New Flood Zones Proposed – Speak Up Before February Deadline Hits
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities, which could change flood zones and rules for flood insurance. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until February 18, 2026, to check out the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Preliminary map changes may alter flood zones
FEMA proposes changes to flood maps that may add or modify Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways. If you own or live in a property in the affected areas, these map changes might change your flood insurance costs and the rules for building or permitting on your property.
Communities must meet NFIP floodplain rules
The Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required to adopt or show it has in effect to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). That status affects whether NFIP flood insurance and related benefits apply to properties in those communities.
You can appeal and use an SRP if unresolved
If you disagree with the revised flood hazard information on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report, you may request reconsideration (an appeal) that satisfies the data requirements in 44 CFR 67.6(b). If FEMA and the local community cannot resolve an appeal after at least 60 days of collaborative consultation, the community may request a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) to review the technical dispute.
Preliminary maps available online and locally
Preliminary FIRMs and FIS reports for the listed communities are available for inspection online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and at local Community Map Repositories; current effective FIRMs and FIS reports are available at https://msc.fema.gov for comparison. Comments on the proposed determinations must be submitted by February 18, 2026.
Lane County (OR) specific project listed
The notice lists a Preliminary study for Lane County, Oregon and incorporated areas (Project 17-10-0923S) with Preliminary Dates: February 28, 2020; January 28, 2022; and April 18, 2025, affecting the cities of Cottage Grove, Creswell, Eugene, Springfield, and unincorporated areas of Lane County. If you live or own property in these named places, the listed project dates identify the specific preliminary map work affecting your area.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20374, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood maps for certain communities using new science to better show flood risks. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules might change soon. You’ve got 90 days after local notices to ask for a review, so keep an eye out and act fast to avoid surprises!
Next: 2025-20376, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA just updated flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. If you live or own property in these areas, your insurance rates or building rules might change soon. These updates are final and already published, so check your local map or online to see how it impacts you and your wallet.