Question:

When should I request a conditional map revision?


Answer:

FEMA's review and comment on a project that is proposed within the Special Flood Hazard Area is referred to as a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR). A CLOMR comments on whether the proposed project meets the minimum floodplain management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and, if so, what revisions will be made to the community's NFIP map if the project is completed as proposed.

There are only two situations where NFIP regulations require a CLOMR to be obtained from FEMA before a project can be built. The first is for a project on a stream or river that has been studied through detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and for which base flood elevations have been specified, but a floodway has not been designated. If the community proposes to allow development that would result in more than a 1.0 foot increase in the base flood elevation, a CLOMR must first be obtained.

The second situation requiring a CLOMR is for a project on a stream or river for which detailed analyses have been conducted and base flood elevations and a floodway have been designated. If the community proposes to allow development totally or partially within the floodway that would result in any (greater than 0.0 foot) increase in the base flood elevation, a CLOMR must be obtained.

Although the two situations described above are the only requirements to obtain a CLOMR prior to permitting development, FEMA will review and comment and, if appropriate, issue a CLOMR for any proposed project when requested by a participating community. All requests for CLOMRs must be supported by detailed flood hazard analyses prepared by a qualified professional engineer. The specific data and documentation requirements are contained in Part 65 of the NFIP regulations and in FEMA's application/certification forms (MT-2). To defray costs to NFIP policyholders, FEMA charges fees to recover review costs. Specific information on the fee schedule and exemption requirements are contained in the MT-2 forms.


Last Updated: 2007-01-08 11:58:12.0

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