Requirements
Appendix
K of the Virginia Beach Code of Ordinances regulates development in the floodplain.
A permit is required for all
construction and development (any manmade change) in areas designated as
Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). This includes, but is not limited to,
building or other structures, the placement of manufactured homes, filling,
grading, paving, excavation, storage of equipment or materials, or the
subdivision of land. Contact Permits and Inspections for specific requirements.
Substantial Damage/Improvement
In
accordance with the Floodplain Ordinance, buildings in the SFHA may be
modified, altered, repaired, reconstructed or improved subject to the following
conditions:
- If the
improvements or repairs to a structure are less than 50% of its market
value, it shall be elevated and/or flood-protected to the greatest extent
possible, as determined by the Permits and Inspections Department.
- If the
structure is improved or repaired to an extent or amount greater than 50%
of its market value, the structure shall conform to the regulations in
Appendix K, as well as the current Virginia State-wide Building Code.
Building Elevation
All new or substantially improved residential buildings
located in a SFHA must be elevated so the lowest floor (or lowest horizontal
structural member for structures located in a V Zone) is 2 or more feet above
the base flood elevation indicated on the FIRM. This additional elevation above
the base flood elevation is called freeboard. Non-residential structures have
the option of flood proofing instead of meeting the elevation requirements.
Fill
The SFHA in the southern part of Virginia Beach has been
designated as a Floodplain
Subject to Special Restrictions and has additional requirements regarding
the use of fill. Please see Section 4.10 of the Floodplain Ordinance for more
information.
Elevation Certificates
Elevation
certificates are used to rate a home’s flood risk by comparing the
elevation of the first floor (or lowest horizontal structural member in VE
Zones) to the Base Flood Elevation found on the Flood Insurance Rate Map. An Elevation
Certificate is required for all new development and substantial improvements to
existing development.