flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Massachusetts Congressional delegation asks FEMA to slow flood zone map requirements

Massachusetts Congressional delegation asks FEMA to slow flood zone map requirements

One town spent $24,000 on scientific studies to prove that the federal agency’s proposed flood maps were flawed.


By BD+C Staff | March 4, 2014
Map: NOAA.GOV
Map: NOAA.GOV

After a recent successful challenge of the scientific methodology used to redraw the coastal high-hazard zones, the Massachusetts congressional delegation is asking federal officials to put the brakes on new flood zone maps for the Bay State.

Officials from the town of Rockport persuaded FEMA officials to modify flood maps arguing successfully that the elevations used to determine which properties were at risk of severe flooding were based on a Pacific Coast wave model that was not appropriate for the East Coast town.

The town spent $24,000 on scientific studies to prove that the federal agency’s proposed flood maps were flawed.

(http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2014/02/20/rockport-challenge-could-help-stop-wave-flood-insurance-increases/)

Related Stories

Energy Efficiency | Apr 7, 2023

Department of Energy makes $1 billion available for states, local governments to upgrade building codes

The U.S. Department of Energy is offering funding to help state and local governments upgrade their building codes to boost energy efficiency. The funding will support improved building codes that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, according to DOE.

Resiliency | Apr 4, 2023

New bill would limit housing sprawl in fire- and flood-prone areas of California

A new bill in the California Assembly would limit housing sprawl in fire- and flood-prone areas across the state. For the last several decades, new housing has spread to more remote areas of the Golden State.

Sustainability | Apr 4, 2023

ASHRAE releases Building Performance Standards Guide

Building Performance Standards (BPS): A Technical Resource Guide was created to provide a technical basis for policymakers, building owners, practitioners and other stakeholders interested in developing and implementing a BPS policy. The publication is the first in a series of seven guidebooks by ASHRAE on building decarbonization.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023

Washington state House passes bill banning single-family zoning

The Washington state House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would legalize duplexes or fourplexes in almost every neighborhood of every city in the state.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023

Momentum building for green retrofits in New York City co-ops, condos

Many New York City co-op and condo boards had been resistant to the idea of approving green retrofits and energy-efficiency upgrades, but that reluctance might be in retreat.

Legislation | Mar 24, 2023

New York lawmakers set sights on unsafe lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters

Lawmakers in New York City and statewide have moved to quell the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes and scooters.

Codes and Standards | Mar 24, 2023

Changes to ICC building codes development process aimed at more in-depth vetting of proposals

The changes will take effect in 2024-2026 for the development of the 2027 International Codes (I-Codes). They will move the development process to an integrated and continuous three-year cycle.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023

Multifamily developers offering new car-free projects in car-centric cities

Cities in the South and Southwest have eased zoning rules with parking space mandates in recent years to allow developers to build new housing with less parking.

Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2023

Coastal multifamily developers, owners expect huge jump in insurance costs

In Texas and Florida, where Hurricane Ian caused $50 billion in damage last year, insurance costs are nearly 50% higher than in 2022.

Geothermal Technology | Mar 22, 2023

Lendlease secures grants for New York’s largest geothermal residential building

Lendlease and joint venture partner Aware Super, one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds, have acquired $4 million in support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to build a geoexchange system at 1 Java Street in Brooklyn. Once completed, the all-electric property will be the largest residential project in New York State to use a geothermal heat exchange system.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021