I have a client with 3 acres, the FEMA maps shows the building as touching zone A. I have a sheet from the Vermont River Management Program, "Surveying for a LOMA in Zone A" the important part is "If your parcel is less than 5 acres, FEMA will calculate the BFE...." Anyone had any luck with this?
Yes, and they will.
I would first determine if the building touches zone a. The improvements on FEMA maps yield to the geographic ticks (if present).
I submit the LOMA with the BFE blank on these types of lots
fema will calc it
Write a few words in the comments section that their is no local BFE available and leave the BFE blank.Done it several times and it worked.
I appreciate the feedback; I will try that. Any idea how long FEMA may take to respond with a BFE?
I have found, recently, that when you send an EC with the BFE left blank as part of your Online LOMC, FEMA will determine the BFE and make a decision on removing the structure from the special flood hazard area, BUT will not give you the BFE they determined. They do this, they say, to prevent misuse of their BFE determination. Your mileage may vary.
DDSM
I always submit a cover letter with the LOMA application indicating that I have requested alternative sources of BFE from the State FPM, but that none was available, and so, please determine the BFE at the structure location. They used to provide the BFE, but it appears that they no longer do.
