Floodway, FEMA, and garage doors!!!
Floodway, FEMA, and garage doors!!!
(OP)
Is anyone familiar with the use of automatically opening "flow-thru" garage doors in floodways and floodplains?
This has become a relatively common practice in our area. Yet recently, a higher-up at FEMA told my colleage that these are not acceptable, that any openings required for flood mitigation must be "permanent". This contradicts other information from FEMA. I cannot find any formal direction from FEMA on this issue (nor can I receive it from FEMA).
Any suggestion or opinions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
This has become a relatively common practice in our area. Yet recently, a higher-up at FEMA told my colleage that these are not acceptable, that any openings required for flood mitigation must be "permanent". This contradicts other information from FEMA. I cannot find any formal direction from FEMA on this issue (nor can I receive it from FEMA).
Any suggestion or opinions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!





RE: Floodway, FEMA, and garage doors!!!
As far as I know, FEMA would only allow "automatic" openings in a flood plain fringe area where automatic does not depend on human intervention, electrical power, or anything other than gravity.
Have you tried searching FEMA's website for an answer to your question ?
good luck
RE: Floodway, FEMA, and garage doors!!!
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RE: Floodway, FEMA, and garage doors!!!
I believe you are correct, that automatic openings are okay (e.g. float activated) but no, I cannot find any documentation. I'll keep looking ... thanks!
RE: Floodway, FEMA, and garage doors!!!
This would prevent the garage walls acting like a dam (until they finally buckle).