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This house, completed in May 2008, is one in a series of prototypes designed and built by Tulane University's URBANbuild. This house meets the new 3-feet advisory base flood elevation, and is built for 140 mph winds, which exceeds the wind-resistance requirements of the state uniform construction codes for this area.
When Craig Lee began planning the construction of his Vermilion Parish home, he learned he would be required to elevate his new house more than 8 feet above grade in order to receive a building permit. He did not understand the parish’s requirement to elevate because his brother’s house was on-grade, on the same piece of land, and in 25 years had never flooded. In September 2005, Hurricane Rita provided the unfortunate answer to his question.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Louisiana Attorney General are offering advice to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on how to avoid unscrupulous contractors and people posing as contractors.
