Flood Hazard Determinations (Including Flood Elevation Determinations)-Change in Notification and Appeal Procedures

Pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), via the Federal Insurance Administrator, must publish flood elevation determinations for comment in the Federal Register. Currently, FEMA publishes base flood elevation (BFE) determinations for Flood Insurance Studies (FISs, also referred to as flood studies) as proposed and final rules, and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) that include changes to the technical content of a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or FIS as interim and final rules. FEMA now plans to publish these determinations as notices rather than as rules. This new procedure will not affect the notice or appeals process for these determinations. FEMA also plans to publish other types of flood hazard determinations in the Federal Register with the opportunity for comment and appeal. These other types of flood hazard determinations include new and modified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and new or modified regulatory floodways.