V. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction
15.74.120 Standards of construction.
In all areas of special flood hazard (including all areas designated as floodplain secondary under Chapter 17.44 of this code), the standards set forth in this article shall be satisfied.
A. Anchoring.
1. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure.
2. All mobile home units shall meet the anchoring standards of Section 15.74.160(A).
B. Construction Materials and Methods. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed:
1. With flood resistant materials as specified in FEMA Technical Bulletin TB 2-08, and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;
2. Using methods and practices that minimize flood damage;
3. With electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding; and
4. Within zone AH or AO, so that there are adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
C. Elevation and Floodproofing.
1. Residential construction, new or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor, including basement:
a. Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation plus one foot (three hundred five mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
b. In areas of shallow flooding (AO zones), buildings and structures shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to a height above the highest adjacent grade of not less than the depth number specified in feet (mm) on the FIRM plus one foot (three hundred five mm), or not less than three feet (nine hundred fifteen mm) if a depth number is not specified.
c. Basement floors that are below grade on all sides shall be elevated to or above base flood elevation plus one foot (three hundred five mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
d. Exception: Enclosed areas below the designed flood elevation, including basements with floors that are not below grade on all sides, shall meet the requirements of CRC Section R322.2.2.
e. Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor including basement shall be certified by a California registered engineer or California licensed surveyor, and verified by the city of Bakersfield building director or designee to be properly elevated. Such certification and verification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator.
2. Nonresidential construction, new or substantial improvement, shall either be elevated to conform with subsection (C)(1) of this section or together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities:
a. Be floodproofed below the elevation required under subsection (C)(1) of this section so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
b. Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and
c. Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the standards of this section are satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the floodplain administrator.
3. Flood Openings. All new construction and substantial improvements with fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor (excluding basements) that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, and which are subject to flooding, shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwater. Designs for meeting this requirement shall follow the guidelines in FEMA Technical Bulletins TB 1-20 and TB 7-20, and must exceed the following minimum criteria:
a. Have a minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwater; or
b. Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect.
4. Manufactured homes shall also meet the above standards. (Ord. 5062 § 1, 2021; Ord. 4469 § 1, 2007)