KITTY HAWK, N.C. (AP) — New maps for Dare County are removing thousands of homes and lots from flood zones, creating a need to update local building codes that until now accounted for more rising water.
The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports (http://bit.ly/2a6ak6J) that, according to maps released last month, 15,970 buildings are either removed from a flood zone or placed in a zone where the hazard is reduced. The preliminary maps show entire neighborhoods in Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills are suddenly not so prone to surging water.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires that each state produce the maps about every 10 years. The new maps will not take effect for 18 months to two years, after an appeal period and time for local governments to update ordinances.
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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com