FEMA’s new rules governing rebuilding after disasters will take into account the impacts of climate change on future flood risk.
For decades, the agency has followed a 100-year floodplain standard—an area that has a 1% chance of flooding in a given year. The new standard will factor in the impact of climate change such as rising sea level and heavier rainfalls when it funds rebuilding projects.
In coastal areas, the agency will account for increased erosion projected to worsen this century. To reduce flood risk, the agency will build farther from the water wherever possible and will raise structures on stilts and pilings.
Along rivers, FEMA will rebuild at least as high as the 500-year floodplain, and sometimes higher for essential infrastructure such as bridges and hospitals. Similar standards in Houston are credited with savings thousands of homes from flooding earlier this month during Hurricane Beryl.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2022
Greater emphasis on building materials needed to achieve net-zero carbon offices
Engineered wood, straw, and bamboo can be keys to achieving goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Architects at New York firm take steps to unionize
Support for unionization reported at two other New York firms.
