Lowest-floor elevation in flood-hazard areas

Description

The lowest floor of buildings in flood-hazard areas must be ≥1 ft above the base flood elevation (BFE) on the FEMA flood-insurance rate map.

Why this exists

The 1-ft freeboard gives margin against rising sea level, debris, and wave action.

Categories

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
• Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
• Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
• Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
• Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314