CBRS Communities & Panel Numbers File Preface

(To explain the purpose of the data)

The Coastal Barrier Resource System(CBRS) laws define the CBRS based on a series of maps drawn by the Department of the Interior (DOI) that depict the specific boundaries of the individual units. The boundaries are not restricted to following roadways, property or political lines; they are based on geographic factors. The DOI source maps are available to the public although they may lack street names and corporate boundaries that flood insurance providers may need to determine whether buildings are located in a CBRS area. In most cases the names given to the geographical areas depicted as being within the CBRS do not correspond to those of participating NFIP Communities.  

FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM's) are published reflecting the CBRS boundaries so that agents and underwriters are able to determine eligibility for flood insurance coverage. 

When submitting a new flood insurance policy application or request for quote, agents can consult the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual's listing of communities that have identified OPA or CBRS areas. If the building is located in a community that is on the list, the agent can then consult the following CBRS NFIP Community list that also has the Panel Numbers. This information is also available through the CBRS NFIP Community ID and Panel Number hard copy list that has been sent to all Flood Insurance Manual Subscribers.

The CBRS NFIP Community ID and Panel Number list can be used in underwriting to alert the agent and/or company that further review is necessary to ensure eligibility for flood insurance coverage. When a policy is being written for a building that is located in a community that has an OPA or CBRS areas, the agent or underwriter can consult the CBRS NFIP Community ID and Panel Number list and; 

  • If the building is located on a FIRM panel that has CBRS areas, and the building has a date of construction later than the CBRS designation date, and/or has been substantially improved after that date, it will be necessary to locate the building on the appropriate FIRM panel, to determine the location in relation to the CBRS boundary.

OR

  • An agent may elect to check eligibility based upon the location first. If it is found that the building's location as shown on the FIRM reveals that it is clearly not in the CBRS, then the date of construction or substantial improvement in relation to the CBRS designation date is not necessary.

Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Apr-2006 13:11:29 EDT