---
title: "What construction standards does FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program require in flood hazard areas under 44 CFR 60.3? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/building-code/construction-standards-fema-national-flood-insurance-program-require-flood
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-09-23
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What construction standards does FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program require in flood hazard areas under 44 CFR 60.3? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 44 CFR 60.3, FEMA's NFIP requires new construction and substantial improvements in flood hazard areas to be designed/anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement; built with flood‑damage‑resistant materials and methods that minimize flood damage; and have service facilities located to prevent water entry during flooding. Additionally, enclosed areas below the lowest floor used for parking, access, or storage must have openings to equalize hydrostatic forces—at least two openings totaling ≥1 in² per ft², with bottoms no higher than one foot above grade.

## Details / How it works



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## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 44 CFR 60.3 · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-44/section-60.3 · as of 2026-09-23