What must be done to vary from the current FIRM for insurance purposes?

To vary from the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for insurance purposes, the official process requires that the FIRM is officially revised or amended. This is essential because FIRMs serve as the basis for the flood insurance program and determine flood risk zones, effective insurance premiums, and community floodplain management practices.

When there are changes in the floodplain or elevation levels that affect insurance ratings, an official revision or amendment to the FIRM must be submitted and processed by FEMA. This ensures that the changes are recognized and applicable for insurance management, keeping all records accurate and providing a clear picture of the current risks involved in flood insurance.

While community ordinances or requests to FEMA can impact various local floodplain management or insurance aspects, they do not directly change the FIRM until an official amendment is made. Lender approval, while necessary for some aspects of flood insurance, does not address the core issue of changing the FIRM itself. Therefore, undertaking the official revision or amendment process is crucial for ensuring that any new information reflects accurately in flood insurance premium calculations and risk evaluations.