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
2026-18404, 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.
2026-18405, 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.
2026-18403, 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.
2026-18419, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program; Fire Prevention and Safety Grants
Firefighters and related groups can apply for grants to boost safety and training through the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant and Fire Prevention and Safety programs. Applications were open from May 19 to June 22, 2026, helping fire departments and nonprofits get funding to protect both first responders and the public. These grants support everything from training to research, making communities safer and stronger.
2026-18406, 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).
2026-18409, 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).
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!