways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASCE 24.
22.1.1 Alternative provisions.
As an alternative to the requirements in Section R322, ASCE 24 is permitted subject to the
limitations of this code and the limitations therein.
22.1.2 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.
All buildings and structures erected in areas prone to flooding shall be constructed by methods
and practices that minimize flood damage.
22.1.4 Establishing the design flood elevation.
The design flood elevation shall be used to define flood hazard areas. At a minimum, the design
flood elevation is the higher of:
V -Zane Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 3 of 13
R322.1.4.1 Determination of design flood elevations.
If design flood elevations are not speced, the bung official is authorized to require ft-�
applicant to:
1. Obtain and reasonably use 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.
R322.1.4.2 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 I foot (3 05 mm) at any point within the jurisdiction.
R322.1.5 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.
R322.1.6 Protection of mechanical and electrical systems.
Electrical systems, equipment and components; heating, ventilating, air conditioning; plumbing
appliances and plumbing fixtures; duct systems; and other service equipment shall be located at
or above the elevation required in Section R322.2 (flood hazard areas including A Zones) or
R322.3 (coastal high-hazard areas including V Zones). If replaced as part of a substantial
improvement, electrical systems, equipment and components; heating, ventilating, air
conditioning and plumbing appliances and 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: Locating electrical systems, equipment and components; heating, ventilating, air
conditioning; plumbing appliances and plumbing fixtures; duct systems; and other service
equipment is permitted below the elevation required in Section R322.2 (flood hazard areas
including A Zones) or R322.3 (coastal high-hazard areas including V Zones) 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 accordance with ASCE 24.
Electrical wiring systems are permitted to be located below the required elevation provided they
conform to the provisions of the electrical part of this code for wet locations.
V-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 4 of 13
R322.1.8 Flood - resistant materials.
Building materials used below the elevation required in Section R322.2 (flood hazard areas
including A Zones) or R322.3 (coastal high - hazard areas including V Zones) shall comply with
the following:
1. All wood, including floor sheathing, shall be pressure - preservative- treated in accordance with
AWPA U1 for the species, product, preservative and end use or be the decay - resistant heartwood
of redwood, black locust or cedars.
2. Preservatives shall be listed in Section 4 of AWPA Ul.
3. Materials and installation methods used for flooring and interior and exterior walls and wall
coverings shall conform to the provisions of FEA/FIA -TB -2.
22.1.9 Manufactured homes.
In addition to the applicable requirements of the state agency with jurisdiction over installation of
manufactured homes, installation of manufactured homes in flood hazard areas is subject to the
applicable provisions of the local floodplain management ordinance.
22.1.10 As -built elevation documentation.
A registered design professional shall prepare and seal documentation of the elevations specified
in Section R322.2 or R322.3.
R322.1.11 Structures seaward of a coastal construction line.
In addition to the requirements of this section, structures located in flood hazard areas and
seaward of the coastal construction line shall be designed to resist the predicted forces of a 100 -
year storm event in accordance with Section R3109 of the Florida Building Code, Building, and
the more restrictive provisions shall govern.
R322.2 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. Flood hazard areas that have been delineated as
subject to wave heights between 11/2 feet (457 mm) and 3 feet (914 mm) shall be designated as
Coastal A Zones. All building and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood hazard areas
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections R322.2.1 through R322.2.3.
-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 5 of 13
1. Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas not designated as Coastal A Zones shall have the
lowest floors elevated to or above the design flood elevation.
2. Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas designated as Coastal A Zones shall have the
lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus 1 foot (305 mm), or to the design
flood elevation, whichever is higher.
3. 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 on the FIRM, or at least 2 feet (610 mm) if a depth number is not
specified.
4. 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 R322.2.2.
22.2.2 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 that 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 by a registered design professional that the design of the
openings will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing
for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters as specified in Section 2.6.2.2 of ASCE
24.
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 not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in any direction in the plane of the wall.
2.5. Any louvers, screens or other opening covers shall allow the automatic flow of floodwaters
into and out of the enclosed area.
V -Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 6 of 13
2.6. Openings installed in doors and windows, that meet requirements 2.1 through 2.5, ars
acceptable; however, doors and windows without installed openings do not meet the requirements
of this section.
R322.2.3 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 R404:
1. The unsupported height of 6-inch (152 mm) plain masonry walls shall be no more than 3 feet
(914 mm).
2. The unsupported height of 8-inch (203 mm) plain masonry walls shall be no more than 4 feet
(1219 mm).
3. The unsupported height of 8-inch (203 mm) reinforced masonry walls shall be no more than 8
feet (2438 mm).
For the purpose of this exception, unsupported height is the distance from the finished grade of
the under-floor space to the top of the wall.
8322.2.4 Pools in flood hazard areas.
Pools that are located in flood hazard areas established by Table R301.2(1), including above-
ground pools, on-ground pools, and in-ground pools that involve placement of fill, shall comply
with Sections R322.2.4.1 or 8322.2.4.2.
Exception: Pools located in riverine flood hazard areas which are outside of designated
floodways.
R322.2.4.1 Pools located in designated floodways.
Where pools are located in designated floodways, documentation shall be submitted to the
building official, which demonstrates that the construction of the pool will not increase the design
flood elevation at any point within the jurisdiction.
R322.2.4.2 Pools located where floodways have not been designated.
Where pools are located in riverine flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified
but floodways have not been designated, the applicant shall provide a floodway analysis that
demonstrates that the proposed pool will not increase the design flood elevation more than 1 foot
(3 05 mm) at any point within the jurisdiction.
R322.3 Coastal high-hazard areas (including V Zones).
Areas that have been determined to be subject to wave heights in excess of 3feet (914 mm) or
subject to high-velocity wave action or wave-induced erosion shall be designated as coastal high-
hazard areas. Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in coastal high-hazard areas
shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections R322.3.1 through R322.3.6.
V-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 7 of 13
ff M ril M.. .� 1c,
1. New buildings and buildings that are determined to be substantially improved pursuant to
Section R105.3.1.1, shall be located landward of the reach of mean high tide.
2. For any alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands the building official shall require
submission of an engineering analysis which demonstrates that the proposed alteration will not
increase the potential for flood damage.
0 iiiiiiiiiii 410 1111 if 4 1 '1 D4 11
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
piling, pile caps, columns, grade beams and bracing, is elevated to 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. Minor grading, and the placement of minor quantities of fill, shall be permitted for landscaping
and for drainage purposes under and around buildings and for support of parking slabs, pool
decks, patios and walkways.
Exception: Walls and partitions enclosing areas below the design flood elevation shall meet the
requirements of Sections R322.3.4 and R322.3.5.
F oundations.
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. The space below the
elevated building shall be either free of obstruction or, if enclosed with walls, the walls shall meet
the requirements of Section R322.3.4. Pilings 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 R322.3.6. Spread footing, 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 spread footing, mat, raft or other foundation is subject to
scour or erosion from wave - velocity flow conditions. If permitted, spread footing, mat, raft or
other foundations that support columns shall be designed in accordance with ASCE
24. 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.
V -Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 8 of 13
R322.3.3.1 Pools.
Pools in coastal high-hazard areas shall be designed and constructed in conformance with
ASCE 24.
below R322.3.4 Walls i 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 resistance of not less than 10 (479 Pa) and no more
than 20 pounds per square foot (958 Pa), determined using allowable stress design; or
4. Where wind loading values of this code exceed 20 pounds per square foot (958Pa), determined
using the allowable stress design, 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 shall be those required by this code.
R322.3.5 Enclosed areas below design flood elevation.
Enclosed areas below the design flood elevation shall be used solely for parkingof vehicles,
building access or storage.
R322.3.6 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.
V -Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 9 of 13
3109.5 Flood loads during a 100 -year storm.
3109.5.1 Load basis. The structural design shall be based on the 100 -year storm as determined by
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in studies published as part of the coastal
construction control line establishment process. Breaking, broken and nonbreaking waves shall be
considered as applicable. Design wave loading analysis shall consider vertical uplift pressures and
all lateral pressures to include impact, as well as dynamic loading and the harmonic
intensification resulting from repetitive waves.
3109.5.2 Hydrostatic load. Habitable structures shall be designed in consideration of the
hydrostatic loads which would be expected under the conditions of maximum inundation
associated with a 100 -year storm event. Calculations for hydrostatic loads shall consider the
maximum water pressure resulting from a fully peaked, breaking wave superimposed on the
design storm surge with dynamic wave setup. Both free and confined hydrostatic loads shall be
considered. Hydrostatic loads which are confined shall be determined using the maximum
elevation to which the confined water would freely rise if unconfined. Vertical hydrostatic loads
shall be considered as forces acting both vertically downward and upward on horizontal or
inclined surfaces of major structures (e.g., floors, slabs, roofs, walls). Lateral hydrostatic loads
shall be considered as forces acting horizontally above and below grade on vertical or inclined
surfaces of major structures and coastal or shore protection structures. Hydrostatic loads on
irregular or curving geometric surfaces may be determined in consideration of separate vertical
and horizontal components acting simultaneously under the distribution of the hydrostatic
pressures.
3109.5.3 Hydrodynamic loads. Habitable structures shall be designed in consideration of the
hydrodynamic loads which would be expected under the conditions of a 100 -year storm event.
Calculations for hydrodynamic loads shall consider the maximum water pressures resulting
from the motion of the water mass associated with a 100 -year storm event. Full- intensity loading
shall be applied on all structural surfaces above the design grade which would affect the flow
velocities.
1612.5 Flood hazard documentation. The following documentation shall be prepared and sealed
by a registered design professional and submitted to the building official:
1. For construction in flood hazard areas other than coastal high hazard areas:
1.2. The elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, as required by the foundation
inspection and the final inspection in Section 110.3.
1.2. For fully enclosed areas below the design flood elevation where provisions to allow or the
automatic entry and exit of floodwaters do not meet the minimum requirements in Section 2.6.2.1
of ASCE 24, construction documents shall include a statement that the design will provide for
equalization of hydrostatic flood forces in accordance with Section 2.6.2.2 of ASCE 24.
Wone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 10 of 13
1.3. For dry floodproofed nonresidential buildings, construction documents shall include a
statement that the dry floodproofing to " d in accorda
# �i #.
2.1. The elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member as required by the
foundation inspection and the final inspection in Section 110.3.
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 have a resistance of more than 20 psf (0.96 kNIm )
determined using allowable stress design, construction documents shall include a statement that
the breakaway wall is designed in accordance with ASCE 24.
Reference for V- Zone design criteria standards in the Florida Building Code.
(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.
(5) 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 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
V -Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 11 of 13
FEMA Technical Bulletin 5 Free-of-Obstruction Requirements (2008)
� M IIIIIII I IIIIIII!I III II!IIIII III IC -1 . -
Calculation of flood loads that must be considered in the design:
1. Hydrostatic load — buoyancy effects, lateral loads from standing water, slowly moving water, and
nonbreaking waves
2. Breaking wave load
3. Hydrodynamic load — from rapidly moving water, including breaking waves
4. Debris impact load — from waterborne objects
M�M1 Iy 1 0 4 - ... . . -
V-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 12 of 13
Permit applications for new construction, substantial improvements, and alterations to structures that
currently meet the base flood, must be submitted with:
Monroe County V-Zone Construction Certification signed and sealed by the engineer or
design professional
Design Calculations signed and sealed • the engineer • design professional must • submitted
with the Monroe County V-Zone Certification. Calculation to be include at a minimum if
applicable:
Calculated velocity
Hydrostatic load — buoyancy effects, lateral loads from standing water, slowly moving water,
and noribreaking waves
Breaking wave load
Hydrodynamic load — from rapidly moving water, including breaking waves
Debris impact load — from waterborne objects
Estimation of scour
Breakaway wall design and calculations
Free of obstruction design for ground slabs
Free of obstruction design for accessory structures and pools
NOTE: All loads will be calculated with the loads of wind and water acting simultaneously.
Inspection type 155, Final Enclosure Inspection must approved prior to issuing a Certificate of
Occupancy
Finished Construction Elevation Certificate must be submitted and approved prior to issuing a
Certificate • Occupancy
V-Zone Certification and Calculation Document Policy/Page 13 of 13