Coastal Construction in Rhode Island

Within flood hazard areas of Rhode Island, all new construction or substantial
improvement (cost > 50% market value) shall be designed and constructed to
resist flood hazards and flood loads per the following codes:
  •  IBC 2009 Section 1612:  Flood Loads (IBC Highlights)
  •  IRC 2009 Section R322:  Flood Resistant Construction (IRC Highlights)
  •  ASCE 7-05 Chapter 5:  Flood Loads
  •  ASCE 24-05 Flood Resistant Design&Construction (ASCE 24 Highlights)
  •  Rhode Island Building Code SBC-1 (2010) Appendix G

The base flood elevation (BFE) will need to be determined for the project.   The
BFE is the height above sea level using NGVD 29 or NGVD 88 reference datum for
the 1% flood event.   Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) show special flood
hazard areas (SFHA).  Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMS) have been
updated for all RI communities.   For Maps, see the following links...

DIRMS have the following zones:
  • ZONE VE (commonly referred to as "V Zones" or CHHZ "Coastal High
    Hazard Zones")
  • ZONE AE (contains both "A Zones" and CAZ "Coastal A Zones"*)
  • ZONE X
*Coastal A Zones (CAZ) are not located specifically on these maps but  are
defined as zones where breaking waves are between 1.5 feet and 3 feet.   It is
necessary to determine whether a structure located within Zone AE falls within
CAZ. Coastal A Zones (CAZ)and V Zones (CHHZ) are areas that are subjected to
high-velocity wave action and must meet the provisions of Section 4 of ASCE-24.    

Buildings located in a SFHA require an Elevation Certificate (EC).   This certificate
is usually completed by a surveyor or civil engineer but can be an architect or other
engineer.  Follow this link for EC information: http://www.fema.gov/library/

The ASCE 24 is a referenced standard in the International Building Code. Any
building or structure that falls within the scope of the IBC or IRC that is proposed in
a flood hazard area is to be designed in accordance with ASCE 24. Highlights
include: Building Performance; Flood-Damage Resistant Materials; Utilities and
Service Equipment; Coastal A definition and Siting Considerations.

Additional References and Recourses:
Structural Engineers Association of Rhode Island  
SEARI
Resources
Forms
Links