Breakaway Wall

A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. Any walls below the lowest floor in a building in a V Zone should give way under wind and water loads without causing collapse, displacement, or other damage to the elevated portion of the building or the supporting pilings or columns.

National Flood Insurance Program Requirements

  • 59.1 - Definition
  • 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
    • (e)(4) - V Zone Elevation Requirement
    • (e)(5) Free of Obstruction Requirement
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