To develop within a 100-year floodplain and still meet the requirements of the Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite: Floodplain Avoidance, the project must be located on a previously disturbed site. Additionally, the development must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations to ensure that it minimizes risks associated with flood events.
* Floodplain Avoidance Prerequisite:This prerequisite under LEED-ND is designed to ensure that developments avoid high-risk areas like floodplains, thereby reducing potential damage from flooding and protecting natural floodplain functions. However, if development within a floodplain is necessary, certain conditions must be met.
* Previously Disturbed Sites:LEED-ND allows development within a floodplain if the site has already been disturbed by previous human activity, meaning it's not a pristine natural area. The rationale is that redevelopment of previously disturbed land can be preferable to new development on undisturbed land, provided that flood risk mitigation strategies are in place.
* National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):Compliance with NFIP is mandatory for developments in flood-prone areas. The NFIP sets standards for building in floodplains to minimize flood damage and ensure that structures are insured against flood risks. By following NFIP guidelines, projects can achieve flood resilience and satisfy LEED's prerequisites.
* The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development details the requirements for developing within floodplains under the Smart Location & Linkage category.
* TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation provides further context and examples to illustrate acceptable practices for floodplain development.
Detailed Explanation:References:For more details, refer to the USGBC resources:
* LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
* LEED v4 Neighborhood Development
These explanations provide a comprehensive understanding of how to meet LEED-ND requirements in specific scenarios, ensuring that sustainability goals are met effectively.