FEMA Policy and Building Code Decision Tree Navigating Building Damage within the Public Assistance Grant Program

Substantial Structural Damage and Substantial Damage are two conditions that require a building to improve beyond its pre-damage state. In addition, FEMA Public Assistance (PA) policy also allows the improvement of a damaged building through replacement when the cost of repair would exceed 50% of the replacement cost. This document guides FEMA staff, PA grant applicants or their representatives, state hazard mitigation officers, and others through the process of making these determinations and decisions.