Answers and Updates to Your Frequently Asked Questions

It is all speculation right now and until we receive more information from the Senate, Congress and Corps of Engineers we have no information whether land near the 17th Street Canal and the London Avenue Canal will need to be appropriated or not. I have met and continue to meet with Senator Vitter, Congressman Jindal, the Army Corps of Engineers and others to urge them on the need for direction on what the future may hold. I can assure you that as soon as I know what the plans are I will communicate that with you.

Have there been any changes to the building codes?
There have been no changes to building codes and height requirements from pre-Katrina.

Can we rebuild/renovate?
Yes, absolutely. Safety and Permits is issuing building permits. They are located on the 7th floor of City Hall.

Will my home be torn down by the city or FEMA?
No, each individual property owner has the responsibility of assessing his property and determining whether they want to tear it down or renovated it.

Are there new building codes that I will have to follow?
No, the building codes have not changed.

If I rebuild/renovate will I be required to raise my home to the flood elevation so that I may be insured?
According to FEMA regulations, any residential structure that requires substantial improvement meaning any repair, reconstruction or improvement in which the cost exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred or any new construction must adhere to the base flood elevations of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Orleans Parish. In other words, the lowest flood (including basement) must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation. The base flood elevation requirements are based on the 100-year flood which means the highest level of flooding that on average is likely to occur once every 100 years or that has a 1% chance of occurring each year. A certificate of elevation for the property is required for building permits. If a property owner does not have a certificate of elevation a state licensed civil engineer or land surveyor can prepare one. The certificate of elevation certifies that requirements have been complied with and holds the city harmless from any errors in the elevation certificate.

Is there any financial assistance for homeowners who own homes that are below the flood elevation standards?
Yes, FEMA offers Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage. Some homes that were built prior to 1984 were not required to be built to flood elevation standards and therefore may not have been elevated to reduce the impact of flooding. FEMA’s Increased Cost of Compliance offers flood insurance policyholders up to $30,000 to help pay the costs to bring their home or business into compliance with their community's floodplain requirements. You can find more information on this at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/icc.shtm.