Does anyone have a FEMA reference document that specifies what building diagram number to use when you have an elevated building with breakaway wall between the exterior support columns. I'm sure it's either a #5 or #6. I've been googling the heck out of it, and can't find a definitive answer.
Hey TPR,
It's Diagram 6.
Diagram 5 is for elevated structures without enclosures.
Have a great weekend!
That was my thoughts, too. I was forwarded a chain of emails between an insurance agent and an owner, and the insurance company seems to be suggesting that the owner has been grossly overpaying for flood insurance because the surveyor (not me) had called the building a #6 instead of the #5. They wanted a second opinion from me. From what I can tell, #6 is the correct diagram number. I was hoping to find a FEMA document to back that up, though.
There is a FEMA, NFIP publication named “Insurance agents lowest floor guide”. I’m sure its somewhere on the FEMA site but I’m too lazy to look it up.
Probably your best source would be Andy J in Sanibel, I’m sure he has done many of these.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks. I looked up the document you recommended and that helps a lot. This clearly says that #5 has to have "no enclosures" and #6 can have an enclosure with breakaway walls. Thanks!
• If Item C2.c is given, and the property is in a V
Zone, Item C2.c will be the correct lowest floor
elevation for rating if there are no enclosures
(Building Diagram 5).
• If Item C2.c is higher than Item C2.a, then you have
an elevated building with enclosure(s) below the
elevated level. Use Item C2.c as the lowest floor
elevation for rating V Zones if the enclosure is
less than 300 sq. ft., the walls are breakaway, and
machinery and equipment are elevated at or above
the BFE. Otherwise use the bottom of Item C2.a if
the enclosure is 300 sq. ft. or greater, the walls are
supporting walls, or machinery and equipment are
below the BFE and an enclosure of any size exists
(Building Diagram 6).
Yes, good advice, fore sure a 6. But for break away walls to actually count the actual construction has to be looked at. The studs have to be exposed, no drywall or sheathing. Special nails , etc. I generally try to defer to an architect or engineer when people are claiming break away walls. I don't have the knowledge of design forces to make that kind of call. Luckily, when people see what the real requirements are, they realize they aren't conforming anyway.
Thanks for the plug!