What is the process and how long will it take?

Phase 1 – Identifying the Flood Risks

Region 6 flood map studies begin with an initial meeting between Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives, FEMA's mapping contractors, and local community officials. During this first phase of the project, FEMA and the mapping contractors work hand in hand with state and community officials to prioritize those areas to be studied. It's important that the community provides the mapping contractors with as much technical data available to assist in the development of new maps.

Note: Depending on the scope of the mapping process, this phase can take from one to two years.

State Resources are available to help guide you through this process through your state's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) coordinator and floodplain manager's associations:

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Phase 2 – Developing Maps and Community Review

Once the mapping study is complete, detailed paper and Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) will be presented to the community in a formalized meeting called the Consultation Coordination Officer (CCO) meeting. These draft maps (called preliminary maps) are available at that time for the officials and residents of the communities to review. In addition, officials have the option of scheduling a public meeting allowing the same information to be presented to community members.

During the mapping process, if changes have been made to the communities' Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), a mandatory 90-day appeal period will be established, in which officials and residents can review and submit appeals or protests to FEMA through their local floodplain administrators. If there are no BFE changes, a 30-day comment period is set.

Once any appeals and protests have been received by FEMA and any changes incorporated into the maps, an effective date will be set and the community notified of that date.

Note: Depending on the number of appeals and other considerations, the process may take a year or more from the date of the CCO meeting until the maps are become effective.

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Phase 3 – Adopting the Maps

If the maps contain changes to the floodplain, communities need to adopt the NFIP's minimum standard ordinances before the date the maps become effective. The community is notified six months ahead of the map effective date, providing time for the ordinance adoption.

To obtain copies of the recommended model ordinances for your state, contact your NFIP coordinator or floodplain manager's associations.

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Last Modified: Thursday, 10-Apr-2008 14:31:04 EDT