FHA extended a temporary partial regulatory waiver waiving the recently increased base flood elevation requirement for certain newly constructed properties. On April 23, 2024 FHA adopted a rule that, among other things, required newly constructed properties located in special flood hazard areas or FEMA-designated “coastal high hazard areas” be built at least 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation (effective for properties with a building permit application submission date on or after January 1, 2025). This temporary waiver waived the requirement that the structure be at least 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation until February 19, 2026. The temporary waiver has been extended until February 20, 2027. Note however, that this temporary waiver does not eliminate the requirement for the property to be built at or above the Base Flood Elevation. All other requirements established in the rule adoption remain in effect.

Click to view the FHA Info #2026-03: https://www.tenaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FHA-Info-2026-03-01-27-26.pdf