WAC 236-100-015   Flood mitigation standards.  (1) When planning the location, acquisition, and/or construction of state-owned developments, structures, or property, one hundred-year flood plains and special flood hazard areas, as identified on flood insurance rate maps or by other available sources, shall be avoided whenever feasible.

     (2) If it is necessary to locate, acquire, and/or construct state-owned developments, structures, new construction, or substantial improvements within one hundred-year flood plains and/or special flood hazard areas, agencies must then adhere to the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (44 CFR Ch. 1).

     (3) In addition to subsection (2) of this section, for all new construction and substantial improvements, both within and outside of any one hundred-year flood plain and/or special flood hazard area, the elevation of the lowest floor, including the basement, shall be at least the greater of either:

     (a) One foot above the one hundred-year flood elevation; or

     (b) At the five hundred-year flood elevation.

To achieve this flood protection, state agencies shall, whenever feasible, locate structures outside of one hundred-year flood plains and special flood hazard areas rather than filling in land within one hundred-year flood plains and/or special flood hazard areas.

     (4) Developments, new construction, or substantial improvements which do not meet the requirements of subsections (2) and/or (3) of this section must receive an exemption as specified in WAC 236-100-016(2).

     (5) For leased structures with state-owned contents, agencies shall avoid one hundred-year flood plains and/or special flood hazard areas, whenever feasible. If it is necessary for agencies to lease property within one hundred-year flood plains and/or special flood hazard areas, then such leased structure or structures and related development shall meet the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. Exemptions from these requirements for leased property must be obtained from the office of risk management pursuant to WAC 236-100-016(2).



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.17.060 and chapter 43.19 RCW. 00-01-104, § 236-100-015, filed 12/16/99, effective 1/16/00. Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.17 and 43.19 RCW. 91-08-057, § 236-100-015, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91.]