FLOOD02422

• County: Statewide
• Community: Nationwide
• Basin: Statewide
• Title: Flood Proofing: Example of Raising a Private Residence
• Date: 3/1/1977
• Prepared By: US Army Corps of Engineers
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Educational/Technical/Reference Information

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utilities. Also, temporary, flexible connections were made by the
contractor which enabled the owner to reside in the structure
during the raising process. In summary, the support during the
raising operation is extremely important in that placement errors
can bring results varying from excessive cracking of walls to
destruction of a part or all of the basic structure.

Construction plans must be prepared for the work required after
the structure is raised. The most important items are the footings,
walls and/or columns. Of prime concern is the provision of adequate
open space to avoid hydraulic loading. The owner should convey to
the architect his ideas on the general treatment of the final con-
struction and give him some idea of the cost limitations. As the
architect develops the plans, the owner will be involved in many
trade-offs among cost, esthetics, and practicality. The owner may
also have special requirements beyond the basic underpinning for the
house. This may include such items as the finished treatment for
columns, walls, stairs; lattice-work to cover openings; and under-
neath pavement. It is important that the plans contain a high
degree of detail in order that a reliable estimate can be made on
the cost and time of construction. Also, their value will be
apparent when obtaining permits for the construction and utility
changes.

Permits - Probably the most exhausting and frustrating experience
for the home owner during the project will be the obtaining of permits
from local government agencies and getting permission from utility
companies to modify their connections. This is mostly due to a lack
of experience on the part of all concerned agencies. As more homes
are raised, it is likely that permit agencies will develop accelerated
procedures for complying with their requirements.

In addition to the normal construction permits, many local
governments have special requirements regarding construction in the
flood plain. A partial list of these requirements follows:

e First habitable floor must be at or above the elevation of
the lOO-year flood.

eThe structure must not be located in the floodway.

eThe flood plain capacity to pass floods cannot be decreased.

eAdequate openings must be provided in walls (foundation walls)
so as to avoid hydraulic loading.

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