Comparison of Zone V Requirements: NFIP and IRC

F o U n d aT I o n T Y p e
nFIp and IRC
Slab-on-fill Perimeter wall Open foundation – Open foundation –
(crawlspace) piers/posts/columns The IRC and piles
ASCE 24 require
foundation designs
to specifically
account for erosion
Slab and scour.

Fill Foundation Column Pile

wall

Erosion and scour

= Not permitted Footing

l o W e s T F l o o R e l e V aT I o n at bottom of LHSM
nFIp IRC
LHSM = Lowest horizontal LHSM parallel LHSM perpendicular
structural member to wave direction to wave direction
Floor framing
BFE + 1 ft or DFE* =
lowest floor elevation

Floor framing LHSM Floor framing

(beam) LHSM
(beam)
BFE = DFE = lowest
Foundation lowest Foundation Foundation
element floor element
element floor elevation
elevation
*whichever is higher

U T I l I T I e s a n d e n C l o s U R e s below elevated buildings

nFIp and IRC

Utilities elevated
to or above
Area under elevated required lowest
building must be floor elevation
free of obstruction
or use breakway
walls, open lattice, The IRC specifically
or louvers prohibits mounting
Use of enclosure is or penetration
restricted to parking, of utilities on
building access, and breakaway walls
Breakaway wall storage

Both the NFIP and IRC require design certification in Zone V. Design certification is also required for breakaway walls that
exceed a design safe loading resistance of 20 pounds per square foot.

FEMA Quick Reference Guide: Comparison of Select NFIP and Building Code Requirements for Special Flood Hazard Areas March 2012 page 4 of 8