The non-technical and simplified definition of a floodplain is “an area adjacent to a body of water.” But using this definition to determine if your property is in a floodplain is deceiving. Please direct any questions, or requests for more information to the City’s Floodplain Administrator at 40 or Information About Floodplains and Floodplain Management Further, the Department will review and update, at least annually, the content to ensure that it is current and relevant. The Department of Watershed Management will regularly check this website to ensure that hyperlinks remain accurate. The table of contents at the top of this page provides an overview of the available information, as well as quick access to each topic. It also describes Atlanta’s floodplain management activities in detail. This webpage provides more information about floodplain management. Storm Preparation and Flood Recovery Tipsįlood Zone Classifications and Flood Zone Mapsįloodplain Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) You can get all this information from your local government or by using FEMA or third-party tools.ĭo you have more real estate questions? Check out our insurance archive for more on protecting your home.Basic Information About Floodplains and Floodplain Management To do that, you need to ask, “What is my BFE?” Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to FloodingĪs sea levels rise and storms become more powerful, it is important to understand the risks in your area. Additionally, when your BFE is high, then your policy will cost less compared to a low BFE. It’s mandatory in A and V zones, but not in X zones, which are minimal-risk areas. It’s also important to identify your BFE because it dictates the cost and kind of flood insurance you need. You can’t build living space below your BFE (nor do you want to). You need to know your BFE if you intend to build a new home or you want to make renovations or add an extension. To get these maps, you can contact your local floodplain administrator.Īnother option is to use a third-party consumer tool to look up your BFE based on your address. Your municipality or county will have flood hazard and zone maps that outline the FEMA flood zones and BFEs for each area. What is my BFE? If you live or intend to move near the water, you need to know. It also means that you need to install your HVAC system at an elevation equivalent to or above the BFE. Usually, this means raising your living space off the ground with piles, posts, or columns. If you live in a V zone (on the water), then the bottom of the lowest floor elevation must be at the BFE for your area. You can find your flood zone on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). These areas receive a designation because they experience the highest velocity of waves. A zones are usually near the water but not necessarily on it. V flood zones are usually beach-front properties that are the point of impact for flooding. The most hazardous flood zones are those categorized as V or A. What does this mean for you? BFEs work along with flood zoning to let you know what kind of risk you can expect on your property.įlood zones are areas characterized by FEMA as places with a risk of flood. As a result, identifying the BFE for an area is mandatory when determining the appropriate floodproofing measures. The BFE measurement is a standard used by all federal agencies as well as the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). What is a base flood? According to FEMA, it is a flood that has “a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.” Here’s what a BFE is and how it impacts things like insurance.Ī base flood elevation (BFE) represents the estimated (computed) height at which floodwater could rise in your area during a base flood. Your BFE dictates the lowest level at which you can build living space without it being impacted by floods. If you live near a body of water, then you need to ask, “What is my BFE?” What is the likelihood that you could experience dramatic flooding from storm surges or rising sea levels? Do you know?
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