Oakland, CA — North Los Angeles County (L.A. County) is updating its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for 2020. Flood risk changes over time due to new building and development, weather patterns, levee classifications, and more. New FIRMs provide up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local mitigation plans, and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance. When new FIRMs are issued, changes in flood risk may require the mandatory purchase of flood insurance.
Before the new FIRMs become effective, however, there is a 90-day appeal period, September 26, 2019 to December 24, 2019, when area residents and business owners can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are finalized.
L.A. County officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed FIRMs to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements, and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided. If residents have technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, they may be able to appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps during this period.
The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures.
For further details, visit: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/floodzone
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