Review of building permit applications; design and construction requirements

The Mayor shall review all building permit applications for new construction or substantial improvements to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a location that has flood hazard, the proposed new construction or substantial improvement (including prefabricated homes) must: (1) Be designed (or modified) and anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure; (2) Use construction materials and utility equipment that are resistant to flood damage; and (3) Use construction methods and practices that will minimize flood damage.