The land area that could be covered by the floodwaters of the base flood is where the NFIP's floodplain management regulations must be enforced and where the mandatory purchase of flood insurance applies for federally backed mortgages. The requirement also extends to private mortgage companies backed by the FDIC or other federal agencies. Therefore, many private mortgage companies also require flood insurance on properties in the SFHA. Floods don’tĪ flood zone - it's just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or It’s important to know that just because an area isĭesignated as X zone does not mean that the area will never flood. The X zone (also known as “low–risk flood zone”) is an area outside of the That means a flood could happen this year and again the next year. The Special Flood Hazard Area is an area that has a 1 percentĬhance, or a 1 in 100 chance, of a flood happening in any given year. The 1 percent annual chance flood is also referred to as the base flood and you may also hear and see the term 100-year flood, however, see the below information about that term and the misconception associated with it.įlood” Misconception - People sometimes hear the phrase “100-year”įlood and think a flood happens only once in one hundred years. The floodplain on Flood Insurance Rate Maps is identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The SFHA is an area that could be inundated by a flood event with a 1 percent chance of reaching or exceeding base flood elevations in any given year. 50% Rule: Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage.Notice of Proposed Changes to FIRM Maps.Lee Concurrence for Letters of Map Correction.Landscaping Requirements/ Preserve Management.State Contractor Registration & Authorized Signers.Land Development Code Advisory Committee.Executive Regulatory Oversight Committee.Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee.Development Services - Case File Search.Search for an Elevation Certificate Online.However, most insurance experts recommend purchasing some level of flood protection even if you live outside of a high-risk area. Many states require homeowners living in high-risk flood zones to purchase insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), while property owners in moderate- to low-risk regions can opt out. Zone V: Coastal areas that have a 1% or higher chance of flooding, along with an increased risk of storm surge.Zone AR: Any region that has a temporarily increased flood risk due to the construction or renovation of flood control systems, such as levees or dams.Zone AO: River or stream flood hazard areas with a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year, often due to sheet flow.Zone AH: Areas with a 1% annual chance of shallow flooding, usually due to ponds or other bodies of water with an average depth of 1 to 3 feet.Zone AE: Regions with a 1% annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance over the life of a 30-year mortgage.Zone C or X (unshaded): Areas with minimal flood risks, such as those that have ponding and/or local drainage problems.Zone B or X (shaded): Refers to regions with moderate flood hazards and base floodplains that may pose a risk to buildings and public property.Here’s a quick breakdown of the key flood zones you should look out for: Moderate- to low-risk areas Each zone has its own level of flood risk and different regulations concerning flood insurance. Base flood elevation: The calculated elevation that floodwaters are anticipated to rise to during a base flood event, also referred to as the “1% annual chance flood” or “100-year flood,” according to FEMA.Īs suggested by their name, flood zone maps are divided into “zones” that reflect the severity or type of flooding common in a given area.Special flood hazard area: Regions that FEMA has identified as having a high risk of flooding and where flood insurance is mandatory.Floodplains: Areas of low-lying ground that are adjacent to a river or other body of water, which makes them more prone to seasonal flooding.Before looking up your neighborhood, it’s important to understand some of the key terms used in flood zone maps, including: In most cases, coastal and low-lying areas have the highest chance of flooding, though extreme weather can threaten homes at every elevation. Flood insurance rate maps (FIRM), known more commonly as flood zone maps, provide an overview of geographic regions and their varying levels of flood risks.
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