FEMA Tightens Standards for Building in Flood Zones, Citing Climate Change

The rules apply to new construction, improvements, and repairs funded by FEMA, as well as the relocation of buildings away from flood zones.

A bicyclist goes through flooded streets on Stirling Road near Federal Highway in Hollywood, Fla., on June 12, 2024. Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

Structures built or repaired with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have to meet new standards that take into account projected changes in water levels and other factors to stem damage from repeat flooding, the agency said.

The rules apply to new construction,  improvements, and repairs funded by FEMA, as well as the relocation of buildings away from flood zones or above projected future flood zones, according to a July 10 statement.

They will also apply to “critical” projects such as the construction of fire and police stations as well as hospitals and sites where hazardous materials are stored, among others.

FEMA said historic approaches to flood protection have become outdated because of climate change. The new rules, called the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS), rely on the best available science, according to FEMA, to ensure resilience amid an expected increase in flooding and weather-related disasters.

“FFRMS will allow us to enhance resilience in flood-prone communities by taking future flood risk into consideration when we rebuild structures post-disaster,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. “This is a huge win that will also allow us to end the repeat loss cycles that stem from flooding and increase the safety of families and save taxpayer dollars.”

New Standard Aimed at Increasing Community Resilience to Disaster

The government agency said the new standard incorporates current and future flood risks, ensuring “greater resilience to flooding, protecting federal investments, and reducing the risk of damage and loss from floods.”

White House national climate adviser Ali Zaidi said the new rules are the next step in ensuring communities are more resilient to storms and other devasting weather events in the future.

Mr. Zaidi said that climate change was increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

“President Biden is taking bold action—mobilizing historic investments to protect communities before the storm strikes, upgrade critical infrastructure to reduce vulnerability and risk, and boost our collective capacity to recover quickly after disasters,” Mr. Zaidi said in the FEMA statement.

“Today’s rule will help local communities harness the best in science and engineering to better prepare for flood risks from rising sea levels and damaging storms,” he said.

Since August 2021, FEMA has partially implemented the new standard but relied on existing regulations to reduce flood risk, the agency said. The final rule amends Title 44, Part 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and will take effect on Sept. 9.

Disasters declared after that date and notices of funding opportunities published will start being subject to all the rules and standards outlined in the FFRMS.