Mayor Bloomberg issues executive order to wave building codes

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday he signed an emergency executive order to suspend height and other restrictions so substantially damaged buildings and new construction can meet the new flood elevation standards.

The new measures permit home and property owners who are rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy to meet new flood standards without violating current zoning codes.

The city also increased the minimum flood protection elevation, as a result of FEMA releasing new base elevation flood advisory maps.

"As a coastal city, our geography has required us to take extra precautions to protect homes and businesses from the risks that come with being close to the ocean, and climate change is increasing and accelerating those risks," Bloomberg said. "We are beginning the process of updating our building code and zoning regulations so that new construction meets standards that reflect the best available data about flood and climate risks."