A flood map will sometimes show a property to be in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) even when the buildings appear to be above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The Flood Maps do not always take into account the small changes in topography and from time to time we experience a map that does not accurately show the flood hazard boundary on a particular property. Nevertheless, until the map is physically revised, lenders and flood companies are bound by the information shown on the Flood Maps. If the Flood Map shows the property to be in a SFHA it must be reported as such unless a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) has been issued. A lender cannot close on a loan based on an elevation survey or a guarantee from a surveyor, flood company, or the community that has jurisdiction over the property, that the improvements are not in a SFHA.

The only recourse a property owner has is to apply for either a LOMA or a LOMR. A LOMA and a LOMR are statements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that serve to remove a parcel of land or structure from the floodplain. A LOMA is used when the natural topography at the time that the map was issued elevates the insurable improvements above the BFE. A LOMR is applied for and used when changes such as grading and filling raise the level of the ground above the BFE.

In order to obtain a LOMA or LOMR an application must be submitted to FEMA by the requester. The most important aspect of this application is an elevation certificate. A licensed surveyor or engineer must complete this elevation certificate. The elevation certificate is a document that contains elevation information necessary to support the request for the map amendment or revision.

If the LOMA or LOMR is issued, the lender may use this letter to relieve the federal requirement for flood insurance purchase for improved property that is located in the SFHA.

Applications may be obtained over the Internet at:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fmc_loma.shtm
or calling toll free at 877-336-2627.