Regulations and Guidance

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), creating the framework for state, local, tribal and territorial governments to engage in hazard mitigation planning to receive certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance.  Requirements and procedures to implement hazard mitigation planning provisions may be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Stafford Act Title 44, Chapter 1, Part 201 (44 CFR Part 201).

Since the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 amended the Stafford Act, additional laws have been passed that help to shape hazard mitigation policy.  These revisions are included in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act (SRIA) of 2013, the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016. 

The following grant programs have an approved and adopted hazard mitigation plan eligibility requirement:

Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Program (HHPD)

• Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Guidance and Resources 
  • FEMA Policy 104-008-7
• High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Awards
  • FY 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity
  • FY 2021 Notice of Funding Opportunity
  • FY 2020 Notice of Funding Opportunity
  • FY 2019 Notice of Funding Opportunity

The following mitigation planning guidance documents constitute FEMA’s official policy on and interpretation of the hazard mitigation planning requirements.

• In effect until April 18, 2023 for all plan approvals: State Mitigation Plan Review Guide (FP 302-094-2, March 6, 2015) and State Mitigation Plan Review Guide Policy
• Effective April 19, 2023 for all plan approvals: State Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (FP 302-094-2, April 19, 2022)

• In effect until April 18, 2023 for all plan approvals: Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide (October 1, 2011; will sunset on April 18, 2023) / Guía de Revisión del Plan Local de Mitigación (Octubre 2011)
• Effective April 19, 2023 for all plan approvals: Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (FP-206-21-0002, April 19, 2022)

• Tribal Mitigation Plan Review Guide (December 2017)

Additional Mitigation Planning Policies

• Restrictions on Grant Obligations to State, Tribal and Local Governments without a FEMA-Approved Mitigation Plan (FP 306-112-1, August 18, 2013)

To view prior hazard mitigation planning policy documents that have been superseded, visit the Hazard Mitigation Planning Policy Archive.

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. §§ 3501-3521) sets forth procedural requirements for agencies collecting information from the public, including approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  Mitigation planning is covered by OMB Collection Number 1660-0062 “State/Local/Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans Under Section 322 of the Disaster Mitigation Action of 2000” with an expiration date of May 31, 2022.  More information on OMB Collection Number 1660-0062 is available from www.reginfo.gov.