Check the FEMA Flood Map Before You Buy or Build

Start with the building, not a countywide label. FEMA's Flood Map Service Center lets you search an address and open the current map. Zones in the A and V families are Special Flood Hazard Areas. An X zone means lower mapped risk, not no risk.

A lender covered by federal law must require flood insurance when the building that backs its loan is in one of those areas. The coverage must stay in place for the life of the loan. A private policy can qualify. A National Flood Insurance Program policy can too. A lender may also ask for coverage in another zone.

A flood map does not replace the local permit check. For work outside city limits, Jefferson County Environmental Control sets the mapped zone and the local rules for the project.