What should be done immediately after a flood regarding building permits?

Inspecting all buildings before issuing any permits after a flood is essential to ensure safety and compliance with floodplain management regulations. This step is crucial because flood conditions can lead to structural damage that may not be immediately visible. By conducting thorough inspections, authorities can assess whether buildings are structurally sound, determine if they were damaged or if there are hazards present, and verify that any proposed rebuilding meets current floodplain regulations.

This proactive approach helps identify unsafe structures that might pose risks to the occupants or the surrounding area. It also allows for the enforcement of necessary rebuilding and elevation standards as dictated by the floodplain management requirements, ultimately reducing future flood risks. Waiting for property owners to confirm their needs or postponing inspections could lead to unsafe conditions going unaddressed, while conducting inspections only as applications come in may delay necessary safety assessments and floodplain compliance checks.