Flood Zone Information

Alexandria’s low elevation and its proximity to the Potomac River make it susceptible to flooding. Nearly every year, and sometimes several times throughout the year during periods of heavy rain, hurricanes or quick snow melts, residential and commercial properties are threatened with the potential of tidal and wind-driven flooding from the Potomac River and/or low-land flooding, particularly in neighborhoods around Four Mile Run. We encourage residents and business owners to plan for flooding as part of their emergency preparedness planning.

The City of Alexandria has detailed, digital flood hazard maps available. These maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), reflect current flood risks, replacing maps that date back to 1991. As a result, you and other property owners throughout the city will have up-to-date reliable information about your flood risk on a property-by-property basis.

What's New:

FEMA released the latest FIRMs on December 16, 2010. These new maps will be effective June 16, 2011.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 23 starting 7:00 p.m. at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Rooms 3 & 4.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How will these changes affect you?
If your parcel is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and shown as Zone A or AE on the FIRM and if you have a mortgage from a federally-regulated lender and the building(s) on this parcel are within the SFHA, then by federal law, your lender must require you to carry flood insurance when these flood maps become effective. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federally underwritten program provided by nearly 100 insurance companies and written through licensed insurance agents. Contact your insurance agent to learn about lower-cost “grandfathering” options offered by the NFIP for properties being mapped into higher-risk areas for the first time.

FEMA's NFIP Grandfathering Rules:
If you do not have a mortgage, it is still recommended that you purchase flood insurance. According to FEMA, over the life of a 30-year loan, there is about a three times greater chance of having a flood in your home than having a fire. And most homeowner's insurance policies do not provide coverage for damage due to flooding. For more information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program’s website, www.floodsmart.gov.

The new maps help promote public safety.
These flood hazard maps are important tools used in the effort to protect lives and properties in Alexandria. By showing the extent to which areas of the city and individual properties are at risk for flooding, the flood maps help business owners and residents make more informed decisions about personal safety and financially protecting their property. These maps also allow community planners, local officials, engineers, builders and others to make determinations about where and how new structures and developments should be built.

If you feel there has been an error, you can file a protest or appeal.
If you feel your property or your building(s) are physically out of the floodplain, FEMA provides an opportunity for you to have the insurance requirement removed by applying for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) that lenders/underwriters accept.

When do the maps become effective?
FEMA issued a Letter of Final Determination on December 16, 2010. On or before the effective date of the new maps, an ordinance approving the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map will be adopted. The maps will then become effective on June 16, 2011, as will any new flood insurance requirements. However, please be aware that starting immediately these flood hazard maps will be used in helping to determine requirements for construction and development.

Here’s where to go for more information.
Digital copies of the new maps are available at www.alexandriava.gov/FloodMap and at www.Floodsmart.gov. Paper copies of the maps are also available at the City’s main libraries.

Informational Resources: