FEMA Seeks Comments on Flood Elevation Forms
Published Date: 6/1/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA wants to keep collecting info using Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates to help manage flood risks and keep communities safe. If you build or improve a home or business in a flood zone, these forms show your property meets safety rules. You’ve got until July 31, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs, just a chance to help shape the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Elevation/Floodproofing Required in NFIP Areas
If you build or substantially improve a home or business in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the community must require the lowest floor (including basements) to be elevated above the base flood elevation under 44 CFR 60.3(c)(2) and (3). Non-residential buildings may instead be floodproofed to meet the standard in 44 CFR 60.3(c)(3)(ii); FEMA grants limited basement exceptions under 44 CFR 60.6(b) and (c).
Elevation Certificate Can Affect Insurance Premiums
If you hold NFIP flood insurance, you may submit an Elevation Certificate to provide elevation information for premium rating instead of FEMA-sourced elevation data. You can also use the Elevation Certificate to demonstrate eligibility for the Machinery & Equipment premium discount.
Paperwork Burden and Estimated Costs
FEMA estimates 3,517 respondents and 3,517 responses for this collection, totaling 12,735 annual burden hours and an estimated total annual respondent cost of $680,316. Respondents are listed as primarily surveyors, architects, or engineers, and individual property owners may also complete parts of the Elevation Certificate.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20497, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; Elevation Certificate/Floodproofing Certificate.
FEMA is asking for public feedback on extending the use of Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates, which help communities manage flood risks and keep buildings safe. This affects homeowners, builders, and local officials who deal with flood insurance and construction rules. Comments are open until November 6, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to keep these important forms working smoothly.
2026-20458, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs
FEMA is updating the forms used for several Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs that help communities prepare for disasters. This affects anyone applying for grants like flood or dam safety projects. They want your feedback by November 5, 2026, to keep things running smoothly and make sure the paperwork isn’t too tricky.
2026-19854, Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the maximum help you can get after a disaster to $44,800 for housing and $44,800 for other needs. This boost helps folks affected by emergencies or major disasters get more support, thanks to a 2.9% cost increase. If you’re dealing with disaster recovery, this means more money to rebuild and recover!
2026-19856, Notice of Award Amount Adjustment for Serious Needs Assistance
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the Serious Needs Assistance award to $790 for people affected by emergencies or major disasters. This change helps cover more costs due to rising prices and applies to disasters declared on or after that date. If you qualify, expect a bit more help when disaster strikes!
2026-19898, Notice of Adjustment of Disaster Grant Amounts
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the cutoff for Small Project disaster grants to $1,093,800. This means state, tribal, local governments, and nonprofits can get more money for smaller disaster repairs thanks to a 2.9% cost increase adjustment. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this change helps you get the right funding faster and easier!
2026-19859, Notice of Adjustment of Minimum Project Worksheet Amount
FEMA is raising the minimum amount for disaster project approvals to $4,100 starting October 1, 2025. This change affects anyone applying for disaster aid after that date and reflects a 2.9% cost increase based on inflation. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means bigger projects need to meet the new minimum to get funding.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10840, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Kentucky’s health department to double-check who really qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone service. This new computer matching program starts July 1, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and on track. If you want to speak up, send your comments by July 1, 2026!
Next: 2026-10843, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request; The Declaration Process: Requests for Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA), Requests for Supplemental Federal Disaster Assistance, Appeals, and Requests for Cost Share Adjustments
FEMA is asking for your thoughts on keeping the current forms that states and Tribes use to ask for disaster help, like damage checks, extra aid, appeals, and cost share changes. This helps make sure the paperwork stays simple and useful. If you want to share your ideas, do it by July 31, 2026!