DEC Floodplain Coordinators Central Office Main Number: DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators

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1 National Flood Insurance Program: Information for Surveyors The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety DEC Floodplain Coordinators Central Office Main Number: Bill Nechamen, CFM (518) Kelli Higgins-Roche, CFM (518) David Sherman (518) Jennifer Horton (518) DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators REGIONALOFFICES DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators REGIONALOFFICES Region 1: Long Island Region 2: New York City Region 3: New Paltz Region 4: Schenectady Eric Star, Olabisi Kenku Jean Occidental Mark Lewis Tom Blanchard, CFM , DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators REGIONALOFFICES DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators REGIONALOFFICES Region 5: Warrensburg Rob Streeter Region 6: Utica Albert Ash Region 6: Northern Counties Carl Quance

2 DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators REGIONALOFFICES DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators REGIONALOFFICES Region 7: Syracuse Kevin Delaney Region 7: Kirkwood Dan Fuller Region 8: Horseheads Brad Chaffee Region 8: Avon Karis Manning Region 9: Buffalo Jim Vogel DEC NFIP Regional Coordinators Western NY Flood Hub Tim Walsh, Beth Coddington Workshop Comments This workshop is intended to provide an introduction to the NFIP, and details that surveyors need to know. Topics pertain to the minimum standards of the NFIP only, as well as NYS Building Code requirements NYS building code incorporates most, but not all, of those standards Other related federal/state programs will not be covered Subject matter applies to the special flood hazard area, i.e., The 100-year floodplain Please ask questions More Comments We will go over: NFIP History and Basics Obtaining and using Flood Maps and Studies Key Elevation Determination Development Requirements Elevation Certificates Letters of Map Change And More! Some Resources DEC workshops NYS Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association ( Association of State Floodplain Managers ( FEMA NFIP Desk Reference Self education and experience Litigation 2

3 Information on the Web NFIP Forms NFIP Technical Bulletins Mapping Guidelines and Specifications FEMA Map Service Center Flood Insurance Library Floodplain Management Information The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 The National Flood Insurance Act created the Federal Insurance Administration and directed it to: Identify flood-prone areas within the U.S. Establish flood-risk zones within those areas. Require new and substantially improved buildings be constructed in ways that minimize flood damage. Transfer cost of private property flood losses from taxpayer to property owner. The Three-Legged Stool The NFIP balances three related program areas: Flood Hazard Identification (mapping). Floodplain Management (regulations such as building codes and zoning). Flood Insurance (availability of insurance for property owners in participating communities). F l o d I n s u r a n c e Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 Significant expansion of the NFIP and required: Acceleration of flood insurance studies Notification of flood-prone communities Mandatory purchase requirement Participation in the NFIP for Federal assistance National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 Expanded flood insurance purchase requirements / Lender penalties for noncompliance Requires lenders to determine if structure is located in a flood hazard area Flood disaster assistance requires maintenance of flood insurance policy Increased Cost of Compliance -- allows insurance payment to elevate, demolish or relocate structure Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 Phasing Out of Subsidized Flood Insurance Rates Makes it even more crucial to build to proper elevations! Mapping Changes including Future Conditions Mapping Levee Evaluation Procedures 3

4 2014 Legislation Eliminates some of the 2012 Changes Property Sales; New Policies; Grandfathering Establishes floor and ceiling of rate hikes: 5% to 18% Annual Rate Increases for Pre-FIRM Properties Annual Surcharge: $25 Primary Residential Properties $250 Other Properties Structures Mapped Into SFHA Get PRP, then up to 18% annual increases FEMA must Strive to Limit Rates to No More than 1% of Coverage Many Categories, Particularly Coastal V Zones, Already Significantly Above That NFIP Goals Reduce loss of life and property caused by flooding Reduce rising disaster relief costs caused by flooding Make Federally backed flood insurance coverage available to property owners Accomplishing NFIP Goals Require new construction and substantial improvements to be flood resistant Guide future development away from flood hazard areas Transfer flood loss costs from taxpayers to floodplain property owners Prohibit new development in designated floodways that would increase flood heights Federal State Local Private Roles Federal Role Risk identification/mapping Establish development/building standards Provide affordable flood insurance coverage State Role Establish development/building standards State building code Model local law for flood damage prevention Provide technical assistance to local communities/agencies Under contract with FEMA, evaluate and document community/agency floodplain management activities 4

5 Local Role Adopt local floodplain management laws Issue or deny development/building permits Inspect development Maintain records Floods and Floodplains Major Categories of Floods Riverine Flooding Overbank Flooding Flash Flooding Riverine Erosion Ice Jam Flooding Coastal Flooding Coastal Storms Coastal Erosion Tsunamis Lake Flooding Shallow Flooding Sheet Flow Ponding Urban Drainage Overbank Flooding Flash Flooding Riverine Erosion 5

6 Riverine Erosion Flood Forces HYDROSTATIC FORCES 3 ft. of standing water can collapse walls Water weighs 62.4 lbs/ft 3 or 8.4 lbs/gallon Basement Walls and Floors are Particularly Vulnerable Buoyancy Forces 6

7 Buoyancy Forces HYDRODYNAMIC FORCES Raging floodwaters only a foot deep can sweep an adult away Hydrodynamic Forces Debris Impact Forces Water moving at 4 mph has same force as a 100 mph wind. Debris Impact Forces Soaking 7

8 Sediment and Contaminants Premise of the NFIP Standards Build it up Build it back Protect it Remember: It s not a question of IF, it s WHEN will there be a flood. Who Must Get Local Floodplain Development Permits Private Developers Counties Cities, Towns or Villages School Districts Public Improvement Districts Established by Section of Environmental Conservation Law Floodplain Development Permits Come from the Town, City or Village NYSDEC Does Not Issue Floodplain Development Permits Other DEC or Federal Permits do not supersede local Floodplain Development Permits State Agencies must Comply with DEC Regulations: Part 502 Federal Agencies Must Comply with E.O Flood Insurance Requirements Federal Law Requires a Flood Insurance Policy for Mortgage from Federally Backed or Regulated Lending Institution, or financial assistance from federal agency AND Structure is Located In Whole or In Part in Special Flood Hazard Area What is the Risk? 100-year flood? One percent chance per year =26% chance over 30 years 500-year flood? 6% over 30 years Your Flood may not have been a One Percent Event Flood Probability over 30 Year Period 8

9 What are the Damages to Structures? Flood Insurance: What s Going On? Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 Phase Out of Many Subsidies Attempt to Address NFIP Debt Significant Push-Back 2014 Reform of the Reform Eliminates or Slows Down Some Rate Increases Creates Surcharge to Pay for Subsidized Rates Insurance Costs: Where you Live and Construction Type Inside Special Flood Hazard Area Oct 2013 Rates Pre-FIRMwith Basement (Subsidized) Builtto Code (Base Flood Elevation + 2 ) V-Zone (Coastal) $ $6781 $ $7568 A-Zone $ $2983 $274 - $412 Outside of Special Flood Hazard Area Basement No Basement X-Zone $845 - $1502 $727 - $1187 Preferred RiskPolicy $346 - $460 $312 - $414 Flood Insurance Studies and Maps Assumptions: Minimum Deductible Flood Insurance Ranges from$100,000 to $250,000 Residential Coverage. No contents coverage except for Preferred Risk Policies. Preferred Risk Policy: B, C, orxzone ornewly Mapped to SFHAon or after 10/1/08 No morethan oneflood insurance payment or flood relief payment of over$1000 in 10 years. Pre-FIRM ActuarialCosts Could be Up To $9000or more! Use the FIRM to Types of Maps Identify Special Flood Hazard Areas Identify the location of specific property Estimate BFE at a specific site Determine flood insurance zone at a specific site Determine the location of the regulatory floodway Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBM) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Flood Boundary Floodway Map (FBFM) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) 9

10 Level of Detail Approximate study--delineates "100- year" floodplain boundaries; does not determine base flood elevations or depths Detailed study--determines base flood elevations (BFEs) or depths to be displayed on FIRM Map Panel Information Approximate Delineations Little or no field work conducted Use of existing data such as FHBM, USGS Flood Prone Quadrangle Maps Where no existing data is available, appropriate methods for approximating floodplain boundaries must be selected and applied Scale and North Arrow Area Mapped Communitiesand CommunityNumbers CommunityPanel Number Map Date 10

11 Historic Map Dates Reading a FIRM Open Map Index and Find Panel Note: Older maps are by Community. Newer maps are by county. Moving towards County-wide or watershed mapping statewide. Some Map Features Wavy Line used when Flood Elevation Varies along Watercourse; Label used when flood elevation NYS Department of Environmental is uniform over Conservation large area. Lake Areas Elevation Reference Marks Note AE zones surrounding several lakes. Lakes with AE zones or A followed by a number have a base flood elevation BFE is a label for the entire flood zone For large lakes, there may be more than one bfe. Could be separated by a white line. A zones by themselves have no designated BFE DEC may have BFE for lakes without mapped elevation

12 Older Flat Maps Flood Boundary & Floodway Map DFIRM Stillwater and Wave Elevations Wave heights during storm surges are analyzed along transects (crosssection lines) along a coast

13 Transect Schematic Each transact is a cross-section froma point on the shoreline to a point inland. V Zone A Zone W ave Heights Great er Than 3 Feet Wave Heights Less Than 3 Feet Base Flood Elevation Including W ave Effect s 10 0 Year Stillwater Mean Sea Level Shore Line 3.76 Sand Dune Wooded Region Overland Wind Fet ch Buildings After analyzing wave heights along each transect, wave elevations were interpolated betw een transects. Various source data w ere used in the interpolation, including topographic maps, beach profiles, aerial photos, and engineering judgment. Controlling features affecting the elevations w ere identified and considered in relation to their positions at a particular transect and their variation betw een transects. 13

14 FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY A flood insurance study (FIS) is a compilation and presentation of hydrologic and hydraulic determinations made for specific watercourses within a municipality. The FIS delineates flood hazard areas and establishes flood elevations thereby serving as the basis for regulating floodplain development and providing flood insurance. FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY Appraises a community's flood problems Estimates flood flow frequency Establishes flood elevation profiles Plots floodplain boundaries Provides data to delineate floodways in some communities Establishes insurance risk zones ASSUMED HYDROLOGIC AND HYDRAULIC CONDITIONS Flood hazard determinations are based on conditions that will exist twelve months from completion of the draft FIS report. FIS NARRATIVE Background, authority, scope Principal flood problems Existing proposed flood control projects Engineering methods used Floodplain management/insurance applications HYDROLOGY Distribution and circulation of water in the atmosphere, on land, and underground. Determines flood flow frequencies. Calculates flows that have fixed probabilities of being exceeded each year, such as.2%, 1%, 2%, 10% (500 year, 100 year, 50 year, 10 year) 14

15 HYDRAULICS Fluids in motion. Distribution and circulation of water in the atmosphere, on land, and underground. Determines how water will flow through a floodplain. Determines flood elevations. HYDROLOGICAL ANALYSIS Estimates of: Flood discharge Flood frequency HYDRAULIC ANALYSIS Determines how much floodplain is required to pass the flood. Some FIS Examples Flood elevation determinations Floodway determinations Floodway Data Table Cross Section Locations Width, Area and Velocity Water Surface Elevation 15

16 Flood Profile Example S UTTER B LVD B R ID GE Flood Profile 531 ELE VAT IO N (F EET NG VD ) Cross Section Locations Precise Flood Elevations Locations of Bridges, Dams, Culverts 100 -YEA R FLOOD YEAR FLOOD MON TER EY AV E BR ID GE YEAR FLOOD 10- YEAR FLOOD 529 STR EAM BED A C B D E STREAM DISTANC E IN FEET ABOVE CONFLU EN CE WITH LAK E HIGHTOWER 16

17 Where to Find Map Products Online: msc.fema.gov Order disks by phone at View at Local Government Offices County and Regional Planning Offices DEC HQ and Regional Offices FEMA s Map Service Center Create a FIRMette Create a FIRMette Shows all Available Products 17

18 Create a FIRMette Finish the FIRMette Is the Map Modernized? Create a FIRMette National Flood Hazard Layer Example: National Flood Hazard Layer: Schoharie Property 18

19 Take a Break! What if No Base Flood Elevation? Approximate A Zone Some Modernized Maps have Advisory BFE s Contact DEC Floodplain Section, Albany or Download Data from MSC.FEMA.GOV 19

20 Approximate A Zone Elevations Simplified and Detailed Methods Simplified methods: Detailed studies are not available. Simplified methods can provide estimated BFEs. If you lack confidence in simplified estimation methods, require property owners to provide BFEs based on detailed studies Contour interpolation Data extrapolation (rarely applicable) Culvert hydraulics Detailed methods: Floodplain geometry (topography) Flood frequency Discharge (hydrology) Flood discharge Stage (hydraulics) Contour Interpolation and Data Extrapolation Contour Interpolation Both are simplified methods, and cannot be used to support LOMA and LOMR-F applications. Obtain a topographic map of the site. Reduce/enlarge to FIRM scale. Overlay Zone A floodplain boundary on the topographic map. Does floodplain boundary follow contour lines within acceptable limits? (Elevations of left and right overbanks must be within one-half of the contour interval of the map.) If accuracy is acceptable, determine the BFE. Can Support Local Permitting May Support More Accurate Insurance Rating Contour interpolation overlays topographic maps on the FIRM. Data extrapolation extends flood profiles beyond the detailed study area. At least one other method plus previous flooding history should be used FIRM + Topographic Map Interpreting Previous Slide What is the contour interval of the Building Site? 5 At the structure site, what is the elevation of the left (upper) bank on the map? Approximately 523 What does the map show as the elevation of the right (lower) bank? Approximately 525 How many feet = ½ of the contour interval? 2.5 Is the method acceptable at this site? Yes: = 2. 2 < 2.5. FEMA 265, page V-4, description page V-3, Example What is the estimated BFE? Because Elevations are Deemed to be Accurate to +- one contour interval, you add ½ contour interval to estimated elevation at location. 20

21 Interpreting Previous Slide FIRM + Topographic Map What is the contour interval of the map? 10 At the structure site, what is the elevation of the left (upper) bank on the map? 422 What does the map show as the elevation of the right (lower) bank? 430 How many feet = ½ of the contour interval? 5 FEMA 265, page V-5, description page V-4, Example 2 Is the method acceptable at this site? SUTT ER BL VD BRIDG E Data Extrapolation: Extend Profile EL EV ATION (FEE T N GVD ) YEAR FLOO D 500-YEAR FLOO D M ON TEREY AVE BRIDG E Data Extrapolation Criteria Site must: Be within 500 feet of the detailed study area. Have floodplain characteristics similar to the detailed study area for example: 50-YEAR FLOOD 10-YEAR FLOOD 529 No STREAM BED The valley does not narrow rapidly upstream. There is no waterfall A C B D Have no hydraulic structures such as dams and bridges. E STREAM DIST ANCE IN FEET ABOVE CONFLUENCE WITH LAKE HIG HT OWER Data Extrapolation Steps Determine the location of the site on the flood profile for the detailed study area. Extrapolate the last segment of the flood profile that has a constant slope to the location of the site. Determine the BFE from the extrapolated profile Other Sources For Lakes, Look at Adjacent Communities or Check with DEC, Floodplain Management Section Check for Nearby LOMA s Check with Community Adjoining Property may have Developed a BFE, Especially if Over 5 Acres in Development 21

22 Detailed Methods Topography Three key elements: Floodplain geometry (topography) Flood frequency Discharge (hydrology) Flood discharge Stage (hydraulics) Geometry of cross-section of the floodplain Vertical coordinates (elevation) Topographic maps Field-surveyed cross-sections Increased level of detail on topographic map = increased accuracy of floodplain delineation Sta. 0 Elev Sta Sta Sta Elev Elev Sta Elev Elev Sta Elev Hydrology and Hydraulics Map Exercise Hydrology gauges peak rate of stream flow during a flood throughout a watershed. Hydraulics predicts water surface elevations that occur at a particular site during a flood. QUICK-2 is a software program that performs hydraulic calculations Note: This is suppose to be a person doing jumping jacks, not an enraged office worker! 22

23 Schoharie County DFIRM Legend Older FIRM Legend Greene Co. Map Image What is the number? What is the What is the What is the What is the Schoharie Town community panel number? Map Revision Date? scale? vertical datum? Greene County Map Image 1. What is the BFE at the house at arrow number 1? 2. The new fire department is planned for arrow number 2. Will it be compliant? Why or why not. 3. What should the lowest floor elevation be for a building located arrow number 3? Greene County Map Image 1. The school district wants to build an athletic field at the yellow rectangle? Is it compliant? What must be done? 2. What is the BFE of Reference Mark NA0351? 3. A new building is proposed to be built at arrow number 4. What should be its lowest floor elevation? Key Floodplain Management Concepts Needed to Understand Elevation Determination Concepts 23

24 Definitions You Must Know Topics We ll Cover: Special Flood Hazard Area Base Flood Floodway Lowest Floor Basement Development Substantial Improvement Substantial Damage Definition of Base Flood Definition of Special Flood Hazard Area Darkly shaded area on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or a Flood Insurance Rate Map which identifies that area that has a 1 percent chance of being flooded in any given year. The FIRM identifies these shaded areas as flood zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, AE, A99, V, V1-30, and VE. FLOODWAY A flood that has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. It often is referred to as the "100-year" flood. 26% chance of occurring in a 30-yr period 39% chance of occurring in a 50-yr period 63% chance of occurring in a 100-yr period The water channel and adjacent areas that are reserved to discharge the base flood Definition of Floodway...means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot. Also referred to as the Regulatory Floodway. FLOODWAY One Foot Rise Criteria: A computer model "squeezes" the water until there is less than a one foot rise anywhere along the watercourse. 24

25 Definition of Lowest Floor Floodway Schematic...means the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including basement. An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building s lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this ordinance. 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN FLOODWAY FLOODWAY FRINGE SURCHARGE FLOODWAY + FLOODWAY FRING ES = FLOODPLAIN SURCHARGE NOT TO EXCEED 1.0 FOOT Lowest Floor Elevations Crawl-Space Foundation Lowest Floor Elevations Slab Foundation Lowest Floor Lowest Floor Opening (typical) Lowest Floor Elevations Split Level Lowest Floor Elevations Basement Foundation Garage Lowest Floor Basement Lowest Floor 25

26 Pile Foundation Definition of Basement Basement or Cellar is that portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. Low est Low est Floor A Zone Floor V Zone Definition of Development...means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. Definition of Substantial Improvement... This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. Definition of Substantial Improvement Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. Definition of Substantial Damage Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. FEMA Substantial Damage Estimator: 26

27 Substantial Improvement or Damage Does Not Include... Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety codes which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions or... Substantial Improvement or Damage Does Not Include... Any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure s continued designation as an historic structure. Requirements For Substantial Improvement Substantially improved structures are considered NEW CONSTRUCTION and must meet all of the minimum building standards of the NFIP. Who Must Get Local Floodplain Development Permits Private Developers Counties Cities, Towns or Villages School Districts Public Improvement Districts Established by Section of Environmental Conservation Law NFIP and Building Code Requirements State Agencies or State Land Direct Development or Funding of Development Must Comply with 6 NYCRR 502 State Agencies are Self-Regulating NYSDEC Provides Technical Assistance Variance to Not Comply up to NYSDEC 27

28 Federal Agencies Elevation Requirements EO 11088, 1970 s, 8-Step Process Is it in a Floodplain? 6. Reevaluate Practicality Notify Public 7. Determine if it is Only ID Alternatives Alternative ID Impacts 8. Minimize Adverse Minimize Impacts Impacts Elevation Requirements for Zones AE, AH, and A1-30 All new construction and substantial improvement shall have the Lowest Floor, including basement, elevated to or above the BFE (Plus 2 Freeboard if Residential Construction) The reference level for the lowest floor is measured at the top of the sub-floor Residential Building Code: R Building Code Section : Refers to ASCE 24 Elevation Requirements: Zone A- NO Base Flood Elevation Data If there is a Base Flood Elevation from a reputable source, then use it. NYS DEC Corps of Engineers NRCS Historic Flood Data Other engineering study, including for development of over 5 acres or over 50 lots Requirements in A and V Zones Elevated Foundations Elevation Requirements: Zone A- NO Base Flood Elevation Data All new construction or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least three feet above the highest adjacent grade. (DEC Model Local Law; NYS Residential Building Code, R ) For subdivisions or other developments over 50 lots or 5 acres, applicant must provide flood elevation data and build accordingly. (FEMA Regulations: 44CFR60.3(b)(3)) Unnumbered A Z ONE REF ERE NC E LEV ELS ( DEP TH 3 FE ET) H IG HE S T AD J AC E NT G R ADE L O WE S T F LO O R RE F E RE N CE LE V E L F INIS H E D G RA DE 3 F EE T HIGHES T A DJA CENT GRADE - HIGHES T NATURAL GRADE ADJ ACENT TO THE FO OTP RINT OF THE BUILDING P RIO R TO CONSTRUCTIO N. 28

29 Elevation Requirements for Zones VE and V All new construction and substantial improvement shall be elevated on adequately anchored pilings or columns and securely anchored to such pilings or columns so that the lowest horizontal portion of the structural members of the lowest floor is elevated to or above the BFE. LOWEST HORIZONTAL STRUCTURAL BEAM LOWEST FLOOR BFE Residential Building Code: R324.3 Building Code Section : Refers to ASCE 24 Requirements in the Floodway THE WAVE PASSES UNDER THE BUILDING...UNIMPEDED No new development, including fill, in designated floodways that would increase flood heights. Developer must submit a hydraulic analysis which determines no rise in flood heights. If there is any rise, project must be reconfigured or maps revised. No variances for development in floodway. Technical Bulletins Technical Standards Guide-01 User's Guide to Technical Bulletins 1-93 Openings in Foundation Walls: 2-93 Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements 3-93 Non-Residential Floodproofing 4-93 Elevator Installation 5-93 Free-of-Obstruction Requirements 6-93 Below-Grade Parking Requirements 7-93 Wet Floodproofing Requirements 8-96 Corrosion Protection for Metal Connectors in Coastal Areas 9-99 Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Coastal Buildings Ensuring that Structures Built on Fill In or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas are ReasonablySafe From Flooding Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (Not Valid in NYS) 29

30 Construction Standards: Elevated Foundations Fill Perimeter Wall Pile Slab on Fill Standards for Elevation on Fill Fill should be placed in maximum 12inch lifts, and compacted to 95% of the maximum density obtainable with the Standard Proctor Test Method Fill slopes should be no steeper than 1.0-foot vertical to 1.5-feet horizontal Fill Standards for Elevation on Fill... Fill will NOT settle below BFE Protected from scour, differential settlement, and erosion Flood flow less than 5 ft/sec - vegetation Flood flow greater than 5 ft/sec armoring Placement of Fill No Fill in a Floodway Zones A1-A30 and AE without a Floodway must demonstrate that the cumulative effect of the proposed development when combined with all other existing and anticipated development will not increase the base flood by more than 1 foot. Construction on fill still subject to NFIP regs unless site first removed by LOMR-F 30

31 Perimeter Wall Foundation Standards for Elevation on Perimeter Wall Foundations Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters Opening (typical) Minimum Standards for Foundation Openings A minimum of two openings having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other automatic coverings Ulster Town, NY Brookhaven, NY Pile Foundation Post or Pile Foundations Have much greater resistance to lateral loads Should be used in areas of deep flooding and/or high velocities Over-the-top ties or frame ties must be used on manufactured homes to resist wind and water forces 31

32 Other Elevated Foundation Systems Sheer Walls Posts Piers Anchoring and Elevated Foundations All structures must be properly anchored When elevating a manufactured home above the BFE, the home must be anchored to the foundation or ground to resist wind and water forces. Pier Foundations Have limited resistance to lateral loads Should only be used in low velocity areas Must have vertical steel reinforcement to resist lateral forces Ground anchors must be used to resist wind and water forces Anchoring to Foundation Flood Proofing Requirements 32

33 Floodproofing Requirements Floodproofing ONLY NON-RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES MAY BE FLOODPROOFED IN LIEU OF ELEVATION. Non-residential construction, new or substantial improvement, may be floodproofed below the BFE so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water. Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy. NOTE: Insurance Requirements are 1 above bfe More Floodproofing Requirements... Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the previous standards are satisfied. Dry Floodproofing Limited Effectiveness Shallow Flooding < 3 ft Short Duration < hours Low Velocity and Impact Hazard Often Requires Maintenance Resealing Pumps, Drainage Systems, Backflow Valves May Require Human Intervention Emergency Operations Plan Standards For Utilities And Building Systems All new construction and substantial improvement shall be constructed with electrical, HVAC, plumbing and other service facilities elevated or floodproofed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding. (Residential Code of NYS: R ) UTILITY LOCATION SCHEMATIC AT TIC WA TER HEAT ER ATTIC H VA C PROPANE TAN K WELL HEA D B FE BF E SEPTIC TANK 33

34 Noon Whistle! Intro to Elevation Certificates and Letters of Map Change The Elevation Certificate Administrative tool of the NFIP Policy rating Support of map revisions and amendments Certify building elevations Community compliance Download at: NYS-library/assets/documents/160?id=1383 Department of Environmental Conservation Elevation Certificate Questions Why is it important to establish BFEs? How does the Elevation Certificate assist the agent to rate a property? Who is qualified to certify elevations for most zones in the Special Flood Hazard Area? How does a surveyor or agent identify an SFHA? Do all buildings in the SFHA need an Elevation Certificate? Does the NFIP mandate using an Elevation Certificate to meet program requirements? Elevation Certificate Contents Provides detailed, thorough instructions. Requests latitude and longitude. Includes a comprehensive FIRM information section. Provides building elevation information: Detailed building diagrams Multiple building elevations Lowest floor (former reference level) no longer required of the certifier (architect, engineer, surveyor) Insurance Rating Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM On or Before 12/31/74 or Before the Initial FIRMDate Pre After 12/31/74 and on or After the Initial FIRM Date Post 34

35 How do you Find Pre-FIRM Date? FEMA Community Status Book FEMA Elevation Certificate Required for flood insurance rating of postfirm and some pre-firm buildings. Determine compliance with floodplain management ordinance. Support map revisions and amendments. Prerequisite for the Community Rating System. When is an Elevation Certificate Required for Insurance Rating? Zones B, C & X; Not in Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) No elevation certificate needed Post-FIRM Construction in SFHA Zones Elevation certificate is required Pre-FIRM Construction in SFHA Zones Needed for optional elevation rating Beginning in 2013: Elevation certificate are needed for some pre-firm policies PROPOSED CHANGES Map Changes Why Maps Change To correct non-flood-related features Because of the legal significance of NFIP maps, information supporting revisions must be scientifically and technically accurate. To include better ground elevation data To reflect changes in ground elevations To revise flood data To submit new flood data To reflect a flood control project 35

36 Revisions Types of Map Changes Restudies Limited Map Maintenance Projects Letter of Map Revision Letter of Map Amendment Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill Physical Map Revision Amendments Used to exclude individual structures and legally described parcels of undeveloped land inadvertently included in the SFHA Based on conditions prior to Map date Does NOT require review and approval of community Does NOT require update of Maps or Regulations LOMA s Based on Natural Ground Elevations File with FEMA; Address on Form No Charge for LOMA Review Changes to Maps to reflect better flood and non-flood information Changes in floodplain conditions Increased/Decreased flood heights Longer period of record Development pressures Requires Community review and approval May require update of maps and regulations LOMA Form MT-EZ Single Residential Lot or Structure Community and Property Information Date and Type of Construction Recorders Stamped Subdivision Plat/Deed FIRM & Cover with Site & Structures Plotted Elevation Certificate or Elevation Information Form LOMR-F Form MT-1 Single Structures on Fill Include same Information as LOMA PLUS Community Acknowledgement Form LOMR-F Fees, 2014 $425, single lot/structure $800, multiple lot/structure 36

37 LOMA and LOMR-F Basis of Determination For LOMA: Comparison of BFE to Elevation of the Lowest Adjacent Grade to the Structure including attached decks. For LOMR-F: Same as LOMA plus Comparison of BFE to Lowest Floor. IF ELEVATED but any portion of the Structure below BFE the building will NOT be removed from SFHA Surveyors Role Surveyors do not Determine Compliance. Surveyor Data used to Determine Compliance. Surveyor Data used to Determine Accurate Flood Insurance Ratings. Just the Facts! Elevation Certificate FEMA Elevation Certificate Current Version: FEMA Form (7/12) Mandatory for use after August 1, 2013 July 31, 2015 expiration date Federal Forms Often Live Past Expiration Date Download from Fillable PDF and Word Versions 37

38 Elevation Certificate Checklist Section A: Property Information Lat/Long: Can use Google Earth A7: Bldg Diagram Number: We ll Go Over A8: Vent Openings: One Key to Compliance and Insurance Rating A9: Attached Garage Flood Opening Permanent Flood Openings Standard is 1 square inch net opening per square foot of enclosed floor space If the crawlspace or enclosure(s) have no permanent flood openings, or if the openings are not within 1.0 foot above adjacent grade, enter 0 (zero) in Items A8.b c. Flood Opening Engineered Flood Openings Allowed Can Have Less Net Opening Must Include Documentation If applicable, attach a copy of the Individual Engineered Flood Openings Certification or an Evaluation Report issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC ES) 38

39 Engineered Flood Openings Section B: Community, Map and BFE Info Panel Number: May Be Different from Community Number Index Date May Differ from Panel Date BFE: Use Flood Insurance Study CBRS / OPA? Map Panel and Map Index Date May Not Be the Same Map Panel Information Schoharie Cobleskill, Town Of, C153 E 2/16/2012 NY 4/2/2004 CBRS Zones and Otherwise Protected Areas Coastal Barrier Resources System: Enacted by Congress Maintained by Fish and Wildlife Service Shown on FIRMs No Flood Insurance for New or Substantially Improved Structures after Designation of Zone Section C: Bldg Elevation Information Survey Required Every time If >1 Floor V Zone Only If Attached Garage Always Always Always If Deck or Stairs 39

40 Building Diagram Number: A7 C1: Proposed or Finished Construction? C2: All of the Relevant Ground and Building Elevations Building Diagrams Building Diagrams Building Diagram Number 1B Raised Slab or Foundation with Fill New E.C. divides Diagram 1 into slab on grade (1B) and Raised slab on grade or slab on stem wall with fill. Same rules apply. 40

41 Slab-on-grade, one story building with attached garage Diagram 2: Basement A floor that is below grade on all sides is considered a basement. Multiple-floor building with basement One story building with basement Slab-on-grade, split-level building 41

42 Split-level building without attached garage Elevated Buildings Pilings Posts Piers Parallel Sheer Walls Manufactured home elevated on pier foundation 42

43 Enclosure That Portion of an Elevated Building Below the Lowest Elevated Floor that is Either Partially or Fully Shut in by Rigid Walls. Building elevated on full-story foundation walls with a fully enclosed area below the elevated floor Use a little design sense here! A8 43

44 Building elevated on full-story foundation walls with garage below the elevated floor One-story building on crawl space with attached garage Multi-level building elevated on crawl space A8 A8 FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? Not Compliant in NYS 44

45 FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? 45

46 FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? 46

47 FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate What diagram? FEMA Elevation Certificate Machinery and/or Equipment What diagram? Furnaces Hot water heaters Heat pumps Air conditioners Elevators and their equipment 47

48 Get up and Stretch It s Not Official without Certification! How to Handle an Approximate A zone. First see if you can obtain a BFE If not, Use Section E AO: Zones of Shallow Flooding. Not Common Careful about Natural Grade Photos Establishing the Lowest Floor Surveyors Do Not Establish the Lowest Floor; Elevation Certificate does But Ask yourself : What floor elevation is significant to the risk of this structure? 48

49 Where s the Lowest Floor? Where s the Lowest Floor? Elevations Elevation Certificates Summary Which number is: Lowest Floor? C2.a? C2.b? C2.c? C2.d? C2.e? 1 C2.f? C2.h? 6 4 C2.g? 2 Use for determination of compliance. Use for accurate flood insurance rating. Every new or substantially improved or damaged structure in or adjacent to a flood hazard area should have one filled out. Fill out during design plans AND after lowest floor is constructed. Survey not required for AO or unnumbered A zone. 5 3 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 5 = crawlspace floor Letters of Map Change Procedures Letters of Map Change Not enough funding to map all with detailed methods Two types of analysis done: LOMA s, LOMR s, LOMR-F s, CLOMR s, CLOMR-F s M.O.U.S.E. Detailed analysis (developed and developing areas) Approximate analysis (undeveloped areas) Map Scale Not Fine Enough to Show Small Changes in Topography 49

50 Map Change Letters From FEMA Type of LOMC Form Used Filled Out By Fee (2014) LOMA MT-1 or MT-EZ Surveyor None Single Lot CLOMR-F MT-1 Surveyor $500 Single Lot LOMR-F MT-1 Surveyor $425 Multiple Lot CLOMR-F or LOMR-F MT-1 Surveyor $800 ($700 if CLOMR-F previouslyissued CLOMR MT-2 Engineer $ $6050 LOMR MT-2 Engineer $5000-$ Map Change Letters From FEMA Who receives the map change letter from FEMA? What is the difference between a LOMR and a LOMR-F? Structure Site Situation 1: What LOMC Applies? BFE Situation 2: What LOMC Applies? Situation 3: What LOMC Applies? BFE BFE

51 Failure To Request Map Changes Real Case: August s Subdivision; 2010s Complaints Remember... LOMA and LOMR-F applications require detailed methods of determining BFEs and Lowest Adjacent Grade Map Change Process Map Change Request Forms Community endorsement of the map change process is very important. For any map change letter other than a LOMA, a local official must sign the request. MT-EZ: Single lot/existing structure, no fill, no change to BFE or floodway (LOMA) MT-1: Single or multiple lots/structures, proposed structures or fill, no change to BFE (LOMA, CLOMA, LOMR-F, CLOMR-F) MT-2: Series of 12 forms to request a LOMR

52 4.307 Submittal Documents LOMA: MT-EZ Copy of recorded deed Tax Assessor s Map Certified Site Plan/Boundary Survey Copy of the effective FIRM FIRM with property accurately plotted FIS Flood Profile Signed/Dated Property Information Form Elevation Certificate Available in Fillable MS-Word Format Removes Entire Property, Portion of Property, or Just the Parcel from the Special Flood Hazard Area Comparison of Lowest Adjacent Grade, or low point on Parcel or Portion of Parcel to BFE Existing Parcel Not Elevated by Fill Include Legal Description of Property Structure; Portion of Property; or Entire Property Are you Sure? Are you Really Sure? This is Filled Out/Signed by Property Owner Here s where the Surveyor Comes In Structure on Natural Grade; or Legally Recorded Parcel or Portion Thereof 52

53 Simpler than Elevation Certificate Here s Where the Numbers Give the Answer Is LAG at least as high as BFE? LOMAs Include Documents FIRMette Plat or Deed Response Usually w ithin About 30 Days LOMR-F s: Use MT-1 Includes Same Information as LOMA PLUS Community Acknowledgment Form Fee to File Cannot Be Used if Existing Structure has Lowest Floor, Including Basement, Below BFE Requires Proper Placement of Fill Community Concurrence or Permit Not Needed Letters sent to Applicant, Municipality, State LOMC s Available Online at Map Service Center LOMR-F Removes Parcel or Portion of Parcel from SFHA Based on Elevation of Properly Compacted Fill Fill must have been Permitted by Community If Land Elevated but Any Portion of Structure is Below BFE, Building will not be Removed from SFHA 53

54 Cross-Sectional View of a LOMR-F Request 44 CFR 65.2(c) Reasonably safe from flooding means base flood Pre-Construction: Get LOMR-F After Receive LOMR-F, Construction May Proceed with Lowest Floor Below BFE Some Communities May Not Approve waters will not inundate the land or damage structures to be removed from the SFHA and that any subsurface waters related to the base flood will not damage existing or proposed buildings. From Technical Bulletin 10-1 MT-1 Forms Property Information Form Property Information Form Elevation Form Community Acknowledgment Form Payment Information Form What is Fill? Material from Any Source placed that raises the ground to or above the BFE. Removal of Material and Backfilling is not Considered to be Fill Fill placed Prior to Date of First FIRM is considered to be natural grade. 54

55 Property Information Documents to Include Effective FIRM Panel Plat or Deed Elevation Form (Form 2 of MT-1) Community Acknowledgment form if LOMR F or CLOMR-F For CLOMR-F FEMA requires Endangered Species Act Compliance Documentation Elevation Form Documentation Additional Page if Multiple Properties Community Acknowledgment Form Certification Community Official Affirms: Received and Reviewed Meets Community Floodplain Mgmnt Req s No Fill in Floodway All Permits Received or Will Be Obtained Endangered Species Act Compliance Land and Structures Reasonably Safe from Flooding 55

56 Community Acknowledgment Inadvertently In Floodway Sometimes Property can get LOMA based on Natural Grade but is in Floodway Floodway Boundaries are Generalized Between Cross Sections Community asked to Acknowledge if This is the Case LOMR: MT-2 For Physical Map Changes May Be Map Update Projects which Change Floodplain LOMRs Fee Exempt if Correcting Map Error based on Natural Conditions or Providing More Detailed Map Data (e.g.: Approximate A to AE Usually Takes Months Detailed Engineering Required LOMR Forms Overview and Concurrence (All Use) Riverine Hydrology and Hydraulics Riverine Structures Coastal Analysis Coastal Structures Alluvial Fan Flooding Payment Information (All Use) More on LOMRs Physically Changes FIRM and possibly Flood Insurance Study Local Community must Adopt Changes into its Local Law There is an Appeal Process 56

57 Generic Problems: MT Forms Generic Problems: MT Forms (Cont.) All forms not submitted Forms not completed Confusion about definitions Applicant request for the lot only, not for the actual/planned structure Recordation data missing from deed or plat Plat or tax map insufficient to locate property on FIRM Plat not certified Lowest Adjacent Grade Lowest Floor Elevation Lowest Lot Elevation Only lowest floor elevation submitted Last Break of the Day What Happens when Standards are Not Met? Elevation and Flood Zone Makes HUGE Difference! Existing Pre FIRM Structure, With Basement $100,000 coverage FLOOD! BFE 10 NG VD BFE 10 NG VD LOWEST FLOOR 5 NG VD LOWEST FLOOR 5 NG VD Pre FIRM Rate = $1147 STRUCTURE Damage = $75,000 SUBSTANTIALLY Market Value = $100,000 DAMAGED 57

58 Structure Repaired - Elevated Structure Repaired - Not Elevated Below BFE; No Basement BFE 10 NG VD LOWEST FLOOR 12 NG VD BFE 10 NG VD LOWEST FLOOR 5 NG VD NYS Department of Environmental Post FIRM Rerating Actuarial Conservation NYS Department of Environmental Structure Repaired - Elevated Post FIRM Rerating Actuarial Rate $329 Conservation Structure Repaired - Elevated BFE 10 NG VD LOWEST FLOOR 9 NG VD BFE 10 NG VD LOWEST FLOOR 10 NG VD NYS Department of Environmental Post FIRM Rerating Actuarial Rate $1155 Conservation Conclusions Purpose of NFIP is to reduce future flood damages by Mapping Flood Hazard Areas Managing development in those areas Providing Federally-backed Flood Insurance NYS Department of Environmental Post FIRM Rerating Actuarial Rate $3039 Conservation Key Forms and Purpose Elevation Certificate Compliance Flood Insurance LOMA: MT-1 Remove Structure or Land Area from SFHA due to Natural Ground Elevation LOMR-F Land Elevated by Properly Compacted Fill LOMR Physical Change to FIRM and/or FIS 58

59 Thoughts for the Road Proper management of development in flood hazard areas will significantly reduce future flood damages. Flood Maps and Elevation Certificates are key tools. LOMCs Can Fine Tune Maps. A Knowledgeable Surveyor is an essential part of the process. You re often the property owner s first source of information 59