Coastal High Hazard Area

The purpose of this page is to define a coastal high hazard area, a commonly used term in floodplain management. To explore other common floodplain management terms access the NFIP Policy Index.

Definition/Description

An area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from storms or seismic sources. The coastal high hazard area is identified as Zone V on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Special floodplain management requirements apply in V Zones including the requirement that all buildings be elevated on piles or columns.

NFIP Requirement

• 59.1 - Definition
• 60.3 (e) - Requirements in V Zones

Guidance

• IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (page 3-25)
• Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA 55) (Section 6.4.3.3)

Related Keywords

• Breakaway Wall
• Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS)
• Foundation
• Mangrove Stand
• Obstructions
• Sand Dunes
• Setback
• V-Zone Certificate
• Zone V
• Zone VE and V1-30

Special Topic Resources

• Building Design and Construction  
  • Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA 55), Vol. 2
  • Free-Of-Obstruction Requirements (Technical Bulletin 5) (2008)
  • Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Coastal Buildings (Technical Bulletin 9) (2008)
• Building Location
  • Managing Floodplain Development (IS-9) p. 5-47