
Provides an introduction and background of the TBs, includes the intended audience, purpose, and synopses of available TBs. Technical Bulletin 0, User’s Guide to Technical Bulletins
SPEC ON BREAKAWAY WALLS HOW TO
TBs contain information on how to meet minimum NFIP floodplain management criteria, best practices, building codes and standards, and relevant NFIP flood insurance considerations.
SPEC ON BREAKAWAY WALLS CODE
Excerpts of the flood provisions of the I–Codes are available on FEMA's Building Code Resource webpage.įEMA revises or develops new TBs as needed to provide guidance to State and local government officials, design professionals, and builders to help them meet NFIP requirements.

FEMA has deemed that the latest published editions of the I–Codes meet or exceed NFIP requirements for buildings and structures.

The International Codes® (I–Codes®), published by the International Code Council® (ICC®) is a family of codes that includes the International Residential Code® (IRC®), International Building Code® (IBC®), International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®), and codes that govern the installation of mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas service, and other aspects of building construction. In addition to complying with the NFIP requirements, all new construction, Substantial Improvements, and repair of Substantial Damage must comply with the applicable building codes and standards adopted and enforced by States and communities. The requirements in Zone V also specify building elevation, foundation and enclosure requirements. Non–residential buildings in Zone A must be elevated or dry floodproofed. The NFIP floodplain management regulations, contained in 44 CFR § 60.3, Flood plain management criteria for flood–prone areas, includes minimum building design criteria that apply to new construction improvements, alterations, and additions determined to be Substantial Improvements and the repair of buildings determined to have incurred Substantial Damage.Ī defining characteristic of the NFIP regulations applicable in Zone A is the requirement for the lowest floor (including basement) to be elevated to or above the base flood elevation (BFE). SFHAs are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) prepared by FEMA as Zones A and V. The base flood is the flood that has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (commonly called the “100–year” flood). The SFHA is the land area subject to flooding by the base flood.
DescriptionĪn important National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) objective is protecting buildings constructed in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) from damage caused by flooding. The latest information and updates to the Technical Bulletins can be found at the NFIP Technical Bulletins website. These requirements are intended to prevent loss of life and property, as well as economic and social hardships, that result from flooding. The bulletins help State and local officials interpret the NFIP Regulations for buildings and structures and are also useful resources for homeowners, insurance agents, building professionals and designers. The NFIP Technical Bulletins provide guidance for complying with the NFIP's building performance requirements 44 CFR Parts 59.1 and 44 CFR Parts 60.3. To participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), communities must adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed NFIP floodplain management requirements.
