October 01, 2004 12:31 PM CDT

The 50 Percent Rule

By Sun Herald

...For landowners with non-conforming property and those with buildings in low-lying areas, Hurricane Charley could mean extensive rebuilding ? and possibly with costs equaling that needed to repair the damage caused by the storm...

"This is not a new rule," said Mike Konefal, Director of Community Development. "The 50% rule exists in the Florida building codes, FEMA regulations and it's been in the county codes for years."

...Konefal said Charlotte County will require code compliance for all non-conforming structures substantially damaged by the storm. Essentially, that means properties with damages of 50% or more of appraised value will have to be built to county codes.

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About the Author

The Sun Herald is a U.S. newspaper based in Biloxi, Miss., that serves readers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Visit www.sunherald.com to read the Sun Herald online.