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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 9.1 AND 9.2 OF THE STORMWATER DRAINAGE DESIGN MANUAL WITH REGARD TO STRUCTURES IN ZONES AE, AH, AO, AND A
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WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a certain Technical Code entitled the Stormwater Drainage Design Manual on December 18, 2008 (ORD-08:099);
WHEREAS, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) which became effective September 9, 2024, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which will become effective January 1, 2025, implement a two-foot freeboard requirement for residential structures in the floodplain;
WHEREAS, the FFRMS also implement a two-foot freeboard requirement for nonresidential structures in the floodplain;
WHEREAS, in response to the above changes, the Stormwater Management Board recommends to amend Sections 9.1 and 9.2 of Stormwater Drainage Design Manual to raise freeboard requirements from one-foot to two-foot above the base flood level for residential and non-residential structures in Zones AE, AH, AO, and A.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That Section 9.1 of the Stormwater Drainage Design Manual be amended to the following:
(10) The design or location of electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment for new structures, or for any improvements to an existing structure, must be elevated two (2) foot above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE);
Section 2. That Section 9.2 of the Stormwater Drainage Design Manual be amended to the following:
(1)(a)1. For all new residential structures, the top surface of the lowest floor must have an elevation (2 feet or more) above the published BFE. This elevation must be documented on an Elevation Certificate properly completed by a Professional Engineer or Surveyor licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas.
(1)(b)1.a. have the lowest floor (including basement) elevate...
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