FEMA Technical Bulletins provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the NFIP, which are contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3. The bulletins are intended for use primarily by State and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing NFIP regulations and by members of the development community, such as design professionals and builders.
The bulletins do not create regulations, rather they provide specific guidance for complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations. Users of the Technical Bulletins who need additional guidance concerning NFIP regulatory requirements should contact the appropriate FEMA Regional Office.
FEMA is always updating its Technical Bulletins. Keep informed by subscribing to the Building Science Branch's GovDelivery Email Updates!
Technical Bulletin Update Overview (March 2019)
The Bulletins are changing to modernize and streamline their content and presentation, incorporate relevant information from the latest I-Codes and ASCE Standards, provide updated guidance and best practices observed from post-disaster assessments and address known issues identified by a wide range of stakeholders. These changes intended to improve the TBs’ usability, credibility, and content while presenting them in a streamlined format.
Access the Updates to NFIP Technical Bulletins www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/166093
TB 0, User's Guide to NFIP Technical Bulletins (2009)
This User's Guide is intended to assist those using the Technical Bulletins issued by the FEMA Mitigation Directorate. This Guide contains a Key Word/Subject Index that identifies topics contained in the Technical Bulletins regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Reference sources and information about ordering additional NFIP publications are also provided.
Access Bulletin 0 at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/1169
TB 1, Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures (2008)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the requirement for openings in below-Base Flood Elevation foundation walls and walls of enclosures for buildings located in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH.
Access Bulletin 1 at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2644
TB 2, Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements (2008)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the required use of flood-damage resistant construction materials for building components located below the Base Flood Elevation in Special Flood Hazard Areas (both A and V zones).
Access Bulletin 2 at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2655
TB 3, Non-Residential Floodproofing - Requirements and Certification (1993)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning watertight construction and the required certification for floodproofed non-residential buildings in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH whose lowest floors are below the Base Flood Elevation.
Access Bulletin 3 at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3473
TB 4, Elevator Installation (2010)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the installation of elevators below the Base Flood Elevation in Special Flood Hazard Areas (both A and V zones).
Access Bulletin 4 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3478
TB 5, Free-of-Obstruction Requirements (2008)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning obstructions to flood waters below elevated buildings and on building sites in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zones V, VE, and V1-V30).
Access Bulletin 5 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3490
TB 6, Below-Grade Parking Requirements (1993)
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide technical guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) floodplain management requirements for below-grade parking garages for nonresidential buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAS) shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
Access Bulletin 6 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3498
TB 7, Wet Floodproofing Requirements (1993)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning wet floodproofing of certain types of structures located in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH.
Access Bulletin 7 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3503
TB 8, Corrosion Protection of Metal Connectors in Coastal Areas (1996)
Provides guidance on the need for, selection of, and use of corrosion-resistant metal connectors for the construction of buildings in coastal areas.
Access Bulletin 8 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3509
TB 9, Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Coastal Buildings (2008)
Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the design and construction of breakaway walls beneath elevated buildings in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zones V, VE, and VI-V30).
Access Bulletin 9 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3514
TB 10, Ensuring that Structures Built on Fill In or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas are Reasonably Safe From Flooding (2001)
This technical bulletin discusses building techniques, including the use of fill, that can be used to ensure structures are reasonably safe from flooding.
Access Bulletin 10 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3522
TB 11, Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (2001)
Provides interim guidance on minimum NFIP requirements as well as best practices for crawlspace construction in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Access Bulletin 11 at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3527