Finding the Flood Level for HVAC Installers

Using the tools available online, installers can determine the minimum required elevation for installing electro-mechanical devices within a flood zone. 

Step-by-Step Instructions...

• Access the City's Map of Ground Elevations
  • There are millions of points on this map, showing the elevation of the ground every 10 feet, so it may take several moments to load and again while panning or zooming.
• Enter the address in the "Find address or place" search bar in the upper left corner.
  • Buildings located entirely within flood zones labeled "X-0" or "S-X-0" have no minimal flood elevation levels; beyond the citywide minimum of one-foot above the nearest crown-of-road. 
  • Buildings located entirely within an "AO" type flood zone, have a minimum elevation of +3-ft from the ground to the bottom of the unit. 
  • Buildings located entirely within "AE" or "VE" type flood zones have a minimum elevation of the given flood level plus one-foot.
• Zoom-in to the building in question.
  • 
• To find the flood zone type and flood level, left-click between any of the numbers close to the building.
  • A pop-up window should appear...
  • This example shows the flood zone type is "AE" & and the minimum elevation is +6-ft (static_BFE) above sea level  
  • 
• Do the math
  • Flood level (+6-ft)
  • Additional height required by the building code (6-ft +1-ft = +7-ft)
  • Subtract ground height (4.2-ft seen in the above graphic) from the minimum required flood level (7-ft).
    • 7' - 4.2' = 2.8-ft above the ground.

Note: When a flood zone boundary line touches a building to any degree, the entire building is considered in the higher regulated zone.

• In the following example, the buildings at 1215, 1219 & 1221 Duval Street, are all considered within the 7-ft flood zone.
  • Even though the buildings may be mostly within the adjacent 6-ft flood zone. 
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