Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
PHILADELPHIA - REGULATIONS & PROCESSES FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THESPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
JOSH LIPPERT, CFMFLOODPLAIN MANAGER
UPDATE: 12.2018
2 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
RESOURCES
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM [NFIP]
FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION
CODES + REGULATIONS
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]
ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
3 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMapcontributors, and the GIS user community
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Land Use Sq. Mi. %Residential Low Density 0.1 0Residential Medium Density 0.2 1%Residential High Density 0.4 1%Commercial 0.6 2%Industrial 4.9 16%
Civic/Institution 0.3 1%Transportation 5.5 18%Culture 1.3 4%Park/Open Space 3.8 12%Water 11.5 37%Vacant Land/Other 2.1 7%
Acre
s o
f la
nd in
f oodplain
PUBLIC11.35 ACRES
PRIVATE253.46
5,756 EXISTING STRUCTURES
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA FEMA FLOODPLAINS
4 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS A FLOODPLAIN?
5 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA CLIMATE CHANGE FLOODING
• Sea level rise• Severe storm
6 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA INFRASTRUCTURE FLOODING
• Stormwater• Sewers
7 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BACKGROUND - NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM [NFIP]
Created by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 • Participation is voluntary
• Adopt and enforce regulations • Eligible for flood insurance
• Benefits of participation:• Flood insurance• Grants and loans• Disaster assistance• Federally-backed mortgages
8 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
COST OF FLOOD INSURANCE
9 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BFE
Basement
COST OF FLOOD INSURANCE - PHILADELPHIA EXAMPLE
• Above diagram is based on a 2,500 SF townhouse in Philadelphia located in the Special Flood Hazard Area
• Buildings principally over water cannot get insurance through NFIP (IE. pier construction)
+/- $500 +/- $3,000 +/- $5,000
10 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
COST OF FLOOD INSURANCE - Losses and Insurance
Repetitive Loss Properties NFIP Policies (+/- 4,200)
11 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
NFIP ROLE:Federal and State
FEDERAL• National program oversight• Risk Identification (mapping)• Establish development/building standards• Provide insurance coverage
STATE• State program oversight• Establish development/building standards• Provide technical assistance to local
communities/agencies• Evaluate and document floodplain
12 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
NFIP ROLE:City of Philadelphia [Local]
Local Officials and Floodplain Administrators[Licenses & Inspections, Planning Commission, Floodplain Manager]
• Adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinance compliant with Federal/State laws
• Issue or deny development • Inspect development and maintain records• Make substantial damage determinations• Regulations apply to Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on the
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)• Development oversight is a local responsibility our local regulations
are located in the Zoning and Building Codes
13 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FEMA COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE VISIT [CAV]
• Audit of the last 5 years of building permits issued in the special flood hazard area (SFHA)
• Tour of all SFHA’s throughout the City for non-permitted development• Review of the City “floodplain program”
RESULT:• Over 150 possible violations were discovered and additional
documentation is required for full compliance with the regulations
• Violations may lead to the City being placed on Probation• $50 surcharge to policy holders (approx. 4,200 policy holders)
UPDATE:• +/- 40 still in review/mitigation• Mostly documentation requests (Elevation Certificates, cost estimates, etc)
14 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
ORDINANCE NON-COMPLIANCE
Failure to adopt a compliant ordinance by map effective date or having non-compliant ordinance = easiest way to get suspended
• Serious ramifications:• Suspension of NFIP eligibility
• No mortgages or home equity loans in floodplain areas• No renewals of existing flood insurance policies• Loss of most forms of Disaster Assistance• No federal grants or loans• Loss of subsidized insurance for Pre-FIRM structures
15 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATIONFEMA FLOOD MAP SERVICE CENTER
msc.fema.gov
ADDRESS
CREATE FIRMette-8.5x11” Print of property on FIRM Map
FIRM DATE
FIRM PANEL #
16 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FIRMettewith mapped floodway
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA - regulated by City of Philadelphia
CROSS SECTION - w/BFE
ZONE AE - FLOODWAYZONE AE
0.2% (not regulated)
17 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FIRMettew/o mapped floodway [Coastal Flood Hazard]
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA - regulated by City of Philadelphia
LiMWA - limit of moderate wave action
COASTAL FLOOD HAZARD ZONE AE
0.2% (not regulated)
• areas mapped with a LiMWA, must comply with Coastal A Zone codes/regulations
18 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY [FIS]Riverine flood profile to determine BFE
19 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FEMA FLOOD MAP SERVICE CENTERPrevious FIRM maps and Flood Insurance Profiles [FIS]
msc.fema.gov
ADDRESS
“Show all products”
SEE all effective and historic maps and profiles
20 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
FIRMettePrint version (previous)
21 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
CODES + REGULATIONS
22 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
DEFINITION OF DEVELOPMENTin Special Flood Hazard Areas [SFHA]
• development located in flood hazard areas, including the subdivision of land; installation of utilities; placement and replacement of manufactured homes; new construction and repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation or additions to new construction; substantial improvement of existing buildings and structures, including restoration after damage; temporary structures and temporary or permanent storage; utility and miscellaneous buildings and structures
23 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
NFIPKey Dates
PRE-FIRM
BUILT BEFOREDECEMBER 31, 1979
or structures mapped into SFHA’s post construction, see historical
FIRM maps
POST-FIRM
BUILT AFTERDECEMBER 31, 1979
• December 31, 1979 to August 2012 = BFE+12”
• September 2012 to present = BFE+18”
Although NFIP was create in 1968 the City of Philadelphia joined on December 31,1979
MUST maintain compliance from date of initial construction and/
or substantial improvement
Regulations do not apply unless substantially improved, but mitigation is always highly suggested
24 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSLowest Floor
(OLDER BUILDINGS USUALLY ARE NOT ELEVATED)
(NEWER BUILDINGS ARE ELEVATED)
TOP OF THE BOTTOM FLOOR
TOP OF THE NEXT HIGHER FLOOR
BFE+18”
TOP OF THE BOTTOM FLOOR
• Lowest Floor - lowest enclosed floor including: crawl space, basement, garage.
25 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
• Prohibited - Hospitals, group living uses housing the elderly or disabled persons with limited mobility, detention or correctional facilities, new or substantially improved manufactured homes
• Floodway – development prohibited, unless dock, trail, roadway & bridges
• Residential vs. non-residential
• Placement of Fill
• Changes to Special Flood Hazard
ZONINGCodes
26 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
DEFINITIONSZoning Code vs. ASCE 24-14
• RESIDENTIAL - building or structures and portions thereof where people live or that are used for sleeping purposes on a transient or non-transient basis - including but not limit to 1-family, 2-family, townhouses, condominiums, multifamily dwellings, apartments, congregate residences, boarding houses, lodging houses, rooming houses, hotels, motels, convents, monasteries, dormitories, fraternity houses, sorority houses, vacation time-share properties and institutional facilities: halfway houses, social rehabilitation facilities, alcohol and drug centers, detoxification facilities (ASCE 24-14)
• NON-RESIDENTIAL – not mentioned above
• NON-RESIDENTIAL (required to have 24” freeboard) - Generally structures needed in emergency events (see ASCE 24-14 for full list)
27 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
ZONING APPLICATIONProcess
1. Complete Flood Protection Form - ZONING2. Site Plan w/ Special Flood Hazard Area
Refusals issued for:• Prohibited uses• Floodway development• Placement of fill• Changes to the Special Flood Hazard
Area
NOTE:Although you may receive Zoning Approval for a project located in the Special Flood Hazard Area, Building Permits will require further compliance based on building codes/regulations.
28 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
• means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure (or smaller percentage if established by the community) before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed
EXISTING STRUCTURESSubstantial Improvements
Pre-FIRM house Pre-FIRM house, with substantial improvement determination
29 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
EXISTING STRUCTURESSubstantial Improvements - Process
City of Philadelphia
F
lood Protection Form – EXISTING BUILDINGS (FP-EX)
Page 1 of 6
Development Services Division
Municipal Services Building - Concourse Level
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
FLOOD PROTECTION FORM – EXISTING BUILDINGS (FP-EX)
The form is for an existing building(s) in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) being renovated/altered and/or an addition being constructed. The
form serves to determine whether the development will constitute a substantial improvement, as well as establish which floodplain regulations
(Philadelphia Zoning Code, IRC 2015, IBC 2018, Administrative Codes, ASCE 24, and Appendix G) apply. The Flood Protection Form – EXISTING
BUILDINGS (FP-EX) is to be completed by the Owner, Agent, and/or Design Professional when an existing building in the Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA). If Zoning is required for the project, then the Flood Protection Acknowledgement Form – ZONING (FP-Z), must be completed.
Where you see Proceed to: Flood Protection Form – GENERAL (FP-G), complete that form in conjunction with this form (FP-EX).
For Interior Alterations to Single-Family Dwellings – see Flood Protection Form - EZ PERMITS (FP-EZ)
For full floodplain codes/regulations please visit the Floodplain Management webpage at
http://www.phila.gov/li/Pages/FloodplainManagement.aspx for more information.
For Submissions: The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections is located at:
1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard -Concourse Level
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Counter Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 3:30pm (*closes at 12:00pm/noon last Wednesday of every month)
A. PROJECT INFORMATION
1. Address of proposed work
2. Owner of property
3. Owner address
4. Phone #
5. Agent of Owner
6. Company
7. Agent Address
8. Phone
FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION – confirm that existing building is in the SFHA
1. Flood Risk Zone (existing building and/or addition that touches any of these Zones) – select all that apply
FEMA Mapped SFHA - A Zone – Complete Form
FEMA Mapped SFHA - AE Zone – Complete Form
FEMA Mapped – AE/Floodway – Complete Form
FEMA Mapped 0.02% or X - Proceed to section C, development
not regulated for floodplain codes/regulations - Attach a FIRMette,
if the building is outside the SFHA https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
B. EXISTING BUILDING INFORMATION
For Historic Structures – see FP-G E4. Prior to completing this form
1. Year Constructed
1978 or before 1979 or after Unknown
2. Elevation Certificate
Yes - Attach to Application No
N/A
3. Scope of work over $25,000
Yes - Design Professional
Required
No N/A
4. Existing Building Value: “Taxable Improvement” value +
“Exempt Improvement” value (https://property.phila.gov/)
$______________________ No
5. Is B3 is “No”? AND Is B4 over $100,000?
Yes No
N/A
6. If B5 is “Yes,” and constructed before 1978 Proceed to section C, development
not regulated for floodplain codes/regulations as it is
not a substantial improvement
N/A
7. If B5 is “Yes,” and constructed after 1979 Proceed to section C, work shall not be allowed to
make the building non-compliant with any aspect of
the building that was required for compliance
N/A
8. If B3 is “Yes,” then - Detailed Cost Estimate or
Signed Contract is required
Yes - Attach to Application, see instructions for
details
No
FLOOD PROTECTION
FORM – EXISTING BUILDINGS
(FP-EX) 2018 Edition
Expires January 1, 2019
SUBMIT WITH BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
1. Complete Flood Protection Form - EXISTING BUILDINGS [FP-EX]
2. Attach Cost Estimate
ESTIMATED COST
• Materials and labor, including the estimated value of donated or discounted materials and owner or volunteer labor, plus sales tax
• Site preparation related to the improvement or repair (e.g., foundation excavation or filling in basements)
• Demolition and construction debris disposal
• Construction management and supervision
• Structural elements and exterior/interior finishes
• Utility and service equipment
Items that can be excluded:
• Costs to obtain or prepare plans and specifications
• Land survey costs
• Permit fees and inspection fees
• Outside improvements, including landscaping, irrigation, sidewalks, driveways, fences, yard lights, swimming pools, pool enclosures, and detached accessory structures (e.g., garages, sheds, and gazebos)
• Costs required for the minimum necessary work to correct existing violations of health, safety, and sanitary codes
3. Substantial Improvement Calculation
MARKET VALUEIMPROVEMENT VALUE
PERCENTAGE OF IMPROVEMENT
30 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
EXISTING STRUCTURESSubstantial Improvements - MARKET VALUE
INSERT ADDRESS
ADD TO GET MARKET VALUE
WWW.ATLAS.PHILA.GOV
31 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
EXISTING STRUCTURESSubstantial Improvements - MARKET VALUE
IF 1 PARCEL & MULTIPLE STRUCTURES, THEN:
2018 MARKET VALUE OF TAXABLE IMPROVEMENT(STRUCTURE/BUILDING ONLY)
IMPROVEMENT AREA (SQFT) PRICE PER SQFT
THEN:
PRICE PER SQFT EACH STRUCTURE/BUILDING SQFT
EXISTING MARKET VALUE
DETERMINING EXISTING MARKET VALUE (CONDO)
ADD ALL UNITS’ MARKET VALUE TOGETHER FOR EXISTING MARKET VALUE OF STRUCTURE/BUILDING
TO CHALLENGE THE MARKET VALUE: CERTIFIED APPRAISAL
• Licensed Appraiser in Pennsylvania
• Report
• Identify intended user (including property owner)
• Completed less than 1 year before floodplain application
• “Market Approach” is preferred - for structure only, land must be broken out (NOTE: to separate the market value of a structure from the value of the land on which it is located, appraisers may need to do more research than is normally undertaken in order to reasonably allocate the total value between the structure and the land) - for multiple buildings on one parcel, each must be assessed for existing market value
• “Income Capitalization Approached” is not acceptable
• All values must be for existing conditions, without any proposed improvements
32 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
EXISTING STRUCTURESEZ Permits
When in a Special Flood Hazard Area:• One or multiple EZ Permits could constitute “substantial improvement”• The department, at its discretion, will ensure that phased improvements
do not circumvent the substantial improvement requirements
Specific EZ Permits:• Pools & Spas - ineligible for EZ Permit• For Interior Alterations, Porch Enclosures, and Ductwork & Warm-air
Appliances:• Additional documents are required. See the Flood Protection
Form - EZ PERMITS (FP-EZ) for more information. These EZ Permits may only be submitted at Permit Services at 1401 JFK.
33 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSFloodway
• New development is prohibited, unless dock, trail, roadway & bridges• Docks, trails, roads & bridges must show a No Rise study must be
completed• Other local, state, and federal permits apply (DEP, USACE, Submerged Lands License)
34 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSA Zones
• FEMA uses existing information - not engineering studies - to draw Approximate Zone A boundaries. Information may have been provided by the USACE, other federal agencies, State and local agencies, and historic records.
• For existing single family residential and accessory structures, the City may specify the BFE through contour interpolation, for all other development a Hydrologic and Hydraulic Study must be completed to determine a BFE
35 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSResidential
• Lowest “livable” floor must be BFE+18” • Living room, office, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
• If spaces below BFE+18”, can only be used for: parking, building access, and incidental storage.
• Fully enclosed spaces must be “wet-floodproofed” - allow the automatic entry and exit of floodwater, through Flood Vents
• No bathrooms, offices, bedrooms, furniture, etc. • No basements or crawl spaces that are below-grade on all
sides• Non-conversion clause on Certificate of Occupancy for
space(s) below BFE+18”• Space can never be converted to “livable” space• Future underpinning is prohibited
• Use of Flood Damage Resistant Materials
36 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSResidential - w/ enclosures
37 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSResidential - townhouses w/ flood vents
• Townhouses/row-homes must be structurally independent• Bottom of vent no higher than 12” above adjacent grade • Vents on at least 2 sides of a structure• 2 vents per enclosed space• 1sq/in for every 1sq/ft of enclosed space• Only vent openings below BFE count
38 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSFlood Vents - crawl space
39 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSFlood Vents - Elevation Certificate
• See A8 and A9 on Elevation Certificate• Air vents and/or manually operated vents
are not allowed
40 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSFlood Damage Resistant Materials
• any building product [material, component or system] capable of withstanding direct and prolonged (at least 72 hours) contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage
• See Table 2 in FEMA Technical Bulletin “Flood Damage-Resistant Material Requirements”
fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1502-20490-4764/fema_tb_2_rev1.pdf
41 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSNon-Residential
• Option: Wet-floodproofed or Dry-floodproofed• If Wet-floodproofed, then spaces below BFE+18”, can only be used
for: parking, building access, and incidental storage.• Fully enclosed spaces must be “wet floodproofed” - allow the
automatic entry and exit of floodwater, through Flood Vents• Non-conversion clause on Certificate of Occupancy for
space(s) below BFE+18”• Use of Flood Damage Resistant Materials
• If Dry-floodproofed, below BFE+18”• structure, including utilities and equipment, being watertight
with all elements substantially impermeable to the entrance of floodwater and with structural components having the capacity to resist flood loads.
• typical use up to 3 feet• Not allowed in Coastal A Zones (along Delaware River)
42 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSMixed-Use Structures
Considerations:• Commercial portions:
• Wet-floodproofed, spaces below BFE+18”, use only as parking, building access, and incidental storage
or• Dry-floodproofed, commercial spaces below BFE+18”
• Residential portions: must be elevated BFE+18”, including lobbies with furniture, desk attendants, mailboxes, trash receptacles, and resident only facilities (gyms, game rooms, amenity spaces, etc)
• Wet-floodproofed, spaces below BFE+18”, use only as parking, building access, and incidental storage
• bicycle parking, stairwell enclosure, elevator vestibule, etc.
43 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSDry-floodproofing Certificate & considerations
• Dry-floodproofed considerations:• Building strength• Warning time• Level of protection• Operational
• Inspection/maintenance plans• Flood Emergency Operation
Plan, see FEMA technical bulletin “Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings”
• Seepage• Sump pumps• Back-flow preventers
• Floodproofing Certificate• Must be submitted for Certificate of Occupancy
44 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSDry-floodproofing - examples
45 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSBelow-Grade Parking
• Must be Dry-floodproofed, to BFE+18”• Not allowed in Coastal A Zones (along Delaware River)• Not allowed in fully residential structures (IE. condominium and
apartment buildings)
46 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSMachinery/Equipment
• Mechanical• Fuel Systems• Electrical• Water supply• Elevator/escalators• Plumbing• Transformers• Generators• BFE + 18” unless
designed to submersible/dry floodproofed/waterproof
• Systems and components emerging from underground shall be designed to be anchored to resist flood loads and debris impact
47 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSMachinery/Equipment
48 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSMachinery/Equipment
49 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSElevators
Shafts below BFE+18”• Flood vents no
required in enclosed shafts
• All mechanicals elevated to BFE+18”
• Float switch• Programed for cab
to rest on the floor above BFE+18”
50 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSAccessory Structures
51 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSVehicles/Trailers
52 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSSeasonal/Temporary Structures
Non-enclosed• Anchored to withstand the hydrostatic & hydrodynamic loads as well
as not become buoyant• Examples: event tents, pergolas, ice rinks, event stage, etc.
Enclosed• Anchored to withstand the hydrostatic & hydrodynamic loads as well
as not become buoyant• Parking and Incidental storage use
• Flood vents• Use other than parking and incidental
storage uses• See residential or non-
residential standards
53 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSStorage
Prohibited, unless:• designed to be easily movable (no equipment required for
removing), in the event of a flood (IE. outdoor furniture, items on wheels, etc.),
• anchored to withstand the hydrostatic & hydrodynamic loads as well as not become buoyant
• elevated above BFE+18”
54 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSConstruction Storage/Trailers
Licensed and Road-ready• On site less than 180 days• Must be on wheels/chassis• No connected mechanicals (electric service, plumbing, etc)
More than 180 days and/or connected to mechanicals and/or not on wheels/chassis
• Anchored to withstand the hydrostatic & hydrodynamic loads as well as not become buoyant
• Elevated to BFE+18”
55 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSFill
• If less than 12”, in-place dry density is not less than 90% of the max. dry density at optimum moisture content determined in accordance with ASTM D 1557Less than 180 days
• If over 12”, then GEO-TECHNICAL REPORT (Section 1803 of IBC) • Requires Special Inspections
• Requires a Zoning Permit, and a Building Permit if over 5,000 SF• Requires a Letter of Map Change [LOMC] if a Hydrologic and
Hydraulic study shows any rise in the BFE
56 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
BUILDING PERMITSHistoric Structures
• Analysis that elevating and/or floodproofing would remove it from historic designation
• Singed and seal analysis from an Architect• Variance required through Board of Building Standards• Mechanicals should
be elevated to BFE+18”
• Flood damage resistant materials should be used in areas below BFE+18”
57 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
REQUIRED 3 times:(see section C on Elevation Certificate)
• Building Permit submission• During Construction
• Lowest Floor installation• No vertical work can
occur until submitted• Final completion, prior to
Certificate of Occupancy
ELEVATION CERTIFICATERequirements
58 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
General:• All lines shall be completed, and when not applicable an “N/A” should
be entered• Should be signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor/architect/
engineer• A8-9: Flood Vents
• Complete fully per design plans• B9: Base Flood Elevation
• Always in NGVD 29 datum• Rounded to nearest tenth degree, no whole numbers• Should be based from Flood Insurance Study [FIS] when cross
sections are available. If, no cross section, then use the Flood Insurance Rate Map [FIRM]
ELEVATION CERTIFICATEHow to complete fully and correctly
59 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
• C2.a-h: Structure design elevations (must be in NGVD 29)• C2.a lowest floor elevation of lowest enclosed space (IE.
crawlspace (rat slab), basement slab, garage slab (if attached - townhouse/rowhouse)
• C2.c is N/A in Philadelphia (No velocity or wave action zones)• C2.e Lowest machinery/equipment should be identified
• In “Comments” section at bottom of PG2, list lowest elevations of these mechanicals/equipment if applicable: HVAC, electrical, gas, plumbing, elevators, transformer pad, generator, etc.
Any site plans illustrating flood elevations shall be in datum NGVD 29, if your converting City Datum to NGVD 29 - see conversion table as there are 7 survey districts with varying conversion factors. A note of which conversion factor must be placed on the plans.
ELEVATION CERTIFICATEHow to complete fully and correctly
60 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
ELEVATION CERTIFICATEDATUM
• FEMA FIRM maps: NGVD 29• US standard: NAVD 88• City Philadelphia standard:
City Datum
Since FEMA FIRM’s are in NGVD 29, then Elevation Certificates should be completed in NGVD 29. If surveying in City Datum, use chart to convert to NGVD 29. Plan drawings should clearly show datum used, and conversion factors used.
61 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]General
Common Reasons:• Remove the mandatory flood insurance requirement• To adjust flood insurance rate information• To better understand the flood risk associated with a structure or
property
Time-frames (estimated):• LOMA’s, LOMR-F’s, CLOMA’s and CLOMR-F’s
• FEMA - 60 days of receiving all required date• If additional data is requested, applicant has 90 days, before
case is suspended• LOMR’s and CLOMR’s
• FEMA- 90 days of receiving all required data• LOMR’s require 4-6 month adoption period before becoming
effective maps
62 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]General
LOMC CITY FEMA DEFINITION PROCESSCONDITIONAL LETTER OF MAP AMENDMENT
[CLOMA]
Noletter from FEMA stating a proposed structure that is not to be elevated by fill (natural grade) would not be inundated by the base flood if built as proposed
Submit Application to FEMA
LETTER OF MAP AMENDMENT
[LOMA]No
issued when the scale of the FIRM does not allow for small areas of natural high ground to be shown outside the SFHA
Submit Application to FEMA
CONDITIONAL LETTER OF MAP REVISION - FILL
[CLOMR-F]
Yes
letter from FEMA stating a parcel of land or proposed structure that will be elevated by fill would not be inundated by the base flood if fill is placed on the parcel as proposed or the structure is built as proposed
1. CLOMR-F application submitted to FEMA2. “Community Official” portion of the application may be filled out by
the City of Philadelphia’s Floodplain Administrator3. FEMA determination4. If approved, Zoning/Building Permits to place fill.5. Placement of fill, then continue to LOMR-F
LETTER OF MAP REVISION - FILL
[LOMR-F]Yes
similar to a LOMA, but instead of being based on natural ground elevations, the property or structure has been elevated by fill in order to elevate it above the flood elevation
1. LOMR-F application submitted to FEMA2. “Community Official” portion of the application may be filled out by
the City of Philadelphia’s Floodplain Administrator3. FEMA determination4. If approved, City’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps are changed and
development can be permitted based on the new effective maps.
CONDITIONALLETTER OF
MAP REVISION [CLOMR]
Yes
letter from FEMA’s stating a proposed project that would, upon construction, affect the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing regulatory floodway, the effective BFE or SFHA
1. CLOMR application submitted to FEMA2. FEMA determination3. If approved, Zoning/Building Permits to develop site4. Development construction, then continue to LOMR
LETTER OF MAP REVISION
[LOMR]Yes
official revision to an effective FIRM map that may change flood insurance risk zones, floodplain and/or floodway boundary delineations, plain metric features, and/or BFE. Unlike LOMAs and LOMR-Fs, a LOMR usually results in reprinting a portion of a FIRM
1. LOMR application submitted to FEMA2. “Community Official” portion of the application may be filled out by
the City of Philadelphia’s Floodplain Administrator3. FEMA determination 4. If approved, City’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps are changed and
development can be permitted based on the new effective maps.
63 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]Conditional Letter of Map Amendment [CLOMA]
• letter from FEMA stating a proposed structure that is not to be elevated by fill (natural grade) would not be inundated by the base flood if built as proposed
64 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]Letter of Map Amendment [LOMA]
• issued when the scale of the FIRM does not allow for small areas of natural high ground to be shown outside the SFHA
65 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
• letter from FEMA stating a parcel of land or proposed structure that will be elevated by fill would not be inundated by the base flood if fill is placed on the parcel as proposed or the structure is built as proposed
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]Conditional Letter of Map Revision - Fill [CLOMR-F]
66 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]Letter of Map Revision - Fill [LOMR-F]
• similar to a LOMA, but instead of being based on natural ground elevations, the property or structure has been elevated by fill in order to elevate it above the flood elevation
67 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]Conditional Letter of Map Revision [CLOMR]
• letter from FEMA’s stating a proposed project that would, upon construction, affect the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing regulatory floodway, the effective BFE or SFHA
68 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
LETTER OF MAP REVISION [LOMC]Letter of Map Revision [LOMR]
• official revision to an effective FIRM map that may change flood insurance risk zones, floodplain and/or floodway boundary delineations, plain metric features, and/or BFE. Unlike LOMAs and LOMR-Fs, a LOMR usually results in reprinting a portion of a FIRM
69 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
RESOURCESLicenses + Inspections Website
www.phila.gov/li/Pages/FloodplainManagement.aspx
70 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
RESOURCESFEMA Technical Bulletins
www.fema.gov/nfip-technical-bulletins
71 / FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Questions and/or comments?
JOSH LIPPERT, CFMFLOODPLAIN MANAGER
THANK-YOU!