FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Appeal Period to Begin
A 90-day appeal period for the recently revised flood insurance rate maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Collier County begins Nov. 4. The appeal period is to allow new information to be brought forward that demonstrates that the proposed Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) are scientifically or technically incorrect. During the appeal period, property owners may contest the proposed BFEs as long as the appeals are based on scientific evidence that demonstrates a mapping error. The appeal period will end Feb. 2, 2011.If finalized, the proposed elevations will become the basis for floodplain management and regulation in Collier County. FEMA issued preliminary maps for the county in July. The maps were made public during a series of meetings held in August.
Any property owner or lessee who believes his or her property rights will be adversely affected by the BFE determinations may make an appeal during the 90-day period. Residents in unincorporated Collier County must submit appeals to:
County Manager Leo Ochs
Collier County Government Center
3299 Tamiami Trail E.
Suite 202
Naples, FL 34112-5746
Under FEMA procedures, the county will review and consolidate all appeals received and forward them to FEMA. Residents of the county’s municipalities should submit appeals to the following individuals:
City of Everglades City: The Honorable Sammy Hamilton, Jr., Mayor, City of Everglades City, 207 Broadway, PO Box 110, Everglades City, FL 34139
City of Marco Island: James C. Riviere, City Manager, City of Marco Island, 50 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145
City of Naples: The Honorable Bill Barnett, Mayor, City of Naples, 735 Eighth Street South, Naples, FL 34102
Individuals wishing to submit a BFE appeal for their property will need to present scientific evidence prepared by a professional engineer or surveyor demonstrating why the FEMA mapped flood elevation is incorrect. FEMA will consider any appeal that presents scientific or technical data that challenges the information upon which the proposed BFE determinations are based.
The BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that are required by FEMA in order to remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. In addition the BFEs, once finalized, will be used by insurance agents and others to calculate the appropriate flood insurance premium rates.
The proposed map revisions are not effective until a formal process is completed by FEMA that consists of the following steps:
• 90-day appeal period where public can submit present scientific evidence demonstrating why the FEMA mapped flood elevation is incorrect (Nov. 4, 2010 – Feb. 2, 2011)
• Review and resolution of submitted appeals TBD (1)
• Letter of final determination by FEMA TBD (2)
• New Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) becomes effective for building permits TBD(3)
• New DFIRM becomes effective for flood insurance TBD (3) plus six months
The Board of County Commissioners authorized its staff last week to proceed with preparation of an appeal of the Preliminary DFIRM based upon new topographic information. An appeal will be prepared for two of the 12 basins in the county – Golden Gate Main West and Golden Gate Estates which are based upon the drainage area of the main Golden Gate Canal.
For more information about the FEMA flood insurance rate map program, visit:http://www.fema.gov/hazard/map/firm/shtm
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