The purpose of this page is to define wet floodproofing, a commonly used term in floodplain management.
Definition/Description
Wet Floodproofing includes permanent or contingent measures applied to a structure or its contents that prevent or provide resistance to damage from flooding while allowing floodwaters to enter the structure or area. Generally, this includes properly anchoring the structure, using flood resistent materials below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), protection of mechanical and utility equipment, and use of openings or breakaway walls.
Application of wet floodproofing as a flood protection technique under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is limited to enclosures below elevated residential and non-residential structures and to accessory and agricultural structures that have been issued variances by the community. See enclosure, accessory structure and agricultural structure.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Requirement
- IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (page 3-33)
- Wet Floodproofing Requirements (FIA-TB-7)
Guidance
- Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas (FEMA 265)
- Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program - Flood Hazard Assessments and Mapping Requirements