KAMM
Ky Association of Mitigation Managers

 

Technical Bulletin Update Overview

The NFIP Technical Bulletins provide guidance for complying with the NFIP’s building performance requirements and are designed to help state and local officials interpret the NFIP Regulations.  They are also a useful resource and reference for homeowners, insurance agents, building professionals and designers.

The Bulletins are changing to modernize and streamline their content and presentation, incorporate relevant information from the latest I-Codes and ASCE Standards, provide updated guidance and best practices observed from post-disaster assessments and address known issues identified by a wide range of stakeholders. These changes intended to improve the TBs’ usability, credibility, and content while presenting them in a streamlined format.

Access the Updates to NFIP Technical Bulletins- NFIP Technical Bulletins

 

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Revised National Flood Insurance Program Technical Bulletin 7 has been Released

May 2022

FEMA Building Science Branch is pleased to announce the release of the NFIP Technical Bulletin 7, Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations.  Future technical bulletins will follow this publication’s new format.

Technical Bulletin 7 (TB 7) provides guidance on the NFIP floodplain management requirements for the design and construction of wet floodproofed buildings and structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

TB 7 discusses limitations on the use of wet floodproofing and how to evaluate the feasibility of using wet floodproofing measures for historic structures, agricultural structures and functionally dependent uses.

The major updates in TB-7 include:

• Updated to be consistent with the requirements of FEMA Policy #104-008-03, Floodplain Management Requirements for Agricultural Structures and Accessory Structures, and FEMA P-2140, Floodplain Management Bulletin, Floodplain Management Requirements for Agricultural Structures and Accessory Structures.
• Expanded discussion on best practices and measures to reduce flood damage when NFIP compliance is not required.
• Clarification of when wet floodproofing measures that require human intervention can be used.

TB 7 also discusses NFIP regulations and how building design criteria apply to new construction, substantial improvement and substantial damage.

To learn more about the eleven NFIP Technical Bulletins, visit the FEMA National Flood Insurance Technical Bulletins.

For more information on building science, visit fema.gov/building-science.

 

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FEMA Releases Updated NFIP Technical Bulletin 3 and 6 that Focus on Dry Floodproofing

January 27, 2021

FEMA Technical Bulletins (TBs) provide guidance about how to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) minimum floodplain management requirements for building performance.  The TBs are primarily for use by state and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing building codes and NFIP regulations.  They are also helpful to design professionals, builders and homeowners.

The updated TBs will include information from the latest International Codes® (I-Codes®) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standards.  They will also have information about best practices and input from stakeholders about a variety of issues.  The TBs added the updates to improve usability, credibility and streamline content.

 

NFIP Technical Bulletin 3

Requirements for the Design and Certification of Dry Floodproofed Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Accordance with the NFIP

TB 3 provides guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofing of non-residential and non-residential portions of mixed-use buildings.  The current version of TB 3 was last published in April 1993.

Updates include: 

• Discussion of the factors and planning considerations that influence the decision-making process when determining the feasibility of dry floodproofing a building.
• Step-by-step instruction regarding dry floodproofing design requirements.
• An example about seepage calculation that illustrates how to determine if the structure can be considered substantially impermeable.
• Instructions for the NFIP Floodproofing Certificate

 

NFIP Technical Bulletin 6

Requirements for Dry Floodproofed Below-Grade Parking Areas Under Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Accordance with the NFIP

TB 6 provides guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofed below-grade parking areas.  The current version of TB 6 was last published in April 1993.

Updates include:

• Identification of issues specific to dry floodproofing below-grade parking areas.
• References to TB 3 for extensive guidance on design requirements.
• Updated discussion on design considerations such as protecting points of entry, managing internal flow of seepage and equalization of flood loads vertically in multi-level below grade parking areas.

 

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NFIP Technical Bulletins 1 & 5 Update

March 23, 2020

FEMA is updating the NFIP Technical Bulletins to improve their usability, credibility, and content while presenting them in a streamlined format.  Technical Bulletins 1 & 5 were last updated more than 10 years ago.  These updated editions incorporate the latest relevant codes and standards and state-of-the-art guidance and best practices.  They were developed with significant stakeholder input to help local officials meet or exceed relevant NFIP requirements.

Technical Bulletin 1, Requirements for Flood Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures (TB 1)

TB1 explains the NFIP requirements for flood openings in exterior walls and walls of enclosures below elevated buildings.  Flood openings equalize flood forces by allowing the entry and exit of floodwaters.  This Technical Bulletin describes two options for satisfying the requirements, referred to as engineered openings and non-engineered openings.  In addition to illustrating enclosures that require openings and those that do not, TB 1 covers the requirements and guidance for installation of openings.  Updates include:

• New tables comparing NFIP opening requirements with related building code requirements;
• Guidance on unusual configurations such as sloping sites, multiple enclosed areas, large enclosed areas, and sites with shallow flooding;
• New guidance on above-grade enclosed areas and two-level enclosures;
• Expanded discussion on completing the FEMA Elevation Certificate (EC) and documentation for certification of engineered openings.

Technical Bulletin 5, Free-of-Obstruction Requirements (TB 5)

TB5 describes methods for avoiding potential building and site obstructions that could divert or obstruct floodwater and waves below elevated buildings which could impose additional flood loads on foundation systems or adjacent buildings. Updates include:

• New tables comparing NFIP free of obstruction requirements with related building code requirements;
• New guidance on enclosed areas below elevated buildings, including louvers/lattice, above-grade enclosures, and two-level enclosures;
• Revised guidance of below-base flood elevation building elements including mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment, ducts, tanks and fixtures and others;
• Revised guidance of site development practices such as accessory storage structures, the use of fill and others.

For more information on FEMA’s NFIP’s Technical Bulletins, visit: https://www.fema.gov/nfip-technical-bulletins

 

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Three New NFIP Technical Bulletins

August 2019

The updated NFIP Technical Bulletins (TBs) 0, 4, and 8 are now available and serve to provide guidance for complying with the minimum National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) floodplain management requirements pertaining to building performance.  Together with the other eight bulletins, the TBs will be updated to modernize and streamline their content and presentation.  The bulletins are primarily for use by state and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing building codes and NFIP regulations.  They are also helpful for design professionals, builders, and homeowners.

The updated TBs:

• Incorporate relevant information from the latest International Codes® (I-Codes®) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standards;
• Provide updated guidance and best practices observed from post-disaster assessments; and
• Address known issues identified by a wide range of stakeholders.

These changes are intended to improve the TBs’ usability, credibility, and content while presenting them in a streamlined format.  Overarching additions will include new introductory text, updated tables, figures, photos and references along with a section on applicable codes and standards.  All updated TBs have tables comparing codes/standards to the NFIP regulations.

TB 0, User’s Guide to Technical Bulletins

TB 0 describes the purpose and intended use of the Technical Bulletin series’, includes common concepts and terms, lists useful resources, and contains a subject index.  New features in TB 0 include:

• Sections on how to use the TBs;
• A crosswalk between the NFIP Regulations and TBs;
• A compilation of key terms, useful resources, and supplemental information from succeeding TBs; and
• Discussion on four key concepts and requirements for structures: Special Flood Hazard Areas, lowest floor/enclosure/basement, Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage and coastal waves.

TB 4, Elevators in Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas

TB 4 discusses the NFIP requirements for elevator machinery and equipment that serve buildings and provides guidance on the installation of elevators in special food hazard areas.  Elevator types and their associated equipment are described, along with practical methods of protecting elevators from food damage.

The updated TB 4 includes:

• Expanded discussion on the primary types of elevators and other conveyance mechanisms used in residential and commercial buildings, hydraulic elevators and traction elevators, pneumatic elevators, chair lifts, and platform lifts;
• Clarification of the definition of “basement” as it relates to the construction of elevator pits; and
• Tables summarizing elevator system components, their physical location, and recommended food protection techniques.

TB 8, Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors and Fasteners in Coastal Areas

TB 8 provides guidance on the NFIP requirement for maintaining a building’s load paths.  It also provides readers with an understanding of the importance of connectors and fasteners with proper corrosion protection in coastal areas.

New features in TB 8 include guidance for:

• How to select an appropriate connector and fastener material based on its intended location on the building;
• How preservative treated wood can impact corrosion protection and a sample wood product identification tag;
• Expanded descriptions of connector and fastener materials, corrosion protection coatings and maintenance, including inspection and scheduled replacement; and
• Guidance for the selection of connectors and fasteners with various corrosion resistant materials and treatments and how combining dissimilar metals can cause premature corrosion.

 

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Floodplain Management Publications

For a complete list of  Floodplain Management Publications, visit FEMA’s website. Link to the Floodplain Management Publications