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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Over the years, many of the U.S. government’s flood insurance maps have become outdated due to urban growth, changes in river flows and coastlines, and even flood mitigation efforts like drainage systems and levees. Accurate flood risk information is essential to inform property owners of changing flood risks and to determine appropriate rates for flood insurance coverage.
The preliminary (and revised preliminary) updated maps indicate that flood zones in Arlington are larger than are shown on the current FIRMs. Therefore, more Arlington residents may be required, or would want, to purchase flood insurance.
Arlington is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which offers reduced rates on flood insurance. Arlington residents may benefit from the lower-cost “grandfathering” insurance option(s) if purchased 30 days before the date the new maps become effective. FEMA estimates that will happen in June 2009.
The Town is gathering information from FEMA to help residents affected by these changes to navigate through this process.
What Should I Do First?
Check the maps.
Find out where your parcel(s) is in relation to the designated flood zones. The areas of interest are;
Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA): These areas are defined on the maps as Zone A, AE, AH, AO, AR, Zone A99, Zone V, and VE. These are high-risk areas and insurance is mandatory in most cases.
Zone X Other Flood Areas: These areas are defined on the map as X. If your parcel is in this zone, flood insurance is optional. However, FEMA recommends coverage as flood risk is reduced, but not removed.
Fox Library
Robbins Memorial Library
Dept. of Planning and Community Development in Town Hall Annex
Town Engineer's Office, 51 Grove Steet
FEMA explains more about these designations here.
What do I do if my property is in a SFHA?
If you have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender and your parcel is in a SFHA, your lender, by federal law, must require you to carry flood insurance when these flood maps become effective. FEMA is currently estimating an effective date in June 2009. Contact your insurance agent to discuss options and ask your agent about “grandfathering” options offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
What if I rent?
If you do not own a mortgage, but live in a SFHA you are not required to purchase flood insurance. However, FEMA still recommends that you purchase personal property coverage.
Does flood insurance cover my personal belongings?
Not automatically. Most flood insurance covers structural and clean up. Talk to your insurance agent about content, or personal property coverage.
What to do if my property is in Zone X?
Parcels in this zone do not require flood insurance, however, FEMA recommends it. Talk to your insurance agent about options offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP offers lower cost options for parcels in low-to moderate-risk areas and some property owners may be eligible for ‘grandfathering’ rates.
What are my options if my property is prone to flooding, but is not in a designated flood zone?
You may be eligible for a Preferred Risk Policy through the NFIP. Talk to your insurance agent for your eligibility.
What do I do if I think there is an error in the methodology of the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)?
From June 13 through September 10, 2008 there will be a public comment period. During the 90-day appeal period, any owner or lessee of property in the mapped community who believes his or her property rights will be adversely affected by the BFE determinations may appeal to FEMA. It is important to note, that the sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed BFE determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. These appeal data must be submitted to FEMA during the 90-day appeal period. Only appeals of the proposed BFEs supported by
scientific or technical data can be considered before FEMA makes its final determination at the end of the 90-day appeal period. FEMA has requested these appeals be made through the town where the property resides. You should submit your appeal before September 8, 2008 to ensure they are received by FEMA before their September 10th deadline. Four copies of the appeals and supporting documents should be submitted to:
Arlington Town Engineer
51 Grove Street
Arlington, MA 02476
What do I do if I think the elevation of my parcel in a SFHA is in error?
Property owners who have reason to believe their flood zone designation is in error should work with their lender or FEMA to try and have their property and/or structure officially removed from the high-risk area. To remove a structure from a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) if it is at or above the one-percent-annual-chance flood elevation, property owners can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). An application and step-by-step instructions can be found at here.
There is no fee for FEMA to review a request; however, the requester is responsible for any costs involved in collecting the supporting data necessary to submit an application.
To remove a structure from an SFHA if it has been elevated by fill and is at or above the one-percent-annual-chance flood elevation, property owners can apply for a Letter of Map Revision based on fill (LOMR-F). An application and step-by-step instructions can be found here. FEMA does charge a fee for the engineering review of a structure.
When do the maps become effective?
FEMA estimates the maps to become effective in June 2009. If you purchase flood insurance before the effective date, you may benefit from the lower-cost “grandfathering” insurance option(s). Please note that in order for your insurance to be active by the effective date of the new maps, the insurance should be purchased at least 30-days in advance of the effective date. Talk to your insurance agent for details.
Where can I get more information?
You can learn more about flood insurance at floodsmart.gov, FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program website.
In addition to the Town Engineer, The Town of Arlington urges any residents who think they may be affected by the proposed revised flood maps to contact:
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