After Superstorm Sandy, New York City revised its building codes in 2013 to make buildings more resilient to flooding.
But landlords of most buildings in the flood plain have not been required to meet these flood-prevention standards, and many structures remain vulnerable to similar weather events. The new requirements include raising structures above flood elevation or flood-proofing buildings below that point, and ensuring that residents on higher floors can access potable water if electric water pumps fail.
So far, just 549 structures have hit the substantial alteration threshold when renovations amount to at least 50% of the building value—a trigger requiring the owner to adhere to the new code. To date, 1,131 new buildings have been constructed in the flood plain that abide by the new code.
According to the city, 75,786 other buildings constructed in the flood plain before 2013 have not completed a flood resilience retrofit. Some, though, have been prompted by their insurance providers to lift generators and boilers onto higher floors and harden their infrastructure. This work, however, may not be as comprehensive as fully abiding by the new code.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2017
Asheville, N.C. rezoning favors pedestrians, could change city’s character
Focus is on layout and look of new buildings rather than use.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2017
Nail-Laminated timber Canadian design and construction guide released
Includes practical strategies and guidance with lessons from real-life projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017
New standard to monitor building sealing performance
Increased understanding of how materials act when stretched and compressed is the goal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017
Denver voters approve green roof mandate
Buildings of 25,000 sf or larger required to install vegetative roof or PVs.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017
USGBC adopts ‘RELi’ resilient building and design standard
The standard prescribes methods for designing more resilient buildings and communities.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017
Updated material transparency web site and hazardous building materials list unveiled
Improved versions of tools aimed at use of healthier construction supplies.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2017
White roofing isn’t always the best choice
Adverse effects include heat reflection onto nearby walls.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
U.S. finalizes tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The duties would add 20% or more to cost if trade negotiators can’t find common ground.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards
It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.