Substantial Improvements         

The National Flood Insurance Program requires an existing building to meet the same construction standards as a new building if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value. Property owners that make repairs and/or improvements to their residence where the combined total of the improvements over a 5-year period are 50% or more of the structures value, must also meet the same standards as a newly constructed building.

Chapter 70 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances specifies development procedures and flood reduction standards for new construction and substantial improvements within the Town. Additional information on substantial improvements and substantial damage rules can be found in FEMA manual 213 – “Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings”, which can be viewed online or ordered through the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov/library

Signed and sealed elevation certificates are required for all new and substantially improved buildings before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.  Elevation Certificates must be signed and sealed by a land surveyor, engineer or architect that is authorized by law to certify such a document.

Copies of elevation certificates that have been submitted to the Town since 1994 can be obtained from the Building Department at Town Hall.  

Please note that the elevation certificate forms and required information have changed. As of January 1, 2007, only FEMA Form 81-31, February 2006 can be used.

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