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ARTICLE · 26 FEBRUARY 2025

FEMA's Withdrawal From Building Code Development

Duane Morris LLP
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For approximately 25 years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been involved in developing building codes to help homes withstand natural disasters.

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Jose Aquino
Jose Aquino
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For approximately 25 years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been involved in developing building codes to help homes withstand natural disasters. However, the Trump Administration has recently halted these efforts, withdrawing FEMA's involvement from the latest building code improvements.

National Public Radio (NPR) reported that FEMA is withdrawing from the latest effort to improve building codes. This decision has raised concerns among disaster experts about the potential impact on safety and property protection.

Building codes, reviewed every three years by the International Code Council (ICC), are important for disaster resilience. The ICC convenes experts and stakeholders in the building industry to review and improve these codes and is currently developing a new set of standards. The ICC's International Codes are being updated for a 2027 version. FEMA's involvement has encouraged states to adopt stronger codes. According to FEMA's "Buildin

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Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.

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