A new study has been completed using updated flood models and base elevation data, which is used to update the flood maps and show the current level of risk to flooding.
Changes in Flood Insurance Policy
Requirements or Rates May Follow
This change may affect your mortgage loan requirements. If your property was outside a flood hazard area on the old maps and is now inside a flood hazard area on the new DFIRMs, your mortgage holder may now require you to carry flood insurance. FEMA requires property owners with a federally- backed mortgage in a flood hazard zone to purchase flood insurance.
Regardless of mortgage status, owners of properties in or near flood hazard zones are encouraged to carry flood insurance. If you don’t have a flood insurance policy, purchasing one prior to the expected adoption of the new DFIRMs may qualify you for lower rates than if you waited until after the maps were adopted. For more information on flood insurance, please go online to www.floodsmart.gov.
See the Map Changes, Get
Your Questions Answered
To answer questions on how the map changes may affect you, the County, Cities and FEMA will be holding a public meeting to present the DFIRM maps. The meeting will be held at the Willapa Harbor Chamber Community Center located at 916 West First Street, South Bend, WA. 98586; Monday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a short presentation covering:
· flood study overview
· the timeline for adoption
· the different flood hazard zones (classifications) and what they mean
· how changes in classification affect flood insurance requirements
· how changes in classification affect building regulations
· the process and timeline for appeal
If you have any questions please contact Tim Crose, Planning Director, Pacific County Department of Community Development at: 360-642-9382 or 875-9356; or by e-mail at tcrose.pacific.wa.us