Letter of Map Change (LOMC)
Inadvertant Mapping in a Special Flood Hazard Area
In situations where property owners think their property was inadvertently mapped in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), also known as a flood map, FEMA provides a process for the public to request a change in the flood zone designation for the property. This request is known as a Letter of Map Change (LOMC).
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
A Property or Structure Built On Natural Ground and That Has Not Been Elevated By the Placement of Fill
A LOMA establishes a property’s location in relation to the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). LOMAs are usually issued because a property has been inadvertently mapped as being in the floodplain, but are actually on natural high ground above the base flood elevation. Because a LOMA officially amends the effective NFIP map, it is a public record that the community must maintain. Any LOMA should be noted on the community’s master flood map and filed by panel number in an accessible location.
A LOMA removes the structure from the SFHA, and thereby eliminates the requirement to carry mandatory flood insurance.
Benefits of a LOMA Removal
- Flood Insurance is made optional to the structure owner
- The property value increases for the current owner and any future owner
- The structure becomes considerably more marketable
- The monthly mortgage payment is typically reduced for loans with escrow accounts
- Allows option for a Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) with similar coverage at a lower premium
- In most cases, the current year’s flood insurance premium is refunded
If you have already been issued a Non-Removal by FEMA, Land Design Pros can help. Learn more.
Letter of Map Revision with Fill (LOMR-F)
Property Been Elevated By the Placement of Fill
Owners of structures (or parcels of land) raised above the base flood by the placement of fill may request a LOMR-F. As stated in the introduction to these instructions, fill is defined as material from any source placed to raise the ground (natural grade) to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The common construction practice of removing unsuitable existing material (topsoil) and backfilling with select structural material is not considered the placement of fill if the practice does not alter the existing (natural grade) elevation, which is below the BFE. Fill that is placed before the date of the first National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map showing the area in an SFHA is considered natural grade.