§ 18.5-8. Minimum finished floor elevations.

(a)

No habitable structure shall be constructed with a finished first floor elevation less than one (1) foot above the top of the curb of the adjacent street or the crown of the street where no curbs exist or curbs are of a "ribbon" type, measured from the curb (or crown) elevation adjacent to the lowest point of the lot frontage. In cases where construction includes the provision of a basement, the finished basement floor elevation may be below the curb, or crown where no curb exists, of the adjacent street provided adequate flood-proofing is provided to protect the structure and property contained therein. Floodproofing measures, where required, must be designed in accordance with criteria published by the federal emergency management agency (FEMA) and installation certified by a civil engineer licensed to practice in the State of Arizona and shall be approved by the city engineer. All structures, as a requirement for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or in the case of a single-family residence, a utility clearance, must have an elevation certificate on file with the city. Required certification shall be provided on FEMA form 81-31 as may hereafter be modified. For structures which are not located in a defined flood hazard, this certification may be signed by a licensed engineer, licensed architect, property owner or the property owner's representative.

(b)

For structures determined to be located in a defined flood hazard area, floodway or floodplain, see chapter 17 of the City Code.

(Ord. No. 1701, § 1, 10-29-91)