Case Analysis & Practical Application Flashcards

A surveyor is evaluating a property where fill was placed 15 years ago without a CLOMR or LOMR-F. The filled area is now used as a building site. What is the correct approach to address the property's flood zone status?

Answer: A LOMR-F should be submitted with current survey data documenting the fill elevation to potentially remove the property from the SFHA

Even if fill was placed without prior FEMA approval, a LOMR-F can be submitted with current elevation documentation to update the FIRM and reflect the filled conditions.

A community has adopted a 2-foot freeboard requirement above BFE for all new residential construction. A surveyor is completing an Elevation Certificate for a new home with the lowest floor at BFE + 2.5 feet. How should the surveyor record this on the certificate?

Answer: Record the actual surveyed lowest floor elevation; the elevation difference above BFE is automatically captured

The Elevation Certificate records actual surveyed elevations; the difference between the lowest floor and BFE is calculated from the recorded data and reflects compliance with both NFIP and local requirements.

A surveyor is conducting a field review and finds that a stream channel has migrated 150 feet laterally since the current FIRM was published, placing several structures now within the floodway that were previously in Zone AE. What is the appropriate professional recommendation?

Answer: Recommend initiating a LOMR to update the floodway and floodplain boundaries based on current channel conditions

Channel migration that alters floodway and floodplain boundaries requires a LOMR supported by new survey and H&H analysis to update the FIRM.

During a Community Assistance Visit, a FEMA representative finds that a community has issued permits for several structures in the floodway without obtaining no-rise certifications. What is the likely consequence?

Answer: The community may be placed on NFIP probation, requiring policyholders to pay a $50 surcharge on premiums

Communities found in non-compliance with NFIP requirements during a Community Assistance Visit may be placed on probation, which adds a $50 surcharge to all NFIP policies in the community.

A surveyor is preparing a CLOMR application for a proposed channel improvement project that will increase conveyance capacity. Which technical document is most critical to include in the CLOMR submittal?

Answer: Before-and-after HEC-RAS models demonstrating the project's effect on water surface profiles and BFEs

Before-and-after hydraulic modeling is the core technical requirement for a CLOMR, demonstrating how the proposed project affects flood profiles and BFEs.

A surveyor is asked to evaluate a property where the FIRM shows Zone AE but the community's floodplain administrator believes the property should be in Zone X based on newer topographic data. What is the most appropriate resolution?

Answer: The community or property owner should initiate a LOMA or LOMR based on the newer topographic data to amend the FIRM

Discrepancies between the FIRM and current topographic data must be resolved through the formal LOMA or LOMR process — local administrators cannot unilaterally amend FIRM designations.

A surveyor finds that a structure in Zone AE has equipment servicing the building (HVAC units, electrical panels) located below the BFE in an enclosure. What is the significance of this finding for NFIP compliance?

Answer: Equipment below BFE creates flood damage vulnerability and is generally prohibited unless the community ordinance allows it with specific protections

NFIP regulations require that mechanical and utility equipment serving a structure be elevated to or above BFE or protected by floodproofing to prevent flood damage.