1. A.    OVERVIEW OF MONROE COUNTY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED IN A COASTAL FLOODPLAIN:

Floodplain Management Information:  All of Monroe County is identified as a coastal floodplain and may be subject to flooding.  Monroe County enforces a Floodplain Management Ordinance that requires structures built after December 31, 1974 to have the lowest floor elevated to or above the base flood elevation.  The owner or purchaser of a structure with habitable space below the base flood elevation may be faced with unforeseen expenses.  Legally permitted enclosures below the base flood elevation are for limited storage and parking only!  Limited storage means storage of lawn mowers, rakes, wheelbarrows and similar equipment that are normally stored outside.  Limited storage does not apply to household furnishings, workbenches, freezers, refrigerators or other items subject to damage if exposed to salt water.   If you are purchasing a home with a finished enclosure below the base flood elevation it MAY not be permitted construction and MAY be subject to enforcement proceedings

1. Definition of Base Flood Elevation:  Base Flood Elevation, or BFE is the lowest elevation where new habitable space may exist as measured to the top of the floor in an “AE” Zone and to the bottom of the lowest structural beam supporting the flooring in a “V” zone as measured above published datum’s.  Required elevations are depicted on Flood Maps published by FEMA and accessed at http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?

2. Definition of Habitable Space:  Monroe County Code and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) definition of lowest floor is the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including a basement).  An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered the lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements. 

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