Change a Flood Zone Designation - Online Letter of Map Change

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Request a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Through New Online Application

Get Started in the Online LOMC Application
Already know what the Online LOMC is?  Access the Online LOMC application.

The following information describes FEMA's new web application, which allows anyone to submit a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) request online.  If you do not wish to submit your request online,  you may submit through FEMA's other processes: eLOMA or through the MT-EZ or MT-1 Paper Form submitted through the mail.  Go to the Letter of Map Amendment page to learn more.

How to Request a Change to Your Flood Zone Designation


If you believe your property was incorrectly included in a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) identified Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), you may submit an application to FEMA for a formal determination of the property's location and/or elevation relative to the SFHA. The SFHA is the area that has a 1-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year; this area is also referred to by some as the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain, base floodplain, or the 100-year floodplain. After FEMA reviews the map change request, it will issue a Determination Document, either approving or denying the map change. If FEMA grants the map amendment or revision request, the property owner may no longer be required to pay flood insurance. The property owner may send the Determination Document to their lender and request that the Federal flood insurance requirement for the structure be removed.

What is the Online Letter of Map Change (LOMC) Application?


The Online LOMC is an internet-based tool that allows applicants to easily request a LOMA. It is a convenient way for applicants to upload all information and supporting documentation and check the status of their application online. Users can submit LOMA requests through this tool instead of filing the MT-EZ paper form via US mail.   

A LOMA is a letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land will not be inundated by the base flood. LOMA-eligible requests must be concerning properties on naturally high ground, which have not been elevated by fill. 

Coming soon! The Online LOMC will soon be able to process all types of LOMC requests. Once all functionality is phased into the tool, the Online LOMC will be an alternative to the paper MT-1 and MT-2 forms in addition to the MT-EZ.

What is the Difference Between eLOMA and Online-LOMC?

The eLOMA is a web-based application within the Mapping Information Platform (MIP) that provides licensed land surveyors and professional engineers (Licensed Professionals) with a system to submit simple LOMA requests to FEMA. This tool is designed to make a determination based on the information submitted by the Licensed Professional and allow them to generate a determination from FEMA in minutes. The initial release of eLOMA will enable Licensed Professionals to make requests for existing single residential structures or properties, provided no fill has been placed to raise the elevations of the structure or property. Approximately half of the LOMAs processed annually (about 10,000 cases) meet the requirements of eLOMA.  For more information on the eLOMA, visit the eLOMA website.

The Online LOMC tool is available to any applicant who would like to submit a LOMA request directly to FEMA, and does not require a surveyor or engineer to submit. All LOMA requests may be processed through the Online LOMC. A determination resulting from information submitted via Online LOMC is not received until after FEMA reviews the supporting documentation.  This process may take up to 60 days.

Benefits of the Online LOMC Application

Applicants will receive immediate benefits when applying through the online application versus applying by mail.  The immediate benefits applicants will receive include the following:

  • Ability to save information and complete the application at the applicant's convenience
  • Immediate generation of a case number once the completed online application is submitted
  • Real-time updates on the application status as well as an inventory of all in-progress and previous  applications submitted online
  • Frequent applicants can manage multiple LOMC requests online
  • Clear and intuitive interface 
  • More efficient communications with LOMC processing staff

Who Can Submit an Online LOMC Application?

Property owners or designated authorized persons (agents, surveyors, engineers, etc.) can submit flood map change requests to FEMA.

Required Documents Needed to Complete the Online LOMC Application

The Online LOMC application requires specific information regarding the property (parcels) of land or structure(s), including the location, legal description, and use of fill. In accordance with NFIP regulations, FEMA uses the information required in the Online LOMC application process to make a determination on whether a property is located within a designated SFHA.

In order to complete the LOMA request and receive a case number and a final determination from FEMA, the designated additional documentation is required. In certain instances, additional data may be required. A FEMA representative will notify the applicant of any additional requirements needed to complete the request.

Additional documents required when requesting a LOMA:

  • Elevation Form or Existing Elevation Certificate* - This document is located within the Online LOMC application
  • FIRM Panel or FIRMette - This documented is located within the MSC Store
  • Subdivision Plat Map or Property Deed with Tax Assessor's Map or Other Suitable Map - This document is located with the County/Parish Clerk, Recorder, or Registrar of Deeds for the Community
  • Community Acknowledgement Form - This document is located within the Online LOMC application
  • ESA Compliance Documentation** - This document can be found by contacting the National Marine Fishery Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Wildlife Agency Office, or Independent Biologist

* NOTE: If the request is to make a determination on the structure and an NFIP Elevation Certificate has already been completed for this property, it may be submitted in lieu of the Elevation Form. Check with your community to see if an Elevation Certificate is already on file for your property or structure. 

**NOTE:  The purpose of the ESA is to conserve threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.  Go to the Compliance with the Endangered Species Act for Letters of Map Change to receive more guidance on how to obtain this documentation.

Start the Online LOMC Application

Getting started is easy and simple.  Login in to the Online LOMC application today and start the process today!

Valuable Online LOMC Resources:

To receive updates about the Online LOMC sign up for the Flood Hazard Mapping mailing list.

For questions about the Online LOMC, contact a FEMA Map Specialist by calling the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or e-mailing FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Last Updated: 
01/22/2013 - 17:33
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