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Portsmouth, Virginia,. Code of Ordinances: PART II -CODE -Chapter 14.1 FLOOD PROTECTION The delineation of the Floodplain Districts may be revised by the Portsmouth City Council where natural or manmade changes have occurred, where more detailed studies have been conducted or undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or o#her qualified agency, or where an individual documents the need for such change. However, prior to any such change, approval must be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sec. 14.1-9. -interpretation of district boundaries. Initial interpretations of the boundaries of the Floodplain Districts shall be made by the Director of Neighborhood Advancement or his designee. Should a dispute arise concerning the boundaries of any of the Districts, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall make the necessary determination. The person questioning or contesting the location of the District boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present his case to the Board and to submit his own technical evidence if he so desires, Sec. 14.1-10. -General provisfons. {a} Permit requirement All uses and development occurring within any floodplain district, including placement of manufactured homes, shall be undertaken only upon the issuance of the appropriate permit. Such development shall be undertaken only in strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with all other applicable codes and ordinances as amended, including the VA USBC and the City of Portsmouth development ordinances, Prior to the issuance of any such permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall require all applications to include compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and shall review all sites to assure they are reasonably safe from hooding. Under no circumstances shall any use, activity, and/or development adversely affect the capacity of the channels ar floodways of any watercourse, drainage ditch, or any other drainage facility or system. (b} Site plans and permit applications. A11 applications for development in any floodplain district and all building permits issued for activity in the floodplain district shall include the following information: (1) The elevations of the "lowest floor" (including HVAC equipment and duct wank}, and the basement, or in Coastal A and V Zones, the lowest horizontal structural member (including HVAC equipment and duck work). {2) For nonresidential structures to be flood-proofed, the elevation to which the Structure will be flood- proofed. Such elevation shall be at least three (3.0) feet above the base flood elevation for the district. Floodproofing design must be certifed by a Virginia registered professional engineer or architect. Documentation of certification by a registered professional engineer or architect of the design and methods of construction is required. {3) The elevation of the base flood at the site. (4) Topographic information showing existing and proposed ground elevations. 1 'I