Form 81-89, Overview and Concurrence Form

APPLICATION FORMS FOR CONDITIONAL AND FINAL
LETTERS OF MAP AMENDMENT AND LETTERS OF MAP REVISION BASED ON FILL

General Background Information
In 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the National Flood Insurance Act, which created the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP). The NFIP was designed to reduce future flood losses through local floodplain management and to
provide protection for property owners against potential losses through an insurance mechanism that allows a
premium to be paid for the protection of those most in need. The creation of the NFIP represented a major shift in
Federal strategy from previous structural flood-control and disaster relief programs.
As part of the agreement for making flood insurance available to a community, the NFIP requires the community to
adopt floodplain management ordinances that meet certain minimum requirements intended to reduce future flood
losses. The community official or agency responsible for floodplain management in a community may be able to
provide information that would be useful to a requester. This official or agency usually is responsible for
engineering, public works, flood control, or planning in the community as well.
Use of Application Forms
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) implemented the use of
application forms for requesting revisions or amendments to NFIP maps for two reasons. First, because the forms
provide a step-by-step process for requesters to follow and are comprehensive, requesters are assured of providing
all of the necessary information to support their requests without having to go through an iterative process of
providing additional information in a piecemeal fashion, which can result in a time-consuming and cost-intensive
process. Second, use of the forms ensures that the requesters’ submissions are complete and more logically
structured, and generally allows DHS-FEMA to complete its review in a shorter timeframe.
The application forms included in this package were designed to assist requesters (community officials, individual
property owners, and others) in gathering the information DHS-FEMA needs to determine whether property (parcels
of land or structures) is likely to be flooded during the flood event that has a 1-percent-annual-chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year (base flood). Lands that are at risk of being inundated by the base flood are
called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
The forms in this package shall be used to request Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs), Conditional Letters of
Map Amendment (CLOMAs), Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-Fs), and Conditional Letters of Map
Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-Fs), as defined below. Please note that not all of the forms apply to every request.
Only those forms that apply to the request should be submitted.
LOMA

A letter from DHS-FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land that has not
been elevated by fill (natural grade) would not be inundated by the base flood.

CLOMA

A letter from DHS-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.

LOMR-F

A letter from DHS-FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land that has been
elevated by fill would not be inundated by the base flood.

CLOMR-F

A letter from DHS-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.

If the request is being made for a LOMA to be issued on a single residential property, the MT-EZ form, entitled
“Application Form for Single Lot or Structure, Amendments to National Flood Insurance Program Maps,” may be
used instead of the forms in this package. This form is available in both an English and Spanish version. Forms for
this purpose may be downloaded from our website at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/dl_mt-ez.shtm

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The forms in this package and the form entitled "Application Form for Single Lot or Structure, Amendments to
National Flood Insurance Program Maps," shall not be used in the following instances:
•

Requests involving changes in Base Flood Elevations (BFEs);

•

Requests involving changes in regulatory floodway boundary delineations;

•

Requests for properties in alluvial fan areas;

•

Requests involving property and/or structures that have been elevated by fill placed within the regulatory
floodway, channelization projects, bridge/culvert replacement projects, or other flood control
improvements; or

•

Requests involving changes in coastal high hazard areas (V zones).

For such requests, the community must submit the request to DHS-FEMA in accordance with Title 44, Chapter I,
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 65 of the NFIP regulations, which is available online at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/44cfrv1_02.html, using the separately published MT-2 application
forms package entitled "Application Forms and Instructions for Conditional Letters of Map Revision and Letters of
Map Revision." Forms for this purpose may be downloaded from our website at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/dl_mt-2.shtm.
Please note that the forms in this package may be used for property that has been inadvertently included in a V zone
or the regulatory floodway. However, if the property is to be removed from a V zone, it must not be located
seaward of the landward toe of the primary frontal dune.
For additional assistance in completing these forms, you may consult the LOMA Tutorial, available on DHSFEMA’s Internet site at: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/ot_lmreq.shtm.
Data Submission Requirements
In accordance with the NFIP regulations, DHS-FEMA will use the information provided by these application forms
to make a determination on whether to remove property (parcel(s) of land or a structure(s)) from a designated
SFHA. In certain instances, additional data that are not referenced on these forms may be required. A DHS-FEMA
representative will notify the requester of any additional requirements.
Applicable Regulations
The regulations pertaining to LOMAs, CLOMAs, LOMR-Fs, and CLOMR-Fs are presented in Title 44, Chapter I,
CFR, Parts 65 and 70, which is available online at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/44cfrv1_02.html.
The purpose of Part 70 is to provide an administrative procedure whereby DHS-FEMA will review information
submitted by an owner or lessee of property who believes that their property has been inadvertently included in a
designated SFHA. Part 70 provides information about the technical difficulty of accurately delineating the SFHA
boundaries on a NFIP map for a community. Part 70 procedures shall not apply if the topography has been altered
since the effective date of the first NFIP map [i.e., a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary
Map] showing the property to be within the SFHA. Requests involving changes in topography (such as the
placement of fill) are handled under the procedures described in Part 65.
Fee Requirements
Title 44, Chapter I, CFR, Part 72 of the NFIP regulations, which is available online at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/44cfrv1_02.html, presents information regarding the reimbursement
procedure initiated by DHS-FEMA to allow for the recovery of costs associated with the review of requests for
CLOMAs, CLOMR-Fs, and LOMR-Fs via a review and processing fee. There is no review and processing fee for
requests for single/multiple, lot/structure LOMAs.
Revised fee schedules are published periodically, but no more than once annually, as a notice in the Federal
Register. For the most up-to-date fee schedule, please contact the DHS-FEMA Map Assistance Center toll free at 1877-FEMA
MAP
(1-877-336-2627)
or
consult
the
DHS-FEMA
Internet
site
at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/frm_fees.shtm.
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Payment must be submitted in the form of a check or money order, made payable in U.S. funds to the National
Flood Insurance Program, or by credit card payment. In addition, the requester must complete the Payment
Information Form. The payment should be mailed to the following address:
FEMA National Service Provider
Fee-Charge System Administrator
3601 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304-6425
Basis of Determination
If no fill has been placed, DHS-FEMA's determination as to whether the SFHA designation may be removed from
the structure(s) on a property will be based on a comparison of the BFE with the elevation of the Lowest Adjacent
Grade to the structure (lowest ground touching the structure) including any attached decks or garage. If fill has been
placed, DHS-FEMA's determination will be based on a comparison of the BFE with the elevation of the lowest
adjacent grade to the structure (lowest ground touching the structure) including any attached decks or garage and a
completed Community Acknowledgment Form (see instructions for the Community Acknowledgment Form [Form
3] for more information).
For DHS-FEMA to remove the SFHA designation from a legally defined property or portion of property that does
not have a structure on it, the elevation of the lowest ground on the property must be at or above the BFE.
Please note the following special considerations that may affect DHS-FEMA's determination:
•

In areas of sheetflow flooding (AO Zones), the elevation of the lowest adjacent grade (including deck posts)
and the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement/crawl space) of the structure(s) must be elevated
above the elevation of the highest surrounding ground by at least the amount of the depth specified on the
FIRM. In addition, adequate drainage paths must be maintained to guide floodwaters around and away from
the structure(s).

•

If the lowest floor of a building has been elevated on posts, piers, or pilings above the BFE and any portion of
the structure (i.e., posts, pilings, or piers) is still below the BFE, the building will not be removed from the
SFHA.

Response Timeframe
In accordance with the procedures of Title 44, Chapter I, CFR, Part 72, which is available online at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/44cfrv1_02.html, DHS-FEMA will notify the requester of the
determination in writing within 60 days of the date of receipt of all required data. Information about the status of
active Letter of Map Change (LOMC) requests is available from DHS-FEMA’s Mapping Information Platform
(MIP) at https://hazards.fema.gov. The MIP allows requesters to search Open LOMCs by entering their Project
(Case) Number and Project Type to find out the status of their request. From the MIP Home Page requesters should
click on Tools & Links, Public Reports and select Public Reports from the Report Category dropdown.

Effect on Insurance Purchase Requirements
Although DHS-FEMA may issue a LOMA or LOMR-F removing a structure(s) from the SFHA, it is the lending
institution's prerogative to require flood insurance, as a condition of a loan, if it deems such action appropriate. If,
however, the lending institution agrees to waive the flood insurance purchase requirement for a structure, the
property owner is eligible for a full refund of the premium paid for the current policy year, provided that no claim is
pending or has been paid on the policy in question during the same policy year. If the property owner has been
required to renew his or her policy during a period when a revised NFIP map was being printed, the premium will be
refunded for an additional year. To initiate processing of the refund, the property owner should provide the LOMA
or LOMR-F and evidence of the waiver of the flood insurance requirement from the lending institution to the
insurance agent or broker who sold the policy.

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Conditional Determinations
To qualify for a CLOMA or CLOMR-F, the proposed project must meet the same criteria as those required for a
LOMA or LOMR-F. After construction is completed or fill is placed, certified as-built information must be
submitted to DHS-FEMA for a LOMA or LOMR-F to be issued. The NFIP regulations do not require that a
CLOMA or CLOMR-F be requested and issued for a proposed project. Check with local community officials to see
if they are required.
Property owners and developers should note that a CLOMA or CLOMR-F merely provides comment on the
proposed plan and does not revise or amend the NFIP map. It also does not relieve Federal agencies of the need to
comply in carrying out their responsibilities for providing federally undertaken, financed, or assisted construction
and improvements or in their regulating and licensing activities, in accordance with the provisions of Executive
Order 11988 (http://www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/ehplaws/eo11988.shtm).
Addresses for Submitting Requests
Please submit all application forms and data to support a request to remove a property from the floodplain to the
appropriate address listed below.
Mail your request to…
FEMA National Service Provider
3601 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304-6425
Attn.: LOMA Manager

FEMA REGIONS

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE PROPERTY INFORMATION FORM (FORM 1)

General Instructions
The Property Information Form (Form 1) may be completed by the property owner, or on behalf of the property
owner by authorized persons including but not limited to; the property owner's agent, licensed land surveyor, or
registered professional engineer to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), Conditional Letter of
Map Amendment (CLOMA), Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F), or Conditional Letter of Map
Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F) for existing or proposed, single or multiple lots/structures.
Before completing this form, the requester must obtain one of the following documents from the County/Parish
Clerk, Recorder, or Register of Deeds for the community:
•

A copy of the Plat Map for the property, showing the recordation information (e.g., Book/Volume and Page
numbers or Document/Instrument number) and containing the recorder's seal and recordation date.

•

A copy of the Deed for the property, showing the recordation information (e.g., Book/Volume and Page
numbers or Document/Instrument number) containing the recorder's seal and recordation date, accompanied
by a tax assessor's or other suitable map showing the surveyed location of the property.

The requester also must obtain a photocopy of the effective FIRM panel (including the Title Block) that shows the area
in which the property is located. The FIRM should be available at the community map repository or from the
community official or agency responsible for floodplain management. However, the FIRM Index and FIRM panels
may be ordered from the Map Service Center (MSC), for a nominal fee. To place orders from the MSC, go to their
Internet site: http://store.msc.fema.gov/.
This site allows requesters to search the MSC for maps and other technical data historically available from the MSC
online. Requesters can search by the three following criteria: Catalog, Map Search, and Quick Order. Catalog allows
requesters to search through the DHS-FEMA Flood Map Store for available data. Map Search allows requesters to
search for data available for an individually specified map area. Quick Order allows requesters to search and order
available data by specific FIRM panel or Community number. Payment must be in the form of a credit card. Only
Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Requesters without Internet access should contact the MSC by calling 1-800-358-9616. They may fax their requests to
the MSC at 1-800-358-9620.
Requesters should note that for multiple property (structure or lot) requests, this form should only be completed once to
describe the entire project. One form for each lot is not necessary.
Specific Instructions
Basis of Request
Select the type of MT-1 Letter of Map Change (LOMC) being requested, by checking only one box. Next to each type
of LOMC a brief definition has been provided to assist the requester in making an informed selection.
Fill Placement
Fill is defined as material from any source (including the subject property) placed to raise the ground (natural grade) to
or above the Base (1%-annual-chance) Flood Elevation (BFE). 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, which is at or above the BFE. Fill that is
placed before the date of the first National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map showing the area in a
Special Flood Hazard Area is considered natural grade. The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is the area
that would be inundated by the base flood.
Regardless of the type of LOMC being requested, DHS-FEMA must require the requester to clearly state, to the best
of his or her knowledge, whether fill was or was not placed on his or her property. The requester must select either
“yes” or “no.” If fill was placed on the property, the requester must provide the month and year fill was placed.
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In addition, for proposed projects, DHS-FEMA requires the requester to clearly state whether fill will be placed on
his or her property. If fill will be placed, the requester must provide the month and year fill will be placed.
Number 1 - Street Address
Enter the street address for the structure or property being reviewed (subject property). For requests involving
multiple lots or structures, attach a separate piece of paper when space is insufficient.
Number 2 - Legal Description
Describe the property by referring to the Deed or Plat Map. The description may consist of a lot number and
subdivision name, a parcel number, a tract number, or any other information provided in the Deed or Plat to identify
the property (e.g. Lot 2, Block 1, Floodville Estates). It is not necessary to reproduce a lengthy description of the
property as it appears in the Deed.
Number 3 - Subject of Determination
DHS-FEMA makes determinations on parcels of land or structures. The requester should select parcel of land,
portion of a parcel, or a structure. If the request is for a structure on a property, the date of construction must be
provided in this section. Date of construction information may usually be obtained from real estate settlement
documents, the property developer, or the local government office where real estate and/or land development
transactions are recorded. If there is more than one structure on a property, attach a separate piece of paper with the
dates of construction. If the request is for a portion of a parcel, a certified metes and bounds description and map of
the area to be removed, certified by a licensed land surveyor or registered professional engineer, are required. The
metes and bounds description must cover the specific area to be removed, and it must be tied to an identifiable
starting point. If the description is for a legally recorded lot or parcel, the metes and bounds description should
commence or begin at the lot or parcel corner. Please see the example below for the preferred format of metes and
bounds descriptions.
BEGINNING at the northeast lot corner; thence S90°00’00”E, 100.00 feet; thence
S00°00’00”W, 200.00 feet; thence N90°00’00”W, 100.00 feet; thence N00°00’00”E,
200.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING
Number 4 - Number of Structures or Properties
DHS-FEMA makes determinations on single or multiple, lots (parcels of land) or structures. Select the choice that
best describes your request.
Required Data
All requests must include the following data:
•

Property description documentation must be enclosed for every request and will consist of either the Plat Map
or Deed (containing the recorder's stamp and recordation date) accompanied by a tax assessor's map or other
suitable map showing the surveyed location of the property. The recordation data (e.g., Book, Volume, Page,
Reel, Document Number, and Date) must be evident on the copies of these documents so that DHS-FEMA may
use the legal description of the property. In addition, DHS-FEMA must be able to identify the property exactly.
If the property is not recorded on a Plat Map, a copy of a tax assessor's map or other suitable map must be
submitted to aid DHS-FEMA in locating the property.

•

A photocopy of the effective FIRM panel, annotated to show where the property is located, must be submitted
for every request. If your community has a separate Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), please
include a copy. The panel number and effective date of the FIRM must appear on the copy submitted. The
actual map or a photographic copy must be used. A reproduction from a photocopy is unacceptable due to
possible distortion.

•

The Elevation Form (Form 2) must be included for all requests, except requests for determinations in which the
FIRM already shows the property to be CLEARLY outside the SFHA. For cases in which the determination for
the property or structure is uncertain, elevation data must be submitted to provide a definitive determination.
This form must be completed by a licensed land surveyor or registered professional engineer. If an NFIP
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Elevation Certificate has been completed for a structure, it may be submitted in lieu of this form. The Elevation
Certificate must be certified by a licensed land surveyor or registered professional engineer.
•

The Community Acknowledgment Form (Form 3) must be included for all LOMR-F or CLOMR-F, or for
LOMA requests in which the property has been inadvertently included within the NFIP regulatory floodway.
For LOMR-F and CLOMR-F requests only Section A needs to be completed. For LOMA requests in which the
property has been inadvertently included within the regulatory floodway, only Section B needs to be completed
(see INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING OPTIONAL FORMS of these instructions for additional
information on the certification requirements of this form).

Review and Processing Fee
The appropriate review and processing fee must be submitted for requests involving proposed projects and for
requests involving the placement of fill (e.g., CLOMA, LOMR-F, or CLOMR-F). The Payment Information Form
should be included with the processing fee. No fee is required to obtain a determination based on existing
conditions (i.e. LOMA) as long as no fill has been placed. For the current fee schedule visits DHS-FEMA’s Flood
Map-Related Fees Internet site: http://www.fema.gov/fhm/frm_fees.shtm.
Signature
The requester must provide his or her name, mailing address, and telephone number. The requester must also sign
and date, where indicated, to certify the accuracy of the information provided. A Licensed Land Surveyor or
Registered Professional Engineer may sign this form for the requester if they are submitting on their behalf.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE ELEVATION FORM (FORM 2)
General Instructions
The Elevation Form (Form 2) must be completed by a licensed land surveyor or registered professional engineer. If
the request is to remove the structure, and an NFIP Elevation Certificate has already been completed for this
property, it may be submitted in lieu of this form. If the request is to remove the entire legally recorded property, or a portion
thereof, the lowest lot elevation must be provided on Form 2.

For a licensed land surveyor or registered professional engineer to complete this form, it will be necessary to obtain
the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel, effective Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) panel
(if printed), and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report that cover the area in which the property is located. These can
be obtained from the community map repository or ordered from the Map Service Center (MSC), for a nominal fee.
To place orders from the MSC, go to their Internet site: http://store.msc.fema.gov/.
The DHS-FEMA Flood Map Store allows users, including homeowners, surveyors, and engineers, to search the
MSC for maps and other technical data historically available from the MSC, online. Searches can be conducted
under the three following criteria: Catalog, Map Search, and Quick Order. Catalog allows surveyors and engineers to
search through the Flood Map Store for available data. Map Search allows surveyors and engineers to search for
data available for an individually specified map area. Quick Order allows surveyors and engineers to search
available data by a specific FIRM panel or Community number. All search criteria will allow surveyors and
engineers to search desired data and add that data to a "shopping cart" for later payment options. Payment must be in
the form of a credit card. Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Surveyors and engineers that do not have Internet access should contact the MSC by calling 1-800-358-9616. They
may fax their requests to the MSC at 1-800-358-9620.
Number 1 - Community Number
Provide the community number as it appears in the Title Block of the FIRM panel. In addition, include the name of
the property (i.e. legal description) and/or the property’s address.

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For additional information on reading FIRM panels you may consult the tutorial “How to Read a FIRM” on DHSFEMA’s Internet site: http://www.fema.gov/media/fhm/firm/ot_firm.htm.
*Please note that, in some communities, the only NFIP maps available may be Flood Hazard Boundary Maps,
instead of FIRMs.
Number 2 - Conditionals
Identify whether the elevations being provided are based on existing or proposed conditions.
Number 3 - Elevation Datum
Provide the elevation datum (e.g., NGVD 29, NAVD 88, or other specified) for which the property elevations are
referenced. If the datum being referenced is different than the datum used to produce the effective FIRM, please
provide the datum conversion.
Number 4 – Geographic Coordinate Data
The surveyor or engineer must provide the latitude and longitude of the property in decimal degrees to the nearest
thousandths (00.000), and indicate the appropriate horizontal datum.
Number 5 - Type of Construction
If the request involves or will involve a structure, provide the type of construction.
Crawl Space – The bottom floor is below the first floor, is enclosed by solid or partial perimeter walls, and
is above ground level (grade) on at least one side.
Slab on Grade – The bottom floor is at or above ground level (grade) on at least one side.
Basement/Enclosure – The bottom floor (basement or underground garage) is below ground level (grade)
on all sides. Structures constructed above crawl spaces that are below grade on all sides are classified as an
enclosure.
Other – All other structure types not listed above including, but not limited to; split levels, structures on
piers, mobile homes, etc. Please be as detailed as possible.
Number 6 - Subsidence
Land subsidence is the lowering of the ground as a result of water, oil, gas extraction, as well as other phenomena
such as soil compaction, decomposition of organic material, and tectonic movement. Periodically, the National
Geodetic Survey relevels some benchmarks to determine new elevations above the National Geodetic Vertical
Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29); however, not all benchmarks are releveled each time.
Check “yes” if the area of the property is in an area of subsidence or uplift, and provide the date of the current
releveling; check “no” if the area of the property is not in an area of subsidence or uplift. In areas experiencing
ground subsidence (e.g., Harris County, Texas, and Incorporated Areas); the most recently adjusted Elevation
Reference Mark (ERM) must be used for accurate ground and structure elevations. Please consult the effective
Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for your community or local floodplain administrator for the most current ERM data.
In general, the effects of subsidence can be accounted for by determining grade and structure elevations using
benchmark elevations with the same relevel date as the benchmarks used to develop the Base (1%-annual-chance)
Flood Elevations (BFEs) on the FIRM. Please be aware that benchmark relevel dates can be different for different
flooding sources. No adjustment is necessary to the BFEs on the FIRM.
Elevation Table
A row in the elevation table must be completed for each property (parcels of land or structures) involved in this
request (subject property).

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Lot/Block Number – Provide the property’s lot and/or block number if available. In the absence of a lot or
block number, the registered professional engineer or licensed land surveyor must include an identifier that
clearly states for what the elevations are being referenced (e.g. residential structure, commercial building,
unit 1, etc.)
Lowest Lot Elevation – For requests involving property, not a structure, provide the lowest lot elevation to
the nearest tenth (0.1) of a foot or meter. If FIRM shows BFEs in meters, the accuracy of the lowest lot
elevation must be to the nearest tenth of a meter.
Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG) to the Structure – For requests involving a structure, provide the LAG
elevation, to the nearest tenth (0.1) of a foot or meter. If FIRM shows BFEs in meters, the accuracy of the
LAG elevation must be to the nearest tenth of a meter.
Base Flood Elevation – Provide the BFE affecting the property. BFEs can be obtained by locating the
property on the effective FIRM for the community in which the property is located. Upon locating the
property on the FIRM, the engineer or surveyor should determine the type of flooding and in which flood
zone the property is located. The summary below will provide direction for how to determine the BFE as a
result of the flooding type and flood zone determination.
Base Flood Elevation Source – Provide the source used in determining the BFE (e.g. FIRM, profile,
floodway data table, Community Determined, or other source). When submitting a BFE that is either
community determined or from an alternate source, please include in the request, sufficient data that
supports the BFE.
Riverine Flooding Systems (Zones AE or A1-A30) – Consult the FIS report for the community in which
the property is located. Next, locate the flood profile for the flooding source by name. Estimate the
property’s location along the flood profile and extrapolate the BFE using the 100-yr. flood profile line.
Lacustrine (Stillwater) Flooding Systems – Consult the FIS report for the community in which the
property is located. Next, locate the Summary of Stillwater Elevations table. Locate the flooding source,
by name, and use the BFE listed in the table. The flooding source’s BFE is normally shown to the nearest
one-tenth of a foot. If the flooding source is not listed in the “Summary of Stillwater Elevations” table, use
the BFE as shown on the FIRM.
Coastal Flooding Systems (Zone AE or A1-A30) – First, obtain the BFE from the FIRM panel. Next,
consult the FIS report for the community in which the property is located. Locate the Summary of
Stillwater Elevations table in the FIS report. Identify the flooding source, by name, and use the BFE listed
in the table. Compare the BFE listed in this table to the BFE obtained from the FIRM. If the stillwater
elevation listed in this table is less than or equal to the whole-foot BFE shown on the map minus 0.5 foot, a
wave height, wave runup, and/or wave setup component exists. In this case, the whole-foot BFE shown on
the map should be used for rating, construction, and floodplain management purposes. If the stillwater
elevation listed in the “Summary of Stillwater Elevations” table is greater than the whole-foot BFE shown
on the map minus 0.4 foot, the stillwater elevation shown in the table shall be used as the BFE.
Coastal Flooding Systems (Zone VE or V1-V30) – First, obtain the BFE from the FIRM panel. Next,
consult the FIS report for the community in which the property is located. Locate the Summary of
Stillwater Elevations table in the FIS report. Identify the flooding source, by name, and use the BFE listed
in the table. Compare the BFE listed in this table to the BFE obtained from the FIRM. If the stillwater
elevation listed in this table is less than or equal to the whole-foot BFE shown on the map minus 0.5 foot, a
wave height, wave runup, and/or wave setup component exists. In this case, the whole-foot BFE shown on
the map should be used for rating, construction, and floodplain management purposes. If the stillwater
elevation listed in the “Summary of Stillwater Elevations” table is greater than the whole-foot BFE shown
on the map minus 0.4 foot, the stillwater elevation shown in the table shall be used as the BFE. Note that
any property/structure located seaward of the landward toe of the primary frontal dune may not be removed
from a Zone VE or V1-V30.
Zone A Flooding – If the property is located in a Zone A, an area of approximate flooding with no BFEs
determined, a BFE will need to be determined by the engineer or surveyor. First, the engineer or surveyor
should determine if a Federal, State, or local government agency has developed a BFE. Such agencies
include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, the State’s Department of Natural
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Resources, Department of Environmental Quality, or Department of Transportation; or the local Planning
and Zoning Department. If a BFE has not previously been developed, the engineer or surveyor should
consult DHS-FEMA's Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas: A Guide for
Obtaining and Developing Base (100-year) Flood Elevations (http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fhm/frm_zna.pdf),
1995 publication. This publication is an excellent resource, which details the appropriate methods for
determining BFEs in SFHAs designated flood zone A. To obtain a copy of this publication, or to obtain
additional information about developing BFEs, contact the FEMA Map Assistance Center (FMAC) toll free
at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627). If the property is greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the
lesser, the engineer or surveyor must determine a BFE as a provision of Part 60.3(b)(3), which is available
online at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/44cfrv1_02.html.
Shallow/Sheet Flooding (flood zones AH and AO) – If the property is located in flood zone AH, an area
of shallow flooding, the engineer or surveyor should use the flood elevation listed on the FIRM. If the
property is located in flood zone AO, an area of sheet flooding, the engineer or surveyor should use the
average depth elevation listed on the FIRM and add that depth to the highest surrounding grade on the
property.
If the request involves multiple properties (parcels of land or structures), elevations must be provided for each
property. If the number of properties for which DHS-FEMA is to make a determination exceeds the number of rows
on the Elevation Table, additional photocopies of the table may be attached to the back of the Elevation Form.
Certification (by a licensed land surveyor, registered professional engineer, or architect*)
The certifier must provide his or her name, license number and expiration date, his or her company name, telephone
number and, if applicable, his or her fax number. The certifier’s seal, if available, may be provided here. The
certifier must sign and date the Elevation Form, where indicated, to certify the accuracy of the information provided.
*Not all states authorize architects to certify elevation information.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING OPTIONAL FORMS

General
While Forms 1 and 2 must be completed for all requests, Form 3 must only be completed when applicable.
Instructions for completing this form are provided below.
Community Acknowledgment Form (Form 3)
The Community Acknowledgment Form (Form 3) must be completed for all requests involving the placement of
fill, existing or proposed, or requests that are inadvertently included in the NFIP regulatory floodway. The form
must be completed and signed by the community official responsible for floodplain management in the community.
The community name and the subject property address shown in Items 1 and 2 of the Property Information Form
must appear in the spaces provided. Space has been provided within each section for the community official to
provide comments on the project (e.g. Section A- The project is reasonably safe from flooding and satisfies Parts
60.3 and 65.5 of the NFIP regulations. Section B - Removal of the project from the regulatory floodway will not
result in an increase in Base Flood Elevations.). If additional space is required by the community official to provide
the community's comments on a project, additional sheets may be attached to the back of this form.
Section A – Requests Involving the Placement of Fill
Instructions for Communities:
Under 44 CFR 60.3(a)(2), you are required to ensure, prior to issuing a floodplain development permit, that an
applicant has obtained all necessary Federal and State permits related to development. The most commonly required
Federal permits are wetlands permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 and incidental take permits
under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act of 1972. Necessary State permits vary depending on the State. If
you are not sure if a wetlands permit is required, refer the applicant to your U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District
Office. If the proposed development impacts on threatened or endangered species or you are unsure if it does, have
the applicant consult with the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office.
Instructions for Applicants:
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary Federal, State, and local permits as a condition of obtaining a
LOMR-F or CLOMR-F. Your community is required to make sure that you have obtained these necessary permits
prior to issuing a floodplain development permit or signing the Community Acknowledgment Form (MT-1 Form 3).
The most commonly required Federal permits are wetlands permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of
1972 and incidental take permits under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act of 1972. Necessary State permits
vary depending on the State. If you need a wetlands permit or are not sure if one is required, contact your U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers District Office. If your proposed development impacts on threatened or endangered
species or you are unsure if it does, consult with the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field office.
To assist communities in determining if a property or structure, existing or proposed, is reasonably safe from
flooding, DHS-FEMA has published Technical Bulletin 10-01. This bulletin outlines safe building practices, which
when followed, may reduce the risk of flood damage to a property or structure. Community Officials interested in
obtaining copies of this bulletin should visit our Internet site at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/tb1001.pdf.
Community Officials that do not have Internet access should contact the DHS-FEMA Map Assistance Center
(FMAC) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) and request a copy of this Technical Bulletin be mailed.
All inquires regarding these, or other NFIP regulations, should contact the FMAC for assistance.
Section B – Property Located within the Regulatory Floodway
Required for all requests that are inadvertently included in the regulatory floodway. The regulatory floodway is the
area of the Special Flood Hazard Area that must remain unobstructed in order to prevent any increases in Base Flood
Elevations. This form must be signed by a community official, responsible for floodplain management, to
acknowledge the community’s acceptance of a revision to the regulatory floodway within the community.

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