Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework Flashcards
7 cards from real CFS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework flashcards as text
A property owner in Zone AE wants to determine if their structure qualifies for removal from the SFHA based on a new survey. What is the appropriate FEMA amendment process for a single structure on fill that was elevated above the BFE?
Answer: Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
A LOMR-F is the correct process when a structure has been elevated on fill placed after the FIRM was published, distinguishing it from a LOMA which applies when natural ground elevation is above BFE.
Which legal doctrine establishes that state and local governments retain primary authority over land use and zoning, while the federal government uses participation in the NFIP as an incentive for floodplain regulation?
Answer: Cooperative federalism
The NFIP is structured under cooperative federalism, where states and localities retain land-use authority but voluntarily adopt federal standards to make federally-backed flood insurance available.
Under NFIP regulations, non-residential structures in SFHAs may alternatively meet flood damage reduction standards through what method instead of elevation to or above BFE?
Answer: Dry floodproofing certified by a registered engineer or architect
Non-residential structures may be dry floodproofed to make them watertight to the BFE, as an alternative to elevation, provided a licensed engineer or architect certifies the design.
The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 most significantly affected which aspect of NFIP policy?
Answer: The phase-out and partial restoration of pre-FIRM subsidized insurance rates
These acts addressed the phase-out of subsidized rates for pre-FIRM structures and then partially restored affordability provisions after public backlash over premium increases.
What is the purpose of a community's 'repetitive loss' or 'severe repetitive loss' designation under the NFIP, and which enforcement consequence can follow?
Answer: It identifies properties with frequent claims and may result in increased scrutiny, mitigation offers, or CRS class reduction
Repetitive loss designations identify high-claim properties; FEMA may offer mitigation grants, require community action plans, and non-compliant handling can affect CRS classification.
A surveyor is asked to certify a Floodproofing Certificate for a non-residential building. According to NFIP requirements, what must the floodproofing design protect the structure against?
Answer: Floodwaters up to and including the BFE plus applicable freeboard
Floodproofing must protect the structure to the BFE, and where local ordinances require freeboard, to that higher elevation as well.
Which FEMA process allows a community to formally challenge the BFEs shown on a proposed FIRM before it becomes effective?
Answer: A scientific and technical appeal submitted during the 90-day appeal period
During the 90-day appeal period after FIRM publication, communities and property owners may submit scientific and technical data challenging the proposed BFEs.