Codes and Regulations
DHS Designation for Home Building as ‘Essential’ is Not Mandatory
The Department of Homeland Security designation of residential construction as an “Essential Infrastructure Business” is good news for the housing industry. However, the designation is advisory in nature and should not be considered a federal directive or standard. To help members determine where builders can stay on the job, NAHB has created a map detailing which states and municipalities have enacted orders that may impact builders.
FEMA Extends Grace Period for Flood Insurance Renewal Premiums
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from 30 days to 120 days.
EPA Releases Plan to Reduce TSCA Fees Burden
In a key win for NAHB, the Environmental Protection Agency has made a significant announcement affecting how the housing community will be impacted by implementation of the Toxic Substance Control ACT (TSCA) Fees Rule.
90 Organizations Urge DHS to Designate Residential Construction ‘Essential’
In an effort spearheaded by NAHB, 90 companies and organizations today called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to designate construction of single-family and multifamily housing as an “Essential Infrastructure Business.”
CFPB Provides Flexibility During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today announced that it is providing needed flexibility to enable financial companies to work with customers in need as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Help Builders Stay on the Job
NAHB is committed to ensuring members continue to operate their businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic as certain states and local municipalities explore “remain in place” orders. Learn more about the advocacy and business resources available to impacted jurisdictions on nahb.org.
Multifamily Owners, Renters to Receive FHFA Support
The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer multifamily property owners mortgage forbearance with the condition that they suspend all evictions for renters unable to pay rent due to the impact of coronavirus.
Federal Regulators Urge Banks to Work with Borrowers Affected by COVID-19
Federal regulators urged banks and other institutions today to work with borrowers affected by COVID-19, stating that loan modification programs “are positive actions that can mitigate adverse affects on borrowers due to COVID-19.”
Toxic Substance Control Act Fees Raise Unexpected Questions
Builders, developers, trades and retailers could be considered an importer of High Priority Substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
NAHB Provides Analysis on New EPA Water Rule
On Jan. 23, 2020, at the 2020 International Builders’ Show, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a new “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) regulation. The new regulation, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, redefines the federal definition of WOTUS under the Clean Water Act.
