What does pre-FIRM mean?

Pre-FIRM means construction or other development for which the “start of construction” occurred before the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map.

What is pre-FIRM and post-FIRM?

​Pre-Firm buildings constructed prior to March 1979 are considered “pre-FIRM” and those constructed on or after March 1, 1979 are considered “post-FIRM.” A Post-FIRM building is a building for which construction or substantial improvement occurred after the effective date of an initial Flood Insurance Rate Map.

What is pre-FIRM flood?

A pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map (pre- FIRM) building is one that was constructed prior to the date of the community’s first FIRM. Continuity of coverage can be maintained even if the building is sold, as the policy can be assigned to a new owner at the option of the policyholder.

What is grandfathering in flood insurance?

Grandfathering is a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rule that was created to recognize property owners who carried a policy before the maps became effective or built to the correct standards relative to the flood map in effect at the time of construction. (FIRM is shorthand for Flood Insurance Rate Map.)

What are pre-firm rates?

Pre-FIRM buildings can be insured using “subsidized” rates. These rates are designed to help people afford flood insurance even though their buildings were not built with flood protection in mind.

What is a firm FEMA?

Official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

What is a Loma from FEMA?

A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is an official amendment, by letter, to an effective National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) map. LOMAs are usually issued because a property has been inadvertently mapped as being in the floodplain, but is actually on natural high ground above the base flood elevation.

What does post firm mean in flood insurance?

Post-Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) buildings are new construction and those built after the effective date of the first FIRM for a community. Insurance rates for Post-FIRM buildings are dependent on the elevation of the lowest floor in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

What are firm panels?

FEMA Flood Zone and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panels. Use the FEMA flood zone types to determine special hazard areas and the risk premium zones for that specific location. The panel numbers are used to determine flood insurance rates and premiums.

What is a firm zone?

A FIRM is a product of the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for a community and is available in paper form and digital form. FIRMs show the limits of mapped flood hazard areas in a community. • The insurance zone designations shown on FIRMs are used in the determination of flood insurance rates and premiums.

Where can I find FEMA Loma?

Obtaining a LOMA or LOMR-F A LOMA application form can be downloaded from the FEMA website at http:// www.fema.gov/change-flood-zone-designation-online-letter-map-change.