Frequently Asked Questions

Flood Revision

  1. Who can prepare an Elevation Certificate?
  2. What is earthen fill and how does it affect the floodplain?
  3. Why wasn't my Letter of Map Change incorporated into the panel revision?
  4. When should I request a conditional map revision?
  5. When should I request a map revision to the Flood Insurance Rate Map?
  6. I think our maps need to be updated. Who should I contact to learn more about updating our set of maps?
  7. Where should I send my map revision request?
  8. Do I need to submit a fee with my map revision request?
  9. How long does it take to get a map revision?
  10. How can I expedite my request?
  11. Why did I receive a Letter of Map Revision and not a Physical Map Revision?
  1. Who can prepare an Elevation Certificate?

    Elevation Certificates must be prepared and certified by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is authorized by commonwealth, state, or local law to certify elevation information. Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information may also sign the certificate. Elevations must be certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor if the elevation certificate is intended to support an application for a Letter of Map Amendment or a Letter of Map Revision - based on Fill.

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  2. What is earthen fill and how does it affect the floodplain?

    For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), fill refers to soil that is used to raise the level of the ground. Depending on where the soil is placed, fill may change the flow of water or increase flood elevations. Fill may be used to elevate a building to meet the NFIP requirements. Sometimes fill is combined with other methods of elevation such as pilings or foundation walls. Placement of fill in the Special Flood Hazard Area requires a local permit from the community. If fill has been added and removes a structure or property from a floodplain, you may file for a Letter of Map Revision - based on Fill to consider the elevations.

    See Conditional Letter of Map Revision-based on Fill (CLOMR-F).

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  3. Why wasn't my Letter of Map Change incorporated into the panel revision?

    When a new National Flood Insurance Program map becomes effective it supersedes all Letters of Map Change (LOMCs) that have been issued for the affected map panel. When the changes reflected in the LOMC can be shown on the new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), they are incorporated; however, some LOMC changes cannot be shown on the new FIRM because the change is too small to see on the map.

    FEMA is in the process of developing procedures to automatically revalidate the LOMCs that were not incorporated.

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  4. When should I request a conditional map revision?

    FEMA's review and comment on a project that is proposed within the Special Flood Hazard Area is referred to as a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR). A CLOMR comments on whether the proposed project meets the minimum floodplain management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and, if so, what revisions will be made to the community's NFIP map if the project is completed as proposed.

    There are only two situations where NFIP regulations require a CLOMR to be obtained from FEMA before a project can be built. The first is for a project on a stream or river that has been studied through detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and for which base flood elevations have been specified, but a floodway has not been designated. If the community proposes to allow development that would result in more than a 1.0 foot increase in the base flood elevation, a CLOMR must first be obtained.

    The second situation requiring a CLOMR is for a project on a stream or river for which detailed analyses have been conducted and base flood elevations and a floodway have been designated. If the community proposes to allow development totally or partially within the floodway that would result in any (greater than 0.0 foot) increase in the base flood elevation, a CLOMR must be obtained.

    Although the two situations described above are the only requirements to obtain a CLOMR prior to permitting development, FEMA will review and comment and, if appropriate, issue a CLOMR for any proposed project when requested by a participating community. All requests for CLOMRs must be supported by detailed flood hazard analyses prepared by a qualified professional engineer. The specific data and documentation requirements are contained in Part 65 of the NFIP regulations and in FEMA's application/certification forms (MT-2). To defray costs to NFIP policyholders, FEMA charges fees to recover review costs. Specific information on the fee schedule and exemption requirements are contained in the MT-2 forms.

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  5. When should I request a map revision to the Flood Insurance Rate Map?

    If physical changes to the floodplain have changed the flood hazard information shown on the effective National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map, a revision should be requested. The request should be accompanied by the appropriate portions of the MT-2 application/certification forms package, entitled "Revisions to National Flood Insurance Program Maps" (FEMA Form 81-89 Series), and the required supporting information.

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  6. I think our maps need to be updated. Who should I contact to learn more about updating our set of maps?

    Maintaining the most current information on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps is a challenge as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) currently has over 19,000 participating communities. One of the best ways to facilitate new mapping for your community is to consider becoming a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) with FEMA.

    The CTP initiative is an innovative program to create partnerships between FEMA and participating NFIP communities, regional agencies, and State agencies that have the interest and capability to become more active participants in the FEMA Flood Hazard Mapping Program.

    FEMA is seeking qualified partners to collaborate in maintaining up-to-date flood maps and other flood hazard information. For more information about this initiative, please visit www.fema.gov/fhm/ctp_main.shtm for news and contact information.

    Even if your community cannot participate in the CTP program, you may still contact the FEMA Regional Office to discuss the possibility of updating your maps. Please contact the appropriate regional office to discuss having your mapping needs assessed. Contact information for the Regional Offices can be found at www.fema.gov/about/structure.

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  7. Where should I send my map revision request?

    Revision requests should be sent to the appropriate FEMA Regional Office.

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  8. Do I need to submit a fee with my map revision request?

    There is no fee for the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). If fill has been used to raise the elevation of the structure or property, you would apply for a Letter of Map Revision - based on Fill (LOMR-F). There is a fee to apply for a LOMR-F. There would also be a fee if your project were merely proposed; in that situation, you would apply for a Conditional Letter of Map Amendment (CLOMA) or Conditional Letter of Map Revision-based on Fill (CLOMR-F).

    In addition, when submitting technical data to revise conditions shown on our established flood maps, a fee is frequently required. FEMA has established a standard fee schedule for map revisions. The fee schedule is published periodically in the Federal Register and appears in the application/certification forms package.

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  9. How long does it take to get a map revision?

    FEMA typically responds in less than 30 days, and must respond to a revision request within 90 days of receipt of the application/certification forms and the supporting information. The response may be a determination, a request for additional information, or a statement that additional time will be required to complete the processing of the request.

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  10. How can I expedite my request?

    Because FEMA receives many requests, they are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The best way to get a timely response is to make sure the forms and supporting information are complete.

    Please also visit www.fema.gov/fhm/hm_help.shtm for tips on how to streamline your process when filing for a revision or amendment with FEMA.

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  11. Why did I receive a Letter of Map Revision and not a Physical Map Revision?

    A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) is a much quicker revision than a Physical Map Revision (PMR). PMRs can take up to two years to become effective. In addition, a LOMR is a more cost effective means for FEMA to revise a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Due to budget constraints, FEMA uses the LOMR process as much as possible.

    You should keep a copy of the LOMR with your valuable papers. It will be important to have when you are ready to sell your property.

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Last Modified: Friday, 12-Oct-2007 12:07:15 EDT

Fast Facts

Additional FAQ Topics

Digital Flood Data and Mapping
General Information
Flood Insurance
Flood Map Policy and Program
Flood Map Process
Flood Revision
Flood Study Data
Frequently Used Terms
Q3 Flood Data

Need additional help?

FEMA Map Assistance Center
Call 1-877-FEMA-MAP
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