Geodesy Journal

When building near Daphne’s scenic waterfronts, home entry design becomes more than just a visual choice; it's a critical part of meeting elevation standards. Homeowners and builders must follow FEMA guidelines for minimum floor height while still creating safe, attractive, and accessible entries. This article explains how entry design can meet elevation requirements without sacrificing style or function. Architectural Demands of Building on Daphne’s Waterfront Terrain Waterfront homes in Daphne often face challenges due to sloped ground and changing terrain. The natural grade near the shoreline can change quickly, which affects where and how entry points should be placed. These homes must also blend with the area’s coastal character, where views and curb appeal matter. Designing around these conditions means planning for both visual balance and regulatory rules. Builders need to think about how stairs, porches, and front walks connect to the rest of the structure without standing...

When building in flood-sensitive zones in Knoxville, getting the elevation right is not just about the house, it's also about where and how utilities are installed. This article explores how property owners and builders can meet FEMA elevation rules while placing water meters, breaker panels, and HVAC units in safe and accessible areas. Integrating Utility Access into Elevated Foundations Homes built above flood levels often face challenges with basic utility placement. Knoxville’s floodplain areas require water meters, electrical panels, and HVAC units to be above base flood elevation (BFE). Yet these same components must also remain easy to reach for use and maintenance. Meeting both goals accessibility and compliance requires careful planning from the start. Elevation Certificate Guidance on Utility Panel Placement FEMA guidelines are clear: critical utilities must be placed above BFE. An elevation certificate helps define where that benchmark falls on the lot. Without this da...

  A Flood Elevation Certificate , prepared by a licensed surveyor, is now a key requirement for any new development. It confirms whether a property meets FEMA and local flood standards—helping to avoid costly delays, design changes, and insurance issues. In places like Chattanooga, elevation reporting isn’t just a formality—it’s essential for safe, legal, and efficient construction. Pre-Development Challenges Without Elevation Verification Before construction begins, the land must be checked. If you don’t have certified elevation data: You may not know if the lot is in a flood zone Permits might be denied or delayed Teams may not agree on where or how to build Starting with verified data helps prevent these early problems. Certification and Compliance for Safe and Legal Construction In Chattanooga, floodplain rules apply to many parts of the city. Elevation certificates are required in these areas. They show that your building meets minimum height standards for safety. This certif...

  Buying land can feel like a dream come true — space, privacy, and the freedom to build the home you’ve imagined. But what many landowners discover after the purchase is that not all land is ready to be built on. One of the most common and costly surprises is failing to secure a perc test (percolation test) before buying. A perc test determines whether a piece of land can support a septic system — and without passing results, local authorities may deny building permits . This isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a critical factor in deciding whether utilities can be installed and construction can move forward. In this article, we’ll break down why skipping a perc test can halt your plans, what a perc test actually involves, and how to avoid this common land‑buying regret. The Story Many Property Owners Wish They Knew Sooner Imagine this scenario: You purchase a beautiful rural lot or a large property on the edge of town. You’ve already planned the house layout, picked out fi...