Check With Your Local Code Enforcement Officials Before Rebuilding

If your home was damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, contact your local planning, zoning, and code enforcement offices to determine which steps you'll need to take before starting repairs or before rebuilding.

Rebuilding After a Tropical Storm

Every part of a building - from roofs, walls and siding to plumbing, septic systems and heating/air conditioning systems - may require a permit before you start to rebuild. A permit may also be needed for demolition.

Permits protect owners, residents, communities and buildings by making sure repairs and/or construction meet current building codes, standards, floodplain ordinances and construction techniques. Permits also provide a permanent record of compliance with elevation and/or retrofitting requirements, which is valuable information when selling the structure or obtaining flood insurance coverage.

Rebuilding in a Floodplain

Obtaining a development/building permit is required for those whose homes or businesses are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area. Building permits are based on current local codes, floodplain management ordinances and North Carolina Building Codes that are enforced locally - not by FEMA. To learn more about North Carolina's Floodplain Management Program visit flood.nc.gov/ncflood/.

Contact your community's building department to find information on locally approved and licensed contractors. These offices can provide suggestions for consumer protection against dishonest contractors, as well as how to protect homes or businesses from future disaster-related damage.

Be Aware

If you don't get proper permits, you may be subject to stop-work orders, fines or penalties. Some communities may choose to waive permit fees, but the requirement to obtain the permits themselves cannot be waived.

FEMA does not recommend or endorse contractors, so be cautious of contractors who claim they are authorized by FEMA.