I-CODES AND COASTAL A ZONES
The 2018 International Codes (I-Codes) treat Coastal A Zones like Zone V if a Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) is delineated on FIRMs. If a community designates an area as a Coastal A Zone through its building code or foodplain management regulations, buildings in that area are required to comply with the Zone V requirements for foundations,
including the free-of-obstruction requirement, with an exception that
permits filled stem wall foundations.
Note: Per the I-Codes and ASCE 24-14, breakaway walls in the Coastal A Zone and Zone V must have food openings.