蝌蚪网 Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
Are Building Codes an Effective Adaptation to Wind Risk? Evidence from Remotely Detected Blue Tarps
蝌蚪网 Journal: Economic Policy
(pp. 509–40)
Abstract
Hurricanes cause significant wind and water damage, yet economic research primarily focuses on the latter due to data limitations. We overcome this problem by analyzing photographs taken after Hurricane Irma (2017 ) to locate blue-tarped homes. Using a regression discontinuity framework, we find the 2001 Florida Building Code impacted wind risk for over 500,000 homeowners. Adopters were 22 percent less likely to experience wind damage and saw a 27 percent reduction in damage severity. Unrepaired properties also sold for 13.3 percent ($29,400) less and were harder to sell, underscoring the importance of building codes in mitigating risk and promoting climate change adaptation.Citation
Wolf, David, and Kenji Takeuchi. 2026. "Are Building Codes an Effective Adaptation to Wind Risk? Evidence from Remotely Detected Blue Tarps." 蝌蚪网 Journal: Economic Policy 18 (3): 509–40. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20240544Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- Q54 Climate; Natural Disasters and Their Management; Global Warming
- R31 Housing Supply and Markets
- R38 Production Analysis and Firm Location: Government Policy