Enclosed areas or enclosure

The portion of an elevated building below the BFE (or lowest elevated floor) that is partially or fully surrounded by solid (including breakaway) walls. These enclosed areas can only be used for parking, building access, or storage and must meet other construction requirements. / Area below an elevated building and enclosed by walls on all sides. The NFIP does not explicitly define “enclosure,” but it is mentioned in the definition of “lowest floor.” Enclosures may be formed by foundation perimeter walls (crawlspace), framed walls, or breakaway walls. Also defined in ASCE 24-14 as the “confined area below the DFE, formed by walls on all sides of the enclosed space.” / An area that is enclosed on all sides by walls. Enclosed areas are permitted below the lowest floor provided the enclosed areas meet certain use restrictions (used only for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage) and construction requirements related to flood resistance, including use of flood damage-resistant materials and installation of openings to allow for automatic entry and exit of floodwater. / Areas created by a crawlspace or solid walls that fully enclose areas below the BFE.