Local Government Affairs News
New Flood Hazard Maps: What Property Owners Should Know
Flood risks vary from property to property, even in the same neighborhood. And risks can change over time due to erosion, land use and other factors. York and Adams Counties have now completed a major effort to develop detailed, digital flood hazard maps that reflect current flood risks and areas of recent growth. The new maps replace maps that are up to 20 years old. Planners, local officials, engineers and builders can use the maps to make important determinations about where and how to build new structures and developments. Residents and businesses can use the maps to learn their risk, and decide the financial steps they need to take to protect against damage and loss.
Flood Maps and Flood Insurance
With the release of the new maps, some property owners will learn that their risk is higher, or lower than they thought. If you receive a letter from local officials announcing a change in your flood risk status, the change may affect what you pay for flood insurance. Flood insurance is a federally underwritten program that can help you repair or replace your structure and belongings after a flood.
The federal government requires mortgage holders in high-risk areas (known as Special Flood Hazard Areas) to carry flood insurance. However, if you are mapped into a high-risk area, and already have flood insurance when the maps are officially adopted, your premium will stay at the current lower risk level (not premium amount) when your policy renews.
Questions about maps? Visit www.msc.fema.gov to view and find information on how to use the maps. You can pull up the map that shows your property by entering your address. For general information, call FEMA Map Assistance Center at 1-877-336-2627.
Questions about flood insurance? Visit www.FloodSmart.gov , or speak with your insurance agent.
From Release to Final Adoption
The new flood maps were effective in Adams County on February 18, 2009. York County maps are scheduled to be effective on September 25, 2009.
When a map is effective, new insurance requirements take effect. The map adoption process includes a round of local meetings, and a review of citizen concerns. Some property owners may feel that even though part of the property is in a high-risk area, the house or commercial structure itself sits high enough to warrant a lower flood insurance rate. Owners who wish to challenge the new designation will need to prove that the structure is sufficiently above the base flood elevation. For more details on the appeals and protest process visit http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/st_main.shtm