Letters of Map Change: How to Update Flood Maps

A Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) represents a snapshot in time of watershed conditions, as well as a generalization of the topography. There are multiple ways to update a FIRM, and this session addresses those processes as well as the regulatory and technical background behind them. This session focuses on Letters of Map Amendment and Letters of Map Revision, the distinctions between them, the application processes to secure approval, and when they cease to be officially controlling documents.

Letters of Map Change officially supplement the currently effective FIRM, and serve to waive federal mandates for flood insurance coverage as well as federal mandates for land use regulation. An understanding of “why” must accompany the “how to do it” aspects in order to perform professionally and ethically in securing successful Letters of Map Change from FEMA.

Upon completion of this course, the participant should expect to be able to:
• Recognize the importance of keeping floodplain mapping current and accurate
• Distinguish between the various types of Letters of Map Change to know when each is appropriate
• Understand the regulatory basis for successful LOMC applications