PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE
This page is dedicated to assist professionals with the Letter of Map Change (LOMC) submission requirements. The term LOMC is used to collectively reference the processes for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F), and a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). With a LOMA or LOMR-F application, is it important to recognize FEMA will only remove the SFHA designation if the structure or property meets the applicable elevation requirements. The following requirements are based on the FEMA MT-1 form:
- If no fill has been placed, FEMA's determination as to whether the SFHA designation may be removed from the structure(s) on a property will be based on a comparison of the BFE with the elevation of the Lowest Adjacent Grade to the structure (lowest ground touching the structure) including any attached decks or garage.
- If fill has been placed, FEMA's determination will be based on a comparison of the BFE with the elevation of the lowest adjacent grade to the structure (lowest ground touching the structure) including any attached decks or garage and a completed Community Acknowledgment Form.
- For FEMA to remove the SFHA designation from a legally defined property or portion of property that does not have a structure on it, the elevation of the lowest ground on the property must be at or above the BFE.
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
A LOMA application should only be utilized if the structure, property, or a portion of the property was not elevated using fill. Fill that is placed before the date of the first FIRM showing the area in a SFHA is considered natural grade. For example, a home that was built using fill in a Zone X or D will require a LOMA. The LOMA application can be submitted using three different methods.
- Online LOMC - The application can be completed and submitted on the online LOMC website.
- Paper Application - Use the MT-EZ form for a single (1) residential property. The MT-EZ form can only be used for a LOMA. Use the MT-1 form for multiple properties and other types of removals. Please note that the mailing address on the MT-EZ and MT-1 Forms are incorrect. Per FEMA, paper applications and supporting documents must be sent via U.S. or express mail to: LOMC Clearinghouse, 3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22304.
- Electronic Application (eLOMA) - This application type is available to Professional Surveyors and Mappers, Professional Engineers, and other Certified Professionals. The professional must create an eLOMA account using their license information. Reference the eLOMA flyer from FEMA for more information.
The completed application is the sent directly to FEMA for review. The application is not required to be reviewed by LCG. Once FEMA receives the application and all required documentation, FEMA will notify the applicant in writing within 60 days. If the application is approved, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination to confirm the structure has been removed from the SFHA and the flood zone of the structure has been changed to Zone X or X500.
Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
A LOMR-F application should be utilized if the structure, property, or a portion of property was elevated with fill at the time of construction. The LOMR-F application requires the MT-1 form for the removal of a structure, property, or portion of property. The completed LOMR-F application and supporting documents must be submitted to the County for review in order to receive the Community Acknowledgement Form (CAF). This CAF is signed by the Community Official and is required in order to submit the application to FEMA.
LOMR-F Application Requirements:
The application packet can be sent by email to cpboudreaux@LafayetteLA.gov. Please coordinate with Floodplain Management to send large files. Applications may also be delivered to:
Development & Planning Department
Attn: Floodplain Management
220 W. Willow Street
Building B
Lafayette, LA 70501.
The Floodplain Administrator has a 15 business day initial review time for each application. The applicant will be notified if an error is identified within the initial review time. The errors must be corrected before the CAF can be signed by the Community Official. Once the Community Official approves the application packet, the signed CAF form will be returned to the applicant.
The applicant is then responsible for submitting the required documents and payment to FEMA. Once FEMA receives the application and all required documentation, FEMA will notify the applicant in writing within 90 days. If the application is approved, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination to confirm the structure, property, or a portion of property has been removed from the SFHA and the flood zone has been changed to Zone X or X500.
A LOMR is an official revision to the currently effective Flood Insurance Rate Map and can be pursued to change flood zones, floodplain delineations, and flood elevations. A LOMR is usually applicable if a physical change occurred, such as a seawalls, bridges, or culverts, that would alter the flood zone or BFE. The LOMR application is based on new or more detailed analysis conducted by the applicant and requires completion of the
MT-2 form and supporting documents. LOMRs can be very technical and require a case-by-case analysis. For more information regarding the LOMR, contact Clay Boudreaux, Floodplain Administrator, at 337.291.8468 or
cpboudreaux@LafayetteLA.gov.
