If someone wanted to build a house on the edge of zone A (no BFE determined), could they get a LOMA if they had an engineer do a HEC-RAS study to determine a BFE?
Have you seen the FEMA "Zone A manual" that outlines how they want Zone A BFE's calculated? I assume that since they publish this, they will consider BFE's determined by private engineers.
The best way is to call the local flood manager and see if they will document a BFE for you. FEMA also wants you to call the DOT and ACOE to see if they will give you one (probably a waste of time).
Bottom line is FEMA will calculate and compare their own BFE to whatever is provided to them, and will use their own calculation. It seems like just provided FEMA with anything is enough to get the ball rolling, but their is no gaurantee they will accept anyone else's BFE.
MT-EZ application, Elevation Certificate, and a cross section of the drainage basin through the building site. Include in the sketch the location of building site, water elevations, stream channel, etc.
Note on the MT-EZ app that an Elevation Certificate can be used in-lieu of most sections (ie, you don't have to "double enter" the data). I've completed about 25 of these for Zone A's.
Make sure you include all attachments asked for on the MT-EZ.
Thanks, I'll give this a try.
One more comment: If you're successful, you'll receive a "Letter of Determination-Removal" from FEMA. Not too long ago, FEMA would give the BFE (I assume they complete a simplified method, etc to determine BFE). However, in the past year, they quit providing a BFE, they simply state whether or not the building site (defined by metes and bounds) or the structure is in or out of the flood hazard area. I'm thinking you may have to establish a lowest adjacent grade for the proposed structure and FEMA will let you know if it is in or out.
Also, you will have to provide proof that you exhausted all efforts to obtain a BFE. I usually contact the local and state sources that would normally deal with flood issues and include a copy of their email, letter, etc stating they do not have any information on the property in question.
