North Carolina building code delays cost millions in federal disaster funds
North Carolina lost $70 million in FEMA funding, including $18 million for flood resilience in western parts of the state, due to outdated building codes.
Brandon Kingdollar reports for NC Newsline.
In short:
- North Carolina’s reliance on outdated 2015 building standards cost it points in federal funding competitions, including FEMA’s BRIC program.
- Recent legislative decisions delayed adoption of stronger building codes, pushing the next update to 2025 and reducing the state’s flood preparedness.
- Advocates argue these delays hurt public safety and resilience to storms, but legislators claim they’re aimed at speeding recovery.
Key quote:
“We’re happy to have a debate about building codes anytime. We think right now, it’s probably a little early to have that debate because we don’t have the data from this historic event yet.”
— Tim Minton, executive vice president of the North Carolina Home Builders Association
Why this matters:
Delays in building code updates leave North Carolina homes and infrastructure more vulnerable to disasters like Hurricane Helene, driving up insurance costs and reducing federal aid eligibility. As climate-related disasters increase, stronger building codes are crucial to protecting communities.
