York County, VA Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)

Sec. 24.1-373(e)(14) governs construction in Zone VE, the Coastal High Hazard area extending from offshore to the inland limit of the primary frontal dune, and requires that new construction and substantial improvements comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code's Zone VE provisions. All new construction and substantial improvements in Zones V and VE must be elevated on pilings or columns so the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member sits at least three feet of freeboard above the base flood level (or one foot above the freeboard if that member runs perpendicular to the wave approach), and the pile or column foundation must be anchored against flotation, collapse, and lateral movement from wind and water loads acting together with a 1% annual chance of being equaled or exceeded.

Structures in Coastal VE zones subject to 1.5-3 foot wave heights within the Limits of Moderate Wave Action must add one more foot of freeboard, for four feet total. Electrical equipment and heating/cooling systems must sit at least three feet above base flood elevation, and electrical distribution panels at least six feet above it. Space below the lowest floor must remain free of obstruction or use breakaway walls rated for 10 to 20 pounds per square foot, fill cannot be used for structural support, and dune alteration is prohibited. The Floodplain Administrator must be satisfied that these standards are met before issuing building permits or certificates of occupancy.