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Implications of Redefining Florida’s Coastal High Hazard Area
Status
Completed
Project Team
(Please see side panel)
Background
This study focuses on how a 2006 legislative change to Florida’s Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) definition and compliance requirements impacts asset vulnerability. GIS was used to map, quantify and compare the differences in the size, asset value, land use characteristics, and inventory age of the old and new Coastal High Hazard Area. Parcel boundaries and attributes were obtained from Florida Department of Revenue.
CHHA Boundary Delineations
- Old CHHA (pre-2006) – defined locally through composite measures and/or “Category 1 Hurricane Evacuation".
- New CHHA – defined as “Category 1 Storm Surge Area” established by the SLOSH computerized storm surge areas.
Research Questions
- Does the new CHHA definition reduce or increase the acreage and number of parcels subject to regulation? Does it impact areas differently?
- What type of land and where? What are potential implications for increased development in previously restricted coastal areas and coastal resiliency?
Conclusions & Implications for Resiliency
- Overall, the New CHHA includes more inland property and excludes coastal areas adjacent to the ocean but situated at higher base elevations.
- The New CHHA addresses only a portion of the flood risk exposure (e.g. VE flood zone), and less of the high-wind risk areas.
- The New definition picks up acreage—much of that is already in recreation and conservation uses while removing the upzoning restriction on 1450 privately held vacant land parcels (759 acres).
- The New definition drops a large inventory of the structures built in the 1980s—this may rekindle redevelopment activity of mobile home parks. These are prime sites for more asset accumulation in vulnerable area. What are the implications for affordable housing and how will additional risk be insured?
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