Certification rules for flood-prone building projects

(a) Pre-construction and post-construction certification of elevation and floodproofing of new construction, improvements to repetitive loss structures, development, and substantial improvements within areas of special flood hazards shall be submitted to the director of public works and shall be maintained as a matter of public record. (b) Pre-construction certification. Requirements for approval of the building permit shall include the following items, as applicable, and any additional items as required by the director of public works to promote public welfare and safety: (1) Certification of building plans. Each set of building plans shall be certified by a structural engineer or architect, currently licensed in the State of Hawai‘i, to be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. (2) Elevation certification on building plans. The elevation of the lowest floor shall be certified on each set of the building plans by an architect, civil engineer, or land surveyor currently licensed in the State of Hawai‘i. (3) Special flood hazards area certification. The County of Hawai‘i “Special Flood Hazard Area Certification” form, as amended, shall be completed and certified by a structural engineer or architect currently licensed in the State of Hawai‘i. The completed “Special Flood Hazard Certification” shall be submitted for approval with the building plans. SUPP. 4 (7-2018) 27-16.2 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT § 27-17 (4) Floodproofing certification. For all new nonresidential construction and substantial improvement with enclosed areas below the base flood elevation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency “Floodproofing Certificate” form, as amended, shall be completed and certified by a civil engineer or architect, currently licensed in the State of Hawai‘i and shall be submitted for approval with the building plans. The director of public works may require additional information regarding the floodproofing design from the permit applicant and the applicant shall provide it. The information required may include the design data and calculations used in the floodproofing design, a detailed flood elevation study, a drainage report, and other information as determined necessary by the director of public works to establish compliance with the provisions of this chapter and to promote public welfare and safety. (c) Post-construction certification. Requirements for approval of the certificate of occupancy shall include the following items, as applicable, and any additional items as required by the director of public works to promote public welfare and safety: (1) Elevation certification. The Federal Emergency Management Agency “Elevation Certificate,” as amended, shall be completed and certified by a land surveyor, civil engineer, or architect currently licensed in the State of Hawai‘i and submitted for approval with the application for the certificate of occupancy. The information certified within the “Elevation Certificate” shall be based on actual construction. (2) Compliance with other requirements of this chapter. (1993, ord 93-78, sec 3; am 2001, ord 01-108, sec 1; am 2007, ord 07-169, sec 10; am 2010, ord 10-115, sec 4; am 2017, ord 17-56, sec 9.) 27-17