2026-15938NoticeWallet

FEMA proposes flood zones: Comments welcome, excitement not

Published Date: 8/6/2026

Notice

Summary

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).

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Proposed changes to local flood maps

FEMA is proposing additions or changes to Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and, where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the notice. The Preliminary FIRMs and, where applicable, the FIS reports are available for inspection online at https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and at the listed community map repository locations; comments are due by November 4, 2026.

Communities must meet NFIP floodplain rules

FEMA states the FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) under 44 CFR 60.3. The notice lists the affected communities and invites comments by November 4, 2026.

Scientific Resolution Panel option for appeals

Communities that appeal revised flood hazard information can request use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) after FEMA and the community have engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution. The SRP reviews conflicting scientific and technical data and provides recommendations.

Personalized for You

How does this regulation affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
8/6/2026
11/4/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Homeland Security Department
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Source: View HTML

Related Federal Register Documents

Previous / Next Documents

Back to Federal Register