Water Surface Elevation
In some communities that only have
approximate A Zones the Division of
Water Resources can provide water
surface elevations. If this information
is used on a LOMA or EC it should be
noted.
If two elevations overlap on same property use the higher number. This can
happen in areas where streams and rivers converge.
Make a copy of the BFA map to keep with the permit as documentation of
the process.
Document Accessory Structures
Not habitable
Anchored to resist
floating
Flood openings/vents
Built of flood resistant
materials
Elevated utilities
Used only for storage or
parking
Cannot be modified for
a different use in the
future
ELEVATED
UTILITIES
BFE
FLOOD
OPENINGS
ANCHORS
Elevation Certificate would document elevation of utilities and openings.
Floodway “No Rise” Certification
•Floodways can be dangerous
because water may flow very
fast
•Development is not allowed
unless “no rise” in flood levels is
certified
•An engineer must evaluate the
hydraulic impact of proposed
development
Engineering “No-Rise” Certification (example)
This is to certify that I am a duly qualified
engineer licensed to practice in the State of
Kansas. It is to further certify that the
attached technical data supports the fact
that proposed (Name of Development) will not impact the Base
Flood Elevations (100-year flood), floodway elevations and the
floodway widths on (Name of Stream).
Signature ___________________
Seal_________________
•A “no rise” certification is
recommended and must be
signed, sealed, and dated by a
registered professional engineer
May be in form of a letter.
What is Meant by Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM?
POST-FIRM
(Newer buildings are elevated)
PRE-FIRM
(Older buildings
usually are not elevated)
BFE
FIRST FLOOR
AND LOWEST
FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
AND LOWEST FLOOR
Elevation certificates and development permits are not required for PRE-FIRM.
In some cases a Pre-FIRM structure can save money with an elevation certificate.
How to Elevate Your Floodplain Building
Elevate on Foundation Walls
Elevate on Fill
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
SUCH AS
UTILITIES AND
ELECTRICAL
CIRCUITS
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT SUCH
AS UTILITIES AND
ELECTRICAL
CIRCUITS, ABOVE
FLOOD LEVEL
OPENINGS IN WALLS
ALLOW WATER TO
FLOW IN AND DRAIN
OUT
LOWEST
FLOOR
CRAWLSPACE
COMPACTED FILL
BFE
RECOMMENDED 10’ – 15’ BEYOND
HOUSE
A FEMA LOMR-F, Endangered Species Review, and a DWR Floodplain Fill
Permit could be required for house shown on fill.
Flood Map Revisions Issued by FEMA
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
Physical Map Revision (LOMR PMR)
LOMA Out As Shown (Structure not in Zone A)
Keep copies with flood maps, GIS system, permits…
Lowest Adjacent Grade or Out As Shown
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
There are times that this form will save time and money. Submitting a
LOMA request is free. Keep copy with maps and permits.
LOMA Approved
This is a house in Kansas. It already had a LOMA approved
in June of 2010 when this picture was taken.
If you suggest that a property owner consider preferred risk
insurance do you have a way of documenting that?
Keep A Floodplain Reference Library
Order publications by calling 1-800-480-2520
Repetitive Loss Properties
• Do you know where the
repetitive loss properties
in your community are?
• Is the information about
those properties accurate?
Why is this important?
Want to Learn More?
•For sample forms or the written administrative procedures, contact the NFIP State
Coordinator at 1-785-296-5440 or visit our website at www.ksda.gov/structures/
•To speak with the FEMA Floodplain Specialist, contact Connie Wisniewski at FEMA
Region VII, 1-816-283-7013 or connie.wisniewski@fema.dhs.gov .
•To view Flood Insurance Rate Maps visit FEMA’s Map Service Center on-line at
www.msc.fema.gov . Can make a FIRMette, view maps, and download an LOMC.
•To learn more about flood maps and to check the Status of Map Change Requests, click
on “Flood Hazard Mapping” at www.fema.gov/fima/.
•FEMA’s on-line publications can be found in the FEMA Virtual Library. Many are posted in
the Portable Document Format (PDF). Go to www.fema.gov/library/ for more information.
You can order printed copies of FEMA publications from the FEMA Distribution Center, at
1-800-480-2520.
•To learn about Community Rating System contact Steve Samuelson at 785-296-4622.
•Excellent websites exist. One of the best is www.floodsmart.gov . Links to other
websites are found at the DWR and KAFM websites.
For more information order Idiot’s
Guide to Floodplain Management.
Questions?
Steve Samuelson, NFIP Specialist, CFM
109 SW 9th Street, 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-4622
steve.samuelson@kda.ks.gov