It depends on the reason for the change in flood zone. If a property owner thinks their property has been inadvertently mapped in a Special Flood Hazard Area or is now out of the flood zone due to elevating the structure or another reason, they may submit a request to FEMA for a Letter of Map Change or Amendment (LOMA). The requirements of the LOMA depend upon the reason for the requested change in flood zone and may require the applicant to hire a licensed surveyor or engineer.
If the request is granted, property owners may be eligible for lower flood insurance premiums, or the option to not purchase flood insurance.
If an elevation certificate is required to support the change in flood zone, the elevations must be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer or Licensed Land Surveyor.
A Letter of Map Change (LOMC) reflects an official revision/amendment to an effective Flood Insurance Rate Map. If the LOMC request is granted, property owners may be eligible for lower flood insurance premiums, or the option to not purchase flood insurance.
A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is a letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land that is on naturally high ground and has not been elevated by fill, would not be inundated by the base flood. Applicants can now use the Online LOMC, an Internet-based tool, to easily request a Letter of Map Amendment. The Online LOMC tool is available to any applicant who would like to submit a LOMC request directly to FEMA and does not require a surveyor or engineer to submit.
A Letter of Map Amendment-Out As Shown (LOMA-OAS) is a determination made by FEMA for the property and/or buildings as to whether it is located with the SFHA. Only use this method if it is clear, visually, that the structure is not in the SFHA. Instructions are available online.