The first habitable floor (not grade level) in a floodplain for a mixed-use structure must now be elevated to the new CAFE standards, which means that the elevation of the first habitable floor level is calculated by adding the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to the CAFE of 4 feet plus 1 foot Freeboard. Also, the CAFE standards require that the lowest floor elevation be at least one foot higher than the CAFE and no lower than required by the UCC (N.J.A.C. 7:13-12.5).
For example, let’s assume the structure is in an AE zone where the BFE is 11. To find the minimum elevation the calculation would be as follows:
BFE + CAFE + Freeboard (note, Highlands has a Freeboard of 1 foot), plus the N.J.A.C. 7:13-12.5 minimum 1-foot elevation requirement.
11 + 4 + 1= Elevation 16, plus 1-foot minimum as per N.J.A.C. 7:13-12.5. Thus, the first floor would need to be elevated to Elevation 17.
That does not mean the structure must be elevated 17 feet above the ground. To find out how high above adjacent grade (ground) the building must be elevated to you would deduct the elevation of the ground. For example, the average elevation of the ground on Bay Avenue is roughly 5 feet. You would deduct this amount from the elevation of 17, which would give you an indication that the first habitable floor level must sit roughly 12 feet above ground. Of course, the only way to confirm elevations is by hiring a licensed land surveyor and have an Elevation Certificate prepared.
If the structure is in an A or Coastal A zone, the lowest horizontal structural member would need to be elevated above the BFE + CAFE + Freeboard.