Item I3 1.3
t, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
County of Monroe Mayor Sylvia Murphy,District 5
The Florida Keys l'U � � Mayor Pro Tern Danny Kolhage,District 1
�pw° Michelle Coldiron,District 2
Heather Carruthers,District 3
David Rice,District 4
County Commission Meeting
September 18, 2019
Agenda Item Number: I.3
Agenda Item Summary #5962
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Building
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Karl Bursa(305) 453-8759
AM
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a resolution of the Monroe County Board of County
Commissioners adopting FEMA Technical Bulletin 4 "Elevator Installation" dated June 2019 as
required pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c).
ITEM BACKGROUND: Chapter 122 of the Monroe County Code "Floodplain Management"
includes rules for interpreting flood hazard issues. 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 from time to time by the board of county commissioners. FEMA's Technical
Bulletins ("bulletins") provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which are contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of
Federal Regulations. 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 to existing
bulletins, are issued periodically as needed. The bulletins do not create regulations; rather they
provide specific guidance for complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP
regulations. Adopting these documents as well as internal County policies would serve to allow the
County to not only remain in the NFIP as stated in Section 122-1(b), but also to maintain its standing
in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS). The proposed resolution would adopt FEMA
Technical Bulletin 4 "Elevator Installation" dated June 2019 as required pursuant to Monroe County
Code Section 122-2(c).
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
January 18, 1994 — BOCC approved Ordinance No. 002-1994 adding the language "as adopted by
resolution from time to time by the Board of County Commissioners" to the rules for interpreting
flood hazard issues.
July 15, 2015 — BOCC rejected proposed ordinance amending Section 122-2(c) and directed staff to
continue proposing resolutions for adoption of both new and amended documents to be used by the
building official for guidance on floodplain management.
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1.3
September 16, 2015 — BOCC approved Ordinance 227-2015 adopting FEMA Technical Bulletin 4
"Elevator Installation" dated November 2010 as required pursuant to Monroe County Code Section
122-2(c).
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval
DOCUMENTATION:
FEMA_TB4_FINAL_070219_508
TB_4_Reso
FEMA Technical Bulletin Updates_BOCC.docx
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract: N/A
Total Cost to County: N/A
Current Year Portion: N/A
Budgeted: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
CPI: N/A
Indirect Costs: N/A
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: N/A
Revenue Producing: N/A If yes, amount:
Grant: N/A
County Match: N/A
Insurance Required: N/A
Additional Details:
None
REVIEWED BY:
Rick Griffin Completed 08/19/2019 2:25 PM
Steve Williams Completed 08/26/2019 2:34 PM
Assistant County Administrator Christine Hurley Completed
08/27/2019 12:48 PM
Budget and Finance Completed 08/27/2019 12:50 PM
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1.3
Maria Slavik Completed 08/27/2019 1:52 PM
Kathy Peters Completed 08/28/2019 11:18 AM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 09/18/2019 9:00 AM
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Elevator Installation Z
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NFIP Technical Bulletin 4 / June 2019
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Comments on the Technical Bulletins should be directed to:
DHS/FEMA
Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA) Risk Management Directorate
Building Science Branch
400 C Street, S.W., Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20472-3020
NFIP Technical Bulletin 4 (2019) replaces NFIP Technical Bulletin 4 (2010)Elevator Installation for Buildings
Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Cover photograph: Looking down on a traction elevator system that sustained damage, including rusting
and cab deterioration, from contact with floodwater.
NFIP Technical Bulletin 4 contains information that is proprietary to and copyrighted by the American .
Society of Civil Engineers and information that is proprietary to and copyrighted by the International Code
Council, Inc. All information is used with permission.
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For more information, see the FEMA Building Science LO
Frequently Asked Questions website at htip://www.femg.qov/ To order publications, contact the FEMA �
frequently-asked-questions-building-science. Distribution Center: N
Call: 1-800-480-2520 V.-
CD I
If you have any additional questions on FEMA Building (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., EST)
Science Publications, contact the helpline at FEMA- Fax: 719-948-9724
Buildinasciencehelp@fema.dhs.gov or 866-927-2104. Email: FEMAr)ubs@ar)g.gov
You may also sign u for the FEMA Building Science email
y g p g Additional FEMA documents can be
subscription, which is updated with publication releases found in the FEMA Library at
and FEMA Building Science activities. Subscribe at htt s:// htips://www.fema.aov/media-library/
service.aovdeliverv.com/accounts/USDHSFEMA/subscriber/ resources.
new topic id=USDHSFEMA 193.
Please scan this QR code 0 :0 0
Visit the Building Science Branch of the Risk Management to visit the FEMA Building �•
Directorate at FEMA's Federal Insurance and Mitigation Science web page.
Administration at htips://www.fema.aov/buildina-science. ❑,
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Table of Contents
Acronyms...............................................................................................................................................ii
1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 1
2 NF P Regulations ................................................................................................................................. 1
OtherRegulations 3................................................................................................................................
3.1 International Residential Code.............................................................................................................3
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3.2 International Building Code and ASCE 24..........................................................................................4
How Elevators Affect NF P Flood Insurance Rates 5
4.1 Elevator Shafts/Enclosures....................................................................................................................5
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4.2 Elevator Cabs and Equipment...............................................................................................................0
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Typesof Elevators................................................................................................................................7
5.1 Hydraulic Elevators................................................................................................................................7
5.2 Traction Elevators 8..................................................................................................................................
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5.3 Other Conveyance Mechanisms 10 LO
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Protecting Elevators from Flood Damage 11
6.1 Elevator Shafts/Enclosures..................................................................................................................11
6.2 Elevator Equipment..............................................................................................................................12
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6.3 Fire Recall Switches and Backup Power..............................................................................................13 Iq
6.4 Hydraulic Elevators..............................................................................................................................14
6.5 Traction Elevators ................................................................................................................................14
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6.6 Other Conveyance Mechanisms 14 y as
6.7 Mitigation Guidance Based on Post-Disaster Observations ..............................................................14
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7 References........................................................................................................................................ 16
List of Figures
Figure 1. Direct-acting (holed) hydraulic elevator.........................................................................................8
Figure 2. Holeless hydraulic elevator...............................................................................................................8
Figure3. Traction elevator...............................................................................................................................9
Figure 4. Machine room-less traction elevator................................................................................................9
Figure 5. Float switch to control cab descent................................................................................................13
FIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4 JUNE 2019
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List of Tables
Table 1. Comparison of Select 2018 IRC and NFIP Requirements..............................................................3
Table 2. Comparison of Select 2018 IBC and ASCE 24-14 Requirements with NFIP Requirements.........4
Table 3. Hydraulic Elevator System Components, Locations, and Flood-Protection Strategies................7
Table 4. Traction Elevator System Components, Locations, and Flood Protection Strategies................10
Table5. General Guidance...........................................................................................................................15
Table 6. Guidance for Specific Components...............................................................................................15
Acronyms
ANSI American National Standards Institute
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ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
BFE base flood elevation 00
CFR Code of Federal Regulations LO
DHS Department of Homeland Security N
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIMA Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map
IBC International Building Code®
ICC International Code Council® W
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I-Codes International Codes®
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IRC International Residential Code®
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NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
SEI Structural Engineering Institute
SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area
SFIP Standard Flood Insurance Policy
ii NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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1 Introduction
This Technical Bulletin provides guidance on the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) floodplain
management requirements for installing elevators and NFIP TECHNICAL LL TI 0
associated equipment below the base flood elevation NFIP Technical Bulletin 0, User's Guide
(BFE) in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). This to Technical Bulletins, should be used
Technical Bulletin also discusses how the presence as a reference in conjunction with this
of elevators in buildings can affect flood insurance Technical Bulletin. Technical Bulletin 0
premiums. describes the purpose and use of the
Types of elevators and associated equipment are Technical Bulletins, includes common
described, along with practical methods of protecting
concepts and terms, lists useful
elevators from flood damage. Even when compliance resources, and includes a crosswalk
of the sections of the NFIP regulations
is not required, application of these loss prevention identifying the Technical Bulletin
measures can reduce the level of damage that can occur, that addresses each section of the g
the resultant repair costs, and the time elevators are out regulations and a subject index. ca
of service. If this guidance is followed, elevator service
in buildings can be restored as quickly as possible once Readers are cautioned that the definition
floodwater recedes and power is restored. of some of the terms that are used in
the Technical Bulletins are not the same
Questions about the NFIP floodplain management when used by the NFIP for the purpose 00
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requirements pertaining to elevators should be directed of rating flood insurance policies. `O�
to the appropriate local official,NFIP State Coordinating T-
Office, or FEMA Regional Office. �.
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2 NFIP Regulations
An important NFIP objective is protecting buildings constructed in SFHAs from damage caused by flood
forces. The SFHA, composed of Zones A and V, is the areal extent of the base flood shown on Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) prepared by FEMA. The base flood is the flood that has a 1 percent chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (commonly called the "100-year flood").
0
The NFIP floodplain management regulations include
minimum building design criteria that apply to new
construction and to improvements, alterations, and INCREASED USE OF ELEVATORS
additions determined to be Substantial Improvements. Elevators have become more common
The minimum criteria also apply to the repair of in residential and nonresidential
buildings determined to have incurred Substantial construction to facilitate access because
Damage. The NFIP regulations require the lowest floor of the requirements to elevate buildings
(including basement) to be elevated to or above the BFE and comply with the Americans with
in new construction and for improvements determined Disabilities Act of 1990.
to be Substantial Improvements (including repair of
NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4 JUNE 2019
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1.3.a
buildings determined to have incurred Substantial Damage). Non-residential buildings in Zone A must
be elevated or dry floodproofed.
The NFIP regulations for utility systems, including elevator equipment, are codified in Title 44 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 60. Pertaining specifically to this Technical Bulletin, 44 CFR
Section 60.3(a)(3) states that a community shall:
Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably
safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a flood-prone area, all new construction
and substantial improvements shall ... (ii) be constructed with materials resistant to flood
damage, (iii) be constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damages, and (iv)
be constructed with electrical, heating,ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment 'a
and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from M
entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
To comply with the NFIP regulations, measures must be taken to mitigate flood damage to service
facilities,including elevators and associated equipment.Although in order to function, some components
must be located below the lowest floor of an elevated building (i.e., below the BFE), most of the elevator 2
components that are vulnerable to flooding can be located above the BFE or be designed so that flood
damage is minimized.
NFIP REQUIREMENTS AND HIGHERG LA7 Y STANDARDS 00
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State and Local Requirements. State or local requirements that are more stringent than the minimum �
requirements of the NFIP take precedence. The Technical Bulletins and other FEMA publications provide
guidance on the minimum requirements of the NFIP and describe best practices. Design professionals,
builders, and property owners should contact local officials to determine whether more restrictive
provisions apply to buildings or sites in question. All other applicable requirements of the State or local
building codes must also be met for buildings in flood hazard areas. ®i
Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage.As part of issuing permits, local officials must
review not only proposals for new construction but also for work on existing buildings to determine
whether the work constitutes Substantial Improvement or repair of Substantial Damage. If the work is
determined to constitute Substantial Improvement or repair of Substantial Damage, the buildings must
be brought into compliance with NFIP requirements for new construction. Some communities modify
the definitions of Substantial Improvements and/or Substantial Damage to be more restrictive than the
NFIP minimum requirements. For more information on Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage, o
see FEMA P-758, Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference (2010), and FEMA 213,
Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged/Substantially Damaged Buildings (2018).
Higher Building Elevation Requirements. Some communities require that buildings be elevated above
the NFIP minimum requirements. The additional elevation is called freeboard. Design professionals,
builders, and property owners should check with local officials to determine whether a community has
freeboard requirements. References to building elevations in this Technical Bulletin should be construed
as references to the community's elevation requirement in areas where freeboard is required.
2 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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3 Other Regulations
In addition to complying with NFIP requirements, all new construction, Substantial Improvements, and
repairs of Substantial Damage must comply with the applicable building codes and standards that have
been adopted by States and communities.
The International Codes® (I-Codes®), published by the International Code Council® (ICC®) are a family
of codes that include the International Residential Code® (IRC®), International Building Code® (IBC®),
International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®), and codes that govern the installation of mechanical,
plumbing, fuel gas service, and other aspects of building construction. FEMA has deemed that the
latest published editions of the I-Codes meet or exceed NFIP requirements for buildings and structures. 0
Excerpts of the flood provisions of the I-Codes are available on FENINs Building Code Resource webpage
iauu
( Indu.�,ov/bauI k➢u11�;.codc r�'�soaurccs).
3.1 International Residential Code IRC C TAY
The IRC applies to one- and two-family dwellings and ICC publishes companion
townhomes not more than three stories above grade plane. commentary for the IRC. Although
IRC Section R321 requires that elevators comply with ASME not regulatory, the commentary
provides guidance that is useful in
A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (2016). W
The 2018 IRC requirements related to building utility and complying with, interpreting, and
enforcing the requirements of the 00
service equipment in dwellings in SFHAs (summarized Q
in Table 1) are similar to, but generally exceed, NFIP code. LO
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requirements. C14
Table 1. Comparison of Select 2018 IRC and NFIP Requirements
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Mechanical, Section R322.1.6 Protection of mechanical, plumbing and electrical Exceeds NFIP
plumbing, systems. 44 CFR§ 60.3(a)
and electrical Specifies that protection of electrical systems, equipment, and components; (3)with more
systems heating, ventilating, air conditioning; plumbing appliances and plumbing specificity:
fixtures; duct systems; and other service equipment should be located at or Elevation must
above the elevations required for buildings based on flood zone. In addition:
be to at least
the same height
• Equipment and components replaced as part of Substantial Improvement 0
must meet the same requirements as new construction. as the elevation
requirement for
• Systems, fixtures, equipment, and components must not be mounted on dwellings, and
or penetrate through walls intended to break away under flood loads. limitations related
• An exception allows equipment and components below the required to breakaway walls,
elevation if designed and installed to prevent water from entering or acknowledge that
accumulating within the components and to resist flood loads. minimum electric
• Electrical wiring systems that conform to requirements for wet locations service may be
are permitted below the required elevation. appropriate(e.g.,
Change from 2015 to 2018 IRC: No change. for light switches).
Change from 2012 to 2015 IRC: No change.
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Table 1. Comparison of Select 2018 IRC and NFIP Requirements(concluded)
General Section M1301.1.1 [General Mechanical System Requirements] Flood- Exceeds NFIP
mechanical resistant installation. 44 CFR§ 60.3(a)
systems Requires mechanical appliances, equipment, and systems to be located and (3)with more
installed in accordance with Section R322.1.6. specificity.
Change from 2015 to 2018 IRC: No change.
Change from 2012 to 2015 IRC: No change.
Used with permission from ICC.
3.2 International Building
The flood provisions of the latest published editions of the IBC
meet or exceed the NFIP requirements for buildings, largely 111113C AND ASCE COMMENTARIES
through reference to the standard ASCE 24, Flood Resistant ICC publishes companion
Design and Construction, developed by the American Society commentary for the IBC and ASCE
of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The IBC applies to all applicable publishes companion commentary
buildings and structures. While primarily used for buildings for ASCE 24. Although not
and structures other than dwellings within the scope of the regulatory, the commentaries
IRC, the IBC may be used to design dwellings. Current (2018) provide information and guidance W
IBC and current ASCE 24 (ASCE 24-14 [2014]) requirements that are useful in complying 00
for buildings in SFHAs are summarized in Table 2. with, interpreting, and enforcing LO
requirements.
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Table 2. Comparison of Select 2018 IBC and ASCE 24-14 Requirements
with NFIP Requirements
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General flood 2018 IBC, Section 1612.2 Design and construction. Exceeds NFIP
hazard area Requires buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas to be 44 CFR§ 60.3(a)
requirements designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 7, (3)with more
Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other specificity.
Structures, and ASCE 24.
Change from 2015 to 2018 IBC: Section renumbered from 1612.4 to 1612.2.
Change from 2012 to 2015 IBC: Applies Coastal High Hazard Area
requirements in Coastal A Zones, if delineated.
Elevators 2018 IBC, Chapter 30, Elevators and Conveying Systems,Section Exceeds NFIP
3001.3 Referenced standards. 44 CFR§ 60.3(a)
Specifies the standards that govern the design, construction, installation, (3)with more
alteration, repair, and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and specificity.
components. Among other standards cited is ASME A17.1, Safety Code for
Elevators and Escalators, issued by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers. ASCE 24 is cited for construction in flood hazard areas.
Change from 2015 to 2018 IBC: Section renumbered from 3001.2 to 3001.3
and referenced standards, other than ASCE 24, provided in Table 3001.3.
Change from 2012 to 2015 IBC: ASME A17.7/CSA 1344.7 and ANSI M11-129.1
added to Section 3001.2.
4 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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Table 2. Comparison of Select 2018 IBC and ASCE 24-14 Requirements with NFIP Requirements(concluded)
Elevators ASCE 24-14,Section 7.5 Elevators Exceeds NFIP
• Elevator components must be located above the elevations required for 44 CFR§ 60.3(a)
buildings unless specifically permitted by this section. (3)with more
• Components below the required elevations must be composed of flood specificity.
damage-resistant materials and capable of resisting physical damage due
to flooding.
• Hydraulic elevators are permitted below the required elevation, but
electrical control panels, hydraulic pumps, and tanks must be elevated;
drainage must be provided for the elevator pit; hydraulic lines, hydraulic
cylinders, and buffer springs must be located to prevent physical damage CL
due to flooding or painted or coated with galvanic or rust-preventive paint.
• Traction elevator systems must have elevated machine rooms, and
components in hoistways below the required elevation must be protected
from physical damage due to flooding.
• Elevators must be equipped with controls that prevent cabs from
descending into floodwater.
• Elevator shafts must resist flood loads. In Zone A, shafts are not required
to have flood openings; in Zone V and Coastal A Zones, shafts are not
required to have breakaway walls.
Change from ASCE 24-05: Added subsection on elevator shafts.
Used with permission from ASCE and ICC
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4 How Elevators Affect NFIP
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Flood Insurance Rates
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NFIP floodplain management regulations restrict use of enclosed areas below the lowest elevated floor of
elevated buildings to parking of vehicles, building access, and storage. Elevators,just as stairs and ramps,
are permitted for building access.Although elevators and elevator shafts/enclosures are covered by NFIP ILL
flood insurance policies, their presence in a building, their size, and their manner of construction are
factors used by insurance underwriters to determine a building's flood insurance premium.
4.1 ElevatorShafts/Enclosures
For buildings located in Zone A (all zones shown on FIRMS as Zones A,AE,Al through A30,AR,AO, and
AH),where elevator shafts/enclosures are not designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces
on its exterior walls, a premium loading is added to the standard flood insurance building rate. The
amount of premium loading depends on the square footage of the elevator shaft/enclosure and the depth
of the shaft/enclosure in relation to the BFE. However, no premium loading is added to the standard
building rate if the elevator shaft/enclosure is designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces
on exterior walls by allowing the entry and exit of floodwater, is unfinished, and used only for building
access, parking of vehicles, or storage.
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FLOOD INSURANCE TERMINOLOGY AND RATING OF ELEVATOR PITS
The NFIP and Standard Flood Insurance Policy(SFIP) define a basement as "any area of the building,
including any sunken room or sunken portion of a room, having its floor below ground level (subgrade)
on all sides." Additionally, the NFIP and SFIP define the lowest floor as "the lowest enclosed area
(including a basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles,
building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest
floor provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of requirements."
The SFIP defines an elevated building as "a building that has no basement and that has its lowest floor
raised above ground level by foundation walls, posts, piers, pilings, or columns."
Elevator Pits.A building that has its lowest elevated floor raised above ground level by foundation walls,
posts, piers, pilings, or columns where the only area below grade is an elevator pit is classified as an
elevated building for insurance rating purposes, even if the bottom of the elevator pit is below grade
on all sides. There is a premium surcharge for elevators in an SFHA if the elevator pit is below the BFE,
whether the pit is below grade or not. For non-elevated buildings with any area below grade, including an
elevator pit, the below-grade portions are classified as basements for flood insurance rating purposes.
Floodplain management regulations do not consider elevator pits that are the minimum size necessary as
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to be basements if they are designed in accordance with the requirements of this Technical Bulletin (i.e.,
the elevator pit is the minimum size required for the elevator to function, has no finishes, and contains no
equipment).
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For buildings located in Zone V (all zones shown on FIRMS as Zone V,VE, and Vl through V30), elevator Q
shafts/enclosures with walls surrounding the elevator cab are always considered building obstructions. If M�
the elevator shaft/enclosure exceeds 300 square feet and has breakaway walls, then a premium loading
factor is added to the overall flood insurance building rate with obstruction. The amount of the premium
loading depends on the actual square footage of the elevator shaft/enclosure, and the depth of the shaft/
enclosure in relation to the BFE. However, no premium loading is added to the standard building with z
obstruction rate if the elevator shaft/enclosure is less than 300 square feet, made with breakaway walls, is
unfinished, and used only for building access, parking of vehicles, or storage.
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4.2 ElevatorEquipment
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The NFIP provides coverage for elevator cabs and their related equipment as building property. However,
the NFIP does not cover elevator-related equipment located below the lowest floor of elevated buildings E
constructed after the community joined the NFIP or installed below the BFE after September 30, 1987.
A separate premium loading is added to the cab and any permanent machinery and equipment servicing <
an elevator in a building that extends below the BFE in Zone A or Zone V.
6 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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5 Types of Elevators
Elevators are vertical transports that move people or materials
between the floors or levels of a structure. All elevators have AS ME A17.1 TERMINOLOGY
a cab or platform in a shaft; the cab or platform moves along
rails and is powered by one or more motors. Some of the For consistency with ASME the industry standard, this Technical
differences between elevator systems are related to how the Bulletin refers to elevators as
cab or platform is transported between levels. residential and commercial.
as
The two primary types of elevators used in residential and
commercial buildings are hydraulic elevators and traction
elevators.A key difference between them is that hydraulic elevators lift the elevator cab using one or more
pistons while traction elevators lift the elevator cab using steel cables and a traction motor.
Other conveyance systems include pneumatic elevators, chairlifts, and platform lifts.
0
5.1 HydraulicElevators
A hydraulic elevator consists of a cab attached directly or indirectly to a hydraulic jack that consists of
a direct-acting piston inside a cylinder. Hydraulic elevators can be direct-acting (holed) or holeless. In 2
direct-acting hydraulic elevators, the hydraulic jack assembly extends below the lowest floor and into the W_
ground below the pit area (Figure 1). In contrast, for holeless hydraulic elevators, cylinders are placed 00
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in the shaft sides and do not extend below the pit floor (Figure 2). Both types of hydraulic elevators are t°i
operated by a hydraulic pump and reservoir for hydraulic fluid, both of which are usually located in a
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room adjacent to the elevator shaft. Both types of hydraulic elevators are generally used in buildings with
fewer than five or six floors, including dwellings. �I
Table 3 provides a summary of hydraulic elevator system components, their typical location, and strategies
to protect them from flood damage. MI
Table 3. Hydraulic Elevator System Components, Locations,and Flood-Protection Strategies i
Yes
Elevator Shaft(Enclosure) Entire vertical limit of building No Below the BFE
0
Cab Hoistway Yes Yes
Cylinder Pit No NO
Use holeless(see Table 5)
Hydraulic Jack Assembly Pit No No
Use holeless(see Table 5)
Buffer Springs and Stand Pit No No
Paint or coat(see Table 6)
Machine/Equipment Room 1st or 2nd level of building Yes Yes
Hydraulic Pump Above BFE Yes Yes
Hydraulic Reservoir Above BFE Yes Yes
Electrical Control Panel Above BFE Yes No
FIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4 JUNE 2019
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Figure 1. Direct-acting (holed)hydraulic elevator Figure 2. Holeless hydraulic elevator
5.2 Traction Elevators LOW-RISE AND HIGH-RISE
Traditional geared traction elevator systems consist of For purposes of this Technical Bulletin,
cables connected to the top of the cab operated by an "low-rise" refers to dwellings within the
electric motor located in a penthouse above the elevator scope of the IRC(one-and two-family
shaft, as shown in Figure 3. Traction elevators may be homes and townhomes not more than
geared or gearless depending on building height, speed three stories above grade plane)and
requirements, and cost considerations. Geared traction other structures with a mean roof height
elevators are typically used for small low-rise structures, of less than 75 feet. "High-rise" refers
while more expensive gearless traction elevators tend to to structures with a mean roof height of
be used for larger high-rise structures, where speed is 75 feet or more.
8 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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more critical. Machine room-less traction elevators employ a similar mechanical arrangement to geared
traction elevators,with the machinery located in the elevator shaft at the top of the hoistway, as shown in
Figure 4. Traction elevators are generally used in tall buildings.
Table 4 provides a summary of traction elevator system components, their typical location, and strategies
to protect them from flood damage. Note that while nearly all traction elevator system components can
be protected from flood damage, little can be done to protect governor cables, which typically must be
replaced after flooding.
Controller
ff
Geared/gearless
r ry fraction machine
Geared/gearless
Governor traction machine
Hoist cables'
j aw,
Governor
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Cab 0CD
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ells �
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cables
I
Rails
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s BFE ®I
BFE `
Cona�rnterWeugtnt
BFE
k W
BFE
r MW1111 Cab
��
A " N
`. Buffer tit channels
stand Governor tail
Y j
% Governer tail
j"
Buffer
stand Pit channels
Otis Elevator Company Cats Elevator Company
Figure 3.Traction elevator Figure 4. Machine room-less traction elevator
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Table 4.Traction Elevator System Components, Locations,and Flood Protection Strategies
Elevator Shaft(Enclosure) Entire vertical limit of No Yes
building Below the BFE
Cab Hoistway Yes No
Counterweight and Roller Hoistway Yes No
Guides
Hoist Cable Hoistway Yes No
CL
Compensation Cables Pit No Yes
Governor Cable Pit No No
Buffers Pit No
No
Paint or coat(see Table 6)
0
Limit Switches Pit Yes No
0
Machine/Equipment Room No
(Enclosure) Top of hoistway Yes Replace with machine room-less
Electric Hoist Motor Above BFE Yes No
Electrical Control Panel Above BFE Yes No co
era
M
Ir-
cN
5.3 Other Conveyance Mechanisms
I
In addition to hydraulic and traction elevators,other conveyance
systems used include pneumatic elevators, chairlifts, and ASCE 24 AND ELEVATORS M
I
platform lifts.
This section is based in part on
I
Pneumatic elevators are small elevators with cabs controlled the requirements of ASCE 24-14,
by a roof-mounted suction system. Pneumatic elevators are Section 7.5, and the commentary W
LL
generally found in smaller buildings such as residences; they are that accompanies that section.
not widely used in larger buildings because the cabs tend to be 0
small. Other elevator types are roped hydraulic elevators and
cable drum elevators,which are similar in function to the primary elevator types described in Sections 5.1
and 5.2.
Chairlifts are conveyance mechanisms installed over or alongside a stairway to transport occupants
between floors. Chairlifts are designed to operate both inside and outside of structures,while residential
elevators are commonly placed inside if designed from the start, and outside the main structure footprint
if the elevator is part of a renovation.
Platform lifts are designed to transport an individual in a wheelchair from one level to another. They are
usually designed so that a wheelchair user can enter the lift on one side and exit on another (i.e., the lift
has two doors).
10 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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6 Protecting Elevators
from Flood Damage
This section describes measures to protect elevator components and equipment that are common to all
elevator systems from flood damage, and specific guidance to protect hydraulic and traction elevators in
accordance with NFIP regulations.
as
6.1 ElevatorShafts/Enclosures
Elevator shafts enclose the elevator cab and other equipment. I°
Residential and commercial elevators, particularly those that ASCE 24: FLOOD OPENINGS IN
are added as a post-construction retrofit, are usually installed BREAKAWAY WALLS AND as
in a shaft that is exterior to an original outside wall. Larger
ELEVATOR SHAFTS �
elevators are installed in shafts located in the interior of ASCE 24-14 clarifies that flood 2
structures. In either case, elevator shafts must have landings, openings are not required in elevator
usually at the ground level, and cab platforms near the top shafts, and in Coastal High Hazard
of the shaft. Elevators that have a landing at the lower level Areas and Coastal A Zones, elevator Q
almost always have pits below the BFE. Requirements for shafts are not required to have LU
electrical service for sump pumps in elevator pits can be breakaway walls.
found in NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (2017). Q
The NFIP requires enclosed areas below elevated buildings
in Zone A to have flood openings to minimize unequal `�
q ELEVATOR PITS �
hydrostatic loads (see NFIP Technical Bulletin 1, Openings in
Although the NFIP defines a
Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures Below Elevated Buildings Q
in Special Flood Hazard Areas) and that walls that form basement as any area below grade
on all sides, elevator pits that are i
enclosures below elevated buildings in Zone V be designed the minimum size necessary for 'q
to break away under flood loads. However, elevator shafts/ the elevator to function are not i
enclosures that extend below the BFE are not required to considered to be basements.
include flood openings if the openings conflict with fire Elevator pits typically range between LL
safety protection requirements in building codes. Even 4 and 5 feet deep for hydraulic
with breakaway walls, elevators extending below the BFE elevators and between 6 and 8
E
may be obstructions to the free passage of waves and water. feet deep for traction elevators. ca
Without openings or breakaway walls, the shafts/enclosures Additional information is contained
may obstruct the flow of floodwater, impose more loads on in Section 4.
building foundations, and are susceptible to damage from
various flood forces, including erosion and scour.
To minimize flood damage, elevator shafts/enclosures must be designed to resist hydrostatic,
hydrodynamic, and debris impact forces, as well as erosion, scour, and waves, particularly in Zone V. To
reduce exposure of elevators to flood loads, a common practice is to construct reinforced masonry block
or reinforced concrete elevator shafts and locate them on the landward side of buildings in coastal areas
and on the downstream side of buildings in riverine floodplains. Furthermore, designs for nearby or
adjacent structural elements of the building should take into account the impacts of obstructed flow.
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6.2 ElevatorEquipment
Some equipment common to all elevators that extend below
the BFE will be exposed to floodwater. The most obvious ASCE 24 AND EQUIPMENT
vulnerable component is the elevator cab. Depending on
the size of the cab and the types of interior materials used, ASCE 24 requires electrical control
panels, hydraulic pumps, and tanks
residential and commercial elevator cabs can be expensive to to be located above the elevation
replace. required for buildings. ASCE 24 also
Flood damage-resistant materials can be used inside and requires drainage for elevator pits.
outside the elevator cab to reduce flood damage (see
NFIP Technical Bulletin 2, Flood Damage-Resistant Materials 'a
0.
Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas). M
I°
Cabs: Flood damage to cabs, which can range from superficial to significant, can be avoided by keeping
cabs above floodwater when not in use. However, most elevator control systems automatically stop cabs 75
upon loss of electrical power, which could result in a cab stopping below the BFE, making it vulnerable
during flooding.
.E
Float switches: Installing detection systems with one or more float switches in elevator shafts will prevent o
elevator cabs from descending into floodwater (Figure 5), providing a safer system while minimizing
costly repairs or replacement.A float switch system or another system that provides the same level of safety
is required, per ASME A17.1, for all elevators where there is a potential for the elevator cab to descend W
below the BFE during flood conditions. 00
LO
Elevator equipment: Elevator equipment such as electrical MI
controls and hydraulic pumps should be located above ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT N
the BFE when possible. In some installations, it may be AND CORROSION IN I-
necessary to locate elevator equipment such as switches and COASTAL AREAS
controls below the BFE in the elevator pit. Some electrical In coastal areas, building equipment, z
equipment,such as electrical junction boxes and circuit and connectors, and other metal parts LEI
control panels, must be located at or above the elevation are regularly corroded by air-borne o'�o
required for the building. Other elevator components, salts. Some protection for elevator
such as doors and pit switches, may be below that elevation. equipment can be provided by
In these cases, damage can be minimized by using flood constructing a small foyer to enclose U_
damage-resistant components or placing gear in water- the area around the elevator door.
resistant enclosures to reduce damage from floodwater. The NFIP has requirements for such E
enclosures that are based on whether
0
Electrical equipment: Any electrical equipment installed the flood zone is Zone A or Zone V.
in the hoistway below the BFE should be inside a National See Technical Bulletin 8, Corrosion
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 4-rated Protection for Metal Connectors
enclosure for water resistance. Some elevator equipment and Fasteners in Coastal Areas, for
manufacturers offer water-resistant components.Therefore, additional information on corrosion in
design professionals should contact suppliers to determine coastal areas.
the availability of these components.
All elevator equipment and components should be maintained and tested in accordance with the
manufacturer's requirements and maintenance schedules. This is especially true for safety components
12 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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1.3.a
such as high-water sensors and switches and their associated alarms. If these elements are found to be
inoperative or out of specified tolerances, the elevator should be repaired by a qualified technician.
6.3 FireII Switches
For safety reasons, commercial elevators are
designed with "fire recall" circuitry, which sends
elevators to a designated floor when fire alarms
are activated so that emergency services personnel ,ate'
can use the elevators. However, during flooding,
this feature may expose the cab and occupants
Hauls r �
directly to floodwater. ASME A17.1 requires that, M
for elevators in SFHAs, the designated floor must
be located above the BFE. If an elevator is intended
to serve areas that may be flooded, it should be Cab is raised to next 75
y B�FE�and prevented
�evel above
equipped with a float switch system that will activate
during flooding and send the elevator cab to a floor from diescerndum j ca
into put
above the BFE (Figure 5).
Travelling � �
Emergency power circuitry is provided for elevators cable
when buildings have emergency generators. Pump unit �
In general, when emergency power starts up, `"d cerrtua�l��"rDirect U-
� actirng
all elevator cars return to the designated floor, piston ®0
1 '/ LO
and then one car returns to normal operation. BFE � �
Emergency power generators are required for
elevators in buildings of four or more stories but area ,. '° BIFE
not commonly found in low-rise buildings. If there " •.,, �I
is no emergency power, some hydraulic elevators
can employ a battery descent feature. Upon power Cud Oir� LL
loss,batteries release the hydraulic controls,and the
car descends to the lowest landing. If this feature is
employed, care should be taken to integrate a float p.
stem into the operation of the controller Eaitlar spring U-
switch system p and stand �� � � ,..
to prevent the car from descending into floodwater.
If elevators have no emergency power operation
or battery descent feature, upon loss of power the In-I�groruurud cylinder " pit at switch in 0
Y fit activates
elevators will cease to function, resulting in possible high water
entrapment or damage. Therefore, building owners Otis Elevator Company operation
should have emergency plans that provide for safe Figure 5. Float switch to control cab descent
occupant evacuations, having elevator cabs move to
upper floors (above the BFE) and shutting down
power to the elevator machinery well before any
flooding occurs.
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6.4 HydraulicElevators
The hydraulic jack assembly for a direct-acting (holed) hydraulic elevator (Figure 1) will, by necessity, be
located below the lowest floor and, therefore, likely below the BFE. The jack is located in a casing that
can resist damage from small amounts of water seepage, although corrosive saline water is particularly
damaging. However, total inundation by floodwater will usually result in contamination of the hydraulic
fluid and possible damage to jack cylinders and seals. For this reason, holeless hydraulic elevators are
recommended for low-rise buildings.
When hydraulic elevators are used,jacks should be installed inside the elevator shaft, with critical seals
and components located above BFE as shown in Figure 2. Hydraulic pumps and fluid reservoirs should
be located above the BFE. In addition, hydraulic lines connecting the assembly should be located where 'a
0.
the lines are protected from physical damage or coated with galvanic or rust-preventive paint.Additional M
guidance based on post-disaster observations is included in Section 6.7.
6.5 TractionElevators
Electric motors and most other traction elevator equipment used for traction elevators are normally .2
located above the elevator shaft and are, therefore, not usually susceptible to flood damage (Figure 5).
as
However, some equipment such as the counterweight roller guides, compensation cable assemblies, limit
switches, selector tape, governor rope assemblies, and oil buffers are usually located at the bottom of
the shaft. When these components cannot be located above the BFE, they must be constructed of flood LU
damage-resistant materials where possible. Additional guidance based on post-disaster observations is 00
included in Section 6.7. L�
M
While nearly all traction elevator system components can be protected from flood damage, little can be
done to protect governor tail cables,which typically must be replaced after flooding. �-
i
6.6 Other Conveyance Mechanisms
Pneumatic elevators, chairlifts, and platform lifts are usually located inside buildings where the
components of these systems can be located above the BFE to protect them from flood damage. However,
when platform lifts are installed outdoors, it can be more difficult to elevate equipment above the BFE, LU
making it susceptible to flood damage.
6.7 Mitigationidance Based on Post-Disaster Observations
The following guidance is based on observations made following Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane
Ike (2008), and Hurricane Sandy (2013). Some recommendations could apply to new installations, and
some apply when building owners and managers consider retrofitting and replacing existing elevator
systems.
14 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
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Table 5.General Guidance
Holeless For hydraulic elevators, explore hoistway conditions for the use —
Hydraulics of holeless hydraulics. Note that holeless hydraulic elevators are
typically used in low-rise construction with only two or three floors.
Raised Elevators In an effort to maintain the operational capacity of critical facilities with multiple elevators during flood events, consider installing one
or more raised elevators with no components or floor stops below
the BFE. Ramps can be provided to access the higher elevation.
This will allow some of the building's vertical transportation systems
to be isolated above the BFE, helping to ensure some access
to upper levels. While FEMA recommends that people evacuate
when authorities at State and local levels advise or mandate it, CL
emergencies and disasters can create circumstances that require Iq
robust elevator systems to be operational before, during, and after
flood events, such as with approved shelter-in-place plans.
Increased Consider raising elevator mechanical, electrical, and other equipment Refer to FEMA P-942,
Resilience vital to operations to levels above the BFE to reduce exposure when Recovery Advisory 4,
flooding is more severe than the base flood. Reducing Interruptions 2
a
to Mid-and High-
Rise Buildings During
Floods, for details
(2013)
LU
Continuity of Consider sizing emergency generator capacity to enable critical FEMA P-1019,
Operations elevator operations in accordance with recommendations from FEMA Emergency Power 00
P-1019. In some situations, power serving critical facilities may be Systems for Critical LO
disrupted by nearby flooding, even if the facility is not flooded. Facilities:A Best
Practices Approach to y
Improving Reliability V..
(2014)
Other Protection While elevating equipment will protect it from flooding, elevating —
Considerations- equipment can introduce other risks. Equipment mounted in
Protection from mechanical penthouses can be damaged by the high winds that
High Winds accompany storms, and equipment that services exterior-mounted
elevators in coastal areas can be damaged by storm surge generated
by high winds. Penthouses have failed in storm events and allowed
rainwater to enter from the top, rendering equipment inoperable. LU
Designers are advised to account for the increased high wind risks
associated with elevation as they reduce risks from flooding.
Table 6. Guidance for Specific Components
Doors and Door Frames Use stainless steel doors and door frames below the BFE.
Relocate switches above the BFE using small brackets. Modern controllers use selector
Limit Switches tape for landing control systems and require a short length of selector cam for switch
activation.
Selector Tape Use stainless steel selector tape, which is available for most controllers.
For hydraulic elevators, use Teflon®-impregnated inserts on slide guides or convert to
Slide and Roller Guides roller guides to reduce leakage of oil-based products into pits.
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Table 6. Guidance for Specific Components(concluded)
�® BM
®� OEM
Compensation Cables For traction elevators, remove compensation cables and replace with encapsulated chain
systems.
Electrical Use NEMA 4-rated enclosures, galvanized conduits, and watertight conduits and fittings
below the BFE. Locate controls and equipment above the BFE where possible.
Hardware Use galvanized sill angles and hardware at floors below the BFE.
Maintenance Paint or coat buffers and all pit steel and hardware with galvanic or rust-preventive paint.
7 References
This section lists the references that are cited in this Technical Bulletin. Additional resources related to
NFIP requirements are provided in Technical Bulletin 0.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute). 2012. Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lis.ANSI
MH29.1.Available at laul.us://� �.Iua u..duuusl.a�ul�;,.
ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers). 2016. Minimum Design Loads and Associated
Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.ASCE 7.Available at00
7�uulus://du ��:.➢ iduv. ,/�➢a /
bookl i ll.106 l/97(1,117(11� i�2 f�. Q
ASCE/SEI (American Society of Civil Engineers / Structural Engineering Institute). 2005.
Flood Resistant Design and Construction.ASCE 24-05.Available at loudus://dusccl. ubri . iN,org/dail/
bookl10,1061/97hID7h4�IDhil17. i
ASCE/SEI. 2014. Flood Resistant Design and Construction. ASCE/SEI24-I4.Available at i ilps://asc:l bri a iv. _
oug/dail/book/:10,1061/97(1107(1,�� 13791. M�
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). 2007. Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.ASME
A17.7-2007/CSAB44-07.Available at luuu dusudduuuls/1.SA/,ySW,',.,yi770071:S1�1)
��1 .20171so uuccu biog. W
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). 2016. Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
ASME A17.1-2016/CSAB44-16.Available at luuulus://��u�iu�� ur. .uuu.a� ,;,/� udus�u➢duuis/� � �I;/
SMI,.'A1.72016so a ccu Iflo.;,.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).Various. NFIP Technical Bulletins. Current editions
available at teciunu c'fl b uiledfis:
— User's Guide to Technical Bulletins. Technical Bulletin 0.
— Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures Below Elevated Buildings in Special Flood Hazard
Areas. Technical Bulletin 1.
— Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Technical Bulletin 2.
— Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors in Coastal Areas. Technical Bulletin 8.
16 NFIP TECHNICAL BULLETIN 4
Packet Pg. 1532
1.3.a
FEMA. 2010. Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference. FEMA P-758.Available at
III Ips�//www,f' uIr a,i,ov/II a➢idu ➢ii��duuy'/du��u�r�s/�➢a�u:�suuuu uu� /i�,;���.
FEMA. 2013. Reducing Interruptions to Mid-and High-Rise Buildings During Floods. Recovery Advisory 4 in
FEMA P-942, Mitigation Assessment Team Report:Hurricane Sandy in New jersey and New York.Available at
III Ips�//www,f' Ira,,,oN'/I1 a➢Iau Ibr ry'/dusscls/docl111n III /as0966.
FEMA. 2014. Emergency Power Systems for Critical Facilities:A Best Practices Approach to Improving Reliability.
FEMA P-1019.Available at III Ips�//www,f'. Ina,. 'oN'/I1wl. ➢I a ➢IbrarN/dussclS/docl111nc.III S/101.996.
FEMA. 2018. Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Improved/Damaged Buildings. FEMA 213.
Available at III use//www,f'(.uuua.i,os'/I1wl. ➢udu �Ibrarv/asscls/docllIIwJ4l /16 9099.
ICC (International Code Council). 2018. International Building Code. 2018 IBC.Available at 7 it psWw ,ww, 91
and earns Icc� s/A..codc➢ s/201(y ,..codc➢ s/Ibc/.
ICC. 2018. International Existing Building Code.Available at
ICC. 2018. International Residential Code. 2018 IRC.Available at huus�//� ����.iu:u�sdu�u..ai,;,/
, roduucis and scrs Icc' s/I codc➢ s/201("� I codcu s/I rc/.
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). 2017. National Electrical Code. NFPA 70.Available at
III Ip f,pdu.oq,/cod s alld slall ➢arils/afl cod s alld slallu➢arils/➢isu of codc➢ s alld slail ➢arils/
w
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1
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6
8
9 MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
10 MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
11 RESOLUTION NO. -2019
12
13 A RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING FEMA TECHNICAL
15 BULLETIN 4 "ELEVATOR INSTALLATION" DATED JLTNE 2019
16 AS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO MONROE COUNTY CODE
17 SECTION 122-2(C)
18
19
20 WHEREAS, Monroe County is currently a participating community in the National 00
21 Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is working on internal County policies to improve upon its g
22 interpretation of NFIP regulations; and
23
24 WHEREAS, Monroe County desires to maintain eligibility and improve its standing in
25 FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS); and
26
27 WHEREAS, Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), in part, requires that in interpreting U)
28 other provisions of this chapter, the building official shall be guided by the current edition of
29 FEMA's 44 CFR, and FEMA's interpretive letters, policy statements and technical bulletins as �i
30 adopted by resolution from time to time by the board of county commissioners;
31
32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
33 COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA:
34
35 Section 1. Pursuant to Monroe County Code Section 122-2(c), the Board hereby adopts
36 FEMA Technical Bulletin 4 "Elevator Installation" dated June 2019, a copy of which is attached
37 hereto.
38
39 Section 2. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to forward one (1) certified copy of
40 this Resolution to the Building Department.
41
42
43
44
45
Packet Pg. 1535
1.3.b
I PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
2 Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 181' of September, 2019.
3
4
5
6 Mayor Sylvia Murphy
7 Mayor pro tem Danny L. Kolhage
8 Commissioner David Rice
9 Commissioner Heather Carruthers
10 Commissioner Michelle Coldiron
11
12
13
14 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
15 OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
16 M
17 BY:
18 Mayor Sylvia Murphy
as
19
20 (SEAL) 00
21 ATTEST: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK 2
22
23
24 Deputy Clerk
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i
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FEMA Technical Bulletin Updates
Summary of Changes
NFIP Technical Bulletin 0—"User's Guide to Technical Bulletins"
Additions and updates:
• Addition of definitions including "Coastal A Zone", "Limits of Moderate Wave Action or LiMWA"
and updates to multiple definitions reflecting changes set forth in ASCE 24-14.
• Addition of descriptive and illustrative sections regarding Coastal A Zones and LiMWA CL
boundaries.
• References updated documents/fact sheets such as FEMA 213 "Answers to Questions About
Substantially Improved/Substantially Damaged Buildings," (August, 2018).
• Addition of Building Codes and Standard Requirements comparison showing how NFIP
regulations relate to ICC, IRC, and ASCE codes. Definitions also updated to show relevant 2
a
changes to other codes. Monroe County already regulates to all codes that have higher
standards than NFIP.
• An updated 'crosswalk' of NFIP regulations, the Technical Bulletin relevant to the regulation, and
the key concepts provided therein.
• TB 0 specifically calls out detached garages in V Zones as being required to have their Lowest
Horizontal Structural Member (LHSM) elevated to or above BFE. As a note, NFIP still references
Base Flood Elevation (BFE)for requirements as 'Design Flood Elevation' requirements will vary gj
by jurisdiction. CO I
NFIP Technical Bulletin 4—"Elevator Installation"
Additions and updates: CL
• Addition of clear definition noting space of elevator equipment pit when located below grade
does not constitute a basement.
• Detailed breakdown of different styles of elevators and the requirements of equipment
locations. 2
a
• Low Rise v. High Rise discussion. "For the purposes of this Technical Bulletin, "low-rise" refers to
the IRC (one-and two-family homes and townhomes not more than three stories above grade
plane) and other structures with a mean roof height of less than 75 feet. "High-rise" refers to
structures with a mean roof height of 75 feet or more."
NFIP Technical Bulletin 8—"Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors and Fasteners in Coastal
Areas"
Additions and updates:
• Mostly guidance updates for what situations to use different corrosion-resistant fasteners and
connectors.
• Much of this is information that has been updated to reflect changes in ICC/IRC/ASCE 24
requirements. Florida Building Code meets or exceeds the guidance provided herein.
Packet Pg. 1537
1.3.c
Please note that NFIP still treats Coastal A Zones as A Zones;whereas Florida Building Code,in
conjunction with ASCE 24-14, requires municipalities to regulate these areas to V Zone standards.
There are multiple references to this throughout the updates.
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