Flood Zones and FEMA Compliant Building

Jul 25, 2018

Overlooking the marsh and Long Island Sound, it should not come as a surprise that the property at The Residences at 66 High Street sits within a flood zone. But what does this mean and why is there no reason to worry?

As described by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flood zones vary based on location. At low elevation and in close proximity to the ocean, the site at 66 High Street lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). An SFHA is an area that can become flooded in the event of a 1-percent annual chance flood, also known as a base or 100-year flood. For more details about SFHAs, as well as moderate and minimal flood hazard areas, check out FEMA’s explanation.

See here how the property falls within the base flood zone. All structures comply with FEMA standards. Living spaces have been raised seventeen feet, seven feet above the 100-year floodplain. Raising the first floor of the Whitfield, Leete, and Chittenden buildings allowed us to conveniently place resident parking in the new buildings underground.

As a result of adapting to meet flood management regulations, flood insurance costs are a mere fraction of what they otherwise would have been. In addition to the security systems in place on site, the storm-resilient buildings at 66 High Street can provide residents with a furthered sense of security and peace of mind.