Technical Bulletin 5, Free-of-Obstruction Requirements (2020)

NFIP Technical Bulletin 5 (2020) provides detailed guidance on free-of-obstruction requirements for buildings in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zone V) under the National Flood Insurance Program. It explains how to design and construct elevated buildings so that the area below remains free of obstructions that could increase flood damage, referencing requirements from the IRC, IBC, and ASCE 24. The bulletin addresses specific building elements such as stairs, decks, enclosures, utilities, and site development features, and discusses the implications for NFIP flood insurance. The document is intended for professionals involved in the design, review, and regulation of coastal construction.