What are Flood Zone Designations (cont’d)?
▸ Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are high-risk areas shown on the flood map
as shaded zones beginning with the letters A or V
• The SFHA is defined as the land area covered by the floodwaters of a base flood
• In communities that participate in the NFIP, all home and business owners with
structures in high-risk areas who hold mortgages from federally regulated or insured
lenders are required to buy flood insurance and adhere to floodplain management
regulations
▸ Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas are moderate- to low-risk areas shown on the
flood map as zones beginning with the letters B, C, or X (including shaded &
unshaded)
• The risk of flooding is lower, but risk still exists In communities that participate in the
NFIP, flood insurance is available, but not mandatory, for all property owners and
renters in these zones typically at a lower rate
▸ Some flood maps also include areas where there are possible, but
undetermined, flood hazards or unstudied areas
• These areas are shown on flood maps as “Zone D”
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