HUD issues final rule with Federal Flood Risk Management Standard

HUD has announced it has published [89 FR 30850] in this morning's Federal Register a final rule with a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) to help communities prepare for and reduce flood damage. This rule aims to protect communities from flood risk, heavy storms, increased frequency of severe weather events and disasters, changes in development patterns, and erosion.

The final rule implements the FFRMS required by Executive Order 13690 (1/30/2015) by updating two of HUD’s regulations: Part 55, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands and Part 200, Minimum Property Standards. This rule strengthens standards by increasing elevations and flood proofing requirements of properties in areas at risk of flooding, where federal funds are used to develop or provide financing for new construction within the now defined FFRMS floodplain. It also applies to substantial improvement to structures financed through HUD grants, subsidy programs, and applicable multifamily programs. The update to Minimum Property Standards only applies to FHA-insured new construction within the 100-year floodplain.