With existing structures located in a flood zone, where major alterations or additions are planned, it may be necessary to raise the structure above its current elevation to comply with flood zone requirements. This presents a serious dilemma for historic structures, such as this traditional vernacular farmhouse on Lake Mattamuskeet in Fairfield NC,  where the existing relationship to grade is changed, when piers or pilings must be introduced, requiring  new or lengthened stairs, and added chimney height, thereby compromising  original historic setting and fabric, but hopefully ensuring long term preservation of the resource.

In  the case of oceanfront structures, although state shoreline development  regulations may determine the required set back from the beach for new structures, it may be necessary to physically relocate existing structures back from an encroaching shoreline, as was the case with  this shingled cottage in Kill Devil Hills, NC. This process has been ongoing for many years in the Old Nags Head Cottage Historic District, actually beginning with relocation of the first cottages from the sound side to the beach.