In accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, the following flood-resistant construction practices are strictly enforced by this Department in AE flood hazard zones (except AE zones that are also Coastal A Zones), regardless of the building's site elevation.  All new structures are required to provide an elevation certificate prior to commencing construction as well as based on finished construction prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.  In many instances an interim elevation certificate is required after the foundation has been completed.

For enclosures below the Base Flood Elevation, including all masonry foundations, the following minimum criterion must be met:

• A minimum of two (2) openings having a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for every one (1) square foot of enclosed area below the design elevation (Base Flood Elevation plus freeboard requirement), including attached garages, shall be provided. The use of typical 8" x 16" louvered foundation air vents can be permitted, but each shall only count as providing 70 square inches of flood venting and must be permanently stuck in the open position and not able to be closed.  .
• The bottom of all such openings shall not be higher than 12 inches above adjacent grade (interior or exterior). Openings shall permit the automatic entry and discharge of flood waters.
• The grade in the under-floor space shall be as high as the outside finished grade. To vary from this may qualify the under-floor space as a basement according to FEMA Regulations.
• Liquid propane and other fuel tanks must be secured and adequately anchored to resist buoyancy and movement.
• Manufactured homes set up in flood zones require:
  • all piers to be reinforced either by re-bar and grout, or approved exterior bonding agent.
  • Piers over 80" in height must have concrete blocks filled with concrete grouting and a minimum of two #4 steel reinforced rods installed vertically through the top CMU cavities.
  • Re-bar must be provided with a minimum 8" return in the concrete footings.

Any other designs, including those for structures located in VE-zones as well as Coastal A Zones, shall be certified by a registered design professional licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Structures in Coastal A Zones are to be designed and  built to VE-zone standards.  As a result of changes to the VAUSBC in January 2024, enclosed areas beneath the design flood elevation (Base Flood Elevation plus state or local freeboard requirement) are no longer allowed in VE and Coastal A Zones.

In addition, the lowest floor (AE Zones except Coastal A Zones) or lowest horizontal member (VE and Coastal A zones)of new residential structures located in Flood Hazard Areas in Accomack County's jurisdiction must be elevated to a minimum of two feet above the base flood level. (See Accomack County Zoning Ordinance, Section 106-364).  Machinery and equipment, including ductwork, shall be a minimum of the design flood elevation (Base Flood Elevation plus state or local freeboard requirement)  (VAUSBC or local ordinance).