Local Governments' Hidden Barriers to Disaster Recovery
Research following Superstorm Sandy suggests that there are critical barriers to storm recovery within local laws like zoning statutes and building codes. The first is a failure to recognize the way rigid federal recovery regulations can be a poor fit for a community's unique local circumstances. The second is not anticipating how local ordinances may actually impede effective recovery. Other issues highlighted by the recovery process include local height limits and setback requirements that are obstacles to the rebuilding process that require owners to elevate their homes to comply with National Flood Insurance Program requirements. Researchers urge public officials to push for more flexible federal disaster-recovery policies. Local governments alone can protect themselves by identifying, anticipating, and dealing effectively with potential local impediments to recovery — now, before the need is urgent, say researchers.