What are FEMA's requirements to remove land or a building from the 1% annual chance flood hazard area?
To be removed from the floodplain on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, a structure must be on land that is not subject to flooding by the 100-year flood. Remember, more severe floods can and do happen, so even if your home is found to be on high ground, it may still be damaged by an extreme flood event.

If your lot or building site is on natural ground that is higher than the Base Flood Elevation shown on the FIRM, then you may request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). To support your request, you will have to get a surveyor to determine the elevation of the ground next to your building and complete an Elevation Certificate. If the ground is higher than the Base Flood Elevation, then FEMA will issue a LOMA. With a LOMA, your lender may choose to not require flood insurance.

If your home was built on fill that was placed after the FIRM was prepared, you may request a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). As with a LOMA, you will need to get an Elevation Certificate completed by a land surveyor. If the filled ground is higher than the Base Flood Elevation, and if you do not have a basement, then FEMA may issue a LOMR-F, and your lender may choose to not require flood insurance.

Show All Answers

1. What does it mean if my community does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?
2. What are FEMA's requirements to remove land or a building from the 1% annual chance flood hazard area?
3. What is the 100-year flood?
4. I have lived here forever and have never been flooded. Why do I need flood insurance?
5. What elevation is used when rating a structure for a flood insurance policy?
6. My family has lived in our house for many years, and we had a big flood that was called the 100-year flood. We weren't damaged. Why do I need flood insurance?
7. My bank said I'm in the floodplain and have to buy insurance. I don't believe it. What can I do?
8. Who can prepare an Elevation Certificate?
9. What do I need to know if my building is in the floodplain?
10. If I own a repetitive loss property, are there grant funds available to mitigate against future flood losses?