Chapter 8 › II.A–B Codes and Standards

Do we have to rebuild to FEMA’s codes and standards, and will FEMA pay for them?

FEMA term

Consensus-based codes, specifications and standards

Short answer

Yes. Permanent work on buildings, electric power, roads, bridges, potable water and wastewater facilities must meet the latest consensus-based codes listed in PAPPG Appendix M, and the cost is eligible. Your local codes apply too where they are equal or stricter, or cover other facilities such as dams and levees.

What FEMA requires

You must identify which codes apply to each damaged element, describe the work with drawings, quantities and damage-inventory line numbers, and explain any upgrade to undamaged elements.
Upgrades to a whole structural system are eligible only if directly related to eligible damage.
Where a code allows design choices, FEMA funds the least expensive option unless your engineer shows another gives greater risk reduction.
The Regional Administrator can waive the requirement when local codes are equivalent, compliance is technically infeasible, it would be an extraordinary burden, or it would harm a historic property.
At completion, provide proof of compliance, such as an engineer’s certification. Failing to include required codes leads to denial or deobligation.
Technical help with design and a one-time purchase of a code per disaster are eligible; ongoing operations and maintenance costs are not.

Documentation

A code identification for each element, design documents showing compliance, and a final certification from a registered engineer or other qualified professional.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Put the applicable codes in your scope of work at formulation. Adding them after obligation means re-estimating and re-review.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.