|
Definitions of FEMA Flood Zone
Designations
(excerpted from FEMA
Map Service Center)
|
| Flood zones are geographic areas
that the FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk.
These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone
reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area. |
|
| In communities that participate
in the NFIP, flood insurance is available to all property owners and
renters in these zones [although it is not mandatory]: |
|
| ZONE |
DESCRIPTION
|
| A |
Areas with a 1%
annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding
over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Because detailed analyses are not
performed for such areas; no depths or base flood elevations are shown
within these zones. |
| AE, A1-A30 |
Areas with a 1% annual chance
of flooding and a 26% chance of flooding
over the life of a 30-year mortgage. In most instances, base flood
elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected
intervals within these zones. |
| AH |
Areas with a 1%
annual chance of shallow flooding, usually in the form
of a pond, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas
have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Base
flood elevations derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected
intervals within these zones. |
| AO |
River or stream
flood hazard areas, and areas with a 1% or greater
chance of shallow flooding each year, usually in the form of sheet
flow, with an average depth ranging from 1 to 3 feet. These areas have
a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Average
flood depths derived from detailed analyses are shown within these
zones. |
| AR |
Areas with a
temporarily increased flood risk due to the building or
restoration of a flood control system (such as a levee or a dam).
Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements will apply, but rates
will not exceed the rates for unnumbered A zones if the structure is
built or restored in compliance with Zone AR floodplain management
regulations. |
| A99 |
Areas with a 1%
annual chance of flooding that will be protected by a
Federal flood control system where construction has reached specified
legal requirements. No depths or base flood elevations are shown within
these zones. |
|
|
| In communities that participate
in the NFIP, mandatory flood
insurance purchase requirements apply to
all of these zones: |
| ZONE |
DESCRIPTION |
| V |
Coastal areas
with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional
hazard associated with storm waves. These areas have a 26% chance of
flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. No base flood elevations
are shown within these zones. |
| VE, V1 - 30 |
Coastal areas
with a 1% or greater chance of flooding and an additional
hazard associated with storm waves. These areas have a 26% chance of
flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Base flood elevations
derived from detailed analyses are shown at selected intervals within
these zones. |
|
| |
| Undetermined Risk
Areas |
| ZONE |
DESCRIPTION |
| D |
Areas with
possible but undetermined flood hazards. No flood hazard
analysis has been conducted. Flood insurance rates are commensurate
with the uncertainty of the flood risk. |
|
| |
