the national flood insurance program: the mt-1...
TRANSCRIPT
The National Flood Insurance Program: The MT-1 Process
Tom Birney – FEMA Region VIII Jefferson County, CO
August 2015
Flood Map Modernization
Workshop Overview
Definitions Types of Letter of Map Change MT-1 and the MT-EZ Forms Required Data for Letter of Map Change Determinations in Zone A: How to determine the
BFE Conclusions and Questions
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Definitions
NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program • Federal program created by Congress in 1968 that makes
flood insurance available in communities that enact and enforce satisfactory floodplain management regulations
SFHA - Special Flood Hazard Area: The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year Structure - A walled or roofed building, including a gas or
liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, and affixed to a permanent site, as well as a manufactured home on a permanent foundation
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Definitions Continued
BFE – Base Flood Elevation: The elevation of the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year LOMC - Letter of Map Change: An amendment or revision
through the MT-1 or MT-2 process LAG - Lowest Adjacent Grade: The elevation of the lowest
ground touching the structure’s foundation • ****Elevation of ground, sidewalk, patio, garage or deck
support immediately adjacent to the building****
For LOMC submittals, removal and non-removal of a structure is based on the LAG, not the finished floor
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Definitions Continued
• Lowest Floor: The lowest floor of lowest enclosed area (including basement and crawl space)
• Basement: Any area of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides
• See Building Diagrams in the Elevation Certificate
Crawlspace: An area of a building that is subgrade on all four sides that meet the requirements outlined within FEMA Technical Bulletin 11-01
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Definitions Continued
Fill: Defined as any material that is brought in, used or grading that as a result has elevated that existing conditions above the elevation of what it use to be.
• The common construction practice of removing unsuitable existing material (topsoil) and backfilling with select structural material is not considered the placement of fill if the practice does not alter the existing (natural grade) elevation.
• Fill that is placed before the date of the first NFIP map showing the area in a SFHA is considered natural grade. Check with the Community Status Book to determine when the
community entered the NFIP.
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Zone Designations
A Areas of 1% annual chance flood determined by approximate methods; base flood elevations not determined
AO Areas of 1% annual chance shallow flooding where average depths are between 1 and 3 feet (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain); average whole-foot depths are shown
AH Areas of 1% annual chance shallow flooding (usually ponding) where average depths are between 1 and 3 feet; whole-foot base flood elevations are shown
A1-30 and AE
SFHAs inundated by 1% annual chance flood; base flood elevations are shown
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Zone Designations
V1-30 and VE
SFHAs inundated by 1% annual chance flood; coastal floods with velocity hazards (wave action); base flood elevations are shown
B and X (shaded)
Areas of 0.2% annual chance flood; areas subject to 1% annual chance flood with average depths less than 1 foot or with contributing drainage area less than 1 square mile; and areas protected by levees from base flood
C and X (unshaded)
Areas determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain
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Other Zone Designations
A99 SFHAs inundated by 1% annual chance flood to be protected from 1% annual chance flood by a Federal flood protection system under construction; no base flood elevations are determined
V SFHAs inundated by 1% annual chance flood; coastal floods with velocity hazards (wave action); no base flood elevations are determined
D Areas in which flood hazards are undetermined
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Other Zone Designations
AR/A1-30, AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO,
and AR/A
SFHAs that result from decertification of previously accredited flood protection system that is in process of being restored to provide 1% annual chance or greater level of flood protection. After restoration is complete, these areas will still experience residual flooding from other flooding sources.
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FIRM
FIRM reflects flooding information • Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) Shown as BFE lines and cross section lines
• Base flood depths Still water elevations and sheet flow, AO Depth and AH sheet
flows • 100- and 500-year floodplain boundaries • Flood insurance risk zones • Floodway boundaries (after January 1, 1985) Shown as hatch marks on the map
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FIRM
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Floodway Hazard Boundary Map: FHBM
FHBM • 100- and 500-year floodplain boundaries and floodway
boundaries • Created prior to January 1, 1985
FHBM were published separate from the FIRMs • Found within the Flood Insurance Study material
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FHBM
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Flood Insurance Study: FIS
A Flood Insurance Study is a book that contains information regarding flooding in a community and is developed in conjunction with the FIRM and FHBM The FIS contains flood profiles, floodway data tables,
summaries of elevations as well as a narrative of the flood history of a community and discusses the engineering methods used to develop the FIRMS
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Flood Insurance Study
• Identifies communities covered by study
• Notice effective data of study
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Floodway Data Table
The Floodway Data Table presents the results of the floodway analyses at the cross sections shown on the FIRM or FHBM
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Profile
https://www.fema.gov/online-tutorials
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Profile
When determining a BFE for a property/structure, the FIRM and Profile should be utilized
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Profile
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1Z6Y08820390357312
Still Water Elevation
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Still Water Elevation (cont.)
•Summary of Still Water Elevations can be found within the FIS
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Alluvial Fan
An Alluvial Fan is characterized by high-velocity flows; active processes of erosion, sediment transport, and deposition, and unpredictable flowpaths
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Example of Alluvial Fan
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Alluvial Fans and LOMC
FEMA issues LOMC upon determining properties/structures should not be included within a SFHA The procedures that result in the issuance of LOMCs are provided in Parts 65 and 70
of the NFIP regulations
In areas subject to alluvial fan flooding, the provisions of these parts do not apply See Paragraph 65.13B of the NFIP regulations
Letters of Map Amendments can not be issued for any property, structure or portion of property that are located
within an Alluvial Fan
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Letters of Map Change: LOMC
The boundaries for the SFHAs on the NFIP maps are prepared using the best topographic data available. Due to limitations of scale or topographic definition of the source map used to prepare a community’s NFIP map, a property may be shown within the SFHA, but be on ground that is actually above the BFE for the site. As a result, the LOMC process was developed to amend or revise the published community maps by letter.
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Letters of Map Change: LOMC
FEMA has established several types of map changes. Changes that revise BFEs or published floodway information are Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) and Physical Map Revisions (PMRs). Changes that do not revise BFEs include Letters of Map Amendments (LOMAs) and Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-Fs). In addition, FEMA provides comments on proposed projects, these conditional LOMCs do not amend or revise the effective NFIP maps.
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Map Revision Types
Amendments: • Structures or legally defined parcels • Does not involve H&H analysis (Unless
Zone A) • Requires submittal of MT-1 Forms • Does not involve changes in BFE • Can not be used for properties in an
Alluvial Fan
Revisions: • More complex map changes • Not usually lot or structure specific • Typically involves H&H analysis • Requires submittal of MT-2 Forms
MT-1 LOMA LOMR-F Conditional LOMR-FW
(Floodway)
MT-2 PMR LOMR Conditional
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Amendments (MT-1)
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) • Request for exclusion of individual structure(s) and
or legally defined parcel(s) of land that were inadvertently included in the SFHA
• Process outlined in Part 70 of NFIP Regulations Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
• Request for exclusion of individual structure(s) and or legally defined parcel(s) of land that were elevated by earthen fill
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Amendments (MT-1)
Conditional Letter of Map Amendment (CLOMA) • A letter from FEMA stating that a proposed structure that is not to be
elevated by fill (natural grade) would not be inundated by the base flood if built as proposed.
• Process outlined in Part 70 of NFIP Regulations
Conditional Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F)
• A letter from FEMA stating that a parcel of land or proposed structure that will be elevated by fill would not be inundated by the base flood if fill is placed on the parcel as proposed or the structure is built as proposed.
• Process outlined in Part 65 of NFIP Regulations
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Conditional LOMA or LOMR-F
CLOMA or CLOMR-F: • Does not amend the NFIP map • NOT a building permit! • Simply a comment document stating whether a
structure/parcel of land will be safe from flooding if built as proposed
• Mostly the same data requirements as LOMA or LOMR-F request, but with proposed data
• CLOMR-F must show compliance with the Endangered Species Act
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When the Amendment Process CAN NOTbe used
Request involving changes in BFEs Request involving changes in regulatory floodway
bound delineations Request for properties in alluvial fan areas Request involving property and/or structures that
have been elevated by fill placed within the regulatory floodway, channelization projects, bridge/culvert replacement project, or other flood control improvements
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Would this Structure be Likely Removed from the SFHA?
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LOMA Data Requirements
Completed MT-1 Property Information Form 1 (or MT-EZ) Copy of the NFIP Map indicating the subject property
location • FEMA Map Service Center – view effective FIRM
and create FIRMette Copy of recorded Deed or Plat map
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Copy of tax map showing property location Completed MT-1 Elevation Form or Elevation
Certificate Metes & bounds description and map, if request is for
portion of property BFE, and supporting data, if in unnumbered Zone A
Area***
Data Requirements (cont.)
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All FEMA-issued FIRMs and FIS reports are available to view online or for purchase through FEMA’s Flood Map Store at www.msc.fema.gov.
Portions of FIRM panels can be printed out to scale using the “FIRMette” tool through the Map Service Center site.
Other options to get FEMA Maps online include: • KMZ National Flood Hazard Layer Files – Google Earth • Mapping Information Platform – MIP • FEMA GeoPlatform
FEMA Maps Online
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Map Service Center: MSC Site
Provides two search options • Product Search By field • Map Search
MSC will also list current and historic FIRMs, Flood Insurance Study, LOMCs, and more Site address: www.msc.fema.gov MSC site is currently undergoing upgrades and
changes
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Enter address
or
Click on Search All Products
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Select page size
Move highlighted box to select area to include in FIRMette
Select Scale and Title Block
Choose FIRMette format – either PDF or TIF
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FIRMette image will appear; select open file
Sample FIRMette
PIQ
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National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL)
Products and Services 1. NFHL GIS Data 2. FEMA MSC Site 3. Utility files for viewing the NFHL WMS with
Google Earth™ 4. MapViewer – Web and related reports
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Google Earth
Google Earth • The FEMA NFHL utility allows use of Google Earth to view
custom combinations of flood hazard information. NFHL includes: flood zones, floodways, BFE lines, cross
sections, LOMC, FIRM boundaries, panel number, etc. https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/wps/portal/NFHLWMSkmzdo
wnload
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Can be based on recorded deed or recorded plat
Must be from the County, not from a title company
Recorded Deed
Legal Description of a Deed
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Legal Description from Deed
Lot 16, Block 3 Kingsborough Subdivision Filing No. 6, as described in the Warranty Deed recorded as Reception No. 02143120, in the Office of the Register of Clerk and Recorder, Arapahoe County, Colorado
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Legal Description of a Plat
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Description of portion of property above 1% annual chance flood elevation and accompanying map (one must be certified by a professional surveyor or engineer) Certified elevation for lowest point within metes and
bounds The metes and bounds description must match that of
the map
Requirements for Metes and Bounds
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Metes and bounds map or description must be certified
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Descriptions are incorporated into legal description with phrase:
• “… the portion is more particularly described by the following metes and bounds”
The MT-EZ and the MT-1 instructions contain examples of the standard metes and bounds description
Metes and Bounds
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Map and written description do not match Topographic map submitted shows portion of metes and
bounds below BFE Metes and bounds are not certified No tie-in to Point of Beginning Starting and ending points do not come together May cause issues with lenders for insurance purposes Point of Commencing not displayed on the map
• Point of Commencing not a definable point
Common Problems of Metes and Bounds
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Metes and Bounds Determination
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Tax Assessor’s Tax Map
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Required for most requests where property is located in floodway
Must be certified Must include scale, North arrow,
and vertical datum May be required for a submittal for
an Out-As-Shown submittal
Survey and/or Site Plan
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What is the Elevation Certificate Used For?
The Elevation Certificate is an administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to:
• Ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances • To determine the property insurance premium rate • To support Letter of Map Change (LOMC) requests Use of this certificate does not provide a waiver of the flood insurance
purchase requirement Only a LOMC can issue a determination document that removes the
Federal mandate for a lending institution to require the purchase of flood insurance
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LOMA Review by FEMA
FEMA is required to notify the applicant in writing within 60 days form the date of receipt of all data Requesters may check on status of all Letter of Map
Change requests by contacting the FEMA Map Information eXchange toll-free at 877-FEMA MAP (336-2627).
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Once you get a determination, make sure you read the entire document.
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Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill
Revision to the SFHA with no change to the BFE In areas with special flood hazard, it may be feasible to
elevate areas with fill above the BFE
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If structure is involved: LAG and lowest floor ≥ 1 percent annual chance
flood elevation Community must sign the Community
Acknowledgement of Fill form Fill must be engineered
− Compaction − Erosion protection
Criteria for LOMR-F
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What about Basements and Crawlspaces?
Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides is considered a basement, unless it meets the definition of a crawlspace. The construction of a residential building in an identified SFHA
with the lowest floor below the BFE is a violation of the floodplain management requirements set forth in CFR 60.3(c)(2) Basements below the BFE are only allowed in communities
that have obtained a basement exception from FEMA. Floodproofed non-residential basements are allowed.
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What about Basements and Crawlspaces?
Technical Bulletin 11-01
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Diagram 9 and Technical Bulletin 11-01
•Per Technical Bulletin 11-01, some distinguishing features are:
• The interior grade of the crawlspace cannot be more than 2 feet below the LAG
•Shown as item D in the diagram on the left
•The difference between the crawlspace elevation and that of bottom of floor joist cannot exceed 4 feet
•Shown as item L on above diagram •This limitation will prevent crawlspaces from being converted into habitable spaces •The height limitation was determined using engineering analyses and building code requirements for flood hazard areas (page 7 of Technical Bulletin 11-01)
•Further restrictions apply and should be referenced to Technical Bulletin 11-01 •This pertains more to community compliance and documentation
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BFE
LOMR-F
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LOMR-F Data Requirements
In addition to LOMA Data requirements, need: • Completed MT-1 Form 4 (Community
Acknowledgement Form) • Appropriate Fee • If applying for a CLOMR-F, need ESA
documentation
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ESA Compliance
ESA compliance must be documented to FEMA prior to the issuance of all CLOMR-Fs (required for all requests received on or after October 1, 2010). FEMA must receive confirmation of ESA compliance from the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), collectively referred to as “the Services”.
Once the required ESA documentation is received, the data will be sent to the FEMA Area E PAM for concurrence. Once concurrence is received from FEMA, processing of the case can resume.
Acceptable documents demonstrating ESA compliance include the following:
• Incidental Take Permit • Incidental Take Statement • “Not likely to adversely affect” determination from the Services, or • Documentation that the project has “No Effect” on listed species or critical habitat
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Zone AO
For a property located in Zone AO, the characteristics of the Zone AO area shown on the NFIP map will determine the appropriate methodology to be used to develop the BFE for the property.
If the flooding is conveyed by the street, provide the highest top of curb or crown of street elevation along the property line and add the depth of flooding to determine the BFE
If the entire property is inundated by the SFHA and the flow is not conveyed by the street, add the depth of flooding to the average lot elevation
If the property is partially inundated by the SFHA and the street does not convey the flow, add the depth of flooding to the lowest lot elevation
Along with the information required above, sufficient certified topographic information, including flow paths, to show that the structure is located on high ground relative to the depth of flooding is required
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Additional Data
In certain instances, additional data that are not referenced on the MT-1 or MT-EZ forms may be required
• Grading plans, building permits, cross sections, etc.
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Online LOMC
Can be used to request Amendments or Revisions. Online LOMC replaces the use of the MT-1, MT-
EZ or MT-2 paper forms. Although it speeds the time to submit an
application, it does shorten the actual processing time. Unlike the eLOMA, anyone can utilize the online
LOMC when submitting an application.
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Why use the Online LOMC?
Submit, pay and upload all data through one online platform. Save information online and finish applying at
your convenience. Manage multiple LOMC requests with one login. Check their application status in real-time. Efficiently communicate with LOMC processing
staff.
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eLOMA vs. Online LOMC
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Data Requirements by LOMC Type
LOMA LOMR-F CLOMA CLOMR-F
Property Information Form X X X X
Deed or Plat X X
Tax Map X X X X
FIRM X X X X
Elevation Information X X X X
Processing Fee X X X
Community Acknowledgment Form
X X
ESA Documentation X
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LOMC Required Fees
Requests for Single-Lot, Single-Structure Map Change
Paper Form Fee Online LOMC Fee
Single-Lot or Single-Structure LOMA Free Free
Single-Lot/Single-Structure CLOMA and CLOMR-F
$600 $500
Single-Lot/Single-Structure LOMR-F $525 $425
Single-Lot/Single-Structure LOMR-F Based on As-Built Information (CLOMR-F previously issued by FEMA)
$425 $325
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LOMC Required Fees (cont.)
Requests for Multiple-Lot/Multiple-Structure Map Changes
Paper Form Fee Online LOMC Fee
Multiple-Lot/Multiple-Structure LOMA Free Free
Multiple-Lot/Multiple-Structure CLOMA $800 $700
Multiple-Lot/Multiple-Structure CLOMR-F and LOMR-F
$900 $800
Multiple-Lot/Multiple-Structure LOMR-F Based on As-Built Information (CLOMR-F previously issued by FEMA)
$800 $700
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Concerns