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12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I beyond the structure or to a distance twice the depth of fill at that point, whichever is greater, in order to provide a buffer against direct contact with flood Ilaters and to provide for smaller depths of water near the build- ing. See Figure 3. This lessens danger from drowning and facilitates rescue and I'elief operations. Driveways and walkways must be located at a level not more than one foot below the RFD for the above reasons. Basements and Other Spaces. Residential basements below the RFD shoul d genel'a lly be di scouraged. Despite 1 imi tations pI aced on thei ruse, there is alvlays the possibility that they will be converted for use as bed- rooms, recreation rooms, or other habitable space, thus endangering the safety of the occupants during times of flooding. Thus, if a residential basement is constructed.. all space below the RFD must meet the requirements for a FP-l classification as described in Section 210.2 of the Flood-Proofing Regulations. No port i on (If the res i dence be low the RFD may be permitted to be used as habitable space, particularly as bedrooms where occupant- may be trapped by night-rising of flood waters. (See Section 209.3 of the Flood-Proofing Regulations, as amended by SBe 203). No window openings may be permitted below the RFD and all doors and frames must be metal with positive self-acting seal- in9 of the coor. If possible, basement walls should be reinforced with fill. Space beneath a residence below the RFD should only be used for a garage, for open porches, or for similar non-flood damageable purposes and should be design- ed in conformance with chapters 6 and 9-13, inclusive, of Flood-Proofing Regula- tions. NEW COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES The flood-proofing of commercial structures has many of the same limitations a, residences. Small businesses particularly may not be able to justify the added cost imposed. Further, small businesses may not always have tte personnel ovai lable to install flood-proofing appurtenances in time of flood (1). Since businesses often maintain high-value inventories, the failure of flood-proofing measures may lead to serious economic loss. Finally, commercial structures are used by the general public, and, particularly in areas with an inadequate advance flood warning system, evacuation may prove difficult or impossible. The design of new commercial structures may provide construction on piles, columns, piers, or other supports to raise all functional floors above the RFD. The open space at ground level below the functional floors would be usable for parking areas, loading areas, or storage of material that is neither bouyant nor subject to flood damage. Mechanical equipment must be placed above the RFD, and access to the building above the RFD must be provided. Flood-proofed commercial spaces below the RFD should be provided with permanent closures or with closures that function without human intervention to assure protection during periods when trained personnel are not continually present. (1) Where trained personnel are request an FP-2 classification. Regulations) . continuously present .the owner may (See Section 210.1 of Flood-Proofing ...