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Homeowner seeking FEMA‑linked timing accommodation asks board to start permit clock on grant award
Summary
The Board heard an applicant who said FEMA/HCR grant timing prevents starting elevation work; the board discussed whether to tie permit time limits to grant award and closed the hearing subject to a signed EAF and record corrections.
At a public hearing the Board of Appeals considered an application related to elevation work at 915 Howard Avenue, where the homeowner said prior FEMA grant applications were denied after the village did not submit follow‑up materials and that the project cannot proceed until a grant is awarded without losing reimbursement eligibility.
The applicant explained that the village applies for FEMA on homeowners' behalf and that federal policy changes have reopened grant opportunities; he asked that any approval period start from the date of grant award rather than the date of the board decision, to avoid multiple return visits to the board. Board members debated practical alternatives — fixed extensions of 12, 18 or 24 months; an applicant‑triggered reporting requirement; and potential village processing delays after a grant award. The applicant said he cannot start work before FEMA allocation but could begin immediately once the allocation is available and the village authorizes disbursement.
Board members also reviewed the administrative record for the file (surveys, engineering reports and EAF). Staff and counsel noted that some documents on file dated from prior grant cycles; the board asked for a signed EAF where one had been submitted unsigned. After discussion the board voted to close the hearing subject to the applicant signing the EAF and providing any outstanding documentation; the applicant agreed to sign the form immediately so staff can complete the record.
The board did not set a final extension length at the hearing but signaled willingness to consider a longer permit window tied to evidence of pending grant awards where appropriate and on a case‑by‑case basis.
