[StBernard] Craig Taffaro

[Westley Annis]

44,
 
If your house was compliant with the elevation requirements before the storm
then you are compliant now and are free to repair or rebuild your house at
will- no raising, no changes in elevation required.
 
If your house was not compliant before the storm and it is damaged greater
than 50% then you will have to make the house compliant by raising the
elevation, either through raising the house or slab or raising the floor
elevation.  If you tear it down and rebuild, you will build to at least the
current elevation requirements (which currently are the same as the
pre-storm).  If you were not compliant with the elevation requirements
before the storm but were not damaged more than 50% (as documented by the
engineer or builder) then you are not required to change the elevation.
 
The only other part that is a sticking point for some is that the LRA had
stated that the housing assistance money for individuals would be tied to
following the FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations, which we have challenged
as not good science.  We are told that the issue will be taken up by the
parish providing information that exempts us from that restriction.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Good luck and God Bless,
Craig 
 
-----Original Message-----

This confuses me more.  I was told I could go ahead with my rebuilding once
an Engineer come out and inspects it.  I'm in Carolyn Park with 60-100%
damage.  My house did not go through Betsy.  Are you saying I have to raise
it or demolish it?  The stories we hear or receive are so different.  I'm
truly at my wits end and wondering if I should just move away and end all
this madness. I do trust what you tell us.
 
44