Are FEMA building heights at the Shore based on sea level or ground level?

Is the FEMA advisory building height for the Jersey Shore flood zone based on sea level or ground level? asks a NewsWorks reader, noting that North Wildwood is five feet above sea level. WHYY’s Tracey Samuelson has an answer.

Is the FEMA advisory building height for the Jersey Shore flood zone based on sea level or ground level? asks a NewsWorks reader, noting that North Wildwood is five feet above sea level.

Earlier this month, Tracey Samuelson, WHYY’s reporter covering post-Hurricane Sandy rebuilding and recovery, wrote about the frustration many homeowners are feeling at and near the Jersey Shore. Questions of how to rebuild are being overshadowed by questions of whether to rebuild at all, as insurance prices skyrocket for those living in the expanded flood zone.

Samuelson looked into the question and confirmed the following with FEMA:

The advisory base flood elevations are the recommended elevation of the lowest floor of a building above sea level. Some towns will tack on additional elevations above FEMA’s recommendations.

Got more questions? Got a Hurricane Sandy recovery story to share? Let us know in the comments below.