Significant changes are underway regarding flood insurance requirements across the U.S., driven by updated FEMA flood maps and new federal regulations. Local officials in Tompkins County, New York, are offering public outreach to explain these developments, which have implications for property owners, developers, and federally backed housing programs.
New FEMA Flood Maps in Effect
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued new flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) last month, replacing maps last updated in 1981. These maps are part of FEMA’s ongoing Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program. The updated boundaries reflect a multi-year process involving studies and surveys and are designed to better represent flood risks under current conditions.
Over 1,000 parcels in the City of Ithaca are now newly included within a designated flood zone. While changes apply across Tompkins County, the most substantial revisions impact Ithaca residents. Properties newly mapped into flood zones may now fall under insurance requirements, especially if they are financed through federally backed mortgages or certain private lenders.
Public Information Session Announced
To provide clarity, a public Q&A session will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 6 p.m. at the Ithaca Town Hall and via Zoom. Officials will cover how to access and interpret the new maps, outline flood risks, and explain insurance considerations. The session is open to all Tompkins County residents.
HUD Final Rule on Floodplain Management
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a final rule in the Federal Register to implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). This rule became effective on May 23, 2024. Key elements of the rule include:
- Elevation requirements: Single-family homes in 100-year floodplains must be elevated two feet above base flood elevation to qualify for FHA mortgage insurance beginning January 1, 2025.
- Multifamily housing compliance: FHA-insured and HUD-assisted multifamily programs may continue to follow pre-FFRMS rules if a floodplain management review is completed by January 1, 2025. For new multifamily applications submitted after October 1, 2024, FFRMS regulations apply.
Expansion of Floodplain Boundaries
The FFRMS expands floodplain boundaries both horizontally and vertically beyond FEMA’s 100-year floodplain definitions. HUD will apply stricter elevation and floodproofing standards for federally funded or insured construction and substantial improvements within the FFRMS-defined floodplain.
Notification and Disclosure Requirements
The rule mandates new disclosure practices, including:
- Approximate elevation of the FFRMS floodplain
- Proximity to flood-related infrastructure (e.g., dams and levees)
- Ingress and egress routes for evacuation
- Flood insurance availability and past claims history
- Emergency notification resources
Additionally, rental leases for HUD-assisted or HUD-acquired properties in floodplains must now include signed acknowledgments by residents confirming they were advised of the flood risks and insurance options.
Changes to HUD’s Decision-Making Process
HUD has also revised the eight-step decision-making process used to evaluate proposed development in floodplains. One change involves removing the exception for FEMA-issued conditional Letters of Map Amendments and Revisions, requiring instead full completion of the eight-step process before any site modifications (e.g., fill) are approved.
Additional HUD Webinars Planned
HUD plans to host webinars offering further details on FFRMS implementation and compliance requirements for stakeholders, including developers and public housing officials.
Ongoing FEMA Mapping Notifications
In compliance with the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, FEMA continues to notify Members of Congress each month about recent mapping activity and upcoming milestones. These summaries provide insight into which communities may be affected by future flood zone updates.
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