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.

Signed and sealed elevation certificates and surveys 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.

Please note that the elevation certificate forms and required information have changed. As of April 1, 2010, only FEMA Form 81-31, dated March 2009, elevation certifi cates must be used. Copies of elevation certificates that have been submitted to the Town since 1994 can be obtained from the Building Department at Town Hall.

Chapter 70 of the Town’s Code of Ordinances specifi es development procedures and flood reduction standards for new construction and substantial improvements within the Town. For more information to review Town ordinances click here.