FEMA Technical Bulletin Openings In Foundation Walls.pdf

Table of Contents
Introduction . .................................................................................................................................1
NFIP Regulations ...........................................................................................................................4
How Openings Affect Flood Insurance Rates...............................................................................4
Documenting Elevations and Information About Openings . ....................................................5
Enclosed Areas Below Elevated Buildings.....................................................................................5
Enclosures That Require Openings...................................................................................6
Situations That Do Not Require Openings.....................................................................12
Requirements and Guidance for Installation of Openings........................................................13
Minimum Number of Openings......................................................................................13
Height of Openings Above Grade...................................................................................14
Installation Examples ......................................................................................................15
Non-Engineered Openings and Engineered Openings.............................................................18
Unacceptable Measures....................................................................................................19
Non-Engineered Openings..............................................................................................20
Engineered Openings .....................................................................................................24
The NFIP.......................................................................................................................................28
NFIP Technical Bulletins . ...........................................................................................................28
Ordering Technical Bulletins . ....................................................................................................28
Further Information ....................................................................................................................29
Glossary ........................................................................................................................................30

Comments on the Technical Bulletins should be directed to:
Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Mitigation Directorate
500 C Street, SW.
Washington, D.C. 20472
Technical Bulletin 1-08 replaces Technical Bulletin 1-93, Openings in Foundation Walls.
Photograph Credits:
Figure 3. Bill Bryant, Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Figure 4. Smart Vent, Inc.
Figure 17. North Carolina Emergency Management/T. Riddle