PUBLISHED BY THE EL PASO ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS : NATIONAL , STATE AND LOCAL HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY NEWS

NAHB but about ensuring that all key infrastructure

The National Association of Home Builders within a community , such as energy ( NAHB ) told Congress ( September 25 ) that transmission , flood control , communications the Federal Emergency Management and transportation are equipped to handle Agency ’ s ( FEMA ) oversized emphasis on disasters . adopting the latest building codes to enhance “ Creating true resiliency requires a holistic safety against disasters is unwarranted and approach that encompasses all community would needlessly raise housing costs . systems ,” he said . “ FEMA ’ s emphasis on Testifying before the House Transportation building codes can divert attention and and Infrastructure Subcommittee on resources from the necessary improvements Economic Development , Public Buildings , in infrastructure , emergency services and and Emergency Management , NAHB First existing buildings . A resilient building is of Vice Chairman Buddy Hughes , a home little value if the supporting infrastructure is builder and developer from Lexington , N . C ., lacking , and a resilient home offers little said that new homes built to modern building comfort if it remains unaffordable .” codes ( post-2000 ) are efficient , safe and Hughes also stressed that when resilient . considering building codes as a way to

“ These homes are designed to withstand enhance community resilience , it is essential major disasters and already offer substantial that state and local governments retain the protection against high seismic activity , flexibility to adopt the hazard-resistant codes strong winds , heavy snow , wildfires and that are best for them by having the option to flooding ,” said Hughes . “ This makes remove or modify provisions to align the increasing code stringency on a tri-annual codes with local construction practices , basis unnecessary .” geographical risks and economic conditions .

Rather than focusing solely on adopting the “ A one-size-fits-all national code is rigid and latest version every three years , Hughes does not account for regional differences ,” suggested the priority should be on said Hughes . “ Such an approach would acknowledging the resiliency of current impose numerous unnecessary requirements modern codes and ensuring proper on builders , ultimately resulting in higher enforcement to maximize their effectiveness costs for home buyers .” while maintaining flexibility to address

Hughes noted that the Promoting Resilient regional risks and specific needs .

Buildings Act would help jurisdictions Hughes further emphasized that resiliency maintain local control over their building code is not just about making buildings stronger , adoption process and urged the Senate to act on this measure . “ Without this legislation , FEMA could consider funding for only those jurisdictions that have adopted the latest editions of building codes ,” he said . “ This would put jurisdictions in a difficult position , pressuring them to adopt the newest codes without a thorough vetting and amendment process , potentially resulting in costly code changes that do not necessarily enhance safety or resiliency . To better help manage and reduce risks , Hughes called on Congress to focus on the existing housing stock , as a full 130 million homes of the nation ’ s housing stock of 137 million were built before 2010 . “ Homes built to modern building codes have consistently demonstrated their ability to perform well during natural disasters ,” said Hughes . “ Therefore , priority should be on retrofitting and preparing older homes for such events .” “ The best way to withstand and recover from future natural disasters is to focus on cost-effective , market-driven solutions that encourage greater resiliency in the nation ’ s housing stock , heed the input of state and local governments in the code adoption process to address local conditions , expand mitigation opportunities , and target upgrades to existing structures and housing stock ,” said Hughes . “ This will increase resiliency and preserve affordability for both new and existing homes .”

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