House Bill No. 318, introduced by Representative Gadberry, aims to amend the existing regulations concerning the installation of manufactured and modular homes in flood-prone areas. The bill retains the requirement that foundations must comply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines. However, it introduces new provisions that allow state and local jurisdictions to implement more stringent elevation or freeboard requirements than those specified by FEMA. This flexibility is intended to enhance floodplain management and safety in vulnerable areas.

Additionally, the bill establishes that all manufactured and modular home installations must adhere to additional freeboard requirements beyond the minimum standards set by the National Flood Insurance Program. It mandates that these freeboard requirements be uniformly applied based on the Base Flood Elevation from the current Flood Insurance Rate Map, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. Furthermore, the bill specifies that all permit applications must include the Base Flood Elevation and the required finished floor elevation, including any applicable freeboard, thereby enhancing transparency and compliance in the permitting process.

Statutes affected:
HB318 Original: 51:22(8)
HB318 Engrossed: 51:22(8)