All of these publications can be downloaded for free from FEMA’s Building Science Publications web site. Yes, FEMA has several publications for homeowners, design professionals, and builders that illustrate important concepts and best practices for constructing stronger, safer residential buildings in flood-prone areas in accordance with building codes and standards. May 2010.ĭoes FEMA have existing guidelines for elevating a home in a flood zone? Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference. This term includes structures that have incurred substantial damage regardless of the actual repair work performed (FEMA, 2010). Reconstruction of a home that is destroyed or that has been so severely damaged that it must be rebuilt is considered construction of a new home, and new homes must comply with the local floodplain management regulations.ĭefinition: Substantial damage means damage of any origin for which the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred (FEMA, 2010).ĭefinition: Substantial improvement means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure for which the cost of the work equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. Check with the local jurisdiction for additional requirements that must be met. Other requirements include using the proper type of foundation (depending on the flood zone in which the house is located), properly anchoring the home to the foundation, using flood-resistant materials, complying with limitations on the use of enclosed areas below the elevated home, and protecting utilities and equipment. The local jurisdiction may require elevating the home higher than the BFE, to an elevation called the design flood elevation (DFE). These regulations include elevating the home so that its lowest floor is at or above the base flood elevation (BFE). If the flood-damaged home is in a floodplain and is substantially damaged (see definition below), the NFIP requires that reconstruction and repairs, termed substantial improvements (see definition below), be performed to bring the home into compliance with local floodplain management regulations. Work on flood-damaged homes located in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is subject to specific requirements. When does a flood-damaged home need to be elevated?
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