Updated flood hazard maps (flood maps) for portions of the City of Prescott became effective on July 31, 2024.
Why Update the Flood Hazard Maps
The City of Prescott (City) has updated portions of the City’s flood hazard maps (flood maps). This was done in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This effort used the latest flood modeling approaches and digital mapping technologies, along with updated data. Known officially as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), the flood maps provide detailed, property-specific flood risk data. This data helps residents and business owners better understand their risk of flooding and, therefore, guide building and flood insurance decisions.
The previous flood maps for these areas were based on topographic mapping data from 2008. Since then, the City received updated aerial topographic mapping data. The City identified big differences between the two datasets and saw the need to update the flood maps. Using this updated data, the City remapped the floodplain for about nine linear miles of streams in different parts of the City. As a result, the updated flood maps now more accurately represent the current flood risk. More information about the project can be found here Floodplain Remapping Project.
How Residents and Businesses Are Affected
Most property owners saw no change. Some property owners found that their flood risk increased or decreased. As a result, property owners seeking to build or to substantially add to existing buildings may face a change in permitting and construction requirements. In addition, if these property owners had mortgages, they saw a change in flood insurance requirements. To see how your flood risk may have changed, visit the Flood Hazard Map Viewer.
Updated Flood Maps Will Soon Be Effective
In advance of the flood maps becoming effective, the City held a 3-hour Flood Risk Open House at the Rowle P Simmons Community Center on April 1, 2024. The City had mapping and flood insurance specialists as well as city staff to answer questions related to the mapping project. This gave residents and business owners an opportunity to view the preliminary maps in-person and ask questions one-on-one.
On April 2, 2024, FEMA then started a 90-day public comment period. This gave property owners an opportunity to submit objections to the information shown on the preliminary maps or in the accompanying study. Objections would have been submitted in the form of an appeal or comment.
Since no appeals or comments were received, the new maps became effective on July 31, 2024. As mentioned earlier, building and flood insurance requirements also changed for some at that time.
If you disagree with the updated maps, you can submit a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to FEMA. More details about LOMAs can be found here.
Stay Informed
If you have questions about the updated flood maps, you can contact the Floodplain Administrator by emailing FloodplainAdministrationGroup@prescott-az.gov or calling (928) 777-1130 during business hours. Contact your local insurance agent to learn more about flood insurance and your options, or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.