What should a developer do if they want to conduct their own flood study?

For a developer intending to conduct their own flood study, it is essential to understand that taking this initiative means they are responsible for the associated costs of the study. Conducting a flood study at their own expense ensures that the developer can tailor the analysis to meet their specific needs or project requirements.

While state permission or involvement might be necessary in certain circumstances, such as when the study could impact regulatory standards or floodplain management, the primary responsibility for financing the study falls on the developer. This is particularly important because the results of the study may need to be validated or submitted to local or state authorities to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or other regulatory requirements.

By ensuring they are financially responsible for the study, the developer can also maintain flexibility in how the study is conducted, potentially leading to results that are more specifically beneficial to their project. It is important for developers to recognize that obtaining necessary information and data doesn't always negate the need for them to fund and manage the process.