On December 26, 2018, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued new Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and a Flood Insurance Study of the City of Baltimore. The FEMA preliminary maps show 200 structures will be placed within the new regulated 100 year floodplain. The 100 year floodplain is a regulatory area that has been determined to have a 1% annual chance of flooding. It is generally the highest risk area.

If your business, or residence is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, please attend our FEMA Preliminary Flood Map Open House on April 2, 2019. The open house will occur between 4PM-7PM at the Department of Planning located at 417 E. Fayette Street, 8th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Email victor.ukpolo@baltimorecity.gov for more details, floodplain development guidelines, or Map Information Services. You may view the new Preliminary FEMA Flood Maps Here.

There is still moderate risk in areas outside of the 100 year floodplain, so having flood insurance is smart! Remember these floods do not occur every 100 years, it’s a 1% chance every year. To learn more, please join us at the Open House on April 2.

The Department of Planning’s floodplain management staff regulates development based on effective and preliminary FIRMs. The preliminary products identify regulatory floodplains and floodways with computed base flood elevations, which determine how high floors, electrical, or mechanical components must be raised to be protected, and compliant with city floodplain regulations. You may visit the Department of Planning’s webpage for detailed maps showing changes since the last flood insurance map update. You will also find fact sheets and studies which provide further detail about the mapping process and flood data.