I asked about modifying the maps to match reality and Vern came back essentially with 'Thou shalt holdeth thy maps absolute until a LOMA, LOMR or act of FEMA states oterwise'.
So what happens when you have a mapped A zone, say elev 11 that terminates at an elev 6 contour? Do you push it back to the 11 or hold it where the map shows it?
Does it make a difference if the A backs up to a B?
I spent a few hours on the FEMA site and found plenty of references to change a flood plain to get a house out, but nothing about increasing the limits of the flood plain.
It matters to me because in 1987 Chatham adopted the the flood plain as a zoning item with a setback. The old Zoning Enforcement Officer had an interpretation and now we have a new Zoning Enforcement Officer who apparently spoke with someone at FEMA who said to push it back. The new one will not share the letter with me (I may have to pull FOIA) and I wanted some information before I have to deal with the situation blind. Plus, in all likelihood she called the state level flood plain administrator who has an obtuse opinion about setting as many homes in the plain as possible.
Would you not show the extents of the SFHA to be on the contour line of the BFE, as surveyed by you, when proposing development?
Forgive me if I have misunderstood your premise.
I'm confused also.... how could an 11' contour terminate at a 6' contour unless it was a wall or other vertical feature?
I think you have to trace the 11' contour, that is the "intent" of the flood zone.
You and foggy both have it right. The FIRM shows an A terminating around the 6' contour. There is a B zone behind the A. The 11' contour is over 500' away from the 6' contour. Was the intent to really go to the 11?
Our SOP was always to trace the contour. In one case this extended the flood plain by more than 1000'. Now the interpretation of that 1987 bylaw severely limits the development within the flood plain. Try getting an architect to design a building on pilings that meets a 20' height. This in turn has made me question our SOP. Why be so fair with the FIRM maps when the laws are so restrictive?
confused? Bad Mapping.
I had questions on maps and resolved them by calling the engineering department of the FEMA's regional office for may area. I made sure all answers were in emails for backup.
http://www.fema.gov/regional-operations