What should a property owner do if they believe their property is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?

When a property owner believes their property is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), the appropriate action is to submit a request for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). A LOMR is a formal process by which a property owner can request changes to the official Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or floodplain boundaries maintained by FEMA. This process is critical because it provides official documentation that may confirm that the property is not in a designated flood zone, thus potentially affecting flood insurance requirements and premiums.

By successfully obtaining a LOMR, the property owner can demonstrate that their property has been accurately assessed relative to flood risks, based on current topographic data and floodplain management regulations. This ensures that they are in compliance with FEMA guidelines and can better protect their investment.

Other options do not effectively address the situation. Requesting a flood insurance waiver is not a standard procedure in this context, as FEMA does not offer waivers based on assumptions about elevation. Ignoring floodplain regulations could lead to legal and financial consequences as properties in flood-prone areas are subject to specific regulations to mitigate flood risks. Contacting an insurance agent for advice may be helpful, but it does not resolve the need for formal documentation through a LOMR if