What is a key characteristic of a building categorized as "Building Obviously Substantially Damaged"?

A building categorized as "Building Obviously Substantially Damaged" is characterized by significant structural damage, often indicating that it has experienced profound impacts from flooding or other disasters. The presence of structural collapse or missing walls is a clear sign that the building's integrity has been compromised, making it hazardous for occupants and requiring extensive repairs or even complete reconstruction.

In floodplain management, recognizing such substantial damage is critical for determining eligibility for disaster assistance, rebuilding requirements, and other mitigation measures. Buildings in this category usually need to meet more stringent standards due to the severity of their damage, which ensures that future risks are minimized.

The other options describe conditions that do not meet the threshold for "substantial damage." For instance, minor repairs, visible damage that is safe to enter, or cosmetic damage do not indicate the severe structural issues associated with substantial damage and therefore would not classify a building under this critical designation.