Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements

Changes to the Florida Building Code and new floodplain maps will mean buildings in the state will have to be built at higher elevations.

Nonresidential buildings will have to be built at 9.5 feet, two feet higher than current requirements. Houses will have to be built at 8.5 feet, a foot higher than what is currently required.

The state building code is expected to incorporate the changes in December after adoption by the Florida Legislature. In Palm Beach, new FEMA maps and changes to the town’s flood ordinances and zoning code must be adopted by early October for the town to remain eligible for federal funds through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Palm Beach officials recently indicated that businesses and residents who have secured building permits but have not yet started construction may build to the higher elevation without facing a penalty.

Tenants increasingly expect a well-crafted property that feels unique, authentic, and comfortable—with technologically advanced systems and spaces that optimize performance and encourage collaboration and engagement. The following guidance will help owners and property managers keep tenants happy.

Architects | Jan 29, 2020

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture school is closing

The school was established in 1932.

Libraries | Jan 23, 2020

Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both

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Green | Jan 10, 2020

How the new EC3 tool raises the bar on collective action

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Architects | Jan 9, 2020

AIA selects recipients for the 2020 Regional & Urban Design Awards

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Building Technology | Jan 7, 2020

Tariff whiplash for bifacial solar modules

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Maximize Energy Efficiency in Class A Office Buildings With Modern Building Systems

Energy-efficient building design starts with the building envelope, but the building systems have a tremendous impact on energy use as well.

Life of an Architect Podcast | Jan 6, 2020

5 most popular Life of an Architect podcast episodes of 2019

Architects Bob Borson, FAIA, and Andrew Hawkins, AIA, LEED AP, produced 25 episodes of the Life of an Architect podcast in 2019. Here are the five most popular episodes of Life of an Architect based on the number of downloads.