Substantial damage letters

If your building is in a flood hazard area and was damaged, the Village must decide whether it is substantially damaged. You can receive, review and download your letter online.

Get your letter online

  1. Go to [CONFIRM: portal link, e.g. eTRAKiT].

  2. Search by your property address or folio number.

  3. Open, download or print your substantial damage or substantial improvement letter.

  4. Add your email address to get future letters and updates by email.

Prefer paper? Call the Building Department at 305-234-2121 and a copy will be mailed to you.

What the 50 percent rule means

A building is substantially damaged when the cost to restore it to its pre-storm condition equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure (not including land). The same test applies to substantial improvements. If your building is substantially damaged or improved, it must be brought into compliance with current flood rules, which may mean elevating it or flood-proofing it.

If you disagree with your determination

  • You can submit an independent appraisal of the building's market value or a detailed contractor's repair estimate for review. [CONFIRM: appeal process and deadline]

  • Contact the Floodplain Manager at 305-234-2121 to discuss your determination.

Help with the cost

If you have National Flood Insurance Program coverage, Increased Cost of Compliance coverage can pay up to $30,000 toward elevating, flood-proofing, relocating or demolishing a substantially damaged building. Ask your insurance agent and keep your determination letter.

 

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