Rebuilding Begins At Home
Parishes and Local Communities Decide Where and How to Rebuild
Release Date: March 17, 2006
Release Number: 1603-407
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Baton Rouge, La. -- As homeowners begin to repair or rebuild properties, they must seek guidance from local Parish officials in order to comply with locally mandated laws and regulations. Neither the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) nor any other federal agency makes final decisions on the damage assessment, rebuilding or demolition of individual homes.
During rebuilding or reconstruction, local authorities must decide where and how structures will be rebuilt. Federal guidelines can assist the local community as it rebuilds but the reconstruction process is mandated by local requirements. Building permits for individual home construction or repair are issued by community and Parish officials as per local regulations.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) standards are the best current recommendations from FEMA for rebuilding. Individual parishes that choose to receive community-level disaster grants and mitigation funding from FEMA must accept ABFE standards for reconstruction. No federal agency compels the expenditure of private funds by any community or private homeowner. However, local rules or ordinances may require ABFE standards for rebuilding. Homeowners should contact their Parish Floodplain Manager for more information about ABFE levels in their area.
Communities that agree to manage flood hazard areas by adopting minimum regulatory standards may participate in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Current NFIP base elevation levels approved through federal and local statutes remain valid for housing repairs.
In the coming months and years, more accurate guidance will be available for constructing new homes and businesses in Louisiana. FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration are working together with the latest technology to produce new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that accurately identify local flood risks. Eventually, each Parish will have the opportunity to address local concerns and adopt FIRMs and standards for construction.
Parish officials will try to protect new and reconstructed buildings not only against future floods but also against potentially damaging winds. The State of Louisiana approved stronger and more wind resistant International Building Codes in December 2005. These codes should result in better protected properties during a disastrous wind event and reduce recovery costs for home owners. Code compliance is regulated by each local Parish permit-issuing authority.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Mar-2006 17:51:50