The United States has a long history of building homes in flood-prone areas, with millions of homes constructed along coastlines and rivers. However, recent research published in the academic journal Earth’s Future challenges the prevailing narrative that floodplain development is on the rise. In fact, the study found that the U.S. has built fewer structures in floodplains than expected between 2001 and 2019. This suggests that most cities actively avoid flood-prone areas, with the majority of floodplain construction concentrated in just two states: Louisiana and Florida.
The researchers also published a separate paper in Oxford Open Climate Change focusing on New Jersey, which found that many towns in the Garden State have reduced or eliminated floodplain development through routine municipal practices like zoning changes and permit denials. These findings challenge the notion that floodplain development is an intractable problem, highlighting that it is possible for cities to limit construction in flood-prone areas without major legislative reforms.
While there are many reasons why developers may choose to build near water bodies, such as higher property values and economic dependence on coastal tourism, the study suggests that the overall increase in flood risk is driven by a few outliers in states like Florida and Louisiana. These states have a disproportionate amount of land in floodplains, contributing to a higher concentration of floodplain construction.
The research calls for a reframing of the conversation around floodplain development, emphasizing that avoiding construction in flood-prone areas is achievable and that more can be done to limit risky development. By highlighting the success of jurisdictions that have reduced floodplain construction, the study challenges the pessimistic narrative surrounding floodplain development in the U.S.
Overall, the research suggests that while some areas continue to build in floodplains at alarming rates, many cities are actively working to avoid risky construction. By focusing on effective land use practices and municipal policies, cities can reduce the vulnerability of their communities to flooding and mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of future flood events. The aftermath of a devastating storm in Florida has left the county with significant damages, insurance claims, and rebuilding costs. However, the focus is also shifting to Nevada, where new homeowners are being placed in harm’s way despite the availability of safer land options.
Various stakeholders, including politicians, academics, and climate activists, have proposed sweeping policy changes to address floodplain development. Suggestions range from federal housing finance agencies no longer securitizing mortgages in flood zones to states outright banning such development. However, implementing these strategies could spark significant political controversy, given the backlash from attempts to raise flood insurance rates.
Research conducted in New Jersey revealed a simpler solution to limiting floodplain development. By denying permits to developers or encouraging construction on higher ground, over 120 towns successfully eliminated floodplain development without major policy changes. This local approach demonstrates that effective regulation in high-risk areas can significantly reduce exposure and risk.
For jurisdictions with a high share of floodplain development, targeted interventions may be necessary. Governments could provide subsidies for less risky construction or impose penalties on cities allowing new builds near water bodies. Tailoring solutions to address the specific reasons for floodplain development in each locality is crucial, whether it’s a lack of planning capacity or a desire to generate tax revenue.
While progress has been made in regulating floodplain development, the reliance on outdated and inaccurate flood maps poses challenges. A substantial portion of flood damage occurs outside FEMA-designated flood zones, emphasizing the need for further measures to eliminate flood risk altogether. Balancing the economic benefits of development with the risks of construction in climate-vulnerable areas will require costly trade-offs.
In conclusion, while regulations have been successful in restricting development in flood zones, there is a need to extend these regulations to areas not covered by FEMA maps. The journey towards eliminating flood risk entirely will involve navigating complex economic considerations and ensuring comprehensive protection for communities vulnerable to climate impacts.
