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epon completion of technical floodplain studies, designation of appropriate flood houndaries, and adop- tion of floodplain regulations that meet NFlP minimum standards, a community is eligible for the NFIP "regular phase." Regulatory standards for the regular phase are more specific and more stringent than for the emergency program (see accompanying box for details of NFlP regulations). Entry into the regular program qualifies local property owners for full flood insurance coverage at actuarial rates that vary according to the de- gree of risk. Insurance Rate Differentials. The variahle rate structure for flood insurance premiums is another im- portant component of the regular program of the NFIP Flood hazard areas are divided into different zones, based on the degree of hazard. The rate for insurance then varies according to the zone and to the elevation of the building in relation to the base flood elevation. This variable rate structure adds a dimension to the restrictive element of the program by providing an in- centive in fringe areas to increase safety beyond the regulatory minimum. Designers should be cognizant not only of the minimum standards, but also of the im- mediate and longterm economic benefits to the client that are provided by the rate differentials. Local Planning and Floodplain Management With the NFlP as incentive, nearly 17,000 communities around the country have hegun to implement floodplain management through their local planning process. The principal tool for achieving this objective is the tradi- tional zoning ordinance, which is used to prohibit and regulate development in designated flood hazard areas. Zoning is supplemented by suhdivision regulations, which provide an administrative review to ensure that a project meets specified development standards. Of par- ticular interest in this regard is the provision of public facilities, roads, and utilities in a manner that will not contrihute to flood problems. Innovative Planning Tools. In addition to tradi- tional zoning and subdivision regulations, some com- munities use innovative planning techniques to address the specific problems of flooding. Notable here is the B u " ~ B ., " ~ After completion of de- tailed surveys, floodplain management regulations are implemented using Flood Insurance Rate Maps (opposite page, above) and Flood Boundary and Flood- way Maps (opposite, below). Department of Housing and Urban Development 35