How do I dispute my flood zone?
Submit a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) to FEMA. A LOMA is for properties on naturally high ground that are at or above the Base Flood Elevation; a LOMR-F applies when your property was elevated above the BFE using earthen fill. A successful determination officially removes your structure from the high-risk zone, making flood insurance no longer mandatory.
But a general answer can't tell you YOUR risk -- the only way to know is to check your address.
Answered using FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer + US Census geocoding data.
LOMA vs. LOMR-F: which one applies to you?
A LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment) is the right form if your property sits on its original natural ground and that ground is at or above the Base Flood Elevation. FEMA defines it as 'a letter stating that an existing structure or parcel of land -- that is on naturally high ground and has not been elevated by fill -- would not be inundated by the base flood.' A LOMR-F is used when earthen fill was added during construction to raise the property above the BFE. The LOMR-F process is more involved and carries a review fee; LOMAs have no fee.
How to apply
FEMA offers two main application pathways: the online LOMC Portal (available to property owners and licensed professionals) and the eLOMA tool (for licensed surveyors and engineers, which can generate a determination within minutes). Paper forms are also accepted: MT-EZ for simple single-lot or single-structure LOMAs; MT-1 for multiple lots or all LOMR-F cases. In all cases, you will need an Elevation Certificate prepared by a licensed land surveyor or registered professional engineer documenting that your property meets the required elevation.
What happens after FEMA issues the determination?
If FEMA issues a LOMA or LOMR-F in your favor, your structure is officially removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area. You can notify your mortgage lender, who is no longer required to mandate flood insurance. Keep the determination letter on file -- you will need it if you refinance or sell, as the underlying flood map may still show your property in the SFHA. Flood insurance is still available voluntarily and is worth considering, since flooding can occur even outside the mapped high-risk zone.
Sources
Related Flood Zones
- Zone AE: The most common high-risk flood zone. Flood insurance is typically required for federally-backed mortgages.
- Zone VE: The highest-risk coastal flood zone. Wave action adds to storm-surge risk. Flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages.
- Zone X: A low-risk flood zone outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. Flood insurance is not required but is often available at lower rates.