FEMA flood elevation rules on oceanfront rebuilds
Some Malibu owners trying to rebuild the same pre-fire homes had applications rejected or delayed because plans did not meet updated FEMA flood elevation standards requiring many oceanfront structures to sit higher. Coverage notes survivors and smoke-damaged properties facing costly redesign or possible demolition to comply, adding another layer beyond city permitting.
Should FEMA flood-elevation standards be relaxed for Malibu oceanfront homes rebuilding after the Palisades Fire?
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Sources
Governing (homeowner account) — https://www.governing.com/urban/malibus-recovery-stalls-as-red-tape-and-fire-damage-collide
The homeowner planned to rebuild the same house that was there before, but their application was sent back because the plans didn't comply with FEMA's updated flood elevation standards, which require many rebuilt oceanfront homes to sit higher above the sand.
Fox 11 interview via Governing — https://www.governing.com/urban/malibus-recovery-stalls-as-red-tape-and-fire-damage-collide
One local, whose house survived but sustained smoke damage, told Fox 11 that he may be forced to demolish the property in order to comply with the heightened elevation standards.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Pair strict elevation rules with large public grants so lower-income and primary residents can comply
- Keep strong flood standards but add city help and flexible designs for fire survivors
- Apply current FEMA rules with case-by-case variances where pre-fire footprints are documented
- Temporarily waive or lower elevation mandates so identical rebuilds can proceed quickly
- Reject federal elevation mandates locally; owners alone decide height and flood risk