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: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Flood Map Changes Could Alter Costs
FEMA is proposing updates to flood maps (Preliminary FIRM/FIS) for the communities listed (for example, Blaine County, ID; Project 21-10-0020S, Preliminary Date: July 31, 2025). If you live in or own property in these areas, changes to Base Flood Elevations, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, zone designations, or regulatory floodways could change your flood insurance costs and local building rules. You can review the preliminary maps and submit comments through April 29, 2026.
Communities Must Adopt Flood Rules To Keep NFIP
The Preliminary FIRM and FIS reports are the basis of the floodplain management measures required by 44 CFR 60.3 that a community must adopt or show are in effect to qualify or remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This requirement applies to the communities listed in the notice.
Appeals Pathway and Expert Panel Available
Any request for reconsideration of the revised flood hazard information that satisfies the data requirements in 44 CFR 67.6(b) is considered an appeal. If FEMA and a local community consult for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution, the community may request use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) of independent experts to review conflicting scientific and technical data.
Preliminary Maps Are Publicly Available
The Preliminary FIRM and, where applicable, the FIS reports for each listed community are available for inspection online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and at the community map repositories listed in the notice; current effective maps are available at https://msc.fema.gov. You can use these resources to compare preliminary and current maps.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01746, 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.
Next: 2026-01748, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for certain communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. Homeowners, renters, and local governments in these areas need to check the new maps by May 26, 2026, to stay protected and insured. These changes could impact insurance costs and building rules, so it’s smart to stay informed and prepared!