HUD Proposes New Federal Flood Risk Management Standards
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has published a proposed rule in the Federal Register that would revise HUD’s regulations governing floodplain management and the protection of wetlands to implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS).
HUD believes this proposal will improve the resilience of HUD-assisted or financed projects to the effects of climate change and natural disasters, and provide for greater flexibility in the use of HUD assistance in floodways under certain circumstances.
HUD proposed an FFRMS rule during the Obama administration, and it was not finalized by the end of President Obama’s term in office. When the FFRMS rule was first proposed, NAHB raised strong concerns that the seriously flawed rule — which would dramatically expand regulated floodplain areas — would result in less affordable multifamily housing construction. President Trump ultimately withdrew the proposed rule.
HUD’s new FFRMS proposal includes substantial differences from its Obama-era predecessor — particularly for determining the horizontally expanded FFRMS floodplain. NAHB is carefully reviewing these changes to determine their potential impact on multifamily housing supply.
Through changes to HUD’s Minimum Property Standards, the department will also require new elevation requirements for single-family homes located in a 100-year floodplain to qualify for FHA mortgage insurance. NAHB will seek members’ feedback to draft public comments, which must be submitted to HUD by May 23, 2023.
View the proposed rule in the Federal Register.
Latest from NAHBNow
Nov 10, 2026
Which Stage of Construction Takes the Most Time When Building a Single-Family Home?
According to the latest NAHB/Well Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey results, interior finishes (drywall, interior doors, painting, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, etc.) take an average of 6.4 weeks to complete, longer than any other major stage of single-family construction.
Advocacy
Nov 09, 2026
NAHB Mourns the Passing of Nicolas “Nick” P. Retsinas
Nicolas “Nick” P. Retsinas, a leader in local and national housing policy and advocacy, passed away last week at the age of 79.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Nov 10, 2026
Consumer Credit Growth Picks Up in the Third Quarter of 2026
Consumer credit growth accelerated in the third quarter of 2026, with both revolving and nonrevolving credit increasing at their fastest quarterly rates since 2022. Total outstanding consumer credit reached $5.22 trillion, continuing an upward trend that has strengthened over the past year.
Economics
Nov 10, 2026
Inflation Persists in October
Inflation remained elevated in October even as energy prices eased, raising expectations of another Fed rate hike. Shelter returned as the largest driver of headline inflation, accounting for over 30% of the monthly increase. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, rose by 0.3% for the third consecutive month, suggesting broad-based price pressures across the economy.
Economics
Nov 09, 2026
Residential Building Worker Wage Growth Rebounds, but Real Wages Continue to Decline
Wage growth for residential building workers showed signs of a modest rebound in September 2026 following a sharp slowdown earlier in the year. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nominal wage growth picked up from its June pace, although it remained relatively modest.