USA: Public Assistance Required Minimum Standards - FEMA Recovery Policy FP-104-009-4

The purpose of the policy is to establish minimum standards for Public Assistance projects to promote resiliency and achieve risk reduction under the authority of the Stafford Act §§ 323 and 406(e) (42 U.S.C. §§ 5165a and 5172) and 44 CFR § 206, subpart M.

Integration of nationally recognized consensus-based building codes and standards into Public Assistance activities will: 

1. Protect Lives and Property: Use of nationally recognized consensus-based building codes and standards will further FEMA’s core mission to protect lives and property by increasing the safety and risk reduction capabilities of buildings that receive Public Assistance funding. 
2. Support the Efficient Use of Federal Dollars: Recipients and sub-recipients using nationally recognized consensus-based building codes and standards for federally funded projects will reduce vulnerability to new construction and repaired and retrofitted buildings, thus reducing the need for future Federal disaster recovery grants and other assistance. 
3. Increase Effectiveness: Consideration of standards-based approaches are necessary to increase the predictability of authorized FEMA activities, enhance feasibility and effectiveness requirements, as well as advance the sustainability of FEMA-funded activities.