Indian River County. FEMA Map Modernization Program. View Flood Maps FEMA Map Service Center Example Indian River County Flood MAP Panel

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1 Indian River County FEMA Map Modernization Program This site was developed in an effort to inform Indian River County citizens on the implementation of the new FEMA flood maps. Flood Insurance Rate Map Modernization In support of the National Flood Insurance Program NFIP, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has undertaken an effort of flood hazard identification and mapping to update Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Indian River County. Some of the County s flood maps are more than 20 years old and may not realistically depict the existing flood risk. These maps are created to reflect the base flood event, defined as the flood having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also referred to as the 100- year flood). FEMA s Map Modernization entails providing flood maps and data for communities nationwide that are more accurate, easier-to-use, and readily available. FEMA has selected Indian River County and its incorporated cities to produce updated flood maps in digital format, and provide users easier access to the flood hazard data. FEMA has requested copies of all local flood related data within Indian River County to assist them with this Map Modernization process. Project Schedule Map Update Process Brief FEMA WORKS ON UPDATING FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS (FIRMS) FOR INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FEMA PROVIDES PRELIMINARY NEW FIRMS TO INDIAN RIVER COUNTY APPEALS PERIOD (90 DAYS) FEMA ISSUES A LETTER OF FINAL DETERMINATION NEW FEMA FLOOD MAPS BECOME EFFECTIVE 2007 APRIL 2010 MAY 2010 DEC FEB APRIL 2011 OCTOBER 2011 View Flood Maps FEMA Map Service Center Example Indian River County Flood MAP Panel Information and resources: IRC National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS) Indian River County Implementation IRC What is Map Modernization IRC NAVD88 Vertical Datum Conversion - Study IRC Vertical Datum Changes IRC LiDAR Brief Public Meetings (To be announced) Public Documents FEMA IRC Project Scoping Report_2008 Contacts Indian River County Community Development (772) [email protected] FEMA Map Assistance FEMA-MAP or ( ) FEMA: Map Modernization Web Site FEMA five year plan Florida FEMA What is the NFIP FEMA Talking Points Flood Maps NFIP Floodsmart.gov FEMA NFIP Local Official Guide Top 10 Facts for Consumers Avoiding Flood Damage Checklist Homeowners Key Quest to Ask Flood Ins Agent

2 Indian River County LiDAR Mapping For the FEMA Map Modernization Program A coalition of professional Engineers, Surveyors and GIS practitioners, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM0, Water Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Army Corp of Engineers Jacksonville District, and other state and federal agencies, have come together to develop baseline specifications for orthophotography and Airborne Light Detection Ranging Systems (LiDAR) data collection for publicly funded projects within Florida. Interest in acquiring orthophotography and LiDAR has risen significantly as beneficiaries of the data learn about the many uses of remote-sensing technologies. These uses range from floodplain mapping to homeland security planning. As interest in remote sensing technologies has grown so has the understanding of the need to coordinate data collection. Growth management, map modernization/floodplain mapping, natural lands stewardship, and disaster preparedness are statewide issues with statewide impacts. A number of projects managed through state agencies, Water Management Districts, and federal and local governments have been used for conducting hydrological studies, monitoring coastline changes, creating highly accurate elevation data, managing growth, and more. Beneficiaries of statewide datasets include local county and city governments, a majority of state agencies (especially those with growth management, land stewardship, and disaster management responsibilities), and federal partners. In an effort not to duplicate acquisitions Indian River County has collaborated with FDEM to acquire LiDAR in defined areas extending west of I-95, including Fellsmere and all municipalities (Reference LiDAR project limits and Contour map below). All of the LiDAR has been acquired and processed; the project will merge the overlapping LiDAR datasets together into a seamless mosaic and utilized in the FEMA Map Modernization GIS and Mapping efforts. Since watersheds do not follow county or municipal boundaries, this seamless mosaic dataset will be a valuable asset for floodplain mapping and watershed management. For more information on the FDEM acquisition schedules Link - County Contacts: Michael O Brien P.S.M., C.F.M., County Surveyor (772) [email protected] Will Rice GIS Department Manager (772) [email protected] Indian River County TH Street Vero Beach, FL 32960

3 Indian River County LiDAR Mapping For the FEMA Map Modernization Program LiDAR Projects Limits Map

4 Indian River County LiDAR Mapping For the FEMA Map Modernization Program LiDAR Contour Map example

5 Indian River County FEMA Map Modernization Program Map Update Process This site was developed in an effort to inform Indian River County citizens on the implementation of the new FEMA flood maps. Map Update Process Pre-Scoping Indian River County will send letters and informational packets to those communities that will be funded for Flood Map Modernization. This letter kicks off the modernization process with what are known as Pre-scoping Activities.. The purpose of these activities is to research and accumulate resources that will contribute to the map update project. Such activities include digital base map inventories, mapping needs assessments, and Letters of Map Change collection. The digital base map inventories involve obtaining the best available ailable base map materials, such as corporate limits, roads, aerial photography, stream centerlines, and topographic data. Mapping needs assessments include the collection of needs from FEMA s Mapping Needs Update Support System (MNUSS). This system was developed to track and prioritize mapping needs identified by communities. Indian River County will perform an in-house mapping needs assessment by compiling needs from community files (Community Assistance Visit Reports, correspondence, effective flood map panels) and an approximate (unnumbered) A-Zone analysis. This analysis involves measuring densities of structures within or near an approximate A-Zone. The Study Contractor and Indian River County will also use this time to compile all approved Letters of Map Change (LOMCs), including Letters of Map Amendment, Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill, and Letters of Map Revision. These LOMCs will be addressed during Map Production,, but an accurate list is necessary so all are addressed in the project. Scoping Meeting The next stage of this process is called the Scoping Meeting.. This meeting presents an opportunity for all interested parties to gather, finalize the scope of project and confirm project task assignments. The scope of project formally identifies where new flood studies will be conducted, their type, and their limits. Invited to this meeting are representatives from FEMA, Indian River County,, the Study Contractor (if used), and communities throughout the county being updated. Mapping needs play an integral role in the Scoping Meeting as well. Because funding is limited for this map update, new flood studies will be few. However, the meeting provides an excellent opportunity for federal, state, and private entities to collect local mapping needs. Such needs will be documented and provided as impetus for future flood study funding. Page 1 of 3

6 Indian River County FEMA Map Modernization Program Map Update Process Map Production Following the conclusion of the Scoping Meeting,, entities involved in the map update begin their partnership roles in Map Production. This step of the update process involves the completion of all tasks identified and assigned during the Scoping Meeting.. For instance, the paper flood maps will be digitally scanned and geo-registered during this phase. This is also the time when the newly created digital flood layers will be fine tuned to fit the best available topographic data. If any flood studies are performed, this would be the phase for their completion and incorporation into the new maps. Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) will also be addressed during this phase. Each FEMA-approved map change will be handled in one of four ways: 1) incorporation into the new maps; 2) revalidation; 3) superseded; or 4) case-by-case review. Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) (not those based on fill, or LOMR-Fs) will be incorporated into the new flood maps. Large-scale LOMR-Fs and Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) may be incorporated into the new maps depending on their size. However, most LOMAs and LOMR-Fs will be revalidated since they are PAGE 1 OF 3 too small in scale to be represented on the maps. If a new study has been performed on a watercourse near any LOMCs, the LOMCs may be superseded or may need case-by-case review. Digital maps created during this phase will be reviewed by FEMA so as to ensure that they meet the Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.. For further information about these guidelines, click here ( Preliminary Maps Preliminary Maps and a preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) are released for public review when all tasks have been completed, and the new digital flood maps have been printed. Each community will receive copies of the preliminary flood maps, a preliminary Flood Insurance Study report, and a preliminary Summary of Map Actions (SOMA). This last document summarizes what happened to all of the Letters of Map Change affected by the map update. For further information, please see the description of Map Production. Once the Preliminary Maps are released, community officials are encouraged to review the maps for accuracy and completeness. In order to aid in this effort, Indian River County has developed the Preliminary Map Review Checklist specifically for local officials. This list will guide them during their review, and it will provide them a way to document evidence for any issues they may have with the new maps. Page 2 of 3

7 Indian River County FEMA Map Modernization Program Map Update Process Flood Risk Information Open House Once the Preliminary Maps are released ed and communities have an opportunity to review them, FEMA will coordinate Flood Risk Information Open House meetings. Federal and state officials and the Study Contractor will meet with community officials to discuss the new maps, any issues associated with them, and their implications. Once this meeting has concluded, FEMA, Indian River County and community officials will have an opportunity to answer public inquiries regarding the preliminary maps. Questions generally range in topic from flood insurance and building requirements to mitigation opportunities and map changes. Appeals Period/Comment Period After the Flood Risk Information Open House,, FEMA will publish the preliminary base flood elevations (BFEs) in the Federal Register (only if BFEs have changed), and they will notify the CEO of each community regarding this publishing. Additionally, FEMA will post this information in local newspapers twice in a two-week week period. On the date of the second publication, the 90-day Appeals Period begins, and this is when stakeholders may submit new flood data (appeals) or map corrections (protests) to their community floodplain officials for possible incorporation into the new digital FIRMs. At the end of Appeals Period, FEMA will resolve all appeals and protests s to finalize the maps and the Flood Insurance Study report. If BFEs have not changed due to the map update, a 90-Day Appeals Period will not be held. Rather, 30- Day Comment Period will be held in its place and this will still provide citizens and community officials an opportunity to submit protests. Letter of Final Determination When the maps are finalized, FEMA will issue the communities a Letter of Final Determination (LFD), and this initiates the mandatory update of their floodplain regulations. A community has six months from the LFD to update their flood damage reduction regulations. This timeframe includes the Indian River County and community s review and approval time; so, they actually have less than six months for this update. If a community s s floodplain regulations are not approved by Indian River County and adopted by the effective date of the maps, the community will be suspended from the NFIP. Potential consequences associated with suspension include flood insurance unavailability and some disaster assistance unavailability. Flood Maps Effective Communities have six months from the date of the Letter of Final Determination to update their flood damage reduction regulations to reflect the new maps. After this period, the new maps are effective, and are the tools the communities must use to implement their floodplain regulations. Most flood insurance policies written on or after the effective date will be based on the flood hazard data on the new maps. In terms of logistics, the map update process takes approximately 2-3 years from the initial Pre- Scoping Activities until the maps become effective. This period of time depends, in part, on thetypes of studies conducted in a given area and the amount of floodplain located within its boundaries. Page 3 of 3

8 Indian River County NAVD88 Study and Planning Indian River County Survey Section May 2009 FAST FACTS Vertical datum is used to determine land elevations. Whereas NGVD29 is based on an average of 26 points, NAVD88 is based on a single point in Quebec. Benefits of NAVD88 Benefits from conversion to the new vertical datum include: More accurate floodplain modeling leads to increased public safety enhanced flood insurance data and improved erosion modeling. Navigation management is improved by precisely positioning dredges and dredge materials, determining the real rate of sea level rise and improving aircraft navigational aids. Surveying for resource management, construction, agriculture, permitting and tax assessment is made less expensive and more accurate. Building roads and Public Works projects is made easier with consistent datum and enhanced accuracy of vertical data, improved ability to delineate drainage basins and better determination of slope gradients. Feedback sought on upgrading and converting vertical datum for accuracy and compatibility Indian River County is seeking input from local professionals and governments on upgrading the way it estimates vertical data, a decision that would impact mapping countywide. Agencies across the state and country are switching their vertical datum from the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29) to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88). By making this change, Indian River County and local governments would benefit from more accurate and consistent data, and improved communication with other agencies. With enough local support, the County will begin planning the conversion to NAVD88. The initial study is expected provide a roadmap to the conversion process. Background A vertical datum defines a system for elevation comparisons. It is used in floodplain management, waterway navigation management, roadway design, agricultural management and surveying in general. NGVD29 was established as the standard in Sea levels naturally changed in decades since, but the designation itself was based on certain faulty assumptions. NAVD88 was established in It is more accurate because it references a single point. NGVD29 and NAVD88 measurements differ as much as three feet in some areas. In Indian River County the difference is approximately 1.5 feet (decimal). Example elevation = 5.40 (NGVD 1929) = /- (NAVD 1988) (Cont on back)

9 Indian River County NAVD88 Study and Planning Indian River County Survey Section May 2009 Page 2 To provide feedback Professionals, Governments and agencies interested in the Indian River County planning study for conversion to NAVD88 should contact: Michael O Brien P.S.M., C.F.M., County Surveyor (772) [email protected] OR Andrew Sobczak Senior Environmental Planner (772) , [email protected] Who uses NAVD88? Governments in the United States, Mexico and Canada began adopting NAVD88 in Different agencies using different data necessitates a conversion process that takes time and can lead to errors. Agencies currently using NAVD88 include: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which publishes all new mapping materials in NAVD88 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The National Geodetic Survey, no longer supports or maintains NGVD29 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Various Florida Counties The Saint Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) will soon use NAVD88. Indian River County TH Street (Bldg A) Vero Beach, FL

10 Indian River County Information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and County's implementation: For the FEMA Map Modernization Program Information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and County's implementation: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was initially created by Congress in 1968 with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act. In 1973, the passage of the Flood Disaster Protection Act mandated that buildings located within identified flood hazard areas have flood insurance coverage as a condition of federal aid or loans from federally-insured banks and savings and loans, and as a condition for receiving federal disaster assistance. In 1978, Indian River County officially entered into the NFIP with the federal publication and implementation of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map for unincorporated Indian River County. Indian River County is responsible for implementing the minimum requirements of the NFIP, including the regulation of development to ensure compliance with the type of construction and minimum elevations required by the various flood zones. In 1992, the County voluntarily entered into the NFIP s Community Rating System (CRS) program, which is designed to reward participating communities with discounted flood insurance premium rates in return for implementing more than just the minimum, NFIP, requirements. Indian River County is currently rated as a Class 6 community in the CRS program which provides up to a 20% discount on flood insurance policy premium rates. For more information; FEMA: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) FEMA: What is NFIP FEMA: Community Rating System (CRS)

11 TALKING POINTS Flood Maps FLOODING CAN BE DANGEROUS AND COSTLY. FLOOD HAZARD MAPS IDENTIFY FLOOD RISKS AND HELP INCREASE THE PUBLIC S FLOOD HAZARD AWARENESS. A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is a joint local/federal floodplain management tool issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A FIRM is adopted by communities to guide floodplain management decisions and set flood insurance rates. A floodplain is the part of the land where water collects, pools and flows during the course of natural events. Such areas are classified as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and are located in a 100-year flood zone. The term 100 year flood refers to a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year; it is not a flood that will occur once every 100 years. All flood zones are labeled on a flood map with a lettering system. To learn more or to identify your flood zone, visit If you live in a high-risk area, also known as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender, you are required to purchase a flood insurance policy. However, everyone in an SFHA should invest in flood insurance coverage. If you live in a low- to moderate-risk area, you are still at risk for flooding and should consider your flood insurance options. Outside of a high-risk area, coverage can start as low as $112 a year. FLOOD MAPS SHOW FLOOD RISKS AND SUPPORT A FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM THAT ENABLES HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS TO BE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED. Each community that chooses to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) works with FEMA. Together, they collect the information needed to create an accurate FIRM. Flood maps are used to locate a property within a particular flood zone and by community officials for decisionmaking. When considering the purchase or renewal of a flood insurance policy, you will need to know whether your property is in a low- to moderate- or high-risk area to determine which flood insurance policy is right for you. To view your community s flood map, visit msc.fema.gov or call the FEMA Map Assistance Center toll-free at FEMA-MAP ( ) for information on where the map repository for your community is located. IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH-RISK AREA (SFHA) AND HAVE A MORTGAGE FROM A FEDERALLY REGULATED LENDER, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY. Every homeowner, business owner and renter in a high-risk area is at significant risk for flooding and should be protected with flood insurance whether or not their lender requires it. Flooding in high-risk areas could, has and will occur. In fact, during the term of a 30-year mortgage, there is a 26 percent chance that a home in a high-risk area will experience flooding. Help everyone in your community to understand their flood risk. If you live in a low- to moderate-risk area, flood insurance is still a vital investment to ensure that you have protection against the devastating effects of flooding. MARCH 2007 PAGE 1

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13 Floods can happen anywhere, at any time. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims occur outside of a Special Flood Hazard Area. Even if you live outside the high-risk flood zone, and thus are not required by law to purchase flood insurance, you are still at risk for flooding and should consider flood insurance. Flooding is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. More than 20,200 communities in all 50 U.S. states and its territories voluntarily participate in the NFIP, representing about 95 percent of all properties in the nation s high-risk areas. Sound floodplain management planning and regulations save the nation an estimated $1.1 billion in prevented flood damages annually. Also, structures built to NFIP criteria experience 80 percent less damage than structures not built to such standards. Creating stronger and safer communities reduces loss of life and property, enables individuals and localities to rapidly recover from future events, and lessens the financial impact on state, tribal and local governments as well as on the U.S. Treasury. FLOOD HAZARDS ARE DYNAMIC: MANY FLOOD MAPS MAY NOT REFLECT RECENT DEVELOPMENT OR NATURAL CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENT. In an effort to provide flood hazard maps that reflect current flood risks and areas of recent growth, FEMA s Map Modernization effort is in the process of developing up-to-date, reliable, Internet-accessible information about flood risks. Map Modernization may affect flood insurance requirements for some properties. Owners of properties mapped into a high-risk area may be required to carry flood insurance as a part of their mortgage agreement. For property owners or renters changing from a high-risk area to one of low or moderate risk, flood insurance is optional, but the risk for flooding has only been reduced, not removed. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims occur in low- to moderate-risk areas. Money-saving insurance options are available. Insurance costs may rise for those whose flood designation increases from low or moderate to high risk. However, property owners may be able to save money by purchasing insurance prior to final map adoption a process known as grandfathering. For those moving from a high-risk to a low- or moderate-risk area, an existing flood insurance policy may be converted to a lower cost Preferred Risk Policy. Visit FloodSmart.gov or call to learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a flood insurance policy, and what the benefits are of protecting your home and property against flooding. MARCH 2007 PAGE 2

14 Indian River County Vertical Datum Changes For the FEMA Map Modernization Program Vertical Datum Changes In an effort to lessen the impact of flooding, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in In partnership with the FEMA and the NFIP, the Indian River County Floodplain Mapping Program was created to update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the entire area. One of the main goals of this effort is to more accurately identify the boundaries of flood hazard areas. The limits of these flood hazard areas are determined by comparing flood elevations with digital elevation data. To ensure that all the elevations used are based on a common reference system, a FIRM must reference a single vertical datum. What is Vertical Datum? A vertical datum is a set of constants that defines a system for comparison of elevations. In the NFIP, a vertical datum is important because all elevations need to be referenced to the same system. Otherwise, surveys using different datum s would have different elevations for the same point. Historically, the FIRMs have referenced the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29). With FIRM updates, a more accurate vertical datum will be used - the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Why is the Vertical Datum Changing? A datum needs to be updated periodically because geologic changes to the surface of the earth occur; these changes are due to subsidence and uplift or gradual changes in sea level. In addition, the older vertical datum (NGVD 29) was flawed because of erroneous assumptions that mean sea level at different tidal stations represented the same elevation (zero). With the outdated vertical datum, points at 0.0' NGVD 29 have, in fact, different elevations for a variety of reasons. We can now more accurately measure these elevation differences with an expanded geodetic network, further warranting the use of the new vertical datum. Indian River County s mapping effort provides an opportunity to produce new maps using NAVD 88 and expedite the use of the newer vertical datum. When is the Vertical Datum Changing? Elevations in NAVD 88 should be used for floodplain management and flood insurance purposes (e.g., elevation certificates) the day that a new FIRM becomes effective for a county. (Anticipated effective date late 2010) (Cont)

15 Indian River County Vertical Datum Changes For the FEMA Map Modernization Program Who Will Be Impacted by the Vertical Datum Change? This change should be noted by anyone who uses a FIRM in the Indian River County area, particularly when comparing elevation data on a new FIRM with data from an old FIRM that was produced in NGVD 29. The vertical datum change impacts those who work with elevation data, such as engineers and surveyors, as well as community floodplain administrators. How are Un-revised NGVD 29 Flood Elevations Converted to NAVD 88? The difference between the two datum s varies from location to location. Therefore, an average offset (the difference between NAVD 88 and NGVD 29) has been computed for each county in the State. Where a county boundary and a flooding source with unrevised NGVD 29 flood elevations are coincident, an individual offset will be calculated and applied during the creation of the a FIRM. Flood Insurance Study reports that support the new FIRMs, will contain information on the conversion of elevations between NAVD 88 and NGVD Is Further Information Available? If you have any questions regarding vertical datum changes or the NFIP in general, please contact the FEMA Map Assistance Center toll free at FEMA MAP ( ). Additional information about the NFIP is available at

16 Indian River County What is Map Modernization For the FEMA Map Modernization Program What is Flood Map Modernization? An aggressive, multi-year initiative ( ) to update the nation's flood hazard maps, called Map Modernization, is under way in Florida and across the nation. Today, many of the nation's flood maps are outdated, severely limiting their usefulness. This partnership between state and local governments and FEMA is intended to transform the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which help outline a clear picture of local flood risks, into a more reliable, easier-to-use, and readily accessible product. As part of a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) agreement with FEMA, Indian River County has the responsibility for the flood map modernization program for all the area it governs. The County s mission is to manage and protect the water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems, and water supply. The management and regulation of flood control issues in this region directly correlate to the objectives of the National Flood Insurance Program. Why Flood Maps Are Important? Flood maps are referenced an estimated 20 million times annually. Why? Close to 30 million Americans are at high risk from flooding, and almost every American faces some degree of flood risk. When hurricanes or major storms threaten Florida and other coastal communities, flood risks become very real. Florida averages 50 to 60 inches of rain a year, with most of it coming between the months of June and November. Most development is clustered along the coasts or near large waterways. And the bottom third of the peninsula is virtually flat, at or only slightly above sea level, so even moderate rains can accumulate quickly. These facts mean that the State of Florida is by far the most "at risk" state in the country in terms of flood prone properties, with over 1.8 million flood insurance policies in the state (41% of US total), yet just 5.6% of the overall population. Florida (29% of the US), 42% of the flood losses in Florida, and 35% of the total dollars paid historically in Florida Go to FEMA's to learn more about the national program.

17 FEMA Map Modernization Video The video showcases Map Mod and its accomplishments to date as of June The video is approximately 8.5 minutes long and includes a narrative of Map Mod, including the past, present, and future of mapping, while centering around the following main themes: Map Mod is a collaborative effort between FEMA and partners; Map Mod contributes to the safety of people and communities; Map Mod is a pioneer in the use of technology, materials, and methods (including data collection and delivery); and Map Mod educates and informs the public about flood risk, flood maps, and flood insurance. Watch the video.

18 Indian River County FEMA Map Modernization Program Supporting Documents Avoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners Community Rating System Final Scoping Report Florida Five Year Plan Summary Key Questions to Cover Talking Points Flood Maps Top Ten Facts for Consumers What is the NFIP

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20 National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System A Local Official s Guide to Saving Lives Preventing Property Damage Reducing the Cost of Flood Insurance FEMA 573

21 How the Community Rating System Works Every year, flooding causes hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage to homes and businesses around the country. Standard homeowners and commercial property policies do not cover flood losses. So, to meet the need for this vital coverage, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP offers reasonably priced flood insurance in communities that comply with minimum standards for floodplain management. The NFIP s Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes community efforts beyond those minimum standards by reducing flood insurance premiums for the community s property owners. The CRS is similar to but separate from the private insurance industry s programs that grade communities on the effectiveness of their fire suppression and building code enforcement. CRS discounts on flood insurance premiums range from 5% up to 45%. Those discounts provide an incentive for new flood protection activities that can help save lives and property in the event of a flood. To participate in the CRS, your community can choose to undertake some or all of the 18 public information and floodplain management activities described in the CRS Coordinator s Manual. You re probably already doing many of these activities. To get credit, community officials will need to prepare an application documenting the efforts. The CRS assigns credit points for each activity. Table 2 lists the activities and the possible number of credit points for each one. The table also shows the average number of credit points communities earn for each activity. These averages may give a better indication than the maximums of what your community can expect. To be eligible for a CRS discount, your community must do Activity 310, Elevation Certificates. If you re a designated repetitive loss community, you must also do Activity 510,

22 Floodplain Management Planning. All other activities are optional. Based on the total number of points your community earns, the CRS assigns you to one of ten classes. Your discount on flood insurance premiums is based on your class. For example, if your community earns 4,500 points or more, it qualifies for Class 1, and property owners in the floodplain get a 45% discount. If your community earns as little as 500 points, it s in Class 9, and property owners in the floodplain get a 5% discount. If a community does not apply or fails to receive at least 500 points, it s in Class 10, and property owners get no discount. Table 1, below, shows the number of points required for each class and the corresponding discount. Table 1: How much discount property owners in your community can get Discount Rate Class SFHA* Non-SFHA** Credit Points Required 1 45% 10% 4, % 10% 4,000 4, % 10% 3,500 3, % 10% 3,000 3, % 10% 2,500 2, % 10% 2,000 2, % 5% 1,500 1, % 5% 1,000 1, % 5% % 0% * Special Flood Hazard Area ** Preferred Risk Policies are available only in B,C, and Zones for properties that are shown to have a minimal risk of flood damage. The Preferred Risk Policy does not receive premium rate credits under the CRS because it already has a lower premium than other policies. Although they are in SFHAs, Zones AR and A99 are limited to a 5% discount. Premium reductions are subject to change.

23 Table 2: What You Can Do to Get Credit The CRS grants credit for 18 different activities that fall into four series: Series Public Information Maximum Average 300 Points* Points* This series credits programs that advise people about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and ways to reduce flood damage. The activities also provide data that insurance agents need for accurate flood insurance rating. 310 Elevation Certificates Maintain FEMA elevation certificates for new construction in the floodplain. (At a minimum, a community must maintain certificates for buildings built after the date of its CRS application.) 320 Map Information Service Provide Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information to people who inquire, and publicize this service. 330 Outreach Projects Send information about the flood hazard, flood insurance, flood protection measures, and/or the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains to flood-prone residents or all residents of a community. 340 Hazard Disclosure Real estate agents advise potential purchasers of flood-prone property about the flood hazard. Regulations require notice of the hazard. 350 Flood Protection Information The public library and/or community s website maintains references on flood insurance and flood protection. 360 Flood Protection Assistance Give inquiring property owners technical advice on how to protect their buildings from flooding, and publicize this service. Series 300 Total *Maximum and average points are subject to change. See the current CRS Coordinator s Manual for the latest information.

24 Series Mapping and Regulations Maximum Average 400 Points* Points* This series credits programs that provide increased protection to new development. 410 Additional Flood Data 1, Develop new flood elevations, floodway delineations, wave heights, or other regulatory flood hazard data for an area not mapped in detail by the flood insurance study. Have a more restrictive mapping standard. 420 Open Space Preservation Guarantee that currently vacant floodplain parcels will be kept free from development. 430 Higher Regulatory Standards 2, Require freeboard. Require soil tests or engineered foundations. Require compensatory storage. Zone the floodplain for minimum lot sizes of 1 acre or larger. Require coastal construction standards in AE Zones. Have regulations tailored to protect critical facilities or areas subject to special flood hazards (for example, alluvial fans, ice jams, subsidence, or coastal erosion). 440 Flood Data Maintenance Keep flood and property data on computer records. Use better base maps. Maintain elevation reference marks. 450 Stormwater Management Regulate new development throughout the watershed to ensure that post-development runoff is no worse than pre-development runoff. Regulate new construction to minimize soil erosion and protect or improve water quality. Series 400 Total 5,

25 Series Flood Damage Reduction Maximum Average 500 Points* Points* This series credits programs that reduce the flood risk to existing development. 510 Floodplain Management Planning Prepare, adopt, implement, and update a comprehensive flood hazard mitigation plan using a standard planning process. (This is a minimum requirement for all repetitive loss communities.) 520 Acquisition and Relocation 3, Acquire and/or relocate flood-prone buildings so that they are out of the floodplain. 530 Flood Protection 2, (Protection of existing floodplain development by floodproofing, elevation, or minor structural projects.) 540 Drainage System Maintenance Conduct periodic inspections of all channels and retention basins, and remove debris as needed. Series 500 Total 6,

26 Series Flood Preparedness Maximum Average 600 Points* Points* This series credits flood warning, levee safety, and dam safety projects. 610 Flood Warning Program Provide early flood warnings to the public, and have a detailed flood response plan keyed to flood crest predictions. 620 Levee Safety Maintain existing levees not otherwise credited in the flood insurance rating system that provide some flood protection. 630 Dam Safety (All communities in a state with an approved dam safety program receive some credit.) Series 600 Total 1, All Series Total 14,850 2,023

27 Extra Credit Your community can get extra credit points in addition to the points listed in the table if you coordinate your activities through a comprehensive floodplain management plan. Also, if your community faces growth pressures, the mapping and regulation activities in Series 400 receive extra credit. See the CRS Coordinator s Manual for full details. Many communities can qualify for what the CRS calls uniform minimum credit, based on the activities a state or regional agency implements on behalf of its communities. For example, some states have disclosure laws eligible for credit under activity 340, Flood Hazard Disclosure. Any community in those states can receive the uniform minimum credit. Your community may want to consider floodplain management activities not listed in the CRS Coordinator s Manual. You should evaluate these activities for their ability to increase public safety, reduce property damage, avoid economic disruption and loss, and protect the environment. In addition, you can request a review of these activities to determine whether they should be eligible for CRS credit. FEMA welcomes innovative ways to prevent or reduce flood damage.

28 How to Apply Participation in the CRS is voluntary. If your community is in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the NFIP, you may apply. There s no application fee, and all CRS publications are free. Your community s chief executive officer (that is, your mayor, city manager, or other top official) must appoint a CRS coordinator to handle the application work and serve as the liaison between the community and FEMA. The coordinator should know the operations of all departments that deal with floodplain management and public information. And the coordinator should be able to speak for the community s chief executive officer. The first step in the application process is to get a copy of the CRS Application, which contains all the instructions and procedures you need for preparing and submitting your community s initial application for a CRS classification. The CRS Application includes easy-to-follow worksheets that provide credits for applicable activities. The CRS Application also identifies the documentation you must submit to support the credits you are requesting. You may also want to order a copy of the CRS Coordinator s Manual, which describes the program in full and provides specific information, including eligible activities, required documentation, and resources for assistance. Your designated CRS coordinator should fill out and submit your application. Help is also available through the contact information below. The CRS will verify the information and arrange for flood insurance premium discounts. To order CRS publications at no charge, fax the order form on the following page to , or mail to the address below.you can also your request to [email protected]. Both the CRS Application and the CRS Coordinator s Manual are also available at FEMA s CRS Resource Center website For more info, write, phone, or fax: NFIP/CRS P.O. Box Indianapolis, IN Telephone: Fax: [email protected]

29 Order Form Fax to: Please send me these CRS publications: No. of Copies Document CRS Coordinator s Manual CRS Application Name Phone Title Street City State ZIP Community Name NFIP Number (if applicable) (if applicable)

30

31 FINAL SCOPING REPORT Indian RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA CONTRACT NO. EMA-2002-CO-0011A TASK ORDER 017 MARCH 2008

32 Scoping Report Indian River County, Florida EMA-2002-CO-0011A Task Order 017 I. BACKGROUND... 1 TABLE 1: STATISTICAL INFORMATION... 1 II. MEETINGS AND 44 CFR PART 66 COMPLIANCE:... 2 III. PROJECT OVERVIEW... 2 TABLE 2: MAP INFORMATION... 3 TABLE 3: CURRENT STUDY INFORMATION... 7 TABLE 4A: COASTAL FLOODING SOURCES TO BE STUDIED TABLE 4B: RIVERINE FLOODING SOURCES TO BE STUDIED TABLE 4C: JUSTIFICATION FOR NEW DETAILED STUDIES TABLE 4D: JUSTIFICATION FOR REDELINEATION TABLE 4E: NATIONAL METRICS IV: Partner Contributions: 50 TABLE 5: PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS TABLE 6: GIS DATA LAYERS AVAILABLE V: PROJECT STATUS: VI. PROJECT FUNDING VII. SUMMARY TABLE 7: TOTAL STUDY MILEAGE BY TYPE OF STUDY i

33 Attachments A. Community Partner Memorandum of Agreements B. Outreach/Pre-Scoping Meeting Documents C. Scoping Meeting Documents D. MIP Supplemental Funding Spreadsheet E. Proposed DFIRM Format F. Proposed DFIRM Paneling Scheme Map G. Vertical Datum Shift Calculations H. Indian River County Water Control Districts I. Levee Locations J. Scoping Map ii

34 FEMA Region IV IDIQ Project Scoping Report Indian River, Florida EMA-2002-CO-0011A Task Order 017 I. Background This project involves the countywide re-mapping effort for Indian River County, Florida and the incorporated communities as part of the FEMA Map Modernization Program. In addition to unincorporated Indian River County (CID #120119), participating incorporated communities include the Cities of Fellsmere (CID# ), Sebastian (CID# ), and Vero Beach (CID# ), as well as the Towns of Indian River Shores (CID# ) and Orchid (CID# ). The remapping effort involves new hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and the creation of new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs). Table 1, below, presents statistical data for Indian River County. Table 1: Statistical Information Statistical Data Indian River County Area (mi 2 ) 540 Population County 130,100 Density (people / mi 2 ) 259 Growth (% / year) 15.2 % of Total State 0.72 Flood Insurance Policies 25,801 Claims 1,438 Repetitive Losses Number of Losses 415 Number of Properties 195 Declared Disasters since Number of LOMC 144 Population statistics based on 2006 estimate; Growth from April 2000 to July 2006 Community Partner Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) from each community are included as Attachment A. The Indian River Shores MOA will be provided shortly. 1

35 II. Meetings and 44 CFR Part 66 Compliance: Watershed IV Alliance members conducted an initial Outreach/Pre-Scoping Meeting with County and Community officials on September 25, 2007, and held a subsequent Scoping Meeting on October 18, Part 66 compliance: The IDIQ Partner has begun and has on record its Case file and docket? YES NO The IDIQ Partner has written record of its initial contact made to the local communities affected by this map modernization project? YES NO The IDIQ Partner has written record of its request for additional flood study data and base information from the local communities? YES NO III. Project Overview Prior to the Scoping Meeting for Indian River County, the mapping needs were reviewed in FEMA s Mapping Needs Update Support System (MNUSS) database for all the communities. For Indian River County, the active needs consist of addition of LOMCs, updates to the corporate limits, addition of road names, and revised and/or new detailed studies for unnamed tributaries on effective panels 0168E and 0158E, all canals and streams on panels 0050E and 0125E, the North Relief Canal on panels 0089E, 0090E, and 0155E, and the South Relief Canal on panel 0165E. For the City of Vero Beach, the only active need consists of the addition of benchmarks. For the City of Sebastian, the active needs consist of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) for all Zone As within the community on effective panels 0076E, 0078E, 0079F, and 0087E. No active needs were identified for the remaining communities within Indian River County. A Scoping Meeting for the Indian River County mapping project was held on October 18, 2007 at the Indian River County Administration Building B (North), 1 st Floor, Room 501 in Vero Beach, Florida. The attendee list and minutes from the Scoping Meeting (and Pre-Scoping Meeting) are included as Attachments B and C. The purpose of the meeting was to: Identify all key participants in the study Involve the communities in identifying current study needs 2

36 Collect available GIS and engineering data potentially relevant to this Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Collect copies of each community s floodplain ordinance. Floodplain ordinances for the City of Fellsmere and Town of Indian River Shores are expected shortly. Preview the various phases and timelines involved in a FIS Solicit community involvement in the overall study The effective FIS for Indian River County, dated May 4, 1989, was developed in a countywide format. There are currently 28 printed effective FIRM panels, with revisions to 3 panels made on July 2, 1992, 1 panel on May 3, 1993, and 1 panel on June 30, Most of the maps have a suffix of E, however, the revised panels previously mentioned use suffixes of either F or G. A summary of this effective mapping information is also provided in Table 2. The proposed new DFIRMs will have a suffix of H. Table 2: Map Information Community Countywide CID Panel Count Effective FIRM Date Suffix Proposed Panel Suffix Count Indian River County and Incorporated Areas May 4, 1989/ July 2, 1992/ May 3, 1993/ June 30, 1999 E/F/G 74* H * 56 1:6,000-scale panels, 9 1:12,000-scale panels, and 9 1:24,000 scale panels DFIRMs will be ortho-based, and will use the standard collar format. A typical panel is provided in Attachment E, with the proposed DFIRM paneling scheme included as Attachment F. Results of the Scoping Meeting with the communities yielded mapping requirements of approximately 5.3 of Detailed Study streams and approximately 0.3 square of Detailed Study basins; approximately of redelineation of effective detailed study streams and 30.7 square of redelineation of effective detailed study basins; refinement and re-establishment of approximately of effective Zone A streams and 2.5 square of effective Zone A basins; and, approximately 22.3 of coastal redelineation. The scope yields a total of approximately of stream reach, 33.5 square of basins, and 22.3 of coastline to be mapped as a part of this project. The final scope yields a considerable level of mapping mileage and square mileage, however, there are still unmet mapping needs to be addressed when future funding is available. These unmet mapping needs are summarized below: Revised storm surge analyses, specifically, for flooding on effective panel 0158E. 3

37 Establishment of BFEs for the area currently identified as Zone A, approximately located southwest of the intersection of Interstate 95 and State Road 60. A revised floodway analysis along Saint Sebastian Creek/South Prong Creek. Establishment of BFEs for an unmapped area along 12 th Street, between 27 th Avenue and 43 rd Avenue. Establishment of BFEs for the remaining Zone As in the City of Sebastian Based on Appendix B of the FEMA Guidelines, effective data referencing the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29) will be converted to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) using the CORPSCON software. The maximum offset from the countywide average was calculated to be 0.14 foot, which is within the 0.25 foot tolerance, therefore a countywide average vertical datum conversion factor will be used for the Indian River study. The countywide average shift is feet from an elevation in NGVD29 to NAVD88. The vertical datum shift calculations and control points used are provided in Attachment G. All new hydrologic modeling, surveys, topographic data, and mapping will reference NAVD88 with vertical units measured in U.S. feet. All spatial data will be projected to the State Plane Coordinate System, Florida East, and will reference the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83), with horizontal units measured in U.S. feet. For Indian River County, approximately 266 square of Lidar data will be made available for the study, and will be used as the primary basis of the detailed hydrologic analyses as well as floodplain delineations. The remaining portions of the county will be covered by 5-ft-interval USGS contours. The vertical datum of the USGS contours will remain NGVD29, since the datum shift value is not a whole number, however, all elevation labeling will ultimately reference NAVD88. The Lidar contractors are expected to provide a Quality Control report with the delivery of the final products, and since the original Florida DEM project and the ensuing additional contracts with Indian River County to specifically require conformance to FEMA specifications, no issues of accuracy are foreseen. Using the Lidar data, detailed hydrologic analyses will be performed for approximately 5.3 of stream and 0.3 square of basin which are currently identified as Zone A. The numerical analyses will be conducted using FEMAapproved hydrologic models, and methodology outlined in the FEMA Guidelines. Additionally, design storm selection will be based on the document Florida Design Storm Criteria, An Evaluation and Discussion of the Appropriate use of Existing Criteria in Flood Insurance Studies in Florida by Dr. Zhida Song-James. A key technical consideration for hydrologic studies within Indian River County are water control structures which control runoff and maintain desired water levels in the canals. The structures are operated by some of the Water Control Districts (WCDs) in Indian River County. The eastern part of the County is divided into 6 WCDs the 4

38 Fellsmere WCD, the Vero Lakes WCD, the Sebastian River WCS, the Delta Farms WCD, the St. Johns Water WCD, and the Indian River Farms WCD (Attachment H). The proposed detailed studies are located either in areas not associated with a WCD, or within the Indian River Farms WCD. Discussions with the Indian River Farms WCD and other WCDs, as well as the individual communities, are planned to ensure appropriate consideration of the control structures in calculating the 1-percentannual-flood elevations for the proposed detailed studies, as well as the areas of redelineation, where the effective 1-percent-annual-chance flood elevations relative to the control structures will need to be revalidated with respect to the original modeling assumptions. In addition to the water control structures affecting this study, the WCDs are expected to be involved with levee issues that will need to be faced in Indian River County. The identified levees are shown in Attachment I. The effective FIRMs do include areas protected from flooding by levees, such as along Vero Lakes Channel A, however, there are other mapped areas on the effective FIRMs which will need to be investigated further due to their suspicious straight edges. Further, any additional levees which may surface during the course of the study will also be documented and addressed. This also includes topographic features which may act as a levee in providing floodplain protection, although not specifically labeled as a levee. Based on guidance provided in 44 CFR Section 65.10, as well as Procedure Memorandums 30, 32, 34, and 43, the communities will be provided information regarding certification. Additional early meetings with the communities and WCDs are planned to discuss the approach required to analyze and/or map floodplains affected by levees. Finally, as a measure to conform to the requirements of the Floodplain Boundary Standards set forth in Procedure Memorandum (PM) 38, originally introduced in Section 7 of the Multi-Year Flood Hazard Identification Plan (MHIP) version 1.0, effective Zone A boundaries will be refined and reapplied on the DFIRMs based on the following procedure: Initial assessment of the quality and reliability of Zone A floodplains will be based on comments and direction from the local community officials. Existing Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) for effective Zone A flooding sources will be reviewed. By default, Letters of Map Revisions (LOMRs) will be incorporated into the DFIRMs, however, MT-1 cases, Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-Fs) and Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs), will be reviewed to determine applicability to the Zone A refinement for the particular reach. Applicability includes but is not limited to availability of Base Flood Elevations, topographic data (other than the Indian River County Lidar data), or floodplain mapping. Other possible data not listed here will be reviewed with the Region to verify applicability. 5

39 In conjunction with a LOMC reconnaissance and assessment, the local community officials will be queried for similar data which perhaps was not submitted to FEMA. If no LOMCs are found, and data from the local communities exist, this data from the local communities will be treated as best available for the purposes of the Zone A refinement, and will be assessed for use based on similar requirements as MT-1 applications. If no information is available for a particular area, the Zone A floodplain boundaries will be digitized from the georeferenced effective flood maps using hard features as reference points. Consistency with the Lidar data and orthophotography will be checked. In the case of inconsistency, the floodplain boundary will be shifted and/or stretched to match features visible on the orthophotography. The community officials will be asked to validate all refined Zone A boundaries during the post-preliminary period. No new coastal analysis, either storm surge, erosion, wave height, or runup calculations, will be performed as part of this countywide map update. The coastal mapping will be treated strictly as redelineation, based on methods outlined in the Final Draft Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Coastal Guidelines Update (Coastal Guidelines), dated February The Indian River County coastal redelineation will follow guidance provided under Scenario 1 of this document, that is, Minimal to No Shoreline Retreat. Under Scenario 1, factors dictating coastal redelineation for Indian River County include the new topographic data available, as well as the datum shift conversion from NGVD29 to NAVD88. Primary Frontal Dunes (PFDs) will be identified, and the limits of the velocity zone will be adjusted accordingly, based on the requirements of the Coastal Guidelines. Although no new coastal storm surge or wave height calculations are being performed as part of this map update, the communities will be advised that updates to the current coastal mapping will eventually occur, at which time increases to the current stillwater values and wave heights should be expected. Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS) zones are identified for Indian River County, and treatment of the CBRS zones will follow the guidelines set forth in Procedure Memorandum 39. Base map data will be provided to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) contractor, and the FWS-endorsed CBRS data layer will be incorporated into the DFIRMs, including appropriate treatment of mapping and FIS notes. Also, as required in PM 39, paper copies of the preliminary CBRS DFIRM panels will be provided to the FWS s contractor for review. 6

40 To assist in providing more detailed information on the effective zones, the effective flooding sources in the community are shown in Table 3. Note that area measurements less than 0.05 square exist for many of the flooding sources listed in Tables 3 and 4B, however, due to the use of 2 significant digits, these figures result in values of 0.0 square. Table 3: Current Study Information ID # 1 2 Flooding Source Blue Cypress Creek Blue Cypress Creek 3 Collier Waterway 4 Collier Waterway 5 Elkcam Waterway 6 Elkcam Waterway 7 Fort Drum Creek Reach Limits Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) to Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) to Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) Collier Waterway ( , ) to Collier Waterway ( , ) Collier Waterway ( , ) to Collier Waterway ( , ) Elkcam Waterway ( , ) to Elkcam Waterway ( , ) Elkcam Waterway ( , ) to Elkcam Waterway ( , ) Fort Drum Creek ( , ) to Fort Drum Creek ( , ) Reach Length Detailed Analysis or Approximate Study If Detailed, Current Hydrologic Methodology If Detailed, Current Hydraulic Methodology AE AE AE AE HEC-1 / CHANOP Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 7

41 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 8 Gum Slough 9 Indian River 10 Lateral G 11 Lateral H 12 Lateral J 13 Main Relief Canal 14 Main Relief Canal 15 Main Relief Canal 16 Main Relief Canal 17 Main Relief Canal Gum Slough ( , ) to Gum Slough ( , ) Indian River ( , ) to Indian River ( , ) Lateral G ( , ) to Lateral G ( , ) Lateral H ( , ) to Lateral H ( , ) Lateral J ( , ) to Lateral J ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) AE AE AE AE AE AE AE AE AE Joint Probability Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression FEMA Storm Surge Model HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 8

42 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 18 Main Relief Canal 19 Main Relief Canal 20 North Relief Canal 21 Padgett Branch Saint Sebastian Creek Schumann Waterway South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) North Relief Canal ( , ) to North Relief Canal ( , ) Padgett Branch ( , ) to Padgett Branch ( , ) Saint Sebastian Creek ( , ) to Saint Sebastian Creek ( , ) Schumann Waterway ( , ) to Schumann Waterway ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) AE AE AE Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 AE Regional Regression HEC-2 AE AE AE Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 9

43 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Relief Canal South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Relief Canal ( , ) to South Relief Canal ( , ) 1 ( , ) to 1 ( , ) 10 ( , ) to 10 ( , ) 11 ( , ) to 11 ( , ) 12 ( , ) to 12 ( , ) 13 ( , ) to 13 ( , ) AE AE AE AE AE Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 AE AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP 10

44 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin ( , ) to 14 ( , ) 15 ( , ) to 15 ( , ) 16 ( , ) to 16 ( , ) 18 ( , ) to 18 ( , ) 2 ( , ) to 2 ( , ) 20 ( , ) to 20 ( , ) 21 ( , ) to 21 ( , ) 26 ( , ) to 26 ( , ) 27 ( , ) to 27 ( , ) 27 ( , ) to 27 ( , ) 27 ( , ) to 27 ( , ) 28 ( , ) to 28 ( , ) 29 ( , ) to 29 ( , ) AE AE AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP 11

45 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin ( , ) to 3 ( , ) 30 ( , ) to 30 ( , ) 31 ( , ) to 31 ( , ) 31 ( , ) to 31 ( , ) 31 ( , ) to 31 ( , ) 32 ( , ) to 32 ( , ) 33 ( , ) to 33 ( , ) 34 ( , ) to 34 ( , ) 35 ( , ) to 35 ( , ) 36 ( , ) to 36 ( , ) 37 ( , ) to 37 ( , ) 38 ( , ) to 38 ( , ) 39 ( , ) to 39 ( , )

48 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin ( , ) to 63 ( , ) 63 ( , ) to 63 ( , ) 64 ( , ) to 64 ( , ) 65 ( , ) to 65 ( , ) 66 ( , ) to 66 ( , ) 67 ( , ) to 67 ( , ) 68 ( , ) to 68 ( , ) 69 ( , ) to 69 ( , ) 7 ( , ) to 7 ( , ) 70 ( , ) to 70 ( , ) 71 ( , ) to 71 ( , ) 72 ( , ) to 72 ( , ) 73 ( , ) to 73 ( , ) AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP 15

49 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin ( , ) to 74 ( , ) 75 ( , ) to 75 ( , ) 76 ( , ) to 76 ( , ) 77 ( , ) to 77 ( , ) 78 ( , ) to 78 ( , ) 79 ( , ) to 79 ( , ) 8 ( , ) to 8 ( , ) 80 ( , ) to 80 ( , ) 81 ( , ) to 81 ( , ) 82 ( , ) to 82 ( , ) 84 ( , ) to 84 ( , ) 9 ( , ) to 9 ( , ) AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP 16

50 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin Unnamed 1 Unnamed Tributary Unnamed Tributary Vero Lakes Channel A Vero Lakes Channel A Vero Lakes Channel A Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel B Unnamed 1 ( , ) to Unnamed 1 ( , ) Unnamed Tributary ( , ) to Unnamed Tributary ( , ) Unnamed Tributary ( , ) to Unnamed Tributary ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) AE Regional Regression HEC-2 AE AE Regional Regression Regional Regression HEC-2 HEC-2 17

51 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel C 126 Atlantic Ocean 127 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 18 Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel C ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel C ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 1 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 15 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 16 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 17 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 18 - ( , ) to sq. 7.1 sq. 0.6 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. AE AE AE VE AE AE Regional Regression Regional Regression Regional Regression Joint Probability HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-2 HEC-2 HEC-2 FEMA Storm Surge Model HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP Coastal Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 18

52 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 132 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 32 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 19 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 2 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 20 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 21 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 21 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 22 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 23 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 24 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 25 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 26 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 27 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 30 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 32 - ( , ) to 0.1 sq. 1.3 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.2 sq. 0.5 sq. 0.0 sq. AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 19

53 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 145 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 45 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 33 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 34 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 35 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 36 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 37 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 38 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 39 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 4 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 40 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 42 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 43 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 44 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 45 - ( , ) to 0.2 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 9.7 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 20

54 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 158 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 65 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 47 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 48 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 49 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 50 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 50 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 57 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 60 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 61 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 62 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 64 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 64 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 64 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 65 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.2 sq. 0.3 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. VE VE VE Joint Probability Joint Probability Joint Probability FEMA Storm Surge Model FEMA Storm Surge Model FEMA Storm Surge Model Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 21

55 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 171 Basin Basin Basin Basin 10 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 66 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 67 - ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 8 - ( , ) to SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 10 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq sq. 0.0 sq. AE HEC-1 / CHANOP HEC-1 / CHANOP Basin Basin Basin Basin 175 Basin 50 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 50 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 176 Basin Basin 55 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 53 - ( , ) to SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 55 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. Basin Basin 178 Basin 56 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 56 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 179 Basin 57 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 57 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 180 Basin 58 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 58 - ( , ) to 0.1 sq. Basin 181 Basin 59 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 59 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 182 Basin 6 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 6 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 183 Basin 60 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 60 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. VE Joint Probability FEMA Storm Surge Model Basin 184 Basin 63 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 63 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 22

56 ID # Flooding Source Reach Limits Reach Length Detailed If Detailed, If Detailed, Analysis or Current Current Approximate Hydrologic Hydraulic Study Methodology Methodology Coastal. Riverine, or Basin 185 Basin 64 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 64 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 186 Basin 65 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 65 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin 187 Basin 9 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 9 - ( , ) to 0.0 sq. Basin Contained in Table 4A is the coastal flooding source to be studied as part of this project. Table 4A: Coastal Flooding Sources to be Studied Detailed Coastal Redelineation ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Stillwater Setup Wave Runup Wave Height Back of Dune Determination Erosion With Back of Dune Determination Without Back of Dune Determination 126 Atlantic Ocean INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * ( , ) to INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * ( , ) 22.3 Table 4B lists the riverine and lacustrine (or ponding) flooding sources to be studied as part of this project. Additional details of the data in Table 4B are provided in the WISE Scoping Module, summary Reach Report. The Scoping Map is included as Attachment J herein, illustrating the location and type of the various studies to be performed, as detailed in Table 4B. 23

57 Table 4B: Riverine Flooding Sources to be studied Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A Blue Cypress Creek Blue Cypress Creek Collier Waterway Collier Waterway Elkcam Waterway Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) to Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) to Blue Cypress Creek ( , ) Collier Waterway ( , ) to Collier Waterway ( , ) Collier Waterway ( , ) to Collier Waterway ( , ) Elkcam Waterway ( , ) to Elkcam Waterway ( , )

58 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A 6 7 Elkcam Waterway Fort Drum Creek 8 Gum Slough 9 Indian River 10 Lateral G 11 Lateral H 12 Lateral J Elkcam Waterway ( , ) to Elkcam Waterway ( , ) Fort Drum Creek ( , ) to Fort Drum Creek ( , ) Gum Slough ( , ) to Gum Slough ( , ) Indian River ( , ) to Indian River ( , ) Lateral G ( , ) to Lateral G ( , ) Lateral H ( , ) to Lateral H ( , ) Lateral J ( , ) to Lateral J ( , )

59 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A Main Relief Canal Main Relief Canal Main Relief Canal Main Relief Canal Main Relief Canal Main Relief Canal Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , )

60 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A Main Relief Canal North Relief Canal Padgett Branch Saint Sebastian Creek Schumann Waterway Main Relief Canal ( , ) to Main Relief Canal ( , ) North Relief Canal ( , ) to North Relief Canal ( , ) Padgett Branch ( , ) to Padgett Branch ( , ) Saint Sebastian Creek ( , ) to Saint Sebastian Creek ( , ) Schumann Waterway ( , ) to Schumann Waterway ( , )

61 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , )

62 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A South Prong Creek South Relief Canal South Prong Creek ( , ) to South Prong Creek ( , ) South Relief Canal ( , ) to South Relief Canal ( , ) 1 ( , ) to 1 ( , ) 10 ( , ) to 10 ( , ) 11 ( , ) to 11 ( , ) 12 ( , ) to 12 ( , ) 13 ( , ) to 13 ( , )

63 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A ( , ) to 14 ( , ) 15 ( , ) to 15 ( , ) 16 ( , ) to 16 ( , ) 18 ( , ) to 18 ( , ) 2 ( , ) to 2 ( , ) 2 ( , ) to 2 ( , ) 20 ( , ) to 20 ( , ) 21 ( , ) to 21 ( , )

72 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A Unnamed 1 8 ( , ) to 8 ( , ) 80 ( , ) to 80 ( , ) 81 ( , ) to 81 ( , ) 82 ( , ) to 82 ( , ) 84 ( , ) to 84 ( , ) 9 ( , ) to 9 ( , ) Unnamed 1 ( , ) to Unnamed 1 ( , )

73 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A Unnamed Tributary Unnamed Tributary Vero Lakes Channel A Vero Lakes Channel A Vero Lakes Channel A Vero Lakes Channel B Unnamed Tributary ( , ) to Unnamed Tributary ( , ) Unnamed Tributary ( , ) to Unnamed Tributary ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel A ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , )

74 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel B Vero Lakes Channel C 127 Basin 1 Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel B ( , ) Vero Lakes Channel C ( , ) to Vero Lakes Channel C ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 1 - ( , ) sq. 41

75 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A 128 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 21 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 15 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 16 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 17 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 18 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 19 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 2 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 20 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 21 - ( , ) 7.1 sq. 0.6 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 1.3 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 42

80 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A 168 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 50 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 64 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 64 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 65 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 66 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 67 - ( , ) INDIAN RIVER COUNTY * - Basin 8 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 10 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 50 - ( , ) 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 47

81 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A 176 Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin Basin 63 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 53 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 55 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 56 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 57 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 58 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 59 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 6 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 60 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 63 - ( , ) 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.1 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 48

82 Detailed ID # Flooding Source Change to Reach Limits Change to Reach Length Hydrology Hydraulics New Limited Detailed Study Redelineation of SFHAs Using Effective Data Refine/Establish Zone A 185 Basin Basin Basin 9 SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 64 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 65 - ( , ) SEBASTIAN, CITY OF - Basin 9 - ( , ) 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. 0.0 sq. Table 4C: Justification for New Detailed Studies ID # 23, 55-57, , , 174, 178, , Flooding Source Miles / Square Miles See Table 5B 5.3 / 0.3 Justification Detailed studies to be performed in areas of higher population and increased development pressure. Table 4D: Justification for Redelineation ID # 2-5, 9-20, 22, 24-31, 33-34, 37-39, 97, 108, , , , , 133, 152, , 173, 183 Flooding Source See Table 5B Miles / Square Miles / 30.7 Justification To meet DFIRM standards of FEMA s Multi- Hazard Flood Map Modernization Program 49

83 Table 4E: National Metrics Floodplain Boundary Standards (FPBS) Item Description Value New, Validated, or Updated Engineering (NVUE) Area Population Estimated number of stream that will meet FPBS for the new FIS. Estimated number of stream mileage and area that will meet NVUE requirements for the new FIS. Area in square being mapped with new FIS Population being mapped with new FIS (riverine) 2.8 sq. (basins) 540 sq 130,100 IV: Partner Contributions: Although not an official mapping partner, the communities of Indian River County provided an extensive amount of data relevant to the study, which is summarized below in Tables 5 and 6. Table 5: Partner Contributions Name of Partner Contribution Quantity Blue Book Unit Cost Blue Book Value of Contribution* Topographic Data 266 sq mi** $70 / sq mi # $18,620 Indian River County Communities Orthophotography (6-inch resolution) 266 sq mi** $25 / sq mi $6,650 Base Data 540 sq mi $51 / sq mi $27,540 Detailed Surveys 5.6 mi ## $2,920 / mi $16,352 St. Johns River Water Management District Orthophotography 540 sq mi $25 / sq mi $13,500 TOTAL $82,662 *Blue Book values based on FEMA publication Estimating the Value of Partner Contributions to Flood Mapping Projects, version 1.1, November 2006 **Approximately 147 square to be developed from original Florida DEM Project, with the remaining areas being developed through supplemental funds from Indian River County. # Total unit cost includes QC amount ## Includes both areas and linear detailed study scope. Area units converted to linear units based on a 1:1 conversion. Conversion based on a comparison of the total mileage of streams in Florida (60,044, based on the USGS 100K streams) versus the total area (56,610 sq mi). 50

84 The resulting 1.06:1 ratio was simplified to 1:1 for the purposes of this specific Scoping Report. Alternative methods to convert area units to linear units may be more appropriate for other applications. Table 6: GIS data layers available GIS data Acquisition Vertical Horizontal Use Source available Date Datum Datum Restrictions Cadastral Data N/A N\A N\A N\A N\A Hydrography Local Community 10/07 N\A N\A none Flood Hazard Information Federal 08/07 N\A N\A none County Boundary Local Data Community 10/07 N\A N\A none Municipal Local Boundary Community 10/07 N\A N\A none Digital Local Orthophoto Community 10/07 N\A N\A none Publicly Owned Lands Data N\A N\A N\A N\A N\A Transportation Local Data Community 10/07 N\A N\A none Elevation Data State/Local Yes ETJ Data N\A N\A N\A N\A N\A All of the terrain and imagery data listed above that is being supplied for this flood insurance study by Indian River County and the State of Florida. The contractor awaits information from local officials that will be entered into the NDEP and NDOP project tracking websites. The contractor will forward NDEP and NDOP summary reports on the terrain and imagery data to FEMA when complete. The contractor expects delivery of the data in late summer Additional information regarding this delivery is detailed in the following section. V: Project Status: A key factor in the schedule for completion of the Indian River County FIS is the delivery of the Lidar data by a 3 rd party consultant. The communities of Indian River County have stressed their support of the use of this Lidar data in the floodplain mapping, especially in light of the following: The alternative source of topographic data, which is the significantly older 5-ft interval contours from USGS 7.5-minute Quadrangles. In areas of flat terrain, especially in coastal communities like Indian River County, 5-ft interval contours tend to be inadequate for accurate floodplain delineations. 51

85 As a pro-active measure to prepare for the pending FIS, Indian River County funded additional Lidar collection and processing (approximately 119 square ) from the Florida DEM contractors. Attempts have been and will continue to be made to expedite the delivery of the Lidar products, however, in considering the latest estimated delivery date, which is late summer 2008, the current project schedule projects Preliminary DFIRMs to be completed June 15, 2009, and Post-Preliminary Processing to be completed June 15, The elements of the FIS that can be performed without this terrain data, and areas not covered by this data, will initiated first. Monthly project status updates will be performed on the MIP. If unexpected issues surface which affect the schedule, a more comprehensive status report and/or conference call will be initiated to ensure the Region s awareness and understanding of the issue and the proposed solutions. VI. Project Funding Project funding information is detailed on the MIP Supplemental Funding Spreadsheet for Indian River County, Florida, located in Appendix D. VII. Summary The current flood hazard area for Indian River County includes approximately of detailed riverine study, 22.3 of detailed coastal study, 30.7 square of detailed lacustrine or shallow ponding studies, of approximate riverine flooding, and 2.8 square of approximate lacustrine or shallow ponding areas. The map modernization initiative for Indian River County will include approximately 5.3 of detailed study along effective Zone A streams; 0.3 square of detailed study along effective Zone A basins; of redelineation of effective Zone AE reaches; 30.7 square of redelineation of effective Zone AE basins; 22.3 of coastal redelineation; and and 2.5 square of Zone A refinement. This mapping to be performed is summarized in Table 7. 52

86 Table 7: Total Study Mileage by Type of Study Study Type Detailed Approximate Redelineation Totals Effective Flood Insurance Study Riverine () Coastal () Basins (sq. ) New Studies to be Performed Riverine () Coastal () Basins (sq. )

87 ATTACHMENT A

88

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93

94 ATTACHMENT B

95

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98

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100 ATTACHMENT C

101

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106 ATTACHMENT D

107 #REF! Baseline Revised: PROJECT DESCRIPTION: (i.e. County, State, Contract No., Task Order No) Indian River Co, FL, EMA-2002-CO-0011A, Task Order #017 Performance Period: Start: 5/8/2006 Finish: 9/30/2010 Activity Projected Start Date Projected Completion Date Budget Percent Complete to Date Amount Spent to Date Actual Completion Date (mm/dd/year) (mm/dd/year) $ % $ (mm/dd/year) Scoping 6/4/2007 3/1/2008 $23,345 25% $5,836 Perform Field Survey 3/15/2008 5/31/2008 $42,673 0% $0 Topographic Data Development 6/4/2007 9/15/2008 $18,457 0% $0 Independent QA/QC of Topographic Data N/ N/ Base Map Acquisition and Preparation 8/1/2007 5/31/2008 $5,000 0% $0 Perform Hydrologic Analyses 3/15/ /30/2008 $14,661 0% $0 Independent QA/QC of Hydrologic Analyses 12/1/ /31/2008 $3,865 0% $0 Perform Coastal Hazard Analyses N/ N/ Independent QA/QC of Coastal Hazard Analyses N/ N/ Perform Hydraulic Analyses 3/15/ /30/2008 $44,718 0% $0 Independent QA/QC of Hydraulic Analyses 12/1/ /31/2008 $5,000 0% $0 Floodplain Mapping (Detailed Riverine and {Redelineation Using Effective Profiles on new topography, Redelineation (digitization) w/out new topography}, Zone A, merging revised and unrevised data) 4/1/2008 4/30/2009 $117,123 0% $0 Independent QA/QC of Floodplain Mapping 2/16/2009 5/31/2009 $14,000 0% $0 Perform Redelineation (Redelineation Using Effective Profiles on new topography, Redelineation (digitization) w/out new topography) N/ N/ Independent QA/QC of Redelineation N/ N/ Develop DFIRM Dbase (including graphic specifications) 3/16/2009 4/30/2009 $10,301 0% $0 Independent QA/QC of DFIRM Dbase and Graphics $0 0% $0 Produce Preliminary Map Products (finalize preliminary SOMA, FIS, preliminary maps, prepare transmittal letters, complete delivery of preliminary maps) 6/1/2009 6/15/2009 $23, % $0 Post-Preliminary Processing 6/16/2009 6/15/2010 $52,980 0% $0 Total $375,282 2% $5,836 Reporting Costs: Please distribute this cost throughout the funded tasks, with the exception of Independent Outreach Costs: Split Outreach Costs Equally Between Produce Preliminary Map Products and Post-Preliminary Processing; or indicate alternate distribution

108 ATTACHMENT E

109 NOTES TO USERS This map is for use in administering the National Flood Insurance Program. It does not necessarily identify all areas subject to flooding, particularly from local drainage sources of small size. The community map repository should be consulted for possible updated or additional flood hazard information. To obtain more detailed information in areas where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and/or floodways have been determined, users are encouraged to consult the Flood Profiles and Floodway Data and/or Summary of Stillwater Elevations tables contained within the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report that accompanies this FIRM. Users should be aware that BFEs shown on the FIRM represent rounded whole-foot elevations. These BFEs are intended for flood insurance rating purposes only and should not be used as the sole source of flood elevation information. Accordingly, flood elevation data presented in the FIS report should be utilized in conjunction with the FIRM for purposes of construction and/or floodplain management. LEGEND SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS (SFHAs) SUBJECT INUNDATION BY THE 1% ANNUAL CHANCE FLOOD EVENT FT 81 26'15" FT FT FT 81 22'30" 28 52'30" 28 52'30" 94000mN Base Flood Elevations determined. ZONE AE Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet (usually areas of ponding); Base Flood Elevations determined FT Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain); average depths determined. For areas of alluvial fan flooding, velocities also determined. ZONE AO Special Flood Hazard Area formerly protected from the 1% annual chance flood event by a flood control system that was subsequently decertified. Zone AR indicates that the former flood control system is being restored to provide protection from the 1% annual chance or greater flood. ZONE AR Boundaries of the floodways were computed at cross sections and interpolated between cross sections. The floodways were based on hydraulic considerations with regard to requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. Floodway widths and other pertinent floodway data are provided in the Flood Insurance Study report for this jurisdiction. PROFILE BASE LINE ZONE A99 Areas to be protected from 1% annual chance flood event by a Federal flood protection system under construction; no Base Flood Elevations determined. ZONE V Coastal flood zone with velocity hazard (wave action); no Base Flood Elevations determined. ZONE VE Coastal flood zone with velocity hazard (wave action); Base Flood Elevations determined. FLOODWAY AREAS IN ZONE AE Certain areas not in Special Flood Hazard Areas may be protected by flood control structures. Refer to Section 2.4 "Flood Protection Measures" of the Flood Insurance Study report for information on flood control structures for this jurisdiction mN The projection used in the preparation of this map was State Plane Florida East FIPS Zone The horizontal datum was NAD83, GRS1980 spheroid. Differences in datum, spheroid, projection or UTM zones used in the production of FIRMs for adjacent jurisdictions may result in slight positional differences in map features across jurisdiction boundaries. These differences do not affect the accuracy of this FIRM. The floodway is the channel of a stream plus any adjacent floodplain areas that must be kept free of encroachment so that the 1% annual chance flood can be carried without substantial increases in flood heights. OTHER FLOOD AREAS Areas of 0.2% annual chance flood; areas of 1% annual chance flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; and areas protected by levees from 1% annual chance flood. ZONE OTHER AREAS Areas determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain. ZONE FT Areas in which flood hazards are undetermined, but possible. ZONE D COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM (CBRS) AREAS Spatial Reference System Division National Geodetic Survey, NOAA Silver Spring Metro Center 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland (301) OTHERWISE PROTECTED AREAS (OPAs) 8 31 To obtain current elevation, description, and/or location information for bench marks shown on this map, please contact the Information Services Branch of the National Geodetic Survey at (301) or visit its website at mN CBRS areas and OPAs are normally located within or adjacent to Special Flood Hazard Areas. 1% annual chance floodplain boundary 0.2% annual chance floodplain boundary Floodway boundary Zone D boundary ZONE AE Base map information shown on this FIRM was provided in digital format by Seminole County, Florida. This information was photogrammetrically compiled at a scale of 1:12000 from aerial photography dated March CO This map reflects more detailed and up-to-date stream channel configurations than those shown on the previous FIRM for this jurisdiction. The floodplains and floodways that were transferred from the previous FIRM may have been adjusted to conform to these new stream channel configurations. As a result, the Flood Profiles and Floodway Data tables in the Flood Insurance Study report (which contains authoritative hydraulic data) may reflect stream channel distances that differ from what is shown on this map. K LA FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION IS NOT SHOWN ON THIS MAP IN AREAS OUTSIDE OF SEMINOLE COUNTY M O IN CBRS and OPA boundary Boundary dividing Special Flood Hazard Area Zones and boundary dividing Special Flood Hazard Areas of different Base Flood Elevations, flood depths or flood velocities. Y CO E SE 8 T UN UN TY Base Flood Elevation line and value; elevation in feet* 513 Base Flood Elevation value where uniform within zone; elevation in feet* * Referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) LE (EL 987) ZONE Corporate limits shown on this map are based on the best data available at the time of publication. Because changes due to annexations or de-annexations may have occurred after this map was published, map users should contact appropriate community officials to verify current corporate limit locations. A A Cross section line Transect line Geographic coordinates referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), Western Hemisphere 97 07'30", 32 22'30" mN LOWER WEKIVA RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK ZONE AE If you have questions about this map or questions concerning the National Flood Insurance Program in general, please call FEMA MAP ( ) or visit the FEMA website at foot grid values: Florida State Plane coordinate system, East Zone (FIPSZONE = 901), Transverse Mercator projection FT Bench mark (see explanation in Notes to Users section of this FIRM panel) MAP REPOSITORIES Refer to Map Repositories list on Map Index EFFECTIVE DATE OF COUNTYWIDE FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP APRIL 17, 1995 EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF REVISION(S) TO THIS PANEL SEPTEMBER 28, to update corporate limits, to change Base Flood Elevations and Special Flood Hazard Areas, to add Base Flood Elevations and Special Flood Hazard Areas, to delete Special Flood Hazard Areas, to change zone designations, to update map format, to update roads and road names, to incorporate previously issued Letters of Map Revision, and to reflect updated topographic information. AR Y Wekiva River OU ND ZONE A River Mile M1.5 JOINS PANEL 0055 Contact the FEMA Map Service Center at for information on available products associated with this FIRM. Available products may include previously issued Letters of Map Change, a Flood Insurance Study report, and/or digital versions of this map. The FEMA Map Service Center may also be reached by Fax at and its website at meter Universal Transverse Mercator grid ticks, zone mE D5510 ZONE FT PA R KB 8 ZONE mN For community map revision history prior to countywide mapping, refer to the Community Map History table located in the Flood Insurance Study report for this jurisdiction. To determine if flood insurance is available in this community, contact your insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at MAP SCALE 1" = 1000' 500 WEKIVA HAVEN TRL Seminole County Unincorporated Areas , , ,000 FEET METERS FT PANEL 0035F ZONE ZONE KATIE'S LANDING mN 9 SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA RD RY LOWER WEKIVA RIVER PRESERVE STATE PARK KE LA DR AND INCORPORATED AREAS K KE E PA R YA N IVA W EK PA R K BO UN DA PROFILE BASE LINE ZONE PANEL 35 OF (SEE MAP INDE FOR FIRM PANEL LAYOUT) 23 CONTAINS: PARK BOUNDARY COMMUNITY NUMBER PANEL SUFFI F E LN SEMINOLE COUNTY VIL L Seminole County Unincorporated Areas MICHELLE LN ZONE A mN SUMMER ZONE ZONE AE FIRM FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP WILDLIFE LN FT ZONE A ZONE Miranda Lake NOVA DR Yankee Lake 21 P AK '45" 81 26'15" 4 000m 58 E 4 000m 59 E OAKS CIR 10 MALEKEAN TRL 28 OSPREY HAMMOCK TRL LONGWOOD MARKHAM RD S ES PR CT Y C W O L L HO EMERALD FOREST CT 27 PAINTED POST PT RI V E R Wekiva River 46 R LA O S S KE LN Please refer to the separately printed Map Index for an overview map of the county showing the layout of map panels; community map repository addresses; and a Listing of Communities table containing National Flood Insurance Program dates for each community as well as a listing of the panels on which each community is located. No Base Flood Elevations determined. ZONE AH Coastal Base Flood Elevations shown on this map apply only landward of 0.0' North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). Users of this FIRM should be aware that coastal flood elevations are also provided in the Summary of Stillwater Elevations table in the Flood Insurance Study report for this jurisdiction. Elevations shown in the Summary of Stillwater Elevations table should be used for construction and/or floodplain management purposes when they are higher than the elevations shown on this FIRM. Flood elevations on this map are referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of These flood elevations must be compared to structure and ground elevations referenced to the same vertical datum. For information regarding conversion between the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988, visit the National Geodetic Survey website at or contact the National Geodetic Survey at the following address: The 1% annual chance flood (100-year flood), also known as the base flood, is the flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The Special Flood Hazard Area is the area subject to flooding by the 1% annual chance flood. Areas of Special Flood Hazard include Zones A, AE, AH, AO, AR, A99, V, and VE. The Base Flood Elevation is the water-surface elevation of the 1% annual chance flood. ZONE A 31 TO 000m 60 E FEATHER LN 24 Notice to User: The Map Number shown below should be used when placing map orders; the Community Number shown above should be used on insurance applications for the subject community. AI ZONE A LAKE MARKHAM RD MAP NUMBER 12117C0035F 25 GLADE RD ZONE A 28 48'45" JOINS PANEL ZONE A MAUREEN DR mE mE mE 81 22'30" MAP REVISED SEPTEMBER 28, 2007 Federal Emergency Management Agency

110 ATTACHMENT F

111 Vicinity Map State of Florida NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM COUNTYWIDE FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA AND INCORPORATED AREAS SCOPING REPORT PANEL SCHEMA SUBMISSION BY: WATERSHED CONCEPTS DATE: JANUARY 28, 2007 Legend 0125 Proposed Panel s Major Roads Roads N Federal Emergency Management Agency Community Boundaries 0 7,000 14,000 28,000 Feet

112 ATTACHMENT G

113 Indian River County Vertical Datum Shift Control SR A1A BREVARD COUNTY OSCEOLA COUNTY 1 60 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 95 SR SR A1A OKEECHOBEE COUNTY Legend Control Points Roads County Boundaries 0 12,500 25,000 Feet STLUCIE COUNTY

114 08/01/2007 County Quad Quad Latitude Longitude Conversion Statistical Factors If Max Var. <= 0.25 ft Name Name Corner to NAVD 88 Then test Passes Indian River Kenansville SE SW Because the Average Conversion Factor is greater than Indian River Kenansville SE SE ', there will be an active conversion of unrevised Indian River Fellsmere SW flood elevations on the FIRM or flood profile. Indian River Fellsmere SE Additionally, the Average Conversion Factor, below, Indian River North of Gum Slough SW shall be applied to all data tables in the FIS report Indian River North of Gum Slough SE containing flood elevations referenced to NGVD 29. Indian River Vero Beach SW Indian River Vero Beach SE Indian River Fort Drum NE SW Indian River Vero Beach NE Indian River Fellsmere NE Number of Points Used: 11 Maximum Conversion Factor: Minimum Conversion Factor: Maximum Variance from Average: 0.14 Pass Use Average Conversion Factor: ft.

115 ATTACHMENT H

116

117 ATTACHMENT I

118 Indian River County Levee Locations Sebastian Orchid Fellsmere 1 Indian River Shores A1A 60 INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Vero Beach Legend Levees Roads Community Boundaries Indian River County 0 12,500 25,000 Feet

119 ATTACHMENT J

120 Vicinity Map State of Florida Fellsmere South Prong Creek Vero Lakes Channel A Sebastian Collier Waterway Schumann Waterway Indian River Lateral G Orchid North Relief Canal Indian River Shores 76 Padgett Branch 81 Indian River County 2 Main Relief Canal Vero Beach 84 3 South Relief Canal 32 Lateral J 34 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM COUNTYWIDE FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA AND INCORPORATED AREAS SCOPING REPORT Legend Detailed Study Redelineation Use of Effective Information Detailed Study Redelineation Use of Effective Information s Major Roads Roads Community Boundaries N 0 8,000 16,000 32,000 Feet SUBMISSION BY: WATERSHED CONCEPTS DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2008 Federal Emergency Management Agency

121 Florida Five-Year Plan Summary Community assistance program State Support Services Element December 2005 Number of Communities Projected Flood Insurance Rate Map Effective Dates in Florida* Federal Fiscal Year *Currently includes both participating and non-participating communities from Multi-Year Flood Hazard Identification Plan sequencing, Version 1.5, June **Percentages may have been rounded to the nearest whole number. The pie chart shows the CAP-SSSE activities the State agency responsible for floodplain management is undertaking in relation to other activities. According to the FY Work Plan, Florida will perform the following activities in FY 2005**: 5% Post-Disaster Assistance 1% CIS Data Entry 39% Mapping Assistance 1% Develop the 5-Year Plan 4% CAVs/CACs 21% Workshops & Other Training 28% GTA purpose This report is an outcome of the review of the Federal Fiscal Year (FY) Floodplain Management Work Plans by the Department of Homeland Security s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is intended to show the relationship of Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) activities, and resource allocation, the State is undertaking in response to the flood mapping production schedule of Flood Map Modernization, and to highlight the efforts that are underway to achieve the flood loss reduction goals of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). STATE VISION FOR FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT As the nation s fourth most populated State, Florida can experience catastrophic loss of life and property due to an array of natural and man-made hazards. However, flooding is Florida s number one natural hazard. Therefore, over the next five years, the State of Florida desires to develop and implement a comprehensive program on flood loss reduction, which consists of the existing community assistance program and flood mitigation grants that will reduce the effects of flooding on its 17,000,000 residents and 476 local governments. State floodplain management authority The Florida Constitution {Article VIII, Sections 1(f), 1(g), and 2(b)}, the County and Municipal Home Rule Acts {Chapters 125 and 166, Florida Statutes}, and the Emergency Management Act {Chapter 252, Florida Statutes} provide authority to local governments and the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management to implement floodplain management activities. SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS, STRENGTHS, OR SUCCESS STORIES OF THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The strength of Florida's floodplain management efforts exist in local, regional, and State agencies that are implementing separate specialized functions and activities which, when combined, achieve global purposes. This diffusion provides specialized subject matter focus on the broad science of floodplain management. These agencies include local planning, zoning, growth management, building and development, health departments, regional planning agencies, regional and State metropolitan planning organizations, transportation, environmental permitting agencies, and historic preservation agencies. The Governor of Florida Please See Page 2 GAP Analysis ***How many Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) are employed for floodplain management in the State agency: 5 How many additional FTEs are needed to perform floodplain management activities: 0 What percent/number of floodprone communities participate in the NFIP: 98%/436 What percent/number of NFIP communities participate in the Community Rating System: 48%/215 ***Referenced from the Association of State Floodplain Managers' Floodplain Management 2003, State and Local Programs

122 Florida Five-Year Plan Summary Community assistance program State Support Services Element Page 2 has designated a single agency, the Department of Community Affairs, to serve as the State's lead land-use planning, emergency preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, housing and community development agency, as well as the State Coordinating Agency for the NFIP and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program. And each of the water management districts will partner with local, federal and other state agencies in discharging a significant role in achieving Map Modernization in Florida. OVER THE NET five YEARS, WHERE DOES FLorida FORESEE A SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES? The State of Florida needs the financial support to implement a comprehensive floodplain management strategy and annual CAP-SSSE Work Plan. This strategic plan is prepared based upon the assumption that the amount of CAP-SSSE funding will remain level but with slight and appropriate increases to respond to inflation. The State of Florida expects to perform the range of activities and the specific numbers of tasks as outlined above. However, the magnitude of the activities associated with the Map Modernization initiative (ordinance assistance and coordination meetings based upon revised preliminary Flood Insurance Studies) is expected to increase. To accommodate this increase in Map Modernization activities, community compliance tasks will be reduced. Significant cooperative efforts with federal, state, or local partners in support of floodplain management The State Assistance Office will rely upon general-purpose local governments that participate in the NFIP and the Community Rating System (CRS), as well as the FEMA and its contractors to implement these activities. Additionally, the State Assistance Office will rely upon public-private sector agencies and organizations that represent homeowners, architects, builders, contractors, developers, engineers, insurance agents and brokers, land surveyors, professional organizations, and others. FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTERS/EMERGENCIES BY CALENDAR YEAR FLORIDA Federally Declared Disasters Hurricane Jeanne September 26 Hurricane Ivan September 16 Hurricane Frances September 4 Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie August 13 Hurricane Wilma October 24 Hurricane Katrina August 28 Hurricane Dennis July 10 Federally Declared Emergency Declarations N/A Tropical Storm Rita September 20 Hurricane Katrina Evacuation September 5 FLOOD INSURANCE AND LOSS SUMMARY FROM 1978 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 Total Current Policies Total Premium ($)** Number of Claims*** Total Dollars Paid ($)**** NATIONAL Rankings* 1,950,292 $708,684, ,504 $1,468,953,019 1st 1st 2nd 3rd * National ranking based on NFIP NextGen data; ranked from highest to lowest. ** The total amount of premiums for policies in-force. *** The total number of claims reported. **** The total amount paid on claims. Additional contacts FEMA Regional Cap Coordinator State NFIP Coordinator State Hazard Mitigation Officer State GIS Coordinator Rose Austin Fema Region IV 3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road Atlanta, GA [email protected] Charles Speights Florida Department of Community Affairs Division of Emergency Management 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard Tallahassee, FL Phone: (850) Fax: (850) [email protected] Leroy Thompson Florida Division of Emergency Management 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard Tallahassee, FL Phone: (850) Fax: (850) [email protected] Web Page: Stephen Hodge Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center Florida State University C 2200 University Center Tallahassee, FL Phone: (850) Fax: (850) [email protected]

123 Key Questions to Cover When Talking To Your Flood Insurance Agent As you visit with your flood insurance agent, use the following list of questions to ensure that you ve covered the basics. 1. Does my community participate in the NFIP? 2. Which flood zone do I live in? 3. Does my community participate in the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS)? 4. If so, what is my community's CRS rating and do I qualify for a CRS rating discount? 5. What exactly will be covered in case of flood damage? 6. How do premium costs compare when I choose building only, contents only or a combination of building and contents? 7. How will my premium costs be affected if I choose a high deductible? 8. Are there hidden expenses I should be aware of?

124 TALKING POINTS Flood Maps FLOODING CAN BE DANGEROUS AND COSTLY. FLOOD HAZARD MAPS IDENTIFY FLOOD RISKS AND HELP INCREASE THE PUBLIC S FLOOD HAZARD AWARENESS. A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is a joint local/federal floodplain management tool issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A FIRM is adopted by communities to guide floodplain management decisions and set flood insurance rates. A floodplain is the part of the land where water collects, pools and flows during the course of natural events. Such areas are classified as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) and are located in a 100-year flood zone. The term 100 year flood refers to a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year; it is not a flood that will occur once every 100 years. All flood zones are labeled on a flood map with a lettering system. To learn more or to identify your flood zone, visit If you live in a high-risk area, also known as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender, you are required to purchase a flood insurance policy. However, everyone in an SFHA should invest in flood insurance coverage. If you live in a low- to moderate-risk area, you are still at risk for flooding and should consider your flood insurance options. Outside of a high-risk area, coverage can start as low as $112 a year. FLOOD MAPS SHOW FLOOD RISKS AND SUPPORT A FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM THAT ENABLES HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS TO BE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED. Each community that chooses to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) works with FEMA. Together, they collect the information needed to create an accurate FIRM. Flood maps are used to locate a property within a particular flood zone and by community officials for decisionmaking. When considering the purchase or renewal of a flood insurance policy, you will need to know whether your property is in a low- to moderate- or high-risk area to determine which flood insurance policy is right for you. To view your community s flood map, visit msc.fema.gov or call the FEMA Map Assistance Center toll-free at FEMA-MAP ( ) for information on where the map repository for your community is located. IF YOU LIVE IN A HIGH-RISK AREA (SFHA) AND HAVE A MORTGAGE FROM A FEDERALLY REGULATED LENDER, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY. Every homeowner, business owner and renter in a high-risk area is at significant risk for flooding and should be protected with flood insurance whether or not their lender requires it. Flooding in high-risk areas could, has and will occur. In fact, during the term of a 30-year mortgage, there is a 26 percent chance that a home in a high-risk area will experience flooding. Help everyone in your community to understand their flood risk. If you live in a low- to moderate-risk area, flood insurance is still a vital investment to ensure that you have protection against the devastating effects of flooding. MARCH 2007 PAGE 1

125 Floods can happen anywhere, at any time. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims occur outside of a Special Flood Hazard Area. Even if you live outside the high-risk flood zone, and thus are not required by law to purchase flood insurance, you are still at risk for flooding and should consider flood insurance. Flooding is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. More than 20,200 communities in all 50 U.S. states and its territories voluntarily participate in the NFIP, representing about 95 percent of all properties in the nation s high-risk areas. Sound floodplain management planning and regulations save the nation an estimated $1.1 billion in prevented flood damages annually. Also, structures built to NFIP criteria experience 80 percent less damage than structures not built to such standards. Creating stronger and safer communities reduces loss of life and property, enables individuals and localities to rapidly recover from future events, and lessens the financial impact on state, tribal and local governments as well as on the U.S. Treasury. FLOOD HAZARDS ARE DYNAMIC: MANY FLOOD MAPS MAY NOT REFLECT RECENT DEVELOPMENT OR NATURAL CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENT. In an effort to provide flood hazard maps that reflect current flood risks and areas of recent growth, FEMA s Map Modernization effort is in the process of developing up-to-date, reliable, Internet-accessible information about flood risks. Map Modernization may affect flood insurance requirements for some properties. Owners of properties mapped into a high-risk area may be required to carry flood insurance as a part of their mortgage agreement. For property owners or renters changing from a high-risk area to one of low or moderate risk, flood insurance is optional, but the risk for flooding has only been reduced, not removed. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of all flood insurance claims occur in low- to moderate-risk areas. Money-saving insurance options are available. Insurance costs may rise for those whose flood designation increases from low or moderate to high risk. However, property owners may be able to save money by purchasing insurance prior to final map adoption a process known as grandfathering. For those moving from a high-risk to a low- or moderate-risk area, an existing flood insurance policy may be converted to a lower cost Preferred Risk Policy. Visit FloodSmart.gov or call to learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a flood insurance policy, and what the benefits are of protecting your home and property against flooding. MARCH 2007 PAGE 2

126 National Flood Insurance Program Top Ten Facts for Consumers For more information about the NFIP and flood insurance, call , or contact your insurance company or agent. For an agent referral, call TDD F-301 (2/05)

127 Top Ten Facts... every consumer needs to know about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 1. Everyone lives in a flood zone. You don t need to live near water to be flooded. Floods are caused by storms, melting snow, hurricanes, and water backup due to inadequate or overloaded drainage systems, dam or levee failure, etc. 2. Flood damage is not covered by homeowners policies. You can protect your home, business, and belongings with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. You can insure your home with flood insurance for up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for its contents. 3. You can buy flood insurance no matter what your flood risk is. It doesn t matter whether your flood risk is high or low.you can buy flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. And, it s a good idea to buy even in lowrisk areas: between 20 and 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from low-risk areas. 4. The low-cost Preferred Risk Policy is ideal for homes and businesses in low- to moderate-risk areas. Homeowners can insure buildings and contents for as little as $112 per year. Business owners can insure building and contents for as little as $500 per year. Residential renters can insure contents for as little as $39 per year. 5. Flood insurance is affordable. The average flood insurance policy costs a little more than $400 a year for about $100,000 of coverage. In comparison, a $50,000 disaster home loan can cost you about $240 a month at 4 percent interest over 20 years. 6. Flood insurance is easy to get. You can buy NFIP flood insurance from private insurance companies and agents; call yours today! You may be able to purchase flood insurance with a credit card. 7. Contents coverage is separate, so renters can insure their belongings too. Up to $100,000 contents coverage is available for homeowners and renters. Whether you rent or own your home or business, make sure to ask your insurance agent about contents coverage. It is not automatically included with the building coverage (except under the Preferred Risk Policy). 8. Up to a total of $1 million of flood insurance coverage is available for non-residential buildings and contents. Up to $500,000 of coverage is available for non-residential buildings. Up to $500,000 of coverage is available for the contents of non-residential buildings. 9. There is usually a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect. Plan ahead so you re not caught without flood insurance when a flood threatens your home or business. 10.Federal disaster assistance is not the answer. Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster. Flood insurance pays even if a disaster is not declared. It s just good sense.

128 National Flood Insurance Program Answers to Questions About the NFIP The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All NFIP claims and operating expenses are funded by the premiums of flood insurance policyholders, not by tax dollars. MitDiv-2 F-084 (5/04)

129 Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

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131 Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program This booklet is intended to acquaint the public with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Despite the highly technical nature of the Program, there has been a deliberate effort to minimize the use of technical terms. This publication is designed for readers who do not need a detailed history or refined technical or legal explanations, but do need a basic understanding of the program and the answers to some frequently asked questions. Readers who need legal definitions should refer to the Standard Flood Insurance Policy and to NFIP and related regulations. The information provided is as current as possible, but changes in the NFIP are made periodically. Readers can obtain the most up-to-date insurance information by using the contact information at the back of the booklet. Use of acronyms and initials has been limited, but some terms are used so often that acronyms are practical and of assistance to the reader. The term will be spelled at its first use in the text with the acronym or initials following in parentheses. For readers convenience, the following is a listing of acronyms and initials that appear in Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program: BFE - Base Flood Elevation CBRA - Coastal Barrier Resources Act CBRS - Coastal Barrier Resources System CLOMA - Conditional Letter of Map Amendment CLOMR - Conditional Letter of Map Revision CLOMR-F - Conditional Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill CRS - Community Rating System DHS - U.S. Department of Homeland Security FDPA - Flood Disaster Protection Act FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency FHBM - Flood Hazard Boundary Map FIRM - Flood Insurance Rate Map FIS - Flood Insurance Study ICC - Increased Cost of Compliance LODR - Letter of Determination Review LOMA - Letter of Map Amendment LOMC - Letter of Map Change LOMR - Letter of Map Revision LOMR-F - Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program NFIRA - National Flood Insurance Reform Act OPA - Otherwise Protected Areas i

132 PMR RCBAP SDF SFHA SFHDF SFIP WYO - Physical Map Revision - Residential Condominium Building Association Policy - Special Direct Facility - Special Flood Hazard Area - Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form - Standard Flood Insurance Policy - Write Your Own ii

133 Table of Contents Question Number Page Number Introduction to the NFIP NFIP Defined NFIP History SFHA Defined Flood Defined Write Your Own (WYO) Program Defined The Role of State Insurance Regulators Benefits of NFIP Community Defined Community Participation Voluntary Community Participation NFIP Emergency Program Defined NFIP Regular Program Defined Community Requirements Community Probation Community Suspension Ramifications of Community Non-Participation Community Rating System... 8 Flood Insurance Information for Prospective Buyers Who May Purchase Flood Insurance Determining Eligibility for Purchase Determining if Property Is in an SFHA Insurable Property Uninsurable Property Coverage Restrictions for Insurable Buildings How to Purchase Flood Insurance How Premiums Are Calculated Mandatory Purchase Requirements Why Is There a Requirement to Purchase Lenders Required to Escrow Flood Insurance Review of Lender s Determination LODR Number of Buildings per Policy Policy Term Minimum Policy Premium Waiting Period Presentment of Payment Defined iii

134 Question Number Page Number 43 Rating Buildings in Coastal Areas Coastal Barrier Resources System Defined Restrictions on Flood Insurance in CBRS Cancellation of Policies Grace Period for Renewal of Policies Requirements to Purchase Flood Insurance After Receiving Disaster Assistance Coverage Amounts of Coverage Available Coverage Limitations on Certain Types of Property Flood Losses Covered Coverage in Basements and Enclosed Areas Basement Defined Land Subsidence, Sewer Backup, and Seepage Deductibles Costs of Preventive Measures Replacement Cost Coverage Additional Living Expenses Not Covered Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage Filing a Flood Insurance Claim How Policyholder Files a Claim for Flood Loss Proof of Loss Defined Loss in Progress Defined Loss in Progress Not Covered Maximum Amount Collectible Under an NFIP Policy Floodplain Management Requirements Role of the Community State Government Participation Federal Requirements Versus State Requirements Floodplain Management Measures Defined Effect of These Measures on Existing Buildings Substantial Improvement/Damage Defined Construction Outside of SFHAs Modifying the Basic Requirements Elevating a Structure Within an SFHA iv

135 Question Number Page Number Flood Hazard Assessment and Mapping Requirements Difference Between FHBM and FIRM Determining Flood Hazard Areas and Flood Levels Role of the Community Flood Hazard Zones Defined Regulatory Floodway Defined Changing or Correcting a FIRM Scientific or Technical Data Defined Physical Map Revision (PMR) Defined LOMR-F Defined LOMA Defined LOMR Defined Conditional Map Revision Defined Contacts to Initiate a LOMA, LOMR, or PMR Time Frames for LOMA, LOMR, or PMR Effect of LOMA, LOMR-F, or LOMR on Flood Insurance Terminating Flood Insurance After Map Change Burden of Proof on Map Change Requester Fees Assessed for Map Change Request Purpose of Application/Certification Forms How to Obtain Technical Data Used on Maps Repetitive Loss Properties Strategy "Repetitive Loss Properties Strategy" Defined Determining Loss History Notification of Affected Property Owners Responding to Notification Appeal Process Target Group Mitigation Offers Property Owner Acceptance of Mitigation Offer Kinds of Mitigation Measures v

136 Question Number Page Number Presidential Disaster Declarations and the NFIP Effect of a Presidential Disaster Declaration on the NFIP Mitigation Opportunities Following a Presidential Disaster Declaration Mitigation Programs Associated with a Presidential Disaster Declaration NFIP Program Information General Information Specific Information and Resources FEMA LOMA Depot FEMA Regional Offices NFIP Regional Offices State NFIP Coordinating Agencies Additional Reading vi

137 Introduction to the NFIP 1. What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)? The NFIP is a Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding. This insurance is designed to provide an insurance alternative to disaster assistance to meet the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by floods. Participation in the NFIP is based on an agreement between local communities and the Federal Government that states if a community will adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood risks to new construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Federal Government will make flood insurance available within the community as a financial protection against flood losses. 2. Why was the NFIP established by Congress? For decades, the national response to flood disasters was generally limited to constructing flood-control works such as dams, levees, seawalls, and the like, and providing disaster relief to flood victims. This approach did not reduce losses, nor did it discourage unwise development. In some instances, it may have actually encouraged additional development. To compound the problem, the public generally could not buy flood coverage from insurance companies, and building techniques to reduce flood damage were often overlooked. In the face of mounting flood losses and escalating costs of disaster relief to the general taxpayers, the U.S. Congress created the NFIP. The intent was to reduce future flood damage through community floodplain management ordinances, and provide protection for property owners against potential losses through an insurance mechanism that requires a premium to be paid for the protection. 3. How was the NFIP established and who administers it? The U.S. Congress established the NFIP on August 1, 1968, with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of The NFIP was broadened and modified with the passage of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and other legislative measures. It was further modified by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, signed into law on September 23, The NFIP is administered by the 1

138 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 4. What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)? In support of the NFIP, FEMA identifies flood hazard areas throughout the U.S. and its territories by producing Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBMs), Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps (FBFMs). Several areas of flood hazards are commonly identified on these maps. One of these areas is the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), a high-risk area defined as any land that would be inundated by a flood having a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year (also referred to as the base flood). The high-risk-area standard constitutes a reasonable compromise between the need for building restrictions to minimize potential loss of life and property and the economic benefits to be derived from floodplain development. Development may take place within the SFHA, provided that development complies with local floodplain management ordinances, which must meet the minimum Federal requirements. Flood insurance is required for insurable structures within high-risk areas to protect Federal financial investments and assistance used for acquisition and/or construction purposes within communities participating in the NFIP. 5. What is a flood? Flood is defined in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), in part, as: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from overflow of inland or tidal waters, from unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or from mudflow. 2

139 6. What is the NFIP s Write Your Own (WYO) Program? The Write Your Own (WYO) Program, begun in 1983, is a cooperative undertaking of the insurance industry and FEMA. The WYO Program allows participating property and casualty insurance companies to write and service the Standard Flood Insurance Policy in their own names. The companies receive an expense allowance for policies written and claims processed while the Federal Government retains responsibility for underwriting losses. The WYO Program operates within the context of the NFIP, and is subject to its rules and regulations. The goals of the WYO Program are: Increase the NFIP policy base and the geographic distribution of policies; Improve service to NFIP policyholders through the infusion of insurance industry knowledge; and Provide the insurance industry with direct operating experience with flood insurance. Currently, about 100 insurance companies write flood insurance with FEMA. 7. Do the state insurance regulators have any jurisdiction over the NFIP in their respective states? As established by the U.S. Congress, the sale of flood insurance under the NFIP is subject to the rules and regulations of FEMA. FEMA has elected to have State-licensed insurance companies agents and brokers sell flood insurance to consumers. State regulators hold the insurance companies agents and brokers accountable for providing NFIP customers with the same standards and level of service that the States require of them in selling their other lines of insurance. Private insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own (WYO) Program must be licensed and regulated by States to engage in the business of property insurance in those States in which they wish to sell flood insurance. 3

140 8. How does the NFIP benefit property owners? Taxpayers? Communities? Through the NFIP, property owners in participating communities are able to insure against flood losses. By employing wise floodplain management, a participating community can protect its citizens against much of the devastating financial loss resulting from flood disasters. Careful local management of development in the floodplains results in construction practices that can reduce flood losses and the high costs associated with flood disasters to all levels of government. 9. What is the definition of a community? A community, as defined for the NFIP s purposes, is any State, area, or political subdivision; any Indian tribe, authorized tribal organization, or Alaska native village, or authorized native organization that has the authority to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances for the area under its jurisdiction. In most cases, a community is an incorporated city, town, township, borough, or village, or an unincorporated area of a county or parish. However, some States have statutory authorities that vary from this description. 10. Why is participation in the NFIP on a community basis rather than on an individual basis? The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 allows FEMA to make flood insurance available only in those areas where the appropriate public body has adopted adequate floodplain management regulations for its flood-prone areas. Individual citizens cannot regulate building or establish construction priorities for communities. Without community oversight of building activities in the floodplain, the best efforts of some to reduce future flood losses could be undermined or nullified by the careless building of others. Unless the community as a whole is practicing adequate flood hazard mitigation, the potential for loss will not be reduced sufficiently to affect disaster relief costs. Insurance rates also would reflect the probable higher losses that would result without local floodplain management enforcement activities. 4

141 11. Is community participation mandatory? Community participation in the NFIP is voluntary (although some States require NFIP participation as part of their floodplain management program). Each identified flood-prone community must assess its flood hazard and determine whether flood insurance and floodplain management would benefit the community s residents and economy. However, a community that chooses not to participate within 1 year after the flood hazard has been identified and an NFIP map has been provided is subject to the ramifications explained in the answer to Question 20. A community s participation status can significantly affect current and future owners of property located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The decision should be made with full awareness of the consequence of each action. 12. What is the NFIP's Emergency Program? The Emergency Program is the initial phase of a community s participation in the NFIP and was designed to provide a limited amount of insurance at less than actuarial rates. A community participating in the Emergency Program either does not have an identified and mapped flood hazard or has been provided with a Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM), and the community is required to adopt limited floodplain management standards to control future use of its floodplains. Less than 1 percent of the 20,000 communities participating in the NFIP remain in the Emergency Program; FEMA hopes to convert all communities to the Regular Program of the NFIP. For additional information on mapping, please refer to the Flood Hazard Assessment and Mapping Requirements section of this booklet. 13. What is the NFIP's Regular Program? A community participating in the Regular Program of the NFIP is usually provided with a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and a detailed engineering study, termed a Flood Insurance Study (FIS). (Additional information on FIRMs and FISs is provided in the Flood Hazard Assessment and Mapping Requirements section of this booklet.) Under the Regular Program, more comprehensive floodplain management requirements are imposed on the community in exchange for higher amounts of flood insurance coverage. 5

142 14. What happens when a community does not enforce its floodplain management ordinance? Communities are required to adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance that meets minimum NFIP requirements. Communities that do not enforce these ordinances can be placed on probation or suspended from the program. This is done only after FEMA has provided assistance to the community to help it become compliant. 15. What is probation? Probation is the formal notification by FEMA to a community that its floodplain management program does not meet NFIP criteria. It is an action authorized under Federal regulations. 16. When can a community be placed on probation? A community can be placed on probation 90 days after FEMA provides written notice to community officials of specific deficiencies. Probation generally is imposed only after FEMA has consulted with the community and has not been able to resolve deficiencies. The FEMA Regional Director has the authority to place communities on probation. 17. How long will probation last? Probation may be continued for up to 1 year after the community corrects all Program deficiencies and remedies all violations to the maximum extent possible. 18. What penalties are imposed when a community is placed on probation? An additional $50 charge is added to the premium for each policy sold or renewed in the community. The additional charge is effective for at least 1 year after the community s probation period begins. The surcharge is intended to focus the attention of policyholders on the community s noncompliance to help avoid suspension of the community, which has serious adverse impacts on those policyholders. Probation does not affect the availability of flood insurance. 6

143 19. What is suspension? Suspension of a participating community (usually after a period of probation) occurs when the community fails to solve its compliance problems or fails to adopt an adequate ordinance. The community is provided written notice of the impending suspension and granted 30 days in which to show cause why it should not be suspended. Suspension is imposed by FEMA. If suspended, the community becomes non-participating and flood insurance policies cannot be written or renewed. Policies in force at the time of suspension continue in force for the policy term. 20. What happens if a community does not participate in the NFIP? Flood insurance under the NFIP is not available within that community. Furthermore, Section 202(a) of Public Law , as amended, prohibits Federal officers or agencies from approving any form of financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). For example, this would prohibit loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, or secured by the Rural Housing Services. Under Section 202(b) of Public Law , if a Presidentially declared disaster occurs as a result of flooding in a non-participating community, no Federal financial assistance can be provided for the permanent repair or reconstruction of insurable buildings in SFHAs. Eligible applicants may receive those forms of disaster assistance that are not related to permanent repair and reconstruction of buildings. If the community applies and is accepted into the NFIP within 6 months of a Presidential disaster declaration, these limitations on Federal disaster assistance are lifted. 7

144 21. Explain the discounts on premiums that can be obtained in communities that qualify for the Community Rating System (CRS) because they have floodplain management programs that go beyond the minimum requirements to participate in the NFIP. The NFIP s Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes community efforts beyond the NFIP minimum standards by reducing flood insurance premiums for the community s property owners. The discounts may range from 5 to 45 percent. The discounts provide an incentive for new flood mitigation, planning, and preparedness activities that can help save lives and protect property in the event of a flood. 22. What procedures must be followed for a community to participate in the Community Rating System? Participation in the CRS is voluntary. A community in compliance with the rules and regulations of the NFIP may apply. The community s Chief Executive Officer must appoint a CRS coordinator to handle the application work and serve as the liaison between the community and FEMA. The first step in the application process is for the community to obtain a copy of the CRS Coordinator s Manual, which describes the program and gives details on the eligible activities. The CRS coordinator should fill out and submit an application for participation in the CRS. The CRS will verify the information and arrange for flood insurance premium discounts. 23. How can a community acquire the CRS Coordinator s Manual and other information describing the program? The CRS Coordinator s Manual, additional CRS publications, and software may be ordered online or by writing, phoning, or faxing a request to the NFIP/CRS. Contact information is listed in the Additional Reading section at the end of the booklet. All publications are free, and the computer software for completing the application is also available at no charge. 8

145 Flood Insurance Information for Prospective Buyers 24. Who may purchase a flood insurance policy? NFIP coverage is available to all owners of insurable property (a building and/or its contents) in a community participating in the NFIP. Owners and renters may insure their personal property against flood loss. Builders of buildings in the course of construction, condominium associations, and owners of residential condominium units in participating communities all may purchase flood insurance. Condominium associations may purchase insurance coverage on a residential building, including all units, and its commonly owned contents under the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAP). The unit owner may separately insure personal contents as well as obtain additional building coverage under the Dwelling Form as long as the unit owner s share of the RCBAP and his/her added coverage do not exceed the statutory limits for a single-family dwelling. The owner of a non-residential condominium unit may purchase only contents coverage for that unit. 25. How can property owners or renters find out if they are eligible to purchase flood insurance? NFIP coverage is available only in participating communities. Almost all of the nation s communities with serious flooding potential have joined the NFIP. The NFIP provides a listing of participating communities in the Community Status Book. To learn if a community participates in the NFIP, refer to this listing online at or contact a community official or insurance agent. 26. How can a property owner determine if the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)? FEMA publishes maps indicating a community s flood hazard areas and the degree of risk in those areas. Flood insurance maps usually are on file in a local repository in the community, such as the planning and zoning or engineering offices in the town hall or the county building. A property owner may consult these maps to find out if the property is in an SFHA. In addition, maps can be viewed and ordered online or by writing, phoning, or faxing a request to the FEMA Map Service Center. Contact information is listed in the NFIP Program Information section at the back of this booklet. Delivery is usually within 2 to 4 weeks. There is a minimal charge for maps for most users, so it is advisable to call for detailed information. 9

146 27. What types of property may be insured against flood loss? Almost every type of walled and roofed building that is principally above ground and not entirely over water may be insured if it is in a participating community. In most cases, this includes manufactured (i.e., mobile) homes that are anchored to permanent foundations and travel trailers without wheels that are anchored to permanent foundations and are regulated under the community's floodplain management and building ordinances or laws. (However, this does not include converted buses or vans.) Contents of insurable walled and roofed buildings also may be insured under separate coverage. 28. What kinds of property are not insurable under the NFIP? Buildings entirely over water or principally below ground, gas and liquid storage tanks, animals, birds, fish, aircraft, wharves, piers, bulkheads, growing crops, shrubbery, land, livestock, roads, machinery or equipment in the open, and most motor vehicles are not insurable. Most contents and finishing materials located in a basement or in enclosures below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building constructed after the FIRM became effective are not covered. (See Coverage section for coverage limitations in basements and below lowest elevated floors.) Information on the insurability of any special property may be obtained by contacting a property insurance agent or a broker. 29. Are there certain buildings that cannot be covered? Flood insurance is not available for buildings that FEMA determines have been declared by a State or local zoning authority or other appropriate authority to be in violation of State or local floodplain management regulations or ordinances. No new policies can be written to cover such buildings; nor can an existing policy be renewed. New construction or substantially improved structures located within a designated Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) area are not eligible for flood insurance, but existing structures that predate CBRS designation are eligible for flood insurance coverage. These areas are located in nearly 400 communities on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and along the Great Lakes shores, and are delineated on the communities flood maps. If, at the time of a loss, it is determined that a post-cbrsdesignation building is located in a CBRS area, the claim will be denied, the policy canceled, and the premium refunded. (See the answers to Questions 44 and 45 for a description of CBRS.) 10

147 30. How is flood insurance purchased? After a community joins the NFIP, a policy may be purchased from any licensed property insurance agent or broker who is in good standing in the State in which the agent is licensed or through any agent representing a Write Your Own (WYO) company, including an employee of the company authorized to issue the coverage. The steps leading to the purchase of a flood insurance policy are: A property owner or renter perceives a risk of flooding to an insurable building or its contents and elects to purchase flood insurance, or a lender making, renewing, increasing, or extending a loan, or reviewing its mortgage portfolio at any time during the term of the loan, informs the builder or potential buyer that the building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and flood insurance must be purchased as required by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of The builder or borrower contacts an insurance agent or broker or a Write Your Own (WYO) Company. The insurance agent completes the necessary forms for the builder or buyer. In the case of a building constructed in an SFHA after the issuance of a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the builder or buyer must obtain an elevation certificate completed by a licensed engineer, architect, surveyor, or appropriate community official. The insurance agent submits the application, necessary elevation certification, and full premium to the NFIP or to a participating WYO Company. 31. How are flood insurance premiums calculated? A number of factors are considered in determining the premium for flood insurance coverage. They include the amount of coverage purchased; location; age of the building; building occupancy; design of the building; and, for buildings in SFHAs, elevation of the building in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Buildings eligible for special low-cost coverage at a pre-determined, reduced premium rate are single-family and one- to four-family dwellings located in Zones B, C, and. For these exceptions, certain loss limitations exist. (See the Flood Hazard Assessment and Mapping Requirements section for definitions of flood zones.) 11

148 32. Is the purchase of flood insurance mandatory? The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 mandate the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of Federal or Federally related financial assistance for acquisition and/or construction of buildings in SFHAs of any community. The purchase of flood insurance on a voluntary basis is frequently prudent even outside of SFHAs. The Acts prohibit Federal agency lenders, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States Department of Agriculture s (USDA) Rural Housing Service, and Government-Sponsored Enterprises for Housing (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) from making, guaranteeing, or purchasing a loan secured by improved real estate or mobile home(s) in an SFHA, unless flood insurance has been purchased, and is maintained during the term of the loan. The Acts apply to lenders under the jurisdiction of Federal entities for lending institutions. These Federal entities include the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of the Currency, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Farm Credit Administration. The Acts also require Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to implement procedures designed to ensure compliance with the mandatory purchase requirements of the Acts. The purchase of flood insurance does not apply to conventional loans made by Federally regulated lenders when the community in which the building is located is not participating in the NFIP. Although Federal flood insurance is not available for new construction or substantially improved structures in CBRS areas, conventional loans may be made there by Federally regulated lenders. In these cases, the lending institution is required to notify the borrower that, in the event of a floodrelated Presidentially declared disaster, Federal disaster assistance will not be available for the permanent repair or restoration of the building. Federally regulated or insured lending institutions are required in all cases to notify the borrower when the building being used to secure a loan is in an SFHA. 12

149 33. Why is there a requirement to purchase flood insurance in communities that have not suffered flooding in many years or ever? A major purpose of the NFIP is to alert communities to the danger of flooding and to assist them in reducing potential property losses from flooding. Therefore, FEMA determines flood risk through the use of all available information for each community. Historical flood data are only one element used in determining flood risk. More critical determinations can be made by evaluating the community s rainfall and river-flow data, topography, wind velocity, tidal surge, flood-control measures, development (existing and planned), community maps, and other data. 34. Why is my lender requiring the purchase of flood insurance? For virtually every mortgage transaction involving a structure in the United States, the lender reviews the current NFIP maps for the community in which the property is located to determine its location relative to the published SFHA and completes the Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form (SFHDF). If the lender determines that the structure is indeed located within the SFHA and the community is participating in the NFIP, the borrower is then notified that flood insurance will be required as a condition of receiving the loan. A similar review and notification is completed whenever a loan is sold on the secondary loan market or perhaps when the lender completes a routine review of its mortgage portfolio. This fulfills the lender s obligation under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 that requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally regulated institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land, or facilities, or structures located or to be located within an SFHA. 35. Are lenders required to escrow flood insurance payments? The statute requiring Federally regulated lenders, their services, and Federal Agency lenders to escrow for flood insurance became effective on October 1, If escrow for taxes, insurance, and/or other reasons is already required, escrow for flood insurance on loans secured by improved residential real estate or mobile homes is also required. Lenders who escrow will comply 100 percent with the statutory requirement by maintaining flood insurance during the term or life of the loan. 13

150 36. What if I disagree with my lender s determination that I am in the flood zone? Property owners may not contest the requirement if the lending institution has established the requirements as a part of its own standard lending practices. However, if a lending institution is requiring the insurance to meet mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements, the property owner and lender may jointly request that FEMA review the lending institution s determination. This request must be submitted within 45 days of the date the lending institution notified the property owner that a building or manufactured home is in the SFHA and flood insurance is required. In response, FEMA will issue a Letter of Determination Review (LODR). The LODR does not result in an amendment or revision to the NFIP map. It is only a finding as to whether the building or manufactured home is in the SFHA shown on the NFIP map. The LODR remains in effect until the NFIP map panel affecting the subject building or manufactured home is revised. 37. What fees and data are required for LODRs? A fee of $80 must be submitted with all LODR requests. The fee payment may be in the form of a check or money order, in U.S. funds, made payable to the National Flood Insurance Program. The fee must be accompanied by copies of the following: (1) the completed SFHDF; (2) the dated notification letter to the property owner; (3) a letter, signed by the property owner and lending institution, requesting FEMA s review; (4) an annotated copy of the effective NFIP map panel for the community showing the location of the structure or manufactured home; and (5) a copy of all material used by the lending institution or designated third party to make the determination. 38. How many buildings or locations (and their contents) may be insured on each policy? Normally, only one building and its contents can be insured on each policy. The Dwelling Form of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy does provide coverage for up to 10 percent of policy amount for appurtenant detached garages but not for carports, tool and storage sheds, and the like. In addition, the Scheduled Building Policy is available to cover 2 to 10 buildings. The policy requires a specific amount of insurance to be designated for each building, and all buildings must have the same ownership and the same location. 14

151 39. What is the flood insurance policy term? Flood insurance coverage is available for a 1-year term. 40. Is there a minimum premium for a flood insurance policy? There is a minimum premium for all flood insurance policies. Because the minimum premium is subject to change, anyone interested in purchasing a flood insurance policy should contact a local property insurance agency or company that writes flood insurance coverage to obtain the current minimum premium amount. 41. Is there a waiting period for flood insurance to become effective? There is normally a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect. There are two basic exceptions: If the initial purchase of flood insurance is in connection with the making, increasing, extending, or renewing of a loan, there is no waiting period. The coverage becomes effective at the time of the loan, provided the application and presentment of premium are made at or prior to loan closing. If the initial purchase of flood insurance is made during the 13-month period following the revision or update of a Flood Insurance Rate Map for the community, there is a 1-day waiting period. In addition to the two basic exceptions, FEMA has issued a policy decision specifying the following four exceptions: The 30-day waiting period will not apply when there is an existing insurance policy and an additional amount of flood insurance is required in connection with the making, increasing, extending, or renewing of a loan, such as a second mortgage, home equity loan, or refinancing. The increased amount of flood coverage will be effective as of the time of the loan closing, provided the increased amount of coverage is applied for and the presentment of additional premium is made at or prior to the loan closing. The 30-day waiting period will not apply when an additional amount of insurance is required as a result of a map revision. The increased amount of coverage will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on the first 15

152 calendar day after the date the increased amount of coverage is applied for and the presentment of additional premium is made. The 30-day waiting period will not apply when flood insurance is required as a result of a lender s determining a loan that does not have flood insurance coverage should be protected by flood insurance. The coverage will be effective upon the completion of an application and the presentment of payment of premium. The 30-day waiting period will not apply when an additional amount of insurance offered in the renewal bill is being obtained in connection with the renewal of a policy. 42. What is presentment of payment? Presentment of payment is the receipt of premium and is considered to be the time payment is actually received by the NFIP or the WYO company. Delivery to an insurance agent or broker or mailing a premium by ordinary mail with placement of a postmark does not constitute presentment to the NFIP. A premium mailed in a timely manner by certified mail and received by the NFIP is considered to have been delivered to and received by the NFIP as of the date of certification by the delivery service. (In this context, the term "certified mail" extends not only to the U.S. Postal Service but also to such third-party delivery services as Federal Express [FedEx], United Parcel Service [UPS], and courier services and the like that provide proof of mailing.) If time is short and coverage is needed, the certified mail transmittal of payment should be considered. 43. Is there a special rating procedure applicable to coastal high hazard areas (V zones)? In calculating the applicable rates for buildings that were constructed or substantially improved in V zones after October 1, 1981, the actuarial formula takes into account the ability of the building to withstand the impact of wave action. The agent must follow the special instructions in the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual in preparing an application for coverage for buildings located in V zones. (See the Flood Hazard Assessment and Mapping Requirements section for a further explanation of V zones.) 16

153 44. What is the Coastal Barrier Resources System? The U.S. Congress passed the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982, and the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990, defining and establishing a system of protected coastal areas (including the Great Lakes) known as the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and Otherwise Protected Areas (OPAs). The Acts define areas within the CBRS as depositional geologic features consisting of unconsolidated sedimentary materials; subject to wave, tidal and wind energies; and protecting landward aquatic habitats from direct wave attack. The Acts further define coastal barriers as all associated aquatic habitats, including the adjacent wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets and near shore waters, but only if such features and associated habitats contain few manmade structures and these structures and man s activities on such features, and within such habitats do not significantly impede geomorphic and ecological processes. Otherwise Protected Areas (OPAs) means an undeveloped coastal barrier within the boundaries of an area established under Federal, State, or local law, or held by a qualified organization, primarily for wildlife refuge, sanctuary, recreational, or natural resource conservation purposes. The Acts provide protection to CBRS areas by prohibiting most expenditures of Federal funds within the CBRS. These prohibitions refer to any form of loan, grant, guarantee, insurance, payment, rebate, subsidy or any other form of direct or indirect Federal assistance, with specific and limited exceptions. 45. Is Federal flood insurance available in CBRS? Federal flood insurance is available in a CBRS area if the subject building was constructed (or permitted and under construction) before the CBRS area s effective date. For CBRS areas designated by the 1982 Act, the sale of Federal flood insurance is prohibited for structures built or substantially improved after October 1, For subsequent additions to the CBRS, the insurance prohibition date is shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). For structures located in OPAs, insurance may be obtained if written documentation is provided certifying that the structure is used in a manner consistent with the purpose for which the area is protected. If an existing insured structure is substantially improved or damaged, any Federal flood insurance policy will not be renewed. If a Federal flood insurance policy is issued in error, it will be canceled and the premium refunded; no claim can be paid, even if the error is not found until a claim is made. 17

154 46. Can flood insurance be canceled at the request of the insured with a refund of premium? Flood insurance can be canceled, and a refund can be issued, only in certain circumstances, because all of the premium is fully earned on the first day of the policy term. Premium will be refunded on a pro-rata basis when the policyholder no longer owns or has an insurable interest in the insured property, provided no claim has been paid or is pending. There are other limited cancellation provisions for the refunding of premium. To discuss cancellation criteria and procedures, policyholders should contact the insurance agent who wrote the policy or call the NFIP tollfree at Is there a grace period for an insured under the NFIP policy conditions? All policies expire at 12:01 a.m. on the last day of the effective term. (For the ease and convenience of insurance agents and brokers, lenders, and policyholders, NFIP rules allow for renewal of expiring policies and no new application is required.) Coverage remains in force for 30 days after the expiration of the policy, and claims for losses that occur in the period will be honored providing the full renewal premium is received by the end of the 30-day period. Coverage also remains in force for any mortgagee named in the policy for 30 days after written notice to the mortgagee of the expiration of a policy. 48. What is the requirement for purchasing flood insurance after receiving disaster assistance? The NFIRA requires individuals in SFHAs who receive disaster assistance after September 23, 1994, for flood disaster losses to real or personal property to purchase and maintain flood insurance coverage for as long as they live in the dwelling. If flood insurance is not purchased and maintained, future disaster assistance will be denied. If the structure is sold, the current owner is required to notify the buyer of the house of the need to purchase and maintain flood insurance. If the buyer is not notified, suffers uninsured flood losses, and receives Federal disaster assistance, the seller may be required to repay the Federal Government any Federal disaster assistance the buyer received. 18

155 Coverage 49. How much flood insurance coverage is available? The following coverage limits are available under the Dwelling Form and the General Property Form of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. Coverage limits under the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy are listed in the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual. Emergency Program Regular Program Building Coverage Single-family dwelling $ 35,000* $250,000 Two- to four-family dwelling $ 35,000* $250,000 Other residential $100,000* $250,000 Nonresidential $100,000* $500,000 Contents Coverage Residential $ 10,000 $100,000 Nonresidential $100,000 $500,000 * Under the Emergency Program, higher limits of building coverage are available in Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. 50. Are there limitations on the amount of insurance available for certain types of property? General coverage limitations are explained in the answers to Questions 28 and 29. In addition, items such as artwork, photographs, collectibles, memorabilia, rare books, autographed items, jewelry, watches, gems, articles of gold, silver, or platinum and furs are limited to $2,500 coverage in the aggregate. This limitation does not apply to other items that are personal property or household contents usual or incidental to the occupancy of the building as a residence. For other limitations under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy, see the current policy or contact a property insurance agent or broker. 51. What flood losses are covered? The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) Forms contain complete definitions of the coverages they provide. Direct physical losses by flood are covered. Also covered are losses resulting from flood-related erosion caused by waves or currents of water activity exceeding anticipated cyclical levels, or caused by a severe storm, flash flood, abnormal tidal surge, or the like, which result in flooding, as defined. Damage caused by mudflows, as specifically defined in the policy forms, is covered. 19

156 52. What coverage is available in basements and in enclosed areas beneath the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building? Coverage is provided for foundation elements, including posts, pilings, piers, or other support systems for elevated buildings. Coverage also is available for basement and enclosure utility connections, certain mechanical equipment necessary for the habitability of the building, such as furnaces, hot water heaters, clothes washers and dryers, food freezers and the food in them, air conditioners, heat pumps, electrical junctions, and circuit breaker boxes. Finished structural elements such as paneling and linoleum, and contents items such as rugs and furniture are not covered. The SFIP has a complete list of covered elements and equipment. 53. What is a basement? The NFIP s definition of basement includes any part of a building where all sides of the floor are located below ground level. Even though a room may have windows and constitute living quarters, it is still considered to be a basement if the floor is below ground level on all sides. 54. Are losses from land subsidence, sewer backup, or seepage of water covered? We will pay for losses from land subsidence under certain circumstances. Subsidence of land along a lake shore or similar body of water which results from the erosion or undermining of the shoreline caused by waves or currents of water exceeding cyclical levels that result in a flood is covered. All other land subsidence is excluded. We do not insure for direct physical loss caused directly or indirectly by any of the following: Backups through sewers or drains; Discharges or overflows from a sump, sump pump, or related equipment; Seepage or leaks on or through the covered property; unless there is a general condition of flooding in the area and the flood is the proximate cause of the sewer or drain backup, sump pump discharge or overflow, or seepage of water. 20

157 55. Does the NFIP apply a deductible to losses? A minimum deductible is applied separately to a building and its contents, although both may be damaged in the same flood. Higher deductibles are available, and an insurance agent can provide information on specific amounts of available deductibles. Optional high deductibles reduce policy premiums but will have to be approved by the mortgage lender. 56. Are costs of preventive measures covered under the SFIP? Some are. When an insured building is in imminent danger of being flooded, the reasonable expenses incurred by the insured for removal of insured contents to a safe location and return will be reimbursed up to $1,000, and the purchase of sandbags and sand to fill them, plastic sheeting and lumber used in connection with them, pumps, fill for temporary levees, and wood will be reimbursed up to $1,000. No deductible is applied to this coverage. 57. Does insurance under the NFIP provide coverage at replacement cost? Only for single-family dwellings and residential condominium buildings, if several criteria are met. Replacement cost coverage is available for a single-family dwelling, including a residential condominium unit that is the policyholder s principal residence and is insured for at least 80 percent of the unit s replacement cost at the time of the loss, up to the maximum amount of insurance available at the inception of the policy term. Replacement cost coverage does not apply to manufactured (i.e., mobile) homes smaller than certain dimensions specified in the policy. Losses are adjusted on a replacement cost basis for residential condominium buildings insured under the Residential Condominium Building Association Policy (RCBAP). The principal residence and the 80 percent insurance to value requirements for single-family dwellings do not apply to the RCBAP. However, coverage amounts less than 80 percent of the building s full replacement cost value at the time of loss will be subject to a co-insurance penalty. Contents losses are always adjusted on an actual cash value basis. If the replacement cost conditions are not met, the building loss is also adjusted on an actual cash value basis. Actual cash value means the replacement cost of an insured item of property at the time of loss, less the value of physical depreciation as to the item damaged. 21

158 58. Does the Standard Flood Insurance Policy provide additional living expenses, if the insured dwelling is flood damaged and cannot be occupied while repairs are being made? No. The policy only covers direct physical flood damage to the dwelling and does not provide additional living expenses. 59. What is Increased Cost of Compliance coverage? Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) provides for the payment of a claim to help pay for the cost to comply with State or community floodplain management laws or ordinances from a flood event in which a building has been declared substantially damaged or repetitively damaged. When an insured building is damaged by a flood and the State or community declares the building to be substantially damaged or repetitively damaged, ICC coverage will help pay for the cost to elevate, floodproof, demolish, or relocate the building up to a maximum benefit of $30,000. This coverage is in addition to the building coverage for the repair of actual physical damages from flood under the SFIP. 60. Is there a limit to the amount a policyholder can collect under ICC coverage? Yes. The maximum amount a policyholder may collect under ICC is $30,000. This amount is in addition to the amount the policyholder receives for physical damages by flood. The total amount the policyholder receives for combined physical structural damage from flood and ICC is always capped by the maximum limit of coverage established by Congress. The maximum amount collectible for both ICC and physical damage from flood for a single-family dwelling is $250, Is ICC coverage included in all Standard Flood Insurance Policies? No. Insureds under the Group Flood Insurance Policy and insureds with condominium unit owner s coverage are ineligible for ICC coverage. Policies issued or renewed in Emergency Program communities are not eligible for ICC coverage. All other policies include the coverage. 22

159 Filing a Flood Insurance Claim 62. How does a policyholder file a claim for flood loss? A flood insurance policyholder should immediately report any flood loss to the insurance company or agent who wrote the policy. A claims adjuster will be assigned the loss, and the policyholder must file a proof of loss within 60 days of the date of loss. A policyholder whose policy is with a WYO company must follow the company s claim procedures. The 60-day time limit for filling a proof of loss remains the same. 63. What is a proof of loss? A proof of loss the policyholder s valuation of claimed damages is a sworn statement made by the policyholder that substantiates the insurance claim and is required to be submitted to the NFIP or WYO company within 60 days of the loss. A printed form usually is available from the adjuster assigned to the claim. 64. What is a loss in progress? A loss in progress occurs when actual flood damage to a building or its contents started before the inception of the policy. 65. Is a loss in progress covered? The NFIP does not cover damage caused by a loss in progress under any of the flood insurance policies. 66. What is the maximum that can be collected for a loss under the NFIP policy? An insured will never be paid more than the value of the covered loss, less deductible, up to the amounts of insurance purchased. Therefore, purchasing insurance to value is an important consideration. The amount of insurance a property owner needs should be discussed with an insurance agent or broker. 23

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161 Floodplain Management Requirements 67. What is the role of the community in floodplain management? When the community chooses to join the NFIP, it must adopt and enforce minimum floodplain management standards for participation. FEMA works closely with State and local officials to identify flood hazard areas and flood risks. The floodplain management requirements within the SFHA are designed to prevent new development from increasing the flood threat and to protect new and existing buildings from anticipated flood events. When a community chooses to join the NFIP, it must require permits for all development in the SFHA and ensure that construction materials and methods used will minimize future flood damage. Permit files must contain documentation to substantiate how buildings were actually constructed. In return, the Federal Government makes flood insurance available for almost every building and its contents within the community. Communities must ensure that their adopted floodplain management ordinance and enforcement procedures meet program requirements. Local regulations must be updated when additional data are provided by FEMA or when Federal or State standards are revised. 68. Do State governments assist in implementing the NFIP? At the request of FEMA, each Governor has designated an agency of State or territorial government to coordinate that State s or territory s NFIP activities. These agencies often assist communities in developing and adopting necessary floodplain management measures. Some States require more stringent measures than those of the NFIP. For contact information, see the list of State NFIP Coordinating Agencies in the back of this booklet. 69. Do Federal requirements take precedence over State requirements? The regulatory requirements set forth by FEMA are the minimum measures acceptable for NFIP participation. More stringent requirements adopted by the local community or State take precedence over the minimum regulatory requirements established for flood insurance availability. 25

162 70. What is meant by floodplain management measures? Floodplain management measures refers to an overall community program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing future flood damage. These measures take a variety of forms and generally include zoning, subdivision, or building requirements, and special-purpose floodplain ordinances. 71. Do the floodplain management measures required by the NFIP affect existing buildings? The minimum Federal requirements affect existing buildings only when an existing building is substantially damaged or improved. There may also be situations where a building has been constructed in accordance with a local floodplain management ordinance, and the owner subsequently alters it in violation of the local building code, without a permit. Such unapproved modifications to an existing building may not meet the minimum Federal requirements. 72. What constitutes substantial improvement or substantial damage? Substantial improvement means any rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a building when the cost of the improvement equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the building before start of construction of the improvement. The term includes buildings that have incurred substantial damage. Substantial damage means damage of any origin sustained by a building when the cost of restoring the building to its pre-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the building before the damage occurred. Substantial damage is determined regardless of the actual repair work performed. Substantial improvement or damage does not, however, include any project for improvement of a building to correct existing violations of State or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications identified by local code enforcement officials as the minimum specifications necessary to assure safe living conditions. Also excluded from the substantial improvement requirement are alterations to historic buildings as defined by the NFIP. 26

163 73. Do the floodplain management requirements apply to construction taking place outside the SFHAs within the community? The local floodplain management regulations required by the NFIP apply only in SFHAs. However, communities may regulate development in areas of moderate flood hazard. 74. Can modifications be made to the basic floodplain management requirement? In developing their floodplain management ordinances, participating communities must meet at least the minimum regulatory standards issued by FEMA. NFIP standards and policies are reviewed periodically and revised whenever appropriate. 75. Does elevating a structure on posts or pilings remove a building from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)? Elevating a structure on posts or pilings does not remove a building from the SFHA. If the ground around the supporting posts or pilings is within the floodplain, the building is still at risk. The structure is considered to be within the floodplain, and flood insurance will be required as a condition of receipt of Federal or Federally regulated financing for the structure. The reason for this, even in cases where the flood velocity is minimal, is that the hydrostatic effects of flooding can lead to the failure of the structure s posts or pilings foundation. The effects of ground saturation can lead to decreased load bearing capacity of the soil supporting the posts or pilings, which can lead to partial or full collapse of the structure. Even small areas of ponding will be subject to the hydrodynamic effects of flooding; no pond or lake is completely free of water movement or wave action. This movement of water can erode the ground around the posts or pilings and may eventually cause collapse of the structure. 27

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165 Flood Hazard Assessment and Mapping Requirements 76. What is the difference between an FHBM and a FIRM? An FHBM is based on approximate data and identifies, in general, the SFHAs within a community. It is used in the NFIP's Emergency Program for floodplain management and insurance purposes. A FIRM usually is issued following a flood risk assessment conducted in connection with the community s conversion to the NFIP's Regular Program. If a detailed assessment, termed a Flood Insurance Study (FIS), has been performed, the FIRM will show base flood elevations and insurance risk zones in addition to floodplain boundaries. The FIRM may also show a delineation of the regulatory floodway. (See the answer to Question 80 for a description of regulatory floodway. ) After the effective date of the FIRM, the community s floodplain management ordinance must be in compliance with appropriate Regular Program requirements. Actuarial rates, based on the risk zone designations shown on the FIRM, are then applied for newly constructed, substantially improved, and substantially damaged buildings. 77. How are flood hazard areas and flood levels determined? Flood hazard areas are determined using statistical analyses of records of riverflow, storm tides, and rainfall; information obtained through consultation with the community; floodplain topographic surveys; and hydrologic and hydraulic analyses. The FIS covers those areas subject to flooding from rivers and streams, along coastal areas and lake shores, or shallow flooding areas. 78. What is the role of the local community in its flood hazard assessment? In conducting a FIS, FEMA considers all available information for use in the study. Public meetings are usually held with community officials and other interested parties in an effort to obtain all relevant information to help ensure accurate study results. FEMA also works closely with community officials before and during the study to describe technical and administrative procedures and to obtain community input before the FIRM and collateral FIS report are published. Before the FIS is initiated, FEMA representatives, the selected contractor, and community officials meet to discuss the areas to be studied and the level of study required. This meeting is called a time and cost meeting. 29

166 79. What flood hazard zones are shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map and what do they mean? Several areas of flood hazard are commonly identified on the FIRM. One of these areas is the SFHA, which is defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent-annual-chance flood is also referred to as the base flood. SFHAs are labeled as Zone A, Zone AO, Zone AH, Zones A1-A30, Zone AE, Zone 99, Zone AR, Zone AR/AE, Zone AR/AH, Zone AR/AO, Zone AR/A1-A30, Zone AR/A, Zone V, Zone VE, and Zones V1-V30. Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled Zone B or Zone (shaded), are also shown on the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2-percentannual-chance flood. The areas of minimal flood hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of the 0.2-percentannual-chance flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone (unshaded). The definitions for the various flood hazard areas are presented below. Zone V: Areas along coasts subject to inundation by the 1-percentannual-chance flood event with additional hazards associated with storm-induced waves. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no base flood elevations or depths are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zones VE and V1-V30: Areas along coasts subject to inundation by the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event with additional hazards due to storm-induced velocity wave action. Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within these zones. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. (Zone VE is used on new and revised maps in place of Zones V1-V30.) Zone A: Areas subject to inundation by the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no base flood elevation or depths are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zones AE and A1-A30: Areas subject to inundation by the 1-percentannual-chance flood event determined by detailed methods. Base flood elevations are shown within these zones. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. (Zone AE is used on new and revised maps in place of Zones A1-A30.) 30

167 Zone AH: Areas subject to inundation by 1-percent-annual-chance shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are 1-3 feet. Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown in this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zone AO: Areas subject to inundation by 1-percent-annual-chance shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) where average depths are 1-3 feet. Average flood depths derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within this zone. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zone A99: Areas subject to inundation by the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, but which will ultimately be protected upon completion of an under-construction Federal flood protection system. These are areas of special flood hazard where enough progress has been made on the construction of a protection system, such as dikes, dams, and levees, to consider it complete for insurance rating purposes. Zone A99 may only be used when the flood protection system has reached specified statutory progress toward completion. No base flood elevations or depths are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zone AR: Areas that result from the decertification of a previously accredited flood protection system that is determined to be in the process of being restored to provide base flood protection. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zones AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO, AR/A1-A30, and AR/A: Dual flood zones that, because of flooding from other water sources that the flood protection system does not contain, will continue to be subject to flooding after the flood protection system is adequately restored. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply. Zones B, C, and : Areas identified in the community FIS as areas of moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flood in the area. However, buildings in these zones could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall coupled with inadequate local drainage systems. Local stormwater drainage systems are not normally considered in the community s FIS. The failure of a local drainage system creates areas of high flood risk within these rate zones. Flood insurance is available in participating communities but is not required by regulation in these zones. (Zone is used on new and revised maps in place of Zones B and C.) 31

168 Zone D: Unstudied areas where flood hazards are undetermined, but flooding is possible. No mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply, but coverage is available in participating communities. 80. What is a regulatory floodway and who designates it? The regulatory floodway, which is adopted into the community s floodplain management ordinance, is the stream channel plus that portion of the overbanks that must be kept free from encroachment in order to discharge the 1-percent-annual-chance flood without increasing flood levels by more than 1.0 foot (some states specify a smaller allowable increase). The intention of the floodway is not to preclude development. Rather, it is intended to assist communities in prudently and soundly managing floodplain development and prevent additional damages to other property owners. The community is responsible for prohibiting encroachments, including fill, new construction, and substantial improvements, within the floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that the proposed encroachment will not increase flood levels within the community. In areas that fall within the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain, but are outside the floodway (termed the floodway fringe ), development will, by definition, cause no more than a 1.0-foot increase in the 1-percent-annual-chance water-surface elevation. Floodplain management through the use of the floodway concept is effective because it allows communities to develop in floodprone areas if they so choose, but limits the future increases of flood hazards to no more than 1.0 foot. 81. What procedures are available for changing or correcting a Flood Insurance Rate Map? FEMA has established administrative procedures for changing effective FIRMs and FIS reports based on new or revised scientific or technical data. A physical change to the affected FIRM panels and portions of the FIS report is referred to as a Physical Map Revision, or PMR. Changes can also be made by a Letter of Map Change (LOMC). The three LOMC categories are Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F), and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). These LOMC categories are discussed in more detail later. 32

169 82. What comprises scientific or technical data? In general, the scientific or technical data needed to effect a map amendment or revision include certified topographic data and/or hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to support the request for amendment or revision. 83. What is a Physical Map Revision (PMR)? A PMR is an official republication of a community s NFIP map to effect changes to base (1-percent-annual-chance) flood elevations, floodplain boundary delineations, regulatory floodways, and planimetric features. These changes typically occur as a result of structural works or improvements, annexations resulting in additional flood hazard areas, or correction to base flood elevations or SFHAs. The community s chief executive officer (CEO) must submit scientific and technical data to FEMA to support the request for a PMR. The data will be analyzed, and the map will be revised if warranted. The community is provided with copies of the revised information and is afforded a review period. When base flood elevations are changed, a 90-day appeal period is provided. A 6-month period for formal approval of the revised map(s) is also provided. 84. What is a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)? A LOMR-F is an official revision by letter to an effective NFIP map. A LOMR-F states FEMA s determination concerning whether a structure or parcel has been elevated on fill above the base flood elevation and is, therefore, excluded from the SFHA. 85. What is a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)? A LOMA is an official revision by letter to an effective NFIP map. A LOMA results from an administrative procedure that involves the review of scientific or technical data submitted by the owner or lessee of property who believes the property has incorrectly been included in a designated SFHA. A LOMA amends the currently effective FEMA map and establishes that a specific property is not located in an SFHA. 33

170 86. What is a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)? A LOMR is an official revision to the currently effective FEMA map. It is used to change flood zones, floodplain and floodway delineations, flood elevations, and planimetric features. All requests for LOMRs should be made to FEMA through the chief executive officer of the community, since it is the community that must adopt any changes and revisions to the map. If the request for a LOMR is not submitted through the chief executive officer of the community, evidence must be submitted that the community has been notified of the request. 87. What is a conditional map revision? NFIP maps must be based on existing, rather than proposed, conditions. Because flood insurance is a financial protection mechanism for realproperty owners and lending institutions against existing hazards, flood insurance ratings must be made accordingly. However, communities, developers, and property owners often undertake projects that may alter or mitigate flood hazards and would like FEMA s comment before constructing them. A Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) is FEMA s formal review and comment as to whether a proposed project complies with the minimum NFIP floodplain management criteria. If it is determined that it does, the CLOMR also describes any eventual revisions that will be made to the NFIP maps upon completion of the project. While obtaining a CLOMR may be desired, obtaining conditional approval is not automatically required by NFIP regulations for all projects in the floodway or 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain. A CLOMR is required only for those projects that will result in a 1-percent-annualchance water surface elevation increase of greater than 1.0 foot for streams with BFEs specified, but no floodway designated, or any 1-percent-annual-chance water surface elevation increase for proposed construction within a regulatory floodway. The technical data needed to support a CLOMR request generally involve detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and are very similar to the data needed for a LOMR request. In addition to the situations described above, property owners and developers who intend to place structures in the 1-percent-annualchance floodplain may need to demonstrate to the lending institutions and local officials before construction that proposed structures will be above the base flood elevation. If the project involves only the elevation 34

171 of structures on natural high ground, they can request a Conditional Letter of Map Amendment (CLOMA) from FEMA. If the elevation of structures on earthen fill is the sole component of the project (i.e., there is no associated channelization, culvert construction, etc., that would alter flood elevations) and there is no fill placed in the regulatory floodway, they can request from FEMA a CLOMR based on fill or a CLOMR-F. Requests for CLOMAs and CLOMRS should be made by the community and addressed to the Mitigation Division Director at the appropriate FEMA Regional Office. The addresses of all FEMA Regional Offices are provided in the back of this booklet. Until a LOMR is issued, this property remains in the floodplain and is subject to the community floodplain management ordinance and the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements. 88. Who should be contacted in FEMA to initiate a LOMA, LOMR, or Physical Map Revision (PMR)? Requests for conditional and final map revisions should be sent to the appropriate FEMA LOMA Depot. Any questions regarding LOMA/LOMR should be directed to one of FEMA s Flood Map Specialists. Contact information is provided in the FEMA LOMA Depots section at the back of this booklet. 89. How long does it take to obtain a LOMA, LOMR, or PMR? For single-building or single-lot determinations that do not involve changes to Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) or floodways, a LOMA or LOMR-F generally can be issued within 4 weeks. LOMAs and LOMRs involving multiple lots or multiple buildings require up to 8 weeks to process. Times are specified from the date of receipt of all technical, scientific, or legal documentation. LOMRs involving decreases in BFEs or floodways take approximately 90 days for processing. If changes in flooding conditions are extensive or if BFEs increase, a PMR will be required, which will take 12 months or longer. 35

172 90. If a LOMA, LOMR-F, or LOMR is issued by FEMA, will a lending institution automatically waive the flood insurance requirement? Although FEMA may issue a LOMA, it is the lending institution s prerogative to require flood insurance as a condition of its own beyond the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, before granting a loan or mortgage. Those seeking a LOMA should first confer with the affected lending institution to determine whether the institution will waive the requirement for flood insurance if a LOMA is issued. If it will, the policyholder may cancel flood insurance coverage and obtain a premium refund. If not, amending the NFIP map to remove the structure from the SFHA will generally lower the flood insurance premium. 91. If a LOMA, LOMR-F, or LOMR is granted and the lender waives the requirement for flood insurance, how can a flood insurance policy be canceled? To effect a cancellation of a flood insurance policy, the policyholder must supply a copy of the LOMA, LOMR-F, or LOMR and a waiver for the flood insurance purchase requirement from the lending institution to the insurance agent or broker who services the policy. A completed cancellation form with the LOMA, LOMR-F, or LOMR and the waiver must be submitted by the agent to the NFIP or the appropriate WYO company. When a LOMA, LOMR-F, or LOMR is issued and cancellation requested, the policyholder may be eligible for a refund of the premium paid for the current policy year only if no claim is pending and no claim has been paid during the current policy year. 92. Why is the burden of proof on the person requesting a map change? FEMA and its Federal and private-sector contractors exercise great care to ensure that analytical methods employed in FISs are scientifically and technically correct, the engineering practices followed meet professional standards, and the results of the FIS are accurate. In making amendments and revisions to NFIP maps and reports, FEMA must adhere to the same engineering standards applied in preparing the effective maps and reports. Therefore, when requesting changes to NFIP maps, community officials and property owners are required to submit adequate supporting data. FEMA would have no justification for changing a flood hazard determination without sufficient evidence that the change is appropriate. 36

173 93. Are fees assessed for map change requests submitted by community officials, developers, and property owners? To minimize the financial burden on the policyholders while maintaining the NFIP as self-sustaining, FEMA implemented procedures to recover costs associated with reviewing and processing requests for conditional and final map amendments and map revisions. The fee schedule for these requests is published in the Federal Register and applies to all types of requests except those that are specifically exempted in Section 72.5(c) of the NFIP Regulations. Community officials and other individuals who have questions regarding the required review and processing fees should contact the appropriate FEMA Regional Office as listed at the back of this booklet. 94. What is the purpose of the application/certification forms that are required for map change requests? FEMA implemented the use of forms for requesting revisions or amendments to NFIP maps to provide a step-by-step process for requesters to follow. The forms are comprehensive; therefore, requesters are reasonably assured of preparing a complete request that includes all the necessary support data without having to go through an iterative process of providing additional information in a piecemeal fashion. Experience has shown piecemeal submissions to be time-consuming and expensive. Also, because use of the forms assures the requesters submissions are complete and more logically structured, FEMA can complete its review in a shorter time frame. While completing the forms may appear to be burdensome, FEMA believes it is prudent to do so because of the advantages that result for the requester. 95. How can someone obtain copies of the technical data used in preparing the published NFIP maps? Technical supporting data may be obtained by contacting a FEMA Flood Map Specialist listed in the FEMA LOMA Depot section at the back of this booklet. The letter should give the name of the community for which the data are sought, provide specific information as to the portion of the community and type of data needed, and give the requester s name and telephone number. Before the request is serviced, a representative will call to discuss the request. If a charge is necessary for the service, the extent of the service and the costs will be discussed during the call. 37

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175 Repetitive Loss Properties Strategy 96. What is the Repetitive Loss Properties Strategy? The primary objective of the Repetitive Loss Properties Strategy is to eliminate or reduce the damage to property and the disruption of life caused by repeated flooding of the same properties. A specific target group of repetitive loss properties is identified and serviced separately from other NFIP policies by the Special Direct Facility (SDF). The target group includes every NFIP-insured property that, since 1978 and regardless of any change(s) of ownership during that period, has experienced: Four or more paid flood losses of more than $1,000 each; or Two paid flood losses within a 10-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed the current value of the insured property; or Three or more paid flood losses that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed the current value of the insured property. 97. How is the loss history determined? The loss history includes all flood claims paid on an insured property, regardless of any change(s) of ownership, since the building's construction or back to 1978 if the building was constructed before Target group policies are afforded coverage, whether new or renewal, only through the SDF. 98. How and when are affected property owners notified that their property is in the target group? At least 90 days before the policy renewal date, affected property owners and their flood insurance agents are sent notice by the Write Your Own (WYO) company stating that the policy is ineligible for renewal through the WYO Program and offering renewal in the SDF. A follow-up notice is sent by the SDF 45 days before the renewal date. 99. How should a policyholder respond after receiving such a renewal notice? The policyholder should renew the NFIP policy with the SDF, not with the present WYO company. 39

176 100. What procedures are available for property owners who believe that their property should not be included in the target group? Policyholders who believe that their property has not sustained the loss history indicated by the NFIP may appeal in writing to the SDF. All documentation to substantiate the appeal must be included. Until the appeal is settled, the policy will remain in the SDF. If the appeal is successful, the policy will be transferred back to the WYO company that previously serviced it. The policyholder will be notified of the results of the appeal What happens to a property in the target group? The appropriate FEMA Regional Office (see list in the back of this booklet) provides information about the property to state and local floodplain management officials. States or communities may sponsor projects to mitigate flood losses to these properties or may be able to provide technical assistance on mitigation options What happens if a property owner agrees to undertake appropriate mitigation measures? The property will be removed from the target group at the next renewal, and the policy then will be transferred from the SDF to the WYO company that previously serviced the policy What kinds of mitigation measures are appropriate? Depending on individual circumstances, appropriate mitigation measures commonly include elevating buildings above the level of the base flood, demolishing buildings, and removing buildings from the SFHA. Sometimes, mitigation takes the form of a local drainage-improvement project that meets NFIP standards. 40

177 Presidential Disaster Declarations and the NFIP 104. When a major flooding event occurs resulting in a Presidential disaster declaration, how does this affect the NFIP? Although a Presidential disaster declaration is not required for an NFIP policyholder to file a claim, it may provide additional options to the policyholder to mitigate or prevent future damages. The policyholder may gain valuable information from his or her local officials about mitigation opportunities which may become available as a result of the Presidential disaster declaration What are examples of mitigation opportunities that may become available following a Presidential disaster declaration? When major flooding disasters have affected a region, it is common for communities and individuals to consider relocation, acquisition or elevation of flood-damaged structures. Property owners who sustained extensive damages are often very interested in avoiding the recurrence of such an experience. The feasibility of such mitigation projects must be established on a case-by-case basis. It is important for a flood insurance policyholder to be aware to these possibilities and contact local officials to learn as much as possible Are there any specific programs available associated with a Presidential disaster declaration to assist with mitigation? Yes, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, authorized under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is FEMA s primary hazard mitigation program designed to assist States and communities in implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following a major disaster declaration. States manage this program and may set State-specific project criteria. Individuals with questions should contact their local officials for more information. Through the Small Business Administration, loans may be available to qualifying applicants to assist with the costs of mitigation. Due to the need to coordinate many activities following Presidential declarations, it is important for individual citizens to raise their questions and concerns about these post-disaster mitigation opportunities with their local community officials. 41

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179 NFIP Program Information General Information For general program information or inquiries about the laws, regulations, or administrative policies related to the NFIP, write: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Mitigation Division 500 C Street SW Washington DC For insurance questions, call local property insurance agents or brokers, or call the NFIP toll-free at General program information may also be obtained as follows: FEMA on the Web NFIP on the Web Specific Information and Resources To order Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Digital Q3 Map Data, Flood Insurance Study reports, the NFIP Community Status Book, the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual, or other resources, contact the FEMA Map Service Center (MSC) at the address below or one of the toll-free numbers below, or order online at Federal Emergency Management Agency Map Service Center PO Box 1038 Jessup MD Phone: Fax: For information pertaining to hazard identification mapping and floodplain management, contact the local community administrator or the State NFIP Coordinating Agency (see list beginning on page 55). 43

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181 FEMA LOMA Depot As a result of numerous public requests for Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) revisions and information about flood maps, FEMA has contracted with a professional engineering firm to provide these services to interested parties. Requests for conditional and final FIRM revisions should be sent to the "FEMA LOMA Depot" at the following address: Michael Baker, Inc. Suite Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria VA For questions about FIRMs, the LOMA or LOMR-F, flood mapping procedures, or the map revision process, call , toll free and ask for a FEMA Flood Map Specialist. 45

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183 FEMA Regional Offices REGION I (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) FEMA Region I Office 6th Floor 99 High Street Boston MA REGION II (New Jersey, New York) FEMA Region II Office Suite Federal Plaza New York NY REGION II CARIBBEAN (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) FEMA Region II Office Caribbean Division New San Juan Office Building 159 Calle Chardon, 6th Floor Hato Rey PR FEMA Region II Office Caribbean Division P.O. Box San Juan PR (Physical Address) (Mailing Address) REGION III (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) FEMA Region III Office 6th Floor 615 Chestnut Street Philadelphia PA

184 REGION IV (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) FEMA Region IV Office Suite Chamblee-Tucker Road Atlanta GA REGION V (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) FEMA Region V Office 536 South Clark Street, 6th Floor Chicago IL REGION VI (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) FEMA Region VI Office Federal Regional Center 800 North Loop 288 Denton T REGION VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) FEMA Region VII Office Suite Grand Boulevard Kansas City MO REGION VIII (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) FEMA Region VIII Office Building 710 Denver Federal Center PO Box Denver CO

185 REGION I (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada; Territory of American Somoa, Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau) FEMA Region I Office Suite Broadway Oakland, CA REGION (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) FEMA Region Office Federal Regional Center th Street SW Bothell WA For the latest updates to this listing, please visit 49

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187 NFIP Regional Offices REGION I (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) NFIP Region I Office 140 Wood Road, Suite 200 Braintree MA REGION II (New Jersey, New York) NFIP Region II Office 33 Wood Avenue S, Suite 600 Iselin NJ REGION III (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) NFIP Region III Office Building T, Suite E Marlton Pike Cherry Hill NJ REGION IV (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) NFIP Region IV Office Suite Dunwoody Village Parkway Dunwoody GA REGION IV TAMPA (Florida) NFIP Region IV Office, Tampa Division 8875 Hidden River Parkway, Suite 300 Tampa FL

188 REGION V (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) NFIP Region V Office 1111 E Warrenville Road, Suite 209 Naperville IL REGION VI (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas. Interim basis: Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) NFIP Region VI Office Park Ten Place, Suite 108 Houston T REGION VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) NFIP Region VII Office 601 N Mur-Len Road, Suite 13-B Olathe KS REGION VIII (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) NFIP Region VIII Office 1746 Cole Boulevard, Suite 225 Lakewood CO REGION I (Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada) NFIP Region I Office 1532 Eureka Road, Suite 103 Roseville CA

189 REGION (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) NFIP Region Office Northcreek Parkway, Suite 108 Bothell WA For the latest updates to this listing, please visit 53

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191 State NFIP Coordinating Agencies ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT ADECA/OWR/NFIP PO Box 5690 Montgomery AL Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development Suite West 7th Avenue Anchorage AK Arizona Department of Water Resources 500 North 3rd Street Phoenix AZ Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission Suite E Capitol Avenue Little Rock AR California Department of Water Resources Room th Street Sacramento CA Colorado Water Conservation Board Room Sherman Street Denver CO Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street Hartford CT Fax: Fax: x7197 Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax:

192 DELAWARE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Delaware Department of Natural Resources 89 Kings Hwy Dover DE District of Columbia Department of Health Room N Street NE Washington DC Fax: Fax: FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO Florida Comm. Affairs Emerg. Mgmt Shumard Oak Blvd Tallahassee FL Georgia Department of Natural Resources Suite Martin Luther King Drive Atlanta GA Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl St, Rm 221 Honolulu HI Idaho Department of Water Resources 1301 N Orchard Boise ID Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: ILLINOIS Illinois Department of Natural Resources 524 S 2nd Street Springfield IL Fax: INDIANA IOWA Indiana Division of Water 402 W Washington St, Room W264 Indianapolis IN Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street Des Moines IA Fax: Fax:

193 KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHU- SETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA Kansas Department of Agriculture 109 SW 9th St, 2nd Floor Topeka KS Kentucky Division of Water 14 Reilly Road Frankfort KY Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development PO Box Capitol Station Baton Rouge LA Maine State Planning Office 184 State Street 38 State House Station Augusta ME Maryland Department of Environment 2500 Broening Hwy Baltimore MD Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Flood Hazard Management Program Suite Causeway St Boston MA Michigan Department of Environmental Quality PO Box Lansing MI Minnesota Department of Natural Resource Waters 500 Lafayette Road St Paul MN Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax:

194 MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA Mississippi Emergency Management Agency PO Box 4501 Fondren Station Jackson MS Missouri Emergency Management Agency PO Box 116 Jefferson City MO Montana Floodplain Management Program 48 N Last Chance Gulch PO Box Helena MT Nebraska Department of Natural Resources 301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln NE Nevada Division of Water Resources 123 W Nye Lane, #242 Carson City NV Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire Office of State Planning 107 Pleasant Street Concord NH Fax: NEW JERSEY NEW MEICO New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection PO Box 419 Trenton NJ New Mexico Office of Emergency Management PO Box 1628 Santa Fe NM Fax: Fax:

195 NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON New York Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway Albany NY North Carolina Division of Emergency Management 4713 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC North Dakota State Water Commission 900 East Blvd Ave Bismarck ND Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Water 1939 Fountain Square Drive Columbus OH Oklahoma Water Resources Board 3800 N Classen Blvd Oklahoma City OK Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development Suite Capitol Street NE Salem OR Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: x250 Fax: PENNSYL- VANIA Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Affairs 313 Forum Building Harrisburg PA Fax: PUERTO RICO RHODE ISLAND Puerto Rico Planning Board Minillas Government Center PO Box Santurce PR Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency 645 New London Ave Cranston RI Fax: Fax:

196 SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Suite Devine Street Columbia SC Vacant Fax: TENNESSEE Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Tennessee Tower Bldg, 10th Floor 312 8th Ave Nashville TN Fax: TEAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGIN ISLANDS VIRGINIA Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission PO Box MC 160 Austin T Utah Emergency Management State Office Building, Room 1110 Salt Lake City UT Vermont Water Quality Division Building 10N 103 S Main Street Waterbury VT Virgin Islands Planning and Natural Resources Terminal Building, 2nd Floor Cyril E King Airport St Thomas VI Virginia Department of Conservation 203 Governor St, Suite 206 Richmond VA Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax:

197 WASHINGTON WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN WYOMING Washington Department of Ecology PO Box Olympia WA West Virginia Office of Emergency Services Cap Bldg 1, Room EB Kanawha Blvd Charleston WV Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S Webster Madison WI Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Herschler Bldg, 1st East 122 W 25th Street Cheyenne WY Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: For the latest updates to this listing, please visit the web site of the Association of State Floodplain Managers at 61

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199 Additional Reading The following publications on flood-related subjects are available at no charge from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Ordering information is provided at the end of this list. FEMA-15 Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction Provides general information about flooding and how to properly design and build in floodprone areas. FEMA-54 Elevated Residential Structures Covers proper design and construction methods for elevated homes. FEMA-55 Coastal Construction Manual Demonstrates design and construction techniques for construction in coastal high hazard areas. FEMA-85 Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas Contains information about how to properly site and install a manufactured home in a flood hazard area, with emphasis on design of elevated foundations. FEMA-100 A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management Updates a 1979 report which presents strategies fundamental to implementing a balanced approach to floodplain management. FEMA-102 Floodproofing Non-Residential Structures Describes a variety of floodproofing strategies for commercial and industrial structures. FEMA-114 Design Manual for Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Structures Presents floodproofing techniques that can be used for existing residential structures. FEMA-116 Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas: A Guidebook for Local Officials Designed to help local government improve floodplain management programs for high risk flood hazard areas. FEMA-186 Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines Presents an overview of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, which amends the Act of Explains the applicable statutes or regulations. 63

200 FEMA-213 Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings Provides guidance for determining whether a building has been substantially damaged. FEMA-259 Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings Provides engineering design and economic guidance to engineers, architects, and local code officials about what constitutes technically feasible and cost-effective retrofitting measures for floodprone residential structures. FEMA-265 Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas A guide for use by community officials, property owners, developers, surveyors, and engineers who may need to determine Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) in Special Flood Hazard Areas designated as approximate Zone A on Flood Insurance Rate Maps. FEMA-268 Protecting Floodplain Resources A guidebook for officials and citizens at the local level on protecting natural resources in floodplains. Offers suggestions for creating strategies for wisely managing floodplain natural resources. FEMA-301 Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage: Interim Guidance for State and Local Officials Provides information on the Increased Cost of Compliance coverage and how it relates to communities administration of floodplain management laws or ordinances following a flooding event. MitDiv-2 Answers to Questions About the NFIP (this booklet) Provides nontechnical answers to questions frequently asked about the National Flood Insurance Program by community officials, present and prospective policyholders, real estate agents, lenders, and others. MitDiv-12 Appeals, Revisions, and Amendment to Flood Insurance Maps: A Guide for Community Officials Details how to obtain revisions to FEMA flood risk maps. 64

201 To order most FEMA and Mitigation Division publications about the NFIP, write, phone, or fax the FEMA Distribution Center (see below). You can download the Public Awareness Materials Order Form on the web at FEMA Distribution Center 8241-A Sandy Court PO Box 2012 Jessup MD Phone: Fax: Please cite both the publication number and title when ordering. To obtain the CRS Coordinator s Manual, information pertaining to the Community Rating System (CRS), and software for completing the CRS application, please write, phone, or fax your request to: NFIP/CRS PO Box Indianapolis IN Phone: Fax: CRS information can also be found on the Web at 65

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