Flood Proofing Regulations for Building Codes

Few of the building codes used by urban communities require flood proofing of new or existing structures as a condition for flood hazard area construction or occupancy. The codes provide only minimum standards to regulate and control the design and construction of all buildings to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare. Man's ever increasing encroachment into the flood plains has tremendously increased the flood damage potential and hazard to the users. This has pointed out the urgent need to regulate the use of flood plains, types of structures permitted, and special design and construction standards to be met if flood damage reduction is to become a reality. Zoning and flood-plain regulations can effectively regulate flood-plain occupancy and types of structures permitted. Flood proofing regulations in building codes can provide the special criteria needed to assure quality flood damage free constructions.