Utilities

The purpose of this page is to define Utilies, a commonly used term in floodplain management.

Definition/Description

If a proposed building site is in an Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the building support utility systems for all new construction and substantial improvements shall:

(1) Be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding;

(2) Require within flood-prone areas new and replacement water supply systems to be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems;

(3) Require within flood-prone areas new and replacement sewage systems be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters; and

(4) Require onsite water disposal systems be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding.

If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood-prone area, any such proposals shall be reviewed to assure that all public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flooding.

NFIP Requirement

• 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
  • (a) (3) (iv) Building Utility Systems
  • (a) (4) (ii)
  • (a) (5)
  • (a) (6)
  • (c) (3) (ii) Building Utility Systems in Floodproofed Buildings
  • (c) (8) (ii) Building Utility Systems in Zone AO

Other Applicable NFIP Regulations

• 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
  • (a) (3)
  • (c) (2)
  • (c) (3)
  • (e) (4)
  • (e) (5)

Guidance

• IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (page 5-53)
• Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage: Principles and Practices for the Design and Construction of Flood Resistant Building Utility Systems (FEMA 348)
• Elevator Installation (FIA-TB-4)

Related Keywords

• Mechanical Equipment
• Elevators

Special Topic Resources

•  Electrical Systems 
  • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage (FEMA P-348) 3.3
•  Fuel Systems 
  • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage (FEMA P-348) 3.2
•  HVAC systems 
  • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage (FEMA P-348) 3.1
•  Potable (drinking) Water Systems 
  • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage (FEMA P-348) 3.5
•  Sewage Management Systems 
  • Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage (FEMA P-348) 3.4
  • FPM Home Study Course, Other Requirements, Water and Sewer Systems (page 5-53)