Floodproofing: Difference between revisions
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'''Floodproofing''' is a critical mitigation strategy recognized by the [[National Flood Insurance Program]] (NFIP). It involves measures designed to protect a building from flood damage by making it watertight or resistant to water intrusion. This strategy applies differently to residential and non-residential buildings under NFIP guidelines. | |||
Floodproofing is a critical mitigation strategy recognized by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It involves measures designed to protect a building from flood damage by making it watertight or resistant to water intrusion. This strategy applies differently to residential and non-residential buildings under NFIP guidelines. | |||
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|title = Important! | |||
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To apply floodproofing to an NFIP policy, a completed '''floodproofing certificate''' must be submitted by the insured.<br> | |||
A floodproofing certificate (see examples at bottom of page) makes use of '''elevation rating''', a core feature of [[Legacy Rating]]. Refer to the '''[[Elevation Rating]]''' page for more details about interpreting a floodproofing certificate. | |||
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== Residential Floodproofing == | == Residential Floodproofing == | ||
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* The building’s foundation type must be '''Basement (Non-Elevated)'''. | * The building’s foundation type must be '''Basement (Non-Elevated)'''. | ||
* It must be located in an NFIP-participating community where FEMA has approved the '''Residential Basement Floodproofing Discount'''. | * It must be located in an NFIP-participating community where FEMA has approved the '''Residential Basement Floodproofing Discount'''. Note: The Equinox platform will automatically determine if a community is approved for residential floodproofing. | ||
* The building | * The building must be in one of the following flood zones: '''A1-A30, AE, AR, AR Dual, AO, AH, or A''' with a '''Base Flood Elevation (BFE)'''. | ||
* A registered professional engineer or architect must certify that the building is floodproofed to at least '''one foot above the BFE'''. | * A registered professional engineer or architect must certify that the building is floodproofed to at least '''one foot above the BFE'''. | ||
=== Documentation Requirements === | === Documentation Requirements === | ||
To qualify for a floodproofing discount, the following are required: | To qualify for a residential floodproofing discount, the following are required: | ||
* A completed NFIP Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate. | * A completed [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nfip-basement-floodproofing-certificate-form-206-fy-21-122.pdf NFIP Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate]. | ||
* At least two photographs of the floodproofed building. | * At least two photographs of the floodproofed building. | ||
=== Additional Notes === | === Additional Notes === | ||
If the building’s flood zone changes (e.g., to a V zone) during a FEMA remapping, the floodproofing discount is revoked at the next renewal. | If the building’s flood zone changes (e.g., to a V zone) during a FEMA remapping, the floodproofing discount is revoked at the next renewal. | ||
== Non-Residential Floodproofing == | == Non-Residential Floodproofing == | ||
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To apply for a floodproofing discount, insurers must submit: | To apply for a floodproofing discount, insurers must submit: | ||
* A completed NFIP Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures. | * A completed [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_form-ff-206-fy22-153.pdf NFIP Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures]. | ||
* A Flood Emergency Plan, including maintenance, personnel duties, and evacuation procedures. | * A Flood Emergency Plan, including maintenance, personnel duties, and evacuation procedures. | ||
* At least two photographs of the floodproofed building. | * At least two photographs of the floodproofed building. | ||
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=== Inspection and Maintenance === | === Inspection and Maintenance === | ||
Annual inspections and maintenance plans must cover all floodproofing systems, such as drainage and pump systems, to ensure ongoing eligibility. | Annual inspections and maintenance plans must cover all floodproofing systems, such as drainage and pump systems, to ensure ongoing eligibility. | ||
==Key Considerations for Agents== | ==Key Considerations for Agents== | ||
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* '''Renewal''': Eligibility for discounts must be validated annually through updated documentation. | * '''Renewal''': Eligibility for discounts must be validated annually through updated documentation. | ||
Floodproofing is an effective way to reduce flood risk and premiums while ensuring compliance with NFIP standards. Encourage your clients to explore these options to protect their properties and achieve cost savings. For more detailed guidance, refer to | Floodproofing is an effective way to reduce flood risk and premiums while ensuring compliance with NFIP standards. Encourage your clients to explore these options to protect their properties and achieve cost savings. | ||
==External Resources== | |||
For more detailed guidance outside of the {{FIM|page=90}}, refer to FEMA’s floodproofing resources below | |||
* [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_technical-bulletin-3_1-2021.pdf Technical Bulletin 3: Requirements for the Design and Certification of Dry Floodproofed Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings] | |||
====Floodproofing Certificates==== | |||
* [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nfip-basement-floodproofing-certificate-form-206-fy-21-122.pdf Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate] | |||
* [https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_form-ff-206-fy22-153.pdf Dry Floodproofing Certificate for Non-residential Structures] | |||
{{nfip}} | {{nfip}} | ||
Latest revision as of 08:01, 26 March 2025
Floodproofing is a critical mitigation strategy recognized by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It involves measures designed to protect a building from flood damage by making it watertight or resistant to water intrusion. This strategy applies differently to residential and non-residential buildings under NFIP guidelines.
| Important! |
To apply floodproofing to an NFIP policy, a completed floodproofing certificate must be submitted by the insured.
A floodproofing certificate (see examples at bottom of page) makes use of elevation rating, a core feature of Legacy Rating. Refer to the Elevation Rating page for more details about interpreting a floodproofing certificate. |
Residential Floodproofing
Eligibility
Floodproofing discounts for residential buildings are limited to specific conditions:
- The building’s foundation type must be Basement (Non-Elevated).
- It must be located in an NFIP-participating community where FEMA has approved the Residential Basement Floodproofing Discount. Note: The Equinox platform will automatically determine if a community is approved for residential floodproofing.
- The building must be in one of the following flood zones: A1-A30, AE, AR, AR Dual, AO, AH, or A with a Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
- A registered professional engineer or architect must certify that the building is floodproofed to at least one foot above the BFE.
Documentation Requirements
To qualify for a residential floodproofing discount, the following are required:
- A completed NFIP Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate.
- At least two photographs of the floodproofed building.
Additional Notes
If the building’s flood zone changes (e.g., to a V zone) during a FEMA remapping, the floodproofing discount is revoked at the next renewal.
Non-Residential Floodproofing
Eligibility
Non-residential buildings can also qualify for a floodproofing discount under the following conditions:
- Foundation types must be Slab on Grade (Non-Elevated) or Basement (Non-Elevated).
- The building must be located in flood zones A1-A30, AE, AR, AR Dual, AO, AH, A (with BFE), B, C, X, or D.
- Certification from a registered professional engineer or architect that the building is floodproofed:
- To at least one foot above the BFE for flood zones with a BFE.
- To at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade for zones B, C, X, or D.
Documentation Requirements
To apply for a floodproofing discount, insurers must submit:
- A completed NFIP Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures.
- A Flood Emergency Plan, including maintenance, personnel duties, and evacuation procedures.
- At least two photographs of the floodproofed building.
Inspection and Maintenance
Annual inspections and maintenance plans must cover all floodproofing systems, such as drainage and pump systems, to ensure ongoing eligibility.
Key Considerations for Agents
- Community Requirements: Both residential and non-residential floodproofing are only eligible in NFIP-participating communities.
- Certification: Proper engineering certification is crucial to validate floodproofing measures.
- Renewal: Eligibility for discounts must be validated annually through updated documentation.
Floodproofing is an effective way to reduce flood risk and premiums while ensuring compliance with NFIP standards. Encourage your clients to explore these options to protect their properties and achieve cost savings.
External Resources
For more detailed guidance outside of the FIM, refer to FEMA’s floodproofing resources below
Floodproofing Certificates
- Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate
- Dry Floodproofing Certificate for Non-residential Structures
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This page contains information about the NFIP. Find more NFIP Resources. |