Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. The lowest floor of a residential building including basement must be above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Basements below the BFE are only allowed in communities that have obtained a basement exception from FEMA. Floodproofed non-residential basements are allowed.
National Flood Insurance Program Requirements
- 59.1 - Definition
- 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas