First Friday Floodplain Management Fact! Stay informed with these technical tips and resources for NFIP participating communities—quick to read & easy to share.
NFIP-participating communities must assess damage from any source to residential and non-residential structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area for Substantial Damage (SD). Why? SD determinations trigger flood safety rebuilding standards meant to protect people and property found in your local flood damage prevention ordinance, regulations, and building codes.
- If the SD structure's lowest floor (or lowest horizontal structural member in coastal zones) is below base flood elevation or the structure does not meet other current locally adopted flood protection standards, it must come into compliance during the repair process.
Learn more about SD in FEMA's Answers to Questions About Substantially Improved/ Substantially Damaged Buildings.