Unit 5 Learning Check NFIP

Question 1

what publications has the NFIP requirements for communities

Answer 1

Chapter 4 of the code of federal regulations (CFR)

Question 2

most of the requirements relative to your communities ordinance are in 44 CFR parts ___ and ___

Answer 2

59

60

Question 3

which part of 44 CFR 60.3 covers the requirements for areas with a FIRM, but no base flood eelvations

Answer 3

44 CFR 60.3 (b)

Question 4

what is basic rule #1 for using maps and data

Answer 4

use the latest maps and flood data published by FEMA

Question 5

what is basic rule #2

Answer 5

a permit is required for all development in the SFHA shown on FIRM

Question 6

what is basic rule #3

Answer 6

development must not increase the flood hazard on other properties

Question 7

what is basic rule #4

Answer 7

new, substantially improved or substantially damaged buildings must be protected from damage by the base flood

Question 8

what map do you use if recently annexed areas do not show up on your community FIRM

Answer 8

the FIRM for the county or community the property used to be in

the community generally must also adapt the map in its ordinance to be legally enforceable

Question 9

if you find information that shows the ground to be higher than the BFE, can a bank use that data when determining whether a flood insurance policy must be purchased

Answer 9

no. insurance agents and lenders must use current FIRm when setting rates and determining if flood insurance is required

if a person wants to vary from the current FIRM to obtain different premium rates or to not have to purchase a flood insurance policy, the FIRM must be officially revised or amended by LOMA

Question 10

site E is in the approximate A zone of Dean Lake. A developer wants to build a small commercial building on a 3 acre site. where do you get base flood elevation for site E

Answer 10

check with State NFIP coordinator, local water districts, corps of engineer for existing studies

a highway agent might have done a study of the stream when turnpike bridge was built

see if the town engineer or the developers engineer with conduct a study

use the flood of record + margin of protection

Question 11

a developer downstr4eam of Dean lake wants to build a 40 acre subdivision that crosses Ireland creek. you need a base flood elevation before you review the plans. what option do you tell the developer he has?

Answer 11

he can conduct a flood study and produce the BFE at his expense

he can set the A zone aside as open space and not conduit a flood study

Question 12

a restudy was preformed on the Josias river. the preliminary study will not be final for above 5 months. it shows a new BFE at site N that is 2 feet higher than the BFE in your current FIS. which one do you use to determine if the flood protection level for a new home at site N

Answer 12

the draft revised data should be used

unless community disagrees with data and intends to appeal. the community must first legally adapt the preliminary study in their ordinance

Question 13

define development in terms of ordinance

Answer 13

development is any man made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading , paving, excavation, or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials

Question 14

does your community only require building permits? if so, does someone who wants to fill a vacant lot need a permit from the community

Answer 14

yes

if not, revise the ordinance to be yes

Question 15

the state in which flood county is situated requires a permit from the state department of Environmental Protection for development on primary sand dunes. a permit applicant wants to build on one near site F. Department staff informs you that based on the plans they have seen, they will have to deny the state permit. should the flood county permit officer issue a flood plain development permit

Answer 15

no

the local permit should not be issued until staff are certain the other agencies requirements are met.

if it is a question of time and a state permit is expected to be issued, a local permit could be issued conditioned on obtaining a state permit

if it is clear the project violates state regulation, a local permit should not be issued until the matter is settled

Question 16

an encroachment review should review projects in a floodway for what 2 things

Answer 16

determine whether the project will obstruct flood flows and cause an increase in flood heights upstream or adjacent to the project site

determine whether the project will result in an increase in down stream flooding by removing an existing obstruction. this is not required by NFIP - but the changes can cumulatively cause large increases in downstream flooding

Question 17

a farmer wants to build a dairy barn in the floodway. will be heed to provide you with a no rise certification before you can issue a permit

Answer 17

yes

Question 18

the same farmer wants to build a small addition onto his farmhouse (within the floodway). can this be designed so he wont have to pay for an engineers encroachment review

Answer 18

yes - if it is located in the conveyance shadow of the farmhouse

Question 19

in a riverine AE zone with a base flood elevation, what must a developer show in order to demonstrate that he is meeting basic rule #3

Answer 19

conduct an encroachment review that demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development:

will not increase water surface elevation of base flood more than 1 ft in any point within the community

is consistent with the technical criteria contained in CH 5 of the flood insurance study. FEMA-37, 1995

Question 20

does your state have more restrictive standards than allowing flood heights to increase by 1 ft

Answer 20

depends on state - some have 0.5ft or even 0.1ft max

Question 21

where would elevation in piles or columns be preferred

Answer 21

areas where flooding is likely to have high velocities or waves

Question 22

can the basement be considered the lowest floor

Answer 22

yes

Question 23

if a residence is elevated above the BFE in A zone, where do you measure how high the building is

Answer 23

at top of lowest floor

Question 24

what can be allowed under the lowest floor of an elevated building

Answer 24

only building access, vehicle parking, storage

Question 25

Mr Jones shows you plans for a house elevated on a concrete block crawl space. the area of the crawlspace will be 1,750 feet. how many standard 8" x 16" vents will be needed?

Answer 25

14 1750 / (8 x 16) = 13.7 = 14 vents require 1ft crawlspace to 1" opening

Question 26

Mr Jones shows you plans for a house elevated on a concrete block crawl space. the area of the crawlspace will be 1,750 feet. how high the vents be above ground level

Answer 26

the bottom of the vents must be np higher than 1 ft above grade

Question 27

Mr Jones shows you plans for a house elevated on a concrete block crawl space. the area of the crawlspace will be 1,750 feet. can Mr joans put his hot water heater in the crawlspace

Answer 27

no. unless heater can be entirely above BFE

Question 28

mrs smith is elevating a house in the AE zone 8 ft above grade. how can you make sure that the area below the lowest floor wont be improved, finished or otherwise turned into a living space

Answer 28

require the lower area must be kept open or require owner to sign a nonconversion agreement - requiring large opening will also help

Question 29

what three things do you need to check for to ensure that a building is floodproofed

Answer 29

below BFE: walls are watertight - substantially impermeable to the passage of water structural components can resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy utilities are protected from flood damage

Question 30

can a new home in the flood fringe be floodproofed

Answer 30

no elevation is the only method allowed for a new residential building in the SFHA

Question 31

what is the NFIP definition of basement

Answer 31

any area of the building having its floor subgrade below ground level on all sides

Question 32

if a building is proposed to be located ina riverine floodplain with flood velocities 8-10 ft/s, what should you ask the builder to provide to assure you the building will not get washed away in the flood

Answer 32

statement from architect or engineer that design of building includes anchoring adequate to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement during base flood. discourage development overall in this area

Question 33

the builder of a house to be elevated on concrete columns wants to use wood for the stairway. he is concerned that wood will swell and warp if it gets wet during a flood. can a portion of the house below BFE be built of wood

Answer 33

yes, provided it is pressure treated (0.4 CCA minimum), naturally decay resistant lumber, or marine grade plywood

Question 34

how is a manufactured home outside of a manufactured housing park treated differently than a conventional stick built home

Answer 34

both treated the same. must meet same construction and elevation requirements

Question 35

how is a 600 sq ft motor home that is permanently attached to a reinforced block wall foundation treated different from a manufactured home

Answer 35

treated the same, must meet same construction and elevation requirements

Question 36

what is basic rule number #5

Answer 36

building in V zones have special building requirements in addition to the building protection requirements for buildings in A zones

Question 37

can a new building be built in the V zone elevated on a crawlspace

Answer 37

no - it can only be elevated on pilings, posts, piers or columns to avoid obstruction to wave action

Question 38

where is the lowest floor measured in a V zone

Answer 38

at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member

Question 39

what does the permit offical do to be sure that a V zone building will be adequate to resist the wind and water loads

Answer 39

have an engineer certify that the design and planned methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components

Question 40

what is the best way to deal with sand dunes in a V zone development site

Answer 40

do not touch them dunes provide important flood protection by breaking waves during coastal storms. if disturbed, the permit applicant should have engineer or geologist report that their removal will not increase flood damage

Question 41

if a subdivider makes sure that all building sites are above the BFE, does need to do anything more to meet NFIP requirements

Answer 41

yes, all public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, and electric, are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards

Question 42

how can you protect a sewer system from flooding

Answer 42

careful system design manholes raised above the 100 year flood level or equipped with seals to prevent leakage. pumping stations have electrical panels elevated above BFE

Question 43

what part of the code of federal regulations would you find the definition for development

Answer 43

44 CFR 59.1 definitions

Question 44

where do i find the NFIP requirements for areas mapped with V zones

Answer 44

44 CFR 60.3(e)

Question 45

if a community has a FIRM that shows floodway and V zones, which parts of 44 CFR 60.3 must it abide by

Answer 45

all parts up through 60.3(e)

Question 46

If your community follows the requirements of 44 CFR 60.3(d), does it have to worry about whats in 55 CFR 60.3(b)

Answer 46

yes. requirements are cumulative in section 60.3

Question 47

a building official finds it easier to read an old floodmap prepared on an aerial photograph from the corps of engineers. he does not want to use current FIRM because it does not show all buildings and features the photograph does. can he make permit decisions based on the corps map instead of FIRM

Answer 47

no must use latest maps and data by FEMA or map approved by FEMA regional office

Question 48

a developer wants to build in an area mapped as an approximate A zone on Ireland Creek. He conducts a detailed flood study which is approved by the Town Engineer. It shows that several lots in A zone are higher than BFE calculated in the study can you issue permits for building on those sites and treat them as C zone sites

Answer 48

yes, if town engineer assures you developers study reasonably reflects flooding conditions expected during base flood, technically correct, represents the best data available

Question 49

a developer wants to build in an area mapped as an approximate A zone on Ireland Creek. He conducts a detailed flood study which is approved by the Town Engineer. It shows that several lots in A zone are higher than BFE calculated in the study will the buyers of the properties have to buy flood insurance policies

Answer 49

yes unless map amendment or letter of map amendment is issued by FEMA

Question 50

joe wants to build a small hunting cabin on a lake in an approximate A zone. it will be the only building in 2 miles. there are no known sources of base flood elevation. the cabin will cost less than $10,000 and he does not want to pay $2,000 for engineering study to develop a BFE. what can you do to make sure the property is protected from flooding

Answer 50

require lowest floor of the cabin is at least 5 ft above grade

Question 51

will the developer in an approximate A zone have to prepare a detailed study to calculate base flood elevations if development is 4 acres 60 lots resercing all SFHA as open space?

Answer 51

4 acres - no (5 is requriemnt) 60 lots - yes (50 in minimum) reserving SFHA as open space - no

Question 52

a restudy was preformed on rocky river. the preliminary study will not be final for 5 months. it shows new BFE at site B 2 ft lower than BFE in current FIS. which one do you use to determine the flood protection level for a new home at site B

Answer 52

when the BFE in new study is lower than BFE in existing, existing FIS data used until new study is final

Question 53

does dredging a creek to make it deeper to reduce flood level need a flood plain permit

Answer 53

yes. considered development, all development needs permit

Question 54

does replacing an old manufactured home with a new one on the same foundation need a permit

Answer 54

yes

Question 55

if an old manufactured home is replaced with a new one on the same foundation, will the new one have to be elevated above BFE

Answer 55

yes, unless it's in an existing manufactured home park. then owner has option of elevating either above BFE or 36" above grade on reinforced piers

Question 56

if a project will involve filling a wetland, is it likely that a federal or state permit will be needed

Answer 56

yes us army corps of engineers require section 404 permit for most wetland filling activities. local permit should not be issued until it is clear that the project does not violate section 404

Question 57

a builder wants to put a house in the flooway. how much can this project increase the BFE

Answer 57

0 project in floodway cannot increase floodwaters

Question 58

will paving a dirt street in the floodway need an engineers no rise certification

Answer 58

no. if grade of street is no higher than it was before paving project

Question 59

a city councilman complains that the NFIP floodway regulations prevent construction of a flood control dam that will protect people from flooding. what do you reply

Answer 59

community can apply for a conditional letter of map revision if it provide the following: evaluation of alternatives that would not increase BFE more than allowed. why alternatives not feasible individual legal notice to all affected property owners affected by increase flood elevation within & outside community, explaining impact of proposed action on their property concurrence from CEO of any communities affected by proposed action certification that no structures located in areas affected by increased BFE - unless purchased for relocation request for revision of BFE determination in accordance with the provisions of 44 CFR 65.6 of FEMA regulations

Question 60

does a substantial improvement to an existing building have to meet the same requirements as the construction of a new building

Answer 60

yes

Question 61

can a new nonresidential building be built on fill in the flood fringe

Answer 61

yes

Question 62

can a new nonresidential building be built on fill freeway

Answer 62

probably no. hard to show fill does not show increase in flood heights

Question 63

can a new nonresidential building be built on fill in V zone

Answer 63

no

Question 64

can a new nonresidential building be built at grade, by floodproofed in flood fringe

Answer 64

yes

Question 65

can a new nonresidential building be built at grade, but floodproofed in V zone

Answer 65

no

Question 66

a builder wants to build an apartment building on stem walls parallel to the flow of water with the lowest floor 8' above grade. can the lower area be used as a parking lot

Answer 66

yes

Question 67

what is the best record to keep to be sure that a house was elevated high enough

Answer 67

FEMA elevation certificate any survey or engineer records of elevation of lowest floor meet requirements, but FEMA form recommended

Question 68

how many standard 8" x 16" openings are needed for a building that will have a 2,250 sq ft crawlspace

Answer 68

18 2250 / (8 x 16) = 17.6 = 18 openings

Question 69

can the owner store garden tools in a floodable crawlspace

Answer 69

yes, if there is enough warning time to move it

Question 70

a business on the mississippi river wants to build a floodproofed warehouse in the flood fringe. the plans are to have the walls built of reinforced concrete up the BFE. several garage doors will be open at grade to allow trucks in and out, but design includes movable shields that can be put in place before floodwater arrive. no other openings below BFE. warehouse has 24 hour security force trained on how to install the shields. the design engineer will certify the building will be floodproofed (with human intervention) up to BFE. can you approve

Answer 70

yes assuming adquate warning time to install shields, which there probably is on Mississippi river

Question 71

builder wants to build bi level house where lowest floor is 3 ft below grade. lowest floor has large windows and includes three bedrooms and bathroom. because it is a habitable space, the owner does not consider this a basement. does NFIP consider it a basement?

Answer 71

yes lowest floor (basement) must be above BFE

Question 72

the area below a planned elevated house in the V zone will have a 260 sq ft enclosure to house entryway and storage closets. builder wants to insulate the area and finish it with wallboard, wallpaper, and carpeting. he says it is OK because area is less than 300 sq ft. what do you say?

Answer 72

no any enclosed space below lowest floor must be built of flood resistant materials and free from obstruction, or constructed with non supporting breakaway walls, open wood latticework, or insect screening

Question 73

where can you find standards for tying down manufactured homes

Answer 73

check first to see if state regulations if not, see FEMA manufactures home installation in flood hazard areas, FEMA-85

Question 74

a new house is planned to be built in an SFHA marked "zone A), depth 3 ft". how high should the lowest floor be

Answer 74

minimum 3ft above highest adjacent grade

Question 75

why are pilings and posts preferred in V zones

Answer 75

they can better withstand the wind and water loads