The federal government is getting ready to update its flood maps, and you may soon be required to purchase flood insurance for the first time. However, if you are one of the more than 200 citizens in Humboldt County who will be affected by these changes, you may have a few weeks to lock in lower rates with your insurance company.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has completed its California Coastal Analysis and Mapping Project, resulting in changes to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in the coastal areas of Humboldt County. The revised FIRMs become effective on June 21.
County records indicate that more than 200 properties have improvements in an area that updated maps will place in a flood zone. By law, mortgage companies will require flood insurance policies on these improvements. Affected property owners have been sent physical notices about this information in the mail.
Prior to the effective date of the map revisions on June 21, anyone affected by these changes may wish to discuss eligibility for a preferred rate insurance policy on these improvements with their insurance agent.
To find out if your property is within the flood zone, review the county’s webGIS application and follow these steps:
- Enter your parcel in the upper-left corner of the screen
- Using the layer list on the right side of the screen, select “Hazards”
- Select “Flood”
- Select “FEMA 6/21/2017”
Additional information can also be found on the FEMA website.
If you have questions regarding your property and the flood zone, you can contact the Humboldt County Planning & Building Department at 707-445-7245.