More Flood Map Proposals: Your Backyard Might Be a New Risk Zone
Published Date: 1/21/2026
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 or building rules. You’ve got until April 21, 2026, to check out the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Preliminary Flood Maps Could Change Costs
FEMA is proposing changes to flood maps that may add or modify Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways. If you live or work in the listed communities (for example: Worcester County, MA — Project 17-01-0182S Preliminary Dates: November 26, 2024 and August 13, 2025; Crawford County, WI — Project 17-05-0965S Preliminary Date: May 15, 2025; Vernon County, WI — Project 17-05-0965S Preliminary Date: April 30, 2025), these changes might affect your flood insurance costs or the building rules your community must adopt to stay in the National Flood Insurance Program.
You Can Inspect, Comment, and Appeal Maps
You can inspect the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and compare current maps at https://msc.fema.gov. Comments must be submitted by April 21, 2026 (Docket No. FEMA-B-2577). If you disagree with the revised information you may appeal under 44 CFR 67.6(b), and a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) is available after at least 60 days of local consultation without resolution.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01055, 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 and building rules might change soon. These updates are final, so check the new maps online or at local offices to stay ahead and avoid surprises with your flood insurance costs.
Next: 2026-01057, 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 own property in these areas, these changes might affect your insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until April 21, 2026, to check out the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.