Housing Assistance Due to Structural Damage, 66852-66857 [2013-26739]

Agencies

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66852-66857]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26739]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

44 CFR Part 206

[Docket ID FEMA-2010-0035]
RIN 1660-AA68


Housing Assistance Due to Structural Damage

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Under the authority of section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial 
assistance to individuals and households to repair or replace their 
homes after a Presidentially-declared major disaster or emergency. This 
rule finalizes revisions to FEMA's repair, replacement, and housing 
construction assistance regulations that clarify the eligibility 
criteria for assistance and implement changes to section 408 of the 
Stafford Act that were made by the Post-Katrina Emergency Management 
Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA).

DATES: This rule is effective December 9, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Carleton, FEMA, Individual 
Assistance Division, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472-3100, 
(phone) 202-212-1000, (facsimile) (202) 212-1005, or (email) FEMA-IA-Regulations@fema.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (Stafford Act) provides the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA) with the authority to administer the Individuals and 
Households program (IHP). See 42 U.S.C. 5174. Through the IHP, FEMA 
provides financial and/or direct assistance to help survivors recover 
from Presidentially-declared emergencies and major disasters. This help 
may be in the form of housing assistance as well as assistance to meet 
``other needs'' such as medical, dental, funeral, and personal 
property.
    Specifically, FEMA provides the following types of housing 
assistance:
    Temporary Housing: Financial assistance is available to rent a 
different place to live for a limited period of time. When rental 
properties are not available, FEMA may provide direct assistance in the 
form of a temporary housing unit.
    Housing Repair: Financial assistance is available to homeowners to 
repair disaster damage to their primary residence. Assistance is only 
available to repair damage that is not covered by insurance. The goal 
is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.
    Housing Replacement: Financial assistance is available to 
homeowners to replace their primary residence if it was destroyed in 
the disaster. Assistance is only available for damage that is not 
covered by insurance.
    Permanent and Semi-Permanent Housing Construction: In exceptional 
circumstances, FEMA is authorized to provide permanent and semi-
permanent housing construction. If FEMA exercises its discretion to 
offer this form of disaster assistance, FEMA may provide financial 
assistance for the construction of a home, or may construct the new 
permanent or semi-permanent housing unit for an individual or 
household. This type of assistance is currently provided only in 
insular areas or locations specified by FEMA where no other type of 
housing assistance is available, feasible, or cost-effective. 
Assistance is provided only for damage that is not covered by 
insurance.

The regulations establishing the types of IHP assistance available, the 
eligibility requirements for assistance, and the procedures for 
obtaining assistance are in 44 CFR part 206, subparts D and F.
    On September 30, 2002, FEMA published an interim rule in the 
Federal Register, which revised its regulations implementing the IHP. 
See 67 FR 61446. FEMA published a correction to the interim rule on 
October 9, 2002. See 67 FR 62896. Among other things, the interim rule 
established the housing repair, replacement, and construction 
eligibility regulations in 44 CFR 206.117. These regulations are 
currently in effect, with minor amendments. See 74 FR 15328 (Apr. 3, 
2009).
    On July 30, 2012, FEMA published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM), which addressed the public comments received on the 2002 
interim rule related to housing repair and replacement. See 77 FR 
44562. In addition, the NPRM proposed revisions intended to clarify and 
improve FEMA's eligibility requirements for housing repair assistance 
as well as implement and codify PKEMRA legislative changes made after 
the interim rule was published.

II. Summary of the Proposed Rule

    In the NPRM, FEMA proposed four separate sets of changes. First, 
FEMA proposed revisions to the interim rule to respond to public 
comments received on the 2002 interim rule. Second, FEMA proposed 
changes that were intended to restate the existing requirements more 
clearly and in greater detail, without substantively changing the 
underlying requirements. Third, consistent with statutory amendments in 
the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA), FEMA 
proposed removing the housing repair and replacement subcaps. Finally, 
also consistent with statutory amendments in PKEMRA, FEMA proposed 
adding the term ``semi-permanent'' and removing the term ``remote'' 
with respect to the eligibility requirements for housing construction 
pursuant to PKEMRA.
    This final rule codifies the above changes as discussed in the 
NPRM. For additional background information on these proposed changes, 
please refer to the NPRM.

III. Discussion of Comments Received on the Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking

    FEMA received two written comments in response to the NPRM. The 
first commenter stated that FEMA's regulations should be clearer. The 
commenter expressed that FEMA must be able to make things as clear as 
possible for disaster survivors.
    The second commenter raised four separate points in its comment. 
First, the commenter noted that since FEMA was no longer applying the 
housing repair and replacement subcaps and allowing applicants to have 
the maximum IHP award for housing assistance, there would be no 
additional money available to award for Other Needs Assistance (ONA). 
The commenter asked whether an additional amount, such as $3,000, can 
be available

[[Page 66853]]

to applicants for ONA. FEMA understands the commenter's concern; 
however, FEMA does not have the authority to award an additional amount 
($3,000) for ONA above and beyond the statutorily established program 
limit.
    Second, the commenter thanked FEMA for clarifying the IHP housing 
repair assistance eligibility requirements and stated that the proposed 
changes will help to simplify the process for IHP assistance.
    Third, the commenter noted that under proposed Sec.  
206.117(b)(3)(i)(C) and (E), FEMA proposed that to be eligible for 
housing replacement assistance, the residence must have been destroyed, 
and repair must be either infeasible, insufficient to ensure the safety 
or health of the occupant, or insufficient to make the residence 
functional. The commenter suggested that FEMA include an exception to 
this rule, so that if the cost to repair exceeds the cost to rebuild, 
the applicant should be granted replacement assistance even if FEMA did 
not deem all parts of the dwelling's structure destroyed.
    FEMA's Individual and Households Program records and verifies 
disaster-related damages based on a FEMA home inspection. Based on the 
home inspection, FEMA makes a determination regarding the amount of 
damage that a dwelling has sustained. If the dwelling is deemed 
destroyed, then the applicant could receive replacement assistance up 
to the maximum grant amount. If the dwelling sustained significant 
damage and is determined to be repairable, then the applicant could 
still receive up to the maximum grant amount to repair the dwelling. 
FEMA notes that the distinction between repair and replacement 
assistance has no effect on the maximum amount of assistance that FEMA 
can award a disaster survivor. The maximum IHP grant amount that a 
disaster survivor may receive in fiscal year 2014 is $32,400 per 
declared event (78 FR 64523, Oct. 29, 2013).
    In the scenario suggested by the commenter, where the cost to 
repair exceeds the cost to rebuild, an (uninsured) applicant would most 
likely be receiving a maximum award regardless. Thus the distinction 
between repair and replacement assistance would have no effect on the 
cost effectiveness. Moreover, if a disaster survivor determines that 
they want to rebuild their dwelling rather than repair, the disaster 
survivor is allowed to use their repair assistance towards replacing 
their dwelling.
    The last point by the second commenter suggested that FEMA add a 
requirement in the final rule to do a cost-benefit analysis to 
determine the type of housing that would be the most cost effective and 
mindful of taxpayer dollars; for example, if the costs of building a 
community site for temporary housing units (THUs) exceeds the costs of 
semi-permanent housing construction, then semi-permanent housing should 
be utilized. FEMA is statutorily required under Section 408(b)(2)(A) of 
the Stafford Act to determine the appropriate types of housing 
assistance ``based on considerations of cost effectiveness, convenience 
to the individuals and households, and such other factors . . .''; a 
requirement in the final rule is therefore not necessary. See 42 U.S.C. 
5174. FEMA currently has a process for evaluating the appropriate type 
of housing based on a number of factors, one of which is the cost 
effectiveness of the housing option. In addition, FEMA weighs housing 
options based on the geographical area affected by the disaster, the 
delivery speed of housing options, the availability of housing 
resources in the affected area, and various other considerations.

IV. Records Management

    The Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) listed in the September 30, 
2002 interim rule and the correction to the interim rule was 3067-AD25. 
When FEMA became a component of the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) in 2003, FEMA's RINs were renumbered, and 3067-AD25 became 1660-
AA18.
    The Docket ID for 1660-AA18 is FEMA-2008-0005. All of 1660-AA18's 
public submissions, supporting and related documents, and rules are 
posted to Docket ID FEMA-2008-0005. The public comments that addressed 
housing repair assistance, the subject of this rulemaking, have also 
been posted to Docket ID FEMA-2010-0035.

V. Regulatory Analysis

A. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    FEMA has prepared and reviewed this rule consistent with Executive 
Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993) 
as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and 
Regulatory Review (76 FR 3821, Jan. 18, 2011). This final rule is not a 
significant regulatory action, and therefore has not been reviewed by 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    This final rule provides clarification with respect to the 
eligibility for housing repair assistance, without adding new 
requirements, as well as implements changes to section 408 of the 
Stafford Act made by PKEMRA. See 42 U.S.C. 5174. This rule does not 
impose any additional burden on the public or change the total amount 
of assistance available to individuals and households since this rule 
merely codifies FEMA practice since 2006.
    The changes resulting from PKEMRA (a) revise the regulations to 
align with PKEMRA's removal of the housing repair and replacement 
subcaps; (b) remove the limitation that housing construction assistance 
be provided only in a ``remote'' area, if the location is not otherwise 
insular (outside the continental United States); and (c) incorporate 
FEMA's new authority to provide assistance for the construction of 
``semi-permanent'' housing.
    When the current regulations were written, the Disaster Mitigation 
Act of 2000 prohibited FEMA from providing more than $5,000 (adjusted 
annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)) for 
repair assistance, and more than $10,000 (adjusted annually to reflect 
changes in the CPI) for replacement assistance. These subcaps prevented 
applicants from spending other available IHP assistance (in fiscal year 
2014, the overall cap on financial assistance is $32,400 per declared 
event (78 FR 64523, Oct. 29, 2013)) on housing repair or replacement. 
The change in PKEMRA was self-implementing and immediately went into 
effect. FEMA is no longer required to apply subcaps and has not applied 
them since PKEMRA became law in 2006. This rule change is intended to 
revise the regulations to conform to the statutory change and FEMA's 
current practice. It does not change the eligibility criteria and does 
not reduce the total amount of assistance available to individuals and 
households. This rule does not have an economic impact because it 
merely codifies FEMA current practice.
    This rule also removes the term ``remote'' from 44 CFR 
206.117(b)(3) to implement new authority to provide housing 
construction assistance in areas within the continental United States 
where alternative housing resources are not available, infeasible, or 
not cost effective. The 2002 interim rule limited this type of 
assistance to only locations that are insular or remote. This rule 
change implements PKEMRA by providing housing construction assistance 
to disaster survivors in areas where alternative housing resources are 
not feasible. This rule change provides more flexibility for FEMA to 
meet the housing needs for disaster survivors,

[[Page 66854]]

although it is expected that FEMA will only rarely exercise this 
authority. This is because alternative housing resources, such as 
rental units, manufactured housing, recreational vehicles, other 
readily fabricated dwellings, or FEMA-provided temporary housing units, 
typically are available within the continental United States. This 
change is not expected to have a significant economic impact or to 
negatively affect the eligibility criteria for assistance. Any economic 
impact from this rule change would be an increase in Federal financial 
assistance provided to individuals and households to provide housing in 
those extremely rare cases where alternative housing resources are 
unavailable, infeasible, or not cost effective. There would be no 
increased burden imposed on the public from this proposed change. There 
is no economic impact to this change because this rule merely codifies 
FEMA current practice since 2006.
    This rule also adds ``semi-permanent'' to the types of housing that 
could be constructed. This type of housing would have a life expectancy 
of more than 5 years, but less than 25 years. While FEMA already 
provides temporary and permanent housing, by implementing this new 
authority, FEMA would have greater flexibility to meet the needs of a 
particular community, where the construction of a type of housing other 
than a long-term permanent structure may be more appropriate. Although 
this rule change is likely to provide more flexibility for FEMA to meet 
the housing needs for disaster survivors, it is not expected that FEMA 
will regularly exercise this authority. This proposed rule change would 
implement PKEMRA by giving FEMA more options in providing housing 
assistance to disaster survivors. It would not reduce the number of 
individuals or households eligible for housing assistance and would not 
affect eligibility requirements. There is no economic impact to this 
proposed change because this proposed rule merely codifies current FEMA 
practice.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    FEMA determined that this proposed rule will not create a new 
collection of information or create a revision to an existing 
collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. All information submitted by applicants 
seeking IHP housing assistance, including information submitted on 
appeal, is included in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved 
collections.
    The following collections related to IHP have been approved by OMB 
under the following titles and control numbers: ``Disaster Assistance 
Registration,'' OMB control number 1660-0002, expiration date July 31, 
2015 and ``Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program 
(IHP),'' OMB control number 1660-0061, expiration date October 31, 
2014. There would be no additional paperwork burden as a result of the 
changes proposed in this rule.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857), FEMA must consider the impact of 
this proposed regulation on small entities. The term ``small entities'' 
comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are 
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, 
and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. 
This final rule clarifies the eligibility criteria for housing repair, 
replacement, and construction assistance to individuals and households. 
It will not have an economic impact on small entities because it merely 
codifies FEMA current practice since PKEMRA became law in 2006. FEMA 
certifies that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.

D. Privacy Act

    The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, establishes a code of fair 
information practices that governs the collection, maintenance, use, 
and dissemination of personally identifiable information about 
individuals that is maintained in systems of records by Federal 
agencies. A system of records is a group of records under the control 
of an agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the 
individual or by some identifier assigned to the individual. FEMA, in 
partnership with other Federal agencies, hosts a single application and 
resource center at https://www.disasterassistance.gov that allows the 
public to apply for disaster assistance, benefits, and other services 
within FEMA and other Federal agencies. This application and resource 
center contains personally identifiable information about IHP 
applicants seeking housing repair, replacement, or construction 
assistance. The application resource center is included in a Privacy 
Act System of Records entitled ``Disaster Recovery Assistance Files'' 
number ``DHS/FEMA-008'' which published on April 30, 2013 in the 
Federal Register at 78 FR 25282. This proposed rule would not change 
the application materials received or result in a new collection of 
personally identifiable information about individuals.

E. National Environmental Policy Act

    Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq., an agency must prepare an environmental assessment 
and environmental impact statement for any rulemaking that 
significantly affects the quality of the human environment. FEMA has 
determined that this rulemaking does not significantly affect the 
quality of the human environment and consequently has not prepared an 
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Most 
activities under section 408 and prior to section 411 of the Stafford 
Act pertaining to temporary housing and financial assistance are 
categorically excluded from NEPA review under 44 CFR 10.8(d)(2)(xix)(D) 
and (F). Before undertaking other activities that are not categorically 
excluded (e.g., placement of manufactured temporary housing units on 
FEMA-constructed group sites; permanent or semi-permanent housing 
construction), FEMA follows the procedures set forth in 44 CFR part 10 
to assure NEPA compliance.

F. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    Executive Order 13132, Federalism, sets forth principles and 
criteria that agencies must adhere to in formulating and implementing 
policies that have federalism implications, that is, regulations that 
have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
See Executive Order 13132, 64 FR 43255, Aug. 10, 1999. Federal agencies 
must closely examine the statutory authority supporting any action that 
would limit the policymaking discretion of the States, and to the 
extent practicable, must consult with State and local officials before 
implementing any such action. The disaster assistance addressed by this 
proposed rule is provided to individuals and households, and would not 
have federalism implications.

G. Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, Floodplain Management and 
Protection of Wetlands

    Under Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, as amended, 
Federal agencies are required to ``provide leadership to reduce the 
risk of

[[Page 66855]]

flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health 
and welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial 
values served by floodplains.'' See Executive Order 11988, as amended, 
42 FR 26951, May 25, 1977, 44 FR 43239, July 20, 1979. Under Executive 
Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, Federal agencies are required to 
``provide leadership and . . . take action to minimize the destruction, 
loss or degradation of wetlands, and to preserve and enhance the 
natural and beneficial values of wetlands in carrying out the agency's 
responsibilities.'' See Executive Order 11990, as amended, 42 FR 26961, 
May 25, 1977, 52 FR 34617, Sept. 14, 1987. The requirements of these 
Executive Orders apply in the context of the provision of Federal 
financial assistance relating to, among other things, construction and 
property improvement activities, as well as conducting Federal programs 
affecting land use. The changes proposed in this rule would not have an 
effect on land use, floodplain management or wetlands. When FEMA 
undertakes specific actions that may have such effects (e.g., placement 
of manufactured temporary housing units on FEMA-constructed group 
sites; permanent or semi-permanent housing construction), FEMA follows 
the procedures set forth in 44 CFR part 9 to assure compliance with 
these Executive Orders.

H. Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risk and Safety Risks

    FEMA has analyzed this final rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks, 62 FR 19883, Apr. 23, 1997. This rule is not an economically 
significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health 
or safety that might disproportionately affect children.

I. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 1501 et 
seq., pertains to any proposed rulemaking which implements any rule 
that includes a Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by 
State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any one year. The Act also applies to any regulatory 
requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments. FEMA has determined that this proposed rule would not 
result in the expenditure by State, local and Tribal governments, in 
the aggregate, nor by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in 
any one year as a result of a Federal mandate, nor would it 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments.

J. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    Under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with 
Indian Tribal Governments, FEMA may not issue a regulation that is not 
required by statute, that significantly or uniquely affects the 
communities of Indian Tribal governments, and that imposes substantial 
direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the Federal 
Government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
costs incurred by the Tribal government, or FEMA consults with those 
governments. See Executive Order 13175, 65 FR 67249, Nov. 9, 2000. This 
final rule would not significantly or uniquely affect the communities 
of Indian Tribal governments, nor would this proposed rulemaking impose 
substantial direct compliance costs on those communities.

K. Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice

    Under Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice, each Federal 
agency must conduct its programs, policies, and activities that 
substantially affect human health or the environment in a manner that 
ensures that those programs, policies, and activities do not have the 
effect of excluding persons from participation in, denying persons the 
benefit of, or subjecting persons to discrimination because of their 
race, color, or national origin. See Executive Order 12898, 59 FR 7629, 
Feb. 16, 1994. FEMA has incorporated environmental justice into its 
policies and programs.
    The housing repair, replacement and construction assistance 
regulations intentionally contain provisions that ensure they would not 
have a disproportionately high and adverse human health effect on any 
segment of the population. This rulemaking clarifies the eligibility 
requirements for assistance, and in doing so, maintains focus on the 
functionality of the component being repaired or replaced, and does not 
consider income or home value. Section 408 of the Stafford Act requires 
that such assistance be granted only for damage caused by a disaster 
event. Non-disaster related damage is not eligible for assistance under 
the Stafford Act. To ensure that this limitation will not be improperly 
exclusive, this final rule clarifies that components being repaired or 
residences being replaced need not be in full working order before the 
event to qualify for assistance. Components or residences that were 
fully or partially functional immediately before the declared event, 
despite their need for maintenance, may be eligible for repair 
assistance if they ceased to function as a result of the disaster.
    FEMA received a comment on the 2002 interim rule, identified by 
Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1660-AA18, that stated the interim 
rule did not overtly discriminate against disaster survivors based on 
race, color, or national origin, but that it did discriminate covertly 
against those who are financially challenged, and, to the extent that 
the financially challenged consist disproportionately of minority 
groups, one might conclude that an element of the IHP program lacks 
environmental justice. The commenter stated that the housing repair cap 
of $5,000 has a gross negative impact on low-income disaster survivors, 
and results in more low-income disaster survivors returning to unsafe, 
unsanitary, and/or non-functional homes. The commenter recommended the 
liberal use of replacement assistance to provide additional help for 
the financially challenged.
    FEMA addressed this comment in the notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) that published in the Federal Register, on July 30, 2012. See 77 
FR 44562. The $5,000 subcap is no longer in effect, and individuals and 
households may use up to the full amount of IHP funds ($32,400 for 
fiscal year 2014) for eligible repair and replacement assistance. See 
78 FR 64523 (Oct. 29, 2013). This figure is adjusted annually to 
reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
    No action that FEMA can anticipate under this final rule would have 
a disproportionately high and adverse human health effect on any 
segment of the population. In addition, the rulemaking would not impose 
substantial direct compliance costs on those communities.

L. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. See Executive Order 12988, 61 
FR 4729, Feb. 7, 1996.

[[Page 66856]]

M. Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference With 
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights

    FEMA has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights, as supplemented by Executive Order 13406, Protecting 
the Property Rights of the American People. See Executive Order 12630, 
53 FR 8859, Mar. 18, 1988 and Executive Order 13406, 71 FR 36973, June 
28, 2006. This rule will not effect a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630.

List of Subjects in 44 CFR Part 206

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coastal zone, Community 
facilities, Disaster assistance, Fire prevention, Grant programs--
housing and community development, Housing, Insurance, 
Intergovernmental relations, Loan programs--housing and community 
development, Natural resources, Penalties, and Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency amends 44 CFR part 206 as follows:

PART 206--FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

0
1. The authority citation for part 206 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 through 5207; Homeland Security Act 
of 2002, 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation 9001.1; sec. 1105, Pub. L. 113-2, 127 Stat. 43 (42 U.S.C. 
5189a note).


0
2. Amend Sec.  206.117 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(2) through 
(4) and removing paragraph (c).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  206.117  Housing assistance.

    (a) Definitions. The definitions in this paragraph apply to this 
section only.
    ``Caused by the disaster'' means as a direct result of a peril 
identified in the Federal Register Notice of a Presidentially-declared 
major disaster or emergency, the component is no longer functional.
    ``Real Property Component'' or ``Component'' means each individual 
part of a dwelling that makes it habitable, as enumerated in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) of this section.
    ``Semi-Permanent Housing'' means housing designed and constructed 
with finishes, material, and systems selected for moderate (or better) 
energy efficiency, maintenance, and life cycle cost, and with a life 
expectancy of more than 5 years but less than 25 years.
    (b) * * *
    (2) Repairs. (i) FEMA may provide financial assistance for the 
repair of real property components in an owner's primary residence if:
    (A) The eligibility criteria in Sec.  206.113 are met;
    (B) The component was functional immediately before the declared 
event;
    (C) The component was damaged, and the damage was caused by the 
disaster;
    (D) The damage to the component is not covered by insurance; and
    (E) Repair of the component is necessary to ensure the safety or 
health of the occupant or to make the residence functional.
    (ii) FEMA may provide financial assistance for the repair of:
    (A) Structural components of the residence. This includes real 
property components, such as the foundation, exterior walls, and roof.
    (B) Windows and doors.
    (C) The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system.
    (D) Utility systems. This includes electrical, gas, water and 
sewage systems.
    (E) Interior components. This includes, but is not limited to, the 
structure's floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry.
    (F) The structure's access and egress, including privately owned 
access roads and privately owned bridges.
    (G) Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home, and 
reconnecting or resetting mobile home sewer, water, electrical and fuel 
lines and tanks.
    (H) Items or services determined to be eligible hazard mitigation 
measures that reduce the likelihood of future damage to the residence, 
utilities, or infrastructure.
    (iii) The components that may be deemed eligible for repair 
assistance, and the type of repairs authorized, will vary depending 
upon the nature of the disaster. Repairs are limited to restoration of 
the dwelling to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition. 
Repair assistance will only be provided to the extent that the work 
makes the component functional. FEMA may provide for the replacement of 
components if repair is not feasible. The repairs of components must be 
of average quality, size, and capacity, taking into consideration the 
needs of the occupant.
    (iv) Components that were functional immediately before the 
declared event may be eligible for repair assistance if the damage to 
the component was caused by the disaster and the component is no longer 
functional.
    (v) Eligible individuals or households may receive up to the 
maximum amount of assistance (See Sec.  206.110(b) of this part) to 
repair damages to their primary residence irrespective of other 
financial resources, except insurance proceeds.
    (vi) The individual or household is responsible for obtaining all 
local permits or inspections that applicable State or local building 
codes may require.
    (vii) If the applicant disputes a determination made by FEMA 
regarding eligibility for repair assistance, the applicant may appeal 
that determination pursuant to the procedures in Sec.  206.115 of this 
part. In addition to the requirements in Sec.  206.115, the applicant 
must provide proof that the component meets the requirements of 
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, including that the component was 
functional before the declared event and proof that the declared event 
caused the component to stop functioning. If the applicant disputes the 
amount of repair assistance awarded, the applicant must also provide 
justification for the amount sought.
    (3) Housing replacement. (i) FEMA may provide financial assistance 
for the replacement of an owner's primary residence if:
    (A) The eligibility criteria in Sec.  206.113 of this part are met;
    (B) The residence was functional immediately before the disaster;
    (C) The residence was destroyed, and the damage was caused by, the 
disaster;
    (D) The damage to the residence is not covered by insurance;
    (E) Repair is not feasible, will not ensure the safety or health of 
the occupant, or will not make the residence functional; and
    (F) Replacement is necessary to ensure the safety or health of the 
occupant.
    (ii) All replacement assistance awards must be approved by the 
Regional Administrator or his/her designee. If replacement assistance 
is granted, the applicant may either use the maximum amount of 
assistance (See Sec.  206.110(b) of this part) to replace the dwelling 
in its entirety, or may use the assistance toward the cost of acquiring 
a new permanent residence.
    (iii) Housing replacement assistance will be based on the verified 
disaster-related level of damage to the dwelling, or the statutory 
maximum (See Sec.  206.110(b) of this part), whichever is less.
    (iv) If the applicant disputes a determination made by FEMA 
regarding

[[Page 66857]]

eligibility for replacement assistance, the applicant may appeal that 
determination pursuant to the procedures in Sec.  206.115 of this part. 
In addition to the requirements in Sec.  206.115, the applicant must 
provide proof that repair is not feasible, or will not ensure the 
safety or health of the occupant or make the residence functional. If 
the applicant disputes the amount of replacement assistance awarded, 
the applicant must also provide justification for the amount sought.
    (4) Permanent and semi-permanent housing construction. (i) FEMA may 
provide financial or direct assistance to applicants for the purpose of 
constructing permanent and semi-permanent housing if:
    (A) The eligibility criteria in Sec.  206.113 of this part are met;
    (B) The residence was functional immediately before the declared 
event;
    (C) The residence was damaged by the event;
    (D) The damage to the residence is not covered by insurance;
    (E) The residence was an owner-occupied primary residence; and
    (F) The residence is located in an insular area outside the 
continental United States or in another location where alternative 
housing resources are not available and the types of financial or 
direct temporary housing assistance described in paragraphs (b)(1), 
(2), and (3) of this section are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-
effective.
    (ii) Permanent and semi-permanent housing construction, in general, 
must be consistent with current minimal local building codes and 
standards where they exist, or minimal acceptable construction industry 
standards in the area, including reasonable hazard mitigation measures, 
and Federal environmental laws and regulations. Dwellings will be of 
average quality, size and capacity, taking into consideration the needs 
of the occupant.
    (iii) If the applicant disputes a determination made by FEMA 
regarding eligibility for construction assistance, the applicant may 
appeal that determination pursuant to the procedures in Sec.  206.115 
of this part. In addition to the requirements in Sec.  206.115, the 
applicant must provide proof that the property is either located in an 
insular area outside the continental United States, or in a location 
where alternative housing resources are not available. The applicant 
must also provide proof that the types of financial or direct temporary 
housing assistance described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section are 
unavailable, infeasible, or not cost effective. If the applicant 
disputes the amount of construction assistance awarded, the applicant 
must also provide justification for the amount sought.

    Dated: October 30, 2013.
W. Craig Fugate,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2013-26739 Filed 11-6-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-12-P