Flood Hazard Determination

CES provides comprehensive Flood Hazard Determination services for lending institutions and homeowners.  When a lender processes a loan for a residential structure, they may be required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit a Flood Hazard Determination to FEMA.  If it is determined that the structure is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, otherwise known as a flood zone or flood plain, then flood insurance may be required.  This process does not measure the elevation of the structure above the flood level, rather, it considers only the location of the structure relative to the flood zone as shown on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map.

Municipal Code Enforcement Officers, lending institutions and insurance companies may require the owner of a home within a flood zone to complete an Elevation Certificate.  An Elevation Certificate measures the height of the lowest floors of the structure, equipment servicing the structure and the existing grades adjacent to the structure relative to the published Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to determine if the structure is at risk of flood damage.

If a homebuyer wishes to dispute a positive Flood Hazard Determination in order to eliminate the flood insurance requirement, a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) Application can be submitted.  A LOMA Application is completed when the elevation of the property is higher than the BFE shown on the NFIP map.  FEMA reviews the application and, based on evidence provided, may issue a LOMA to remove the property from the flood zone.

Please contact us for more information regarding Flood Hazard Determinations, Elevation Certificates, or LOMAs.