FEMA Flood Plain Maps and Information

Below are Resources to:

  • Determine whether or not a property is in the FEMA flood zone.
  • Determine elevation of the property.
  • Determine if the property has a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).
  • Learn about the option to use LiDAR in leiu of a field survey.

As of January 2016, property which is now in the flood zone (but was not previously), is eligible for flood insurance at the newly mapped rate for the first year, and will be phased into higher rates for their actual elevation.

Resource Links and Phone Numbers:

FEMA's Online LOMC Web Application (allows anyone to submit a Letter of Map Change (LOMC or LOMA) request online. This page is intended for homeowners and other interested parties that wish to submit a LOMC/LOMA application online instead of the paper form method.)

FEMA Map Service Center (the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program [NFIP]. Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.)

FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Map (properties which are officially in the flood zone can be found using this map. On this site it may be beneficial to change the basemap view [click on "basemap" in the upper left corner] to the "imagery with labels" option. Then input your address in the upper right corner to zoom in on your property.)

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) MNTOPO (shows property elevations)

Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) options (a LOMA is an official amendment to an effective National Flood Insurance Program [NFIP] map)

LiDAR info ("Light Detection and Ranging" is an active remote sensing technology that uses laser light to detect and measure surface features on the earth. LiDAR-derived high-resolution elevation data products are available for many areas of Minnesota.)

Metro Area LiDAR Certification Letter Example

FEMA Map Information Exchange Phone Number: 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627)

Starting March 20, 2017 any paper Letter of Map Change (LOMC or LOMA) requests or additional data submittals for requests in progress should be sent via U.S. or express mail to:

LOMC Clearinghouse
3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22304-6426

Additional Information and Tips:

What Type of LOMA Should You Pursue?
FEMA Policies for Buildings Newly Mapped in a High-risk Area.pdf
Tips for Using FEMAs Map Service Center website.pdf
Tips for Using FEMAs National Flood Hazard Layers map viewer.pdf