FEMA Proposes Flood Map Tweaks Open for Public Feedback
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and water levels used for insurance and safety rules. If you live or work in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until July 16, 2025, to share your thoughts before the updates become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Proposed map changes could alter flood rules
FEMA proposes additions or changes to Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and regulatory floodways on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports. You who live or work in the affected areas may see changes to what flood zone your property is in and to building rules tied to those maps.
Communities must adopt rules to stay in NFIP
The Preliminary FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of floodplain management measures that a community is required to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Deadline to comment or appeal maps
You have until July 16, 2025 to submit comments on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS reports (Docket No. FEMA-B-2515). Preliminary maps are available online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and current maps at https://msc.fema.gov, and comments may be mailed to Rick Sacbibit at FEMA in Washington, DC.
Specific communities listed for updates
The notice lists affected watersheds/communities, including Fairfax County, Virginia and the Town of Herndon, with Project 14-03-3327S and Preliminary Dates of April 30, 2021 and August 30, 2024. Community map repository addresses for inspection are provided for those areas.
Scientific Resolution Panel available for appeals
If FEMA and a local community cannot resolve an appeal after at least 60 days of collaborative consultation, the community may request use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) — an independent panel of experts in hydrology and hydraulics — to review conflicting technical data and provide recommendations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06597, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA just updated flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance and building rules might change soon. These updates are final, so check your local map and get ready to follow new safety rules to keep your insurance valid.
Next: 2025-06599, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and rules for flood insurance. If you live or work in these areas, your flood insurance and building rules might change, so check the new maps and share your thoughts by July 16, 2025. These updates help communities stay safe and keep their flood insurance programs running smoothly.