FEMA, ICC release updated guide on integrating I-Codes into floodplain management regulations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the International Code Council have released an updated guide on integrating I-Codes into floodplain management regulatory processes related to structures, buildings, and other development.

The document is intended to help state and local officials integrate the I-Codes into their floodplain management regulatory processes to satisfy the requirements to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The benefits of coordinating building codes and floodplain management regulations include reduced duplication and conflict between requirements and improved, consistent, and thorough review, permitting, and enforcement processes.

The guide provides a series of questions that states and communities should answer to know whether and how to modify existing floodplain management regulations to coordinate with building codes. It shows how to incorporate higher standards in state and local building codes that are based on the I-Codes to increase building and community resilience to flood damage.

The document also contains model code-coordinated ordinances prepared by FEMA.