FLOOD ZONE FACT SHEET
Understanding FEMA Flood Zone Designations
It is important to understand that ALL PROPERTIES in communities participating in the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) are in a designated FEMA Flood Zone. Flood zones are further broken down
into “Low to Moderate” and “High Risk” categories. It is this designation that ultimately determines the
Mandatory Purchase requirement and the flood insurance rates.
Low to Moderate Risk Zones
Low to Moderate Risk zones are zones that are OUTSIDE of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on
NFIP Maps. The NFIP DOES NOT REQUIRE the purchase of flood insurance for houses within these
zones. Flood insurance is still available in participating communities at preferred rates.
ZONE
B and X 0.2% (Shaded)
DESRIPTION
These are areas of Moderate Flood Risk. This is the land area that will be
inundated by the 500yr flood event. This event has a 0.2% chance of being
equaled or exceeded in any given year.
C and X (Unshaded)
These are areas of Low Flood Risk. They are also the land area that is outside
of the 500yr flood inundation.
D
Land areas where there are possible, but undetermined flood risks. These
areas have not had flood analysis performed or when a community
incorporates portions of a neighboring area where no maps have been
prepared.
High Risk Zones
High risk zones are designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The NFIP DOES require the
purchase of flood insurance for properties within these zones. Flood insurance is available to any
property in participating communities at high risk rates.
ZONE
A
DESCRIPTION
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. These areas have a 1%
chance of flooding in any given year and a 26% chance of flooding over the
life of a 30yr Mortgage. Base flood elevations have not been determined in
“A” Zones.
AE
A1-30
AH
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain where Base Flood
Elevations (BFEs) were determined. AE zones replaced the A1-30 zones on
older maps (below).
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain where BFEs were
determined. “Numbered” A Zones reflect the BFE of the zone on older map
formats.
Ex. A5, A12, A15
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. These are usually areas
of shallow ponding 1-3ft in depth. BFEs are determined in these zones.
AO
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. These are usually areas
of sheet flow on sloping terrain 1-3ft in depth. Average flood depths are
determined in these zones.
AR
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. Areas that result from
the decertification of a previously accredited flood protection system, such
as a dam or levee, that is in the process of being restored.
A99
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. Areas to be protected
by a flood protection system (dam, dike, or levee) that is at a stage of
completion where it can be used for insurance rating purposes. No BFEs or
depths are shown.
V (Coastal)
Land areas along coasts within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. These
zones are subject to additional hazards associated with storm induced wave
action. No BFEs are determined in “V” Zones.
VE (Coastal)
Land areas along coasts within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain. These
zones are subject to additional hazards associated with storm induced wave
action. BFEs Have been determined in these zones. VE Zones replaced the
V1-30 zones on older map formats.
V1-30 (Coastal)
Land areas within the 1% Annual Chance floodplain where BFEs were
determined. These zones are subject to additional hazards associated with
storm induced wave action. “Numbered” V Zones reflect the BFE of the zone
on older map formats.
Ex. V5, V12, V15