Chapter 10

FLOOD HAZARD AREAS

Art. I. In General, secs. 10-1 --- 10-24

Art. II. Administration, secs. 10-25 --- 10-40
Art. III. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction, secs. 10-41 --- 10-46

Article I. In General

Sec. 10-1. Adopted.

The Flood Damage Prevention Code for Flood Plain Management in the
City of Hattiesburg, a copy of which has this day been exhibited to and approved
by the Council of the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, be and the same is hereby
adopted and declared operative as of the 8th day of May, 1990, and binding within
the corporate limits of the City of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the police
jurisdiction thereof. (Ord. 2345, sec. 1, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-2. Certification.

The City Clerk of the City of Hattiesburg is hereby authorized, directed and
empowered to insert at the appropriate place therein a Certificate to the effect that
said Flood Damage Prevention Code are official publications of the City of
Hattiesburg, and that said publications in pamphlet form by authority and under
direction of the Mayor and the Council of said City of Hattiesburg are to be and
become effective as the Flood Damage Prevention Code. (Ord. 2345, sec. 3, 5-8-
90)

Sec. 10-3. Statutory authorization.

The Legislature of the State of Mississippi has in Title 17, Chapter 1, of the
Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated as Amended, delegated the responsibility to
local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public
health, safety and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore be it ordained by the
governing authorities of the city to establish the Flood Damage Prevention Code
for Flood Plain Management in the City of Hattiesburg. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 1,
5-8-90)
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Cross references--See Chp 22 - Art. I, Buildings; Chp 23 - Streets and Sidewalks; Chp 26 - Trailers and
Mobile Home parks; Chp 13 - Land Development Code

Sec. 10-4. Findings of fact.

A. The flood hazard areas of the city are subject to periodic inundation
which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of
commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood
protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect
the public health, safety and general welfare.

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 B. These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in
floodplains causing increases in flood heights and velocities, and by the
occupancy in flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods or hazardous to other
lands which are inadequately elevated, flood proofed, or otherwise unprotected
from flood damages. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 2, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-5. Statement of Purpose.

It is the purpose of this code to promote the public health, safety and general
welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in
specific areas by provisions designed to:

A. Restrict or prohibit uses which are dangerous to health, safety and property due to
water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood
heights or velocities.

B. Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be
protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction.

C. Control the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective
barriers, which are involved in the accommodation of flood waters.

D. Control filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase erosion
or flood damage.

E. Prevent or regulate the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert
flood waters or which may increase flood hazards to other lands. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1,
sec. 3, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-6. Objectives.

The objectives of this code are to:

A. Protect human life and health;

B. Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects;

C. Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public;

D. Minimize prolonged business interruptions;

E. Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains,
electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in floodplains;

F. Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of
flood prone areas in such a manner as to minimize flood blight areas; and

G. Ensure that potential home buyers are notified that property is in a flood area and have
reasonable access to FIRM maps. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 4, 5-8-90)

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Sec. 10-7. Definitions.

For the purpose of these regulations certain terms and words are to be used and interpreted
as defined hereinafter. Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense; words in the
singular number include the plural and words in the plural number include the singular; the word
"person" includes a firm or corporation, as well as an individual; the word "lot" includes the words
"plot" and "parcel", except where the natural construction of the writing indicates otherwise. The
word "shall" is always mandatory and not permissive, the word "may" is permissive. "Map" means
the FIRM Map of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Any term not defined within this code shall be
construed to be used in this code as defined by the latest edition of Webster's Unabridged
Dictionary.

Addition (to an existing building): Means any walled and roofed expansion to the perimeter of a
building in which the addition is connected by a common load bearing wall other than a fire wall.
Any walled and roofed addition which is connected by a fire wall or is separated by independent
perimeter load-bearing walls in new construction.

Appeal: Means a request for a review of the local administrator's interpretation of any provision of
this code or a request for a variance.

Area of shallow flooding: Means a designated AO or VO Zone on a community's Flood Insurance

Rate Map (FIRM) with base flood depths from one to three feet where a clearly defined channel
does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate, and where velocity
flow may be evident. (Not applicable to the City of Hattiesburg.)

Area of special flood hazard: Is the land in the floodplains within a community subject to a one
percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.

Base flood: Means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeding in any
given year, and is the one hundred (100) year flood elevation MSL (mean sea level).

Basement: Means that portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all
sides.

Breakaway wall: Means a wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is
intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces
without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or the supporting foundation
system.

Building: Means any structure built for support, shelter, or enclosure for any occupancy or
storage.

Development: Means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but
not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating,
drilling operations, or permanent storage of materials.

Development Permit: Is a permit which is required for all new or renovation development or
redevelopment projects of land or buildings in excess of five hundred dollars ($500.00). (Example:
Buildings, gas, electric, swimming pool, grading permits, etc.)
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Cross reference--See Chapter 6, Article VIII-Historic Conservation
Code.

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Elevated building: Means a non-basement building built to have the lowest floor elevated above
the ground level by means of fill, solid foundation perimeter walls, pilings, columns (posts and
piers), shear walls, or breakaway walls.

Existing Manufactured (Mobile) Home Park or Manufactured (Mobile) Home Subdivision:

Means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two (2) or more mobile home lots for
which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the mobile home is to be affixed
(including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, either final site grading or the pouring of
concrete pads, and the construction of streets) is completed before the effective date of this code.

Expansion to an Existing Manufactured (Mobile) Home Park or Manufactured (Mobile)

Home Subdivision: Means the preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for
servicing the lots on which the mobile homes are to be affixed (including the installation of
utilities, either final site grading or pouring of concrete pads, or the construction of streets).

Flood or flooding: Means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of
normally dry land areas from:

A. The overflow of inland waters; and

B. The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

Flood barrier: Means any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection,
excavation, channel rectification, bridge conduit, culvert, building, wire, fence, rock, gravel,
refuse, fill, structure or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or
regulatory flood hazard area which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of
water, either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or that is placed
where the flow of water might carry the same downstream to the damage of life or property.

Flood hazard area: Means the land in the flood plain and floodway within a community subject to
one per cent or greater chance of flooding in any given year; this area is subject to periodic
inundation which could result in loss of life, property, health and safety hazards, disruption of
commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and
relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and
general welfare.

Flood Plain: Means the land area adjoining a river, stream, watercourse, ocean, bay, or lake that
has been or may be covered by floodwater. (This definition of flood plain may differ from that
used in geologic and geomorphic writings.)

Floodproofing: Structured and/or nonstructural adjustments to a building which make it watertight

below the base flood level and which enable the building to withstand the flood depths, pressures,
velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with the base flood level. Said
adjustments to be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect.

Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM): Means an official map of a community, issued by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, where the boundaries of the areas of special flood
hazard have been defined as Zone A.

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): Means an official map of a community, on which the
Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and

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the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

Flood Insurance Study: Is the official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration.
This report contains flood profiles, as well as the Flood Hazard Boundary-Floodway Map and the
water surface elevation of the base flood.

Floodway: Means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must
be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface
elevation more than one foot.

Floor: Means the top surface of an enclosed area in a building (including basement), i.e., top of
slab in concrete slab construction or top of wood flooring in wood frame construction usable for
living purposes, which includes working, sleeping, eating, cooking, or recreation, or a combination
thereof or other purposes. The term does not include the floor of a garage used solely for parking
vehicles.

Functionally Dependent Facility: Means a facility which cannot be used for its intended purpose
unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water, such as a docking or port facility
necessary for the leading and unloading of cargo or passengers, shipbuilding, ship repair, or
seafood processing facilities. The term does not include long-term storage, manufacture, sales, or
service facilities.

Hardship: An unusual situation on the part of an individual property owner that will not permit
the full utilization of property that is given to others within the community. A hardship exists only
when it is not self-created or when it is not economic in nature. In other words, a true hardship
exists only when the literal interpretation of the requirements of the Code would place an
individual in an unusual circumstance or would deny the right to use the property for any purpose,
or create an unnecessary burden, unless relief is granted.

Highest adjacent grade: Means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to
construction, next to the proposed walls of a structure.

Land Development Code Administrator: That person who is responsible for the activities and
functions of the Flood Damage Prevention Code or his designated representative. The Land De-
velopment Code Administrator is the local administrator.

Lowest Floor: The lowest level of a building which must be located one (1) foot or greater above
the 100 year flood elevation (also called the base flood level).
Mean sea level: Means the average height of the sea for all stages of the tide. It is used as a
reference for establishing various elevations within the flood plain. For purposes of this code, the
term is synonymous with National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD).

Manufactured (Mobile) Home: Is a transportable residence in one or more sections, which is

built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when
connected to the required utilities. The term also includes park trailers, travel trailers, and similar
transportable structures placed on a site for 180 consecutive days or longer and intended to be
improved property.

Modular home: Is a residence in two (2) or more sections, meeting codes, when connected to the
required utilities and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems

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contained therein.

National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD): As corrected in 1929 is a vertical control used as a
reference for establishing varying elevations within the flood plain.

New construction: Means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after
the effective date of this code.

New Manufactured (Mobile) Home Park or Manufactured (Mobile) Home Subdivision:

Means a parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two (2) or more mobile home lots for
which the construction of facilities for servicing the lot on which the mobile home is to be affixed
(including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, either final site grading or the pouring of
concrete pads, and the construction of streets) is completed on or after the effective date of this
code.

Start of construction: (For other than new construction or substantial improvements under the
Coastal Barrier Resources Act P. L. 97-348) includes substantial improvement, and means the date
the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, or
improvement was within 180 days of permit date. The actual start means the first placement of
permanent construction of a structure (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as the
pouring of slabs or footings, installation of piles, construction of columns, or any work beyond the
stage of excavation or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent con-
struction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it
include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement,
footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the
installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as
dwelling units or not part of the main structure.

Structure: Means a walled and roofed building that is principally above ground, a manufactured
home, a gas or liquid storage tank, or other man-made facilities or infrastructures.

Substantial improvement: Means any combination of repairs, reconstruction, alteration, or

improvements to a structure taking place during the life of a structure, a five (5) year period, in
which the cumulative cost equals or exceeds fifty (50) per cent of the market value of the structure.
The market value of the structure should be:

A. the appraised value of the structure prior to the start of the initial repair or
improvement, or
B. in the case of damage, the value of the structure prior to the damage occurring.

For the purposes of this definition "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first
alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or
not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however,
include any project for improvement of a structure required to comply with existing health,
sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions.
(Ord. 2397, sec. 1, 2-18-92)

Variance: A modification of the literal provisions of this code which the Council is permitted to
grant when strict enforcement of said provisions would cause undue hardship (such hardship

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cannot be self-created or of an economic nature) owing to circumstances unique to the individual
property on which the variance is sought. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 5, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-8. Land to which this code applies.

This code shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the City
of Hattiesburg. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 6, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-9. Basis for establishing the areas of special flood hazard.

The areas of special flood hazard identified by the Federal Insurance Administration
through a scientific and engineering report entitled "The Flood Insurance Study for the Forrest
County and incorporated area and Lamar County and incorporated area," dated April 2, 1990, with
accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps and any revision thereto are hereby adopted by refer-
ence and declared to be a part of this code. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 7, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-10. Establishment of development permit.

A development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this code
prior to the commencement of any development activities. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 8, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-11. Compliance.

No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted or structurally altered

without full compliance with the terms of this code and other applicable regulations. (Ord. 2345,
Art. 1, sec. 9, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-12. Abrogation and greater restrictions.

This code is not intended to repeal, abrogate or impair any existing easements, covenants or
deed restrictions. However, where this code and another conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the
more stringent restrictions shall prevail. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 10, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-13. Interpretation and Declaration.

A. In the interpretation and application of this code, all provisions shall be:

1. Considered as minimum requirements;

2. Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and

3. Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.

B. Declaration: It is the purpose and intent of this Flood Damage Prevention Code that the
interpretation and application of the provisions given herein shall be held to be the minimum
requirements necessary for promotion of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare, and
that in no case should they be regarded as advocated standards. (Ord. 2345, Art. 1, sec. 11, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-14. Warning and disclaimer of liability.

The degree of flood protection required by this code is considered reasonable for regulatory
purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will
occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This code

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does not imply that land outside the areas of special flood hazards or uses permitted within such
areas will be free from flooding or flood damages. This code shall not create liability on the part of
the City of Hattiesburg or by any officer or employee thereof for any flood damages that result
from reliance on this code or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder. (Ord. 2345,
Art. 1, sec. 12, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-15. Penalties for violation.

Violation of the provisions of the code or failure to comply with any of its requirements,
including violation of conditions and safeguards established in connection with granting of a
variance, shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this code or fails to comply
with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than one hundred
dollars ($100.00) or imprisoned for not more than thirty (30) days, or both, and in addition, shall
pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be
considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City of Hattiesburg from
taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. (Ord. 2345, Art.
1, sec. 13, 5-8-90)

Secs. 10-16 --- 10-24. Reserved.

Article II. Administration*

Sec. 10-25. Designation of local administrator.

The Land Development Code Administrator or his representative is hereby appointed to

administer and implement the provisions of this code. (Ord. 2345, Art. 2, sec. 14, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-26. Permit Procedures.

Application for a Development Permit shall be made to the Administrator on forms

furnished by him or her prior to any development activities, and may include, but not be limited to,
the following plans in duplicate drawn to scale 1" = 100' showing the nature, location, dimensions,
and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials,
drainage facilities, and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information:

A. Application Stage

1. Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the proposed lowest floor (including
basement) of all structures.

2. Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any nonresidential structure will
be floodproofed.

3.
Certificate from a registered professional engineer or architect that the
nonresidential floodproofed structure will meet the floodproofing criteria in Ar-
ticle 3, sec. 10-42 and 10-42 (B).
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*Cross references--Administration generally, Chapter 2.

4. Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as

a result of proposed development.

B. Construction Stage: Provide a floor elevation or flood-proofing certification after the

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 lowest floor is completed.

1. Upon placement of the lowest floor, or floodproofing by whatever construction

means, or upon placement of the horizontal structural members of the lowest
floor, whichever is applicable, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to submit
to the Local Administrator a certification of the elevation of the lowest floor,
floodproofed elevation, or the elevation of the lowest portion of the horizontal
structural members of the lowest floor, whichever is applicable, as built, in
relation to mean sea level.

2. Said certification shall be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a

registered land surveyor or professional engineer and certified by same. When
floodproofing is utilized for a particular building, said certification shall be
prepared by or under the direct supervision of a professional engineer or architect
and certified by same.

3. Any work undertaken prior to submission of the certification shall be at the permit
holder's risk.

4. The Local Administrator shall review the floor elevation survey data submitted.
Deficiencies detected by such review shall be corrected by the permit holder
immediately and prior to further progressive work being permitted to proceed.

5. Failure to submit the survey or failure to make said corrections required hereby,
shall be cause to issue a stop-work order for the project. (Ord. 2345, Art. 2, sec.
15, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-27. Duties and responsibilities of the local administrator, but not limited to.

A. Review all development permits to assure that the permit requirements of this code
have been satisfied.

B. Advise permittee that additional federal or state permits may be required, and if
specific federal or state permits are required, require that copies of such permits be
provided and maintained on file with the development permit. Review permits for
proposed development that have been obtained from those federal, state or local
governmental agencies from which prior approval is required.
C. Notify adjacent political subdivisions which could be affected, Mississippi Research
and Development Center, and the appropriate federal and state agencies prior to any
alterations or relocation of a watercourse, and shall submit evidence of such
notification to the Federal Insurance Administration.
D. Assure that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said
watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.

E. Verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest
floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures, in
accordance with Article 2, sec. 10-26.

F. Verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the new
or substantially improved structures have been floodproofed, in accordance with
Article 2, sec. 10-26.

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 G. When floodproofing is utilized for a particular structure, the Local Administrator shall
obtain certification from a registered professional engineer or architect, in accordance
with Article 3, sec. 10-42 and 10-42 (B).

H. Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of
special flood hazards (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a
mapped boundary and actual field conditions), the Local Administrator shall make the
necessary interpretation. The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be
given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in sec. 10-28.

I. When base flood elevation data or floodway data have not been provided in
accordance with Article 1, sec. 10-9, then the Local Administrator shall obtain, review
and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a
federal, state or other source, in order to administer the provisions of Article 3.

J. All records pertaining to the provisions of this code shall be maintained in the office of
the Local Administrator and shall be open for public inspection.

K. The Development Engineer or his representative shall enforce the provisions of this
code and he, or his duly authorized representative, may enter any building, structure or
premises, during ordinary working hours, to perform any duty imposed upon him by
this code.

L. Upon notice from the Development Engineer or his representative, work on any
building or structure that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a
dangerous or unsafe manner, shall be immediately stopped. Such notice shall be in
writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or his agent, or to the person
doing the work, and shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed.
When an emergency exists, no written notice shall be required to be given by the
Development Engineer or his representative. (Ord. 2345, Art. 2, sec. 16, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-28. Appeals procedures*.

A. The Land Development Code Board of Adjustments as established by the City of

Hattiesburg shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any requirement,
decision, or determination made by the local administrator of this code.

B. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Land Development Code Board of
Adjustments, or any person owning property in the Flood Hazard Area, may appeal such decision
to the City Council.

C. Variances from the requirements of this code will not be issued.

D. The Local Administrator shall maintain the records of all appeal actions and report any
actions to the Federal Insurance Administration upon request. (Ord. 2345, Art. 2, sec. 17, 5-8-90)

Secs. 10-29 --- 10-40. Reserved.

Article III. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction

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Sec. 10-41. General standards required for areas of special Flood Hazards.

A. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent

flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure.

B. Manufactured (Mobile) homes shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or

lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of the
over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This standard shall be in addition to and
consistent with applicable state requirements for resisting wind forces.

C. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials
and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.

D. All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed by methods

and practices that minimize flood damage.

E. Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning equipment, and other

service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering
or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.

F. All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to eliminate
infiltration of flood waters into the system.

G. All new and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or
eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems
into flood waters.

H. On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or

contamination from them during flooding.

I. Any alteration, repair, reconstruction or improvements to a structure which is in

compliance with the provisions of this code, shall meet the requirements of "new
construction" as contained in this code.

J. All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.

K. All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas,
electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage.

L. All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to
flood hazards.

M. Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals and other
proposed development which is according to the Hattiesburg Subdivision
Regulations*.

N. All foundations shall be designed by registered professional engineers as may be

required by the administrator of this code. (Ord. 2345, Art. 3, sec. 18, 5-8-90)
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*Cross reference-- see Chapter 13- Land Development Code

Sec. 10-42. Specific standards.

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 In all areas of the floodplain, floodway, and special hazard areas where base flood elevation
data have been provided as set forth in Article 1, sec. 10-9 or Article 2, sec. 10-27 (B), the
following provisions are required:

A. Residential construction: New construction or substantial improvement of any

residential structure, including mobile and modular structures, shall have the lowest
floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one (1) foot above the base flood
elevation. Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure,
openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movements of flood waters shall be
provided in accordance with standards of Article 3, sec. 10-42 and 10-42 (C).

B. Nonresidential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any

commercial, industrial or nonresidential structure, including mobile and modular
structures, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one
(1) foot above the level of the base flood elevation. Structures located in all A-zones
may be floodproofed in lieu of being elevated provided that all areas of the structure
below the required elevation are water tight with walls substantially impermeable to
the passage of water, and use structural components having the capability of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A registered
professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subsection are
satisfied. Such certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in Article 2,
sec. 10-26A (3).

C. Elevated buildings: New construction or substantial improvements of elevated

buildings that include fully enclosed areas formed by foundation and other exterior
walls below the base flood elevation shall be designed to preclude finished living
space and designed to allow for the entry and exit of floodwaters to automatically
equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls.

1. Designs for complying with this requirement must either be certified by a

professional engineer or architect or meet the following minimum criteria:

(a) Provide a minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less
than one (1) square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to
flooding.
(b) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher that one (1) foot above grade.
(c) Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves or other coverings
or devices provided they permit the automatic flow of floodwaters in both
directions.

2. Electrical, plumbing, and other utility connections are prohibited below the base
flood elevation.

3. Access to enclosed area shall be the minimum necessary to allow for parking of
vehicles (garage door) or limited storage of maintenance equipment used in
connection with the premises (standard exterior door) or entry to the living area
(stairway or elevator).

4. The interior portion of such enclosed area shall not be partitioned or finished into
separate rooms.

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D. Manufactured (Mobile) homes.

1. No manufactured (mobile) home shall be placed in a floodway except in an

existing manufactured (mobile) home park or existing manufactured (mobile)
home subdivision on pads established prior to the adoption of this code.

2. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure,

including mobile and modular structures shall have the lowest floor, including
basement, elevated no lower than one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.
Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings
sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movements of flood waters shall be provided
in accordance with standards of Article 3, sec. 10-42 and 10-42 (C).

3. All manufactured (mobile) homes shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or

lateral movement by providing over-the-top and frame ties to ground anchors as
specified under the current Mississippi Insurance Department's "Rules and
Regulations of Manufactured (Mobile) Home Division of State Fire Marshal's
Office" as revised, Section IX entitled "Minimum Standards for Blocking,
Anchors, and Tie-Downs." Specific minimum requirements shall be that:

(a) Over-the-top ties be provided at each of the four (4) corners of the
manufactured (mobile) home, with two (2) additional ties per side at
intermediate locations and manufactured (mobile) homes more than fifty
(50) feet long requiring one (1) additional tie per side.

(b) Frame ties be provided at each corner of the manufactured (mobile) home
frame with five (5) additional ties per side at intermediate points and
manufactured (mobile) homes more than fifty (50) feet long requiring four
(4) additional ties per side.

(c) Frame ties be provided on the interior sides of each frame on a double-wide
manufactured (mobile) home in the same manner as provided for
manufactured (mobile) homes.

(d) All components of the anchoring systems be capable of carrying a force of

four thousand eight hundred (4,800) pounds.

(e) Any additions to the manufactured (mobile) home will be similarly

anchored.

4. For new manufactured (mobile) home parks and subdivisions in the floodplain;
for expansions to existing manufactured (mobile) home parks and subdivisions in
the floodplain; for existing manufactured (mobile) home parks and subdivisions
and for manufactured (mobile) homes not placed in manufactured (mobile) home
parks or subdivisions.

(a) Stands or lots are elevated on compacted fill or on pilings so that the lowest
floor of the manufactured (mobile) home will be one (1) foot above the base
flood level.

(b) Adequate surface drainage is provided.

(c) An access site plan is provided for a manufactured (mobile) home hauler.

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 (d) In the instance of pilings:

(1) lots are large enough to permit steps

(2) piling foundations are placed in stable soil no more than six (6) feet
above the ground level

E. Floodways: Located within areas of special flood hazard established in Article I, sec.
10-9, are areas designated as floodways. Since the floodway is an extremely hazardous
area due to the velocity of flood waters which carry debris, potential projectiles and
erosion potential, the following provisions shall apply:

1. Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial

improvements and other developments unless certification (with supporting
technical data) by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating
that encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during occur-
rence of the base flood discharge.

2. If Article 3, sec. 10-42 and 10-42 (D-1), are satisfied, all new construction and
substantial improvements shall comply with all applicable flood hazard reduction
provisions of Article 3.

3. Prohibit the placement of manufactured (mobile) homes, except in an existing

manufactured (mobile) home park or subdivision. A replacement manufactured
home may be placed on a lot in an existing manufactured (mobile) home park or
subdivision provided the anchoring standards of Article 3, sec. 10-41 (B), and the
elevation standards of Article 3, sec. 10-42 and 10-42 (A), are met.

4. No new construction shall be allowed in the designated floodway unless:

(a) The existing elevation is at or above the base flood elevation, said existing
elevation to be determined from the aerial flood maps prepared in
conjunction with the 1981 City of Hattiesburg Flood Insurance Study on
file in the Development Engineer's office and any revision thereto.
(b) Certification can be made by a registered professional engineer, stating that
the construction will not result in any increase in flood levels during
occurrence of the base flood discharge. The certification shall include a
detailed hydraulic study including supporting data from appropriate federal
and state agencies. This data shall include, but not necessarily be limited to,
the results of proposed construction on the computer model prepared by
FEMA for hydraulic analysis of the Leaf River, Bowie Creek, and Gordon's
Creek used in the preparation of the April 15, 1982 FIRM Map. This model
is the USGS, WRD, E431 step-backwater computer program.

(c) Any repair or improvement to an existing structure shall be less than

substantial improvement as determined by the Local Administrator.

(d) Any repair or improvement to an existing structure shall not add to or

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 exceed the existing ground floor square footage of the structure at the time
of the adoption of this code. The existing square footage of a structure will
be determined by the Local Administrator.

(e) Any flood barrier will not be permitted unless Article 3, sec. 10-42 (E), is
complied with. (Ord. 2345, Art. 3, sec. 19, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-43. Standards for streams without established base flood elevations and/or floodways.

Located within the areas of special flood hazard established in Article 1, sec. 10-4, where
small streams exist but where no base flood data have been provided or where no floodways have
been provided, the following provisions apply:

A. No encroachments, including fill material or structures shall be located within a

distance of the stream bank equal to two (2) times the width of the stream at the top of
bank or fifty (50) feet each side from top of bank, whichever is greater, unless written
certification by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that such
encroachments shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of
the base flood discharge.

B. New construction or substantial improvements of structures shall be elevated or flood

proofed to elevations established in accordance with Article 2, sec. 10-27, (A -- L).
(Ord. 2345, Art. 3, sec. 20, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-44. Standards for subdivision proposals.

A. All subdivision proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage.

B. All subdivision proposals shall have public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas,
electrical and water systems located and constructed to minimize flood damage.
C. All subdivision proposals shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to
flood hazards.

D. Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals and other
proposed development (including manufactured (mobile) home parks and
subdivisions) which is greater than the lesser of fifteen (15) lots or one and one half
(1.5) acres. (Ord. 2345, Art. 3, sec. 21, 5-8-90)
Sec. 10-45. Standards for areas of shallow flooding (AO Zones).

Located within the areas of special flood hazard established in Article 3, sec. 10-42, are
areas designated as shallow flooding areas. These areas have special flood hazards associated with
base flood depths of one to three feet (1' - 3') where a clearly defined channel does not exist and
where the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate; therefore, the following provisions
apply:

A. All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures shall have
the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one (1) foot above the
base flood depth number specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, in feet, above the
highest adjacent grade. If no depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including
basement, shall be elevated at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade.

B. All new construction and substantial improvements of nonresidential structures shall:

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 1. Have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the depth number specified
on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, in feet, above the highest adjacent grade. If no
depth number is specified, the lowest floor, including basement, shall be elevated
at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade; or

2. Together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities be completely flood proofed
to or above the level so that any space below that level is watertight with walls
substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components
having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects
of buoyancy. (Ord. 2345, Art. 3, sec. 22, 5-8-90)

Sec. 10-46. Amendment procedure.

A. Whenever justified or required by the public necessity, convenience, general welfare,

or good floodplain management practice, and after a public hearing, the governing authority may,
by ordinance, amend the regulations set forth in this code. However, an amendment shall not be
made for the sole purpose of allowing a variance to this code.

B. Any amendment to this code shall be submitted to the Mississippi Research and
Development Center and the Federal Flood Insurance Administrator. (Ord. 2345, Art. 3, sec. 23, 5-
8-90)

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