FEMA Proposes New Flood Zones: Comment Deadline May 27
Published Date: 2/24/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and base flood levels. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance and local rules. You have until May 27, 2025, to review and comment on these updates before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Flood-map changes could affect your insurance
FEMA proposes changes to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that may add or change Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways. If you live in an affected community, these map changes might affect your flood insurance requirements and local floodplain rules.
Communities must meet NFIP floodplain rules
The Preliminary FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of floodplain management measures that a community must adopt or show it already has in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) under 44 CFR 60.3.
Specific Michigan jurisdictions are listed
The notice lists affected communities in Berrien County, Michigan (Project 23-05-0011S; Preliminary Date: 2024-08-30) and Cass County, Michigan (Project 23-05-0013S; Preliminary Date: 2024-03-27). If you own property or live in any jurisdiction named in the tables, the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report for your community are the ones under review.
You can review maps and must comment by May 27, 2025
Preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports are available for inspection online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and at the listed Community Map Repository addresses; current effective maps are at https://msc.fema.gov. Comments on the proposed determinations must be submitted on or before May 27, 2025 (Docket No. FEMA-B-2502).
Appeals and expert review (SRP) are available
Communities may request reconsideration (an appeal) if they satisfy the data requirements of 44 CFR 67.6(b). If appeals cannot be resolved after at least 60 days of collaborative consultation, communities may use a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) to review conflicting technical data and provide recommendations.
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