This page summarizes FEMA’s hazard mitigation plan requirement, a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. The intended audience is state, tribal, and local officials interested in hazard mitigation planning and applying for FEMA grants.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Requirement
FEMA requires state, tribal, and local governments to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. Jurisdictions must update their hazard mitigation plans and re-submit them for FEMA approval every five years to maintain eligibility. Through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and Flood Mitigation Assistance), FEMA offers planning grants that support state, tribal, and local governments in developing and updating mitigation plans. The table below summarizes how FEMA’s mitigation plan requirement applies to states and Federally-recognized tribal governments applying directly to FEMA for assistance as applicants, and to local or tribal governments (Federally-recognized or non-Federally-recognized) applying for FEMA assistance through a state as subapplicants.
Mitigation Plan Requirement for State, Tribal, and Local Governments Applying for Certain FEMA Grants | |||
Enabling Legislation | FEMA Assistance Program | Is a Mitigation Plan Required? | |
State / Tribal Applicant | Tribal / Local Subapplicant | ||
Stafford Act | No | No | |
Public Assistance (PA) Categories A and B (e.g., debris removal, emergency protective measures) | No | No | |
Public Assistance (PA) Categories C through G (e.g., repairs to damaged infrastructure, publically owned buildings) | Yes | No | |
Yes | No | ||
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) planning grant | Yes+ | No | |
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project grant | Yes+ | Yes++ | |
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) planning grant | No | No | |
Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) project grant | Yes* | Yes** | |
National Flood Insurance Act | Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) planning grant | Yes* | No |
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) project grant | Yes* | Yes** | |
Notes | + At the time of the Presidential major disaster declaration and at the time of obligation of HMGP grant funds. ++ At the time of obligation of HMGP grant funds for mitigation projects. * By the application deadline and at the time of obligation of the PDM or FMA award. ** By the application deadline and at the time of obligation of PDM or FMA grant funds for mitigation projects. | ||
Additional Information
Please visit the Hazard Mitigation Assistance, Public Assistance Grant Program, or Fire Management Assistance Grant Program pages for more information on these programs’ specific mitigation plan requirements, as well as funding available for mitigation plan development and mitigation projects.