What are some examples of the ways in which structures can be substantially improved?

Generally, structures are substantially improved in one of five ways:

  1. Adding another inhabitable building on the same lot, can trigger requirements that the existing building be elevated as well. Unless, the new building is a legal Independent Living Unit
  2. Additions: improvements that increase the square footage of a structure. Commonly this includes the structural attachment of a bedroom, kitchen, den, recreational room, or other type of addition to an existing structure
  3. Reconstructions: cases where an entire structure is destroyed by damage or is purposefully demolished or razed and a new structure is built on the old foundation or slab
  4. Rehabilitations: improvements made to an existing structure which do not affect the external dimensions of the structure
  5. Substantial Damage: structures are considered substantial improvements when they incur substantial damage, meaning repairs will cost 50% or more of the building’s value. Substantial improvement more commonly occurs in non-disaster everyday situations through the rehabilitation of, or addition to structures. Substantial damage usually occurs during storm events, a fire or severe neglect/deterioration.

Show All Answers

1. What is the 50% rule?
2. What's a "regulated flood zone?"
3. How is the market value of my building determined in connection with the 50% rule?
4. I believe my house is worth more than the Adjusted Property Appraiser's value, so my 50% threshold should be higher. How do I validate this?
5. How is the value of improvements determined?
6. Instead of elevating my home, can I dry floodproof it?
7. Does the 5-year rule reset with a change of ownership?
8. Instead of elevating my commercial building, may I dry floodproof it?
9. How high does my building need to be elevated?
10. My lot is above sea level, so how high on the lot must I raise my house?
11. An Elevation Certificate shows my first floor is only 1/4 inches below the required elevation. Isn't that close enough?
12. Do I need to elevate my building if I plan to substantially renovate it, but the elevation certificate shows that it's higher than the flood level, but lower than the building code requirement?
13. My building has been officially designated a Historically Contributing Structure. Am I still required to elevate it?
14. What are some examples of the ways in which structures can be substantially improved?
15. What is a Substantially Damaged Structure?
16. What the difference between Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage?
17. In terms of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations, if a structure is determined to be substantially damaged, what must happen to that structure?
18. There are multiple buildings on one lot, that I want to build/renovate. Why am I being asked to file a building permit application for each one separately?
19. Do I need to elevate my building if I recently renovated my building to 49% of its market value, then a fire damaged a room and it's going to cost 1% of the value for repairs?
20. Does the building need to be elevated because a hurricane damaged the roof costing 10% value to repair after I renovated my home to 42%?
21. I have a shed (or garage) in the back yard, that I want to convert to a bedroom (or other living space). Does it have to be elevated?
22. The second floor of my building is well above the flood level. Are repairs to this portion of the building included in the Substantial Improvement calculations?
23. How high does a mobile home need to be elevated?
24. If a building's construction was permitted before the flood map date, but finished after that date, what rules apply?
25. Does solar equipment count toward the 50%?
26. Does only an addition need to be elevated, or the entire building?