This manual focuses on unique factors and conditions found in coastal environments as the basis for design and construction recommendations. It is intended for use by designers, home builders, community leaders, local officials, and homeowners who wish to build safe homes that meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. A key provision of this program calls for wise use of flood plains through local government adoption of appropriate flood plain management regulations. The regulations require that all living areas of residences built within the flood plain area be at or above the base flood level. Coastal design and construction are affected by a number of natural and man - influenced factors, including, the physiography, weather, development patterns, and construction practices. Accordingly, the manual provides a general overview of these factors and their relationship to residential construction in coastal high hazard areas. Various aspects of site design recommendation are presented with emphasis on zoning restrictions, dune protection, bulkheads, and elevating on earthfill. Another section discusses the design of residential structures to resist the effects of coastal winds and floodwaters, and examines various forces present in the coastal environment, their range of magnitudes, and some recommendations and sources of additional information. The manual also presents data on various construction materials and discusses corrosion and the need for wood treatment. The major portion of a chapter presents recommended design details from the foundation to the roof. Additional design considerations include the use of cantilevers, pole framing, beam makeup, wind and storm protection, and site layout. A final chapter presents a design example that details the step - by - step procedure for using the appended data and design tables. In addition to 99 references, figures, bracing systems explanations, design worksheets, and wood preservative descriptions are appended.