11/14/2013 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Minutes

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What can I do if I believe my property is erroneously shown in a flood zone? FEMA uses the best data available when preparing the NFIP maps;however,we recognize that more detailed data may become available or conditions may change. Therefore,we have established procedures for amending and revising the maps. A brief description of each procedure follows. Letter of Map Amendment(LOMA) Because of limitations of scale or topographic definition of the source map used to prepare a community's NFIP map,a property may be shown within the SFHA on the NFIP map,but be on ground that is actually above the SFHA. If no fill has been placed to elevate the property above the BFE,the property owner may submit certain property location and elevation information and request a map amendment under the provisions of Part 70 of the NFIP regulations. If the property has been inadvertently located in the SFHA,FEMA can amend the NFIP map by issuing a LOMA,which officially removes the structure from the SFHA. NFIP regulations require that the elevation of the lowest ground touching the structure be equal to or higher than the BFE for a LOMA to be issued. There is no fee for a single-lot LOMA request;however,it will be necessary to hire a qualified licensed surveyor to obtain the necessary property and/or structure elevation data Although FEMA may issue a LOMA,it is still the lender's prerogative to require flood insurance as a condition of receiving financial assistance. The attached MT-EZ form(FEMA Form 81-92)further explains the process and what documents must accompany the request. The MT-I form (FEMA Form 8147)is used for multiple lots. Letter of Map Revision based on Fill(LOMR-F) If a property has been elevated by the placement of fill,a property owner may submit data to support a revision to the SFHA boundaries under the provisions of part 65 of the NFIP regulations. Such a revision is called a LOMR-F. For a LOMR-F to be issued,NFIP regulations require that the lowest floor(including basement)mid the lowest ground touching the structure are at or above the BFE. There is a fee of$400 for a single lot LOMR-F request. In addition,it will be necessary to hire a qualified licensed surveyor. Although FEMA may issue a LOMR-F,it is still the lender's prerogative to require flood insurance as a condition of receiving financial assistance. The attached MT-EZ form(FEMA form 81-92)further explains the process and what documents must accompany the request. The MTV form (FEMA Form 81-87)is used for multiple lots. Conditional LOMA or LOMR-F Federal flood insurance requirements apply to structures,not to properties;however,if a structure is proposed,a property owner may submit data for a conditional LOMA or LOMR-F. The technical requirements are the same as for a LOMA or LOMR-F for an existing structure;however,the review is based on proposed conditions. FEMA charges a fee to defray the costs associated with the evaluation of proposed projects. The response to a request for a conditional LOMA or LOMRF merely comments on whether the proposed structure will be in or out of the SFHA if it is built according to the plans submitted. Upon completion of the structure,the property owner must still apply for a LOMA or LOMR-F to have the Federal flood insurance requirement removed. Although there is no requirement to obtain a conditional LOMA or LOMRF,it allows a property owner to know if the federal requirement for flood insurance will be waived if the project is completed as proposed. The MT-1 form(FEMA form 81-87)further explains the process and what document must accompany the request. How do I order the forms I need? The above-mentioned forms may be ordered by calling the FEMA Map Service Center at(800)358-9616.Additional MT-EZ forms can be received by facsimile by calling(202)646-FEMA and ordering document number 20016. Additional information about FEMA and the NFIP can be found through FEMA's home page on the Internet at:http://www.fema.gov