FF in a Floodplain

[GoldDredger]

For construction of a building within a 100 year flood plain, what is the height above WSE in your area?

I was discussing with a collegue here in Texas who indicated finished floor needs to be 2-feet above the 100 year WSE. I seem to recall in Utah and California it was 1.5-feet.

(Intended as a generic question and assuming the building or developement itself does not alter the elevation of the flood plain)

Anyone have a strong opinion of this either way?

 

[bimr]

The finished floor elevation should be elevated above the Advisory Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Check with local code authority -- it may vary

 

[RWF7437]

As Miketheengineer says, check with the local Authority. It is not a matter of opinion, but a matter of law or regulation. FEMA prescribes minimum standards but local agencies; Cities, Counties, Flood Control Districts, etc. may require stricter standards. FEMA's standard is 1 foot above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) but often that elevation is unknown. In such a case, one County I know requires 2 feet above the highest adjacent ground. Others require different separation but any such agency may require anything they feel comfortable with which is stricter than FEMA's.