If properties are in an A Zone but higher than the calculated BFE, must buyers obtain flood insurance?

In the context of flood insurance requirements for properties located in A Zones, it is crucial to understand the concept of Base Flood Elevation (BFE). A Zone typically indicates areas that are at risk of flooding, particularly during a 100-year flood event. The BFE is the computed elevation to which floodwaters are anticipated to rise during such an event.

If a property is situated in an A Zone but is located at an elevation higher than the calculated BFE, it may still be subject to flood insurance requirements unless a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is obtained. A LOMA is a formal request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to amend the Flood Insurance Rate Map by demonstrating that a property is elevated above the BFE, which would remove it from the floodplain designation.

Thus, the stipulation that buyers must obtain flood insurance is contingent upon the BFE unless a LOMA has been granted. This is critical in floodplain management practices, as communities must adhere to federal regulations and guidelines concerning flood insurance as part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Therefore, the reasoning for necessitating flood insurance in this scenario revolves around the regulations designed to manage flood risk effectively, ensuring that properties potentially at risk remain protected