FEMA Adds 35K More NYC-Area Buildings To Flood Zones
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- About 35,000 homes and businesses inside and outside New York City are being added to flood zones under new preliminary federal maps. They're expected to affect flood insurance rates and zoning rules.
FEMA released revised maps Monday for parts of the city, including Staten Island, Queens and Brooklyn. New maps for other areas are expected next month.
Already, the maps double the number of properties in the flood zones.
Exact impacts vary by property. But many owners who are rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy may be urged to set ground floors three to six feet higher than zoning rules previously required.
Some undamaged properties might have to be elevated or face higher flood insurance costs in coming years.
According to the agency's website, FEMA has given more than $90 million in individual assistance to New York residents affected by Sandy.
To see the maps, click here.
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