U.S. policymakers used to believe that relocating entire flood-prone communities away from vulnerable areas was too extreme a measure. That view is changing.
There is a growing acceptance that rebuilding over and over after successive floods makes little sense. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently detailed a new program that will be funded in the billions of dollars to pay for large-scale relocation nationwide.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has started a similar program, which followed a decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to prompt local officials to force people out of their at-risk homes or forfeit federal funds for flood-protection projects.
State governments are making similar moves. New Jersey has bought and torn down 700 flood-prone homes and made offers on hundreds more. California has told local governments to begin planning for relocation of homes away from the coast. North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas have said they want to use federal money to fund the purchasing and demolishing of homes exposed to storms.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2021
Vancouver, B.C., may delay new zero emissions building standards
Building permit delays may postpone new standards by a year.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2021
Buffalo’s parking reform having noticeable impact on development
Elimination of mandatory parking allotments encourages new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 16, 2021
Inconsistent building codes make some states more vulnerable to hurricanes
Florida takes top spot for strongest building code in latest IBHS survey.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2021
Growing housing supply gap will worsen affordability crisis
Supply projected to fall 4.5 million units short in 2022.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2021
Florida will allow virtual inspections, building code enforcement, permit issuance
New law will go into effect on July 1, 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2021
New York City cracks down on construction site safety
Buildings Dept. issues new safety legislation for City Council consideration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2021
ASHRAE updates health care facility ventilation standard
Includes improved guidance on thermal comfort, revisions to air filtration requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2021
American Wood Council releases new fire design specification
For design of wood members, assemblies, and connections to meet code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2021
Guide provides strategies to overcome barriers to sustainable affordable housing
International Living Future Institute document helps with social, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.