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Future PMRs

Information on Future Physical Map Revisions (PMRs)

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The Mile High Flood District (MHFD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work together to incorporate locally developed Flood Hazard Area Delineation (FHAD) studies into the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The FHAD studies have been produced to identify and update flood risk information and floodplain boundaries. The Physical Map Revision (PMR) is the FEMA process to update the FIRMs. Learn more about the PMR process and what that could mean for you and your property.

What is a Flood Hazard Area Delineation (FHAD) Study? 

A FHAD study is used to identify and update flood risk potential and floodplain boundaries due to both natural and development related changes that occur over time. FHAD studies are often prepared in concurrence with updates to master drainage plan studies, and provide communities with the best available data to keep properties and people safe from flooding. 

Who Conducts a FHAD Study? 

A FHAD study is funded by the Mile High Flood Control District (MHFCD) at the community’s request. An engineering consultant (approved by the communities) works cooperatively with both MHFCD and representatives from the impacted communities to develop the flood risk information. Once completed, the FHAD study is designated by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and can then be used for local floodplain management purposes.

How does FHAD Information get onto FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS)? 

The FHAD data is submitted to FEMA for a Physical Map Revision (PMR) of the effective FEMA flood hazard information. A FEMA contractor reviews this data and then uses the FHAD data to generate revised FIRMs and FIS information. 

What are Common Types of Flood Risk Changes? 

An increase in flood risk may include  one or more of the following scenarios: 

  • Inclusion of property, partially or fully,  in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
  • Widening of the SFHA on a specific property
  • Increases in Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
  • Inclusion of properties, partially or fully, in the floodway
  • Widening of the floodway on a specific property

 

A decrease in flood risk may include  one or more of the following scenarios: 

  • Removal of property from the SFHA
  • Narrowing of the SFHA on a specific property
  • Decreases in BFE
  • Removal of property from the floodway
  • Narrowing of the floodway on a specific property
Who will be Affected by the Resulting Flood Hazard Revisions? 

Property owners impacted by changes to the flood risk information will be informed of the revisions so they can take appropriate action. Those property owners with either an increased flood risk, or who are newly mapped into the SFHA on the FIRM as a result of the study, may need to purchase flood insurance or take other actions to protect their property and livelihood. Property owners with reduced risk or those who are newly mapped out of the SFHA are not required to have flood insurance. But they are encouraged to consider or look into modifying an existing flood insurance policy for a reduced rate. Developers will need to ensure that any plans are in compliance with associated local floodplain development regulations. Floodway areas typically have even more restrictive development regulations. 

Have More Questions? 

Contact us at: Contact@mhfd.org

Go to our Flood Safety page for information on protecting your property and flood insurance.