Substantial Improvement

Requirements for Improvements

If your home / dwelling is located within a flood zone and you plan to substantially improve your dwelling with additions, renovations and / or repairs from damage you will be required to elevate the dwelling to meet the requirements for new construction. 

The Gloucester County Floodplain Management Ordinance requires the dwelling floor be elevated to 2 foot above base flood elevation (BFE).

FEMA worker and man walking through destruction caused by hurricane Isabel

Substantial Improvements

Substantial improvement / damage means any repair, reconstruction, improvement or damage of any origin to the structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either: 

  • (a) before the improvement or repair is started
  • (b) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred

Additional Information

Any questions you have about Substantial Improvement or Substantial damage should be directed to the Building Inspection office at 804-693-2744