What types of flood hazard zones are shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map?
There are 3 basic types of flood hazard zones shown on a flood insurance map:

  • Zones that start with an "A" (A, AE, AH, AO) are 100-year floodplains that are determined by a Flood Insurance Study. In most instances, base flood elevations (the elevation of the predicted flood level) are derived from detailed hydraulic modeling.

  • Zone X shows area outside the 100-year floodplain, with shaded Zone X being areas within the 500-year floodplain.

  • Finally, floodways are located in the immediate vicinity of the stream and depict areas of high flood hazard.

Show All Answers

1. Can I build in the floodplain?
2. Can I make home repairs or improvements in the floodplain?
3. What is substantial improvement and what does it mean?
4. What is substantial damage?
5. What types of flood hazard zones are shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map?