Which of the following items must be checked for a new house in the V Zone?

In the context of floodplain management and specifically for new houses built in the V Zone, checking the lowest floor elevation is crucial for ensuring compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. The V Zone, also known as the coastal high hazard area, is subject to significant wave action and flood risks. As such, the elevation of the lowest floor must be at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to provide adequate protection against flood damage.

This elevation check not only safeguards the structure during flood events but also helps in mitigating risks to life and property. Ensuring the lowest floor is appropriately elevated is a fundamental component of floodplain management practices, as it directly influences the building's resilience to flooding.

While other factors, such as the design of retaining walls, landscaping, and proximity to the floodplain, may also be important considerations in site planning and flood mitigation strategies, they do not carry the same critical importance as verifying the lowest floor elevation in the context of the NFIP requirements for structures situated in high-risk flood zones like the V Zone.