Substantial Damage

As you, in the affected communities, enter into the Recovery Phase, one of the most important issues you are going to deal with as a Local Floodplain Manager is Substantial Damage Determinations. For some of you, you as the Building Official or you as the Local Floodplain Manager, you will be making those determinations yourself or as part of a Disaster Response/Damage Assessment Team. For others, you will be working in concert with your local EMA Office, your local Building Codes Department or others in your community who issue Building Permits.

It is VERY IMPORTANT that substantial damage be assessed BEFORE any Building Permits are
issued !!

To order FEMA’s Residential Substantial Damage Estimator (version 2.2) visit: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1597

The Residential Substantial Damage Estimator (RSDE) software provides guidance on determining if a building is substantially damaged in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations.

Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement Toolbox

Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvements Fact Sheet for Local Elected Officials
Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvements Fact Sheet for Residents and Business Owners Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvements Fact Sheet for Floodplain Administrators Substantial Damage and Substantial Improvements Flow Chart
Substantial Damage Notification Letter – Template
FEMA-213 Answers to questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings (from FEMA website)
Determining Damage Costs
RSDE 2.2 Software
RSDE Damage Inspection Worksheets – Single/Multi-Family and Manufactured Homes

Red Card- Substantial Damage

Red Card- Unsafe to Enter

Yellow Card- Limited Entry and Restricted Use

Green Card- Habitable, Repairs Required

Green Card- Safe for Occupancy