The Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 allows communities to use FEMA Public Assistance funding for Building Code and Floodplain Management Enforcement after a federally declared disaster.
For more information: FEMA Policy FP 204-079-01
Building Code and Floodplain Management Administration and Enforcement
KEY THINGS TO KNOW…
- Applicants must report all disaster impacts to FEMA, according to standard Public Assistance procedures, within 60 days of the Recovery Scoping Meeting.
- Eligible costs will be funded at the Permanent Work cost-share applicable to the disaster.
- Costs will be eligible for reimbursement for a period no longer than 180 days after the date of the major disaster declaration.
- In general, work is eligible if it is consistent with the work normally done by the community to administer and enforce building codes and floodplain management ordinances.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES…
Building Code Administration
- Review and process applications for building permits; certificates of occupancy; certificates of compliance; and the associated plans, specifications, and construction documents for compliance with federal, state, and municipal building, housing, and life-safety codes and standards applicable to disaster-related repair, replacement, or retrofit.
- Process requests for building code variances.
- Collect fees.
- Hire, train, supervise, certify, and license staff, as required to conduct eligible activities.
- Contract for services (e.g., contract planning, initiation, solicitation, evaluation, and award).
- Provide training and information to staff, contractors, and the public on unique considerations for repair of disaster-damaged historic buildings.
- Provide training and outreach to the public on building code and building permit requirements applicable to the repair, replacement, or retrofit of disaster-damaged buildings.
- Establish construction plan review and inspection processes, procedures, and instructions for permit holders.
- Monitor impacted areas for unpermitted construction activities.
- Coordinate building code administration and enforcement with floodplain management ordinance administration and enforcement, as appropriate.
Code Enforcement
- Inspect structures under construction for compliance with approved plans, specifications, and all requirements of applicable codes, laws, and ordinances.
- Identify and carry out corrective action in cases where construction, design, and occupancy do not comply with codes and/or ordinances.
- Conduct and process condemnation determinations.
- Review and issue elevation certificates.
- Investigate complaints and assist in preparation of materials for abating violations of building codes and related ordinances.
To read the complete FEMA fact sheet, click here.