When FEMA uses the term, “floodplain management measures”, what is meant?
“Floodplain management measures” refers to an overall community program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing future flood damage. These measures take a variety of forms and generally include zoning, subdivision or building requirements, or special-purpose floodplain ordinances. Do the floodplain management measures required by the NFIP affect existing buildings? They affect existing buildings only when the existing building is substantially improved. What constitutes “substantial improvement”? “Substantial improvement” is defined as any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building either before the improvement or repair is started or before the damage occurred if the building has been damaged and is being restored. It does not, however, include: Actions taken for health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are necessary solely to assure safe living Actions taken to comply
