How Can I remove my property from the flood plain designation?

Property owners may seek lower flood hazard insurance rates and additional construction privileges by seeking to demonstrate their property elevation is higher than the regulated flood elevation level indicated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

The Community Development and Zoning Office can facilitate the process for one to apply to have their property removed from the 1% Annual Chance Flood Event Hazard Classification (commonly known as the 100-year flood hazard area and designated as "ZONE AE" or "ZONE A" on a Flood Insurance Rate Map).  The process involves the property owner, at their own cost, lining up a State-licensed surveyor of their choice to complete an "elevation certificate".  Once completed, this certificate can be filed by the hired surveyor to FEMA for review.  If approved, FEMA may issue what is called a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).  This process is to allow for construction considerations without adding fill material or elevating the structure.  For those property owners adding fill material in the Floodway Designation area, or the areas commonly along the riverfront or local streams found on the FIRM, one would use  surveyor and/or engineering company at their expense to complete what is known as a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), or a Letter of Map Revision Based On Fill (LOMR-F).  In both situations, the City will recognize a completed letter from FEMA and may consider for review all applicable building permit applications in the regulated flood plain areas.

For additional questions on all of the above information, one may contact FEMA at 1.877.336.2627 (1-877-FEMA MAP).  This number may also be utilized to help answer common questions such as:

  • How long does it take to get the map revised?
  • I was just told by my lender that my house is in a flood plain and I need flood insurance, what are my options?
  • Was a LOMA ever issued for my property?
  • Has the National Flood Insurance Program Flood Hazard map for my community been revised? 

Some additional web sites that may be useful include:

One may also contact the Community Development and Zoning Office with additional questions or for updates on current flood-related projects or questions as it pertains to Waverly.