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A range of residential or commercial properties may be eligible for one of multiple grant programs managed by NCEM. Factors such as whether the property is developed, within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and under a certain cost threshold will determine which program is the best fit. NCEM will help towns determine potential eligibility and program fit.

No local match is required for buyout grants under a disaster. Grants cover all allowable buyout costs, including any required environmental or archeology assessments, the appraisal, title search and closing document development, property purchase, demolition and debris removal, capping utilities, and final site work.

The town works with interested property owners and NCEM to complete an application. Once a grant is awarded, the town/county uses grant funds to procure an appraiser and conduct other pre-purchase tasks. After closing and the purchase of the property, the town uses grant funds to procure contractors for demolition and site work. The town tracks expenditures and provides quarterly reports to NCEM. If the town/county opts into the STATE CENTRIC PROGRAM, the state handles all of these tasks and fronted expenses.

Properties acquired with a buyout grant must be maintained as public open green space once all structures have been removed or relocated. No new structures can be built on the property, but towns are free to use the space as a pocket park or to provide public river access. The local government is responsible for ongoing routine maintenance of the property such as keeping the vacant land clear of debris and garbage (see FEMA HMA Guidance: Part 12. B.1. Property Acquisition for Open Space).

Once an application is submitted, it can take anywhere from a few months to over two years for it to be processed. Tasks like the appraisal, property purchase, and demolition occur after the grant is awarded. FEMA Region 4 is responsible for the speed of the approval process.

Yes. Property owners can be directed to the frequently asked questions on this webpage. Towns can also distribute this informational buyout flyer.

Towns should reach out to one of the Development Team members below to learn more about the application process or DOWNLOAD THE PSI APPLICATION. 

 10-MINUTE BRIEFING VIDEO 

Yes, buyouts are completely voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time before closing.

A range of properties – including residential, commercial, developed, vacant, listed or not currently on the market – are potentially eligible, depending on their location relative to mapped flood zones and other indications of hazard risk. NCEM works with towns and interested property owners to assess a property's potential buyout eligibility.

While properties must have risk of flooding or landslide, they do not need to have been previously damaged. NCEM will provide assistance in determining flood risk.

Properties recently damaged by flooding can be appraised at their pre-event value (see below). If you received any federal funding following damages from this event (e.g., flood insurance payments or Individual Assistance (IA)), save all documents and receipts. Any questions regarding use of insurance or IA payments should be directed to your insurer or FEMA, respectively.

Property owners receive full market value, as determined by a third-party appraiser. The property can either be appraised at current market value or, if the property has recently been damaged by a flood or landslide, at its pre-event value. For instance, if your property was damaged by the July flooding, an appraiser can assess the value of the property on the day before the flooding and this can serve as the sale price. Property owners not satisfied with the appraisal can appeal and hire their own appraiser or choose to withdraw from the process.

The funding covers an appraisal, legal fees and title work for the closing, purchase of the property, and demolition of the structure. Funding can also include assistance for tenants if there are full-time renters. Property owners can choose to use their own accredited appraiser or counsel at their own expense.

First, complete the five-minute HOMEOWNER INTEREST FORM. As part of the application process, property owners will then be asked to complete and sign THE PSI APPLICATION (linked to attached Homeowner Application From) providing information on the property. The town will then submit the application for the buyout grant. Once an application is submitted, it can take many months to be processed. Tasks like the appraisal and title search occur after the grant is awarded. The property owner is free to withdraw from the process at any time prior to closing.

Towns are required to maintain acquired properties as public open green space once all structures have been removed or relocated. Keeping the property as open green space not only gets people out of harm’s way but can also enhances community resilience. The green space can serve as additional floodplain and keep flood waters away from neighbors.

Interested property owners should:
1. Complete the five-minute HOMEOWNER INTEREST FORM.
2. Complete and submit the PSI application as directed in the follow-up email you will receive from an NCEM Development Team Member.