The hook
FEMA flood zone determinations affect every floodplain transaction. The Elevation Certificate, the LOMA / LOMR processes, the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) — surveyors are the experts who connect the regulatory framework to the dirt.
Memorize these
Concepts that show up on the exam
FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map)
FEMA-published map showing flood zones for a community. A: 100-year floodplain (1% annual chance). AE: same with base flood elevation. X: outside special flood hazard area.
Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Elevation of the 100-year flood. Published on AE-zone FIRMs. New construction below the BFE in an SFHA requires elevation + flood insurance.
Elevation Certificate (EC)
FEMA form 086-0-33 documenting the elevation of a building relative to the BFE. Required for flood insurance and for LOMA/LOMR applications.
LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment)
FEMA letter removing a property from the SFHA based on surveyed elevations showing the lowest adjacent grade is above the BFE.
LOMR (Letter of Map Revision)
FEMA letter REVISING the FIRM itself based on more current data (improved topo, completed flood-mitigation projects).
Datum on the EC
Required: NAVD88 (preferred) or NGVD29. Must match the FIRM's datum or include a conversion.
Test yourself
How well did it stick?
A quick 5-question check on FEMA Requirements. See where you stand and what to review.