FEMA - LOMA & Elevation Certificate
A LOMA (Letter of Map Amendment) is a document issued by FEMA which officially removes a home or other building from the flood zone by revising the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
As professional surveyors, we can determine the true elevation of the ground at your home. If it is above the flood elevation, we can submit a request to FEMA to remove your home from the High Risk Flood Zone. We will file a request for a LOMA to have your home removed from the flood zone. A Removal Determination from FEMA will officially remove your home from the flood zone and the chances are almost certain that it will eliminate the need for flood insurance. It may be possible to file an eLOMA request and have the response back within a week.
Flood Insurance rates are based on the possibility of flooding and the severity of problems that can occur when flooding happens. An Elevation Certificate can help reduce the cost of insurance premiums by showing the probability of flooding is less than shown by the FIRM. For any new construction in the flood zone an Elevation Certificate will be required.
Lapham Associates’ engineering staff can assist you in planning and making structural changes that will reduce the probability or severity of flood problems. These changes often pay for themselves in reduced premiums over a very short time. Lapham Associates will assist you in searching for the best solution to your flood insurance needs.