Understanding substantial improvement
Under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a substantial improvement is any rebuilding, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement to a structure whose cost reaches or exceeds half of the structure's market value before work begins. Once a project crosses that threshold, the building must meet the same construction standards as new construction and be raised above the minimum Base Flood Elevation (BFE) shown on Fredville's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
How is substantial damage defined?
A building is substantially damaged when, whatever caused the damage, restoring it to its earlier condition would cost at least 50 percent of its market value before the damage happened. The determination is made no matter how much repair work is actually carried out.
Permits
A city ordinance requires a building permit for every substantial improvement project and every repair of substantial damage in the City of Fredville. For permit details, visit the Building Inspections Division page or call (555) 010-2235.
Fredville is a demonstration city built by Talk to Fred. Names, numbers and details on this page are sample content.