Interpretation #7223
Published December 10, 2013
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Residential
- Chapter
- 3
- Section
- R322.1.6
- Topic
- flood proofing
Question
Is it the intent of the exception to this code section to allow for a dry flood-proofed below grade space for the limited use of equipment and components?
Answer Published 12/10/2013 at 5:37 AM
No. Electrical systems, equipment and components; heating,
ventilating, air conditioning; plumbing appliances and
plumbing fixtures; duct systems; and other service
equipment are permitted below the flood elevation provided
that they are designed and installed to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components and to
resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses,
including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of
flooding to the design flood elevation in accordance with
ASCE 24. Electrical wiring systems are permitted to be
located below the required elevation provided they conform
to the provisions of the electrical part of this code for
wet locations.
ventilating, air conditioning; plumbing appliances and
plumbing fixtures; duct systems; and other service
equipment are permitted below the flood elevation provided
that they are designed and installed to prevent water from
entering or accumulating within the components and to
resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses,
including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of
flooding to the design flood elevation in accordance with
ASCE 24. Electrical wiring systems are permitted to be
located below the required elevation provided they conform
to the provisions of the electrical part of this code for
wet locations.
Commentary
Page 22 of ASCE/SEI 24-05, section 6.2.1, "Dry
Floodproofing Limitations", "Dry floodproofing of
residential structures or residential areas of mixed-use
structures shall not be permitted." The commentary on page
52 explains it in more detail.