FEMA Seeks Input: Should Your Street Be a Flood Zone?
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, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Proposed flood-map changes for listed communities
FEMA proposes additions or modifications to Base Flood Elevations (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for listed communities. Affected projects include Montgomery County, Missouri (Project 20-07-0037S; Preliminary Date: November 6, 2025) and Seward County, Kansas (Project 24-07-0004S; Preliminary Date: December 12, 2025).
Communities must adopt floodplain rules to stay in NFIP
The Preliminary FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that each listed 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).
Scientific Resolution Panel option for appeals
Communities appealing revised flood hazard information may use a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) after FEMA and local communities have engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution. The SRP is an independent panel of experts established to review conflicting scientific and technical data and provide recommendations.
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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
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15942, 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).
Next: 2026-15944, 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.