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North Carolina's Building Codes and Hurricane Helene

Experts blame North Carolina's outdated building codes, influenced by lobbying from the homebuilding industry, for exacerbating the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

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United States

PoliticsEconomyUs PoliticsClimate ChangeEnvironmentHurricaneBuilding Codes

North Carolina Home Builders AssociationNational Association Of Home BuildersNorth Carolina Building Code Council

Kim WootenTim MintonBen EdwardsRob Young

Is the issue of outdated building codes unique to North Carolina?: Experts argue that the fight over modernizing building codes is not unique to North Carolina. The National Association of Home Builders is actively working across the country to impede the implementation of safer, more stringent building standards, a trend that poses a widespread risk.
What are the financial implications of North Carolina's outdated building codes?: Outdated building codes in North Carolina have already cost the state at least \$70 million in lost federal recovery aid, even before the damage from Hurricane Helene. This highlights the financial consequences of inadequate building regulations and the need for modernization.
How has the North Carolina Home Builders Association influenced the state's building codes?: The North Carolina Home Builders Association, a major campaign donor to state lawmakers, has heavily influenced the state's building codes. They have successfully blocked or slowed the adoption of stricter regulations, citing affordability concerns and opposing measures to limit construction in high-risk areas.
What is the main cause of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina?: Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in North Carolina, and experts believe that stricter building codes could have lessened the impact. The state's building code council has proposed updates, but the North Carolina Home Builders Association, a powerful lobbying group, has blocked or delayed these changes.
What is the significance of building codes in future rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene?: While some damage from Hurricane Helene was unavoidable due to geographical factors, such as building in floodplains and on steep slopes, experts agree that updated building codes would be crucial for future rebuilding efforts in vulnerable areas to mitigate future losses.

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