What happens if a proposed site’s BFE is determined to be lower in a new study?

When a proposed site’s Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is determined to be lower in a new study, existing Flood Insurance Study (FIS) data should be used until the new study is finalized. This practice ensures that there is a consistent and reliable basis for making floodplain management decisions. Since the new study has not yet gone through the official finalization process, it is not yet deemed authoritative for regulatory purposes.

Using the existing FIS data during this interim period protects against potential inaccuracies or changes that may occur in the new study. Floodplain management regulations require adherence to the finalized data to maintain safety and insurance standards, and issuing permits based on unfinalized studies could lead to increased risk and liability. As such, until the new BFE is officially adopted, the existing data serves as the guideline for permits and development decisions in flood-prone areas.