Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Published Date: 1/29/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several communities, which could change flood zones and insurance rules. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until April 29, 2026, to check the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Map Changes Could Alter Your Flood Rules
FEMA published Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that may add or change Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways. If you live or own property in Chautauqua County, New York (Project 21-02-0002S; Preliminary Date: May 14, 2025), these map changes might affect your flood insurance costs and local building rules.
Map Changes Could Alter Your Flood Rules (VA)
FEMA published Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that may add or change Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways. If you live or own property in Patrick County, Virginia (Project 24-03-0010S; Preliminary Date: July 02, 2025), these map changes might affect your flood insurance costs and local building rules.
Community Rules Needed to Keep NFIP Participation
The Preliminary FIRM and Flood Insurance Study reports are the basis of the floodplain management measures a community must adopt or show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities listed in the notice must respond to the preliminary maps to meet these requirements.
How to Challenge the New Maps and Timeline
You may submit comments on the Preliminary FIRMs by April 29, 2026. Any request for reconsideration that satisfies the data requirements of 44 CFR 67.6(b) is considered an appeal. If FEMA and local communities are unable to resolve an appeal after at least 60 days of collaborative consultation, communities may request use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) to review conflicting technical data.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17070, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-17073, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-17069, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-17068, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-17072, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
This notice lists communities where the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations), as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for each community, is appropriate because of new scientific or technical data. The FIRM, and where applicable, portions of the FIS report, have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Federal Regulations. The current effective community number is shown in the table below and must be used for all new policies and renewals.
2026-17074, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either 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).
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01745, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities using new science and data. These changes might affect flood insurance rules and costs, so residents and local leaders should check the updated maps and act fast—there’s a 90-day window to appeal. If you live in one of these areas, your flood insurance policy might change soon, so stay informed and ready!
Next: 2026-01747, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for several communities, which could change flood zones and insurance rules. If you live or own property in these areas, these changes might affect your flood insurance costs and building rules. You’ve got until April 29, 2026, to check the new maps and share your thoughts before they become official.