FREDERICK, MD -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Frederick County and invite the public to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.
The 90-day appeal period began April 29, 2021. Postcards are being sent to affected property owners in Frederick County. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.
- An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
- Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
- If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information—such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary—they can submit a written comment.
The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps. Appeal requests may be submitted to Zoning Administrator Tolson DeSa via email at TDeSa@FrederickCountyMD.gov or by mail to the Division of Planning and Permitting, Zoning Administration, 30 North Market Street, Frederick, MD, 21701
The Zoning Administrator will forward all appeals to FEMA for review. Links to view the preliminary maps and additional information can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FEMA-flood-maps. To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or email FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.
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