Modeling Long-Term Housing Recovery after Technological Disaster Using a Virtual Audit with Repeated Photography

Abstract

Many communities face risks of technological disasters at fertilizer plants and other facilities. Understanding damage and rebuilding of housing supports planners in implementing policies that will enable recovery. Using repeat photography, this study audited housing rebuilding in West, Texas for three years following an explosion. Photos were combined with appraisal data to understand variation in rebuilding across parcels. Results indicate that rebuilding slows dramatically after year 1, leaving many parcels vacant three years post-disaster. Parcels with higher pre-disaster values were more likely to be completely rebuilt. Planners need targeted programming to support rebuilding of lower-value homes and address vacancies.