LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What is the building requirement for areas without legally adopted flood hazard maps?

1. Construction is allowed anywhere

2. Build on a floodplain with minimal risk

3. Cannot build on a floodplain with a 1% or greater chance of flooding

4. Must build above the 100-year flood level

The correct answer is: Cannot build on a floodplain with a 1% or greater chance of flooding

In scenarios where legally adopted flood hazard maps are not available, the building requirement stipulates that construction cannot take place on a floodplain that has a 1% or greater chance of flooding, often referred to as the base flood or the 100-year floodplain. This guideline is crucial to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of buildings, as it helps mitigate risks associated with flooding. By prohibiting construction in areas with a significant flood risk, the standard aims to protect both human life and property from potential flood damage. Designing and locating buildings with attention to these risks contributes to overall community safety and long-term resilience against climate-related events. The emphasis is on the severity of the flood risk, which is why areas with a 1% or greater flood chance warrant special consideration. The other choices might imply less stringent safeguards that could expose buildings to flood damage, counteracting the intent of promoting sustainable and safe building practices in vulnerable areas.