FAQs • Frederick, MD • CivicEngage

What exactly is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?: Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHA are defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Structures located in SFHAs have a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage over the normal 30-year life of a loan, according to FEMA.

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Floodplain

1. What exactly is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?: Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHA are defined as the area that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Structures located in SFHAs have a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage over the normal 30-year life of a loan, according to FEMA.

2. What is a non-special flood hazard area?: A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a moderate-to-low risk flood zone (Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains.

3. Is there a fee to review (fences, sheds, decks) in the floodplain?: Permitting for (fences, sheds, decks) in the floodplain is the same review fee as structures located outside of the floodplain. There isn’t an additional fee for building permitted floodplain structures.

4. Do I need a permit to build in the floodplain?: Yes. Local City permits may only require a building permit, while adding fill or development in the floodplain would need State waterways permitting and possibly FEMA’s approvals.

5. Does the Flood Ordinance require a property owner to get Flood Insurance?: No. The National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA) provides owners a means to insure themselves. https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance

6. Does the City issue floodplain insurance?: The City does not issue floodplain insurance. Go to FEMA’s national flood insurance program website https://www.floodsmart.gov for more information and viewing interactive guide.

7. How do I know if my home is in the floodplain?: Go to the City’s website. https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov On the home page is a link to the SpiresGIS (Maps and Apps). Open the application to the General Map. Search for your address and turn on the floodplain layer. You may also discuss your question with the Floodplain Administrator. Contact Richard Albee by email at or 301-600-3828.

8. What can I do to protect my home from flooding?: Know your flood hazard. Check the maps. Use sandbags to prevent flooding in low areas. A couple of helpful property protection FEMA documents are on the City’s Floodplain webpage.

9. My home was built in the floodplain more than 50 years ago? Does the new City FPO require me to do anything?: The new FPO does not require you to take any action. However, if you propose to improve/ alter/ or expand your existing home, please be aware of the requirements in the new FPO related to “substantial improvement”.

10. When my home was built it was not in the floodplain. Now, the current Flood Insurance Rating Map shows that my home is in the floodplain: No action is required. Should you choose to alter your property or structure, the floodplain ordinance would become effective due to your chosen actions. Your mortgage provider may require you to obtain flood insurance, since all Federally backed mortgages for properties in the floodplain are required to have flood insurance.