If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) you should be aware that post-disaster redevelopment within the floodplain must may need to locally enforced flood hazard area regulations. These regulations contain standards for new, substantially damaged and/or substantially improved structures in identified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA, or the 1% annual chance floodplain, commonly known as 100-year floodplain).
Any structure that is considered "substantially damged" must be brought into compliance with local flood hazard area regulations. A substantially damaged structure is one that has damage that equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure. The damage estimate would be made regardless of the repairs and improvements that may be planned at this time. In order to maintain our community's participation status in the NFIP, and ensure that your future flood risk is reduced, this rule must be followed.
Before you begin the work of recovering your structure from flood damage, contact your local zoning administrator.
FEMA Flood Maps - FEMA NFIP flood maps are available from the Map Service Center (MSC).
FEMA Flood Maps for Google Earth- KMZ layer for Google Earth (Windsor, Rutland Counties)
Information about Historic Buildings and the National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) gives special consideration to historic buildings, landmarks, and sites that have been affected by natural disasters like Tropical Storm Irene in order to encourage their continued preservation.
While the NFIP gives special consideration to historic buildings, it also allows communities to adopt stricter standards in their zoning bylaws. Most Vermont communities have adopted provisions enabling the historic building exemption, while additionally requiring property owners to explore options to reduce future flood damage. The goal of this added measure is to reduce future flood damage and building losses and allow businesses and residents to return to work and home more quickly in the aftermath of future flood events.
The Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development has produced a five-page guide that addresses how Historic Buildings should be handled in the floodplain, it is available for download below.
ANR Second Phase Guidance for In-Stream Work - The most up-to-date policy release on in-stream work came from the Agency of Natural Resources on 10/6/11. It is available for download below.
VT Agency of Natural Resources Flood Response & Cleanup Info
Before You Begin Repairs Guide
FEMA After the Flood Fact Sheet
FEMA Guide to Repairing Flooded Homes
Hiring Contractors - Events such as Tropical Storm Irene can bring out individuals who take advantage of others during a time of crisis. Communities and residents are advised to be cautious when hiring contractors. The following News Brief offers suggestions on how communities and residents can protect themselves from fraudulent contractors.
Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) - members are commercial contractors that can assist in meeting the municipal and businesses needs quickly and responsibly. The AGC/VT contact is Cathy Voyer: 802-223-2374, cathy@agcvt.org.