Chapter 7 › XIII.T Demolition of Private Structures

Can we demolish dangerous private buildings after the disaster?

FEMA term

Demolition of private structures

Short answer

Yes, when collapse is imminent and threatens the general public, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction with a licensed engineer, architect or other authorized individual. If fencing off the area removes the threat more cheaply, demolition is ineligible.

What FEMA requires

Notify FEMA and identify the property type; preliminary approval is encouraged.
Certify the threat, cite the specific law or emergency power used, confirm an authorized official ordered the work, indemnify the federal government, get rights-of-entry and permits, and comply with EHP.
Eligible related work includes capping wells, pumping septic tanks, filling basements and pools, hazmat testing, securing utilities, permits and title searches. Your own permit fees count only if above normal costs.
Debris and hazardous material removal can be Category A.
Commercial structures (businesses, apartments, condos, mobile homes in commercial parks) are generally ineligible.
Not eligible: structures condemned before the incident, removing slabs and driveways that pose no hazard (except in HMGP buyouts), and placing demolition debris on the right-of-way.

Documentation

The items listed above for each structure, plus insurance recovery efforts with the owner.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Have the qualified individual’s written finding of imminent collapse for every structure before demolition starts.

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.