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Controversy erupts in Florida over how homes are being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently sent a letter to officials in Lee County, Florida alleging that hundreds of homes were rebuilt in violation of the agency’s rules following Hurricane Ian. The letter provoked a sharp backlash as homeowners struggle to rebuild following the devastating 2022 storm that destroyed a large swath of the county.



Standards

Design guide offers details on rain loads and ponding on roofs

The American Institute of Steel Construction and the Steel Joist Institute recently released a comprehensive roof design guide addressing rain loads and ponding. Design Guide 40, Rain Loads and Ponding provides guidance for designing roof systems to avoid or resist water accumulation and any resulting instability.


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Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2022

More bad news on sea level rise for U.S. coastal areas

A new government report predicts sea levels in the U.S. of 10 to 12 inches higher by 2050, with some major cities on the East and Gulf coasts experiencing damaging floods even on sunny days.

Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2022

New standard for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recently introduced the standard, ANSI/IES RP-44-21 Recommended Practice: Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation.

Wood | Feb 18, 2022

$2 million mass timber design competition: Building to Net-Zero Carbon (entries due March 30!)

To promote construction of tall mass timber buildings in the U.S., the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) and USDA Forest Service (USDA) have joined forces on a competition to showcase mass timber’s application, commercial viability, and role as a natural climate solution.
 

Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2022

Proposal would make all new buildings in Los Angeles carbon-neutral

Los Angeles may become the next large city to ban fossil fuels from new construction if legislation recently introduced in the city council becomes law.

Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2022

U.S. Army outlines ambitious renewable energy and decarbonization goals

Net-zero emissions in all procurements and a microgrid at every base among aims.

Exterior | BD+C University Course | Feb 17, 2022

Metal roofing trends

New ideas in design and constructability are radically changing how metal systems are used as roofing for commercial and institutional buildings. Behind the investment in these new kinds of expressions and construction approaches is a growing interest in improved performance and reduced environmental impact. Metal roofing systems can cut cooling and heating loads significantly, according to the EPA.

Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2022

Pandemic won’t alter urban planning

City planners focused on returning to ‘old normal’.

Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2022

California court rules affordable housing developers exempt from local zoning

Case could set precedent on state law that overrides local rules.

Codes and Standards | Feb 15, 2022

FORTIFIED resiliency standard expanded to include multifamily sector

Voluntary, beyond-code program aims to protect buildings from severe weather.

Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2022

Number of Americans at risk of flooding to double in 30 years

Most new risk from new development, not climate change.

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