As our community continues to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the City of Tampa wants to make the public aware of a Substantial Damage Letter they may be receiving in the mail this week.
After the hurricanes, the City of Tampa conducted a visual assessment of structures within the flood hazard area, determining the extent of damage. From there, the assessment determined if the structure requires a substantial damage determination before any remodeling or improvements may be completed.
Substantially damaged means the cost to repair your house or business is more than half of its value. If it is substantially damaged, it cannot be repaired without meeting current floodplain and building code requirements.
"We want our community to know that if they receive this letter, the next step is to fill out the attached Substantial Damage Determination form," said Development and Economic Opportunity Administrator Abbye Feeley. If the structure is deemed substantially damaged, you may need to elevate your home or flood-proof your business."
If you have already applied for a permit to fix your structure, then this form was already completed as a part of the permit process.
Not only is it required by federal law to complete the Substantial Improvement Determination, but also it ensures the City's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides a significant reduction in the flood insurance premiums.
Administrator Feeley will be available to speak with members of the media Monday morning, December 9, at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall to discuss the letter and what residents need to know moving forward.