Buelligan
Registered User
Just a quick opinion from you guys. We have an owner who purchased a property with a lower level that has been determined to be 1.4 feet below BFE. The upper floor, at street level, was the livable space and the lower level was apparently finished at some point but is currently in disrepair. He wants to renovate the lower area less than substatial (less than 50% of current value). But we understand according to 322.2.2 that area is restricted to parking, limited storage and access ONLY. Some here feel that the laguage is suggestive that it only applies to new structures constucted in these zones, therefore he can renovate the lower level. But others feel it applies to existing as well. Does anyone have any experience with this section? Would you allow non substantial improvements in this lower level or limit the work to the upper level only? We are going to get feedback from FEMA today but we are curious as to the code requirements. Thanks!