We’ve reported before on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s ongoing efforts to remap flood zones in the US, as well as on the protests from homeowners and business owners who suddenly find themselves sitting in a newly defined floodplain. Property in a floodplain can have higher insurance rates—and lower property value—than similar parcels.
FEMA has been using new computer models to remap the floodplains. In some cases, though, to create the new maps FEMA started with 20-year-old maps and digitized them without taking into account development that has occurred in the meantime, which may have changed runoff patterns.
Now, the agency says it’s willing to make corrections to the new maps when changes are called for. In the year and a half between the time a new map is released and when it takes effect, residents and business owners can appeal the changes. They might have to pay for surveys to support their claims of exemption, though, which can run to thousands of dollars.
Accurately updated maps can discourage development in flood zones and avert expensive property damage. Inaccurate maps, residents of some regions say, will prevent development and reduce overall property values.