Coastal Zones Explained

• AE Zone: The AE zone is typically found in areas that are subject to flooding during a 100-year flood event, which has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. Buildings in this zone are required to have their lowest floor elevated to at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This helps minimize flood damage while ensuring compliance with local building codes and insurance requirements. Sometimes flood compensation requirements are involved so a civil engineer should be consulted to determine the feasibility of these requirements.
• V Zone: The V zone, or Velocity zone, is located in areas where wave action can cause significant flooding and erosion during storms. Structures in this zone must be elevated to a height that is at least one foot above the BFE, and they must be supported by pilings, columns, oversized footers, and breakaway walls. This design is crucial to withstand the forces of moving water and reduce the risk of structural damage.
• Coastal A Zone: The Coastal A zone is an intermediate area between the AE and V zones, where wave action is less severe but still poses a flood risk. Structures in this zone are also required to be elevated above the BFE, though the exact height requirements can vary based on local regulations. The building requirements for Coastal A zones are very similar to those required in VE zones.
• Conclusion: Understanding these zones is essential for coastal home building. At Covenant Homes, we are committed to guiding our clients through the complexities of coastal construction to ensure that their homes are safe, resilient, and tailored to their needs.

Water-adjacent properties often have varying soil compositions, such as sand, silt, clay, and organic material, which can significantly impact the stability and suitability for construction. A geotechnical report provides a detailed analysis of the soil composition. This report is required when the property is in a coastal flood zone as it has an effect on the design and cost to build.

Assess any environmental restrictions or protected areas, such as wetlands, that may impact construction.

Building near or on the water may require specialized foundation techniques like pilings, piers, or deep foundations. The geotechnical report provides essential data to design these foundations correctly.