USA: Coastal cities rethink zoning regulations in fight against climate change
By J. Brian Charles
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As severe weather has increased, more and more coastal cities from Boston to Miami have revamped their flood maps and placed more scrutiny on zoning decisions in order to protect homes and property from the long-term impacts of sea level rise. According to a 2018 study published by the National Academy of Science, the sea level will rise by more than two feet by the end of the century.
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"In Boston, we are taking a proactive approach to planning for climate change and rising sea levels," says Molly McGlynn, a spokeswoman for the Boston Planning and Development Agency. "It is our goal that these guidelines will provide specific direction on implementing resilience measures to protect our waterfront and its residents for years to come."
Miami is making similar moves.
In April, the city council passed rules to literally lift some residents out of floodwaters. Miami once required new construction to be elevated at least one foot above the floodplain, but it will now elevate those new homes five feet above floodwaters. New retail construction and infrastructure improvements will also have to be elevated.
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