CRS Manual

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System

Coordinator’s
Manual
FIA-15/2007

Burden Disclosure
Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 31 hours per response for
the application process and 4 hours for annual recertification. The burden estimate includes
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining
the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are not required to
respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed in the
upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections
Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
500 C St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note:
do not send your completed form to this address.

FOREWORD
This is the Coordinator’s Manual for the Community Rating System (CRS). It includes the
CRS Schedule, which sets the criteria for CRS classification, and CRS Commentary on the
Schedule. Section 100 gives general background information on the CRS. Section 200
explains the application and verification procedures. Sections 300 through 700 explain the
credit points and calculations that will be used to verify CRS credit. The procedures in these
sections are used by a community to submit a modification for a better CRS classification.
Sections 110 (Introduction) and 120 (CRS Activities and Elements) can be used as a separate
document to provide general information about the CRS to interested persons, such as elected
officials and the media. See Appendix E to order other free publications about the CRS.
Section 120 also includes a “quick check” for communities to use to determine if they are
likely to qualify for credit under the CRS. A community that is considering applying for the
CRS should read Sections 110 and 120, and work through the quick check to see if its
floodplain management program is likely to qualify for a CRS classification of nine or better.
This manual includes the entire text of the Schedule, segments of which are shown in shaded
boxes. After most boxes is the Commentary, a discussion of the material in the box, more
detailed information, examples, and instructions for calculating credit. Some parts of the
Schedule require no additional explanation, so there is no commentary or discussion after
those parts. Examples are set in small type. Special notes are in italics.

This is what the Schedule looks like.

This is what the Commentary looks like. The Commentary explains and expands on the part
of the Schedule in the box above it.
Example FRW-1. Examples look like this. Throughout the Commentary fictitious
communities, such as Floodville, Watertown, Riverview, Gulf Beach County, and
North Shore, are used as examples. Floodville is a relatively small town and its
floodplain management programs are kept simple in order to provide clear examples
of the basic CRS requirements. The other communities are used to illustrate more
complicated situations. There are additional examples, including materials from
active CRS communities, in the “CRS Credit for . . .” publications found at
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
NOTE: Notes are in italics.
Changes from the previous edition are noted with a vertical line in the margin. Format,
organizational, and example changes are not marked.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i

Edition: July 2007

Foreword

To fairly and objectively calculate credit points, the Schedule must include mathematical
formulae. However, if the calculations are taken one step at a time, as shown in this manual,
they are not difficult to perform. New applicants for CRS credit should rely on the CRS
Application. Its calculations are much simpler. Communities that are submitting
modifications need only use the activity worksheets for their new or modified CRS activities.
Copies of this CRS Coordinator’s Manual, the CRS Application, and the activity worksheets
are available at no cost (see Appendix E).
Communities and other floodplain management professionals are encouraged to make
suggestions on both the content and the form of the CRS. Send them to:
NFIP/CRS
P.O. Box 501016
Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016
(317) 848-2898
Fax: (317) 848-3578
This document uses many technical terms and acronyms. The terms are defined in the
Glossary in Section 130. The acronyms are listed in Appendix B. The most common
acronyms are:
NFIP

National Flood Insurance Program.

FEMA

That part of the Department of Homeland Security formerly called the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. Most of the NFIP field work and community
coordination is done by the 10 Regional Offices of FEMA.

CRS

Community Rating System.

FIRM

Flood Insurance Rate Map; published by FEMA and provided to communities.

SFHA

Special Flood Hazard Area; the floodplain delineated on the FIRM as A and V
Zones.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

ii

Edition: July 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section

Page

Foreword ...................................................................................................... i
Major Changes in CRS Credits....................................................................v
100 Introduction.................................................................................. 100-1
110 Purpose and Scope ............................................................... 110-1
120 CRS Credit Points ................................................................ 120-1
130 Glossary ............................................................................... 130-1
200 Procedures ................................................................................... 200-1
210 Requesting CRS Credit ........................................................ 210-1
220 Credit Calculation ................................................................ 220-1
230 Verification .......................................................................... 230-1
300 Public Information Activities....................................................... 300-1
310 Elevation Certificates........................................................... 310-1
320 Map Information Service ..................................................... 320-1
330 Outreach Projects ................................................................. 330-1
340 Hazard Disclosure................................................................ 340-1
350 Flood Protection Information............................................... 350-1
360 Flood Protection Assistance................................................. 360-1
400 Mapping and Regulatory Activities............................................. 400-1
410 Additional Flood Data ......................................................... 410-1
420 Open Space Preservation ..................................................... 420-1
430 Higher Regulatory Standards............................................... 430-1
430LD Land Development Criteria .......................................430LD-1
440 Flood Data Maintenance ...................................................... 440-1
450 Stormwater Management ..................................................... 450-1
500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities............................................ 500-1
510 Floodplain Management Planning ....................................... 510-1
520 Acquisition and Relocation ................................................. 520-1
530 Flood Protection................................................................... 530-1
540 Drainage System Maintenance ............................................ 540-1
600 Flood Preparedness Activities ..................................................... 600-1
610 Flood Warning Program ...................................................... 610-1
620 Levee Safety......................................................................... 620-1
630 Dam Safety........................................................................... 630-1

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

iii

Edition: 2006

Contents

700 Community Classification Calculations ..................................... 700-1
710 Community Growth Adjustment.......................................... 710-1
720 Community Total Points ...................................................... 720-1
Appendices
A FEMA Regional Offices ............................................................ A-1
B Acronyms .................................................................................... B-1
C Community Classification Points ................................................C-1
D Comparison of the Minimum NFIP Requirements
and the CRS ................................................................................ D-1
E CRS Publications.........................................................................E-1
F CRS Assistance Agencies............................................................ F-1
G ISO/CRS Specialists .................................................................. G-1
H State NFIP Coordinators ............................................................ H-1
I Application Procedures ................................................................I-1
Index ........................................................................................................ i-1
Activity Worksheets

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

iv

Edition: 2006

MAJOR CHANGES IN CRS CREDITS
This section notes the major changes in the scoring for CRS activities made since the CRS
was initiated in 1990. They were introduced in the year noted. Other changes, such as added
examples, minor revisions to documentation requirements, and format changes, are not
discussed.
1994: Each section and activity in the 200 through 700 series was summarized in an outline
on the first page of the section.
Application Procedures
In each year, one or more activities had additional documentation required with the
application instead of being reviewed at the verification visit. This approach has helped to
prevent communities from losing credit points after the verification visit.
1992: The application worksheets were revised to reduce the amount of work needed to
complete them.
1993 and 1994: The procedures for submitting modifications were revised. A modification of
one element in an activity requires an application worksheet and documentation for all the
elements of the activity. A modification that results in a two-class improvement requires a
reverification that includes the application worksheets and documentation for all activities.
1994: The criteria for reverifying a community’s credit points every few years are explained
in a new Section 234.
1994: A new Short Form Application was introduced. It is a separate publication that
provides a simpler way to submit an initial application. Appendix E gives more information.
1996: The Short Form Application was expanded to include all activities and elements and
was named the CRS Application. New applicants for CRS credit must use the CRS
Application.
1999: In order to attain a Class 7 or better classification, a community must have a Building
Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) of Class 6 or better. To attain a Class 4 or
better, a community must demonstrate that it has taken appropriate steps to eliminate or
minimize future flood losses.
240 (Floodplain Management Plan)
1992: Credits for planned activities were changed to modify the activities rather than the
elements. The “p” credit for an element was changed to a “p” credit for that activity’s total
score.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

v

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

Calculating the credits for the plan was moved from the activity’s application worksheet to
AW-720. As a result of this scoring change, the total credit points for a given activity either
remains the same or increases.
1994: The planning process was revised to be more explicit and to include reviewing
activities that protect natural and beneficial functions. Credit for five activities can be
increased by 15% for protecting natural and beneficial functions.
1996: Credit for the floodplain management plan was moved to Section 510 and revised to
provide credit for the planning process rather than the content of the plan.
310 (Elevation Certificate)
1992: To simplify the formulae, ECCF (Elevation Certificates in Computer Format) was
changed from being a multiplier worth up to 12.7 points to a separate variable worth up to 15
points. The total possible points increased from 140 to 142. However, few if any
communities had enough points for the multiplier to be worth more than 10 points. Therefore,
for most communities, the total credit for this activity either stayed the same or increased
slightly.
1994: A default impact adjustment was added for communities that have elevation
certificates for at least 25% of their post- or pre-FIRM buildings or at least 25% in computer
format.
2002: A new element, ECWS (Elevation Certificate Data on a Website), was added.
320 (Map Information Service)
1994: More guidance was provided on telling inquirers of the flood insurance purchase
requirement.
1999: More explicit guidance was given on providing information about areas designated as
part of the Coastal Barrier Resources System.
2006: Partial credit was allowed for providing the service through a website or remote
computer terminal.
330 (Outreach Projects)
1994: Three new topics were added, bringing the total possible points up from 175 to 250: a
map of the local flood hazard, the substantial improvement requirements, and natural and
beneficial functions. A fourth element, FML (Floodplain Mailing List), was added.
1996: FML was dropped.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

vi

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

2006: A new element was added to credit outreach projects that encourage the purchase or
retention of a flood insurance policy.
1999: A new element was added to allow a community to receive more points by
implementing outreach projects pursuant to an adopted public information program strategy
(OPS).
340 (Hazard Disclosure)
1992: To simplify the formulae, REB (Real Estate Agents’ Brochure) and DOH (Disclosure
of Other Hazards) were changed from being multipliers worth 9.2 points to separate variables
worth 10 points. The total credit for this activity either stayed the same or increased slightly.
1999: An alternative approach to crediting Disclosure of the Flood Hazard (DFH) by real
estate agents was initiated.
350 (Flood Protection Information)
1994: Credit was increased for having documents related to protecting natural and beneficial
functions and the Floodplain Management Resource Center. The requirement for publicity
and related documentation was dropped, but documents must be kept in the card catalog or
equivalent retrieval system.
2002:
New credit was provided for reference material available on or through a
community’s website. The points were increased and the title of the activity was changed
from “Flood Protection Library” to “Flood Protection Information.”
360 (Flood Protection Assistance)
1994: The credit criteria were substantially revised, although the total possible points remain
the same.
1996: Points were added if the person providing the assistance graduated from the Emergency
Management Institute’s retrofitting course.
400 Series (Mapping and Regulations)
1994: More references to the special flood-related hazards were added. Coastal erosion was
added as a creditable special hazard. More information is provided in CRS Commentary
Supplement for Special Hazards Credit, which can be ordered as explained in Appendix E.
410 (Additional Flood Data)
1992: The approach to identifying and measuring the elements in this activity was
significantly revised and simplified. The scoring was also changed, so a direct conversion is
not possible. The three elements NDS (New Detailed Study), SSA (Site-Specific Analysis),

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

vii

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

and HED (Higher Standards for Existing Data), were replaced by one, AFD (Additional Flood
Data).
The relative scores for the NDS and SSA approaches were incorporated into a new variable,
RFE (Regulatory Flood Elevation). If a community received credit for NDS (a detailed study
on a relatively long reach), then RFE = 50. An SSA approach (a study of only the
development site before a permit is issued) results in RFE = 25.
Credit for additional data in areas studied in detail on the FIRM was formerly credited by
HED. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided a base flood
elevation, then RFE = 0, similar to the credit for HED. However, a new credit has been added
for a new study of an area that was already studied in detail on the FIRM. While previously
there was no credit for such a restudy, now RFE = 20.
To simplify the formulae, the old variables of AD (Additional Delineations), HHS (Higher
Hydrology Standard), and SRAD (State Review of Additional Data) have been changed from
multipliers. They are now combined into one element, ADS (Additional Data Standards).
FWS (More Restrictive Floodway Standard) is still worth approximately the same, but its
credit points are now based on discrete value ranges instead of a formula. A similar
simplification was done to calculate the local cost sharing. The former variable, LCS (Local
Cost Sharing), has been replaced by NFS (Non-FEMA Share). Applicants no longer need to
research the original study costs because credit is based simply on whether there was any
non-FEMA cost sharing.
Three options were introduced for the impact adjustment. The inclusion of a default value
was expected to make using the impact adjustment easier.
The denominator in the impact adjustment has been changed from aRF (area of the
Regulatory Floodplain) to aSFHA (area of the Special Flood Hazard Area). The maximum
value for the impact adjustment changed from 1.0 to 2.0. These changes result in higher
scores, especially where the activity covers large areas not mapped as SFHA on the FIRM.
The maximum points for Activity 410 increased from 247 to 360. The maximum is attainable
only if the impact adjustment is 2.0. If a more common impact adjustment of 1.0 were used,
the maximum would decrease from 247 to 180.
1996: The Coordinator’s Manual clarified the credit for providing additional flood data in
areas affected by one of the special hazards that are covered in the CRS Commentary
Supplement for Special Hazards Credit.
1999: Credit points for most of the elements were increased and the credit criteria revised.
2002: A new element, CTP, was added to credit studies and mapping done under a
Cooperative Technical Partner agreement with FEMA.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

viii

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

2006: The activity was substantially revised to better support FEMA’s Map Modernization
effort and to increase the credit points for new maps and those done to higher standards.
420 (Open Space Preservation)
1992: To simplify the formulae, DR (Deed Restrictions) was changed from being a multiplier
worth up to 75 points to a separate variable worth 75 points. There is no change in the total
credit for DR when it is combined with the impact adjustment.
The impact adjustment now has three options, including a default value for those who do not
want to calculate the affected areas.
1994: A new element was added: NB (Natural and Beneficial Functions) worth up to 100
points for open space preserved or restored to its natural state.
1999: The credit points for preserving open space (OS) were significantly increased.
430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)
Most of the changes to Activity 430 have been aimed at simplifying the formulae and
crediting partial approaches to an element. Maximum points increased from 35 to 100 for five
special hazards. Incorporating low density zoning from Activity 420 increased the total
possible points.
1992: Another partial score was made possible for tracking improvements over 5–10 years.
These changes did not alter existing applications; they only made it easier to credit
alternative approaches to CSI.
The formula for the LSI (Lower Substantial Improvement) threshold was replaced with
discrete value ranges.
The impact adjustment now has three options, including a default value for those who do not
want to calculate areas.
1994: Credit was provided under foundation protection for adopting the soil testing and
compaction language of one of the three national building codes. The credit for regulating
additions is no longer mutually exclusive from other cumulative substantial improvement
credit. Prohibiting fill under PSC (Protection of Storage Capacity) increased from 50 to 80
points while compensatory storage decreased from 80 to 70.
Three new elements were added, bringing the total possible points up to 905 (including low
density zoning):
NBR (Natural and Beneficial Functions Regulations): Up to 25 points for prohibiting
development in the floodplain that is hazardous to public health or water quality.
ENL (Enclosure Limits): 50 points for prohibiting first floor enclosures.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

ix

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

OHS (Other Higher Standards): Up to 25 points for other regulations that will be
reviewed and scored by FEMA.
1996: Points were added if the person responsible for floodplain permitting graduated from
the Emergency Management Institute’s course on managing floodplain development.
1999: The credit points were significantly increased for Freeboard (FRB), Protection of
Critical Facilities (PCF), and Enclosure Limits (ENL). Credit for tracking Cumulative
Substantial Improvements (CSI) was revised. Two new elements, credit for State-mandated
Regulatory Standards (SMS), and Building Code and Staffing (BCS), were initiated.
2002: The Building Code and Staffing element was split into two new elements, Building
Code (BC) and Staffing (STF). More points were provided under each new element. Two
other new elements were added: Manufactured Home Parks (MHP), to credit protection of
manufactured homes in existing parks, and Coastal A Zones (CAZ), to credit higher
regulatory standards in these hazardous coastal areas.
2002: Section 430LZ, Low Density Zoning, was renamed 430LD, Land Development
Criteria. Points were added under an new element, Land Development Criteria (LDC), to
recognize local regulations that encourage preserving floodplain lands as open space.
440 (Flood Data Maintenance)
1992: DMD (Digitized Map Data) was split into two elements, GIS (Geographic Information
System) and DPD (Digitized Parcel Data). More credit has been provided for GIS mapping.
MAM (More Accurate Base Map) and OM (Overlay Map) have been combined so that more
credit is provided for OM (Overlay Map).
GIS, DPD, and OM are no longer mutually exclusive, which allows more credit where new
systems are being installed gradually or where one system does not receive maximum credit.
Due to the elimination of MAM as a separate element, the maximum points have decreased
slightly from 125 to 120.
The impact adjustment now has three options, including a default value for those who do not
want to calculate areas.
1994: The element “GIS” was renamed DMS (Digital Mapping System) to avoid confusion
with real geographic information systems. Full credit is only possible if the community has a
real GIS that works on FEMA’s systems.
Ten more points can be obtained for DMS, DPD, and OM for showing special hazard areas,
including coastal erosion. A new element was added: EDM (Erosion Data Maintenance) for
keeping track of coastal erosion. It is described in CRS Commentary Supplement for Special
Hazards Credit.
1996: Credit for DMS, DPD, and OM were modified slightly for clarification and
consistency.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

x

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

1999: Three approaches to maintaining flood data were combined under one element,
Additional Map Data (AMD). A new element was added to provide credit for maintaining
copies of all FIRMs that have been issued for the community (FM).
450 (Stormwater Management)
1992: A review of this activity resulted in several credit point revisions. SZ (Size of
Development) dropped from a maximum of 64 to 40 points, and PUB (Public Maintenance)
was reduced from 32 to 30 points. These reductions were offset by an increase in DS (Design
Storm) from 130 to 155 maximum points.
To simplify the calculation, the formulae for SZ and PUB were replaced by discrete range
values. This will change the credit for SMR (Stormwater Regulations) for many communities.
Scores for communities with 100-year design storms will increase, while the scores for
communities that regulate to 10-year or smaller storms will generally decrease.
SMP (Stormwater Management Master Plan) and SRSM (State Review of Stormwater
Management Plans) were changed from 10% multipliers to discrete values of 25 points. ESC
(Erosion and Sediment Control) was moved from Activity 540 to this activity. The 45 points
for ESC account for most of the increase in the maximum score from 331 to 380.
1994: There was some reorganization to clarify the importance of the stormwater
management regulation language. No credit will be provided under this activity if only very
large developments are regulated.
A new element was added: WQ (Water Quality) for stormwater management regulations that
require use of best management practices to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff from
new developments.
1999: The points for the various subelements in Stormwater Management Regulations (SMR)
were revised to provide relatively greater credit for Public Maintenance of Stormwater
Facilities (PUB). The maximum for Stormwater Management Master Plan (SMP) was greatly
increased and the points for partial credit were clarified.
500 Series (Flood Damage Reduction)
1994: The description of the repetitive loss list and application requirements was clarified.
There is a new Section 503 that discusses why the CRS does not credit structural projects.
1996: The repetitive loss requirements were moved from Section 510.
510 (Floodplain Management Planning)
1992: The formula for the credits from Activity 330 was corrected to account for the number
of years between projects. Because Activity 610 was revised, the credits for the contributing
elements from 610 were revised. As a result, the maximum points decreased from 444 to 441.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

xi

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

1996: This section was changed to 510 (Floodplain Management Planning). Credit for
floodplain management planning was moved from Section 240. Repetitive loss requirements
were moved to Section 500. Credit for floodplain management planning and repetitive loss
planning were combined and revised to provide credit for the planning process rather than the
content of the plan.
2002: The credit criteria were revised and expanded to be consistent with the mitigation
planning requirements for other FEMA programs. Additional points were provided to
encourage preparing multi-hazard plans and involving more stakeholders in the planning
process.
2006: A new element was added to credit a detailed analysis of the community’s repetitive
loss areas and identify ways to mitigate flood damage to each building.
520 (Acquisition and Relocation)
1994: A default impact adjustment was added. If the community has acquired or relocated at
least 5 buildings, it can receive 16 points.
1999: The credit points were significantly increased. Additional credit was provided for
acquiring or relocating buildings on FEMA’s repetitive loss list. A new default impact
adjustment formula was instituted.
2006: Bonus points were added to encourage acquiring or relocating buildings from among
the Severe Repetitive Loss Properties.
530 (Flood Protection)
1994: The retrofitting credits were substantially revised to provide less credit for projects
that were not engineered or otherwise have a higher possibility of failure. A default impact
adjustment was added. If the community has at least 5 buildings that have been retrofitted, it
can receive 14 points. A new five-page supplement explains retrofitting techniques.
1999: The credit points were significantly increased. Additional credit was provided for
acquiring or relocating buildings on FEMA’s repetitive loss list.
2002: CRS credit for protecting buildings with structural flood control projects was
incorporated into this activity. The name was changed from “Retrofitting” to “Flood
Protection.”
2006: Bonus points were added to encourage protecting buildings from among the Severe
Repetitive Loss Properties.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

xii

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

540 (Drainage System Maintenance)
1992: Because it is a stormwater management regulation, ESC was moved to Activity 450
(Stormwater Management). This resulted in a lowering of the total possible points from 375
to 330. However, the maximum points for Activity 450 were increased accordingly.
To simplify the formulae, SDR (Stream Dumping Regulations) was changed from being a
multiplier worth up to 30 points to a separate variable worth up to 30 points. The impact
adjustment now has three options, including a default value for those who do not want to
calculate areas.
The requirements for the documentation for CDR (Channel and Basin Debris Removal) were
changed. Most communities will need to prepare new program explanations when they
resubmit their application for this activity.
1994: In most cases, the application documentation must include a map of the drainage
system. There is a new prerequisite for stream dumping regulations: the community must
publicize the regulations through an annual outreach project. A new element has been added:
EPM (Coastal Erosion Protection Maintenance). It is described in CRS Commentary
Supplement for Special Hazards Credit.
1999: The approach to crediting Channel and Basin Debris Removal (CDR) and Stream
Dumping Regulations (SDR) was revised to allow more flexibility in recognizing local
programs.
610 (Flood Warning Program)
1992: This activity was completely revised. Credit is no longer given for Local Data Sharing
(LSDS). The same basic documentation is required: a description of the flood threat recognition system and excerpts from the flood response plan. However, all the elements and the
scoring have been changed.
The impact adjustment now has three options, including a default value for those who do not
want to calculate the affected areas. The maximum points decreased slightly from 205 to 200.
2002: A new element, SRC (StormReady Community), to credit communities that participate
in the National Weather Service’s StormReady Community Program.
620 (Levee Safety)
1994: A default impact adjustment was added. If the levee protects at least five buildings, the
community can receive 9 points. The requirements for levee certification were revised to
allow determinations made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

xiii

Edition: 2006

Changes in CRS Credits

630 (Dam Safety)
1992: The impact adjustment now has three options, including a default value for those who
do not want to calculate the affected areas.
2002: Credit for dam failure regulations was deleted. The credit for Dam Failure Emergency
Action Plans (DFP) was expanded, with a net increase in points.
710 (Community Growth Adjustment)
1994: The Donnelley Report Growth Rate was dropped from the calculations for average
growth rate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

xiv

Edition: 2006

100 INTRODUCTION
The Introduction is an overview of the Community Rating System (CRS). Section 110
discusses the concepts of the CRS. Section 120 describes the floodplain management
activities that are credited by the CRS and their relationship to community floodplain
management programs. A glossary of terms appears as Section 130.
Contents of Series 100
Section

Page

110 Purpose and Scope ................................................................................... 110-1
111 Background ...................................................................................... 110-1
112 Goals ................................................................................................ 110-1
113 Operation ......................................................................................... 110-3
114 Community Responsibilities............................................................ 110-4
115 Costs and Benefits ........................................................................... 110-5
116 Natural and Beneficial Functions .................................................... 110-6
117 CRS Activities ................................................................................. 110-7
118 Uniform Minimum Credit................................................................ 110-8
119 All-Hazard Mitigation...................................................................... 110-8
120 CRS Credit Points .................................................................................... 120-1
121 Application for Credit ...................................................................... 120-1
122 Activity Credit Points ...................................................................... 120-1
123 A Quick Check of a Community’s Potential CRS Credit................ 120-3
124 Publications...................................................................................... 120-6
130 Glossary ................................................................................................... 130-1
List of Tables
120-1. Credit points awarded for CRS activities ............................................ 120-2

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

100-1

Edition: July 2007

Introduction

[This page intentionally blank]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

100-2

Edition: July 2007

110 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
111 Background
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federally backed flood insurance that
encourages communities to enact and enforce floodplain regulations. Since its inception in
1968, the program has been very successful in helping flood victims get back on their feet.
There are nearly 4.6 million policies in force, with about $2 billion in written premiums.
From 1978 through 2004, over 940,000 losses totaling almost $14 billion have been paid.
To be covered by a flood insurance policy, a property must be in a community that
participates in the NFIP. To qualify for the program, a community adopts and enforces a
floodplain management ordinance to regulate development in flood hazard areas. The basic
objective of the ordinance is to ensure that such development will not aggravate existing
flooding conditions and that new buildings will be protected from flood damage. Today, over
19,000 communities participate in the NFIP.
The NFIP has been successful in requiring new buildings to be protected from damage by a
100-year flood. However, flood damage still results from floods greater than the 100-year
flood and from flooding in unmapped areas. Under the Community Rating System (CRS),
there is an incentive for communities to do more than just regulate construction of new
buildings to minimum national standards. Under the CRS, flood insurance premiums are
adjusted to reflect community activities that reduce flood damage to existing buildings,
manage development in areas not mapped by the NFIP, protect new buildings beyond the
minimum NFIP protection level, help insurance agents obtain flood data, and help people
obtain flood insurance.

112 Goals
The goals of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are to provide flood
insurance to property owners, to encourage flood loss reduction activities by
communities, and to save taxpayers’ money. The CRS is a part of the NFIP and
provides both incentives and tools to further these goals.
The goals of the CRS are to recognize, encourage, and reward, by the use of flood
insurance premium adjustments, community and state activities beyond the minimum
required by the NFIP that
● Reduce flood damage to insurable property,
● Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
● Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-1

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

The objective of the CRS is to support the goals of the NFIP. To do this, the CRS provides
insurance premium rate reductions to policy holders in recognition that their communities
implement activities that work toward its three goals of reducing flood damage, supporting
the insurance part of the NFIP, and pursuing a broad approach to floodplain management.
In this process, the “community” part of the Community Rating System includes state and
regional agencies and private organizations that support and assist city, county, and tribal
governments that are participants in the NFIP. A closer look at how communities can
implement these three goals follows.
1. Reduce flood damage to insurable property. Communities are encouraged to map
and provide regulatory flood data for all their flood hazards. The data should be used
in their regulatory programs and shared with all users and inquirers. New buildings in
mapped floodplains should be protected from the known local flood hazards, which
may require setting standards higher than the minimum national criteria of the NFIP.
Communities are encouraged to reduce the exposure of existing buildings to flood
damage, especially repetitive loss properties.
2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP. Communities should
encourage their residents to be aware of their flood risk and to purchase and maintain
a flood insurance policy to protect themselves from the financial impacts of flooding.
Communities should also help make the program more financially sound by
implementing mapping and information programs that help to evaluate accurately the
individual property risk for flood insurance rating purposes, expand the policy base,
and reduce repetitive losses.
3. Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. Insurable
property is not the only floodplain management concern of communities, so the CRS
recognizes efforts that protect lives; further public health, safety, and welfare; and
protect natural floodplain functions. The community staff should understand the
physical and biological processes that form and change floodplains and watersheds
and take steps to deal with flooding, erosion, habitat loss, water quality, and special
flood-related hazards. Floodplain management programs need to protect buildings,
infrastructure, critical facilities, and natural functions and ensure that new
development does not cause adverse impacts on others. A comprehensive approach
uses all tools, including public information, planning, regulatory authorities, financial
support, public works activities, and emergency management.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-2

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

113 Operation
To be recognized in the insurance rating system, community floodplain management activities must be described, measured, and evaluated. The basic tool for this is the CRS Schedule,
which sets forth the application procedures, creditable activities, and the credit points
assigned to each activity. A community receives a CRS classification based upon the total
score for its activities. The CRS Commentary explains the Schedule and gives examples of
activities and how their credit is calculated. The Schedule and Commentary are included
within the CRS Coordinator’s Manual, the primary document detailing the program.
There are 10 CRS classes: Class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the greatest
premium reduction; Class 10 receives no premium reduction. A community that does not
apply for the CRS, or does not obtain the minimum number of credit points, is a Class 10
community.
Community participation in the CRS is voluntary. Any community in full compliance with the
rules and regulations of the NFIP may apply for a CRS classification better than Class 10.
The applicant community submits the CRS Application along with documentation which
shows that it is implementing the activities for which credit is requested. All CRS credit is
verified according to the detailed discussion of the activities in the Coordinator’s Manual.
The application process is discussed in more detail in the CRS Application.
The Schedule identifies 18 creditable activities, organized under four categories labeled
Sections 300 through 600: Public Information, Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage
Reduction, and Flood Preparedness. The Schedule assigns credit points based upon the extent
to which an activity advances the three goals of the CRS. Communities are invited to propose
alternative approaches to these activities in their applications.
Some CRS activities may be implemented by the state or a regional agency rather than at the
community level. For example, some states have disclosure laws that are creditable under
Activity 340 (Flood Hazard Disclosure). Any community in those states will receive those
credit points when it applies for CRS credit and demonstrates that the law is effectively
implemented within its jurisdiction.
An application for a CRS classification may be submitted at any time. A community applies
by sending a completed CRS Application with appropriate documentation to its ISO/CRS
Specialist. Copies of all or parts of the application may be sent to the Regional Office of the
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and to
the State NFIP Coordinator.
The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) is subscribed to by more than 1,300 insurance
companies. Among other services, ISO develops and provides advisory fire insurance
classifications for community fire protection programs. ISO reviews CRS applications,
verifies the communities’ credit points, and performs program improvement tasks.
The community’s activities and performance are reviewed during a verification visit. FEMA
sets the credit to be granted and notifies the community, the state, insurance companies, and

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-3

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

other appropriate parties. The classification is effective on either May 1 or October 1,
whichever comes first after the community’s program is verified.
Each year the community must recertify or reverify that it is continuing to perform the
activities that are being credited by the CRS. Recertification is an annual activity that
includes progress reports for certain activities. The cycle verification takes place every few
years and is conducted in the form of another verification visit to the community.
If a community is not properly or fully implementing the credited activities, its credit points,
and possibly its CRS classification, will be revised. A community may add credited activities
each year in order to improve its CRS classification.
Credit criteria will change over time as experience is gained in implementing, observing, and
measuring the activities and as new concepts in floodplain management come into common
practice. As innovations arise, they will be considered for recognition under the CRS.
Communities are encouraged to call on their ISO/CRS Specialist for assistance at any time. A
week-long CRS course for local officials is offered free at FEMA’s Emergency Management
Institute. The ISO/CRS Specialist, State NFIP Coordinator, and FEMA Regional Office have
more information on this course, state workshops, and other CRS training opportunities.

114 Community Responsibilities
Once it has submitted its CRS Application, a community must continue to implement its
credited activities to keep its classification. Specifically, a community is responsible for:
•

Designating someone who is familiar with the agencies that implement CRS activities
as the community’s CRS Coordinator,

•

Cooperating with the ISO/CRS Specialist and the verification procedures (Section
230),

•

Recertifying each year that it is continuing to implement its activities (Section 214),

•

Submitting the appropriate documents with its recertification (Section 214),

•

Advising FEMA and its ISO/CRS Specialist of modifications in its activities (Section
215),

•

Maintaining elevation certificates, other permit records, and old Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRMs) forever,

•

Maintaining other records of its activities for five years, or until the next verification
visit, whichever comes sooner, and

•

Participating in the cycle verification process (Section 234).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-4

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

Communities will receive periodic updates to the Coordinator’s Manual and other CRS
materials. They are encouraged to order the background publications (see Appendix E),
attend CRS workshops, and ask their ISO/CRS Specialists for help understanding the CRS
credit criteria for their current and planned activities.

115 Costs and Benefits
Communities should prepare and implement those activities which best deal with their local
problems, whether or not they are creditable under the CRS. Few, if any, of the CRS activities
will produce premium reductions equal to or in excess of their implementation costs. In
considering whether to undertake a new floodplain management activity, a community must
consider all of the benefits the activity will provide (not just insurance premium reductions)
in order to determine whether it is worth implementing.
a. Costs
No fee is charged for a community to apply for participation in the CRS. The only costs the
community incurs are those of implementing creditable floodplain management activities and
the staff time needed to prepare the CRS Application.
b. Benefits
It is important to note that reduced flood insurance rates are only one of the rewards a
community receives from participating in the CRS. There are several other benefits.
First, the CRS floodplain management activities provide enhanced public safety, a reduction
in damage to property and public infrastructure, avoidance of economic disruption and losses,
reduction of human suffering, and protection of the environment.
Second, through the CRS a community can evaluate the effectiveness of its flood program
against a nationally recognized benchmark.
Third, technical assistance in designing and implementing some activities is available through
the CRS at no charge.
Fourth, a CRS community’s flood program benefits from having an added incentive to
maintain its flood programs over the years. The fact that the community’s CRS status could
be affected by the elimination of a flood-related activity or a weakening of the regulatory
requirements for new development, should be taken into account by the governing board
when considering such actions. A similar system used in fire insurance rating has had a
strong impact on the level of support local governments give to their fire protection
programs.
Fifth, implementing some CRS activities, such as floodplain management planning, can help
a community qualify for certain federal assistance programs.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-5

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

116 Natural and Beneficial Functions
Floodplains perform certain natural and beneficial functions that cannot be duplicated
elsewhere. The CRS provides special credit for community activities that protect these
functions, even though some of the activities may not directly reduce flood losses to insurable
buildings. Two types of “natural and beneficial functions” warrant protecting floodplains in
their natural state.
1. Floodplains in their natural state have an important impact on flooding. Flood waters
can spread over a large area in floodplains that have not been encroached upon. This
reduces flood velocities and provides flood storage to reduce peak flows downstream.
Natural floodplains reduce wind and wave impacts and their vegetation stabilizes soils
during flooding.
2. Floodplains in their natural state provide “ancillary beneficial functions” beyond flood
reduction. Water quality is improved in areas where natural cover acts as a filter for
runoff and overbank flows; sediment loads and impurities are also minimized. Natural
floodplains moderate water temperature, reducing the possibility of adverse impacts
on aquatic plants and animals.
Floodplains can act as recharge areas for groundwater and reduce the frequency and
duration of low flows of surface water. They provide habitat for diverse species of
flora and fauna, some of which cannot live anywhere else. They are particularly
important as breeding and feeding areas.
The CRS encourages state, local, and private programs and projects that preserve or restore
the natural state of floodplains and protect these functions. The CRS also encourages
communities to coordinate their flood loss reduction programs with Habitat Conservation
Plans and other public and private activities that preserve and protect natural and beneficial
floodplain functions. Credits for doing this are found in the following activities:
330 Outreach Projects: Credit is provided for outreach projects that include descriptions of
the natural and beneficial floodplain functions of the community’s floodplains.
420 Open Space Preservation: Extra credit is provided for open space areas that are
preserved in their natural state, have been restored to a condition approximating their predevelopment natural state, or have been designated as worthy of preservation for their natural
benefits, such as being designated in a Habitat Conservation Plan.
430 Higher Regulatory Standards: Regulations that protect natural areas during development
or that protect water quality are credited.
450 Stormwater Management: Erosion and sediment control and water quality requirements
for projects that affect stormwater runoff are credited.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-6

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

510 Floodplain Management Planning: Extra credit is provided for plans that address
floodplain natural resources and that are coordinated with a community’s Habitat Conservation Plan.

117 CRS Activities
The CRS Schedule describes the 18 floodplain management activities credited by the CRS and
the documentation required to receive credit for each activity. The credits and formulae used
to calculate credit are also included. These activities are divided into four categories.
Public Information (Series 300)
This series credits programs that advise people about the flood hazard, flood
insurance, and ways to reduce flood damage. These activities also provide data needed
by insurance agents for accurate flood insurance rating. They generally serve all
members of the community and work toward all three goals of the CRS.
Mapping and Regulations (Series 400)
This series credits programs that provide increased protection to new development.
These activities include mapping areas not shown on the FIRM, preserving open
space, enforcing higher regulatory standards, and managing stormwater. The credit is
increased for growing communities. These activities work toward the first and second
goals of the CRS, damage reduction and accurate insurance rating.
Flood Damage Reduction (Series 500)
This series credits programs for areas in which existing development is at risk. Credit
is provided for a comprehensive floodplain management plan, relocating or retrofitting
floodprone structures, and maintaining drainage systems. These activities work toward
the first goal of the CRS, damage reduction.
Flood Preparedness (Series 600)
This series credits flood warning, levee safety, and dam safety programs. These
activities work toward the first and third goals of the CRS, damage reduction and
hazard awareness.
NOTE: The CRS encourages communities to develop and implement locally pertinent
programs that exceed the minimum criteria of the NFIP. It is the intent of the CRS to credit
only those activities that are compliant with applicable federal, state, and local
environmental laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Where
this is an issue, it is the responsibility of the community to demonstrate that an activity
complies with those laws or regulations.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-7

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

The CRS activities are not design standards for local floodplain management. The Schedule is
an insurance tool that describes methods of calculating credit points for various community
activities. The fact that the CRS does not provide a direct credit for some activities does not
mean that they should not be implemented by communities that need them.
Some activities and elements are not directly recognized by the CRS for one of three reasons:
1. They do not directly impact buildings that can be insured under the NFIP (e.g.,
uninsurable items such as streets and land values);
2. They are recognized by other aspects of the flood insurance rating program (e.g., flood
control projects that result in revised FIRMs reduce flood insurance premiums in
protected areas); or
3. The impact of an activity cannot be measured for CRS credit (e.g., preserving
floodplains for aesthetic reasons).

118 Uniform Minimum Credit
Many communities can qualify for “uniform minimum credit” whereby a state or regional
agency can apply for a CRS activity that it is implementing on behalf of its communities. For
example, several Florida water management districts enforce their own stormwater
management regulations. A community in one of those districts that applies to the CRS will
qualify for its district’s stormwater management credit.
If the community has its own program that deserves more credit points, it may apply for more
than the uniform minimum credit points. This approach saves time and money for everyone
involved. Agencies or communities interested in uniform minimum credits should contact
their FEMA Regional Office or ISO/CRS Specialist for more information (see Appendix A).

119 All-Hazard Mitigation
Communities with flood problems are also likely to be threatened by other natural and
technological hazards. The staff and programs that address flooding may also be responsible
for protecting the community from earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, drought, hazardous
materials incidents, and terrorism. Similarly, staff that work in programs related to other
hazards may be implementing activities that could support floodplain management programs.
FEMA supports an all-hazards approach to mitigation, as does the CRS. It makes economic
sense that mitigation programs address as many hazards as are appropriate. An all-hazards
approach also ensures that staff, programs, construction standards, and public information
messages are consistent and mutually supportive.
The CRS has become an important tool for mitigation as well as a mechanism for integrating
mitigation with flood insurance. This is consistent not only with grading systems that have
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-8

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

been successfully employed for many years in the insurance industry, but also with new
industry initiatives for relating insurance premiums to local community efforts to reduce
losses due to natural hazards. For example, adoption and enforcement of strong building
codes as measured by the insurance industry’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
integrates building code enforcement into the industry’s premium rates.
The CRS has served as a model for all-hazards pre-disaster mitigation activities. Several local
officials have reported that the CRS was the blueprint for organizing their program to build a
more disaster-resistant community.
The 2006 edition of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual highlights many opportunities for
expanding a flood-only orientation to address other hazards. These include:
•

The 300 series of public information activities credits advising people about the risk
of flooding and other hazards and the mitigation measures they can take to protect
their properties;

•

Under Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure), disclosure of other hazards (DOH) credits
advising potential purchasers of property that there may be other hazards that could
affect the property, such as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands;

•

The credit for placing references in the public library under Activity 350 (Flood
Protection Assistance) includes extra points for including documents on special
flood-related hazards such as subsidence and coastal erosion;

•

Section 401 has an overview of the additional credits that are provided for mapping
and managing seven special hazards:
▫

Uncertain flow paths (alluvial fans, moveable bed streams, and other
floodplains within which the channel moves during a flood),

▫

Closed basin lakes,

▫

Ice jams,

▫

Land subsidence,

▫

Mudflow hazards,

▫

Coastal erosion, and

▫

Tsunamis.

•

Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) encourages communities to keep hazardous
areas open and undeveloped;

•

Credit is provided for the International Series of building codes (which have
improved protection standards for flooding, wind, and other hazards over previous
model codes) in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), Section 431.m;

•

Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) also credits extending V-Zone standards
for coastal storm surge and wind protection farther inland to include coastal A Zones
(Section 431.p);

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-9

Edition: July 2007

Purpose and Scope

•

Section 430LD (Land Development Criteria) increases the credit for land use and
development regulations in areas of mapped special hazards;

•

In Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance), additional credit is provided for showing
areas subject to other natural hazards in the GIS or database management program;

•

More credit points are available for including other hazards in a mitigation plan that
qualifies for a floodplain management plan under Activity 510 (Floodplain
Management Planning); and

•

Local warning and public information activities directed toward storms and tsunamis
are credited under the StormReady and TsunamiReady element in Activity 610
(Flood Warning Program).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

110-10

Edition: July 2007

120 CRS CREDIT POINTS
121 Application for Credit
The Community Rating System provides for 10 classes, with Class 1 having the most
premium credit and communities in Class 10 receiving none. A community’s CRS class is
based on the number of credit points calculated for the activities that are undertaken to reduce
flood losses, facilitate accurate flood insurance rating, and promote the awareness of flood
insurance.
A community is automatically a Class 10 community unless it applies for a CRS classification
and shows that the activities it is implementing warrant a better classification. A community
may apply for CRS credit by submitting a CRS Application with appropriate documentation to
its ISO/CRS Specialist. Application prerequisites and documentation are discussed in more
detail in Section 210.
A community uses the CRS Application for its initial application for CRS classification. The
community must have at least 500 points using the CRS Application to apply for CRS
classification. As explained in Section 230, the final score will be calculated by the ISO/CRS
Specialist after a review of the documentation and the community’s implementation of its
activities at the verification visit.
It is important that the community submit correct and complete materials needed to show
what it is doing. Only through a review of the accompanying documentation can the
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
ISO determine the credit points that should be provided.
A community should apply only for those activities it is actively undertaking and those it
knows it can implement in accordance with the Schedule. A community should not be overly
ambitious and overestimate its first year credit points at the risk of losing credit later for
activities it is unable to implement. For example, no credit is provided for draft ordinances.
Communities can only receive credit for regulations that have been enacted and enforced.

122 Activity Credit Points
The activities and their maximum credit points are shown in Table 120-1. The third column
shows the average credit points received by previous years’ applicants for each activity. The
averages are based upon the number of applicants for each activity, NOT the total number of
applicants for the CRS. The fourth column shows the percentage of all applicants that
received credit for each activity as of May 1, 2005. For example, the average of 90 points for
Activity 330 is the average score received under the 2002 manual for the 86% of the
communities that received credit under Activity 330 as of May 1, 2005.
Communities should note the average credits for these activities. They provide a better
indication of what an applicant can expect for an activity than do the maximum points
available. For example, in order to receive 3,200 points for Activity 520 (Acquisition and
Relocation), a community must have removed 100% of the structures from the Special Flood
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

120-1

Edition: 2006

CRS Activities and Elements

Hazard Areas (SFHAs) shown on its FIRM. The 13% of all communities that applied for
credit under Activity 520 averaged 213 points received for their acquisition and relocation
work. At least one community has received 2,084 points for Activity 520.

Table 120-1. Credit points awarded for CRS activities.

ACTIVITY

300 Public Information Activities
310 Elevation Certificates
320 Map Information Service
330 Outreach Projects
340 Hazard Disclosure
350 Flood Protection Information
360 Flood Protection Assistance

MAXIMUM
POSSIBLE
1
POINTS

AVERAGE
POINTS
2
EARNED

MAXIMUM
POINTS
3
EARNED

PERCENTAGE
OF
COMMUNITIES
4
CREDITED

162
140
380
81
102
71

69
138
90
19
24
53

142
140
290
81
66
71

100%
95%
86%
61%
87%
48%

400 Mapping & Regulatory Activities
410 Additional Flood Data
420 Open Space Preservation
430 Higher Regulatory Standards
440 Flood Data Maintenance
450 Stormwater Management

1,346
900
2,740
239
670

86
191
166
79
98

521
734
1,041
218
490

29%
83%
85%
68%
74%

500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities
510 Floodplain Management Planning
520 Acquisition and Relocation
530 Flood Protection
540 Drainage System Maintenance

359
3,200
2,800
330

115
213
93
232

270
2,084
813
330

20%
13%
6%
69%

255
900
175

93
198
66

200
198
87

30%
1%
81%

600 Flood Preparedness Activities
610 Flood Warning Program
620 Levee Safety
630 Dam Safety
1

The maximum possible points are based on the 2006 CRS Coordinator's Manual.
The average points earned are based on communities’ scores as of May 1, 2005, and do not include growth
adjustments or the new credits provided in the 2006 CRS Coordinator's Manual
3
. The maximum points earned are the highest scores attained by a community as of May 1, 2005 and do not
include growth adjustments. In some cases many communities have attained the maximum points listed.
4
The percentage of communities credited is as of May 1, 2005.
2

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

120-2

Edition: 2006

CRS Activities and Elements

123 A Quick Check of a Community’s Potential CRS Credit
a. Purpose
A minimum of 500 points is needed to receive a CRS classification of Class 9, which will
reduce premium rates. This quick check provides some basic information for local officials to
determine if their communities will have enough points to attain Class 9.
If a community does not qualify for at least 500 points, it may want to initiate some new
activities in order to attain Class 9. For example, some of the public information activities
can be implemented for a very low start-up cost. The quick check can identify where points
can be earned for new activities.
b. Quick Check Instructions
The section numbering system is used throughout all CRS publications. Sections 300 through
600 describe the 18 creditable activities. Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) is required of
all CRS communities and Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) is required of
designated repetitive loss communities. The rest of the activities are optional. Only the
elements most frequently applied for are listed here in the quick check.
If the activity is applicable, the average community score (which is in parentheses) should be
entered in the blank to the left to provide a rough estimate of the community’s initial credit
points.
c. Minimum Requirements
Section 211 (Prerequisites) The community must be in the Regular Phase of the NFIP and
be in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP. The application must
include a letter from the FEMA Regional Office confirming that the community is meeting
all of the latest NFIP requirements.
Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) All CRS communities must maintain FEMA’s
elevation certificates for all new and substantially improved construction in the floodplain
after the date of application for CRS classification.
Sections 501–503 (Repetitive Loss Areas) A community with properties that have received
repeated flood insurance claim payments must map the areas affected. Communities with 10
or more such properties must prepare, adopt, and implement a plan to reduce damage in
repetitive loss areas. The FEMA Regional Office can tell whether this applies to any given
community.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

120-3

Edition: 2006

CRS Activities and Elements

d. Other Activities
If the activity is applicable, the average community score (in parentheses) should be entered
in the blank at left to provide a rough estimate of the community’s initial credit points.
Public Information Activities (Series 300)
(69) 310 (Elevation Certificates) Maintain FEMA elevation certificates for all
new construction. Maintaining them after the date of CRS application is a
minimum requirement for any CRS credit.
(138) 320 (Map Information Service) Respond to inquiries to identify a
property’s FIRM zone and publicize this service.
(90)

330 (Outreach Projects) Send information about the flood hazard, flood
insurance, and flood protection measures to floodprone residents or all
residents of the community.

(19)

340 (Hazard Disclosure) Real estate agents advise potential purchasers of
floodprone property about the flood hazard; or regulations require a notice
of the flood hazard.

(24)

350 (Flood Protection Information) The public library maintains references
on flood insurance and flood protection.

(53)

360 (Flood Protection Assistance) Give inquiring property owners
technical advice on protecting their buildings from flooding, and publicize
this service.

Mapping and Regulatory Activities (Series 400)
(86)

410 (Additional Flood Data) Develop new flood elevations, floodway
delineations, wave heights, or other regulatory flood hazard data for an area
that was not mapped in detail by the flood insurance study; or have the
flood insurance study’s hydrology or allowable floodway surcharge based
on a higher state or local standard.

(191) 420 (Open Space Preservation) Guarantee that a portion of currently
vacant floodplain will be kept free from development.
(166) 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) Require freeboard; require soil tests or
engineered foundations; require compensatory storage; zone the floodplain
for minimum lot sizes of 1 acre or larger; regulate to protect sand dunes; or
have regulations tailored to protect critical facilities or areas subject to
special flood hazards (e.g., alluvial fans, ice jams, or subsidence).
TOTAL FIRST PAGE

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

120-4

Edition: 2006

CRS Activities and Elements

(79)

440 (Flood Data Maintenance) Keep flood and property data on computer
records; use better base maps; or maintain elevation reference marks.

(98)

450 (Stormwater Management) Regulate new development throughout the
watershed to ensure that post-development runoff is no worse than predevelopment runoff.

Flood Damage Reduction Activities (Series 500)
(115) 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) Prepare, adopt, implement, and
update a comprehensive plan using a standard planning process.
(213) 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) Acquire and/or relocate floodprone
buildings so that they are out of the floodplain.
(93)

530 (Flood Protection) Document floodproofed or elevated pre-FIRM
buildings.

(232) 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) Conduct periodic inspections of all
channels and retention basins and perform maintenance as needed.
Flood Preparedness Activities (Series 600)
(93)

610 (Flood Warning Program) Provide early flood warnings to the public
and have a detailed flood response plan keyed to flood crest predictions.

(198) 620 (Levee Safety) Maintain levees that are not credited with providing
base flood protection.
(66) 630 (Dam Safety) All communities in a state with an approved dam safety
program receive this credit.
TOTAL SECOND PAGE
TOTAL FIRST PAGE

TOTAL ESTIMATED POINTS FOR THE COMMUNITY

If this quick check shows that the community could receive at least 500 points, it may want to
check its status in the NFIP with the FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A) and apply for
a CRS classification using the CRS Application.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

120-5

Edition: 2006

CRS Activities and Elements

124 Publications
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWEB/CRS/ .
The CRS Application is used to apply for an initial CRS classification. The basis for CRS
credit and community classification is the Schedule, which is contained within the
Coordinator’s Manual. The Commentary explains and amplifies the Schedule and provides
examples. The Coordinator’s Manual is a document a community should have if it wishes to
submit a CRS Application and MUST USE for modifications for a better CRS classification.
There are a variety of publications available, including activity worksheets, example plans,
and publications on credit for mapping and management of special flood-related hazards.
These publications are described in Appendix E of the CRS Application and the
Coordinator’s Manual. They are available AT NO COST from
Flood Publications
NFIP/CRS
P.O. Box 501016
Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016
(317) 848-2898
Fax: (317) 848-3578

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

120-6

Edition: 2006

130 GLOSSARY
Unless otherwise noted, all terms used by the Community Rating System (CRS) are the same
as those defined in the National Flood Insurance Program Rules and Regulations (44 CFR
59.1).
A Zone: See “Zone A.”
Activity: A floodplain management activity for which Community Rating System credit has
been established.
Allowable surcharge: The acceptable limit of increased flood elevation in the floodway due
to obstruction of the floodway fringe.
Alluvial fan: An area at the base of a valley where the slope flattens out, allowing the
floodwater to decrease in speed and spread out, dropping sediment over a fan-shaped area.
The Community Rating System credits alluvial fan flooding under the “uncertain flow paths”
hazard in a special CRS publication.
B Zone: See “Zone B.”
Base flood: The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year,
also known as the “100-year” or “1% chance” flood. The base flood is a statistical concept
used to ensure that all properties subject to the National Flood Insurance Program are
protected to the same degree against flooding.
BFE: Base flood elevation. The elevation of the crest of the base or 100-year flood.
Building: As used by the Community Rating System, the term is the same as “structure” in
the National Flood Insurance Program regulations (44 CFR 59.1). For CRS purposes, a
building is a structure that is walled and roofed, principally above ground and permanently
affixed to a site. The term includes a manufactured (mobile) home on a permanent foundation
(such as a poured masonry slab, foundation walls, piers, or block supports) so that no weight
is carried by the wheels and axles. “Walled and roofed” means that a building has two or
more rigid exterior walls in place and is adequately anchored so that it will resist flotation,
collapse, and lateral movement. “Principally above ground” means that at least 51% of the
actual cash value of the building, including equipment and machinery that are part of the
building, is above ground. The NFIP only insures “buildings.” For the purpose of counting
buildings for adjusting CRS credit points, the term “building” does not include accessory
structures. For example, a lot with a home, garage, and shed is counted as one building.
C Zone: See “Zone C.”
CBRA: The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (pronounced “cobra”).
CEO: The Chief Executive Officer of a community, i.e., the official who is charged with the
authority to implement and administer laws, ordinances, and regulations for the community.
The CEO may be a mayor, city or county manager, or chair of a county board.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-1

Edition: July 2007

Coastal: Relating to the coastlines and bays of the tidal waters of the United States or the
shorelines of the Great Lakes. Under the Community Rating System, there are four coastal
areas eligible for creditable coastal activities: the coastlines and bays of the Atlantic, Pacific,
Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes coasts. The term does not include riverine areas.
Coastal A Zone: Those parts of a community’s coastal floodplain, inland from the mapped V
Zone (or shoreline if there is no mapped V Zone), that are subject to the damaging effects of
waves, velocity flows, erosion, scour, or combinations of these forces. The exact boundary of
a coastal A Zone is determined by the community, as described in Section 431.p, although the
Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide a proposed boundary or “limit of
moderate wave action” on Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Coastal Barrier Resources System: A set of “undeveloped coastal barriers” and “otherwise
protected areas” along the U.S. coast (including the Great Lakes) designated by Congress
under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA). Most expenditures of federal funds
are prohibited within the Coastal Barrier Resources System.
Coastal erosion: Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land masses caused primarily by
waves on the two oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, or the Great Lakes, and major embayments to
these bodies of water.
Coastal erosion-prone area: The coastal areas within which waves are anticipated to cause
significant erosion and shoreline retreat within the next 60 years.
Coastal high hazard flooding: A condition of flooding subject to high velocity waters,
including, but not limited to, hurricane wave wash or tsunamis. Coastal high hazard flooding
is mapped as a Zone V on a Flood Insurance Rate Map. Coastal flooding without the high
velocity hazard is mapped as a Zone A.
Community: A city, village, town, county, township, Indian tribe or authorized tribal
organization, Alaska Native village or authorized native organization, or other local
government with the statutory authority to enact floodplain regulations and participate in the
National Flood Insurance Program.
Contour: A line of equal elevation on a topographic (contour) map.
Critical facilities:
•

Structures or facilities that produce, use, or store highly volatile, flammable, explosive, toxic and/or water-reactive materials;

•

Hospitals, nursing homes, and housing likely to contain occupants who may not be
sufficiently mobile to avoid death or injury during a flood;

•

Police stations, fire stations, vehicle and equipment storage facilities, and emergency
operations centers that are needed for flood response activities before, during, and
after a flood; and

•

Public and private utility facilities that are vital to maintaining or restoring normal
services to flooded areas before, during, and after a flood.

CRS: Community Rating System.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-2

Edition: July 2007

Glossary

CRS Application: The publication that is generally used by a community to apply for its
initial Community Rating System classification. This publication includes a description of the
CRS activities, application procedures, and the documentation the community needs to
provide with its application.
CRS classification: A rating of a community’s floodplain management program according to
the CRS Schedule. The premium rate credits for each class are listed in Appendix C. A
community that has not applied for Community Rating System classification is a Class 10
community.
CRS Commentary: The portion of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual that explains the
Community Rating System in more detail than the CRS Schedule. It includes instructions on
how to apply for a CRS classification, along with references on and examples of the
creditable activities.
CRS Coordinator: A local official designated by the community’s Chief Executive Officer
to coordinate the community’s Community Rating System application and verification.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual: A publication for local officials that includes the Community
Rating System CRS Schedule, CRS Commentary, and activity worksheets. It is available from
FEMA or ISO.
CRS Schedule: The portion of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual that describes the Community
Rating System and how credit points are calculated to determine a community’s CRS
classification.
Cycle: A periodic review, scoring, and verification of a community’s Community Rating
System activities, normally done on a 3- or 5-year cycle.
D Zone: See “Zone D.”
Datum: A reference surface used to ensure that all elevation records are properly related.
Many communities have their own datum, developed before there was a national standard.
The National Flood Insurance Program uses the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD)
of 1929 and the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988, which are in relation to
sea level. The Flood Insurance Rate Map indicates the datum that applies to the community.
Development: Any human-caused change to improved or unimproved real estate including,
but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving,
excavation, or drilling operations.
Discharge: The amount of water that passes a point in a given period of time. Rate of
discharge is usually measured in cubic feet per second (cfs).
Element: A discrete piece of a floodplain management program that is credited as part of a
Community Rating System activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-3

Edition: July 2007

Glossary

FEMA: The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Most of the National Flood Insurance Program field work and community coordination is
done by the 10 FEMA Regional Offices, which are listed in Appendix A.
FIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Map. An official map of a community, on which FEMA has
delineated both the Special Flood Hazard Areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the
community. Most FIRMs include detailed floodplain mapping for some or all of a community’s floodplains. In most cases, the date of the first FIRM issued to a community is the date
the community entered the Regular Program of the National Flood Insurance Program.
Flood Insurance Study: A report published by FEMA for a community in conjunction with
the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map. The study contains such background data as the
base flood discharges and water surface elevations that were used to prepare the FIRM. In
most cases, a community FIRM with detailed mapping will have a corresponding flood
insurance study.
Floodplain: Any land area susceptible to being inundated by flood waters from any source.
A Flood Insurance Rate Map identifies most, but not necessarily all, of a community’s
floodplain as the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Floodproofing: Protective measures added to or incorporated in a building that is not
elevated above the base flood elevation to prevent or minimize flood damage. “Dry
floodproofing” measures are designed to keep water from entering a building. “Wet
floodproofing” measures minimize damage to a structure and its contents from water that is
allowed into a building.
Floodway: The channel of a river and the portion of the overbank floodplain that carries
most of the base flood. The floodway must be kept open so that floods can proceed
downstream and not be obstructed or diverted onto other properties. The National Flood
Insurance Program regulations allow construction in the floodway provided that it does not
obstruct flood flows or increase flood heights.
Flood fringe: The portion of the floodplain lying on either side of the floodway.
Freeboard: A margin of safety added to the base flood elevation to account for waves,
debris, miscalculations, or lack of data.
Hydrology: The science dealing with the waters of the earth. A flood discharge is developed
by a hydrologic study.
ICC: Increased Cost of Compliance, a flood insurance claim provision that helps fund the
cost of bringing a flood-damaged building into compliance with floodplain management
standards.
ISO: The Insurance Services Office, Inc., a corporation that conducts Community Rating
System application review, verification of community credit, and program improvement tasks
for FEMA.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-4

Edition: July 2007

Glossary

ISO/CRS Specialist: An ISO technician responsible for reviewing community applications
for Community Rating System classification and verifying implementation of activities
credited by the CRS. The name and telephone number of the ISO/CRS Specialist for a state
can be obtained from the FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A).
NAVD: North American Vertical Datum of 1988. The national datum that is replacing
NGVD to set flood and ground elevations for the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Natural and beneficial functions of floodplains:
a. The functions associated with the natural or relatively undisturbed floodplain that
moderate flooding, retain flood waters, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and mitigate
the effects of waves and storm surges from storms; and
b. Ancillary beneficial functions, including maintenance of water quality, recharge of
ground water, and provision of fish and wildlife habitat.
NFIP: National Flood Insurance Program.
NGVD: National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929, the national datum used by the National
Flood Insurance Program. NGVD is based on mean sea level. It was known formerly as the
“Mean Sea Level Datum of 1929 (MSL).”
Ponding: A flooding condition in flat areas caused when rain runoff drains to a location that
has no ready outlet. Ponding water usually stands until it evaporates, seeps into the ground, or
is pumped out.
Post-FIRM building: For insurance rating purposes, a post-FIRM building was constructed
or substantially improved after December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of the initial
Flood Insurance Rate Map of a community, whichever is later. A post-FIRM building is
required to meet the National Flood Insurance Program’s minimum Regular Program flood
protection standards.
Pre-FIRM building: For insurance rating purposes, a pre-FIRM building was constructed or
substantially improved on or before December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of the
initial Flood Insurance Rate Map of the community, whichever is later. Most pre-FIRM
buildings were constructed without taking the flood hazard into account.
Regular Program: Also called the Regular Phase. The phase of community participation in
the National Flood Insurance Program that begins on the date of the Flood Insurance Rate
Map or when the community adopts an ordinance that meets the minimum requirements of the
NFIP and adopts the technical data provided with the FIRM, whichever is later. Nearly all
communities participating in the NFIP are in the Regular Program.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-5

Edition: July 2007

Glossary

Regulatory floodplain: For purposes of the Community Rating System, the floodplain that
is regulated by a community, including the Special Flood Hazard Area. It covers a larger area
in communities that regulate development in flood problem areas outside the SFHA as
mapped by FEMA.
Repetitive loss community: For purposes of the Community Rating System, a community
with one or more repetitive loss properties.
Repetitive loss property: For purposes of the Community Rating System, a property for
which two or more National Flood Insurance Program losses of at least $1,000 each have
been paid within any 10-year rolling period since 1978.
Retrofitting: Retrofitting techniques include floodproofing, elevation, construction of small
levees, and other modifications made to an existing building or its yard to protect it from
flood damage.
Riparian ecosystem: A distinct association of flora, fauna, and soil occurring along a river,
stream, or other body of water and dependent upon high water tables and occasional flooding
to maintain its viability. These areas often exhibit high biological productivity and species
diversity. Although riparian ecosystems are closely associated with a body of water, they may
extend beyond the Special Flood Hazard Area.
Riverine: Of or produced by a river. Riverine floodplains have readily identifiable channels.
Floodway maps can only be prepared for riverine floodplains.
Sand dunes: Naturally occurring accumulations of sand that form ridges or mounds
landward of a beach. The Community Rating System only credits sand dunes in coastal areas.
Schedule: See “CRS Schedule.”
Sensitive area: An area defined by state or local regulations as deserving special protection
because of unique natural features or its value as habitat for a wide range of species of flora
and fauna. A sensitive area is subject to more restrictive development regulations than other
floodplains or wetlands. Although sensitive areas are often closely associated with a body of
water, they may extend beyond the Special Flood Hazard Area.
SFHA: Special Flood Hazard Area.
Sheet flow: A condition of flooding where there is moving water but no identifiable channel.
Flooding depths are usually shallow (less than 3 feet). Sheet flow may have a high velocity,
as on alluvial fans.
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): The base floodplain delineated on a Flood Insurance
Rate Map. The SFHA is mapped as a Zone A (see definition). In coastal situations, Zone V
(see definition) is also a part of the SFHA. The SFHA may or may not encompass all of a
community’s flood problems.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-6

Edition: 2006

Glossary

Special flood-related hazards: For the purposes of the Community Rating System, the term
includes terrain features or special hazards that accompany or aggravate flooding, as listed in
Section 401.
Stakeholders: Business leaders, civic groups, academia, non-profit organizations, major
employers, managers of critical facilities, farmers, landowners, developers, and others whose
actions affect hazard mitigation.
Substantial damage: Damage of any origin sustained by a building whereby the cost of
restoring the building to its before-damage condition would equal or exceed 50% of the
market value of the building before the damage occurred.
Substantial improvement:
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other
improvement to a building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of
the building before the start of construction of the improvement.
Surcharge: An increase in flood elevation due to obstruction of the floodplain that reduces
its conveyance capacity.
Tsunami: A large wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcano that can raise water
levels on the ocean shore as much as 15 feet. Tsunamis are discussed in more detail in a
special Community Rating System publication.
Uncertain flow paths: Channels that move during a flood, including alluvial fans and
moveable bed streams. They are discussed in more detail in a special Community Rating
System publication.
V Zone: See “Zone V.”
Variable: A term used in the formulae for calculating Community Rating System credit. For
each element, there are one or more variables, which often include the acronym for the
element.
X Zone: See “Zone X.”
Zone A: The Special Flood Hazard Area (except coastal V Zones) shown on a community’s
Flood Insurance Rate Map. There are seven types of A Zones:
A:

SFHA where no base flood elevation is provided.

A#:

Numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14), SFHA where an older FIRM shows a base
flood elevation in relation to a national datum.

AE:

SFHA where base flood elevations are provided. AE Zone delineations are used
on newer FIRMs instead of A# Zones.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-7

Edition: 2006

Glossary

AO:

SFHA with sheet flow, ponding, or shallow flooding. Base flood depths (feet
above grade) are provided.

AH:

Shallow flooding SFHA. Base flood elevations in relation to a national datum are
provided.

AR:

A temporary designation for an area where a flood control system that no longer
provides protection from the base flood is expected to be improved so it will
provide protection to the base flood again in the future. This zone is not considered
a Special Flood Hazard Area or “regulatory floodplain” for Community Rating
System purposes.

A99: A mapped floodplain that will be protected by a federal flood protection system
where construction has reached specified statutory milestones. This zone is not
considered a Special Flood Hazard Area or “regulatory floodplain” for Community
Rating System purposes
Zone B: Area of moderate flood hazard, usually depicted on older Flood Insurance Rate
Maps as between the limits of the base and 500-year floods of the primary source of flooding.
B Zones may have local, shallow flooding problems. B Zones are also used to designate areas
protected by levees and base floodplains of little hazard, such as those with average depths of
less than 1 foot.
Zone C: Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on older Flood Insurance Rate Maps
as above the 500-year flood level of the primary source of flooding. C Zones may have local,
shallow flooding problems. B and C Zones may have flooding that does not meet the criteria
to be mapped as a Special Flood Hazard Area, especially ponding and local drainage
problems.
Zone D: Area of undetermined but possible flood hazard.
Zone V: The Special Flood Hazard Area subject to coastal high hazard flooding. There are
three types of V Zones: V, V#, and VE, and they correspond to the A Zone designations.
Zone X: Newer Flood Insurance Rate Maps show Zones B and C (see above) as Zone X. The
shaded Zone X corresponds to a Zone B and the unshaded Zone X corresponds to a Zone C.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

130-8

Edition: 2006

200 PROCEDURES
This series covers the procedures for applying for a Community Rating System (CRS)
classification and the steps for calculating and verifying a community’s CRS credit. It also
covers annual recertification, modifications to the community’s CRS credit, and cycle
verification.

Contents of Series 200
Section

Page

210

Requesting CRS Credit ..............................................................210-1
211 Credit Prerequisites ...........................................................210-2
212 Application Documents......................................................210-9
213 Application Procedures ...................................................210-11
214 Recertification .................................................................210-12
215 Modifications...................................................................210-15
216 Effect of Coordinator’s Manual Revisions.......................210-17

220

Credit Calculation .....................................................................220-1
221 Step 1. Element Credit Points ............................................220-3
222 Step 2. Impact Adjustment .................................................220-4
223 Step 3. Credit Calculation ..................................................220-6
224 Step 4. Community Growth Adjustment .............................220-6
225 Step 5. Community Classification ......................................220-7

230

Verification ...............................................................................230-1
231 Application Review ...........................................................230-2
232 Verification Visit ...............................................................230-3
233 Post-visit Actions ..............................................................230-6
234 Cycle Verification..............................................................230-7

List of Figures
210-1. Riverview’s recertification worksheets
(AW-214-1 and AW-214-2) .....................................................210-13
230-1. Floodville’s verification cover page (AW-230-1)......................230-5

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

200-1

Edition: 2006

Procedures

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

200-2

Edition: 2006

210 REQUESTING CRS CREDIT
Summary of Section 210
211

Credit Prerequisites.

a. Application Prerequisites: To become a Class 9 or better community, a community must
have been in the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for at least
one year; and the FEMA Regional Office must confirm in writing that the community is in
full compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP.
b. Class 7 Prerequisite: To become a Class 7 or better community, a community must have
received a classification of 6 or better under the Building Code Effectiveness Grading
Schedule.
c. Class 4 Prerequisites: To become a Class 4 or better community, a community must have
received a classification of 5 or better under the Building Code Effectiveness Grading
Schedule, demonstrate that it has enough CRS points to warrant the class, and demonstrate
that it has taken appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize future flood losses by adopting
and enforcing a freeboard requirement and by receiving a certain number of points for
designated activities.
d. Class 1 Prerequisites: To become a Class 1 community, a community must demonstrate that
it has enough points to warrant the class; meets all the Class 4 prerequisites; has had a
successful Community Assistance Visit conducted by FEMA within the previous 12
months; and demonstrate that it has (1) a “no adverse impact” approach to floodplain
management; (2) a commitment to mitigate its repetitive loss problems as well as problems
caused by other natural hazards; and (3) a program to address the threat to life safety and the
financial impacts posed by flooding.

212

Application Documents. Application documentation is explained in the separately

213

Application Procedures. FEMA will provide instructions on which CRS Application

214

Recertification. Each year, the community’s Chief Executive Officer must recertify
that the community is continuing to implement the activities for which credit has been
provided.

215

Modifications. A community may modify its application by applying for credit for new
activities, dropping one or more activities, or submitting revised versions of materials the
community stated it would update. Modifications are submitted on activity worksheets and
are processed in the same manner as CRS applications.

216

The Effect on Participating Communities of CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Revisions. Changes in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual will not alter a community’s

published CRS Application.

worksheet pages go to FEMA, the State NFIP Coordinator, and the ISO/CRS Specialist.
The CRS classification takes effect on May 1 or October 1, whichever date follows
completion of the processing of the community’s application.

CRS classification. However, when a community submits a modification or cycle
verification, it must use the Coordinator’s Manual in effect at that time.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-1

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

210 REQUESTING CRS CREDIT
211 Credit Prerequisites
a. Application Prerequisites:
There are four prerequisites to becoming a Class 9 or better community:
1. The community must have been in the Regular Phase of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) for at least one year;
2. The community must be in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the
NFIP. If a Community Rating System (CRS) community is determined at any
time not to be in full compliance, it will revert to a CRS Class 10;
3. If there are one or more repetitive loss properties in the community, the
community must take certain actions as specified in Sections 501–503; and
4. The community must maintain all flood insurance policies that it has been
required to carry on properties owned by the community.

1. A community must have been in the Regular Phase of the NFIP for at least one year
before it applies to become a Class 9 or better CRS community.
2. The application must include a letter from the Regional Office of the Department of
Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stating that
the community is in full compliance with the NFIP. (The Regional Offices are listed in
Appendix A.) The letter must have been written no earlier than six months before the
application is submitted. The Regional Office or State NFIP Coordinator may need to
visit the community if they have not been there recently. If so, the application cannot
be submitted until the visit is conducted and FEMA confirms the community’s full
compliance.
3. Sections 501−502 explain how a community reviews and comments on FEMA’s list of
repetitive loss properties and how it determines its repetitive loss category. As noted
in Section 503, category B and C communities must describe the cause(s) of the
repetitive flooding, map their repetitive loss areas, prepare a list of the addresses for
all improved properties in those areas, and send an outreach project to those properties
each year. A category C community must also prepare a plan of how it will address its
repetitive flood problem.
4. The community’s Chief Executive Officer signs the cover sheet for the community’s
application to the CRS. That form includes a statement that the signer certifies that the
community has all the flood insurance policies that it has been required to maintain.
This is discussed further in Section 212.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-2

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

b. Class 7 Prerequisite:
In addition to having sufficient points, in order to be a Class 7 or better, a community
must have received a classification of 6/6 or better under the Building Code
Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS). Both BCEGS classifications
(residential/personal and commercial) must be a class 6 or better.

The Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) measures a community’s
building code adoption and enforcement as they relate to natural hazards mitigation. More
information on the program and its CRS credits is provided in Section 431.m
CRS Class 8, 9, and 10 communities must meet the BCEGS prerequisite before they can
become a CRS Class 7 or better. CRS Class 7 or better communities must have the necessary
BCEGS classification before they can improve their CRS classification. When they submit a
modification or undergo a cycle verification, these communities must meet the BCEGS
prerequisite in order to remain a CRS Class 7 or better.
BCEGS classifications have not been completed in every state in the country. CRS
communities of Class 7 or better that do not have a BCEGS classification have a grace period
that starts when the prerequisite must be met and ends at the next cycle (see Section 234).
During the grace period, these communities cannot improve beyond their current CRS class.
FEMA and ISO will make every possible effort to provide BCEGS ratings to every current
and applicant CRS community that desires one to meet this prerequisite.

c. Class 4 Prerequisite:
In order to be a Class 4 or better, a community MUST:
•

Have received a classification of 5/5 or better under the BCEGS,

•

Demonstrate that it has enough points to warrant the class, and

•

Demonstrate that it has taken appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize future
flood losses. To do this, a Class 4 or better community must receive credit for
the following CRS activities.

1. Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards): The community must show that it
enforces higher regulatory standards appropriate to manage new development.
(a) The community must adopt and enforce a freeboard requirement that
receives at least 100 points for FRB in Section 431.a, and
(b) The community must receive at least 250 points under the other elements of
Activity 430 (including Section 430LD). For this prerequisite, the points are
calculated before factoring in the impact adjustment for all elements except
low density zoning.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-3

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

2. Activity 450 (Stormwater Management): The community must receive the
following credits for its stormwater management plan(s) (SMP) under Section
451.b:
(a) 80 points for meeting all of the prerequisites listed in Section 451.a (i.e., full
credit for Section 451.b.1(a)),
(b) 25 points for managing the runoff from all storms up to and including the
100-year event (i.e., full credit for Section 451.b.1(b)), and
(c) An impact adjustment value of rSMP = 0.5 or more under Section 452.c.2.
As an alternative, the community may show that the stormwater
management plan(s) covers watersheds that comprise at least 50% of its
growth.
3. Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning): The community must have
adopted and be implementing a floodplain management plan that receives at
least 50% of the maximum credit under Activity 510, calculated after the impact
adjustment. This 50% of the maximum credit must include at least 50% of the
available points in each of the planning steps 2, 5, and 8.
4. The community may propose alternative approaches to eliminate or minimize
future flood losses that are more appropriate for local conditions.

This prerequisite ensures that high-ranking CRS communities have programs that minimize
flood losses and increases in future flooding. A community that cleared most of the buildings
from its floodplain with disaster assistance funds after a flood could not be a Class 4 or better
unless it had an effective regulatory program to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
Commentary on Section 211.c.1: A Class 4 or better community must receive at least 100
points for its freeboard requirement. See Section 431.a for details about ensuring that all
utilities and ductwork are also protected to the freeboard level.
The community must also adopt and enforce any combination of other higher regulatory
standards credited in Activity 430 in order to obtain the needed 250 points. Except for low
density zoning, these points are calculated before the impact adjustment. The points for low
density zoning are counted after the impact adjustment.
Example 211c-1. Someburg
à

has a two-foot freeboard requirement (200 points),

à

prohibits critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain (100 points),

à

limits enclosures to less than 300 square feet (100 points),

à

has a BCEGS classification of 4/4 (30 points), and

à

has adopted all of the International Building Codes (60 points).

This arrangement produces the 100 points for freeboard and 290 points for the
other elements.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-4

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

Commentary on Sections 211.c.2 and 3: Communities must meet all the other credit criteria
for these activities, too.
Because the credit for Stormwater Management and Floodplain Management Planning is
calculated after the impact adjustment, plans that use the 25% default impact adjustment will
not fulfill the prerequisite.

d. Class 1 Prerequisites:
1. In addition to having sufficient points, in order to be Class 1 a community MUST:
(a) Meet all the Class 4 prerequisites,
(b) Meet the minimum standards of the NFIP as determined by a Community
Assistance Visit conducted by FEMA within the previous 12 months,
(c) Have all of its program verified through a full verification visit, and
(d) Demonstrate that it:
(1) Has a “no adverse impact” approach to floodplain management,
(2) Has a commitment to mitigate its repetitive loss problem as well as
problems caused by other natural hazards, and
(3) Has a program to address the threat to life safety and the financial
impact that flooding poses to the residents of the community.

A “no adverse impact” approach to floodplain management is one in which the action of one
property owner or community does not adversely affect the flood risks for other properties or
communities. “Adverse impact” is measured by increased flood stages, increased flood
velocity, increased flows, or the increased potential for erosion and sedimentation. The “no
adverse impact” concept is explained in more detail in papers published by the Association of
State Floodplain Managers, which can be accessed at http://www.floods.org.

2. To demonstrate that it meets the three prerequisites under Section 211.d.1(d),
above, a Class 1 community must meet the following:
(a) No adverse impact:
(1) All floodplains:
((a))

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

All new and substantially improved critical facilities must be
protected to the 500-year flood level. This is demonstrated by
receiving credit for PCF under Section 431.e in Activity 430
(Higher Regulatory Standards) and by enforcing the regulations
throughout the 500-year floodplain.

210-5

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

((b))

The community must be enforcing regulations that discourage
development in the floodplain. This is demonstrated by receiving
at least 50 points under LDC in Section 431LD.a.

((c))

The community must have mapped and be enforcing regulations
appropriate for all flood-related hazards within its jurisdiction. This
is demonstrated by receiving credit under Activities 410 and 430
for all special flood-related hazards that are identified in the
community’s hazard mitigation plan.

(2) Riverine floodplains:
((a))

Regulatory flood elevations must be provided for all Special Flood
Hazard Areas (SFHAs) in the community. This is demonstrated
by receiving at least 75 points for new studies (NS) for all
approximate A Zones under Section 411.a.2, 3, or 4 in Activity
410 (Additional Flood Data).

((b))

The community’s program must address potential increases in
riverine flood elevations caused by new development. This is
demonstrated by receiving the following credit:
((1)) Activity 450 (Stormwater Management): The impact
adjustment value of rSMP = 0.75 or more. As an alternative, the
community may show that the stormwater management plan(s)
coverx watersheds that comprise at least 75% of the areas
expected to develop in the future; AND
((2))

Either:
•

All riverine floodplains must be mapped using future
conditions hydrology and be credited under Section
411.c, OR

•

All riverine floodplains must be covered by freeboard
regulations sufficient to protect new construction from
future increases in flood heights and credited under
FRB in Section 431.a.

(3) Coastal floodplains: The community must receive credit for:
((a))

Regulating new development in coastal A Zones under CAZ in
Section 431.p, and

((b))

Regulating new development in areas subject to erosion under
CER in Section 431CE.a in CRS Credit for Management of
Coastal Erosion Hazards (or demonstrate that it does not have a
coastal erosion problem).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-6

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

(b) Mitigation:
(1) Section 501 (Repetitive Loss List): The community must demonstrate
that at least 25% of the properties on its current FEMA repetitive loss list
have been protected from repetitive flooding through acquisition,
retrofitting, or structural flood control projects.

As noted in Section 211.d.2(b)(2), a community seeking to become a CRS Class 1 must
prepare a plan that is approved as a multi-hazard mitigation plan. That plan should identify
all natural hazards that affect the community. If the plan concludes that the community is
subject to one of the special flood-related hazards listed in Section 401, then the community
must have programs that receive some special hazards credit under Activities 410 and 430.
A community that has more than 25% of its at-risk buildings on the repetitive loss list cannot
be a Class 1 community. Communities with higher percentages can reduce their repetitive
loss exposure through acquisition, retrofitting, or structural flood control projects. The
repetitive loss list is updated after such mitigation measures are in place.

(2) Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning): The FEMA Regional
Office must have approved the community’s plan as meeting all of
FEMA’s current multi-hazard mitigation planning requirements outlined
under 44 CFR 201.6.

A floodplain management plan is required in order for a community to be a Class 4 or better.
Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) includes the criteria for both a CRS-credited
floodplain management plan and a multi-hazard mitigation plan that meets the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2002 planning requirements per 44 CFR 201.6. A community can either
prepare a new plan that meets both programs’ criteria or update its plan to include any
missing items.

(c) Life safety and financial impact:
(1) The community must cover the topics of flood warning and flood safety in
EITHER:
((a))

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

An outreach project that reaches all properties in the community
that is credited under OPC in Section 331.a, OR

210-7

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

((b))

One or more outreach projects that reach appropriate audiences
as determined by the strategy credited under OPS in Section
331.c.

(2) The community must have a flood warning program that receives the
following credits or demonstrate that a flood warning program would not
reduce the threat to life and safety.
((a))

Credit for flood response efforts credited under ORE in Section
611.c.2(a), and

((b))

Credit for coordinating with all critical facilities affected by flooding
under CFP in Section 611.d.2(a) and (b).

(3) If the community has SFHAs that are protected by levees that protect to
at least the 25-year flood, but that are not reflected as 100-year levees
on the community’s FIRM, then it must qualify for and receive credit for
those levees under Activity 620 (Levee Safety).
(4) If the failure of a high hazard dam that is listed on the National Inventory
of Dams would likely cause loss of life in the community, then it must
have adopted a dam failure emergency response plan that is credited
under DFP in Section 631.b.
(5) At least 50% of the buildings in the community’s SFHA must be covered
by a flood insurance policy.
3. The community may propose alternative approaches to documenting that it has
met the three requirements under Section 211.d.1(d), above.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-8

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

212 Application Documents
Application for CRS classification is voluntary. A complete application must include the
appropriate worksheet pages from the CRS Application and the documents that must
be submitted with them as noted in the Application Documentation section for each
activity. No credit is given if the application is incomplete.

A complete application includes the following:
•

A completed worksheet, “CRS Application Cover Page,” signed by the community’s
Chief Executive Officer (CEO);

•

The letter from the FEMA Regional Office stating that the community is in full
compliance with the NFIP (see Section 211.a.2);

•

An activity worksheet or appropriate page from the CRS Application for each activity
for which credit is being requested; and

•

The appropriate documentation for each activity.

A community that applies is required to submit all the application documents needed,
including application for credit under Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates). Repetitive loss
communities must also meet the requirements of Sections 501 (Repetitive Loss List), 503
(Repetitive Loss Area Outreach Project), and Activity 510 (Floodplain Management
Planning), if applicable.
Worksheet pages are included in the CRS Application. They are used by the applicant to
ensure that the application is complete and to calculate credit points. See Appendix E for
information on obtaining the CRS Application. Appendix I includes the pages from the CRS
Application that explain the application documents.
By signing the “CRS Application Cover Page,” the CEO is certifying that the activities are
being implemented as described in the application. It also certifies that the community has all
the flood insurance policies it has been required to have. The CRS is not concerned with past
lapses in flood insurance coverage. What counts is that NFIP insurance is in effect at the time
of CRS application and is kept in the future. The CRS Coordinator should make every effort
to determine the community’s legal requirement to purchase flood insurance.
Over the last several years, Congress has taken steps to encourage public agencies and private
property owners to purchase flood insurance instead of relying exclusively on disaster
assistance for help after a flood. Disaster assistance for a public building (and some private
nonprofit buildings) will be reduced by the amount of NFIP flood insurance coverage

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-9

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

(structural and contents) a community should be carrying on the building (regardless of
whether the community is actually carrying a policy).
In effect, disaster assistance for a public agency now has a very large deductible equal to the
flood insurance policy the agency should carry. The law expects public agencies to be
appropriately insured as a condition of receiving federal disaster assistance.
There have also been recent cases in which communities were underinsured. Some
communities have purchased only the required amount of coverage (e.g., coverage equal to
the amount of a previous federal grant). The disaster assistance rule requires that a flooddamaged community fund all repairs up to the amount of flood insurance that it could have
purchased.
Whether there was a requirement to purchase and maintain flood insurance as a condition of
some previous federal grant or not, the community’s risk manager or other appropriate
official should ensure that all community-owned buildings exposed to flooding are insured
for flood damage. Many agencies find out too late that their all-risk insurance policies do not
cover flooding.
Communities that have much of the information in digital form should consider providing the
documentation needed for an application or verification digitally. This can greatly reduce the
paper files maintained by the community and the amount of paper documentation provided to
the ISO/CRS Specialist for the community’s verification.
There are two primary ways to provide digital documentation:
•

Ordinances, codes, regulations, plans, and other documents may be available
on the community’s website. In this case, the only documentation required is
the Universal Record Locator (URL) for the document and a note that states
where within that document the specific language is located. For example, if a
community has its floodplain management ordinance on its website and wants
credit for freeboard for new buildings in the floodplain, it need only provide
the URL for the ordinance and identify the section of the ordinance that has the
freeboard requirement.

•

In other cases, the community may have a document in digital form, but not on
its website. In that case, the document can be provided on compact disk (CD)
or via e-mail. Again, there must be a note that explains where the appropriate
language is within the digital document. Documents not posted on a website
must be in Microsoft Word or Excel, Adobe Acrobat, or a common graphic
format (jpg, gif, etc.).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-10

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

213 Application Procedures
a. Application Submittal: A community should contact its FEMA Regional Office to
find out who gets what parts of the application. A complete application (appropriate
worksheet pages and all needed documentation) is always sent to the community’s
ISO/CRS Specialist.
All or parts of the application are sent to the FEMA Regional Office, Attn: Director,
Mitigation Division, and to the State NFIP Coordinator.

The FEMA Regional offices are listed in Appendix A, the ISO/CRS Specialists are in
Appendix G, and a list of the State NFIP Coordinators appears in Appendix H.

A community’s application will not be processed under the following circumstances:
•

The community is not in full compliance with the NFIP,

•

The application is incomplete, or

•

The application does not have the 500 points needed to warrant a Class 9.

b. Application Review: CRS classifications take effect on May 1 and October 1 of
each year. Although a community may apply for a CRS classification at any time, it
should be aware of the time needed to process and review the application.

The ISO/CRS Specialist and FEMA Regional Office will need approximately one month to
conduct the application review. Once the application review confirms that a community
probably has the 500 points needed for a Class 9, the ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a
verification visit. This visit must be held within six months of receipt of a complete
application.
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will review the community’s activities
according to the scoring criteria in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. For example, a random
sample of elevation certificates will be checked to see if they are complete and correct. A
community’s credit points could increase or decrease based on these reviews and the more
accurate scoring formulae in the Coordinator’s Manual. This verification process is explained
in more detail in Section 230.
After the verification visit is done and all needed documentation has been received, FEMA
and ISO need several months to review, double check, and confirm the ISO/CRS Specialist’s
verification report. Once FEMA confirms the community’s classification, it must give the
insurance companies a four-month advance notice, so they can advise their agents of the

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-11

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

rating change before policies are renewed. Therefore, a community’s classification will take
effect on the May 1 or October 1 about 8–12 months after the application is submitted.

214 Recertification
Each year, a community must recertify by October 1 that it is continuing to implement
the activities for which it has earned credit. Recertification is done on the recertification
worksheet, AW-214, which is prepared by ISO and sent to the community each
August.
The recertification worksheet, AW-214, lists community data and the activities and
elements the community is implementing for CRS credit. It may be several pages long,
depending on the number of credited activities. The ISO/CRS Specialist will provide
instructions on which pages and documents go to the FEMA Regional Office and the
State NFIP Coordinator. A complete set is sent to the ISO/CRS Specialist.
As noted in their credit documentation sections, some activities have additional
requirements that must be submitted with the annual recertification. These are noted
on the AW-214 that is sent to the community. The recertification may also include
documentation requested by the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify continued
implementation.
Any community that has received a Class 9 or better classification will revert to Class
10 on the following May 1 unless it submits the signed recertification worksheet by
October 1 of each year. If the recertification does not include all the needed
documentation, the community may lose enough points to cause a retrograde in its
CRS classification.

An example of the first page of the recertification worksheet, AW-214, for the City of
Riverview is shown in Figure 210-1. In addition to the signed worksheet, the community will
need to include one or more attachments as noted on its worksheet.
A COMMUNITY THAT FAILS TO RECERTIFY WILL REVERT TO A CLASS 10. Failure to submit the
listed items will result in loss of credit for those activities. A REPETITIVE LOSS COMMUNITY
THAT FAILS TO SUBMIT A COPY OF ITS ANNUAL OUTREACH PROJECT OR A CATEGORY C
COMMUNITY THAT FAILS TO SUBMIT ITS ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY A CTIVITY
510 (FLOODPLAIN M ANAGEMENT PLANNING ) WILL REVERT TO A CLASS 10.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-12

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

Figure 210-1a. Page one of Riverview’s recertification worksheet (AW-214-1).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-13

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

Figure 210-1b. Page two of Riverview’s recertification worksheet (AW-214-2).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-14

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

215 Modifications
a. A community may modify its application by applying for credit for new elements or
activities, dropping one or more elements or activities, or submitting revised
versions of materials the community stated it would update annually. Modifications
are submitted on activity worksheets, which are found in a separate publication,
CRS Activity Worksheets, available from the CRS. The community must use the
credit criteria of the Coordinator’s Manual and the activity worksheets in effect at the
time the application is submitted.

Modifications are submitted using either paper activity worksheets or a printout of activity
worksheets using the CRS calculation software, “Computerized Calculations for the
Community Rating System.” Both can be ordered using the form in Appendix E. The CRS
Application worksheet pages are used only for a community’s first application, not for
modifications.

b A community’s CRS classification cannot change more than once a year. Therefore,
modifications can only be processed after a class change has been made effective.
c. If a community is modifying an activity previously applied for, its submittal must
include both the new elements of the activity and those that were previously
credited, if still being implemented. Activities not included in the modification are
unchanged.
d. If a community submits a modification, the ISO/CRS Specialist will automatically
update the community’s credit points for its BCEGS classification and its state dam
safety program (Activity 630) to reflect the values currently in effect. If these new
values affect the community’s CRS classification (or the prerequisite for a CRS
classification), the community will be reclassified accordingly.
e. A community may modify to change its growth rate adjustment by submitting
appropriate documentation. If this is done, the total points for all affected 400-series
activities will reflect the new growth adjustment. If the community does not request a
revised growth rate, modifications submitted for 400-series activities will reflect the
growth rate previously used.
f. Modifications are processed and verified in the same manner as CRS applications.
The community must also have submitted a recertification by the previous
October 1.
g. If a community submits a modification that will result in a two-class increase, the
community’s entire program will be reverified as explained in Section 234.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-15

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

h. At any time of the year a community may submit materials to the ISO/CRS
Specialist for review and comment on how they would affect its CRS classification.
The ISO/CRS Specialist will provide feedback for information purposes only. Such
materials will not be kept nor will they be credited to the community’s application.
The only way a community’s credit points may be changed is by submitting a
modification with enough points to result in a class change.
i. If the community submits a modification that does not have sufficient credit points to
result in a class change, the ISO/CRS Specialist will treat it as material for review
under Section 215.h. The materials will be returned to the community with
comments. The community’s total points will not change. The materials should be
submitted later with a modification that will give the community sufficient points for a
class change.
j. A community may revert to a Class 10 because it dropped or lost credit for one or
more elements or activities. If such a community desires to regain a Class 9 or
better classification, it must submit a complete new application according to the
Coordinator’s Manual currently in effect. It may not submit a modification just to
correct the problem activities.

Communities are encouraged to submit materials at any time for the ISO/CRS Specialist to
review. The courtesy review will help the community prepare its application or modification.
However, such review will not affect the community’s credit points nor will the ISO/CRS
Specialist include the materials in the community’s file. Modifications that do not apply for
enough points for a class change will be treated as courtesy reviews.

Example 215-1. Someburg’s CRS classification was verified as a Class 9 with
872 points. Someburg received credit under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory
Standards) for its freeboard requirement.
Later, Someburg sends its ISO/CRS Specialist a copy of a draft ordinance
amendment that will add additional higher regulatory standards. The ISO/CRS
Specialist provides comments as a courtesy review and sends the draft back to the
community, advising that the amendments will be worth 90 more points under
Activity 430. Someburg enacts the ordinance and submits it as a modification.
Someburg’s activity worksheets and documentation must include both the new
ordinance language and the freeboard language that was previously credited. The
modification must also include additional credit points because 872 + 90 more points
does not result in a class change. If the modification does not result in the
community’s total points exceeding 1,000, then FEMA and the ISO/CRS Specialist
will treat the submittal as another courtesy review.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-16

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

216 The Effect on Participating Communities
of Coordinator’s Manual Revisions
From time to time, the Coordinator’s Manual will be revised. These revisions are
necessary to revise CRS credit based upon the experience of earlier applications and
to clarify the program for future applicants. Revisions will be made with an eye toward
minimizing any loss of credit for communities already participating in the CRS.
a. A community will keep its credit points according to the Coordinator’s Manual in
effect when it applies for a CRS classification. Except as provided in Section 216.c,
below, changes in the Coordinator’s Manual will not alter the community’s CRS
classification.
b. If a community submits a modification to its application, the modified activities must
be applied for based on the Coordinator’s Manual in effect at that time. The
modification must be submitted on the current year’s activity worksheets. The
community‘s total points will be based on the credit points for the unmodified
activities from the original application plus the credit points for the modified activities
under the current Coordinator’s Manual, and the current credit points for its state’s
dam safety program (Activity 630).
c. All of a community’s activities will be reverified and the credit points will be
recalculated based on the Coordinator’s Manual currently in effect under the
following two circumstances:
1. When the community submits a modification that will improve its last complete
verified CRS classification by two or more classes.
2. When the community is due for a complete cycle verification of its activities (see
Section 234).

Section 234 explains the cycle verification process. A cycle verification includes a complete
review and recalculation of all of a community’s activities and credit points. The CRS
Coordinator should carefully examine any changes made in the Coordinator’s Manual from
year to year to see if they have a negative effect on the community’s CRS credit that would
cause a loss of one or more CRS classes during cycle verification. Modifications are counted
cumulatively. The provisions of Section 216.c.1 apply if there is one modification for a twoclass improvement or if there are two one-class modifications since the community’s last
verification or cycle verification.
A community’s credit points may also be affected by annexations or flood control projects
that change the floodplain boundaries. These changes can affect the areas or buildings
credited under several activities and the impact adjustment calculations. If a project or
annexation is contemplated, the CRS Coordinator should contact the ISO/CRS Specialist to
review the impact on the community’s credit points.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-17

Edition: July 2007

Requesting CRS Credit

Example 216.c-1. A flood control project results in a map revision that removes
100 buildings from the regulatory floodplain. Twelve of the buildings had been
retrofitted and were credited under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). Those buildings
are no longer eligible for retrofitting credit because Activity 530 only credits retrofitted
buildings that are in the regulatory floodplain.

Example 216.c-2. A community annexes an area that includes a large amount
of undeveloped floodplain. The result doubles the size of the community’s regulatory
floodplain. The community will lose credit points in Activity 420 (Open Space
Preservation) because the amount of open space is now a smaller portion of the total
regulatory floodplain.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

210-18

Edition: July 2007

220 CREDIT CALCULATION
Summary of Section 220
Calculating the Community Rating System (CRS) classification for a community is done in five
steps as explained in Sections 221–225, below. Four terms are used throughout the CRS
Coordinator’s Manual:
•

The CRS is divided into four SERIES of activities: “Public Information,” “Mapping and
Regulation,” “Damage Reduction,” and “Flood Preparedness.”

•

Within each series, there are three to six ACTIVITIES.

•

Within each activity, there are one or more ELEMENTS.

•

For each element, there are one or more VARIABLES. These variables often include the
acronym for the element. The variables are needed for the formulae that are used to
calculate the credit points for each element.

221

Step 1. Element Credit Points. Each activity has a section entitled “Credit Points.”

222

Step 2. Impact Adjustment. The credit points earned in Step 1 need to be adjusted to

223

Step 3. Credit Calculation. The last step listed for each activity is to compute its

224

Step 4. Community Growth Adjustment. The points for the five mapping and

225

Step 5. Community Classification. The points for all the activities are totaled to

Each element has a maximum number of credit points, which can be earned if the element
is being implemented to certain standards throughout the community or throughout the
floodplain.

reflect the impact of the community’s activity on floodplain development and on the
community’s flood insurance premium base. Step 2’s impact adjustment serves to adjust
credits so that the dollar impact of premium discounts is spread over the community’s
entire premium base.
credit by multiplying the element’s credit points by the impact adjustment. The scores for
each element are totaled to compute the activity’s credit points.

regulatory activities in the 400 series are adjusted to reflect the community’s growth rate.
calculate the community’s CRS classification.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-1

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

220 CREDIT CALCULATION
Calculating the Community Rating System (CRS) classification for a community is
done in five steps as explained in Sections 221–225 below. A community may
calculate its own credit points when it fills in the blanks in the worksheets, or it will be
done by the ISO/CRS Specialist. If the community uses the data entry software (see
Appendix E), all calculations will be done by the computer.

Four terms are used throughout the CRS Coordinator’s Manual: series, activity, element, and
variable. The intent of these divisions is to direct applicants to the credits they qualify for,
and to divide the program logically into easily understood pieces.
a. Series
The CRS activities are divided into four series: Public Information, Mapping and Regulation,
Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness. Their titles are self-explanatory, and the credits
within them follow the main objective of the titles. There is no difference in credits among
the series, except that Mapping and Regulation credits are increased in growing communities,
where mapping and regulations will be most effective in reducing future flood damage.
b. Activities
Each series has from three to six activities. Each activity has a title, such as “Additional
Flood Data” or “Flood Warning Program.” The titles are mostly self-explanatory, but they
may include components that are not specifically named in the title. At the end of the credit
calculation process, the credits for all activities are added together to get the community’s
total score.
c. Elements
Within the activities, there are one or more elements. These are discrete pieces of a
community’s floodplain management program, and each receives a certain number of credit
points.
Example 220.c-1. The elements and their acronyms in Activity 310 (Elevation
Certificates) are
•

EC, credit for elevation certificates since CRS application;

•

ECPO, credit for post-FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) elevation
certificates;

•

ECPR, credit for pre-FIRM elevation certificates; and

•

ECCF, credit for certificates in a computer format.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-2

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

Some activities, such as 320 (Map Determinations), only have one element. A community
need not apply for all elements in an activity in order to receive credit for the activity.
d. Variables
For each element, there are one or more variables. These variables often include the acronym
for the element.
Example 220.d-1.

The variables associated with post-FIRM elevation

certificates are:
•

ECPO, the 56 base points;

•

bPO, the number of post-FIRM buildings in the community’s Special Flood
Hazard Area (SFHA);

•

bECPO, the number of post-FIRM buildings with elevation certificates;

•

rECPO, the impact adjustment ratio for the element; and

•

cECPO, the credit for the element.

221 Step 1. Element Credit Points
The first step is to review each activity proposed by the community for adequacy and
completeness. Under each activity in the CRS Schedule is a section entitled “Credit
Points.” Each element has a maximum number of credit points that can be earned if
the element is being implemented to certain standards throughout the community or
throughout the floodplain. A community will receive less than the maximum points if its
program does not include all the elements listed in the Credit Points section.

Example 221-1. Under Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates), there are five
elements listed in Section 311, Credit Points: 311.a, elevation certificates for building
permits issued after the date of CRS application (EC); 311.b, post-FIRM elevation
certificates (ECPO); 311.c, pre-FIRM elevation certificates (ECPR); and 311.d,
maintaining elevation certificates in a computerized format (ECCF); 311.e,
maintaining elevation certificate data on a website (ECWS).

A community may submit alternative approaches to the listed elements, and they will
be reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) in order to set credit points. Where the approach is
difficult to apply to the existing formulae, the applicant should demonstrate its impact
on flood damage reduction. Where a state or regional approach is different, it would be
appropriate for the state or regional agency to conduct a study on behalf of its
communities and have the approach scored in advance of local applications.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-3

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

The CRS cannot prescribe credit criteria for every possible case in the country. In many
instances, the CRS Commentary offers examples of how to apply the criteria to different
situations. The community may also make reasonable interpretations that are in line with the
intent of the Schedule as explained in this Commentary.
However, it is recommended that whenever a community has trouble fitting its program into
the Schedule’s credit criteria, it contact the FEMA Regional Office or the ISO/CRS
Specialist. It may be that the Schedule is being misunderstood or misinterpreted and that
things are simpler than they first appear.

Each element has letter variables that are used in formulae to calculate the credit
points. These variables are listed alphabetically in Appendix B. The variables for basic
scoring elements are capitalized, as in “ECPO,” the variable that represents elevation
certificates for post-FIRM buildings. Variables may be modified with prefixes or suffixes
in lower-case letters, as in “cECPO,” which is the credit for elevation certificates for
post-FIRM buildings.

Example 221-2. As shown in Section 311, the various elements of a community
program to maintain elevation certificates are given separate credits. Section 312
uses variables like bPR (number of pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA) to determine
the impact of the community’s program on the entire community. In this case, bPR
and bECPR are used to determine the number of pre-FIRM floodplain buildings that
have elevation certificates.

222 Step 2. Impact Adjustment
A community that has preserved large areas as open space should receive more credit
than one that is allowing most of its floodplain to be developed. Therefore, the credit
points earned in Step 1 need to be adjusted to reflect the impact of the community’s
activity on floodplain development.
The credit points also need to be adjusted to reflect the activity’s impact on the
community’s flood insurance premium base, which can include more policies than are
actually in the area affected by the activity. For example, 100% of the buildings in the
SFHA will benefit from the CRS’ insurance premium credit even if only 50% of the
SFHA is subject to higher regulatory standards or other activities. Therefore, this Step
2 adjustment also serves to adjust credits so that the dollar impact of any discounts
expressed as a percentage of premium are spread over the community’s entire
premium base.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-4

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

Most of the activities have a section entitled, “Impact Adjustment.” These sections describe
one or more “r” variables. In the mapping and regulatory activities, the “r” prefix represents
the ratio of the area affected to the total area of the floodplain. In the flood damage reduction
and flood preparedness activities, they represent the ratio of the buildings protected to the
total number of buildings in the floodplain.
Sections 301 through 303 discuss the determination of impact adjustment ratios using
building counts (Activities 310, 330, 520, 530, 610, 620, and 630). Sections 401 through 403
discuss the determination of impact adjustment ratios using areas (Activities 410, 420, 430,
440, and 450).

The impact adjustment ratios (“r” variables) usually have a range of 0 to 1. Depending
upon the nature of the element, the impact adjustment ratios are based either upon
buildings or areas affected. For an element that affects the entire floodplain or all
appropriate buildings, the impact adjustment ratio is 1.0.

Example 222-1. The impact adjustment ratios for Activity 310 are established in
Section 312. The variable “rECPO” represents the ratio of post-FIRM buildings with
elevation certificates to all post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA. If the community has
100 post-FIRM buildings (bPO = 100), and it has elevation certificates for 37 of those
buildings (bECPO = 37), rECPO = 0.37, the community receives 37% of the credit for
ECPO.

Example 222-2. If the community has elevation certificates for ALL post-FIRM
buildings in its SFHA, rECPO = 1.0. In this case, the community does not have to
calculate the impact adjustment ratio.

Some activities have no impact adjustment section because the type of activity is assumed to
cover the entire floodplain or the entire community. For example, most of the public
information programs benefit all residents in the community.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-5

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

223 Step 3. Credit Calculation
The last step listed for each activity in Sections 300–600 is the credit computation. This
is done by means of a formula that uses the prefix “c” to represent the credit points
earned at the end of each step. For example, c310 is the credit earned for Activity 310.
In some cases, a “c” variable is calculated for an element. For example, cECPO is the
calculated credit for post-FIRM elevation certificates.
Where calculations involve more than one element, the element numbers are
represented by the suffix “i” or “n.” Summing up the results of several elements or
activities is shown in the credit calculation formulae with the mathematical symbol
sigma, “Σ.”

Example 223-1. “AFDi” represents elements AFD1, AFD2, and AFD3.
Σ(AFDi) = AFD1 + AFD2 + AFD3.

No calculations should result in more than 2 decimal places. Numbers of 0.005 or
higher are rounded up to the next 100th and numbers below 0.005 are rounded down.
Final credit points for each activity are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Example 223-2. If calculation of a variable results in a value of 0.134, 0.13 is
entered for that variable and used in subsequent calculations. A value of 0.135 is
entered as 0.14.

224 Step 4. Community Growth Adjustment
The credit points for the five mapping and regulatory activities in the 400 series are
adjusted to reflect the community’s growth rate. The faster a community grows, the
more important it is to regulate development to prevent flood losses. The community
growth adjustment multiplier is included in the final calculations of the community’s
score in Section 720. The value to enter is determined in Section 710 (Community
Growth Adjustment).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-6

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

225 Step 5. Community Classification
At Step 5 the points for all the activities are totaled to calculate the community CRS
classification. There are 10 classes with Class 1 providing the greatest premium credit.
Class 10 communities have no premium credit. All communities that do not apply for
CRS classification are Class 10 communities.

FEMA determines the points for each CRS class and the insurance premium credits each year.
The current premium credits are listed in Appendix C.
A community can be designated as Class 1–9 only after the verification visit.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-7

Edition: 2006

Credit Calculation

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

220-8

Edition: 2006

230 VERIFICATION
Summary of Section 230
231

Application Review.

a.

A community’s Community Rating System (CRS) application must include a letter from the FEMA
Regional Office confirming whether the community is in full compliance with the requirements of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

b.

The ISO/CRS Specialist reviews the application and comments received from FEMA and the State
NFIP Coordinator. If the community has enough credit points to become a Class 9, then a verification
visit is scheduled.

c.

If the application is incomplete or does not have enough points to warrant a Class 9, the community
has 30 days to submit additional materials.

232

Verification Visit.

a.

Visit scheduling: The ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a verification visit with the community within
six months of confirming that the community has enough points to become a Class 9.

b.

Verification of documentation: All needed documentation will be reviewed during the verification
visit.

c.

Verification of credit: Credit is not provided for activities and elements that are not being
implemented above a certain threshold. In most cases, at least 50% of an element must be verified.

d.

Field verification of credit: Some elements are verified in the field.

e.

AW-230: The community’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is asked to certify the community’s
verified program by signing Activity Worksheet AW-230.

233

Post-visit Actions.

a.

The ISO/CRS Specialist sends the community a draft verification report. After an internal review,
FEMA will send the community the official notice of its verified CRS classification.

b.

If the community believes that something was missed or misinterpreted during the verification visit, it
may request a reconsideration of its CRS classification.

234

Cycle Verification. Each community’s program is reviewed on a periodic cycle to confirm that
its credited activities are still being implemented.

a.

Cycle verifications are conducted every five years after the original application date for Class 6–9
communities. Class 1–5 communities are done on a three-year cycle.

b.

The cycle verification is based on the version of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual currently in effect.

c.

The cycle verification is conducted by the ISO/CRS Specialist during a visit to the community.

d.

The community’s CEO will be asked to certify the community’s program by signing the same cover
page used to certify a community’s application.

e.

The ISO/CRS Specialists’ cycle verification report is processed in the same manner as a verification
report, described in Section 233.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-1

Edition: 2006

Verification

230 VERIFICATION
A community’s application undergoes two verification reviews after it is submitted:
1. Application review: The community’s application papers are reviewed by the
ISO/CRS Specialist, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), and, often, the state.
2. Verification visit: If the application is shown to have enough credit points to qualify
for a Class 9 classification, then the ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a verification visit.
The documentation required during the visit is reviewed and field verification is
conducted for some activities. If the community has enough verified points, it is
recommended for a CRS classification of Class 9 or better.

231 Application Review
a. A community’s application must include a letter from the FEMA Regional Office
confirming that the community is in full compliance with the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). If the letter is not included or if the community is not in
full compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP, the application is
returned.
b. Once it is confirmed that the community is in full compliance with the NFIP and
meets the other prerequisites, the ISO/CRS Specialist examines the documentation
for each element and the comments of the state and regional agencies that received
the notice of application. If the application shows the community should have
enough credit points to become a Class 9, then a verification visit is scheduled.
c. If the community’s application is incomplete or does not have enough credit points
to warrant a Class 9, the ISO/CRS Specialist contacts the community CRS
Coordinator by telephone and letter, describing the deficiencies and giving the
community 30 days to provide what is needed. If the deficiencies are not corrected
within 30 days, the community remains a Class 10 community until it submits an
application with adequate documentation.

Most of the 18 CRS activities require some documentation with the application. If this
documentation is missing or inadequate, the application credit is not given. The CRS
Coordinator may be called upon to clarify certain aspects of the application or provide
missing documentation.
For some activities, the application review is performed by a technical specialist other than
the ISO/CRS Specialist. The CRS Coordinator may be contacted about missing or otherwise
deficient documentation by one or more of these technical specialists.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-2

Edition: 2006

Verification

If the community cannot meet the documentation requirements or if it cannot receive enough
points to warrant a Class 9, further processing of the application by the ISO/CRS Specialist is
suspended, and the community remains a Class 10. The number of points needed for each
class is listed in Appendix C.
If the community needs more than 30 days to provide the missing documentation, then a
complete new application is needed, prepared in accordance with the CRS Coordinator’s
Manual then in effect.

Example 231.b-1. The City of North Shore’s first application was for 700 points,
300 points coming from Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance). An application
for Activity 540 must include a copy of the community’s drainage system
maintenance procedures. Without those procedures, North Shore will not have
enough credit points to become a Class 9. The ISO/CRS Specialist tells North
Shore’s CRS Coordinator that she must provide the procedures within 30 days or
submit a new application later when all the documentation is ready.

232 Verification Visit
a. Visit scheduling: After the application review concludes that the community could
receive at least a Class 9 classification, the ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a
verification visit with the community. Representatives from the FEMA Regional
Office and/or the State NFIP Coordinator’s office may also attend this meeting. If a
community is unable to participate in the verification visit, it will remain a Class 10.

The ISO/CRS Specialist calls the CRS Coordinator to schedule the visit within six months of
being assured that the community should be at least a Class 9. After they have agreed upon a
date, the ISO/CRS Specialist writes a letter confirming the date and describing what will
happen during the visit.

b. Verification of documentation: During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist
reviews all documentation that is required during the verification visit. If any of the
required documentation is missing or otherwise deficient, credit cannot be verified
for that element.

Many CRS elements list documentation that the community must make available during the
verification visit. If this documentation is not available, no credit is given for that element.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-3

Edition: 2006

Verification

Example 232.c-1. After North Shore submits the needed documentation, the
ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a verification visit. To verify Activity 540 (Drainage
System Maintenance), the Specialist reviews the inspection reports and maintenance
records that the city’s drainage maintenance procedures state will be kept. If the city
cannot produce the reports and records, the ISO/CRS Specialist zeroes out the credit.

c. Verification of Credit: If the visit reveals that any credited activities are not being
fully implemented, then the credit points are adjusted. If the ISO/CRS Specialist
finds that an element is being implemented below a certain threshold, credit is not
provided for that element.
d. Field Verification of Credit: For some elements, the ISO/CRS Specialist verifies
credit in the field. If the ISO/CRS Specialist finds that an element is being
implemented less than a certain threshold, credit is not provided for that element.

The CRS Coordinator and/or other community staff members are encouraged to accompany
the ISO/CRS Specialist on the field visit. For most activities, the ISO/CRS Specialist must
verify that at least 50% of each element is being implemented according to the procedures
credited. Failure to reach that threshold will result in loss of all credit for that element.
Example 232.d-1. Credit for channel and basin debris removal (CDR) in Activity
540 (Drainage System Maintenance) is verified in the field. The ISO/CRS Specialist
selects sites in North Shore’s drainage system and inspects them for maintenance
as specified in the city’s procedures. If the Specialist finds that more than 50% of the
sites have debris, sizable trees, and other growth within the channel that
demonstrate that the drainage system has not been maintained according to the
community’s procedures, then the credit for CDR is not verified.
During the verification visit, the community’s CRS Coordinator is advised of mathematical
errors in the application and other problems that may have been found during the application
review and verification visit. There is also an “exit interview” at the end of the visit, when
the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews the tentative findings. It is recommended that the exit
interview be held with the community’s Chief Executive Officer as well as the CRS
Coordinator.

e. AW-230: The community’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is asked to certify the
community’s verified program by signing Activity Worksheet AW-230.

The verification visit may result in new activities or elements being credited, so the
Application Cover Page signed by the CEO may be outdated. If the CEO cannot sign the AW230 during the visit, a signed copy must be submitted to the ISO/CRS Specialist within 30
days of the visit. A completed example of AW-230 is in Figure 230-1.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-4

Edition: 2006

Verification

Figure 230-1. Floodville’s completed verification cover page (AW-230-1).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-5

Edition: 2006

Verification

233 Post-visit Actions
a. The ISO/CRS Specialist sends a draft verification report to the community’s CRS
Coordinator, the FEMA Regional Office, and the State NFIP Coordinator. The report
and the community’s file are reviewed internally by ISO and a recommended
classification is submitted to FEMA. FEMA reviews the recommendation and sends
the community the official notice of its verified CRS classification and a copy of the
final verification report.

A draft verification report is provided to the community’s CRS Coordinator soon after the
visit. It is then reviewed by ISO, technical advisors, and FEMA. Therefore, the community
should be aware that the report may be revised later. The final verification report is sent to
the community by FEMA. The verification report includes the verified scores for each
activity and a short explanation of the scores.
Visits can also be conducted when FEMA learns of problems in a community that shed doubt
on whether it is fully implementing its activities. For example, if there was a flood that
damaged areas protected by a credited levee or it appeared that flood warnings were not
disseminated, then FEMA may want to review the community’s program. Visits may also be
conducted to verify a modification that will change the community class (see Section 215)
and during cycle verification (see Section 234).

b. If the community believes that something was missed or misinterpreted during the
verification visit, it may request a reconsideration of its CRS classification. A request
for reconsideration must be submitted to the FEMA Regional Office, Attn: Director,
Mitigation Division, within 30 days of receipt of the final verification report from
FEMA.
A request for reconsideration must be based upon the activities included in the
community’s application. The request must include a description of how the
community would credit the activity and must reference the sections of the CRS
Coordinator’s Manual that support the community’s position. A request to change a
community’s credit points that does not contain sufficient points to change its CRS
classification will not be accepted.

See Appendix A for the addresses of FEMA Regional Offices. The 30-day deadline ensures
that the classification is determined as quickly as possible. FEMA will review requests for
reconsideration and discuss them with the ISO/CRS Specialist. A meeting may be held,
depending upon the need for additional communication. FEMA will provide a written
response to the community.
Reconsideration does not include activities implemented after the CRS application or
otherwise not included in the application. Activities that were not applied for may be
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-6

Edition: 2006

Verification

included as a modification in a succeeding year. If the community feels that there is an error
that does not result in a change in CRS classification, it should include its evidence with its
next recertification. Corrections will be made during the next verification visit.
Example 233.b-1. The ISO/CRS Specialist verified North Shore’s credit points
as 711. The CRS Coordinator feels that the ISO/CRS Specialist misread a portion of
North Shore’s floodplain management ordinance, and that it should receive an
additional 75 points. Because the credit in question would not change the city’s CRS
classification, the reconsideration is disallowed.

234 Cycle Verification
Each community’s program is reviewed based on a periodic cycle to confirm that its
credited activities are still being implemented.
a. Cycle verifications are conducted every five years after the original application date
for Class 6–9 communities. Class 1–5 communities are done on a three-year cycle.
The ISO/CRS Specialist may vary from this timetable when there is reason to
believe that the community is no longer implementing all of its credited activities, or
to combine the cycle verification with visits to nearby communities.
b. The cycle verification is based on the version of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
currently in effect, not the one used for the original application.
c. The cycle verification is conducted by the ISO/CRS Specialist, who schedules a
cycle verification visit. At that visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews the community’s
program, verifies that the activities are being implemented, requests appropriate
documentation, fills out the activity worksheets, and calculates the verified credit
points in the same way as for a verification visit described in Section 232.
d. The community’s CEO will be asked to certify the community’s program by signing
Activity Worksheet AW-230. If this cannot be done during the visit, it must be
submitted to the ISO/CRS Specialist within 30 days of the visit.
e. The ISO/CRS Specialist’s cycle verification report is processed in the same manner
as a verification report in accordance with the procedures in Section 233.

Depending on its CRS class, a community keeps its classification for three or five years after
it took effect. One year before its classification lapses, the ISO/CRS Specialist will contact
the community to schedule a cycle verification visit.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-7

Edition: 2006

Verification

The cycle verification visit may be scheduled before or after the three- or five-year cycle.
Some reasons for variation from this cycle include:
•

if the community has a new CRS Coordinator,

•

if the community requests an earlier visit to allow time to make corrections to its
program before the verified class expires,

•

if the community would improve by at least one class due to a Schedule change, and

•

if time and costs can be substantially saved by combining the cycle verification visit
with visits to neighboring communities. Such visits would be scheduled no more than
one year earlier or later than the normal cycle visit and will be coordinated well in
advance with all communities affected.

Cooperation by the community in scheduling and conducting the visit is vital in order to
process the cycle verification in time. Delays and inadequate documentation may mean that
the community’s CRS classification will not be renewed in time.
During the visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews changes in the Coordinator’s Manual since
the last visit. The community’s activities are reviewed, documented, and scored. New
activities and elements may be added. All activities are verified in accordance with the
procedures in Section 232. The ISO/CRS Specialist reviews the findings at the exit interview.
The ISO/CRS Specialist collects all needed documentation that is available. Once the cycle
verification papers are complete, the ISO/CRS Specialist forwards the cycle verification
report for ISO review and submittal to FEMA.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

230-8

Edition: 2006

300 PUBLIC INFORMATION ACTIVITIES
The Community Rating System (CRS) will credit those local activities that advise people
about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and flood protection measures. The activities can be
directed toward floodplain residents, property owners, insurance agents, real estate agents, or
other segments of the local populace. One activity, 310 (Elevation Certificates), is mandatory
for CRS classification.
Contents of Series 300
Section

Page

300 Public Information........................................................................300-1
301 Definition of “Building” .......................................................300-3
302 Impact Adjustment for Buildings ..........................................300-4
303 Counting Buildings...............................................................300-7
310 Elevation Certificates ...................................................................310-1
311 Credit Points ........................................................................310-4
312 Impact Adjustment ...............................................................310-9
313 Credit Calculation ..............................................................310-12
314 Credit Documentation.........................................................310-14
315 For More Information .........................................................310-15
320 Map
321
322
323
324

Information Service ..............................................................320-1
Credit Points ......................................................................320-11
Credit Calculation ..............................................................320-12
Credit Documentation.........................................................320-12
For More Information .........................................................320-14

330 Outreach Projects .........................................................................330-1
331 Credit Points ........................................................................330-3
332 Credit Calculation ..............................................................330-20
333 Credit Documentation.........................................................330-20
334 For More Information .........................................................330-23
340 Hazard Disclosure ........................................................................340-1
341 Credit Points ........................................................................340-2
342 Credit Calculation ................................................................340-8
343 Credit Documentation...........................................................340-8
344 For More Information .........................................................340-10
350 Flood Protection Information ........................................................350-1
351 Credit Points ........................................................................350-3
352 Credit Calculation ................................................................350-9
353 Credit Documentation...........................................................350-9
354 For More Information .........................................................350-10

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-1

Edition: July 2007

Public Information Activities

360 Flood Protection Assistance..........................................................360-1
361 Credit Points ........................................................................360-3
362 Credit Calculation ................................................................360-5
363 Credit Documentation...........................................................360-6
364 For More Information ...........................................................360-7
List of Figures
310-1. Floodville’s activity worksheets for elevation certificates
(AW-310-1 and AW-310-2) ....................................................310-16
310-2. FEMA’s elevation certificate ..................................................310-18
310-3. FEMA’s floodproofing certificate...........................................310-32
310-4. FEMA’s residential basement floodproofing certificate ..........310-33
310-5. Communities approved for residential basement
floodproofing rating credit .....................................................310-34
320-1.
320-2.
320-3.
320-4.
320-5.

Handout on mandatory purchase of flood insurance ..................320-4
Floodville’s map information record.........................................320-6
Flood hazard determination review ...........................................320-7
Provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act .......................320-9
Sample log for map information service .................................320-15

330-1. Floodville’s outreach project to the community ........................330-8
330-2. Example letter promoting flood insurance ..............................330-21
330-3. Floodville’s evaluation report for its
outreach project (AW-330-3) .................................................330-25
340-1. Sample real estate agents’ brochure ..........................................340-7

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-2

Edition: July 2007

Public Information Activities

301 Definition of “Building”
For the purpose of determining CRS impact adjustment ratios, a “building” is a walled
and roofed structure, principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site. The
term includes a manufactured (mobile) home on a foundation. “Walled and roofed”
means that a building has two or more rigid exterior walls in place and is adequately
anchored. “Principally above ground” means that at least 51% of the actual cash value
of the building is above ground. The term is the same as “structure” in the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations (44 CFR 59.1).

The key determinant is whether the building is insurable. It must meet the following criteria,
which are taken from the Glossary in the NFIP’s Flood Insurance Manual for insurance
agents:
A building is a walled and roofed structure, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is
principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site; including a building in the course
of construction, alteration or repair and a manufactured (mobile) home on a foundation.
“Walled and roofed” means it has in place two or more exterior rigid walls and the roof fully
secured so that the building will resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
“Principally above ground” means at least 51 percent of the actual cash value of the structure,
including machinery and equipment, less land value, is above ground.
“Manufactured (mobile) home” is a building transportable in one or more sections, which is
built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation
when attached to the required utilities. The term does not include a “recreational vehicle.”

This definition is used to determine whether a structure is a building.
Examples of structures that are NOT counted as buildings include open pavilions for picnic
tables; bleachers; carports with open sides; underground pumping stations; and sheds on skids
that are moved to different construction sites.

Accessory structures are not included when counting buildings for calculating impact
adjustments.

For example, a house with a detached garage and shed is counted as one building. The flood
insurance policy is based on the elevation of the home. However, if a lot has several principal
buildings, each is counted separately because each is normally insured under a separate
policy. For example, a motel with three principal buildings is counted as three buildings. If

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-3

Edition: 2006

Public Information Activities

one of the three buildings is an unheated bathhouse for the swimming pool and houses only
showers, chemicals, and cleaning supplies, the motel would be counted as two buildings.

A “pre-FIRM building” is a building constructed or substantially improved on or before
December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) of the community, whichever is later.

The date of the initial FIRM can be found in the FIRM’s legend under “Flood Insurance Rate
Map Effective.” It is usually not the same as the “initial identification” date, which is the date
of the community’s first Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Post-FIRM buildings are required to
meet the NFIP’s minimum Regular Program flood protection standards.

A “post-FIRM building” is a building constructed or substantially improved after
December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of the initial FIRM of the community,
whichever is later.

302 Impact Adjustment for Buildings
Most elements in Activities 310 (Elevation Certificates), 520 (Acquisition and Relocation),
530 (Flood Protection), 610 (Flood Warning Program), 620 (Levee Safety), and 630 (Dam
Safety) do not affect all of the buildings that could benefit from them. Credit for these
elements is adjusted according to the number of buildings that are actually affected.

In order to measure the impact of elements in Activities 310, 520, 530, 610, 620, and
630, the community must determine the portion of its floodprone buildings affected by
each element.

Sections 302 and 303 discuss determination of the impact adjustment ratios for the following
activities:
310 (Elevation Certificates)
520 (Acquisition and Relocation)
530 (Flood Protection)
610 (Flood Warning Program)
620 (Levee Safety)
630 (Dam Safety)
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-4

Edition: 2006

Public Information Activities

Impact adjustment ratios are variables with a lower case “r” preceding the acronym for
the element.

Example 302-1. The acronym for elevation certificates for post-FIRM buildings is
“ECPO.” The impact adjustment ratio for ECPO is “rECPO.”

A few elements do not have impact adjustment ratios. These elements are assumed to
be effective throughout the community. In some cases, credit is provided ONLY if they
are implemented throughout the community.

In Activity 320 (Map Information Service), credit is provided for providing map data to any
inquirer about a location anywhere in the community. Because map information must be
provided throughout the community, there is no impact adjustment for Activity 320.

A community has three options for determining the value of most of the impact
adjustment ratios that are based on numbers of buildings. A community may use one
option for some elements and another option for other elements.
a. (Option 1) Where an element is effective throughout the area of the denominator,
the impact adjustment ratio = 1.0 for that element.

If an element is effective for all buildings that could be affected by that element, it is
unnecessary to count the number of buildings affected. Elements in Activity 610 (Flood
Warning Program) are likely to have impact adjustment ratios of 1.0.
Example 302.a-1. Someburg has elevation certificates for all post-FIRM
buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): rECPO = 1.0.

b. (Option 2) If a community implements an element that affects some, but not all, of
its floodprone buildings, then it may use a “default” option. The minimum number of
buildings affected and the impact adjustment ratio varies from activity to activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-5

Edition: 2006

Public Information Activities

In Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates), Option 2 can be used if the element affects at least
25% of the buildings constructed during the relevant time period. The default impact
adjustment ratio for Option 2 for Activities 310, 610 (Flood Warning Program), and 630
(Dam Safety) is 0.25. The default option works differently in Activities 520 (Acquisition and
Relocation), 530 (Flood Protection), and 620 (Levee Safety).
Example 302.b-1. Someburg has elevation certificates on at least 25% of its
pre-FIRM buildings: rECPR = 0.25.

c. (Option 3) The value of an impact adjustment ratio is determined by dividing the
number of buildings affected by an element (the numerator) by the appropriate
denominator. The denominator for the elements in each activity is specified in the
Impact Adjustment section for the activity.
For each element with an impact adjustment ratio based on buildings, the numerator
is the number of buildings affected by the element, and is designated by a lower
case “b” followed by the acronym for that element. The total number of buildings
that could be affected by the element is the denominator.

In each activity listed above, there is an Impact Adjustment section. The denominator and
formulae for impact adjustment ratios for each element in that activity are listed in that
section.
Example 302.c-1. See Section 312.c. Credit for maintaining pre-FIRM elevation
certificates (ECPR) is adjusted according to the number of buildings with elevation
certificates (bECPR). The denominator for rECPR is bPR, the total number of preFIRM buildings in the SFHA.
rECPR = bECPR
bPR
Someburg counts 400 pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA: bPR = 400. It has elevation
certificates on 260 of them: bECPR = 260.
rECPR = 260 = 0.65
400
In this case, Someburg could use either Option 2 or Option 3. Option 2 is easier to
calculate because there is no need to count buildings. However, Option 3’s ratio of
0.65 is greater than Option 2’s 0.25, so Someburg would receive more points by
using Option 3. If Someburg had elevation certificates for less than 25% of its preFIRM buildings, it could only use Option 3.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-6

Edition: 2006

Public Information Activities

In summary, the impact adjustment ratios based on the number of buildings affected may be
determined in two ways. If all buildings in the denominator are affected by an element, the
impact adjustment ratio for that element is 1.0. Otherwise, the number of buildings in both
the numerator and denominator must be counted to determine the impact adjustment ratio.

303 Counting Buildings
a. “bSF” is the acronym for the number of buildings within the SFHA. For CRS
purposes, AR and A99 Zones are not considered SFHA. The following methods are
acceptable for determining bSF.
1. If the community has records of all pre-FIRM and all post-FIRM buildings in its
floodplains, a count of the number of permits will suffice;
2. Community staff may count the number of buildings using recent aerial
photographs of the floodplains; or
3. Community staff may travel through the floodplains and count the number of
buildings.

Communities applying for CRS credit for elements that are adjusted according to the portion
of buildings affected by that element must determine the number of buildings for both the
numerator and the denominator. Although CRS applicants may consider this a heavy burden,
they are reminded that determining the number of buildings in the SFHA is required in the
biennial report to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). Many communities ignore this requirement, leaving the previous building
count unchanged for years or decades. A community that counts buildings to determine CRS
credit is urged to correct the building counts on its next biennial report.

b. To determine building counts for elements and for denominators that do not include
all of the SFHA, communities may use any method that yields reasonably good
estimates of the number of buildings.

Building counts should be accurate so they will provide the most useful information for both
CRS and community planning. Two acceptable methods are:
•

Using U.S. Census tract data to estimate the number of buildings; and

•

Using the number of utility connections in an area as an estimate of the number of
buildings.

Communities are required to document how they obtained their estimates.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-7

Edition: 2006

Public Information Activities

The number of post-FIRM buildings, bPO, should be the easiest number to obtain because the
NFIP requires the community to keep permit records on all floodplain construction since the
effective date of the FIRM.

c. For CRS purposes, a community may determine bSF in one of two ways:
1. bSF = the number of buildings in the community’s Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA) as of the date of application for a CRS classification; or
2. bSF = bPR + (0.6 x bPO), where
bPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, and
bPO = the number of post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA.
This approach more accurately reflects the activity’s influence on the pre-FIRM
and post-FIRM flood insurance premium bases in the community.

bPR, bPO, and bSF do not include buildings located outside of the SFHA as shown on the
FIRM in effect on the date of application. They do not include buildings located in the B, C,
D, or X Zones, even though the community may be regulating flood problem areas in those
zones.
Communities with a small number of post-FIRM buildings will probably find it easier to use
the first formula for bSF, i.e., all buildings in the SFHA are counted the same.
Communities with a lot of recent development and a high percentage of post-FIRM buildings
will find that the second formula results in a smaller bSF. This will yield more points for the
activities that use bSF.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

300-8

Edition: 2006

310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
Summary of Activity 310
311 Credit Points. There are five elements in this activity for a maximum of 162 points.
a. Maintaining elevation certificates (EC): Up to 56 points are provided for maintaining FEMA elevation
certificates on all buildings built in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) after the date of application to the
CRS. All communities applying to the CRS must apply for this element. The community must make copies of
the certificates available to all inquirers. The FEMA elevation certificate is shown in Figure 310-2.
b. Maintaining elevation certificates for post-FIRM buildings (ECPO): Up to 56 points are provided for
maintaining elevation certificates on buildings built before the date of application to the CRS but after the initial
date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
c. Maintaining elevation certificates for pre-FIRM buildings (ECPR): Up to 15 points are provided for
maintaining elevation certificates on buildings built before the initial date of the FIRM.
d. Maintaining elevation certificates in computer format (ECCF): Up to 15 points are provided if the elevation
certificate data are kept and made available in computer format. A free elevation certificate computer program
may be ordered (see Appendix E).
e. Maintaining elevation certificate data on a website (ECWS): Up to 20 points are provided for putting elevation
certificate data on a publicly accessible website.
f. Having off-site record storage (ORS): Up to 10 points are provided for keeping all elevation certifications,
regulations, plans, and other records in a secure area away from the permit office.

312 Impact Adjustment. The credit points for the last four elements are adjusted in one of three ways. There
is no impact adjustment for EC.
a. Under Option 1, where there are elevation certificates on all buildings that could have them, the impact
adjustment ratio is 1.0.
b. Under Option 2, where there are elevation certificates on at least 25% of all buildings that could have them, the
impact adjustment ratio is 0.25.
c. Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratios reflect the proportion of buildings that have elevation certificates.

313 Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact adjustment ratios.
314 Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify implementation of
this activity:
a. [If applying for ECPO or ECPR and the community used a form different from FEMA’s] A copy of the
elevation certificate form and documentation that FEMA has approved the community’s form.
b. [If applying for ECCF credit] A copy of the computer format (if it is different from the software listed in
Appendix E).
c. Copies of all completed elevation certificates that the community wants credited for EC, ECPR, or ECPO.
Sample copies of the digital or website versions will be collected to document credit for ECCF and ECWS.
d. [If applying for ECWS credit] The website address.
e. Documentation showing how the impact adjustments were determined and how the community maintains,
stores, and provides copies of elevation certificates.
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification.
f. [If applying for ECCF credit] A disk with the previous year’s elevation certificate data.

315 For More Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-1

Edition July 2007

Elevation Certificates

310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
Background: According to insurance agents, one of the greatest impediments to
selling flood insurance is the difficulty of obtaining accurate flood insurance rating zone
and building elevation data. All of the technical data an agent needs should be
recorded on the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) elevation certificate. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
requires communities to maintain records of the elevations of new buildings and
substantial improvements, but not necessarily on FEMA’s forms.

The NFIP requirement for maintaining a record of the elevation of the lowest floor of any
new building or substantial improvement built in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is
described in the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR 60.3(b)(5)(iii)). It states that the
community must “maintain a record,” but it does not specify a format for the record. Many
communities already use FEMA elevation certificates. The latest version of FEMA’s form
and instructions for it are shown in Figures 310-2a through n.
In 44 CFR 59.22(a)(9)(iii), the NFIP also requires that communities make their elevation and
related building information available for public inspection and flood insurance rating.
Because the NFIP does require insurance agents to use the FEMA form, their jobs are much
easier when that form is readily available from the local building department. The
information supplied with flood insurance applications is usually more accurate when the
form is prepared at the time of construction by someone familiar with the NFIP.
Use of the FEMA form also serves as a reminder to the local building officials of their
obligations to the NFIP and of the availability of flood insurance. Therefore, this activity
works toward all three Community Rating System (CRS) goals: reducing flood losses,
facilitating accurate flood insurance rating, and promoting the awareness of flood insurance.
Almost all buildings built to meet NFIP criteria are raised so the lowest floor is at or above
the base flood elevation, but some non-residential buildings are floodproofed. The NFIP rules
(44 CFR 60.3(c)(4)(ii)) require the community to keep floodproofing records. An example of
the latest version of FEMA’s floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) is shown in
Figure 310-3.
Communities that have received a residential basement floodproofing exception must use
FEMA’s residential basement floodproofing certificate (FEMA Form 81-78) where
applicable. An example of this form and the communities approved to use it are included in
Figures 310-4 and 310-5, respectively.
Activity Description: Credit is provided if the community maintains FEMA elevation
certificates for new and substantially improved construction. To participate in the CRS,
a community must maintain completed FEMA elevation certificates on all buildings con-

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-2

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

structed, substantially improved, or placed in the SFHA after its initial date of
application for the CRS. The community must agree to use the certificate and make
copies available to any inquirer. All discussions about elevation certificates also apply
to FEMA’s floodproofing certificate and the residential basement floodproofing
certificate.

Copies of the FEMA elevation and floodproofing certificates are available free in quantity
from FEMA (see Section 315) and can be downloaded from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/elvinst.shtm. Instructions are included with the forms.
Only the current FEMA form is acceptable. Local versions are no longer recognized for
elevation certificates that were completed after October 1, 2000. A community may receive
credit by transferring data from other forms onto a FEMA elevation certificate.
To receive a CRS classification, the community must start using the forms when it applies; so
forms need to be kept only for buildings built or substantially improved after that date. Credit
is also provided if the community had been using the forms since it joined the Regular
Program or if it transferred post-FIRM building elevation data to the forms. Additional credit
is awarded if the community provides certificates for pre-FIRM buildings or maintains the
data in a computer format.
THE

MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR THIS ACTIVITY IS THAT THE COMMUNITY MAINTAIN
CERTIFICATES ON ALL NEW SFHA BUILDINGS AND SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS PERMITTED
AFTER THE COMMUNITY APPLIES FOR CRS CREDIT . Because the community’s Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) certifies in the application that it is doing this, the community will receive up
to 56 points for EC (Elevation Certificates) under Section 311.a.
Those few NFIP communities which have no SFHA may not receive credit for this
activity. Instead, the CEO must certify that the community has no SFHA and is
therefore not applying for credit for this activity.
If a community with no SFHA is participating in the CRS and later receives a FIRM
from FEMA that includes areas of SFHA, it must begin maintaining elevation
certificates on the date of the FIRM or it will lose its CRS classification.

A community that has no SFHA at the time of its CRS application but later receives a FIRM
and begins maintaining elevation certificates will receive credit for EC. It also may receive
credit for maintaining post-FIRM elevation certificates (ECPO).
This activity is a minimum requirement for participation in the CRS. A verified EC score
of 45 points or more is necessary to meet this requirement. If the verified score is less
than 45, the CEO will be advised that the community will remain a Class 10.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-3

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

During the community verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will review a sample of
elevation certificates as explained in Section 232. If the ISO/CRS Specialist finds that the
community has not been maintaining the forms or has not been making copies available, the
value for the element EC (Section 311.a) will be zero. If the ISO/CRS Specialist finds that
some forms are not completed correctly, the points will be reduced. A verified score of less
than 45 for EC will result in no credit for this activity. If the community does not receive any
credit for this activity, it will remain a Class 10.

311 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 310: 162 points.
Prerequisites: Credit for all elements in this activity is dependent on the following:
1. The community must maintain completed elevation certificates showing the
“finished construction” elevations for all buildings constructed or substantially
improved in the SFHA during the period credited;
2. The community must review the elevation certificates to ensure that the
information is correct; and
3. The community must make copies of elevation certificates readily available to
the property owners, their agents, and FEMA.

These three criteria must be met to receive full credit for each of the four elements. It is also
recommended that a community publicize the availability of elevation certificates.
The community should develop procedures to ensure that the data are correct for each site.
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will check for the following items on a
sample of elevation certificates.
SECTION A–PROPERTY INFORMATION
A 2. and A3. Complete street address or property description. In either case, the city, state, and zip
code must be listed
A7. Building diagram number
A8. a), b), and c) Enclosure and crawl space information for buildings that are diagrams 6, 7, or 8.
A9. a), b), and c) Attached garage information. If no attached garage, enter “N/A” in all three spaces.
SECTION B–FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION
B1. NFIP community name & community number
B4. Map and panel number
B5. Suffix
B7. FIRM panel effective/revised date
B8. Flood zone(s) in which the building is located
B9. Base flood elevation(s)
B10. The source of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) data or base flood depth entered in B9.
B11. The elevation datum used for the BFE in B9
B12. Whether the building is located in a Coastal Barrier Resources System area or
Otherwise Protected Area

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-4

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates
SECTION C–BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (when a survey is required)
C1. Building elevations based on: Note: “Finished construction” must be checked unless the
building is still under construction.
C2. All items are required to have an entry. If the datum is different from the datum used for the
BFE in Section B, the datum conversion must be recorded in this section or in Section D or
G, as appropriate.
Elevation items a), f), and g) must be recorded on every certificate. If an item does not
apply, enter “N/A” in the fields where no data are being supplied. If there are no flood
vents, items h) and i) should have “0” entered.
Items b) and c) must be completed with an elevation if they are applicable and if that letter
appears on the diagram on pages 6 and 7 of the instructions.
Where there is an attached garage, an elevation must be entered for item d), otherwise the
entry is “N/A.” Where there is machinery and/or equipment that service the building, an
elevation must be entered for item e), otherwise the entry is “N/A.”
SECTION D–SURVEYOR, ENGINEER, OR ARCHITECT CERTIFICATION
CERTIFIER’S NAME and LICENSE NUMBER
CERTIFIER’S SIGNATURE
DATE
The box at the end of Section D must have the certifier’s seal. [If there is a signature and/or date in the
box, there does not have to be a separate signature or date on the line.]
SECTION E–BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (when a survey is not required in a Zone AO or
a Zone A without a base flood elevation)
E1. a) and b) Enter the difference between the top of the bottom floor and the highest and lowest
adjacent grade.
E2. For Building Diagrams 6–8 with openings (see page 8), enter the difference between the top of the
next higher floor and the highest adjacent grade.
E3. Enter the difference between the top of the garage slab and the highest adjacent grade.
E4 Enter the difference between the top of the platform for machinery or equipment and the highest
adjacent grade.
E5. Zone AO (only) Elevation of bottom floor complies with the ordinance (if there is no base flood
depth provided).
Note: If Section E is used, then Sections F or G must be completed.
SECTION F–PROPERTY OWNER (OR OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE) CERTIFICATION
This section is used if Section E is completed by the owner or owner’s representative. If used, this section
must include the property owner’s or representative’s name in the first line and the signature in the third
line.
SECTION G–COMMUNITY INFORMATION
If G1 is checked, then the first and third lines after G9 (the local official’s name and signature) must be
completed. NOTE: If a local official, authorized by law to complete an elevation certificate, fills out ALL the
information (including elevation data), then G8, G9, and the signature block must be completed.

If any of these items is not completed or correct, the ISO/CRS Specialist will adjust the
element’s credit points. IF MORE THAN 20% OF THE SAMPLED ELEVATION CERTIFICATES HAVE
ONE OR MORE OF THESE DEFICIENCIES , THE COMMUNITY WILL LOSE ITS CREDIT FOR THAT
ELEMENT . L OSS OF CREDIT FOR THE FIRST ELEMENT , EC, MEANS THAT THE COMMUNITY MUST
REMAIN A C LASS 10. N OTE THAT , ALTHOUGH I TEM A6. OF THE E LEVATION C ERTIFICATE
INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRES PHOTOS OF THE STRUCTURE , THAT IS A REQUIREMENT ONLY FOR
PURCHASING FLOOD INSURANCE . P HOTOS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THE COMMUNITY ’ S PERMIT
RECORDS NOR FOR CRS CREDIT .

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-5

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

It is the community’s responsibility to ensure that the elevation certificates it maintains
have been completed correctly. Certificates provided by surveyors must be proofread
and corrected if there are errors or omissions.

Although the surveyed elevations are likely to be correct, it is not unusual for surveyors to
enter the wrong FIRM date or diagram number or fail to complete all the entries in Section
C3. If there are certificates that have some of the above items omitted or incorrectly filled
out, the community has the following options:
1. For any inaccurate or incomplete information in Section C2, the local official
should request a new certificate. If Sections C2a)—c) are completed correctly, but
some information in Sections C2d)—g) is missing, the local official may visit the
site and collect the missing data by measuring from the surveyed floors.
2. The local official can do the following if incomplete or inaccurate information is
found in the other sections. The local official should not mark up the form with the
correct information.
a) The forms may be returned to the surveyor with instructions on what needs
to be changed or corrected;
b) The local official can prepare a separate memo with the correct information
and attach the memo to the form. When the certificate is provided to an
inquirer, the memo must be included with it; or
c) The local official can note the changes or corrections in Section G.
3. The corrections to Sections A, B, C1 can be made when the data on the certificate
is entered into a data base or elevation certificate software (see Section 311.d on
maintaining elevation certificates in computer format). It must be noted in Section
G what changes were made to the original paper copy. The local official should
check G1 when data are entered into a data base or elevation certificate software.
The community will still need to keep the original certificate, but can hand out
copies printed from the corrected digital version.
It should be noted that the community assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the changes
it makes. Therefore, data entry for digital versions should be double-checked.
Although surveyors may not be familiar with the intricacies of the form, they do know how to
survey elevations. One way communities have improved the quality of elevation certificates
is to complete Sections A and B at the time of permit application. The partially completed
form is given to the applicant or the surveyor who can then focus on completing the surveyed
information in Section C. This has been shown to reduce many of the more common errors.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-6

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

In order to meet the requirements of the third prerequisite, the community must keep copies
of all credited elevation certificates readily available. The community must be able to retrieve
certificates for old permits, including those from projects whose permit files may have been
archived or discarded. The certificates may be maintained in a computer format, but the
community must be able to respond to inquirers who want to see the original hard copy. The
community may pass the cost of preparing the elevation certificate on to the permit applicant
and it may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of copying the certificates for inquirers.

a. Maintaining elevation certificates (EC) (Maximum credit: 56 points)
EC = 56 if the community maintains elevation certificates since the date of
application to the CRS. The community receives the full 56 credit points for EC
unless it is adjusted during the verification visit. If no permits have been issued for
structures within the SFHA since the community’s application date for the CRS,
EC = 56.

The community will automatically receive 56 points for EC because the CEO certifies in the
application that the forms will be maintained and made available. EC is only adjusted to less
than 56 points if the findings of the verification visit warrant such a reduction. As discussed
above, the credit points will be reduced if incorrect or incomplete information appears on the
elevation certificates checked during the verification visit.

b. Maintaining elevation certificates for post-FIRM buildings (ECPO) (Maximum credit:
56 points)
ECPO = 56 points if completed certificates are maintained for all buildings built or
substantially improved in the SFHA between the date of the community’s initial
FIRM and the date of application to the CRS. ECPO is adjusted according to the
ratio of post-FIRM buildings for which the community has certificates (see Section
312).

This credit is provided for having elevation certificates for all buildings built or substantially
improved in the SFHA since the date of the community’s initial FIRM. If the community only
has certificates for some of these buildings, then the value for ECPO is adjusted as described
in Section 312, Impact Adjustment.

c. Maintaining elevation certificates for pre-FIRM buildings (ECPR) (Maximum credit:
15 points)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-7

Edition July 2007

Elevation Certificates

ECPR = 15 points if completed certificates are maintained for all buildings built or
substantially improved in the SFHA before the date of the community’s initial FIRM.
ECPR is adjusted according to the ratio of pre-FIRM buildings for which the community has certificates (see Section 312).

Although most communities did not keep elevation records before they joined the Regular
Program, lowest floor elevations may have been determined for a flood protection study. If
the data are transferred to the FEMA forms, credit can be provided under ECPR. If the
records cover only some of the pre-FIRM buildings, ECPR is adjusted in the same manner as
ECPO, as described in Section 312, Impact Adjustment.
NOTE: Elevation certificates can be completed by a local official who is authorized by law or
ordinance to administer the community’s floodplain management program, provided the
original surveyed data for Section C was obtained by a registered land surveyor, engineer, or
architect. A community can transfer data from a surveying project to the elevation certificate
form if it can demonstrate that the source of the data was appropriate.
For example, the National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool described in Section 511.b
can be used to collect a wealth of data on a building. If the local official can document that a
surveyor shot the elevations collected in the Tool, it would be relatively simple to transfer the
data to the elevation certificate form, which would be signed in Section G by the local
official.
d. Maintaining elevation certificates in computer format (ECCF) (Maximum credit: 15
points).
ECCF = 10 points if the elevation and floodproofing certificate data are kept in
computer format and provided to FEMA each year. An additional 5 points are
provided if the data for every property lists a street address. ECCF is adjusted
according to the ratio of all buildings that have elevation certificates that are also in
computer format (see Section 312). There is no credit if the data base does not
include all of the data needed for a FEMA elevation certificate.

This credit is available if the community has elevation records on a computer data base, and
is willing to provide FEMA with a disk or other computer-readable record. A program has
been developed to enter elevation certificate data on a personal computer. This program
meets the requirements for ECCF credit, and it is available free (see Appendix E). The
community must maintain and be able to retrieve the original signed hard copies.
Five additional points are provided if the community screens its data and makes sure that a
full street address is provided with each certificate. These five points are not available if
some properties are listed by lot and block number or other method.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-8

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

e. Posting elevation certificate data on a website (ECWS) (Maximum credit: 20 points).
ECWS = 20, if the community has put elevation certificate data on a website that is
readily available to any inquirer (e.g., no payment of money is needed). There is no
credit if the data base does not include all of the data needed for a FEMA elevation
certificate.

Credit is provided if the community puts the elevation certificate data on a website that can be
accessed by the public. This can be in the form of a searchable data base, scanned elevation
certificates, or any other format that makes the data available. This credit is in addition to the ECCF
credit for providing FEMA with a disk that has elevation certificate data. In both cases, the data
base must include all of the data needed for a FEMA elevation certificate.

f. Off-site record storage (ORS) (maximum credit: 10 points):
ORS = 10, if all elevation certificates, regulations, plans, and other key records for
floodplain development permits are stored in a secure location, outside of any
floodprone area and at least one mile away from the permit office. The records must
be copied to the off-site storage location at least once each year.

In the past, hurricanes, fires, floods, and other disasters have destroyed local permit offices
and their files. This credit encourages communities to safeguard the records that document
how well a structure was protected from flood damage. Credit will be given if copies of such
documents (in digital, scanned, or paper format) are stored at a site out of the floodplain and
at least 1 mile away. The records must be transferred or copied to the off-site storage location
at least once each year.
A “secure location” means a site protected from fire, theft, and natural hazards (including a
category 5 hurricane). The site must not be subject to a flood hazard, i.e., a mapped Special
Flood Hazard Area, an X Zone location subject to local drainage problems, or a basement
with a known sewer backup problem. The community may submit a site that does not meet all
of these criteria (e.g., it is less than one mile away) if it can demonstrate that the site is secure
from fire, theft, flood, and other natural hazards (including a category 5 hurricane).

312 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
1. If the community has elevation certificates for
SFHA, rECPO = 1.0.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-9

ALL

post-FIRM buildings in its

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

If no buildings have been built or substantially improved in the SFHA since the
community entered the Regular Program of the NFIP, rECPO = 1.0.
2. If the community has elevation certificates for
SFHA, rECPR = 1.0.

ALL

pre-FIRM buildings in its

If there are no pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, rECPR = 1.0.
3. If the community has entered all of its elevation certificates into a computer
format, rECCF = 1.0.
4. If the community has posted all of its elevation certificate data onto a website,
rECWS = 1.0.

NOTE: There is no impact adjustment for EC. The community must keep elevation certificates
for ALL new or substantially improved buildings in the floodplain after the date it first applies
for the CRS. There is no impact adjustment for ORS.
b. Option 2:
1. If the community has elevation certificates for at least 25% of the post-FIRM
buildings in its SFHA, rECPO = 0.25.
2. If the community has elevation certificates for at least 25% of the pre-FIRM
buildings in its SFHA, rECPR = 0.25.
3. If the community has entered at least 25% of its elevation certificates into a
computer format, rECCF = 0.25.
4. If the community has posted at least 25% of its elevation certificate data onto a
website, rECWS = 0.25.
c. Option 3:
1. rECPO = bECPO , where
bPO
bECPO = the number of post-FIRM buildings with elevation certificates
bPO = the number of buildings built or substantially improved in the community’s
SFHA between the initial FIRM effective date and the date the community
applied to the CRS.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-10

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

2. rECPR = bECPR , where
bPR
bECPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings with elevation certificates
bPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings in the community’s SFHA.
3. rECCF =

bECCF
, where
bEC + bECPO + bECPR

bECCF = the number of buildings with elevation certificates in computer format
bEC = the number of buildings in the SFHA since the initial CRS application
date.
4. rECWS =

bECWS
bEC + bECPO + bECPR

, where

bECWS = the number of buildings with complete elevation certificate data
posted on the website.

ECPO and ECPR are adjusted to reflect the number of buildings with elevation certificates.
Section 301 includes a detailed discussion of the determination of bPO and bPR.
ECCF is adjusted if the community has not entered all elevation certificates into its computer
data base. ECWS is adjusted if the community has not entered all its elevation certificate data
onto the website.
There is no adjustment for EC because the community must maintain elevation certificates on
all buildings constructed in the SFHA after the date it applied for CRS classification.
However, the community may not have certificates on all post-FIRM or all pre-FIRM
buildings. Accordingly, ECPO and ECPR can be adjusted to reflect the number of buildings
that are affected. Similarly, ECCF and ECWS are adjusted if the community has not entered
all elevation certificates into its computer data base or website.
These adjustments are made by dividing the number of buildings with elevation certificates
by the number of buildings that could have certificates to produce an “r” variable that
represents the ratio of buildings affected. Sections 302 and 303 explain how to obtain the
building counts needed to calculate these impact adjustments.
NOTE: See the definitions of “building,” “SFHA,” and “Zone A” in the Glossary, Section
130. Also see Section 301.
Example 312.c-1. Floodville applied for CRS credit in late 1993. Its credit was
verified by its ISO/CRS Specialist during the spring of 1994. The examples for
Activity 310 show the CRS credit that was verified during that visit. Floodville applied
for 56 points for maintaining elevation certificates since its application date (EC); 14
points for having elevation certificates for at least 25% of its post-FIRM elevation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-11

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates
buildings (ECPO); and 4 points for having elevation certificates for at least 25% of its
pre-FIRM buildings. Although it started using the elevation certificate software after it
applied for the CRS, it did not have at least 25% of its certificates entered when it
applied. Its total application credit for Activity 310 was 74.
Floodville’s initial FIRM effective date is May 15, 1980. Between then and when it
applied to the CRS in 1993, 22 buildings were built or substantially improved: bPO =
22.
Floodville began using FEMA’s elevation certificates after FEMA conducted a
community assistance visit in 1986. It has completed certificates for all buildings built
since then. There are 10 such buildings: bECPO = 10.
rECPO = 10 = 0.45
22
There are 250 pre-FIRM buildings in Floodville: bPR = 250. As part of a flood control
study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers surveyed the first floor elevations of all
buildings in one of Floodville’s floodplains. Because there are no basements in
Floodville, the first floor is the same as the lowest floor. [NOTE: this is not always the
case; other sources of elevation data must be carefully checked to ensure that the
records are for the lowest floor.] The study provided elevations for 122 of Floodville’s
250 pre-FIRM buildings, and the city has subsequently recorded the data on FEMA’s
elevation certificates: bECPR = 122.
rECPR = 122 = 0.49
250
When it applied for the CRS, Floodville began using the CRS computer program for
maintaining elevation certificates. It also entered all of its post-FIRM and its preFIRM elevation and floodproofing certificates in this program. Because data from all
of the community’s certificates were in computer format by the time of the verification
visit, credit was verified using Option 1: rECCF = 1.0.

313 Credit Calculation
a. cEC = 56
b. cECPO = ECPO x rECPO

Example 313.b-1. Floodville has elevation certificates for 10 of its 22 post-FIRM
buildings. As discussed above: rECPO = 0.45.
cECPO = 56 x 0.45 = 25.2

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-12

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

c. cECPR = ECPR x rECPR

Example 313.c-1. Floodville has elevation certificates for 122 of its 250 preFIRM buildings. As discussed above: rECPR = 0.49.
cECPR = 15 x 0.49 = 7.35

d. cECCF = ECCF x rECCF

Example 313.d-1. Floodville entered all of its elevation and floodproofing
certificates in computer format. It also checked them all and made sure that each
one has a full street address. ECCF = 10 + 5 = 15. As discussed above: rECCF =
1.0
cECCF = 15 x 1.0 = 15.0

e. cECWS = ECWS x rECWS
f. cORS = ORS
g. c310 = cEC + cECPO + cECPR + cECCF + cECWS + ORS

Example 313.e-1. Floodville applies for participation in the CRS so it must apply
for this activity. The mayor certifies that the city will continue to use the FEMA
elevation certificates so the city receives the 56 points in the formula. As calculated
above, cECPO = 25.2, cECPR = 7.35, and cECCF = 15. The city has not put
elevation certificates on a website, so cECWS = 0. The city does not yet have off-site
storage for its records, so cORS = 0.
Floodville’s first activity worksheet is shown in Figure 310-1a.
C310 = 56 + 25.2 + 7.35 + 15 + 0 = 103.55, which is rounded to 104.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-13

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates
Ten buildings have been built or substantially improved in the floodplain since the
1993 CRS application. During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist examines
the elevation certificates for these buildings. A surveyor who completed one of the
certificates recorded the wrong FIRM Zone and the wrong base flood elevation. This
reduces Floodville’s credit for EC from 56 to 50.4.
Similar sampling for post-FIRM and pre-FIRM certificates found no other errors.
However, the sample taken for ECCF also found one error, which reduces that credit
from 15 to 13.5.
Floodville’s final verified credit for Activity 310 is:
c310 = 50.4 + 25.2 + 7.35 + 13.5 + 0 + 0 = 96.45, which is rounded to 96.

314 Credit Documentation
The community must have the following to verify implementation of this activity:
a. [If the community applies for credit under Section 311.b (ECPO) or c (ECPR) and it
used a form different from FEMA’s] A copy of its elevation certificate, along with
documentation that FEMA has approved it. Note that a local elevation certificate can
only be credited if it was used before the 1999 FEMA elevation certificate was
published or before the community joined the CRS, whichever is later.

If the community used a non-FEMA form in the past and began using the FEMA form when it
applied for the CRS or when the 1999 FEMA form went into effect, the written statement is
required to obtain credit for ECPO and/or ECPR.

b. [If the community applies for credit under Section 311.d.1 and is NOT using the CRS
“Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates”] A copy of the computer
format being used.

The CRS computer format is available at no cost (see Appendix E).

c. Copies of all completed elevation certificates that the community wants credited for
EC, ECPR, or ECPO. Sample copies of the digital or website versions will be
collected to document credit for ECCF and ECWS.
d. Documentation showing how the impact adjustment ratios were determined and a
description of how the community maintains, stores, and provides copies of
elevation certificates to inquirers. If the community is applying for credit for off-site

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-14

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

record storage (ORS) under Section 311.f, the documentation must describe the offsite storage location and arrangements for copying key files for that location..

The community must maintain certificates on all buildings built, substantially improved, or
placed in the floodplain since the initial application date and make them available. The
community should maintain its elevation certificates so they are easy to retrieve during the
verification visit.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification:
e. A disk with the elevation and floodproofing certificate data in computer format
obtained since the last submittal, if applying for credit for ECCF under Section
311.d. If the community is receiving credit for other than the FEMA-issued elevation
certificate software, the submittal must include a key that explains each data item.

315 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. The FEMA elevation and floodproofing certificates include detailed instructions for
completing them. The latest version can be downloaded from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/nfip/elvinst.shtm. The FEMA Regional Office can provide help in
completing and maintaining them (see Appendix A).
b. Elevation Certificate, FEMA’s Floodplain Management Bulletin 467-1, provides
questions and answers on completing the form and using the elevation certificate to verify
building
compliance.
The
bulletin
can
be
downloaded
from
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/fema467-6-10-04.pdf .
c. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide advice on obtaining and maintaining
elevation records. Requests for assistance should be submitted to the Flood Plain
Management Services Coordinator at the appropriate District Office of the Corps.
d. A free program, “Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates,” (see Appendix
E) requires an IBM-compatible computer with a CD or 3.5-inch disk drive.
e. FEMA has developed interactive tutorials for surveyors and insurance agents. The
surveyor’s tutorial is especially helpful for local officials because it discusses how to
complete the form. It can be found at http://training.nfipstat.com/ecsurveyor/. The
insurance agent’s tutorial covers how agents use the form. It can be found at
http://training.nfipstat.com .

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-15

Edition July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-1a. Floodville’s completed activity worksheet for
elevation certificates, page one (AW-310-1).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-16

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-1b. Page two of Floodville’s completed activity worksheet for
elevation certificates (AW-310-2).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-17

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2a. Cover page of FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-18

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2b. Inside cover of FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-19

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2c. FEMA’s elevation certificate, page one.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-20

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2d. Page two of FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-21

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2e. Page three of FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-22

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2f. Page four of FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-23

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2g. Page one of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-24

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2h. Page two of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-25

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2i. Page three of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-26

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2j. Page four of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-27

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2k. Page five of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-28

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2l. Page six of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-29

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2m. Page seven of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-30

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-2n. Page eight of the instructions to FEMA’s elevation certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-31

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-3.
310-3. FEMA’s
Figure
FEMA’s floodproofing
floodproofing certificate.
certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-32

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Figure 310-4. FEMA’s residential basement floodproofing certificate.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-33

Edition: July 2007

Elevation Certificates

Communities Approved for Residential Basement Floodproofing Rating Credit
STATE/COMMUNITY NAME

EFFECTIVE
1
DATE

Alaska
Fairbanks

2/28/73

Idaho
Ammon

6/8/90

11/20/78
8/1/00

North Dakota
Barnes Township

1/22/82

Clive

4/24/81

Casselton

6/18/81

Independence

9/7/89

Fargo

3/26/752

LaPorte City

6/12/89

Grafton

5/21/81

Harwood

12/19/85

Harwood Township

1/22/82

Horace

1/22/82

Mapleton

1/22/822

Oxbow

6/1/922

Pleasant Township

5/5/83

Reed Township

1/22/82

Reiles Acres

8/23/82

Stanley Township

2/8/82

West Fargo

6/5/78

Kansas
Colwich

1/17/86

Derby

2/15/832

Great Bend

8/10/83

Halstead

7/8/83

Lindsborg

11/7/94

Rossville

2/18/92

Salina

3/6/86

Saline County

1/14/86

Sedgwick

5/19/862

Minnesota
Alvarado

2/28/85

Clay County

3/28/75

Dilworth

8/29/83

South Dakota
Madison

8/30/83

Wisconsin
Ashwaubenon

10/27/78

2

East Grand Forks

5/15/85

Brown County

2/21/792

Moorhead

2/12/76

Depere

10/27/78

Roseau, City of

7/23/99

Green Bay

10/27/78

Stephen

5/10/83

Howard

10/27/78

Warren

9/24/82

Shlocton

Nebraska
Fremont

2

New York
Amherst

EFFECTIVE
1
DATE

Clarence, Town of

Iowa

1

STATE/COMMUNITY NAME

Village of Allouez

8/1/98
1/11/932

1/25/79

Grand Island

7/29/80

Hall County

2/10/80

Hastings

7/8/83

North Bend

10/15/98

Schuyler

9/17/91

Sidney

12/4/84

Wood River

1/12/82

Effective date corresponds to the date of FEMA’s letter to the community granting the exception request.
The date the community adopted floodproofing ordinances.

Figure 310-5. Communities approved for residential basement
floodproofing rating credit.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

310-34

Edition: July 2007

320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE
Summary of Activity 320
321

Credit Points. There is one element in this activity for a maximum of 140 points.

Map Information (MI) Service: up to 140 points are provided if the community or other qualified
agency:
1. Provides Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information to inquirers,
2. Provides information on the flood insurance purchase requirement,
3. Provides information on Coastal Barrier Resources System requirements and/or coastal A
Zone hazards.
4. Keeps old FIRMs and updates the maps used for the service,
5. Publicizes the service at least once a year,
6. Advises inquirers whether the property is subject to a special flood-related hazard, and
7. Answers questions from the inquirers about related topics such as local floodplain
management requirements.
There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

322

Credit Calculation. Up to 140 credit points are provided for this activity. The credit points
are based on whether all of the prerequisites are met and whether the service is provided through
personal contact, a website, or other remote service provider.

323

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following documentation
available to verify implementation of this activity.

a.

Documentation that shows how the service was publicized.

b. If another agency provides this service, documentation that the agency agrees to provide the
service to all inquirers and it will allow the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify its work.
c.

Records of institutions and agencies that were notified of this service.

d. A record or log of requests for information. The record must note the date, the FIRM zone, the
address or location of the property in question, and whether the inquirer was advised of the
insurance purchase requirement and/or coastal A Zone or coastal barrier designation.
e.

324

Documentation showing how the FIRM is kept updated at least annually. The community must
maintain copies of the FIRMs.

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-1

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE
Credit is provided for providing inquirers with information from the community’s Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), including whether a property is in a Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA), which zone, and its base flood elevation. Credit depends on publicizing
this service and advising inquirers about the mandatory flood insurance purchase
requirement.
Background: This public information service can greatly help a community’s residents
as well as its banks, insurance agents, real estate agents, and anyone else who needs
flood hazard information. It is particularly helpful to those who have trouble reading
maps, people from out of town, and those who do not have access to the latest maps.
This activity is also intended to bring other available community resources to bear on
each individual situation. Such resources include local topographic, planning, road, and
utility maps; geographic information systems; special hazard area maps; permit
records; and subdivision plats. Where they are available, these other resources can
complement the FIRM as sources of additional flood data or more detailed map
information. (NOTE: for compliance with the mandatory purchase requirement, the
current FIRM (or Letter of Map Change) is the only legal document allowed to be used
by lenders or third party vendors.)
Activity Description: There are seven prerequisites for full credit under this activity:
1. If requested, the community must provide all of the following FIRM information:
a. Whether the property is in an SFHA,
b. The community number,
c. The panel number and suffix,
d. The date of the FIRM’s index (cover panel),
e. The FIRM zone, e.g., A, C, X, V, AE, A2, AO, etc.,
f.

The base flood elevation (the depth in AO Zones) where shown on the FIRM,

g. The elevation datum used on the FIRM, if other than NGVD, and
h. Whether the property is on an undeveloped coastal barrier or “otherwise
protected area” as designated on the FIRM.
2. If the property is in an SFHA, the community must inform the inquirer of the
mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement, as appropriate. This may be done
by advising the inquirer that flood insurance may be required because of the
property’s location or by providing a written summary of the requirement (e.g., the
example in Figure 320-1).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-2

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

3. If the community has a map that shows the coastal A Zone or Coastal Barrier
Resources System, the service must check on the following and report the findings
to the inquirer:
a. Whether the property is in a coastal A Zone. If so, the inquirer must be advised
that waves and velocity from coastal storms and hurricanes can cause
significant damage to a structure that is not properly elevated on an open
foundation and protected from erosion and scour.
b. Whether the property is in an “undeveloped coastal barrier” or “otherwise
protected area” of the Coastal Barrier Resources System. If so, the community
must advise the inquirer that flood insurance, federal disaster assistance, and
other types of federal financial assistance are not available for buildings
constructed or substantially improved after the effective date of designation, as
shown on the FIRM.
4. The map used for this service must be kept updated at least annually to reflect new
subdivisions, annexations, flood insurance restudies, map revisions, and map
amendments (including Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) and Letters of Map
Revision (LOMRs)). The community must also maintain copies of all FIRMs that
have been in effect since 1999 or the date the community applied for this credit,
whichever is later.
5. The service must be publicized at least once a year. If the community uses a
website for its services, the site’s address or URL must be publicized. The publicity
must state that the community also has copies of elevation certificates for some
properties in the floodplain.
6. If the community is receiving CRS credit for mapping and regulating one of the
special hazard areas described in Section 401, inquirers must be advised if the
property falls within a special hazard area and what precautions should be taken
when developing or improving the property.
7. The service must provide an opportunity for the inquirer to talk to community staff
about map and floodplain management questions.

There are many benefits to providing FIRM information. Residents and businesses that are
aware of the potential flood hazard can take steps to avoid problems and/or reduce their
exposure to flooding. Communities are the best source of map information because they can
often supplement and clarify the FIRM with complementary maps, and with information on
additional hazards, flooding outside mapped areas, development regulations that affect
floodplain properties, flood insurance, and property protection measures. NOTE: For
compliance with the mandatory purchase requirement, the current FIRM (or Letter of Map
Change) is the only legal document allowed to be used by lenders or third party vendors.
Acceptable methods of providing map information include, but are not limited to:
•
•

Reading the FIRM in response to a telephone call;
Helping a person who walks into the office read the FIRM;

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-3

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

About the Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Requirement
NFIP: This community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes
federally backed flood insurance available for all eligible buildings, whether they are in a floodplain or not.
Flood insurance covers direct losses caused by surface flooding, including a river flowing over its banks, a
lake or ocean storm, and local drainage problems.
The NFIP insures buildings, including mobile homes, with two types of coverage: building and contents.
Building coverage is for the walls, floors, insulation, furnace, and other items permanently attached to the
structure. Contents coverage may be purchased separately, if the contents are in an insurable building.
Mandatory Purchase Requirement: The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 and the National Flood
Insurance Reform Act of 1994 made the purchase of flood insurance mandatory for federally backed
mortgages on buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). It also affects all forms of Federal
or Federally related financial assistance for buildings located in SFHAs. The SFHA is the base (100-year)
floodplain mapped on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). It is shown as one or more zones that begin
with the letter “A” or “V.”
The rule applies to secured mortgage loans from such financial institutions as commercial lenders, savings
and loan associations, savings banks, and credit unions that are regulated, supervised, or insured by Federal
agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of Thrift Supervision. It also
applies to all mortgage loans purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in the secondary mortgage market.
Federal financial assistance programs affected by the laws include loans and grants from agencies such as
the Department of Veterans Affairs, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, Small
Business Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA).
How it Works: Lenders are required to complete a Standard Flood Hazard Determination (SFHD) form
whenever they make, increase, extend or renew a mortgage, home equity, home improvement, commercial,
or farm credit loan to determine if the building or manufactured (mobile) home is in an SFHA. It is the
Federal agency’s or the lender’s responsibility to check the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to
determine if the building is in an SFHA. Copies of the FIRM are available for review in most local
government building or planning departments. Lenders may also have copies or they use a flood zone
determination company to provide the SFHD form.,
If the building is in a SFHA, the Federal agency or lender is required by law to require the recipient to
purchase a flood insurance policy on the building. Federal regulations require building coverage equal to
the amount of the loan (excluding appraised value of the land) or the maximum amount of insurance
available from the NFIP, whichever is less. The maximum amount available for a single-family residence is
$250,000. Government sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, have stricter
requirements.
The mandatory purchase requirement does not affect loans or financial assistance for items that are not covered by a
flood insurance policy, such as vehicles, business expenses, landscaping, and vacant lots. It does not affect loans for
buildings that are not in an SFHA, even though a portion of the lot may be. While not mandated by law, a lender may
require a flood insurance policy, as a condition of a loan, for a property in any zone on a FIRM.
If a person feels that a SFHD form incorrectly places the property in the SFHA, he or she may request a Letter of
Determination Review from FEMA. This must be submitted within 45 days of the determination. More information
can be found at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fq_gen11.shtm.

Figure 320-1. Handout on mandatory purchase of flood insurance.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-4

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

•

•

Completing a form based on a marked-up street map sent in by an inquirer (see
example, Figure 320-2). It is recommended that a local form or form letter include
a disclaimer like the one in Figure 320-2; or
Directing an inquirer to a website or other provider of the service, provided that
the inquirer can obtain the information by entering a street address. There is no
credit for simply having a map on the website or expecting an inquirer to read the
map.

The community may charge a reasonable fee for providing map information to cover staff
time and office overhead. This service should not include surveying or similar costs to collect
new data, such as ground elevations.
To receive credit for this activity, the community’s program must meet all seven of the
prerequisites. The following comments correspond to these prerequisites.
1. The list in Section 1 of the Activity Description comprises the FIRM information needed
to complete most of Section B of the FEMA elevation certificate (see Section 310). A
copy of the elevation certificate for the property, if available, can suffice as meeting the
minimum requirements. There is no pro-rating for providing only some of the needed map
information.
The community need only supply the flood data requested. If the inquirer only wants to
know if a building is in a floodplain, then advising whether it is in an SFHA as shown on
the FIRM is sufficient. If a property is too close to the SFHA boundary to determine what
FIRM zone the building is in, the community may give the inquirer a copy of the FIRM
and advise that the FIRM zone cannot be determined based on the map information
available.
The community is not required to provide data that do not appear on the FIRM, such as
base flood elevations in unnumbered A Zones, but providing additional information from
other maps and sources of flood hazard and flood protection information is encouraged.
The community must respond to an information request within a reasonable period of
time.
2. If the person performing the map information service finds that a property is in the SFHA,
he or she must inform the inquirer about the mandatory flood insurance purchase
requirement (see Figure 320-1).
•

An alternative is to provide a summary similar to that in the booklet, “Mandatory
Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines,” FEMA-186, listed in Section 324, For
More Information. A third alternative is to hand out a one-page summary, as
shown in Figure 320-1. Handouts may be easier for the community to produce and
distribute, but they do not necessarily help people who have trouble reading
technical material or who want simple answers to simple questions.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-5

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

City of Floodville
Building Department
City Hall
Date:
RE: Flood Insurance Rate Map Information
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The property located at:

, also

known as [legal description if needed]
has
been located on the city’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The following
information is provided:
Floodville’s community number:

123456

The property is located on panel number:
The date of the FIRM index:

, Suffix:

.

May 15, 1980.

The property is located in FIRM zone:

.

The main building on the property:
is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The base flood elevation
at the property is:
, NGVD. Federal law requires that a flood zone
determination be done as a condition of a federally backed mortgage to
determine if the structure is in an SFHA and if so, to require flood
insurance. It is up to the lender to determine whether flood insurance is
required for a property.
is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. However, the property may
still be subject to local drainage problems or other unmapped flood hazard.
Flood insurance from the NFIP is available at non-floodplain rates. A flood
insurance policy can still be required by a lender.
A decision about the building’s exact location cannot be made on the FIRM.
A copy of the FIRM is attached for your information.
Flood insurance from the NFIP is available for any property in Floodville.
More information on flood insurance is attached. This office has copies of
FEMA Elevation Certificates for all buildings constructed in the SFHA since
1990. Questions on this letter and the City’s floodplain management program
are welcome at this office by calling 555-123-1234.
NOTE: This information is based on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for the City.
This letter does not imply that the referenced property will or will not be
free from flooding or damage. A property not in a Special Flood Hazard Area
may be damaged by a flood greater than that predicted on the FIRM or from a
local drainage problem not shown on the map.
___________________________________
Building Official

Figure 320-2. Floodville’s map information record.
NOTE: If Floodville was a coastal community with designated undeveloped coastal barriers,
this record would have a section on whether the property was in such an area.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-6

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

Communities should be aware that federally regulated lenders are legally responsible for
determining if a flood insurance policy is required for a loan. Under the National Flood
Insurance Reform Act of 1994, if a “third party vendor,” i.e., someone other than a lender,
provides map information to decide if a flood insurance policy is required for a loan, the
information must be guaranteed. Communities are not considered third party vendors.
This activity credits providing map information to inquirers. It is not intended to
encourage communities to assume the lender’s responsibility. See also Figure 320-3.

Flood Hazard Determination Review
Activity 320 credits a map information service provided by the community. The mandatory purchase
requirement places the responsibility on lenders to determine whether to require a flood insurance policy
as a condition of a loan (see Figure 320-1). Many lenders hire map determination companies as third party
vendors to assist them.
Sometimes a property is incorrectly placed in the SFHA by the lender or its map determination company.
The property owner may come to the community asking for help or advice. The local official is welcome
to double check the determination, but the inquirer should be informed that the determination is the
lender’s responsibility and the local government has no authority over it.
If it appears that the property is outside the SFHA, but the map determination says that it is inside, the
owner can ask FEMA for a determination review within 45 days of the notice. A Flood Hazard
Determination Review is requested jointly by the owner and the lender. Procedures for requesting the
review can be found at http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen11.shtm.
If the submittal is complete and on time, FEMA will issue a Letter of Determination Review (LODR).
This review does not result in an amendment or revision to the effective FIRM. It is only a finding about
the location of a building or manufactured home relative to a designated SFHA.
A LODR only affects the Federal requirement for purchase of flood insurance. However, the mortgage
lender always has the option to require flood insurance as a condition of providing financing, regardless of
the location of the structure. If the map needs to be changed, the property owner can submit a request for a
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA).

Figure 320-3. Flood hazard determination review.

3. Coastal A Zones are those parts of a community’s coastal floodplain, inland from the
mapped V Zone (or shoreline if there is no mapped V Zone), that are subject to the
damaging effects, of waves, velocity flows, erosion, scour, or combinations of these
forces. The community must provide map information on coastal A Zones if they have
been mapped. This may be when FEMA provides an advisory flood elevation map or
FIRM that shows areas subject to waves over 1.5 feet or if the community is receiving
credit for regulating coastal A Zones under Section 431.p (CAZ). For more information on
mapping coastal A Zones, see Section 431.p.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-7

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

Unless the community has coastal A Zone regulations, such as those credited under
Section 431.p, the information is provided solely to inform inquirers of the additional
flood hazard in the area. If the inquirers are considering building or remodeling, the
information should encourage them to incorporate appropriate flood protection design
measures. More information on design measures can be found in the Coastal Construction
Manual (FEMA 55) and Recommended Residential Construction for the Gulf Coast:
Building on Strong and Safe Foundations (FEMA 550) and related references that can be
found on the Information Resource Library on FEMA’s website .
“Undeveloped coastal barriers” and “otherwise protected areas” of the Coastal Barrier
Resources System are designated as such by Congress. The intent is to prohibit most
expenditures of federal funds within these coastal barriers. The CBRA provisions are
summarized in Figure 320-4.
If the local official cannot determine whether a property is within a designated coastal
barrier or otherwise protected area, he or she can inform the inquirer to check with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, either at a local office or by checking the website at
http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/coastal_barrier.htm .
If the person providing the map information service finds that a property is in a
designated coastal barrier, he or she must inform the inquirer about the designation, the
fact that a flood insurance policy cannot be sold for a building constructed after the date
of designation, and the limits on federal assistance.
Communities with designated undeveloped coastal barriers should determine the date(s)
on which the restrictions went into effect locally. More information on the rules for these
areas can be found in the Flood Insurance Manual for insurance agents, by checking with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or its website, http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/
coastal_barrier.htm .
4. The community, as well as a lender, must use the latest FIRM. The community is
responsible for ensuring that the FIRM it uses is updated to reflect new subdivisions and
changes in corporate limits. The community’s FIRM also needs to show all new FIRM
data from flood insurance restudies, map revisions, and map amendments. This may mean
plotting every Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
or noting on the paper FIRM that LOMAs and LOMRs have been issued.
The community must also maintain copies of prior FIRMs that have been in effect since
1999 or the date the community applied for this credit, whichever is later. It is
recommended that the community maintain a copy of every FIRM that has been published
(credit for this is available under Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance)). Copies of prior
FIRMs may be available from the National Service Provider’s Regional Management
Centers (see Section 324.e).
Communities that use a digital map, GIS, or map overlays should consider applying for
credit for Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance), which has the same prerequisite.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-8

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

The Coastal Barrier Resources System
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA), and the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of
1990 removed the federal government from financial involvement associated with building and
development in undeveloped portions of coastal areas (including the Great Lakes). These areas were
mapped and designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) units and Otherwise Protected
Areas. They are colloquially called “CBRA areas.” (pronounced “cobra” but not spelled that way).
Any federal program that may have the effect of encouraging development on coastal barrier islands is
restricted by law. These programs include “any form of loan, grant, guarantee, insurance, payment,
rebate, subsidy or any other form of direct or indirect Federal assistance” with specific and limited
exceptions. For example, federal disaster assistance is limited to emergency relief in CBRA areas—
there are no loans or grants to repair or rebuild buildings in those areas.
The legislation also banned the sale of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance for
structures built or substantially improved on or after a specified date. For the first CBRA designations,
that date is October 1, 1983. For all subsequent designations, it is the date the CBRA area was
identified. CBRA areas and their identification dates are shown in the legend of Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRMs).
If an owner of a building in a CBRA area wants to buy flood insurance, he or she would need a copy
of the building permit showing that the building was properly built before the designation date and a
signed statement from the floodplain ordinance administrator that it had not been substantially
damaged or improved since then. The insurance agent may need to provide more documentation.
The boundaries of a CBRA area cannot be revised through the Letter of Map Amendment or Revision
(LOMA/LOMR) process. They can only be revised through:
● Congressional action,
● Interpretation of boundaries by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service,
or
● Cartographic modifications by Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA to correct errors in
the transcription of the Department of the Interior maps onto FIRMs.
If an NFIP policy is issued in error in a CBRA area, it will be cancelled and the premium refunded. No
claim can be paid, even if the mistake is not found until a claim is made.
If a grandfathered building (i.e., a building built before the date of designation) is substantially
improved or substantially damaged, its flood insurance policy will be cancelled.
Lenders are required to notify borrowers if the structure is in a CBRA area and that NFIP flood
insurance and/or disaster assistance may not be available . Many lenders are reluctant to lend without
protecting their investment with flood insurance and private flood insurance may not be available.

Figure 320-4. Provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-9

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

5. The map information service must be publicized at least once a year. The publicity must
say that elevation certificates are available for public review. For example, if the
community started keeping elevation certificates after 1990, the publicity could state
“Copies of FEMA elevation certificates on all buildings constructed in the floodplain
since 1990 are available at the Building Department.”
Publicity for the service may be directed to the entire community or to three key
audiences: lenders (banks, savings and loans, credit unions, etc.), insurance agents, and
real estate agents. This can be done in one of three ways:
a) Advise everyone about the map information service through one of three kinds of
outreach projects:
•

An outreach project to the community credited under OPC in Activity 330
(Outreach Projects);

•

An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS) credited in
Activity 330, provided the public information strategy document discusses the best
way to advise the target audiences; or

•

An outreach project that advises all residents and businesses in the community
about the service, but is not credited under Activity 330 (e.g., a short notice with
all tax or utility bills).

b) An annual mailing (or e-mail) to all local lenders and insurance and real estate
agencies. If the community cannot reach all three of these target audiences, it may
receive partial credit for this activity.
c) An annual article in the newsletters or magazines of appropriate organizations, such as
the local Board of Realtors®, the local chapter of the American Bankers Association,
or the state’s insurance department. If the Chamber of Commerce or similar
organization has a newsletter that reaches all the appropriate offices in the community,
a notice in the newsletter will suffice.
These publicity methods are described in more detail in Section 323, Credit
Documentation. The first method would be the most efficient and economical one if the
community can use an existing newsletter or other annual mailing that reaches everyone
in the community. The third approach can help where there are many communities
implementing this activity and where one bank or insurance agency deals with several
communities (in metropolitan areas, for example). A master list of communities providing
map information could be prepared and distributed each year by a state or regional
agency.
6. The CRS credits mapping and regulating special flood-related hazards, such as subsidence
and coastal erosion. These credits are described in Section 401, Special Hazard Areas, and
in separate publications. If the community is receiving CRS credit for mapping and
regulating one of these hazards, the map information service must include telling inquirers

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-10

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

if the property in question is also in the mapped special hazard area and any additional
regulatory requirements the community may have for developing properties in that area.
7. The service must provide an opportunity for the inquirers to talk to community staff about
map and floodplain management questions. One value of the map information service is
that it provides an opportunity for the staff person responding to the inquiry to determine
whether all of the inquirer’s questions have been answered and to provide additional
information on related topics, such as permit requirements and past flooding.
Therefore, the service must include an opportunity for personal contact. If the service is
provided remotely, such as through a website, contractor, or by taking written or faxed
requests, the annual publicity and the response to the inquirer must include a telephone
number that can be called for further questions about map information and the
community’s floodplain management program.
A community may enter into an agreement with another agency, such as a regional
planning commission, to provide map information. To receive CRS credit, there must be a
written agreement that clarifies that the agency providing the service will respond to all
inquirers and will allow the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify its work. The service must be
publicized and a record of the inquiries must be maintained to facilitate verification of
this credit (see Sections 323.b, c, and d).

321 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 320: 140 points
Map Information Service:
MI = 140 points, if the community’s service meets all seven of the prerequisites
described under the Activity Description.

Credit is dependent upon both providing and publicizing the service. The community’s
method of providing map information and the accuracy of the information will be checked
during the verification visit. The score for MI will be adjusted accordingly.
Example 321-1. Floodville responds to verbal and written inquiries. If the
property cannot be located easily based on the street address, the lot and block
numbers are requested. The form shown in Figure 320-2 is completed and signed by
the building official. A copy of the form is kept in a separate file.
When the city designed the map information form, it met with local insurance agents
and obtained an order form for flood insurance brochures and “stuffers.” They are
available free in quantity from the National Flood Insurance Program. Floodville also
prepared a flyer based on the information in Figure 320-1. If a property is located in

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-11

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service
an SFHA, the appropriate box is checked and a stuffer and the flyer are attached to
the form.
The publicity for Floodville’s service is explained in Example 323.a-1. Because the
service is provided and publicized, MI = 140.

322 Credit Calculation
c320 = MI

Example 322-1. As explained above, MI for Floodville = 140.
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist confirms that the maps are being
read correctly in all five of the samples checked.
c320 = 140 x 1.0 = 140.

323 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following documentation:
a. Documentation that shows how the community publicizes the service each year.
The publicity must:
•

be distributed at least once a year;

•

explain how to access the service, i.e., what telephone number to call, or what
internet address to use to access the website;

•

provide a telephone number for more information about flood maps and the
community’s floodplain management program (if different from the number to
call for the map information service); and

•

describe what elevation certificates are available for public review.

1. If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project
credited under Activity 330 (OPC or OPS), the publicity materials may be
included with the documentation for Activity 330. “320” must be noted in the
margin of the outreach project where the map information service is addressed.
If an OPS is used, the public information strategy document must discuss the
best way to publicize the map information service to the target audiences.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-12

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

2. If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project that
is not credited under Activity 330, a copy of the project. The materials must be
distributed each year and must reach at least 90% of the properties in the
community (vacant lots are not counted).
3. If the community sends a letter or e-mail directly to lending institutions and real
estate and insurance agencies, a copy of the letter or e-mail message.
4. If the community notifies organizations of lending institutions and real estate and
insurance agencies, copies of the notices in their publications. If any of the
organizations has not yet published the notices, documentation must include
written assurance from the organization that it intends to publish the notification
within six months of the CRS application date.

Example 323.a-1. Floodville’s State NFIP Coordinator has initiated a system of
sending a master list of communities that provide map information to the state offices
that regulate lenders and insurance agents. The list is also sent to the state Board of
Realtors®. The Coordinator met with these offices and gave them sample articles
that are used to publicize the local services. Copies of the articles actually published
and sent to lenders, insurance agents and real estate agents are included with
Floodville’s application. The article for the insurance agents’ publication includes a
note that Floodville also has FEMA elevation certificates available for all buildings
constructed in the floodplain since 1986.

Example 323.a-2. Watertown sends a brochure to all addresses in the
community as an OPC outreach project in Activity 330. Included is the following
notice:
Floodplain Questions?
If you want to know if a property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, check
our website at www.Watertown.org/flood/mapinfo. You’ll find a wealth of
information on the City’s Flood Insurance Rate Map, flood insurance, special
rules for building in the floodplain, and ideas for protecting your property
from flood damage. Or you can call the Building Department with all of your
floodplain questions at 555/123-4567. The Building Department also has
copies of FEMA elevation certificates for all buildings constructed in the
floodplain since 1987.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-13

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

b. If another agency or organization provides map information, documentation that the
agency agrees to provide the service to all inquirers and will allow the CRS to verify
its work.
The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
c. Records of which institutions and agencies were notified of this service. If the
community sends letters to institutions and agencies, a mailing list for those
institutions and agencies.
d. A record or log noting:
1.

the date of the inquiry,

2.

the address or location of the property in question,

3.

the FIRM zone,

4.

whether the inquirer was advised of the rules on mandatory flood insurance
purchase,

5.

for properties in coastal floodplains, whether the inquirer was advised of

6.

(a)

the coastal A Zone hazard, and

(b)

the CBRA areas and the financial assistance and flood insurance
limitations in those areas (if appropriate); and

Whether the inquirer was advised of additional special flood-related hazards
and the precautions that should be taken when developing or improving the
property (where appropriate).

Copies of letters will suffice for this documentation where the information is provided in
writing. A sample of such a letter is shown in Figure 320-2. A log is required if information is
given orally or on the telephone. A sample log is shown in Figure 320-5. Copies of the log or
letters are also required if another agency or organization provides the map information.

e. Documentation showing how the community keeps the FIRM updated at least
annually to reflect new subdivisions, annexations, flood insurance restudies, map
revisions, and map amendments (including LOMAs and LOMRs). The community
must also have copies of all FIRMs that have been in effect since 1999 or the date
the community applied for this credit, whichever is later.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-14

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

LOG OF WALK-IN AND TELEPHONE MAP INFORMATION INQUIRIES

DATE

ZONE

COASTAL
A ZONE OR
CBRS

TYPE

ADDRESS

PANEL

2/3
2/4
2/4
2/5
2/5

W
T
T
L
W

201 W. Main
309 W. Mumford
907 S. Busey
408 E. Marion
3rd & State

0001B
0001B
0002B
0001B
0002B

Codes:

W - walk in
T - telephone request
L - written request
H - gave handout
V - told verbally
N/A - not applicable
CBRS – Coastal Barrier Resources System

AE
X
AE
A
AE

ELEV

INSURANCE
INFORMATION
GIVEN

734
N/A
727
N/A
730

H
N/A
V
H
H

No
No
No
No
No

.
.
.
.
.

NOTE: If all of the map information comes from the same FIRM, the community
number is not logged. The community in this example has only one FIRM based
upon NGVD, so the FIRM date and datum are not included in the log. Also, the
panel number logged includes the suffix. The community has all of the data
required for this activity in its log.
Communities that have no coastal A Zones or undeveloped coastal barriers
designated on their FIRMs or special flood-related hazards do not need the
last column of the log.
Communities receiving credit for one or more of the special flood-related
hazards need to include a column on special hazards as a reminder to advise
inquirers if the property is subject to that hazard.

Figure 320-5. Sample log for a map information service.

324 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Copies of the following booklets are available free in quantity. See the FEMA Order Form
at the end of Appendix E.
Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA-387,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 2001. (This is also available from
FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/qanda.shtm.)
How to Use a Flood Map to Determine Flood Risk For a Property. FEMA-258, 1995.
Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, 1999. This booklet discusses the legal background of the flood
insurance purchase requirement, particularly from the lender’s perspective. (This is
also available from FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/nfip/mpurfi.shtm .)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-15

Edition: July 2007

Map Information Service

See also FEMA’s flood hazard mapping website at
http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen.shtm.

Information on FEMA’s review of a map determination can be found at
http://www.fema.gov/fhm/fq_gen11.shtm.

b. Flyers and stuffers about flood insurance are available through the National Flood
Insurance Program. Contact a local insurance agent who sells flood insurance for
examples and order forms; they are also available from:
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
1-800-480-2520
Fax: (301) 362-5335
c. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
d. Assistance in determining whether a “too-close-to-call” property is in the Coastal Barrier
Resources System can be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More
information on the CBRS can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website at
http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/coastal_barrier.htm.

e. Communities may check on past FIRMs and obtain background data by calling 1-877FEMA MAP. They can also submit a written inquiry through this link:
http://www.fema.gov/fhm/tsd_emap.shtm .
f. The Compendium of Flood Map Changes is a list of all the changes made to the NFIP
maps including Physical Map Revisions, Letters of Map Revision, and Letters of Map
Amendment during a given 6-month period. The list is updated every 6 months and
published in the Federal Register. See http://www.fema.gov/fhm/dl_comp.shtm .

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

320-16

Edition: July 2007

330 OUTREACH PROJECTS
Summary of Activity 330
331

Credit Points. There are five elements in this activity for a maximum of 380 points. The credit
points are partially based on the number of topics covered by each outreach project.

a.

Outreach projects to the entire community (OPC): Up to 60 points are provided for sending written
information to all properties in the community through a mailing or newsletter.

b.

Outreach projects to the floodplain properties (OPF): Up to 130 points are provided for sending a
notice directed to properties in floodprone areas. The notice must clearly explain that the recipient’s
property is subject to flooding.

c.

1.

Additional outreach projects (OPA): Up to 60 points are provided for conducting up to three
additional outreach projects, such as a “flood awareness week” or flyers inserted in local
newspapers, that will reach some of the population; OR

2.

Outreach projects pursuant to a public information program strategy (OPS): Up to 125 points
are provided for implementation of additional projects that are identified in a public information
program strategy. There is no OPA credit if the community receives credit for OPS.

d.

Promotion of flood insurance (PFI): Up to 65 points are provided for distributing a letter or brochure
on flood insurance to all properties in the community.

332

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are totaled.

333

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following documentation available
to verify implementation of this activity.

a.

Copies of the notices, flyers, and other materials used in the outreach projects.

b.

[If the community applies for credit under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the public information
program strategy document and documentation that it is being implemented by the community.

c.

Documentation that shows when the outreach projects are undertaken.

d.

[If the community applies for credit for PFI under Section 331.d] An estimate of the number of
buildings, apartments, and condominium units in the community and in the SFHA and how the
numbers were calculated.
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification:

e.

Copies of the community’s outreach projects that were conducted that year.

f.

[If the community applies for credit under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the annual evaluation of the
community’s public information program strategy.

334

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-1

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

330 OUTREACH PROJECTS
NOTE: A separate publication, CRS Credit for Outreach Projects, provides an example of a
community program and application documentation. Communities are encouraged to obtain
and read this document before applying for this activity. It will improve the quality of the
application and reduce the need to provide additional documentation later. To order a free
copy, see Appendix E.

Credit is provided for advising people of the flood hazard, the availability of flood
insurance, and/or flood protection methods.
Background: Just notifying people that they are exposed to a flood hazard can help
motivate them to purchase flood insurance or protect their properties.

Research has proven that awareness of the hazard is not enough; people need to be told what
they can do about it. Research has also shown that a properly run local information program
is more effective than national advertising or publicity campaigns.

Activity Description: This activity credits public information projects that reach out to
people, rather than a service to respond to inquiries. To receive credit under this
activity, a community may do one or more of five types of projects:
a. Send written information to all properties in the community through a newsletter,
utility bill, telephone book, or other document that is sent to all properties.
b. Send a notice directed to properties in floodprone areas. The notice must be
distributed to all properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and those
additional areas known to have flooding problems. The notice must clearly explain
that the recipient’s property is in or near an area subject to flooding.
c. EITHER:
1. Conduct other outreach projects, such as a “flood awareness week” or flyers
inserted in local newspapers, that will reach some of the population; OR
2. Conduct other outreach projects pursuant to a locally prepared public
information program strategy.
d. Distribute a letter or brochure on flood insurance to all properties in the community
or all properties in the SFHA.

Several other activities have publicity requirements that may be met with an outreach project
that is credited under this activity. These include Activities 320 (Map Information Service),
360 (Flood Protection Assistance), 510 (Floodplain Management Planning), 540 (Drainage

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-2

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

System Maintenance), and 610 (Flood Warning Program). Outreach projects should be
designed with these publicity needs in mind. An example of this is shown in Figure 330-1.

331 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 330: 380 points
Credit for the outreach projects is based on both the type of project and the topics
covered. For credit, an outreach publication must fully cover a topic. There are 10
topics that can be covered to receive full credit under OPC, OPF, or OPA.
1. The local flood hazard.
2. Flood safety (required for full credit under Activity 610, Flood Warning Program).
3. Flood insurance (required for repetitive loss area outreach projects under
Section 503).
4. Property protection measures (required for repetitive loss area outreach projects
under Section 503).
5. The natural and beneficial functions of the local floodplain.
6. A map of the local flood hazard.
7. The flood warning system (required for full credit under Activity 610, Flood
Warning Program).
8. Floodplain development permit requirements.
9. The substantial improvement/substantial damage requirements.
10. Drainage system maintenance (required for full credit for stream dumping
regulations under Activity 540, Drainage System Maintenance).

Examples of a variety of outreach projects, including samples of several brochures produced
by federal agencies and others, are included in the publication CRS Credit for Outreach
Projects. This publication is available at no cost (see Appendix E).
Credit usually will not be given if an outreach project contains only a single sentence on a
topic. As discussed below, the topic should be covered in enough detail to be useful to the
reader. If the information provided in one year is inadequate for Community Rating System
(CRS) credit, the community may augment it and apply for additional credit in a modification
in a later year (see Section 215).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-3

Edition: July 2007

Outreach Projects

The 10 topics that can earn credit are
1. The local flood hazard: The project should include the source(s) of flooding (such as
the names of the rivers or a statement that the greatest threat is storm surge from the
ocean), information about past floods, and additional data on local flooding, such as
velocities or the possibility of mudflows. At a minimum, this should include all flood
hazards discussed in the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood
Insurance Study and the approximate location of the boundary of the community’s
coastal A Zone, where known (e.g., “most properties seaward of Ocean Boulevard are
in the coastal A Zone, where the flood hazard is greater due to waves and velocities”).
If the community provides map or additional flood hazard information as credited
under Activities 320 (Map Information Service) or 360 (Flood Protection Assistance),
the service could be publicized under this topic.
2. Flood safety: Emergency precautions should be discussed, such as turning off the
electricity and gas, not wading through moving floodwaters, or staying clear of
unstable stream banks. Precautions against driving through flooded areas must be
included. If the community is applying for credit for emergency warning
dissemination under Activity 610 (Flood Warning Program), it must receive full credit
for covering this topic. In coastal areas, the project should explain the need to
evacuate when an evacuation order or advisory is issued.
3. Flood insurance: The project should note that standard property insurance does not
cover flood damage but that flood insurance is available in the community. It should
include some basic facts, such as why flood insurance is important, the 26% chance of
experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage, the types of insurance
coverage, and the fact that there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into
effect. The project should note whether the community has any undeveloped coastal
barriers where insurance may not be available. This topic must be covered in the
outreach project that is implemented to meet the annual notice requirement for
repetitive loss communities (see Section 503.e).
4. Property protection measures: Measures to protect a property from flood damage
include retrofitting, grading a yard, correcting local drainage problems, and such
emergency measures as moving furniture and sandbagging. Retrofitting measures are
discussed in Activity 530 (Flood Protection). In areas subject to hurricanes and
tropical storms, measures that protect against high winds should be mentioned, such as
installing storm shutters and reinforced garage doors.
If the community provides property protection or retrofitting advice as credited under
Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance), the service could be publicized under this
topic. This topic must be covered in the outreach project that is implemented to meet
the annual notice requirement for repetitive loss communities (see Section 503.e).
5.

Natural and beneficial functions: The outreach project should discuss the natural
and beneficial functions of local floodplains, any unique local features, the importance
of protecting these functions, and how they can be protected. For CRS credit the
discussion must address local conditions.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-4

Edition: July 2007

Outreach Projects

6. Map of the local flood hazard: If the project includes a map of the community’s
flood hazard areas, it must meet the following criteria:
a. The map must clearly show every street affected, although all streets do not have
to be named. Major streets must be named. If parcel lines or other linear features
are shown, they must be readily distinguishable from streets.
b. The floodprone area must be clearly shown through shading or another method. In
coastal communities, the coastal areas affected by storm surge from different
categories of hurricanes can be shown on the map as an alternative to showing the
floodplain. If the community is receiving CRS credit for mapping or managing the
coastal A Zone or areas subject to special flood-related hazards, then such areas
must be included on the map to receive full credit for this topic.
c. The map must be at a scale of at least 1 inch = 1 mile (about 1:62,500). A map to a
smaller scale, such as 1 inch = 2 miles (1:125,000) may be appropriate for large
rural areas with few streets.
7. The flood warning system: Information on warning procedures, signals used,
warning time, what radio and/or television station(s) to tune to, and similar data
should be disseminated. These items must be covered if the community is applying for
credit for emergency warning dissemination under Activity 610 (Flood Warning
Program) (see Section 611.b.1(e)). No credit is awarded if the community does not
have a flood warning system.
8. Floodplain development permit requirements: The outreach project should explain
that all developments in the floodplain (not just construction of buildings) need local
permits. People should be advised to contact the community’s regulatory department
before they build, fill, or otherwise develop. They should also be told how to report
illegal floodplain development.
9. The substantial improvement/damage requirements: The National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or
other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market
value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new
building. Substantially damaged buildings must be brought up to the same standards
(e.g., a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the
building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood
elevation).
The outreach project should summarize the requirements (which are in the
community’s floodplain management regulations) and the local procedures for
enforcing them. More information on the substantial improvement and substantial
damage rules can be found in Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged
Buildings, FEMA-213 (see Section 334.e).
10. Drainage system maintenance: The project should discuss regulations against
dumping in channels, how to report violations, and why it is important to maintain the
drainage system. These items must be covered if the community wants full credit for
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-5

Edition: July 2007

Outreach Projects

its stream dumping regulations under Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance),
(see Section 541.b.2 and the example shown in Figure 330-1).
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
has funded several research projects to find out what will motivate people to protect
themselves from flooding. These projects have concluded that a properly run public information program can motivate property owners to protect themselves from flood damage.
One experiment showed that a direct mailing to floodplain residents was as effective as more
expensive combinations of mailings, public meetings, and radio and television advertising.
The research found that an effective public information program should be based on these
principles:
1. An initial outreach document should not be long and detailed. The objective is to raise
the property owner’s interest by explaining the general idea of flood protection. More
detailed information can be made available in a library or through technical assistance
(see Activities 350 (Flood Protection Information) and 360 (Flood Protection
Assistance)).
2. The message must be clear and unambiguous. It should be consistent throughout the
material used. It should be written to be understood by the lay person.
3. The information should be geographically personalized so that readers see that it
specifically addresses their situation. A brochure with a picture of a flooded local
landmark will have a stronger impact than a state or federal publication. Individually
addressed notices are more effective than general articles, maps, or letters addressed
to “Occupant,” because they clearly tell recipients that they are affected.
4. The recipient must view the information source as credible, authoritative, and
relevant. A statement by the city engineer may be more appropriate than one by the
governor.
5. The information should cover the risk of flooding without being too technical.
Property owners must be convinced that they will be flooded someday.
6. The message must clearly articulate the most desirable measures. These measures
must be appropriate for the hazard, affordable, and perceived as “realistic” by a
property owner. They should fit in with the appearance of the area’s housing.
7. The information should discuss the costs and benefits of various protection measures.
It should include the up-to-date dollar costs of implementing each measure.
8. Because no retrofitting measure is foolproof, especially against higher, less frequent
floods, flood insurance should always be recommended. In areas subject to basement
flooding, the community should investigate the availability of private insurance
coverage for sewer backup and sump pump failure.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-6

Edition: July 2007

Outreach Projects

9. A comprehensive program that reinforces the message from several sources at the
local level is more productive.
The extra effort to prepare a locally appropriate series of outreach projects will pay off as
property owners purchase flood insurance and protect their buildings. Success in this effort
can also be credited by the CRS under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). More credit is
provided for a direct mailing to floodplain properties because research has shown it to be the
most effective in motivating people to insure or floodproof their properties.
a. Outreach projects to the entire community (OPC) (Maximum credit: 60 points)
OPC = the sum of the points for each topic covered in written information sent to all
properties in the community through a newsletter, utility bill, telephone book, or
other document sent to everyone. A newspaper may be used as long as the
information is not in a legal notice, small classified ad, or similar obscure location.
The project must cover one or more of the 10 topics at least once a year to at least
90% of the properties in the community. Full coverage of each topic is worth six
points.

The topics do not all have to be covered in the same distribution, but the distribution must
ensure that the topics credited are covered at least once each year. For example, a community
with a quarterly newsletter may cover two topics in each edition and be credited for covering
eight each year.
There is no impact adjustment for this activity. For this credit, the outreach project must be
sent to at least 90% of the properties in the community. “Properties” can be counted as utility
customers, tax parcels, or other measures that approximate all of the addresses in the
community. Vacant lots need not be counted.
Generally a distribution to all taxpayers, water customers, or property owners is considered
100% distribution. A commercial newspaper can only be counted if the community can
document that it reaches 90% of the properties in the community.
Example 331.a-1. Floodville mails a flood protection information flyer to all
community properties every year. A copy is shown in Figure 330-1. It is marked to
show where each topic is covered. The flyer covers six topics: the local flood
hazard, flood safety, flood insurance, property protection, floodplain development
permit requirements, and drainage system maintenance. This flyer also meets the
publicity requirements for Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance) and Activity 540
(Drainage System Maintenance).
OPC = 6 x 6 = 36

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-7

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

City of Floodville
Flood Protection Information

OPC

Flooding in our city is caused by three sources: Foster Creek leaves its banks during heavy storms,
snowmelt or ice jams. Floodwaters can cover many blocks up to four or five feet deep. The Southeast Ditch
and Deadman’s Run are smaller streams which flood during or soon after heavy storms. Floodwaters are not
as deep, but they still cover streets and yards and can flood cars, garages, basements and lower floors.
Flooding in all three areas can come with little warning. An ice jam on Foster Creek in 1982 covered
streets within 15 minutes of forming. In July 1986, Southeast Ditch and Deadman’s Run flooded within an
hour after a thunderstorm started. Floods are also dangerous. Even though they appear to move slowly (three
feet per second), a flood two feet deep can knock a man off his feet and float a car.
Your property may be high enough that it was not flooded recently. However, it can still be flooded in the
future because the next flood could be worse. If you are in the floodplain, the odds are that someday your
property will be damaged. This flyer gives you some ideas of what you can do to protect yourself.

Local Flood Hazard
City Flood Services: The first thing you should do is check your flood hazard. Flood maps and flood
protection references are available at the Floodville Public Library. You can also visit the Building Department
on the first floor of City Hall to see if you are in a mapped floodplain. If so, they can give you more
information, such as depth of flooding over a building’s first floor, past flood problems in the area, and copies of
elevation certificates on buildings built in the floodplain since 1991. They also have a handout on selecting an
architect, engineer, or contractor. Even if you are not in a floodplain, there still may be some risk of flooding.
If requested, the Public Works Department will visit a property to review its flood problem and explain ways
to stop flooding or prevent flood damage. Call the Department at 555-1234. These services are free. If you are
in a floodplain or have had a flood, drainage or sewer backup problem, check out these sources of assistance.

FPA-360 Publicity

What You Can Do: Several of the City’s efforts depend on your cooperation and assistance. Here is how

Permits

Drainage

you can help:
ƒ

Do not dump or throw anything into the ditches or streams. Dumping in our ditches and streams is a
violation of Floodville City Ordinance 21.35. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and
plug channels. A plugged channel cannot carry water and when it rains the water has to go somewhere.
Every piece of trash contributes to flooding.

ƒ

If your property is next to a ditch or stream, please do your part and keep the banks clear of brush and
debris. The City has a stream maintenance program which can help remove major blockages such as
downed trees.

ƒ

If you see dumping or debris in the ditches or streams, contact the Public Works Department at 5551234.

ƒ

Always check with the Building Department before you build on, alter, regrade, or fill on your property.
A permit may be needed to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties.

ƒ

If you see building or filling without a City permit sign posted, contact the Building Dept. at 555-1234.

ƒ

Check out the following information on floodproofing, flood insurance and flood safety.

Property Protection
Floodproofing: There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. One way is to keep
the water away by regrading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods work if
your lot is large enough, if flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway. The Building
Department can provide this information.
Another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. This
method is not recommended for houses with basements or if water will get over two feet deep.

Figure 330-1a. Floodville’s outreach project to the community.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-8

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

A third approach is to raise the house above flood levels. A small wood frame house can be elevated for
less than $10,000. Sound crazy? Check out some of the houses on St. Mary’s Road near 40th Street. The
owners had a contractor raise their homes three feet for under $6,000 each. The owners did the stairs, the deck,
and the landscaping themselves. In 1988, the Foster Creek flood went under these houses without damaging
them.
Many houses, even those not in the floodplain, have sewers that back up into the basement during heavy
rains. A plug or standpipe can stop this if the water doesn’t get more than one or two feet deep. They can be
purchased at a hardware store for under $25. For deeper sewer backup flooding, talk to a plumber about
overhead sewers or a backup valve. Last year five Floodville homes got overhead sewers or backup valves.
These measures are called floodproofing or retrofitting. More information is available at the Floodville
Public Library. Important note: Any alteration to your building or land requires a permit from the Building
Department. Even regrading or filling in the floodplain requires a permit.
If you know a flood is coming, you should shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents
upstairs. It is unlikely that you will get much warning, so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would help
ensure that you don’t forget anything.

Flood Insurance:

If you don’t have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowner’s
insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because Floodville participates in the National
Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the
Federal government and is available to everyone, even for properties that have been flooded.
Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when they got a
mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just
cover the building’s structure and not the contents. During the
Don’t wait for the next flood to buy
insurance protection. There is a 30-day
kind of flooding that happens in Floodville, there is usually more
waiting period before National Flood
damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the structure.
Insurance
Program coverage takes effect.
At last count, there were 55 flood insurance policies in
Contact
your
insurance agent for more
Floodville. If you are covered, double-check that the building
information on rates and coverage.
coverage is adequate and make sure you have contents coverage.
Remember: Even if the last flood missed you or you have done
some flood-proofing, the next flood could be worse. Flood insurance covers all surface floods.

Flood Safety
Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash
floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in
standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around
road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution.
Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or City
emergency management office.
Have your electricity turned off by the Power Company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep
electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet
unless they have been taken apart, cleaned, and dried.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek
shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and
nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open
flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

Figure 330-1b. Page two of Floodville’s outreach project to the community.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-9

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

b. Outreach projects to floodplain properties (OPF) (Maximum credit: 130 points)
OPF = the sum of the points for each topic covered in written information sent to all
properties in the community’s floodprone areas. The notice must be distributed to all
properties in the SFHA and other areas known to have flood problems. The notice
must clearly explain that the recipient’s property is subject to flooding.
The project must cover one or more of the 10 topics at least once a year to at least
90% of the properties in the floodplain. Full coverage of each topic is worth 13
points.

The project must clearly tell the readers that their properties are subject to flooding (e.g., a
letter that begins: “Your property is in or near the flood hazard area as mapped by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency”). There is no impact adjustment for this activity. For this
credit, the outreach project must be sent to at least 90% of the properties in the floodplain.
“Properties” are counted the same way as in Section 331.a, Outreach Projects to the entire
Community.
Multiple projects are encouraged because repeated messages have been shown to be more
effective. A 100% floodprone community can receive credit for OPF, but cannot receive OPC
credit for the same mailing even though it goes to the entire community. If the community
does two mailings in the same year, it can receive OPC credit for the second mailing.

Example 331.b-1. A brochure was prepared by a regional drainage and flood
control district. Floodville mails it to each floodplain resident. The brochure identifies
the flood hazard by naming the streams, showing their floodplains on a map, and
noting that they are subject to flash flooding, a hazard that provides little warning. At
the beginning, the reader is told, “You are located in or very near the flood hazard
area.”
Because the objective of this outreach project is to advise people of the safety threat,
it does not discuss property protection or permit requirements. This brochure is
credited for covering five topics: the local flood hazard, local flood hazard map, flood
warning, flood safety, and flood insurance.
OPF = 5 x 13 = 65

c. EITHER:
1. Additional outreach projects (OPA) (Maximum credit: 60 points)
OPA = 2 for each topic covered in additional outreach projects, such as a “flood
awareness week” or flyers inserted in local newspapers. Credit for a

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-10

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

community website may be received under either this element or under
Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information), but not both.
A community can earn a maximum of 20 points each for up to three projects, so
the total number of points available for OPA is 60.
OR

To be considered separate projects, each outreach project must either use different media or
must involve two-way communication with a different audience. For example, presentations
to the Chamber of Commerce, a neighborhood association, and a meeting of insurance agents
are considered three separate projects (e.g., OPA1, OPA2, and OPA3). However, handing out
the same brochure to the three groups and displaying the brochure in city hall and the library
are all considered one project. If the information in the brochure was also the subject of a
cable TV notice, that would be considered a second project.
A document prepared by a county, state, or regional agency can be credited, provided that
(1) It is distributed in different public places throughout the community. Simply having
copies available in one office does not qualify for credit, and
(2) Where appropriate, it provides local information. For example, to receive credit for
the local flood hazard, the document must describe the hazard to the same degree as
would a local document. To receive full credit for drainage system maintenance, the
document must identify the appropriate office to which dumping should be reported.
Many communities have “flood awareness weeks,” “disaster awareness months,” or similar
times when several different activities are underway concurrently. These programs can be
more effective if they are coordinated with similar activities at the state or federal level.
Outreach project authors and planners should check with their state emergency management
agency, FEMA, and the National Weather Service to determine when such activities will be
conducted.
Example 331.c-1. A flyer advertising a “floodproofing open house” is posted in
various public places in Watertown and publicized through news releases. The open
house includes presentations on flood protection and flood insurance along with
exhibits set up by local floodproofing contractors.
Staff members from government agencies, including Watertown’s building department, the State NFIP Coordinator, FEMA, the National Flood Insurance Program,
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers participate and answer technical questions.
Also present are volunteers from local conservation organizations who pass out
materials and answer questions about Watertown’s parks and bottomland
hardwoods.
The floodproofing open house was designed to encourage people to undertake flood
protection measures. People from many communities are invited, so the program

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-11

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects
does not discuss any particular river’s flood problem or have local flood maps.
Instead, attendees are advised to check with their city engineers’ offices for flood
data. The program does not cover flood warning, flood safety, or drainage system
maintenance.
Watertown has a complete description of the project and can document that five of
the 10 topics are covered: flood insurance, property protection, development permit
requirements, substantial improvement requirements, and the natural and beneficial
functions of the local floodplain.
OPA1 = 2 x 5 = 10
Watertown’s City Hall lobby has a rack of handouts, brochures, and other informative
materials of interest to citizens. The rack includes a supply of the CRS brochures
(which cover flood insurance) and a handout from the Building Department on why
and when floodplain permits are needed (permit requirements).
OPA2 = 2 x 2 = 4
If Watertown had another outreach project, it would be designated OPA3.

2. Outreach projects pursuant to a public information program strategy (OPS)
(Maximum credit: 125 points). This is an alternative to Section 331.c.1 (OPA).
OPS = the total of the following points:
(a) 100,

for implementing additional outreach projects that are identified in a
public information program strategy, regardless of the number of
projects or topics covered. The strategy must reflect a logical thought
process that reviews the problem, lists what public information
activities are currently being implemented, sets goals, and
recommends any new projects that may be needed to reach those
goals. This credit is dependent on a public information program
strategy prepared according to the following criteria:

(1) The community must establish a public information outreach strategy
team that includes representatives of agencies and organizations active
in floodplain management and public information. The strategy team
need not be a formal organization. At a minimum it must consist of three
people, including:
((a))

Someone familiar with the community’s floodplain management
program, and

((b))

At least one representative from outside the community’s
government.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-12

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

(2) The outreach strategy team must prepare a written document that
describes:
((a))

The local flood hazard,

((b))

The flood safety and property protection measures appropriate
for that hazard,

((c))

The flood-related public information activities currently being
implemented within the community (including those by nongovernment agencies),

((d))

Goals for the community’s public information program,

((e))

The outreach projects that will be done each year to reach the
goals, and

((f))

The process that will be followed to monitor and evaluate the
projects.

(3) The projects must be in addition to any projects credited under Section
331.a or 331.b. They do not have to cover the same 10 topics, but
discussion of each topic must describe where to get more information.
(4) The community must submit documentation that the strategy is being
implemented by the community.
(5) The community’s annual recertification must include a copy of an annual
report evaluating the projects implemented.
(b) 25, if the strategy meets the above credit criteria and the following additional
criteria are met:
(1) The community’s public information program strategy was prepared or
updated by a strategy team that includes several community
stakeholders, such as representatives from the public, private
businesses, and major employers.
(2) The strategy is a multi-hazard one. The document must include a
description of all the natural hazards that pose a major threat to the
community and the safety and property protection measures appropriate
to those hazards. As with the regular credit for this element, if these
descriptions are in other documents, they may be attached to the
strategy.
(3) The planned outreach projects address the other hazards, in addition to
the flood hazard.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-13

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

A community that prepares, implements, and monitors its public information strategy would
receive up to 125 points, regardless of the number of projects or topics covered. It is assumed
that a properly prepared strategy that reviews the problem, determines how to best reach the
target audiences, and coordinates with other information programs will produce the best
outreach projects for that community.
Therefore, the organization of the outreach strategy team and the preparation of the strategy
document are most important. Some guidelines on the five parts of the criteria are presented
below. Additional information, guidance, and examples are found in CRS Credit for Outreach
Projects (see Appendix E).
(a) The public information outreach strategy team does not have to be a formal
organization. It can be as small as three people or it can be a larger group that wants to
coordinate the public information activities in a metropolitan area. Several
communities can cooperate or the strategy may be prepared at the county level. In
such cases, the community would have to have at least one representative on the
strategy team.
The outreach strategy team must have at least three members, including:
(1) Someone familiar with the community’s floodplain management program, such
as the CRS Coordinator, and
(2) At least one representative from outside the community’s government. This
could be someone from the public schools, a neighborhood association, the Red
Cross, insurance agencies, utilities, or other offices involved in education or
floodplain management.
Additional members could include someone familiar with the local emergency
management program, floodplain residents, or someone from the public
information office.
It should be noted that the CRS does not intend that this create an unwarranted burden
on communities. This team can be very informal and need only meet once or twice a
year. Existing committees or advisory boards may fulfill the role if they include at
least the representation noted above to ensure coordination with groups outside the
city or county government.
The membership of the team will vary by community. A coastal town dependent on
tourism should have a motel or restaurant owner involved because explaining flood
warning and evacuation procedures to tourists would be important. A community with
one or two major employers may want to include the people responsible for employee
newsletters.
The emergency management representative could be from the county office.
Communities, especially smaller ones, are encouraged to work together or with their
counties to develop area-wide programs.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-14

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

The strategy may be prepared concurrently with the floodplain management plan
credited under Activity 510 and the planning committee for each may be the same.
The strategy document may be part of a floodplain management plan or it may be a
separate paper.
(b) The strategy document need not be long. Some of the information, such as the local
flood hazard and the flood safety and property protection measures appropriate for
that hazard, may already be written in an existing outreach project or floodplain
management or emergency management plan.
The section on the flood-related public information activities currently being
implemented within the community should include an inventory of what is done by the
local government, the county emergency management agency, the schools, the state,
and others concerned about flooding, such as a sanitary district or insurance agents.
The objective of this requirement is to identify who is already informing the public.
The strategy should capitalize on what is being done, coordinate messages, and
develop new projects that fill gaps left by the existing programs.
Example goals for a public information program strategy include, but are not limited
to:
•

Publicize flood safety measures,

•

Get people to evacuate when a warning is issued,

•

Advise people on how to protect their property from flood damage, and/or

•

Encourage the purchase of flood insurance.

Each community should set its own, locally appropriate goals. If people have been
killed in past floods, safety measures may be paramount. On a hurricane-prone coast,
evacuation may be the most important goal. In areas of local drainage and sewer
backup problems, publicizing self-help protection measures may be the top priority.
The strategy must establish a monitoring and evaluation process that reviews each
year’s projects and makes appropriate changes for the next year. Where possible, each
project should have measurable outcomes, such as number of inquiries for more
information, number of retrofitting building permits, or number of flood insurance
policies in force.
It is likely that more expensive projects in metropolitan areas would have more
specific objectives and more sophisticated evaluation procedures. A progress report
must be submitted with each year’s CRS recertification.
(c) The number and type of projects to be undertaken each year would be up to the
community, based on its goals and the principles of good public information programs.
If the community receives credit under Sections 331.a and b (OPC and OPF) of this
activity, it must do additional projects to receive this OPS credit.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-15

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

The projects do not have to be implemented by the community government. They can
be targeted to the general public or to selected audiences, such as insurance agents and
contractors, to help them implement their own outreach projects that work toward the
program’s goals.
The projects do not have to be the same every year. For example, the strategy may
work with the schools to develop a flood safety curriculum the first year and then
focus on workshops for insurance agents in later years.
The discussion of each topic must describe where to get more information. Examples
of sources of more information could be local staff, the library, another agency, or a
CRS-credited activity, such as Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance).

Example 331.c-2. Floodville’s mayor appointed a public information strategy
team with participation by the CRS Coordinator, the public relations director, and the
emergency manager. The school district, the park district, the power company and
the associations for insurance agents, lenders, and real estate offices were invited to
send representatives.
The strategy set three goals:
y

Make residents aware of the flood warnings and safety precautions,

y

Make residents more aware of flood insurance, and

y

Familiarize residents with appropriate property protection measures.

The strategy team selected the following projects:
y

Notices sent out with utility company bills about turning off the electricity and
gas if the house is threatened with flooding,

y

An NFIP-sponsored workshop for insurance agents,

y

A spring flood awareness week with a radio talk show on flood warnings and
safety and displays on flood protection measures set up in home
improvement stores,

y

A meeting to be held with the school district curriculum committee to
develop flood awareness and safety classes for elementary school students,

y

A meeting between the building department and the local homebuilders
association on floodplain permit requirements and property protection
methods,

y

The flood protection flyer credited as an OPC, to be sent out just before the
flood awareness week, and

y

Recommended revisions to the flood control district brochure credited as an
OPF to include property protection.

OPS = 100

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-16

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

(d) The community must submit documentation that the strategy is being implemented
by the community. This can be something as simple as a letter from the CEO
stating that the strategy will be followed. Formal adoption by a city council is not
required, although it is recommended that elected officials be involved in the
preparation or approval of the strategy.
If a joint strategy is prepared by several communities or at the county level, the
community must also adopt it locally in order to receive this credit.
(e) The strategy team must meet at least once a year to evaluate what was done and what,
if anything, should be changed. The strategy document must specify when and how
this is done. A written report must be included in the CRS recertification that is due
October 1 of each year. The evaluation report must cover the following points:
•

The goals of the community’s Public Information Program Strategy,

•

A list of the projects implemented to meet those goals and their objectives,

•

A list of the projects that were not implemented or that did not reach their
objectives, and

•

Revisions to the current projects and new projects to be implemented during
the coming year, if different from the original strategy.

Communities may use AW-330-3 in lieu of a formal written report (see Figure 330-3).
d. Promotion of flood insurance (PFI) (Maximum credit: 65 points)
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The community must prepare a locally pertinent brochure or letter on the
benefits of flood insurance. The document must discuss only the flood
hazard and flood insurance. Coverage of other topics is credited elsewhere
in the CRS.
(b) The brochure or letter must be mailed to all businesses and residences in
the community each year. Reduced credit is provided if the mailing is sent to
all businesses and residences in the SFHA each year. In either case, the
brochure or letter must go to each unit in condominiums and apartment
buildings, as well as to all other buildings in the credited area. There is no
credit for a project that goes only to properties outside the SFHA or to only
some of the buildings in the credited area.
(c) The brochure or letter must be displayed and made available in public
places such as the city hall and public library.
(d) As separate documentation (not part of the brochure or letter), the
community must provide an estimate of:
• The number of buildings in the community,
• The number of apartments and condominium units in the community,

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-17

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

• The number of buildings in the SFHA,
• The number of apartments and condominium units in the SFHA, and
• A description of how these numbers were calculated.

Flood insurance is one more tool available to communities that want to protect their residents
and businesses from the impacts of flooding. Communities should encourage the purchase of
flood insurance, just as they work to reduce drainage problems and help property owners
install flood protection measures. Research has shown that people and businesses that have
flood insurance recover more quickly and take more actions to protect themselves from future
flooding.
Even with lenders requiring the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of a loan, in most
communities’ floodplains, less than half of the properties are insured. The percentage of
floodprone buildings that are insured is even lower in B, C, and X zones even though 25% of
the flood insurance claims are paid on policies rated as being in these zones. It is a public
service to encourage residents and businesses to purchase flood insurance so they will be
better prepared for the next flood. Therefore, this element credits a separate mailing that
focuses on promoting the purchase of a flood insurance policy.
Here is more information on the four prerequisites for this credit, (a) through (d).
(a) This must be a separate mailing, not an article in a newsletter, an additional insert
with a tax or utility bill, or a mailing that also includes another outreach project for
CRS credit. It must deal only with the flood hazard and flood insurance in order to (1)
convey the central message, and (2) facilitate tracking of the effectiveness of this
approach.
It should be noted that any outreach project credited under this element cannot
duplicate credit provided elsewhere, such as in Activity 320 (Map Information
Service) or Outreach Projects to the Community in this activity. Whichever element
has the higher points will be credited.
(b) Unlike an outreach project to the community (OPC), which only needs to be sent to
each building, credit for this element is dependent on sending the notice to each
occupant. This includes rental units and condominium units. It is recommended that
the community ask the local post office how many “postal patrons” are on each route
in the community. That would determine how many copies to make. They can be sent
by bulk mail to the “postal patrons,” provided the post office confirms that that
address will reach everyone with a mailbox. This approach will not work if the
community wants the credit for sending different letters to those in and those out of
the SFHA.
(c) The brochure or letter must be displayed and made available in public places such as
the city hall and public library. An example letter is in Figure 330-2. An example
brochure for a display can be found in CRS Credit for Outreach Projects.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-18

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

(d) The prerequisite for providing the estimate of the number of buildings, apartments,
and condominium units in the community and in the SFHA is to help FEMA estimate
market penetration and will not affect the community’s credit points. The number of
buildings in the SFHA is the same number as “bSF,” which is needed for credit for
Activities 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) and 530 (Flood Protection). These figures
are also useful when preparing a floodplain management plan (Activity 510).

2. PFI = the total of the following points:
(a) 45, for preparing and distributing the brochure or letter. The brochure or
letter must cover the following topics:
(1) The community’s flood problem and flood history in the community or
area, including the dates and impacts of some past floods.
(2) Flooding is not covered by standard property insurance but that flood
insurance is available in the community.
(3) The odds that an area will flood. This item is not needed in a project that
goes only to properties outside the SFHA.
(4) That the cost of flood insurance is lower because of the community’s
efforts and the CRS.
(5) That coverage can be purchased for residential and commercial
buildings and that contents coverage can also be purchased by property
owners and renters for residential and commercial contents.
(6) There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect in most
cases.
(7) The benefits of insurance over disaster assistance.
(8) That all properties have some flood risk and that there is a low-cost
policy (Preferred Risk Policy) for those properties in a low- to moderaterisk area (B, C, and X Zones). This item should not be included in a
project that goes only to properties in the SFHA.
(9) A policy can be purchased from an insurance agent, and there is a tollfree number for the NFIP’s agent referral service if someone does not
have an insurance agent.
(b) 5, for including one or more photographs of flooding in the community with
a caption that includes the date and location.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-19

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

(c) 15, for a mailing that includes an explanation of FIRM zones and the zone in
which the recipient’s property is located. For this credit, the document
must clearly state the recipient’s FIRM zone, not tell readers how to find
their FIRM zone or refer them to a map information service.
(d) As an alternative to item (a), 10 points are provided if the mailing is sent only
to properties in the SFHA.

Example 331.d-1. Floodville mails the one-page letter shown in Figure 330-2a
to all improved properties, apartments, and condominium units in the SFHA. The
letter in Figure 330-2b is sent to all properties outside the SFHA. The letters cover all
the topics noted in Section 331.d.2(a) (45 points), have two locally pertinent
photographs of historical flooding (5 points), and tell readers in which FIRM zones
their properties are located (15 points).

332 Credit Calculation
a. c330 = OPC + OPF + OPA + PFI,

OR

b. c330 = OPC + OPF + OPS + PFI

Example 332-1. Floodville’s scores are based on the four examples discussed
above.
c330 = OPC + OPF + OPS + PFI = 36 + 65 + 100 + 65 = 266

333 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. Copies of the notices, articles, flyers, and other materials used in the outreach
projects. Each item must be marked with its appropriate acronym (OPC, OPF, OPA,
OPS, or PFI) and the topics covered must be designated in the margins.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-20

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects
City of Floodville letterhead
Date
[address]
Floodville, ST
Floodville is a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means that
you can purchase flood insurance to protect your property against the hazard of flooding. Flooding in
our city is caused by several sources, including:
• Foster Creek, which leaves its banks during heavy storms, snowmelt or ice jams. In 1992, an ice jam flooded surrounding streets
within 15 minutes of forming, causing flood damage to buildings in
the area.
• Southeast Ditch and Deadman’s Run are smaller streams that flood
during or soon after heavy storms. In July 1996, these streams
flooded within an hour after a thunderstorm started and flooded
many of the homes on Cleveland Street.
You don’t need to live near water to be flooded. Here are some
facts:

Foster Creek ice jam, 1992.

• Floods can be caused by heavy storms, melting snow,
hurricanes, dam or levee failure, or inadequate or overloaded
drainage systems.
• Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
• Most property insurance policies do not cover damage
caused by flooding.
• Federal disaster assistance requires a Presidential declaration,
which happens in less than 50% of flooding events.
• The most typical form of federal disaster assistance is a loan
that must be repaid with interest.

Cleveland Street, July 1996
• The average flood policy with $100,000 in building coverage costs
$400 a year, vs. a monthly disaster loan payment of $240 for many years on a $50,000 disaster
loan.
• A flood policy will pay covered losses even if a disaster is not declared by the President.
• In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period after you purchase a flood policy before
coverage is in effect, so don’t wait until a flood is threatening.
• Flood insurance can be purchased on eligible residential and commercial buildings and/or their
contents, or tenants can purchase contents-only coverage (residential and commercial).
• Floodville is a participant in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) which means that
residents and business owners receive a discount on their flood insurance premiums in
recognition of efforts made by Floodville to reduce the impact of flooding.
• Your property at 1256 North 40th Street is located in flood zone A15, which is a high-risk area.
You have a 26% chance of being flooded during a 30-year mortgage. Compare this to your 4%
chance of having a fire during that time. Do you have fire insurance?
Contact your insurance agent for more information about flood insurance or to purchase a flood insurance
policy. If you don’t have an agent, or your agent does not write flood insurance, the NFIP has a toll-free
number for agent referrals (1-800/CALL FLOOD (1-800/225-5356) or TDD # 1-800-427-5593). You can
also get more details about flood insurance at http://www.FloodSmart.gov.

Figure 330-2a. Example letter promoting flood insurance to SFHA properties.
NOTE: This example covers all topics listed in Section 331.d.2(a) except the benefits of a
Preferred Risk Policy, which is not available in the SFHA.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-21

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

City of Floodville Letterhead
Date
[address]
Floodville, ST
Floodville is a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means that
you can purchase flood insurance to protect your property against the hazard of flooding. Flooding in
our city is caused by several sources, including:
• Foster Creek which leaves its banks during heavy storms, snowmelt
or ice jams. In 1992, an ice jam flooded surrounding streets within 15
minutes of forming, causing flood damage to buildings in the area.
• Southeast Ditch and Deadman’s Run are smaller streams which flood
during or soon after heavy storms. In July 1996, these streams
flooded within an hour after a thunderstorm started and flooded many
of the homes on Cleveland Street.
Here are some facts:
• Floods can be caused by heavy storms, melting snow, hurricanes,
dam or levee failure, or inadequate or overloaded drainage systems.

Foster Creek ice jam, 1992.

• Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
You don’t need to live near water to be flooded. Your property at
4101 Greenwood Street is located in flood zone C, which is a
low-to-moderate risk area.
• Approximately 25% of all flood insurance claims are paid on
properties rated as being in low- to moderate-risk areas.
• Most property insurance policies do not cover damage caused by
flooding.
• Federal disaster assistance requires a Presidential declaration,
which happens in less than 50% of flooding events.

Cleveland Street, July 1996

• The most typical form of federal disaster assistance is a loan that must be repaid with interest.
• A flood policy will pay covered losses even if a disaster is not declared by the President.
• The average flood policy with $100,000 in building coverage costs $400 a year, versus a monthly
disaster loan payment of $240 for many years on a $50,000 disaster loan.
•

Your property may be eligible for a reduced cost Preferred Risk Policy for as little as $112 (1- to
4-family homes), providing peace of mind flood insurance coverage at an affordable price.

• In most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period after you purchase a flood policy before
coverage is in effect, so don’t wait until a flood is threatening.
• Flood insurance can be purchased on eligible residential and commercial buildings and/or their
contents, or tenants can purchase contents-only coverage (residential and commercial).
• Floodville is a participant in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS) which means that residents
and business owners receive a discount on their flood insurance premiums in recognition of
efforts made by Floodville to reduce the impact of flooding.
Contact your insurance agent for more information about flood insurance or to purchase a flood insurance
policy. If you don’t have an agent, or your agent does not write flood insurance, the NFIP has a toll-free
number for agent referrals (1-800/CALL FLOOD (1-800/225-5356) or TDD # 1-800-427-5593). You can
also get more details about flood insurance at http://www.FloodSmart.gov.

Figure 330-2b. Example letter promoting flood insurance to non-SFHA properties.
NOTE: This example covers all topics listed in Section 331.d.2(a) except the risk of flooding.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-22

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

See Figure 330-1 for an example of how to mark the projects. The flood awareness week
could be documented with a newspaper article, photographs, or similar record that shows
when it was held. Meetings can be documented with a copy of the minutes or a memo to the
file.

b. [If the community applies for credit for OPS under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the
public information program strategy document and documentation that it is being
implemented by the community.
c. Documentation that shows when the outreach projects are undertaken.
d. [If the community applies for credit for PFI under Section 331.d] An estimate of:
•
•
•
•
•

The number of buildings in the community,
The number of apartments and condominium units in the community,
The number of buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA),
The number of apartments and condominium units in the SFHA, and
A description of how these numbers were calculated.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification.
e. Copies of the community’s outreach projects that were conducted that year.
f. [If the community applies for credit under Section 331.c.2] A copy of the annual
evaluation of the community’s public information program strategy, either as a
separate report or on AW-330-3. If a separate report is submitted, it must cover the
same topics as AW-330-3.

334 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center, http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/. Additional information on promoting flood
insurance can be found at http://www.FloodSmart.gov.
a. See Appendix E to order a free copy of CRS Credit for Outreach Projects.
b. Some state and local emergency management offices have training courses for public
information officers. FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers basic and
advanced public information courses. EMI courses are tuition free and travel stipends can
often be obtained. For more information, contact your state emergency management
agency’s training officer.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-23

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

c. Flyers and stuffers on flood insurance are available through the National Flood Insurance
Program. Contact a local insurance agent who sells flood insurance for examples and
order forms, or obtain them from
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
1-800-480-2520
Fax: (301) 362-5335
d. There are several brochures that explain the CRS. Bulk supplies are available by calling
(317) 848-2898 or by sending an e-mail request to [email protected] .
e. The following are available free from FEMA Publications by calling 1-800-480-3520.
Hurricane Awareness Workbook, FEMA-86, includes references to organizations with
experience in conducting hurricane awareness campaigns and examples of local
projects.
Marketing Earthquake Preparedness, FEMA-112, provides guidance on developing a
local hazards preparedness campaign.
Homeowner Floodproofing Behavior is a summary of research findings on post-flood
public information activities that encouraged people to protect themselves from the
next flood.
Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA-213, explains
the requirements of and offers guidelines on the NFIP’s substantial damage rules.
e. For more references on the 10 topics, see Sections 354 and 535.
f. Open houses are public meetings that combine presentations, publications, and
discussions with government officials, experienced flood protection contractors, flood
insurance agents, etc.. How to Conduct a Floodproofing Open House provides step-bystep instructions on this form of outreach project. It is available for $7.00 from the Illinois
Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management, 153 Nanti, Park Forest, IL
60466.
g. The National Disaster Education Coalition has prepared a guide that presents the
terminology and messages to be used by Coalition members nationwide. The publication,
“Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages,” can be found at
http://www.disastereducation.org/ . All content is in the public domain and can be freely
downloaded and tailored to local needs.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-24

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

Figure 330-3. Floodville’s evaluation report for its
outreach project (AW-330-3).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-25

Edition: 2006

Outreach Projects

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

330-26

Edition: 2006

340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE
Summary of Activity 340
341
a.

Credit Points. There are four elements in this activity for a maximum of 81 points.
Disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH):
• 46 points are provided if real estate agents notify those interested in purchasing properties located
in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) about the flood hazard and the flood insurance purchase
requirement.
• 20 points are provided if there is a state law requiring real estate agents to ensure that potential
purchasers of properties in the SFHA are notified of the flood hazard.

b.

Other disclosure requirements (ODR): 5 points are provided for each other disclosure method
required by law.

c.

Real estate agents’ brochure (REB): 10 points are provided if real estate agents are providing
brochures or handouts that advise potential buyers to investigate the flood hazard for a property.

d.

Disclosure of other hazards (DOH): 10 points are provided if the notification to prospective buyers
includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, such as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands.

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

342

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are totaled.

343

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

[If applying for DFH credit under Section 341.a.1] Copies of completed disclosure notices from at
least five local real estate agencies showing that they are advising potential property purchasers of the
flood hazard and the flood insurance purchase requirement.

b.

[If applying for DFH credit under Section 341.a.2] A copy of the state law that requires real estate
agents to ensure that those interested in purchasing properties located in floodplains are notified of
the hazards.

c.

[If applying for ODR credit under Section 341.b] A copy of the portion of the ordinance or law that
requires one or more additional disclosure methods at the time of sale or rental of a property.

d. [If applying for REB credit under Section 341.c] The brochure or other document made
available by real estate agents.
e.

344

[If applying for DOH credit under Section 341.d] Documentation that the notice for DFH includes
disclosure of other flood-related hazards.

For More Information.

Commentary

340-1

Edition: 2006

Hazard Disclosure

340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE
Credit is provided if real estate agents advise prospective property purchasers of the
flood hazard. Other disclosure methods may also be credited.
Background: Most prospective buyers do not take the time (or know how) to
investigate whether a property is subject to a hazard. In many cases a property may
not be near a stream or shoreline, past flooding may have been minor, or there may be
no history of flooding since the area was developed. As a result, many people are
caught by surprise when their properties are flooded. One of the best times to advise
someone of a flood hazard is when he or she is considering the purchase of property.

Federal regulations enacted pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (as
amended by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994) require only that a lender
advise a person of the flood hazard before closing on the loan. This could be well after the
buyer has put down earnest money, has lost interest in other properties, and has become
committed to purchasing the property without knowing all the facts. In many states a buyer
has recourse under consumer protection laws.

Activity Description: Credit is provided if a community’s real estate agents advise
prospective floodplain occupants about the flood hazard and the flood insurance
purchase requirement. This activity should encourage the purchase of flood insurance
and implementation of flood protection measures, prevent victimization of unwary
buyers, and encourage appropriate use of vacant land.

The objective of this activity is to prevent all the troubles that can arise from failing to advise
potential purchasers of a flood hazard. Such a program can protect the real estate agents and
sellers from lawsuits. In many cases, it will prevent unwise development of vacant land.

341 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 340: 81 points.
a. Disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH) (Maximum credit: 46 points)
DFH = EITHER
1. 46, if real estate agents notify those interested in purchasing properties located
in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) about the flood hazard and the
flood insurance purchase requirement. The notice must clearly state whether
the property is in the floodplain and, if so, that flood insurance is required.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

340-2

Edition: 2006

Hazard Disclosure

The community must submit examples of the disclosure notices used by
local real estate agencies. OR
2. 20, if a state law requires real estate agents to advise people whether a property
is located in an SFHA.

Credit for disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH) relies on real estate agents to inform a
potential purchaser whether a property is in an SFHA. Under the first option (46 points),
there is no requirement for a statutory or other legal mandate that real estate agents disclose
the hazard in order to obtain credit for DFH. This credit is based on the documentation that
real estate agents are disclosing the hazard, not on why they are doing it.
This activity can be implemented in conjunction with Activity 320 (Map Information
Service). Real estate agents may request that the community make determinations of
properties being advertised for sale. However, no credit is provided if prospective buyers are
sent to the community to find out about a property’s potential flood risk. Credit for DFH is
entirely based on the real estate agents’ informing people whether a property is in an SFHA,
regardless of whether they were asked. A law or policy to disclose hazard information only
after an inquiry is made does not earn credit.
Credit for DFH cannot be based on real estate agents’ using a seller’s statement or certificate.
Even though the sellers have not experienced a flood while they owned the property, the
information that is required is notification of whether the property is in an SFHA.
The best way to implement this activity is with a written notification to potential purchasers.
This provides the purchaser with the correct information and provides documentation for the
real estate agent and the ISO/CRS Specialist.
The community’s application must include at least one copy of a disclosure notice from at
least five real estate agencies that serve the community. If there are fewer than five agencies,
then at least one notice from each agency must be submitted. The community should check
with its ISO/CRS Specialist to see if neighboring communities are receiving this credit and
have already submitted the needed documentation for real estate agencies that serve the area.
If the notice says a property is in the SFHA, it must also tell the inquirer that federal law
requires the purchase of flood insurance as a condition of a federally backed mortgage. The
notice may simply say, “Flood Insurance Required,” in which case the notation that the
property is in the SFHA is not needed. A property notice that is difficult for the prospective
buyer to interpret, such as “FP: Y/N,” or a general statement on all properties, such as “Flood
insurance may be required,” or “Flood Zone,” is not acceptable. The form must clearly state,
“Flood insurance is required.”
The credit criteria for the second option for DFH credit (20 points) are not as extensive as for
the first option, provided there is a state law requiring the disclosure. Credit can be provided
if there is a Multiple Listing Service notice, a seller’s disclosure form, or other written

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

340-3

Edition: 2006

Hazard Disclosure

notification. However, the disclosure must state whether the property is in a floodplain, not
whether the seller has experienced a flood. For this 20-point credit, there is no requirement to
explain the flood insurance purchase requirement.

Example 341.a-1. The real estate agents of Floodville include a notice of flood
hazard and whether flood insurance is required on their property summaries. When a
seller contracts with a real estate agent, the latter requests map information from the
City. The cost is paid by the real estate agent. The Board of Realtors® has provided
the City with a description of this procedure and a copy of a property summary that
includes the notice. [DFH = 46]

NOTE: Credit points are provided under ODR, method 2, for a legal requirement to advise
potential purchasers about the property’s known flood history. Credit is also available under
Section 341.c if real estate agents provide a brochure that advises potential property
purchasers to investigate the flood hazard.
b. Other disclosure requirements (ODR) (Maximum credit: 15 points)
ODR = 5, for each other disclosure method required by law. Credit can be
requested for up to three state or local laws or ordinances that require
disclosure of a property’s exposure to flooding, including but not limited
to:
1. Requiring all sellers to disclose in order to cover those cases where a real
estate agent is not involved.
2. Requiring real estate agents and sellers to advise potential purchasers whether
“to the best of their knowledge and belief” the property has ever been flooded.
3. Requiring landlords to advise potential renters about the flood hazard.
4. Requiring final recorded subdivision plats to display the flood hazard area.
5. Requiring that the flood hazard area be shown on individual lot surveys
prepared for deed records, property transactions, or mortgages.
6. Requiring titles or deed records to show zoning or building permit conditions
related to floodplain or drainage regulations, such as a notice about the
substantial improvement or substantial damage requirement for floodplain
properties.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

340-4

Edition: 2006

Hazard Disclosure

7. Requiring signs posted in subdivisions to advise visitors of the flood hazard.
8. Requiring deeds to show the lot or building elevation in relation to sea level and
the base or historical flood elevation.
9. Requiring a seller to disclose if the property is subject to a flood-related special
hazard.

A community may apply for credit under one of these additional approaches, even if it does
not have a real estate agent notification program. These approaches do not have to be local
requirements. In many cases, these disclosure methods are required by state law.
This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. The objective of the ODR credit is to provide
information to people before they are committed to owning or occupying a property with a
flood hazard. Because these approaches do not affect as many people while they are actually
looking for a property (as agent disclosure does), fewer credit points are provided.
Furthermore, because they are difficult to verify in the field, these approaches must be based
on a law or other explicit legal mandate.

Example 341.b-1. Floodville is seeking credit for two other disclosure
requirements. One is based on a state law that requires that before they are
recorded, all subdivision plats are to “include an engineer’s or surveyor’s statement
as to which lots, if any, are partially or completely located in an area of special flood
hazard identified pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.” [5 points]
Floodville’s zoning and building codes require that property records show all special
requirements that have been imposed as a condition of building in a floodplain: “A
record of each variance, special use permit, and conditional use permit, and all
conditions and stipulations attached thereto, shall be provided to the County
Recorder of Deeds to be filed with the record of the property.” [5 points]
The city’s application includes a photocopy of these two quoted legal requirements:
ODR = 10.

Requirements for identifying the floodplain or flood elevations on preliminary plats or permit
applications are not disclosure requirements and are not credited. ODR credit is based on a
legal requirement to disclose the flood hazard on a record or notice that will be seen by
potential purchasers or occupants of a property.

Commentary

340-5

Edition: July 2007

Hazard Disclosure

c. Real estate agents’ brochure (REB) (Maximum credit: 10 points)
REB = 10, if real estate agents are providing brochures or handouts that advise
potential buyers to investigate the flood hazard for a property. This credit is
available even if the community does not receive credit for Disclosure of the Flood
Hazard under Section 341.a.

An example of such a brochure is shown in Figure 340-1. A locally tailored brochure
describing the community’s flood hazard would be very useful. Sellers, in particular, may
appreciate as complete a description as possible, especially if the flooding is shallow and
slow-moving and retrofitting or other protective measures are appropriate and inexpensive.
Purchasers of vacant land should be well aware of factors such as the depth, velocity, and
warning time of the base flood.

Example 341.c-1. Floodville has given each real estate office several hundred
copies of the brochure shown in Figure 340-1. The real estate agents give one to
every client, including those looking at properties outside the floodplain: REB = 10.

d. Disclosure of other hazards (DOH) (Maximum credit: 10 points)
DOH = 10, if the notification to prospective buyers credited in Section 341.a
includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, such as the coastal A Zone,
erosion, subsidence, or wetlands. This credit is available only if the community also
receives credit for DFH.

Disclosure programs should not be limited to flood hazards. Potential property purchasers
should be advised of other hazards that have been identified for specific sites. Coastal A
Zones, erosion, subsidence, and wetlands are the site-specific hazards mentioned above.
Others include dam failure, volcanoes, landslides, and wildfire, as well as tsunamis and the
other special hazards listed in Section 401. Disclosing one hazard should trigger interest in
others, so a broader-based program will be more effective.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

340-6

Edition: July 2007

Hazard Disclosure

Flood Hazard: Check Before You Buy
Flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from a river, lake, or ocean. If you’re
looking at a property, it’s a good idea to check out the possible flood hazard before you buy. Here’s why:

⋅
·
·
·
·
·
·

The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building.
Slow-moving floodwaters can knock people off their feet or float a car.
Even standing water can float a building, collapse basement walls, or buckle a concrete floor.
Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, clothing, upholstered furniture, and mattresses, may have
to be thrown away after a flood.

Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original condition.
Floodwaters are not clean: floods carry mud, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances
that cause health hazards.
The impact of a flood—cleaning up, making repairs, and the personal losses—can cause great stress
to you, your family, and your finances.

Floodplain Regulations: Your community regulates construction and development in the floodplain to
ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage. Filling and similar projects are prohibited in
certain areas. Houses substantially damaged by fire, flood, or any other cause must be elevated to or above

the flood level when they are repaired.
Check for the Flood Hazard: Before you commit yourself to buying property, do the following:

⋅
⋅
⋅

Ask the local building, zoning, or engineering department if the property is in a floodplain; if it has
ever been flooded; what the flood depth, velocity, and warning time are; if it is subject to any other
hazards; and what building or zoning regulations are in effect.
Ask the real estate agent if the property is in a floodplain, if it has ever been flooded, and if it is
subject to any other hazards, such as sewer backup or subsidence.
Ask the seller and the neighbors if the property is in a floodplain, how long they have lived there, if
the property has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards.

Flood Protection: A building can be protected from most flood hazards, sometimes at a relatively low cost.
New buildings and additions can be elevated above flood levels. Existing buildings can be protected from
shallow floodwaters by regrading, berms, or floodwalls. There are other retrofitting techniques that can
protect a building from surface or subsurface water.
Flood Insurance: Homeowners insurance usually does not include coverage for a flood. One of the best
protection measures for a building with a flood problem is National Flood Insurance, which is purchased
through any property insurance agent. If the building is located in a floodplain, flood insurance will be
required by most mortgage lenders (see other side). Ask an insurance agent how much a flood insurance
policy would cost.
[NOTE: The other side of this flyer is the same as Figure 320-2.]

Figure 340-1. Sample real estate agents’ brochure.
Commentary

340-7

Edition: 2006

Hazard Disclosure

342 Credit Calculation
c340 = DFH + ODR + REB + DOH

Example 342-1. Floodville does not have maps or disclosure practices on other
flood-related hazards (DOH = 0).
c340 = 46 + 10 + 10 + 0 = 66

Floodville’s activity worksheet is completed using these values for the variables.

343 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. [If the community is applying for DFH credit] Documentation that demonstrates that
real estate agents are advising potential property purchasers of the flood hazard
and the flood insurance purchase requirement.

If the community is applying for DFH credit for the first option (46 points), the application
must include copies of disclosure notices from at least five real estate agencies. If there are
fewer than five agencies that serve the community, then at least one notice from each agency
is submitted.
This documentation could be copies of the notations on property summary sheets, offer-topurchase forms, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) forms or other media. Seller’s disclosure
forms may be sufficient if they clearly state that the property is or is not in the SFHA.
Statements that “to the best of the seller’s knowledge” and statements as to whether the
property has flooded are not creditable. However, such forms may be eligible for credit under
Section 341.b, ODR. Statements that advise the seller to determine if the property is
floodprone are not creditable, although such forms may be eligible for credit under Section
341.c, REB.
Blank forms are not acceptable documentation. Copies of actual information shown to
prospective buyers are required. Names and addresses may be blacked out to preserve
confidentiality.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

340-8

Edition: 2006

Hazard Disclosure

The most common approach is to have a box in the MLS form. In this case, a photocopy of a
completed MLS form must be submitted as documentation, along with a statement that all or
most of the local agencies use the MLS form.

b. [Required only if the community is applying for ODR credit] A copy of ordinance or
law language requiring one or more additional disclosure methods at the time of
sale or rental of a property. The acronym “ODR” must be marked in the margin of
the sections that pertain to this element.

This documentation need only be submitted if the community is requesting credit for one of
the other disclosure requirements discussed in Section 341.b. A photocopy of the appropriate
pages of the ordinance or statute is sufficient and should be attached to the activity
worksheet. The Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) application certification is considered to
include a certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted into law and is being
enforced.

c. [Required only if the community is applying for REB credit] A brochure or other
document that is made available to interested parties by real estate agents. The
document must advise people looking to purchase property to investigate the flood
hazard before they buy.

See Figure 340-1 for ideas on what should be included in a brochure.
d. [Required only if the community is applying for DOH credit] Documentation that the
notification in Section 341.a includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, such
as the coastal A Zone, erosion, subsidence, or wetlands.

Maps that disclose information about other flood-related hazards to prospective purchasers
are encouraged. In some states, coastal erosion or recession maps have been prepared. Coastal
communities receiving credit under Activity 320 (Map Information) should disclose whether
a property is in the coastal A Zone or is part of the Coastal Barrier Resources System. Some
communities have mapped areas subject to land subsidence and are regulating new
construction in those areas. Others have mapped and zoned wetlands or other sensitive areas.
This activity gives credit for including these hazards on the same form or notice that is
credited under DFH.

Commentary

340-9

Edition: July 2007

Hazard Disclosure

344 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Copies of the following booklets are available free in quantity. See the FEMA Order Form
at the end of Appendix E.
Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA-387,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 2001. This is also available from
FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/qanda.shtm .
How to Use a Flood Map to Protect Your Property, FEMA-258, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, May 1995.
Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, September 1999. This booklet discusses the legal background of
the flood insurance purchase requirement from the lender’s perspective. It is also
available from FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2954.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

340-10

Edition: July 2007

350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION
Summary of Activity 350
351

Credit Points. There are three elements in this activity for a maximum of 102 points.

a.

Flood protection library (LIB): 25 points are provided if the local public library contains at least one
document from these topics and the documents are entered into the library’s card catalog or similar
system that allows patrons to find publications related to flooding and flood protection.

b.

Locally pertinent documents (LPD): Up to 5 points are provided for having documents keyed to local
or state conditions.

c.

Flood protection website (WEB): Up to 72 points are provided for including flood protection
information or links to such information on the community’s website.

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

352

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are totaled.

353

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

[Required only if the community is applying for LIB or LPD credit] A statement from the head of the
library that includes:
1. A list, with publication dates, of the flood-related documents in the library;
2. Either:
(a) Certification that the documents have been entered into the library’s card catalog or similar
system; OR
(b) A copy of the card catalog cards or printout of the automated system’s inventory of flood
documents; and
3. Certification that the library will maintain adequate numbers of the listed documents to meet the
demand and that the FIRMs and other materials will be kept up to date.

b.

[Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] The address of the community’s
website.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification:
c.

354

[Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] Certification that it has conducted its
annual review and update of the information and links on its flood protection website.

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-1

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Information

350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION
Credit is provided if the local library maintains documents about flood insurance, flood
protection, floodplain management, and natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.
Additional credit is provided if similar information is available on the community’s
website.
Background: The community library is an obvious place for residents to seek
information on flooding and flood protection. A website is another place that people
often look. Both locations can contain a great deal of information and both offer
alternatives for people who are hesitant to go to City Hall or talk to a local official.
Activity Description: To receive credit under the first element, the publications must
be kept and distributed by the public library. The publications do not need to be kept in
each library building if there are several branches to a local library system. No credit is
provided for documents kept in an office that is not a local public library.
To receive credit for the website, the information must be clearly identified on the site’s
home page. It must be in or accessible from the community’s website.
In both cases, the material must be kept up to date.

The objective of this activity is to ensure that there is a sufficient number of references on
floodplain management and flood insurance available for interested parties. Rather than
stipulate what a “sufficient number” is, this activity specifies that the documents be kept by a
public library or on a local website. It is up to the library to maintain an adequate number to
meet the demand.
Libraries can also provide immediate access to additional references through interlibrary loan
systems. Websites can provide direct links to additional information.
A secondary objective of this activity is to involve the public library in the community’s
flood concerns. Libraries are usually the first place people turn to when they want to research
a topic. Libraries also have their own public information campaigns with displays, lectures,
and other projects, which can augment the activities of the municipal or county government.
Lately, more and more people are turning to the internet.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-2

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Information

351 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 350: 102 points.
a. Flood protection library (LIB) (Maximum credit: 25 points)
LIB = the total of the following points based on whether the library contains
documents about these topics and the documents are entered into the library’s card
catalog or similar system that allows patrons to find publications related to flooding
and flood protection:
1. 4, for a copy of the community’s current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and
the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and an explanation of their use;
2. 2, for documents on flood insurance;
3. 8, for documents on protecting a building;
4. 3, for documents on community floodplain management or flood hazard
mitigation;
5. 3, for documents on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains;
6. 3, for an up-to-date directory of addresses and telephone numbers of local
offices that can provide more information on the above topics; and
7. 2, for documents on the special hazards that affect the community.

For the purposes of Community Rating System (CRS) credit, “the library” means the public
library most accessible and most widely used by residents of the community. In a community
with branch libraries, the publications and other documents must be available to all branches,
although it is not necessary for each branch to maintain a full set. If a small community does
not have a library, but an adjacent large community does, the small community may receive
credit for this activity, because its residents will presumably use the library in the adjacent
community.
Although only one document for each topic is required, it is expected that the library will
have more than one title on each topic, especially on protecting a building. It is assumed that
the library will order additional copies and additional titles in accordance with the demand.
The documents must be entered into the library’s card catalog or similar system that allows
patrons to find publications related to flooding and flood protection. Some libraries place
these documents in a reference library that contains uncataloged items. In such cases, the card
catalog still needs an entry under “flood,” which could read, “See Reference Librarian for
materials on flooding and flood protection.”

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-3

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Information

The directory of addresses and telephone numbers must be of local or nearby offices that are
willing to provide more information. These could include the local building department or
engineer, the State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers’ District Flood Plain Management Services Office, or private
conservation and environmental groups. Credit is not provided if only state and national
offices are listed.
Two points are provided for documents on the special hazards and coastal hazards that affect
the community. These hazards are discussed in Section 401. They include flood-related
hazards, such as closed basin lakes, mudflows, and coastal erosion. There are separate
publications on CRS credit for these hazards (see Appendix E) that would suffice for this
credit. Those publications list additional references that would also be useful for the libraries
of communities subject to the hazards.
If the community is subject to hazards in addition to flooding, the library should provide
materials on them, too. There are many ways in which protection from one hazard provides
protection or reinforces protection measures for other hazards. For example, a resident may
purchase a NOAA Weather Radio because he or she is in an area subject to tornadoes, but
also be able to receive warnings of flash flooding conditions. The more residents and
businesses know about the hazards and the measures, the better prepared they will be for
flooding.

Example 351.a-1. The head of Floodville’s library has obtained and cataloged
one copy of the FIRM, Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, FEMA’s booklet on
FIRMs (FEMA-258), and several documents on flood insurance, protecting a building
from flooding, and community flood hazard mitigation. A local organization, The
Friends of Foster Creek, provided a study on the bottomland hardwoods of the
Foster Creek floodplain. A directory of sources of additional information was not
prepared, nor is there a mention of the ice jams that affect Floodville. The activity
worksheet reflects this:
LIB = 4 + 2 + 8 + 3 + 3 + 0 + 0 = 20.
The librarian has listed all the documents obtained along with some already in the
library. The list is attached to a letter certifying that the library “has entered all of the
documents into the library’s card catalog” and it “will maintain adequate numbers of
the listed documents to meet the demand.”

b. Locally pertinent documents (LPD) (Maximum credit: 5 points)
LPD = 1, for each document that is keyed to local conditions or conditions in the
state. The maximum value for LPD is 5.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-4

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Information

Section 331 discusses the benefits of locally pertinent documents. Many communities have
published their own guidebooks for their residents, particularly on how to protect a building
from flood damage. Many State NFIP Coordinators have prepared manuals or booklets on
flood insurance and how to read flood insurance maps. Other locally pertinent documents
include the community’s flood insurance study text, flood control or hazard mitigation plans,
after-action reports evaluating responses to past floods, and regional flood control or
floodplain management plans.

Example 351.b-1. One of the Floodville Library’s books is the regional planning
commission’s report on flooding and floodplain management recommendations. The
library also includes the state’s book on protecting a home from flooding and the
report on the Foster Creek bottomland hardwoods:
LPD = 3.

c. Flood protection website (WEB) (Maximum credit: 72 points)
1. Prerequisites. The website must meet the following criteria:
(a) The community’s website must be easy to locate by a commonly used
search engine. If searching for the community’s name will not get the user to
the community’s website, then the address must be publicized through an
outreach project that reaches at least 90% of the community.
(b) The link to the flood protection information must be clearly noted on the
home page of the community’s website OR
(1) The community’s home page must have a search engine that directs the
user to the flood protection information; OR
(2) The flood protection information must be easily found using a widely
used search engine by entering the community name and the word
“flood,” “floodplain,” or “stormwater.”
(c) Information may be provided via links to other websites, provided they are
pertinent to the community’s flood conditions.
(d) The site must include at least one link to relevant pages of the Department
of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management agency (FEMA)
website (http://www.FEMA.gov).
(e) The site must be reviewed and updated at least once each year.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-5

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Information

The internet is a powerful tool for providing information to those who are seeking it. A well
designed and maintained website can supplement other methods of providing public
information in a community. Some types of information, such as detailed maps, current
information on flooding and emergency response, and links to any amount of additional
information the user needs cannot be effectively provided in other ways.
The first two prerequisites address two issues:
1. People who are looking for flood information in a community should be able to find it
easily, and
2. People who are looking at the community’s website should be reminded that there are
flood hazards and that they should look at your flood-related pages.
The first prerequisite ensures that an internet user can find the community’s website.
Normally this is done by entering the community’s name in the address line or in a search
engine. Widely used search engines such as AltaVista, AOL, Google, and others must be able
to find the website using the community’s name. Including the community’s name and terms
like “flood protection” in the web page title and/or as keywords for the web page (which are
hidden from the user) will accomplish this. If that will not work (e.g., when the site is
administered by a university, county, or flood control district), then the community must
publicize the site’s address.
That publicity must be carried out through an outreach project that reaches at least 90% of the
community. The publicity may be a part of an Outreach Project to the Community (OPC),
credited under Activity 330. It does not have to be submitted for OPC credit. For example the
site’s address could be publicized in utility bills that reach all utility customers (“For flood
protection information, see the Metropolitan Sewer District’s website at http://www.
FloodHelp.org”). In this case, there is not enough information to qualify for OPC credit, but
the publicity prerequisite would be met.
The third and fourth prerequisites are intended to encourage communities to find specific
information of use to their residents and link them to it. The site’s home page must include a
connection to the flood protection information. Examples of home page listings are “flood
protection,” “hurricane protection,” “flood information,” “stormwater,” “floods and other
hazards,” etc. Other phrases may be used if they are commonly used local terms for flooding
and related hazards.
A list of department names will not qualify, but a search feature on the home page that links
“flood” or a similar term to the information would qualify, provided that the links go directly
to sites with information on the credited topics. The linked sites must be in a format to
provide readily useful flood protection information to the residents of the community. Links
to a variety of other pages that happen to have the word “flood” in them are not credited.
The flood protection website may include links to other sites operated by the state; the
regional flood, water resources, or sewer district; universities; and others with information
related to the credited topics. However, the other sites must have information pertinent to the
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-6

Edition: 2006

community’s flood conditions (e.g., a riverine community should not refer users to a coastal
website).
The mandatory connection to FEMA’s website ensures that the latest information on the
National Flood Insurance Program and other FEMA programs will be provided. The link(s)
must be to relevant pages. For example, the community’s discussion of flood insurance could
end with “ Click here for more information on flood insurance costs and coverage.” Clicking
the box would link to http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodins/infocon.shtm.
The fifth prerequisite (annual updates) should be no problem for a good community website;
most websites are updated at least monthly.
NOTE: If the community’s website does not meet these prerequisites, it may still qualify for
credit as an additional outreach project under Section 331.c in Activity 330 (Outreach
Projects). Credit is not provided under both of these activities, however.

2. Credit points. WEB = the total of the following points. (Maximum credit: 72
points).
(a) 40, for covering each of the 10 outreach project topics to at least the same
level of detail as described in Section 331 (Outreach Projects) (up to four
points per topic).
(b) 2, for publicizing the fact that copies of elevation certificates can be obtained
from the appropriate community office.
(c) 10, for providing real time river gage data for sites that affect the community.
If a local gage stage datum is used, the gage data must relate to mean sea
level, NGVD, or a local landmark. (e.g., “two feet over the Route 30 bridge”).
This credit is dependent on the website’s covering the flood safety topic.
(d) 20, for other flood warning information (evacuation routes, etc.) if the
community receives credit for dissemination of flood warning information to
the public under Activity 610 (Section 611.b).

There are 10 topics credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). At the beginning of that
activity is a discussion of what should be included to receive full credit for covering each
topic. The website must fully cover a topic at the same level of detail as required for Activity
330 (Outreach Projects) to receive the full 4 points for that topic. Examples are included in
Figure 330-1.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-7

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

More information can be provided by having a link to another site (e.g., “For more
information on flood insurance, see http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/”). If the community’s
website covers a topic through a link to another site, the following criteria must be met:
● The link must be preceded with a locally relevant introductory paragraph;
● If the topic must be locally relevant (e.g., how to obtain a local permit or local
natural and beneficial floodplain functions), the linked website must address
local conditions; and
● The linked address must go directly to the relevant topic (e.g., the flood
insurance link above goes directly to the page on the NFIP, not just to the home
page of FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov).
Example 351.c-1. On the home page of Floodville’s website is an entry called
“Flood Protection.” This links to a page that notes that the City has a flood problem
but that many things are being done about it. It stresses that residents can do things
to protect themselves. The following links are provided:
□

“Our flood hazard,” a description of the flood hazard (4 points) taken from
the outreach projects the City prepared for Activity 330. This page includes
some color photos of recent floods in the City.

□

“Flood safety tips” (4 points), also taken from the outreach projects.

□

“Permit requirements,” a summary of the City’s floodplain development
permit requirements (4 points) with links to the Building Department’s page,
which has permit application forms and other information on getting permits,
and to the municipal code’s floodplain management ordinance.

□

“Drainage maintenance” covers the benefits of drainage system
maintenance and City regulations related to drainage and has a link to the
municipal code’s section on stream dumping (4 points).

□

“Protecting your home,” a summary of relevant property protection measures
with links to FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect
Your House from Flooding, Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone
House, and Repairing Your Flooded Home (4 points).

□

“Flood insurance” is a link to FEMA’s web page that explains the basics of
flood insurance (4 points).

□

A note that copies of elevation certificates can be obtained from the Building
Department (2 points).

WEB = 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 26

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-8

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

352 Credit Calculation
c350 = LIB + LPD + WEB

Example 352-1. As noted above, LIB = 20, LPD = 3, and WEB = 26.
c350 = 20 + 3 + 26 = 49

353 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. [Required only if the community is applying for LIB or LPD credit] A statement from
the head of the library that includes the following items:
1. A list of the documents available in the library, with their publication dates.
2. Either:
(a) A certification that the documents listed have been entered into the library’s
card catalog or similar system that allows patrons to find publications related
to flooding and flood protection, or
(b) A copy of the card catalog cards or printout of the automated system’s
inventory of documents listed under “flood” or related topics.
3. A certification that the library will maintain adequate numbers of the listed documents to meet the demand and that the FIRM and other materials will be kept
up to date.

A letter signed by the appropriate official responsible for administration of the library or
library system is sufficient. If the community’s library is a system with multiple libraries, the
CRS Coordinator should include a brief description of the system. If the community has no
library and is applying for credit for a library in an adjacent town or a county library system,
this documentation must be obtained from the librarian responsible for the system.
A list of documents meeting the intent of this activity is found in Section 354.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-9

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

b. [Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] The address of the
community’s website.

The community’s website credit (WEB) is verified by a review of the website itself. Credit
will be denied if the prerequisites are not met or if the topics are not adequately covered.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification.
c. [Required only if the community is applying for WEB credit] Certification that it has
conducted its annual review and update of the information and links in its flood
protection website.

354 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Unless otherwise noted, the following documents are available free. See the FEMA Order
Form at the end of Appendix E.
1. A copy of the FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and an explanation of
their use:
The community’s CRS Coordinator should provide the library with a copy of the
FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map. Additional copies can be ordered by
calling 1-800-358-9616 or faxing a request to 1-800-358-9620. The toll-free map
distribution center is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EST, Monday through
Friday. Maps are provided to local government officials at no charge.
An explanation of the use of flood insurance maps can be found in How to Use a
Flood Map to Protect Your Property, FEMA-258, May 1995.
2. Documents and websites on flood insurance:
Although flyers, stuffers, and similar brief reviews of flood insurance are
appropriate for an outreach project, they are not adequate for credit under Activity
350 (Flood Protection Information).
Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA 387,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, August 2001.
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/qanda.shtm .

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-10

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

Flood Insurance Frequently Asked Questions and the NFIP Answer Desk are at
http://faq.fema.gov/cgi-bin/fema.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php .
Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 1999.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2954 .
Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA-234, 1992. This handbook is like several
other books that cover flood insurance as part of giving a property owner
information on all methods of flood protection. These types of documents can be
credited provided that there is sufficient coverage of insurance and that they are
appropriately cataloged so they can be found by someone interested in flood
insurance.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1418.

There are several brochures that explain the CRS. Bulk supplies are available by
calling (317) 848-2898 or emailing [email protected] .
3. Documents on protecting a building:
Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1424.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from
Flooding. FEMA-312, 1998.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib312.shtm

Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA-234, 1992.
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html

Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54, 1984.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib54.shtm

Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-55, Third Edition, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib55.shtm

Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas, FEMA-85, 1985.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib85.shtm

Floodproofing Nonresidential Structures, FEMA-102, 1986.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1413

Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures, FEMA-114,
1986.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1414

Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood Prone Residential
Buildings, FEMA-259, 1995.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib259.shtm

Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal
Areas, FEMA-257, 1994.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1643

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-11

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-348, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/pbuffd.shtm

Reducing Flood Losses through the International Code Series, FEMA, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2094

There are three video tapes in FEMA’s “Best Build” series:
Best Build: Constructing a Sound Coastal Home
Best Build 2: Construction in a Riverine Floodplain
Best Build 3: Protecting a Flood-prone Home
These Corps floodproofing publications can be found on the following website:
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/publications.html

Hard copies can be ordered from:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECW-PD
National Nonstructural/Flood Proofing Committee
Attn: Joe Remondini
1645 South 101st East Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74128
(918) 669-7197
Flood Proofing Systems & Techniques, December 1984. (Out of print and available
only via the website.)
Flood-Proofing Regulations, EP 1165 3 314, 1992.
Flood Proofing Performance—Successes & Failures, 1998.
Flood Proofing Techniques, Programs and References, January 1996.
Raising and Moving The Slab-On-Grade House, 1990.
A Flood Proofing Success Story, September 1993.
Flood Proofing: How to Evaluate Your Options, July 1993.
Flood Proofing Technology in the Tug Fork Valley, April 1994.
Local Flood Proofing Programs, June 1994
4. Documents on community floodplain management or flood hazard mitigation:
Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction, FEMA-15, December 1981.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib15.shtm

A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management, FEMA-248, May 1994.
Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas—A Guidebook for Local
Officials, FEMA-116, February 1987.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib116.shtm

Floodplain Management in the United States: An Assessment Report, Summary
Report, FIA-17, June 1992.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib17.shtm

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-12

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

5. Documents on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains:
Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268, September 1995.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1419

USEPA Wetlands Fact Sheets and other types of assistance can be obtained by
contacting the EPA’s Wetlands Information Hotline at 1-800-832-7828 or
[email protected]. The fact sheets can also be downloaded from
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/facts/contents.html.

6. The directory of addresses of local offices that can provide more information should
include names, addresses, and telephone numbers. All agencies listed should be
contacted to ensure that they have the ability and are willing to provide more
information. The agencies listed below should be checked.
(a) More information about the FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map: The
community’s engineer, planner or building official, the State NFIP Coordinator,
and the FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A).
(b) More information about flood insurance: Local insurance agencies and the state
insurance department or NFIP Coordinator.
(c) More information on protecting a building: Whatever agencies are providing
information under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance). If the community is
not applying for credit under Activity 360, it should check on the services
provided by the city engineer, building inspector, State NFIP Coordinator, Corps
of Engineers District Floodplain Management Services Office, and Natural
Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist.
(d) More information on community floodplain management: Local or regional
planning offices, State NFIP Coordinator, FEMA Regional Office, and Corps of
Engineers District Floodplain Management Services Office.
(e) More information and publications on natural and beneficial functions: State and
federal agencies for environmental protection, conservation, fish and wildlife
management, parks, and recreation. Regional planning agencies and local chapters
of environmental and conservation organizations like American Rivers, the Izaak
Walton League, and the Sierra Club, may also be able to provide information and
materials for the library. To obtain CRS credit, references on natural and
beneficial functions must be cataloged so that someone looking for information on
floodplains will find them.
(f) Additional information about the National Flood Insurance Program and other
FEMA programs can be accessed on the website at http://www.fema.gov or by
calling “FEMA FAX” at (202) 646-FEMA. FEMA FAX is a 24-hour service with a
voice mail menu that leads the caller through a series of choices and sends a
facsimile response to the inquiry.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-13

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Information

b. Additional documents should be available from state, regional, local, and private sources.
c. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
d. A tutorial on designing and operating a municipal floodplain management website is
available at no charge from the CRS. It is on a CD for IBM-compatible personal
computers. Copies are available by calling (317) 848-2898 or e-mailing [email protected].

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

350-14

Edition: July 2007

360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE
Summary of Activity 360
361

Credit Points. There is one element in this activity for a maximum of 71 points.

Flood protection assistance (FPA): Up to 71 points are provided based on the type of technical
assistance that is provided.
a.

10 points for providing site-specific flood and flood-related data, such as floor elevations, data
on historical flooding in the neighborhood, or similar information so inquirers can relate the
flood threat to their properties.

b. 4 points for providing names of contractors and consultants knowledgeable or experienced in
retrofitting techniques and construction.
c.

3 points for providing material on how to select a qualified contractor and on what recourse
people have if they are dissatisfied with a contractor’s performance.

d. 35 points for making site visits to review flooding, drainage, and sewer problems and providing
one-on-one advice to the property owner.
e.

14 points for providing advice and assistance on the retrofitting techniques discussed in Activity
530 (Flood Protection).

f.

5 points if the person providing the advice and assistance on retrofitting techniques has
graduated from the Emergency Management Institute course on retrofitting.

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

362

Credit Calculation. The credit points for FPA are totaled.

363

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

A copy of the document the community used to publicize the service.

b. A description of the technical qualifications of the persons providing the assistance.
c.

If the person is not a community employee, a copy of a letter stating that the person and/or
agency has agreed to do the work.

d. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.b or c] A list of the
names of contractors or consultants and/or a copy of the material the community provides on
how to select a contractor.
e.

364

[Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.d or e] Records noting
the date and person assisted and the type of assistance provided.

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-1

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Assistance

360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE
Credit is provided if a community provides technical advice to interested property
owners and publicizes the services available.
Background: Floodplain residents are more likely to undertake activities to reduce the
flood hazard to their property if reliable information is available locally. These activities
include correcting local drainage problems, retrofitting existing structures, and siting and
building new structures.
Activity Description: Under this activity, a qualified person must be willing and able to
provide information on the flood hazard, on contractors, and on flood protection
measures to inquirers. The availability of this service must be publicized at least
annually.

The other activities in this series advise people to learn more about flood insurance and flood
protection. The most effective public information program is direct, face-to-face
communication with an expert. The best source of information on flood insurance is a flood
insurance agent. This activity is designed to credit the best source of information about
protecting a building from flood damage.
The objective of this activity is to provide interested property owners with general
information that responds to their needs. Providing construction plans or specifications that
should be prepared by an architect or engineer is not necessary. It is expected that the person
providing the assistance will discuss the inquirers’ situation and help them come to the appropriate solution.
The best assistance office is one that is staffed with knowledgeable and interested people.
Quoting directly from books or repeating formulae are not generally effective forms of assistance. The advisors must be confident and willing to help floodplain residents. Therefore, a
community should limit the assistance it provides to those topics that it is ready and willing
to cover.
The assistance office could be the city engineer, building inspector, State National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Floodplain
Management Services office, Natural Resources Conservation Service District
Conservationist, etc. It need not be local staff if other agencies have agreed to answer
inquiries. Assistance can be provided by a combination of offices to secure a range of expertise.
NOTE: This activity does not give credit for floodplain ordinance enforcement activities
normally conducted by a building department, such as making site visits and/or reviewing
plans to ensure that they comply with the building code.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-2

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Assistance

361 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 360: 71 points.
Flood protection assistance (FPA) = The total of the following points based on which of
the topics listed below are covered.
a. 10, for providing site-specific flood and flood-related data, such as floor elevations,
data on historical flooding in the neighborhood, or similar information so
inquirers can relate the flood threat to their properties.

This information can be obtained from flood control studies or records the community
collected during past floods. Photographs and stories about floods need to include the following types of data that help describe the flood hazard to the inquirer:
•

flood warning times;

•

flood velocities and duration;

•

depths of flooding at the inquirer’s property or nearby; and

•

property damage, injuries, deaths, and other information that conveys the impact of
flooding on the area and its residents.

Flood elevations and building (floor) elevations both must be provided so that the flood
hazard can be related to the building’s needs for protection. In areas of shallow flooding, or
where there is a definite reference point, such as the curb in front of the building, a flood
depth will be sufficient. Simply providing base flood elevations or information taken from
elevation certificates is not credited under this activity because providing this information is
credited under Activities 310 (Elevation Certificates) and 320 (Map Information Service).

b. 4, for providing names of contractors and consultants knowledgeable or
experienced in retrofitting techniques and construction.

Most property owners do not want to retrofit their properties by themselves. People want and
need to know the names of companies who can do the work. Many communities have lists of
such companies from their building, housing, or community development department records.
Some communities and states regulate and license contractors for certain types of work.
It is important to note that this activity does not call on communities to recommend or
endorse contractors or consultants. The community need only provide names and addresses or
telephone numbers of licensed contractors or companies that have done the type of work the
inquirer needs done or have been licensed by the community or state to do the type of work
needed. The list must be organized by specialty (e.g., house movers, plumbers, waterproofers,
etc.).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-3

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Assistance

c. 3, for providing material on how to select a qualified contractor and what recourse
people have if they are dissatisfied with a contractor’s performance.

There are many references for this type of information, including Repairing Your Flooded
Home and Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures (see Section
354.a.3). Other sources are local building trades councils, state licensing or registration
agencies, the Better Business Bureau, city or county attorney, or a state or local consumer
protection agency.

d. 35, for making site visits to review flooding, drainage, and sewer problems and
providing one-on-one advice to the property owner. The visit can be to review
an existing problem or to provide advice to someone contemplating developing
or improving a property. A record must be kept of each visit. This service must
do more than simply determine whether the community will construct a
drainage improvement project; it must include providing advice to the owner or
resident on how to protect the property from the flood hazard.
e. 14, for providing advice and assistance on the retrofitting techniques discussed in
Activity 530 (Flood Protection).
NOTE: This activity does not give credit for normal building department activities such as
making site visits and/or reviewing plans to ensure that they comply with the building code.

f.

Either:
5,

if the person providing the advice and assistance on retrofitting techniques has
graduated from the Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings course at the
Emergency Management Institute, OR

2,

if the person providing the advice and assistance on retrofitting techniques has
successfully completed the retrofitting home study course (IS-279) of the
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) or an equivalent field-deployed course that includes a final exam that is
a prerequisite to graduation.

The objective is to have a knowledgeable person (other than a building contractor) directly
advise a property owner on appropriate flood protection measures. This activity is not
designed to provide a public service that competes with local engineers or architects. The
objective is to help a property owner select the most appropriate protection measure or
measures, not to prepare detailed construction specifications. Where appropriate, the
technical advisor would still recommend soils analyses or structural studies.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-4

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Assistance

Activity 530 (Flood Protection) provides credit for modifications that have been made to
existing buildings to protect them from flooding. These techniques include elevating a
building above flood levels, floodwalls, dry floodproofing, wet floodproofing, and sewer
backup protection. This element credits helping property owners to understand these
retrofitting techniques and to choose the most appropriate measure.
The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a five-day course on retrofitting techniques oriented to
engineers and experienced building professionals. Stipends to cover travel, registration, and
rooms are usually available from FEMA. EMI also offers several independent study courses,
which are also free. For more information, call EMI at 1-800-238-3358 or see the EMI
website at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/ .
Example 361.e-1. Floodville provides inquirers with flood and floor elevation
data from available records. If an owner of a building without an elevation record so
requests, the City Engineer will visit the site and survey the first and lowest floor
elevations. The City Building Department also has an after-action report that describes the last flood, including the damage data, which it discusses with interested
parties. [10 points]
The City Consumer Protection Office has prepared a handout on selecting an
architect, engineer, or contractor. Copies are prominently displayed in the Building
Department. The handout notes that the personnel in the consumer protection office
are available to talk with people and help them with problems [3 points].
The Public Works Department responds to requests and complaints from property
owners who have a flood, sewer, or drainage problem. After each visit, the staff
member writes a memo for the record that lists the cause of the problem, whether
the City has an obligation to correct it, and recommended solutions. A copy of the
letter is given to the owner. [35 points]
The City does not provide advice or assistance on what retrofitting techniques are
appropriate for a particular building.
FPA = 10 + 3 + 35 = 48

362 Credit Calculation
c360 = FPA

Example 362-1.

Floodville’s flood protection assistance procedures are
discussed in the previous section: FPA = 48.
c360 = 48

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-5

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Assistance

363 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. A copy of the document the community used to publicize the service. This may be
through one of three kinds of outreach projects:
1. An outreach project to the community or floodplain properties credited under
OPC or OPF in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects);
2. An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS) credited in
Activity 330, provided the public information strategy document discusses the
best way to advise the target audiences; or
3. An annual outreach project that advises all residents and businesses in the
community or in the floodplain about the service, but is not credited under
Activity 330 (e.g., a short notice with all tax or utility bills). The materials must be
distributed each year and must reach at least 90% of the target audience.

No credit is awarded if these services are not publicized each year. The applicant must note
“360” in the margin of the section of the outreach project where it describes the flood
protection assistance provided.
Example 363.a-1. Floodville publicizes its flood protection assistance service in
the flyer it sends to all residents (see Figure 330-1). It is marked to show where the
FPA publicity appears.

b. A description of the technical qualifications of all persons who are providing the site
visit and retrofitting assistance credited under Sections 361.d and e. If credit is
being sought under Section 361.f for graduation from the EMI retrofitting course, a
copy of the certificate of graduation must be included.

The person’s resume is usually readily available. The document should include training or
other qualifications that directly relate to the person’s knowledge of the topic.
If the community is seeking credit for having the person who provides retrofitting advice and
assistance graduated from the EMI retrofitting course, a copy of the certificate of graduation
must be submitted. It should be noted that an EMI certificate of ATTENDANCE is not
sufficient. An EMI CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION is provided only if the student passes the
final examination.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-6

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection Assistance

c. If the person is not a community employee, a letter stating that the person and/or
agency have agreed to do the work.
The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
d. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.b or c] A list
of the names of contractors or consultants (organized by specialty, e.g., house
movers, plumbing contractors, waterproofers, landscapers, etc.) and/or a copy of
the material the community provides on how to select a contractor.
e. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 361.d or e]
Records noting the date and type of assistance given. The records must include the
details of the findings and recommendations provided to the inquirer.

Copies of written reports, memos, work orders, letters to the property owners, or similar
records of site visits and retrofitting recommendations are needed to document the site visits
and retrofitting advice credited under Sections 361.d and e.

364 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
b. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide technical information and advice on flood
protection measures to interested communities and individuals. Requests for assistance
should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services Coordinator at the
appropriate District Office of the Corps.
c. See also Section 354.a.3 for references on protecting buildings from flood damage.
d. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a five-day course on retrofitting techniques oriented to
engineers and experienced building professionals. Stipends to cover travel, registration,
and rooms are usually available from FEMA. EMI also offers several independent study
course, which are also free. For more information, call EMI at 1-800-238-3358 or the
state emergency management agency’s training office, or see the EMI website at
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/ .

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-7

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection Assistance

e. The following publication is available free. See the FEMA Order Form at the end of
Appendix E.
Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect your House from Flooding,
FEMA-312. http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib312.shtm.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

360-8

Edition: July 2007

400 MAPPING AND REGULATIONS
The Community Rating System (CRS) provides credit to communities that enact and enforce
regulations that exceed the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) minimum standards
so that more flood protection is provided for new development.
The activities in this series affect only certain portions of the community and, in some cases,
only portions of the floodplain. Therefore, the credit points are adjusted to reflect the area
affected. These activities are also adjusted to reflect the community’s growth rate. Section
710 explains this credit.
Contents of Series 400
Section

Page

400 Mapping and Regulatory Activities......................................................... 400-1
401 Special Hazard Areas....................................................................... 400-3
402 Impact Adjustment for Areas........................................................... 400-4
403 Impact Adjustment Map .................................................................. 400-8
404 Area Calculations........................................................................... 400-14
410 Additional Flood Data ............................................................................. 410-1
411 Credit Points .................................................................................... 410-5
412 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 410-23
413 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 410-26
414 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 410-27
415 For More Information .................................................................... 410-30
420 Open Space Preservation ......................................................................... 420-1
421 Credit Points .................................................................................... 420-3
422 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 420-10
423 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 420-12
424 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 420-13
425 For More Information .................................................................... 420-15
430 Higher Regulatory Standards................................................................... 430-1
431 Credit Points .................................................................................... 430-3
432 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 430-24
433 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 430-31
434 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 430-32
435 For More Information .................................................................... 430-33
430LD Land Development Criteria ............................................................430LD-1
431LD Credit Points ..........................................................................430LD-4
432LD Impact Adjustment ................................................................430LD-9
433LD Credit Calculation................................................................430LD-10
434LD Credit Documentation..........................................................430LD-11
435LD For More Information..........................................................430LD-12

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-1

Edition: July 2007

440 Flood Data Maintenance .......................................................................... 440-1
441 Credit Points .................................................................................... 440-3
442 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 440-10
443 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 440-12
444 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 440-12
445 For More Information .................................................................... 440-13
450 Stormwater Management ......................................................................... 450-1
451 Credit Points .................................................................................... 450-5
452 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 450-15
453 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 450-18
454 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 450-18
455 For More Information .................................................................... 450-22
List of Figures
400-1. Watertown’s base map ..................................................................... 400-10
400-2. Watertown’s base map with an overlay............................................ 400-11
400-3. North Shore’s Impact Adjustment Map ........................................... 400-18
410-1.
410-2.
410-3.
410-4.
410-5.

FIRM terminology.............................................................................. 410-2
FIRM terms for areas without base flood elevations ......................... 410-3
Floodville’s additional flood data Impact Adjustment Map ............ 410-10
Watertown’s additional flood data Impact Adjustment Map ........... 410-12
Standard approach to floodway delineation ..................................... 410-20

420-1. Floodville’s open space ...................................................................... 420-4
430-1.
430-2
430-3
430-4
430-5
430-6
430-7

Adjusting freeboard credit based on the location of ductwork ........... 430-6
Interfaces between building codes and floodplain management ....... 430-18
Handout on coastal A Zones .............................................................. 430-25
Floodville’s Impact Adjustment Map ................................................ 430-29
Watertown’s Impact Adjustment Map............................................... 430-30
Increased Cost of Compliance flood insurance coverage .................. 430-36
Example nonconversion agreement ................................................... 430-38

430LD-1. Examples of subdivisions that avoid
floodplain development ...........................................................430LD-3

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-2

Edition: July 2007

401 Special Hazard Areas
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and many communities in the United States have long recognized that the mapping and
regulatory standards of the NFIP do not adequately address all of the flood problems in the
country. There are many special local situations in which flooding or flood-related problems
do not fit the national norm. Therefore, there are situations where the NFIP’s floodplain
management criteria do not adequately protect property from flood damage.
To encourage communities to address these hazards, the CRS provides credit for mapping,
preserving open space, and regulating new development in areas subject to these seven
special flood-related hazards:
1. Uncertain flow paths: alluvial fans, moveable bed streams, and other floodplains
where the channel moves during a flood.
2. Closed basin lakes: lakes that have a small or no outlet that may stay above flood
stage for weeks, months, or years.
3. Ice jams: flooding caused when warm weather and rain break up a frozen river. The
broken ice floats downriver until it is blocked by an obstruction, such as a bridge or
shallow area, creating a dam.
4. Land subsidence: lowering of the land surface caused by withdrawal of subsurface
water or minerals or by compaction of organic soils.
5. Mudflow hazards: a river, flow, or inundation of liquid mud down a hillside, usually
as a result of a dual condition of loss of brush cover and the subsequent accumulation
of water on the ground, preceded by a period of unusually heavy or sustained rain.
6. Coastal erosion: areas subject to the wearing away of land masses caused primarily by
waves on the oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes.
7. Tsunamis: large ocean waves caused by an underwater earthquake or volcano.
These special flood-related hazards are addressed in separate publications that discuss credit
points and impact adjustment and credit calculation formulae for each hazard and include the
worksheets needed for special hazards credit (see Appendix E).
The credit points for mapping, preserving open space, and regulating new development in the
areas affected by these hazards are calculated on special hazards worksheets. The credits are
added to the other elements in each regular activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-3

Edition: July 2007

402 Impact Adjustment for Areas
The activities in the 400 series provide credit for programs that improve regulatory maps or
regulate areas to higher standards than the minimum NFIP program requirements. The effectiveness, or impact, of a mapping or regulatory program depends upon the area affected by
that program.
In many cases, some elements of a community’s program will not cover all of its floodplain
or all of its watersheds. In these cases, an impact adjustment ratio must be determined based
upon the ratio of the affected area to the total area.
In order to measure the impact of Activities 410, 420, 430, and 440, the community
must determine how much of its floodplain area is affected by each element of its
mapping or regulatory program. In order to measure the impact of Activity 450, the
community must determine how much of its watershed area is affected by each
element of its stormwater management program.

Sections 402 through 404 discuss determining the impact adjustment ratios for these
activities:
410 (Additional Flood Data)
420 (Open Space Preservation)
430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)
440 (Flood Data Maintenance)
450 (Stormwater Management).

Impact adjustment ratios are variables with a lower case “r” preceding the acronym for
the element.

Example 402-1. The acronym for freeboard credit is FRB. The acronym for the
impact adjustment ratio for freeboard credit is rFRB.

A few elements do not have impact adjustment ratios. If these elements are not
effective throughout the community, no credit is provided.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-4

Edition: July 2007

In Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance), a minimum requirement is established for ERM
(Elevation Reference Marks). There is no credit for ERM if this requirement is not met.
In Activity 450, there is no credit for ESC (Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations) unless
it is effective throughout the community. There is no credit for FRX (Freeboard) unless it is
effective throughout the B, C, and D or X Zones.

A community has three options for determining the values of most of the impact
adjustment ratios that are based on area. A community may use one option for some
elements and another option for other elements. Options may not be mixed within an
element.
a. (Option 1) Where an element is effective throughout the area of the denominator,
the impact adjustment ratio = 1.0 for that element.

If an element is effective throughout the area represented by the denominator in the formula
for calculating that activity’s credit points, it is not necessary to determine the area. The
impact adjustment ratio for that element is 1.0, which gives the highest possible credit for
that element.
Elements in Activities 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), 440 (Flood Data Maintenance),
and 450 (Stormwater Management) are most likely to have impact adjustment ratios of 1.0.
Although most regulatory programs cover the entire floodplain, sometimes a standard applies
only to part of the floodplain. For example, different freeboard requirements may be applied
to coastal and riverine floodplains.

Example 402.a-1. A community’s only request for credit in the 400 series is for
regulation of a freeboard requirement in Activity 430. The freeboard requirement is
applied to all of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shown on its Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM). Using Option 1, rFRB = 1.0.
Example 402.a-2. Another community requires freeboard in all riverine floodplains, but not in coastal floodplains. This community cannot use Option 1 for FRB
because the element is not effective throughout the entire regulated floodplain.

NOTE: If a community applies for credit for Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation), it is
saying that certain areas are preserved from development. Higher regulatory standards have
no impact in those open space areas. Therefore, the impact adjustment ratios for the elements
in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) cannot be 1.0 if the community receives credit
for open space preservation in Activity 420.
In other words, a community that applies for credit in both Activities 420 and 430 cannot
have an impact adjustment ratio of 1.0 for either of them. The Option 1 impact adjustment

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-5

Edition: 2006

ratio formula for Activity 430 accounts for this by subtracting the impact adjustment ratio
used in Activity 420.
Example 402.a-3. A community applies for credit for open space (OS). It has a
freeboard requirement (FRB) for development throughout its floodplains. It
determines that 25% of its floodplain is open space. Therefore, it can only receive
FRB credit for 75% of its floodplain. The Option 1 formula for freeboard in Activity
430 is 1.0 - 0.25 = 0.75.

b. (Option 2) A community may use a “default value” for one or more of its impact
adjustment ratios. The Impact Adjustment section for each activity lists the default
value for each element in that activity.

Each of these activities has default values for its elements. A community may use one or
more of these default values if:
1. It cannot or chooses not to measure the areas necessary to calculate the impact
adjustment ratio(s) as discussed in Section 401.c., below; or
2. It concludes that the default value for the impact adjustment ratio(s) is greater than the
calculated value(s).
Example 402.b-1. Someburg has a city park in its floodplain that qualifies for
OS (open space preservation) credit in Activity 420. However, Someburg does not
have time to measure the areas affected before applying for the CRS. Someburg
uses the default value, rOS = 0.05, in its application for CRS credit.

Example 402.b-2. Gulf Beach County has many square miles of floodplain,
including two county parks within the SFHA. The parks qualify for OS (Open Space
Preservation) in Activity 420. The default value for rOS (the impact adjustment ratio
for open space preservation) is given as 0.05 in Section 423. The County estimates
that the area of the parks (aOS) is about 3% of the area of its regulated floodplains
(aRF). Gulf Beach County uses the default value rOS = 0.05 because it provides
more credit for Activity 420.

c. (Option 3) The value of an impact adjustment ratio is determined by dividing the
area affected by an element by the appropriate denominator. The denominator for
the elements in each activity is specified in the Impact Adjustment section for the
activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-6

Edition: 2006

For each element with an impact adjustment ratio, the area affected by the element
is designated by a lower case “a” followed by the acronym for that element. The
area of the denominator is designated as aSFHA (for the area of the SFHA), aRF
(for the area of the regulated floodplain, or aW (for the area of the watershed).

In each of these activities there is an Impact Adjustment section. The denominator and
formulae for impact adjustment ratios for each element in that activity are listed in that
section. A brief description of the denominators follows.
410 (Additional Flood Data): aSFHA, the area of the Special Flood Hazard Area (on the
community’s FIRM);
420 (Open Space Preservation): aRF, the total area of regulated floodplain within the
community;
430 (Higher Regulatory Standards): aRF, the total area of regulated floodplain within the
community;
440 (Flood Data Maintenance): aRF, the total area of regulated floodplain within the
community; and
450 (Stormwater Management): aW, the total area of watershed affecting the community.

Example 402.c-1. In its floodplain, a city has a park that covers 47 acres. This
park qualifies for OS (open space preservation) credit in Activity 420 (aOS = 47).
Using Option 3, the city determines that the area of its regulated floodplain (aRF) is
175 acres (aRF = 175). For this city,
rOS = aOS = 47 = 0.27
aRF
175

In summary, there are three ways to determine impact adjustment ratios based upon the area
affected for Activities 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450.

Example 402.c-2. North Shore requests credit for OS (open space preservation) in Activity 420. The city cannot use Option 1 because its open space areas
do not cover the entire floodplain. It could use Option 2 for an impact adjustment
ratio of 0.05. As explained in Example 404-2, North Shore uses Option 3 to obtain a
higher impact adjustment ratio of 0.42.
In Activities 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) and 440 (Flood Data Maintenance),
North Shore uses Option 1 because the higher standards apply throughout its
floodplain and it has digitized parcel data for all of the lots in its floodplain.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-7

Edition: 2006

In Activity 450 (Stormwater Management), the city uses Option 2 to determine the
values of the impact adjustment ratios. Even though much of the watershed area
affecting North Shore is regulated by neighboring communities, the city cannot obtain
documentation from these communities in order to calculate a higher impact
adjustment ratio.

403 Impact Adjustment Map (Option 3)
a. If a community uses Option 3 as discussed in Section 402.c for Activities 410, 420,
430, and/or 440, it must prepare an Impact Adjustment Map showing the area
affected by each element of those activities and the area of the denominator
(aSFHA for Activity 410, aRF for the other activities).

The Impact Adjustment Map needed for Activities 410, 420, 430, and 440 shows the
community’s floodplains and the areas where each element in these activities is effective.
This map may also be helpful if the community applies for credit for Activity 620 (Levee
Safety).
An Impact Adjustment Map may be prepared on any convenient base map, as long as the
scale is suitable for the determination of the areas. If the FIRM or other floodplain map is not
used as the base map, the floodplain boundaries and the areas of each element must be drawn
on the map with sufficient accuracy that the areas may be verified.
No new studies are required to produce an Impact Adjustment Map. The areas are identified
and marked on the map based upon the areas under the jurisdiction of the community’s
regulatory programs. Many communities have developed a map that meets the requirements
of Option 3 for their own management purposes. Previous CRS applicants have found the
Impact Adjustment Map they developed for CRS credit helpful as a visual presentation of
their floodplain management programs. It identifies where the problems are and where the
community is dealing with those problems.
Selection of an appropriate base map for the Impact Adjustment Map depends on the size of
the community and the elements for which it is requesting credit.
•

If a community is relatively small, a copy of the FIRM may be the best base map. This
approach is used by Floodville (see Figure 410-3).

•

If a community is large in geographic area and its FIRM includes many panels, it may
use a base map with a smaller scale so that the Impact Adjustment Map fits on a few
sheets. The floodplains may already be drawn on the base map (e.g., a zoning map
with the regulated areas shown), or they may have to be drawn on the base map. This
approach is used by North Shore (see Figure 400-3).

•

If the community is requesting credit for mapping and regulation of areas outside the
SFHA shown on its FIRM, these areas must be drawn on the Impact Adjustment Map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-8

Edition: 2006

•

If a community has a geographic information system that includes its flood data, it
may produce maps from that system.

•

If a community is large and has different standards for urban and rural areas, maps of
differing scales may be needed.

•

A community applying for credit under a number of different elements may choose to
use overlays to display the elements separately. The Watertown example shows a base
map (see Figure 400-1) and one overlay (see Figure 400-2).

Deciding what base maps to use depends upon the detail required and the overall bulk of the
maps. If maps other than the FIRM are used as base maps, all appropriate NFIP zones should
be transferred from the FIRM to the base maps (see Figure 400-2).

The Impact Adjustment Map for Activities 410, 420, 430, and/or 440 must show areas
that are excluded from the impact adjustment calculations. Four types of areas are
excluded from the mapped and regulated areas, even if they are within the SFHA
shown on the FIRM:
1. Open waters larger than 10 acres, such as lakes, bays, and large rivers;
2. Lands larger than 10 acres that are either owned by the federal government,
such as military installations and national parks, or where development is
prohibited by the federal government;
3. At the community’s option, areas beyond the community’s regulatory jurisdiction.
The community may include or exclude non-federal areas it does not have the
authority to regulate, including land owned by the state or another community
and Indian reservations, provided such areas are treated consistently for all of
these activities; and
4. A99 and AR Zones. These zones are not considered part of the regulatory
floodplain for CRS purposes. Floodplain management requirements in these
zones are less than those required in other zones and these areas already
receive substantially reduced flood insurance premiums, which would duplicate
CRS discounts.

The intent of these exclusions is to remove from CRS credit calculations areas that are not
actually affected by the community’s floodplain management program. The test for exclusion
for the first three areas is whether the community has authority to regulate these areas, and
whether they are actually subject to development.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-9

Edition: 2006

City of Watertown Street Map

Figure 400-1. Watertown’s base map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-10

Edition: 2006

Impact Adjustment Map
Area

Size (sq. miles)

Notes

SFHA

0.43

Does not include federal prison

Figure 400-2. Watertown’s base map with an overlay.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-11

Edition: 2006

Excluding water bodies and land over which the community has no regulatory control will
generally increase the community’s CRS credit because the denominator will be reduced.
However, if a community can provide documentation that non-federal land over which it has
no regulatory jurisdiction is eligible for CRS credit, it may include such areas.
Example 403.a-1. North Shore’s corporate limits extend one-half mile into Lake
Michigan. Although a portion of this area is included in the SFHA shown on the
FIRM, it is excluded from aRF on North Shore’s Impact Adjustment Map (see Figure
400-3).

If these excluded areas are within the floodplains shown on the base maps, they should be
identified with a distinctive shading or color. Otherwise, they should be excluded from the
base map (see Figure 400-3). The following guidelines may help.
•

To determine the extent of large water bodies, use the shoreline shown on the FIRM.

•

For large rivers, designate reaches where the average width (bank to bank) shown on
the FIRM exceeds 500 feet.

•

Large areas of federal lands and Indian reservations are probably already shown on the
FIRM as “Areas Not Included.” If these areas have mapped SFHAs, and if they are
larger than 10 acres, they must be excluded. Smaller parcels, such as post offices and
federal office buildings, need not be excluded.

•

In a few areas, federal regulations prohibit development. These may include coastal
wetlands and lands leased from a federal agency. Because federal regulations allow
development that meets certain criteria in upland wetlands and designated coastal
barriers, these areas should not automatically be excluded from the regulatory
floodplain.

•

Land owned by the state, county, or other jurisdiction is probably exempt from the
community’s regulatory authority. These lands must be treated consistently. If they are
included in the floodplain for open space credit, they must be included in the
floodplain for all activities. If they are open space, the community will generally
receive more credit if they are included. These areas are included in the area of
regulation and the denominator only if the community can document that a regulatory
standard is in force under the appropriate jurisdictional authority.
Example 403.a-2. The corporate limits for the town of Riverpark include a state
park with 120 acres in the SFHA shown on its FIRM. The town obtains a letter from
the State Park Commission stating that the park will be maintained as open space.
Riverpark includes the state park in its aRF.
Without the park, aOS = 0, so rOS = 0 and c420 = 0.
With the park included in its aRF, aRF = 150, aOS = 120, rOS = 0.80, and c420 =
580 credit points. If Riverpark applies for credit in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-12

Edition: 2006

Standards), that credit will be reduced, because the impact adjustment ratios for
elements in that activity will be smaller (see Sections 432 and 632).

The Impact Adjustment Map for Activities 410, 420, 430, and/or 440 must show the
areas affected by each element for which CRS credit is applied. Each area must be
marked with the acronym for that element.

Example 403.a-3. OS is the acronym for open space preservation in Activity
420. Each area for which OS credit is requested must be designated on the Impact
Adjustment Map (see Figure 400-3).

In some cases, a note on the map or in the legend may be simpler and clearer than shading.
For example, if a community regulates all of its area of regulatory floodplain for freeboard
(FRB), it could use the note “aFRB = aRF - aOS,” since regulatory credit is not given for
areas of open space (see Figure 400-3).

Example 403.a-4. North Shore excludes areas of Lake Michigan beyond the
shoreline and places a note on its Impact Adjustment Map stating “Lake Michigan not
included as floodplain” (see Figure 400-3).

All appropriate areas for numerators and denominators for impact adjustment ratios
must be included in a legend on the Impact Adjustment Map.
b. If a community uses Option 1 or 3 as discussed in Sections 402.a and 402.c for
Activity 450 (Stormwater Management), it must prepare a Stormwater Impact
Adjustment Map that shows the area affected by its stormwater management
program and the watersheds that affect the community. This map and the areas
needed to develop it are discussed in Section 452.

Because Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) is adjusted according to watershed areas
rather than floodplain areas, a separate Impact Adjustment Map is required. However, the
requirement for this map is unrelated to the options a community uses for its other impact
adjustment ratios. Instructions for preparing the map are in Section 452.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-13

Edition: 2006

c. A community may use a different option for each element for which it requests credit
under Activities 410, 420, 430, 440, and/or 450. If the community uses the default
values in Option 2 for its application, but has prepared an Impact Adjustment Map(s)
before the verification visit (see Section 232) that provides more credit for some or
all of the elements, the higher credit will be used for the community’s verified CRS
classification.

Example 403.c-1. Floodville prepares its modification requesting credit for open
space preservation. The CRS Coordinator does not have time to prepare the Impact
Adjustment Map, so she uses Option 2: rOS = 0.05 (the default value in Section
422).
rOS = 0.05, and cOS = OS x rOS = 725 x 0.05 = 36.25
Before the verification visit, she prepares the Impact Adjustment Map (see Figure
420-1), showing the area of regulated floodplain (aRF) in Floodville and the area of
open space preservation (aOS). She determines the areas using the techniques
discussed in Section 404. She determines that aOS = 87.5 and aRF = 396, so using
Option 3 gives:
rOS = aOS = 87.5 = 0.22, and cOS = OS x rOS = 725 x 0.22 = 159.5
aRF
396
Floodville’s initial default credit of 36.25 points in its modification is increased to
159.5 points for the requested credit.

404 Area Calculations
Determination of the size of areas for the Impact Adjustment Map(s) may be done by
any method that yields reasonably accurate results. The community must document
the method or methods used to determine the areas. The areas will be recalculated at
each cycle verification if there are changes in the community, such as annexations or
revisions to floodplain boundaries.

Any method that provides measurements of the areas affected may be used. The community
should not spend an inordinate amount of time measuring areas solely for determination of
CRS impact adjustment ratios. The following approaches are acceptable:
•

Mechanical or computerized planimetry methods (including a geographic information
system);

•

Areas computed by HEC-2 or other standardized step-backwater methods;

•

Known property dimensions, such as those for a city park; or

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-14

Edition: 2006

•

Use of a grid overlay: a transparent grid is placed on the map, the grid squares within
an area are counted, and the map scale is used to determine the actual area.

Rural communities may request help from the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service
in preparing the Impact Adjustment Map and measuring the areas. Requests should be
submitted to the local Soil and Water Conservation District, which is usually located in the
county seat.

All area calculations must use the same units, either acres or square miles.

Smaller communities will probably find it easier to measure in acres, while a larger
community, such as a county, may prefer to use square miles. The following formulae may be
helpful:
•

To convert acres to square miles, divide the number of acres by 640.

•

To convert square miles to acres, multiply the number of square miles by 640.

•

To convert square feet to acres, divide the number of square feet by 43,560.

•

To convert square feet to square miles, divide the number of square feet by 27,878,400
(that is, 5,2802 ).

Example 404-1.
32 acres = 32 = 0.05 square miles
640
2.2 square miles = 2.2 x 640 = 1,408 acres
2,500 feet x 3,600 feet = 9,000,000 square feet
9,000,000 = 207 acres
43,560
1,000 feet x 2,142.5 feet = 2,142,500 square feet =

2,142,500
27,878,400

= 0.077 or 0.08 square miles

The following example discusses how the fictitious city of North Shore developed its Impact
Adjustment Map for Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). It shows how the community
selects a base map and uses various methods to determine the areas affected by the activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-15

Edition: 2006

Example 404-2. North Shore is a city on Lake Michigan subject to flooding from
the Lake and from North Shore Channel. It is applying for credit under Activity 420
using Option 3 and an Impact Adjustment Map.
North Shore’s FIRM is on four panels, so the city uses a street map prepared for the
city by a commercial map firm in 1992. This map is current and shows the city parks,
for which open space credit is requested (see Figure 400-3).
Using features on the base map, including street intersections and the Lake
Michigan shoreline, the CRS Coordinator transfers the floodplains from the FIRM to
the base map. The city does not regulate any areas outside the SFHA shown on its
FIRM, so the SFHA (excluding Lake Michigan beyond the shoreline) is the area of
regulated floodplain (aRF).
Next, the CRS Coordinator locates all open space within the floodplains. Only open
space areas that meet the requirements of Section 421.a are designated on the
Impact Adjustment Map. City parks are shown as shaded areas on the original base
map. The CRS Coordinator has shown the other open space areas with
crosshatching.
The CRS Coordinator uses a grid square overlay to calculate the area of regulated
floodplain within the city. The base map is at a scale of 3,000 feet per inch. Using a
grid with six squares to the inch, the side of each square is 3,000’/6 = 500’. 1 grid
square = 500’ squared = 250,000 square feet. There are 43,560 square feet to an
acre, so the number of acres per grid square is 250,000 divided by 43,560 = 5.74
acres per grid square.
In 10 minutes, the CRS Coordinator counts 211 grid squares in the aRF.
aRF = 211 grid squares x 5.74 acres = 1,211 acres
grid square
There is an area of open space that runs along North Shore Channel from the
southern corporate limits to Central Park. This area was purchased and cleared by
the City to be developed as a greenway. The grid overlay includes 37 grid squares
within this area, so this portion of aOS = 37 x 5.74 = 212 acres.
North Shore’s CRS Coordinator uses the city’s parcel records to determine the
amount of city parkland in the floodplain (in acres):
Sheridan Park
Gillison Park
Central Park
Centennial Park

5.1
74.6
68.6
46.0
194.3

The Lakefront Golf Club is entirely in the floodplain. The parcel records show that it is
48 acres.
Lake Michigan University reports that 80 acres of its campus are athletic fields and
woodland and will remain so. Approximately 2/3 of it is in the floodplain.
80 x 2/3 = 53 acres.
The open space areas on North Shore’s Impact Adjustment Map are (in acres):

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-16

Edition: 2006

North Shore Channel Greenway lands
City parks
Lakefront Golf Club
Lake Michigan University
Total area of open space (aOS)

212.0
194.3
48.0
53.0
507.3

North Shore cannot use Option 1 for its impact adjustment because it does not have
100% of its floodplain as open space.
If North Shore uses Option 2, the impact adjustment ratio for open space, rOS, would
be 0.05.
Using Option 3, rOS = aOS = 507.3 = 0.42
aRF 1,211.0

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-17

Edition: 2006

Figure 400-3. North Shore’s Impact Adjustment Map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

400-18

Edition: 2006

410 ADDITIONAL FLOOD DATA
Summary of Activity 410
411

Credit Points. Additional flood data (AFD) credit is provided for portions of the floodplain
that are mapped and managed to standards exceeding the minimum requirements of the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Six elements make up AFD for a maximum of 1,346 points.

a.

New study (NS): Up to 410 points are provided for new flood studies that produce base flood
elevations or floodways, with additional credit for studying repetitive loss areas.

b. Leverage (LEV): The points for NS are multiplied by a ratio that reflects how much of the
study was financed by non-FEMA funds.
c.

Higher study standards (HSS): Up to 160 points are provided if the new study was done to one
or more higher standards than the FEMA mapping criteria.

d. More restrictive floodway standard (FWS): Up to 200 points are provided based on the
allowable floodway surcharge used in the study.
e.

Additional flood data for special hazards (AFDSH): Up to 50 points are provided if the
community maps and regulates areas of special flood-related hazards.

f.

Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP): Up to 141 points are provided if the community,
appropriate regional agency, or state has a signed, qualifying CTP agreement with FEMA.

412

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three ways.

a.

Under Option 1, if the standards apply throughout the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the
impact adjustment ratio for an element is 1.0.

b. Under Option 2, if the standards do not apply throughout the SFHA, a default impact adjustment
ratio of 0.25 may be used.
c.

Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratios may reflect the proportion of the SFHA affected
by the element. The ratio may be as high as 1.5 if the community maps and regulates floodplains
outside of the SFHA.

413

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact
adjustment ratios and the products are totaled.

414

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

The ordinance or law that adopts the map or standard.

b. A copy of the study or technique used, an explanation of the technique used, and a licensed
engineer’s statement that the study was based on a technique approved by FEMA, or
documentation that the study or technique has been reviewed and accepted by FEMA.
c.

[If applying for NS credit for independent review under Section 411.a] Documentation that the
study or analysis technique has been reviewed and accepted.

d. [If applying for LEV credit under Section 411.b] Documentation of the non-FEMA share of the
flood study.
e.

[If the impact adjustment factors were based on Option 3 (412.c)] The Impact Adjustment Map.

f.

[If the community is requesting credit for CTP2 under Section 411.f] Documentation of the
relation between the study or standard and the CTP agreement.

g. [If the community has received credit for a new study (NS)] At the cycle verification visit, a
certification by the community’s engineer that the maps are still current.

415

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-1

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

410 ADDITIONAL FLOOD DATA
Credit is provided for developing floodplain maps and flood data in areas where the
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
did not provide such data.
Background: Regulation of new development depends on good floodplain mapping
and related flood hazard data. Most communities in the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) have a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Most FIRMs have detailed
data for at least some of the communities’ flood hazard areas. However, many
communities still have flood problem areas where detailed data were not provided by
FEMA with the FIRM. As a result, new development in those areas is often less wellprotected from flood damage.
In other cases, communities have data not shown on their FIRM, desire to prepare new
maps in unmapped areas, or want to replace older maps that no longer show the
current flood hazard. This activity is designed to encourage these communities to
prepare new maps and/or enter into cooperative mapping agreements with FEMA.

There are three types of areas shown on FIRMs: those with detailed mapping of the Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), those with approximate mapping of the SFHA, and those areas
shown as being outside the SFHA. The primary
difference between the first two is that detailed
maps include the base flood elevations needed to
set minimum protection levels for new buildings.
In most riverine situations, NFIP detailed mapping
also includes floodway delineations (Figure 4101). In coastal areas, detailed mapping may include
delineation of a velocity or VE Zone.
NFIP regulations for areas with approximate
mapping, also known as “unnumbered A Zones”
(44 CFR 60.3(b)), are not as effective in reducing
flood damage as regulations for areas with detailed
map data (Figure 410-2). Because no base flood
elevations have been determined in areas with
approximate mapping, many of the regulatory
requirements are left to the judgment of
community officials. Flood elevations are required
only for large subdivisions or if a flood study has
already been done. These areas are often on the
urban fringe and therefore can be subject to
development before the traditional Flood
Insurance Study approach can provide the needed
data.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-2

A FIRM with a detailed flood study shows
the SFHA as Zone AE or VE. The map
includes base flood elevations and a
floodway (shown with the slanted lines).
Areas outside the SFHA are designated
Zone X.

Figure 410-1. FIRM terminology.

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

Flood hazard areas that were not mapped as
SFHAs during the preparation of the community’s
FIRM (i.e., B, C, D and X Zones) have no
floodplain management requirements under the
NFIP. Additional mapping may have been
prepared by or for the community for several
reasons:
•

New delineations were necessary because
conditions changed since the Flood
Insurance Study was done;

•

Development in a floodplain since the
Flood Insurance Study warranted additional
mapping or more accurate data;

•

The community wanted to regulate areas
that were not mapped by FEMA because
they did not meet the NFIP mapping
criteria (e.g., the drainage area was less
than 1 square mile); or

•

Areas that may or may not have been
mapped as part of the Flood Insurance
Study have hazards that were not adequately
mapped (e.g., alluvial fans or areas subject
to subsidence).

FIRMs do not provide base flood
elevations in B, C, D, X and approximate
or “unnumbered” A Zones. This CRS
activity provides credit to encourage
communities to obtain flood elevations in
those areas and ensure that new
development is protected from the base
flood.

Figure 410-2. FIRM terms for
areas without base flood
elevations.

This activity’s credit is for the adoption of new maps or floodplain data that are not
provided under the normal activities of the NFIP. This activity does not credit or
supplant the minimum requirement of the NFIP that a participating community is
obligated to submit new or revised map information to FEMA when it becomes
available.

Section 65.3 of chapter 44, Code of Federal Regulations, states:
A community's base flood elevations may increase or decrease resulting from physical
changes affecting flooding conditions. As soon as practicable, but not later than six months
after the date such information becomes available, a community shall notify the
Administrator of the changes by submitting technical or scientific data in accordance with
this part. Such a submission is necessary so that upon confirmation of those physical changes
affecting flooding conditions, risk premium rates and flood plain management requirements
will be based upon current data.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-3

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

Activity Description: This activity provides credit for regulating areas based on flood
data not provided with the community’s FIRM or on a flood study conducted to a higher
standard than FEMA’s Flood Insurance Study criteria. Credit is also provided if the
community shared in the cost of a Flood Insurance Study.

All higher-standard mapping receives credit, even if it is included in the community’s FIRM.
For example, many states require floodway regulations to be based on criteria more restrictive than the NFIP mapping standard. In those states, any Flood Insurance Study that meets
the requirements of state law and the higher-standard mapping can be credited under this
activity (Section 411.d).
Additional flood data (AFD) credit is provided for portions of the floodplain that are mapped
and managed to higher standards than the NFIP minimum requirements. Each floodplain area
that receives mapping credit is marked on an Impact Adjustment Map and designated
“AFD1,” “AFD2,” etc.. This is explained more fully in Sections 403 and 412.
Example 411.1 Examples of areas that could be identified on the Impact
Adjustment Map and marked “AFD1,” “AFD2,” etc. include the following.
▫

Unnumbered A or V Zones for which the community has base flood
elevations and regulates new construction using those elevations.

▫

A riverine floodplain where FEMA did not define a floodway, but the
community has mapped and adopted one.

▫

Unnumbered A or V Zones within which the community calculates or
requires developers to calculate base flood elevations and/or floodways for
their sites as a condition of permit approval.

▫

A floodplain in a B, C, D, or X Zone that the community has mapped and
regulates using base flood elevations.

▫

Areas covered by studies that have been reviewed and approved by the
state.

▫

A floodplain mapped on the FIRM with a technique that exceeds FEMA’s
guidelines, e.g., using future conditions hydrology.

▫

Any flood hazard data that are based on a technique that results in
regulations more restrictive than FEMA’s guidelines, e.g., a floodway based
on a smaller surcharge than FEMA’s 1-foot standard.

▫

A floodplain mapped on the FIRM, if the community helped pay for the
mapping.

▫

An area for which additional flood mapping was done to account for one of
the special flood hazards, such as migrating stream beds.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-4

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

AFD is the sum of the credits for how the map was prepared. The credits points are based on:
•

The scope of the new study (scored in Section 411.a, NS),

•

The original FIRM zone where the new study was conducted (scored in Section 411.a,
NS),

•

Whether a riverine study included a floodway delineation or a coastal study included a
velocity zone (scored in Section 411.b, HSS),

•

Whether the study included the community’s repetitive loss areas (scored in Section
411.a, NS),

•

Whether the study received a quality control review (scored in Section 411.a, NS),

•

How much of the study costs were leveraged by non-FEMA funding sources (scored in
Section 411.b, LEV),

•

Whether the study was conducted using study standards higher than FEMA’s (scored in
Section 411.c, HSS),

•

The floodway mapping standard used (scored in Section 411.d, FWS),

•

Whether the study mapped one of the special flood-related hazards, such as coastal
erosion or subsidence (scored in Section 411.e, AFDSH),

•

Whether the community or its state or a regional agency is a Cooperating Technical
Partner (scored in Section 411.f, CTP), and

•

How much of the community’s SFHA is affected by the new study (scored in Section
412, the impact adjustment).

411 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 410: 1,346 points
Prerequisites: There are four prerequisites for CRS credit for a new study.
1. The study must be based on a FEMA-approved technique or specifically approved
by the FEMA Regional Office.
2. The community must use the new data in its floodplain development regulations.
3. If the study affects a length of stream or shoreline, it must be submitted to FEMA to
revise the community’s FIRM. This prerequisite does not apply to small scale
studies.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-5

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

4. At each cycle verification, the community must certify whether its regulatory
floodplain maps and related data still reflect current conditions.

The four prerequisites ensure that the CRS credits studies that are properly prepared and are
used in the community’s regulatory program.
1. The technique used in the study or the ordinance language must meet the minimum
standards explained in Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.
If a study technique is not listed as an acceptable one in Guidelines and Specifications, it
must be submitted to and approved by the FEMA Regional Office.
2. A study that sits on a shelf has no impact on floodplain development and is not credited.
The CRS does not credit studies conducted for drainage improvements or the design of a
flood control project if they are not also used for regulatory purposes.
The community’s floodplain regulations must either be amended to adopt the new study or
authorize a local official, such as the community’s engineer, to approve new base flood
elevations, floodways and velocity zones in unstudied areas. If the latter, there must be a
record showing that the new study has been approved by the official. Section 414.a has
sample regulatory language.
3. If the study affects a length of stream or shoreline, it must be submitted to FEMA to
revise the community’s FIRM. This prerequisite is not met if FEMA denies the request
because the study was not prepared in accordance with FEMA mapping standards.
However, the prerequisite is met even if FEMA does not immediately publish the map
revision, as long as it does not deny the request.
The prerequisite does not apply to studies done for a single site at the time of
development and similar small-scale studies, such as bridge computations. However,
studies that would revise existing base flood elevations, floodways, or FIRM zone
boundaries must be submitted for a FIRM revision.
4. At each cycle verification, the community must conduct an assessment of its regulatory
floodplain maps. This is done to help determine if the community would benefit from a
revised or updated map that reflects current conditions or better data. This is explained in
more detail in Section 414.g.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-6

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

a. New study (NS) (Maximum credit: 410 points)
Original FIRM Zone
B, C, D, or X

A or V

AE, VE, A#

Without With Without With Without With
review review review review review review

Study scope
1. Delineation of an approximate A Zone

50

−

25

−

−

−

2. Flood elevations for a site at time of development

100

150

75

115

−

−

3. New profile or length of shoreline, base flood
elevations/depths in AH and AO zones.

200

300

150

225

125

190

4. New profile with floodway, length of shoreline
with coastal velocity zone delineation, or
converting coastal A Zones to V Zones

240

360

180

270

150

225

50

50

25

25

25

25

5. If the study includes new data for repetitive loss
area(s) (add to the score for 1−4)

For each type of FIRM zone, the credit varies according to four main factors: the study scope,
the previous FIRM zone, including repetitive loss areas, and whether the study received an
independent review.
Study scope: The first column identifies how detailed the study effort is. As noted by the
other columns, the points depend on the FIRM zone in effect before the study was adopted.
1. As shown in line 1, the lowest value for NS is for delineating an approximate A or V Zone
in a B, C, D, or X Zone. This would designate an SFHA where the FIRM does not show
one. For approximate A and V Zones, base flood elevations are not provided. Credit is
also provided if an approximate A or V Zone is remapped without the publication of base
flood elevations.
2. Between 75 and 200 points are provided if the community ensures that flood elevations
are obtained for a single site at the time of development. Many floodplains without base
flood elevations have low development potential and do not warrant extensive detailed
studies. Many communities regulate these areas by requiring developers to calculate a
flood elevation for the site at the time of application for a development permit.
This credit is based upon the regulatory requirement. If the appropriate language is in the
community’s ordinance, the credit is provided, even if the areas have not yet been studied.
What counts is that a regulatory flood elevation will be provided before the areas are
developed.
Sometimes the calculations are done by the community or another agency. In some cases
the community has the developer provide some data, such as a topographical survey, and

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-7

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

then a municipal engineer or other person calculates the base flood elevation for the site.
These are creditable approaches. It does not matter who does the work as long as a
regulatory flood elevation is available in time to have new buildings protected to or above
the base flood elevation.
There is no credit for meeting the minimum NFIP requirements to “. . . obtain, review and
reasonably utilize available data . . .” or that developers of subdivisions larger than 5
acres or 50 lots provide flood elevation data. These are minimum requirements of the
NFIP (44 CFR 60.3(b)(3) and (4)). To receive this credit for NS, the ordinance must
require the data for all applications for development permits to build or substantially
improve buildings in the regulated floodplain.
3. More points are obtained if the elevations are provided for a large area in advance of
development. This would be in the form of a profile prepared for a relatively long reach of
a stream, elevations for a length of shoreline, depths for AO Zones, and elevations for AH
Zones. For this credit, the area is studied before an application for a development permit
and the study covers a larger area.
To receive this higher credit, the community must adopt the study and regulate development to the same standards as in an SFHA for which FEMA provided base flood
elevations (e.g., as if the area were an AE or VE Zone, or A, V, or AO Numbered Zone).
4. There is a 20% increase in the credit for a profile if the study includes a delineation of a
floodway. If the floodway delineation is based on a higher standard than the NFIP’s 1 foot
allowable surcharge, then additional credit is provided in Section 411.d. There is also a
20% increase in credit if a coastal study includes a coastal high hazard area, similar to a V
Zone.
5. As shown in line 4, the score for NS is increased by an additional 50 or 25 points if the
study covers one or more of the community’s repetitive loss areas. Repetitive loss areas
are discussed in Section 503. If the FIRM showed a repetitive loss area as an X Zone and
the community maps the area, provides a profile, and regulates it to the same standards as
it applies to its SFHA, the score would be 200 points (without review). Because the area
has repetitive loss properties, the score would be increased by 50 points, for a total NS
score of 250.
Independent review: The “with review” and “without review” columns reflect whether the
study was given an independent quality assurance review. There are two types of reviews that
would qualify:
•

A review by a state or regional organization whose review program has been
designated as qualifying for CRS credit by the FEMA Regional Office. Note that
the existence of an approved review program does not mean the community will
automatically receive this credit. Each study credited must have been reviewed and
approved by the review program. There may be studies conducted before the
program began and there may be some types of studies that the state or regional
agency does not review.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-8

Edition: 2006

To obtain credit if elevations are provided for a single site at the time of
development, either each study must be reviewed and approved or the study
TECHNIQUE must have been reviewed and approved.
•

An independent quality assurance/quality control review as specified in the
Cooperating Technical Partners’ Mapping Activity Statement for reviews of the
field survey, topographic data, hydrologic analyses, hydraulic analyses, coastal
hazard analyses, floodplain mapping, and DFIRM database and graphics.

There are seven possible quality assurance/quality control reviews. As shown in the table
earlier in this section, the credit for a study that has passed all of these reviews is 50%
more than the credit for a study without such a review. If only part of the study process
was reviewed (e.g., the state review only approves the hydrology), the increase in credit is
prorated.

Example 411.a-1. (See Figure 410-3.) Floodville has a recurring flood problem
from a small ditch that was not mapped as SFHA on its FIRM. The City paid a
consulting firm to prepare a new detailed study for this ditch as part of a plan to
reduce flooding in this area. The study showed a floodplain one to two blocks wide in
an area delineated as Zone C in the FIRM. It also included a floodway delineation.
The City adopted this area as a regulatory floodplain, and its floodplain management
ordinance requires that new buildings be protected to the new regulatory flood
elevation. The City submitted the study to FEMA with a request that the FIRM be
revised to include it as an AE Zone with a floodway.
This area is designated as AFD1 on the Impact Adjustment Map. Because a
relatively long reach of the stream was studied to produce base flood elevations and
a floodway, the credit is based on line 4. The original FIRM Zone was “C” and there
was no separate review, so the study warrants 240 points.
Because this area is also one of Floodville’s repetitive loss areas (see Figure 500-2),
the study warrants 50 more points. NS1 = 290.
Floodville also has an unnumbered A Zone mapped for Deadman’s Run. Because
this area has few buildings in it and because there is no development expected, the
City decided not to finance a detailed study. Instead, its floodplain management
ordinance requires that an applicant for a development permit in the Deadman’s Run
A Zone determine a base flood elevation for the proposed development site. The
applicant’s calculations are reviewed by the City Engineer for consistency with other
elevations that have been calculated for the stream.
This area is designated AFD2 on the Impact Adjustment Map. The base flood
elevations are provided at the time of development, so line 2 is used. The original
FIRM Zone is “A.” The City Engineer’s review does not qualify as a separate review
by an independent agency. NS2 =75.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-9

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Impact Adjustment Map
Area

Size (acres)

Notes

aAFD1
aAFD2
aAFD3

71
58
267

Newly mapped problem ditch (C Zone)
Deadman’s Run floodplain (A Zone)
Foster Creek floodplain (A15 Zone)

aSFHA

325

Deadman’s Run and Foster Creek floodplains

Figure 410-3. Floodville’s additional flood data Impact Adjustment Map.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-10

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Example 411.a-2. (See Figure 410-4) Watertown’s Engineering Department
conducts a site-specific analysis for any development within 100 feet of any open
channel with a drainage area larger than 40 acres (line 2). In order to calculate the
impact adjustment, the area affected must be drawn on the Impact Adjustment Map.
The community locates all open channels that drain 40 acres or more and
designates them as “AFD1” on its Impact Adjustment Map (see Figure 410-4). The
channels are in the X Zone and there is no separate review, so NS1 = 100.
Because the Riley River map was prepared as part of the original FEMA-funded
Flood Insurance Study, that area does not qualify for credit. However, the City has
signed a Cooperating Technical Partner agreement with FEMA to restudy the river.
The City will receive NS credit when the new study is completed and adopted in its
floodplain management regulations.

FEMA recognizes the benefits of new studies done with better techniques or based on
better data, and will revise FIRMs to reflect them. The NFIP also provides a flood
insurance benefit when the new maps are published.

There are two types of flood insurance benefits when a new study results in a revision to a
FIRM:
1. If the new study lowers the base flood elevations of the existing study, the affected
properties still in the SFHA can receive lower actuarial premium rates. Properties
that are remapped into the X Zone can obtain the less-expensive X Zone rates and
Preferred Risk Policies. Those properties are also relieved of the requirement to
purchase flood insurance as a condition of federally-backed financial assistance.
2. If the new study raises the base flood elevation (or provides a base flood elevation
in a B, C, D, X, or approximate A Zone where there was no elevation), the
community can receive a reduction in flood insurance premiums through the CRS.
In order to prevent the duplication of the two types of flood insurance benefits for new
flood studies, CRS credit for new studies (NS) is limited to:
1. Studies that produce a base flood elevation in a B, C, D, X or approximate A Zone
where there was no elevation shown on the FIRM.
2. Studies in AE and VE Zones and A and V Numbered Zones that result in base flood
elevations higher than those shown on the existing FIRM.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-11

Edition: 2006

Additional Flood Data

Impact Adjustment Map
Area

Size (sq. miles)

Notes

SFHA

0.43

Does not include federal prison

aAFD1
aAFD2

0.09
0.43

Non-SFHA channels that drain > 40 acres
Riley River floodplain (same as SFHA)

Figure 410-4. Watertown’s additional flood data Impact Adjustment Map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-12

Edition: 2006

If a site-specific or local study is conducted for an area shown on the FIRM as a numbered A
or V Zone or AE or VE Zone, then the only way to receive Community Rating System (CRS)
credit for a new study is if the base flood elevation is raised. If it is lowered, the map revision
will mean a reduction in the size of the SFHA and lower flood elevations. The map revision
will reduce flood insurance premiums more than a CRS classification. The CRS does not
provide additional or duplicate credit.
There may be cases where a new profile is higher than the old base flood elevations in some
areas and lower in other areas. In such cases, the reaches that qualify for credit must be
identified on the impact adjustment map and scored accordingly. The reaches with new base
flood elevations that are lower than the old elevations are not credited under NS.
If a new detailed study resulted in a floodplain larger than the previously mapped SFHA, then
the community should mark the new floodplain as “AFD1” and “AFD2.” AFD1 would be
coterminous with the FIRM’s SFHA. AFD2 would be the area outside the SFHA where base
flood elevations are used to regulate development in B, C, D, or X Zones. The points for NS2
will be higher than for NS1.

b. Leverage (LEV) (Range: from 0 to 1.0)
1. If the community has data on the study costs:
LEV = Non-FEMA share of the study cost
Total cost of the study
2. If the community does not have financial data on the study costs, then
LEV = the total of the following:
(a) 0.25, if a better topographic map was contributed to the study effort,
(b) 0.15, if other contributions were made to the study effort.
3. If the community adopts advisory flood elevations (AFEs) or flood recovery data
provided by FEMA, the value of LEV is based on how quickly the AFEs or such
data are adopted.
(a) Full credit is provided if the AFEs are adopted within 30 days. No credit is
provided if they are adopted more than six months after they are published.
LEV = (180 – DAYS) ,
150
where DAYS =

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

The maximum value for LEV is 1.0

the number of days between the date the AFEs are
published by FEMA and the date they are adopted by the
community. The value of DAYS ranges from 1 to 180 (six
months).

410-13

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

(b) If a community enacts a moratorium on new construction, and repairs of
substantially damaged buildings from the time of the disaster to adoption of
AFEs, then LEV = 1.0.
(c) If a community adopts a regulatory elevation higher than the base flood
elevations shown on its current FIRM, but lower than the published AFEs,
the value for LEV will be pro-rated.
(d) This credit for LEV stays in effect until the second cycle verification visit after
publication of a revised FIRM with base flood elevations equal to or higher
than the AFEs.

LEV is a ratio with a range of 0 to 1.0. If the study was financed entirely by non-FEMA
resources, LEV = 1.0. Non-FEMA resources include the community, the state, a regional
agency, the property owner, a developer, the Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, and any other agency or organization other than FEMA or a FEMAfunded program.
If the study was fully funded by FEMA, then LEV = 0. Communities do not receive NS or
LEV credit for Flood Insurance Studies and FIRMs that are fully funded by FEMA.
If the community is a Cooperating Technical Partner, there should be readily available figures
on how much the study cost and the amounts paid by FEMA, the community, and other
involved agencies. If the Cooperating Technical Partner agreement is for the community to
contribute 20% of the cost of a new study, then LEV = 0.2.
If the community, state, or other agency made an in-kind contribution, such as staff time or
base maps, it can be converted to a dollar value on the Cooperating Technical Partner
Mapping Activity Statement using FEMA “Blue Book” values. If the effort cannot be
converted to dollars, then LEV = 0.25 or 0.15, according to the formula. If the dollar value
results in a ratio lower than 0.25 or 0.15, then the higher figure can be used.
Flood Insurance Studies or restudies cost shared with a state agency, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or
other federal agency are credited PROVIDED that the agency was not paid by FEMA for the
work. Many studies are conducted by a state or federal agency under contract to FEMA or
under the Limited Map Maintenance Program. In these instances, no LEV or NS credit is
given.
Generally, if the additional flood data can be found in the original Flood Insurance Study,
then FEMA paid the full cost, and LEV = 0. In some areas, the community, state, or regional
district helped fund the study or paid for better topographic base mapping, which was then
included in the Flood Insurance Study. In these cases, the community must document the nonFEMA contribution. Often, the community’s contribution is mentioned in the Flood Insurance
Study text and a copy of the appropriate page is sufficient.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-14

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Example 411.b-1. Floodville paid all of the costs for its study of the problem
ditch in the C Zone, AFD1. LEV1 = 1.0. Developers pay for calculating base flood
elevations in the A Zone along Deadman’s Creek, AFD2. LEV2 = 1.0.

Example 411.b-2. Watertown’s Engineering Department analyses are funded by
the City. LEV1 = 1.0.
Watertown signed a Cooperating Technical Partner agreement with FEMA to restudy
the Riley River. The agreement has the City funding $50,000 toward the study and
contributing its GIS contour map. These contributions are calculated to equal
$150,000. The total cost of the study is $250,000.
LEV2 = $150,000 = 0.6
$250,000
Watertown’s efforts equate to 60% of the cost of the Riley River restudy. In Section
413, the values for NS for this study are multiplied by 0.6, resulting in 60% of the
credit for those elements. Note that Watertown will not receive this credit for the
restudy until it is completed and adopted in the City’s floodplain management
regulations.

The third option for LEV credit can be used when FEMA provides advisory flood elevations
after a major storm. In many areas, the storm surge from a hurricane exceeds the base flood
elevations on the current effective FIRM. When this happens, it raises questions about the
validity of the current FIRM’s base flood elevations. FEMA conducts a reassessment of those
elevations to see if they reflect the true risk. Flood Recovery Guidance is developed to
provide communities with advisory flood elevations (AFEs) that they can use in the
reconstruction process until more detailed data become available.
Normally a FEMA-funded flood study will not receive any credit under the CRS (i.e., LEV
= 0). However, adopting higher flood elevations immediately after a storm can have a major
positive impact on reconstruction and redevelopment in the floodplain. Therefore, a special
exception is made to encourage communities to adopt their AFEs as quickly as possible.
Delaying adoption of AFEs decreases their value over time as more properties are reconstructed to the pre-storm base flood elevations. Accordingly, the formula for LEV reduces the
credit if the community delays adoption. The value for LEV can range from 1.0 when the
AFEs are adopted within one month of their publication by FEMA (DAYS = 30) to 0.4 if they
are adopted four months later (DAYS = 120) to zero if they are adopted six or more months
later (DAYS = 180).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-15

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

It should be noted that if FEMA subsequently provides a new FIRM using the AFEs, adoption
of the higher elevations is no longer optional. Adopting the elevations will be a minimum
requirement of the NFIP and the community will lose this credit (i.e., LEV = 0) at the second
cycle verification visit after publication of the new FIRM. This means a Class 6–9 community
will keep the credit for a minimum of five years after the new FIRM makes adoption of the
higher elevations mandatory.
It is hoped that before this happens, the community will have acquired, relocated, elevated, or
otherwise protected many of its damaged buildings and will receive enough credit under
Activities 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) or 530 (Flood Protection) to offset this possible
loss of credit.
Should a subsequent FIRM have base flood elevations that are lower than the AFEs and the
community opts to keep the AFEs in its regulations, then it will not lose this credit.

Example 411.b-3. Gulf Isle was hit by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. FEMA
published AFEs on November 15, 2005. The AFEs are higher than the BFEs in the
current FIRM and extend the floodplain boundaries into the current FIRM’s X Zones.
The AFEs receive 150 points NS credit for higher BFEs and V-Zone boundaries in
original AE and VE Zones and 240 points NS credit for providing BFEs in the FIRM’s
X Zones. With the impact adjustment, Gulf Isle would receive 270 points for NS if the
new study had been fully funded by a non-FEMA source.
If the Gulf Isle City Council adopted the AFEs by December 14, 2005, DAYS = 30:

LEV = (180 – DAYS) = (180 – 30) = 150 = 1.0
150
150
150
LEV = 1.0 and c410 = 270 x 1.0 = 270.
If the Council waited until February 20, 2006, DAYS = 97

LEV = (180 – DAYS) = (180 – 97) = 83 = 0.65
150
150
150
LEV = 0.65 and c410 = 270 x 0.65 = 175.5.
If the City Council did not adopt the AFEs until after May 15, 2006, DAYS > 180 and
LEV = 0. There would be no CRS credit for adopting the AFEs.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-16

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

c. Higher study standard (HSS) (Maximum credit: 160 points)
HSS credit is provided for the following higher study standards:
•
•
•
•

Using future conditions hydrology,
Using a higher confidence limit when calculating the 100-year discharge,
Using better topographic data, and
Showing 500-year flood elevations and the boundaries of the 500-year
floodplain.

Additional higher study standards may be submitted by the community. FEMA
will determine if they warrant credit for HSS.
The credit points are cumulative for each study, not to exceed the maximum
listed.

Study scope
1. Delineation of an approximate A Zone

Original FIRM Zone
B, C, D,
AE, VE,
A or V
or X
A#, V#
20
10
−

Max per
Study
40

2. Flood elevations for a site at time of
development

40

30

−

80

3. New profile or length of shoreline

80

60

50

160

The points for HSS are cumulative. For example, a new profile (line 3) in an X Zone that
used future conditions hydrology and better topographic data would receive 80 + 80 = 160
points for HSS. If the study also used a higher confidence limit when calculating the 100-year
discharge, the total for HSS (80 + 80 + 80) would exceed the maximum allowed per study and
the score would be capped at 160. This is added to the NS score in Section 413, Credit
Calculation.
A community may receive credit for HSS in areas where it does not receive credit for NS. For
example, credit can be provided if the FIRM (or a later map adopted for regulatory purposes)
was based on future conditions hydrology, provided the community’s floodplain development
regulations use base flood elevations based on future conditions.
Some background on the listed higher standards.
•

Using future conditions hydrology: Future-conditions hydrology means that flood
discharges associated with projected land use conditions are based on a community's
zoning maps and/or comprehensive land use plans and without consideration of
projected future construction of flood detention structures or projected future
hydraulic modifications within a stream or other waterway, such as bridge and culvert
construction, fill, and excavation. When the hydrologic study is based on future land
use conditions, discharges will be higher than those from a study based on current
development conditions.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-17

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

If a long-range plan is used, its target date must still be at least five years away. For
example a study done in 1985 based on land use in the year 2010 will not receive
credit after 2005. However, if the hydrology was based on a fully developed
watershed, there is no expiration of the credit.
•

Using a higher confidence limit when calculating the 100-year discharge: Hydrology
studies produce “estimates” of peak flows. The estimates used are the “best”
estimates, which means that they are high 50% of the time and low 50% of the time.
Using a higher confidence interval means that the estimates are too high more often
and too low less often. For example, a 90% confidence limit means that the quantity of
flow used to map a floodplain will be too high 90% of the time and too low 10% of the
time. The result is a more dependable estimate of the 100-year flow.

•

Using better topographic data: This credit is for using a base map that has
topographic data better than what is available from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Either:
•

The map has contour intervals smaller than what is available from the U.S.
Geological Survey’s digital orthophoto quarter quads (DOQQs), or

•

In those areas where there are no DOQQs, the credit is provided if the contour
interval is smaller than that on the area’s USGS quadrangle maps.

Example 411.c-1. Because Floodville expects that a large proportion of its
drainage areas will be urbanized, its problem ditch study (AFD1) used a base flood
discharge based on full watershed development (future conditions hydrology). AFD1
credit is based on line 3 and the original FIRM Zone was “C.” (HSS1 = 80 points).
The City’s floodplain management ordinance requires developers on Deadman’s
Run (AFD2) to use future conditions hydrology. AFD2 credit is based on line 2 and
the original FIRM Zone was “A.” (HSS2 = 30 points).

Example 411.c-2. Watertown’s site-specific analyses do not include any higher
study standards. HSS1 = 0.

d. More restrictive floodway standard (FWS) (Maximum credit: 200 points)
FWS credit is based on the allowable floodway surcharge used to prepare the
floodway map. The community or the state must document that a state or local law
sets a maximum allowable surcharge.
1. FWS = 200, if the floodway delineation was based on no allowable rise in the
flood elevation,

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-18

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

2. FWS = 150, if the allowable rise was from 0.01 to 0.2 feet,
3. FWS = 100, if the allowable rise was from 0.21 to 0.5 feet, or
4. FWS = 50,

if the allowable rise was from 0.51 to 0.99 feet.

Figure 410-5 shows the standard approach to mapping a floodway. If the floodway was based
on the FEMA surcharge standard of 1.0 foot, then there is no credit for this element. If a
floodway map is based on some other standard (such as a limitation on velocity or a change in
velocity) to determine more restrictive floodways, the community must determine the actual
reduction in floodway surcharge that results. Since floodway analysis is almost always
performed by the step-backwater method, the data provided for each cross section should be
used to determine the actual average floodway surcharge.
Many times a floodway study prepared according to the minimum NFIP guidelines produces a
floodway surcharge of less than 1 foot at some cross sections. The fact that the average
floodway surcharge is less than 1 foot does not qualify the community for FWS credit. The
floodway surcharge must be reduced by a mapping standard that can be documented by the
community.

Example 411.d-1. Floodville’s state law requires that all floodway delineations
be based on a 0.5-foot allowable floodway surcharge. In areas with floodways
delineated according to this standard, FWS = 100.
This standard was used in the study for the problem ditch (AFD1): FWS1 = 100.
There is no floodway study required for the site-specific analyses on Deadman’s Run
(AFD2): FWS2 = 0.
On Foster Creek the City uses the floodway provided with the Flood Insurance
Study. That floodway was based on the state’s 0.5-foot surcharge standard. Because
state law required that it be prepared to a higher standard than that specified in
Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, the Foster Creek
floodway can be credited. The area affected is the A15 Zone, which is designated as
AFD3. Therefore, FWS3 = 100.

NOTE: Credit for FWS should not be confused with the minimum NFIP requirement that new
development in the floodway may not result in any increase in flood heights. The FWS credit
is for using a more restrictive standard to delineate the floodway.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-19

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Figure 410-5. Standard approach to floodway delineation.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-20

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Example 411.d-2. (See Figure 410-4.) When Watertown’s Engineering
Department conducts site-specific analyses to calculate base flood elevations for
permit applicants in certain areas outside the SFHA (AFD1), it also conducts an
encroachment study to see if the applicant’s project will increase flood heights . A
0.1-foot surcharge is required by state law. This standard is used for these studies:
FWS1 = 150.
Watertown designates the floodplain on the Riley River as AFD2. Watertown’s Flood
Insurance Study on the Riley River used the state standard: FWS2 = 150.

e. Additional flood data for special hazards (AFDSH): (Maximum credit: 50 points)
Credit for mapping areas of special flood-related hazards is described in separate
CRS publications on special hazards.

If a community is applying for credit for mapping and regulating any of the special floodrelated hazards, described in Section 401, it should turn now to the appropriate publications
that are listed in Section 415.b. The credit points for mapping these areas are calculated
separately. The resulting credit points, AFDSH, are then transferred to this activity.

f. Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) (Maximum credit: 141 points)
(1) CTP1 = the total of the following
10, if the community is a Cooperating Technical Partner. The community must
have signed a Cooperating Technical Partner agreement with FEMA that
identifies shared mapping responsibilities and costs.
10, if the community is in a regional agency OR state that has signed a
Cooperating Technical Partner agreement with FEMA. The agreement must
identify the community or one of its flood problem areas as being studied.
This credit is provided only for Cooperating Technical Partner agreements
that relate to new studies or study standards. No credit is provided for
agreements that only provide information on existing studies and data.

Cooperating Technical Partners are communities, regional agencies, or states that have the
interest and capability to be active partners in FEMA’s flood mapping program. Regional
agencies that would qualify are those that are active in floodplain mapping, such as regional
drainage or sanitary districts. They may also include county agencies active in preparing
maps for both unincorporated and municipal floodplains. However, there is no credit for the
community if the agreement does not affect a floodplain map in that community.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-21

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Cooperating Technical Partners enter into an agreement that formalizes their contribution and
commitment to flood mapping. The objective of the program is to maximize limited funding
by combining resources and to help maintain consistent national standards.
Each Cooperating Technical Partner enters into an agreement with FEMA, specifying what
mapping activities it will implement. These could be as varied as:
•

Refinement of approximate Zone A boundaries,

•

Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and floodplain mapping,

•

DFIRM preparation and maintenance,

•

Redelineation of detailed flood hazard information using updated topographic
data,

•

Digital base map data sharing,

•

Hydrologic and hydraulic review of requests for map revision, or

•

Adoption of specific technical standards or processes appropriate for local
conditions.

(2) CTP2 =
1.1, if the study or standard was prepared pursuant to the Cooperating
Technical Partner program. This provides a 1.1 multiplier that increases
the additional flood data credit by 10%.
1.0, if the study or standard was not prepared pursuant to the Cooperating
Technical Partner program or if it was prepared before the community,
regional agency, or state signed the Cooperating Technical Partner
agreement. The multiplier of 1.0 means that the credit points are not
changed.

CTP1 provides credit for participating in the Cooperating Technical Partners program. When
the program produces new studies or revises mapping standards, the community should
receive credit under the other elements of Activity 410.
CTP2 increases the credit received under Activity 410 by 10% to recognize the extra benefits
of the Cooperating Technical Partner program. CTP2 is a multiplier of the total score for each
study or standard (AFD). If the study or standard was not done pursuant to a Cooperating
Technical Partner agreement, then the score is multiplied by 1.0 and does not change.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-22

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Example 411.f-1. Watertown signed a Cooperating Technical Partner
agreement with FEMA to restudy the Riley River. The state NFIP coordinating
agency also signed a Cooperating Technical Partner agreement to review flood
studies and provide other mapping support services.
CTP1 = 10 + 10 = 20
Watertown can receive CTP1 credit now. After the restudy for the Riley River is
completed and adopted in the City’s floodplain management regulations, CTP2 will =
1.1. Watertown’s score for the restudy will then receive a 10% credit bonus.

412 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
rAFD: If the standards in the area of AFD apply throughout the SFHA as shown on
the community’s FIRM, rAFD = 1.0.
Under Option 1, only one set of standards may be credited for AFD.

This option for rAFD can be used only if ALL of the area in the community’s SFHA is under
the standards of AFD. This would be the case, for example, if all of a community’s SFHA is a
numbered A Zone with a higher floodway standard. However, if part of the community’s
SFHA is unnumbered A Zone or coastal, this option cannot be used. If the community
regulates areas outside its SFHA, it may get more credit by using Option 3.
Example 412.a-1. Singletown is affected by only one source of flooding: Single
Creek. The Flood Insurance Study for Single Creek used the state’s standard of a
0.1-foot floodway surcharge. Because the Single Creek floodplain covers the entire
SFHA, Singletown uses Option 1: rAFD = 1.0.

b. Option 2:
rAFD: If a single set of standards for AFD does not apply throughout the SFHA, the
community may use an impact adjustment of rAFD = 0.25. If there is more than one
set of standards for AFD, the community should choose the area with the highest
value for AFD when using Option 2.

A community may opt to use the default value of 0.25 for rAFD if it does not want to take the
time to prepare an Impact Adjustment Map or if it estimates that it would receive more points
by using the minimum value of Option 2.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-23

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

c. Option 3:
rAFDi: The size of the area to which the standards of AFDi apply (aAFDi) must be
determined in order to adjust the credit points to reflect its impact. This impact is the
ratio of aAFD to the area of SFHA (aSFHA).
rAFDi = aAFDi
aSFHA
The maximum value for ∑rAFDi = 1.5.
All areas must be mutually exclusive.
Because all of a floodplain benefits from a more restrictive floodway surcharge,
aFWS includes the entire width of that reach of the floodplain, not just the area of
the floodway.

The Impact Adjustment Map is explained in Section 403. If there is more than one area, each
done to a different standard, each area is marked separately, i.e., AFD1, AFD2, etc. If several
areas were mapped or studied to identical standards, they are marked with the same acronym
and number (see Figures 410-3 and 410-4).
The area of the SFHA (aSFHA) is the same for all instances of AFD. It is calculated based on
the SFHA of the FIRM being revised by the newly adopted data. However, if a map revision
reduces the size of the SFHA, the area calculations may be based on the new area (which will
be to the community’s benefit, because it increases the value of rAFD).
ΣrAFDi stands for the sum of all of the impact adjustment ratios for AFD (i.e., rAFD1 +
rAFD2 + rAFD3 + . . .). The sum of all rAFDi cannot be greater than 1.5. In this activity, an
impact adjustment ratio greater than 1.0 reflects the fact that the community is regulating
floodplain development in areas not identified on the FIRM. It is presumed that this will
provide significant savings in future flood damage and NFIP claims, so the impact adjustment
ratio for this activity may go up to 1.5.
NOTE: All areas marked AFDi must be mutually exclusive. If the community does not
regulate outside of the SFHA, then ΣrAFDi cannot be greater than 1.0.

Example 412.c-1. In Floodville, the floodplain for the unnamed ditch is marked
as AFD1 on the city’s Impact Adjustment Map shown in Figure 410-3. The
Deadman’s Run A Zone is marked AFD2, and the Foster Creek floodplain is marked
AFD3. Floodville’s CRS Coordinator uses the grid square overlay method to determine the areas affected. He estimates these areas in acres:
aAFD1 = 71

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

aAFD2 = 58

aAFD3 = 267

410-24

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

aSFHA = 58 + 267 = 325
rAFD1 = aAFD1 = 71 = 0.22
aSFHA 325
rAFD2 = aAFD2 = 58 = 0.18
aSFHA 325
rAFD3 = aAFD3 = 267 = 0.82
aSFHA 325
ΣrAFDi = 0.22 + 0.18 + 0.82 = 1.22, so ΣrAFDi ≤ 1.5.
Note that on Figure 410-3, AFD1 overlaps with AFD3. Because all areas must be
mutually exclusive, Floodville can only count the overlapped area once. It should
count the overlapped area under the AFD with the higher flood elevation, the
elevation that takes precedence in the floodplain management regulations.
Therefore, the overlapped area is counted under AFD3.

Example 412.c-2. (See Figure 410-4.) Watertown’s Impact Adjustment Map
shows the areas outside the SFHA where site-specific analyses are required as
AFD1. The Riley River floodplain is designated as AFD2.
Watertown’s engineer used a planimeter to measure the area of the SFHA (which is
also the area of AFD2).
aSFHA = 0.55 square miles. When the area covered by the federal prison is
removed from consideration, aSFHA = 0.43 square miles. aAFD2 = aSFHA = 0.43.
The city’s regulations requiring site-specific analyses (AFD1) cover 12,000 feet of
stream channel. The area of AFD1 is the length times the width. Since the area
regulated is 100 feet on each side of the channel, the width is 100 x 2 = 200.
aAFD1 = 12,000 x 200 = 2,400,000 square feet or 0.09 square miles (see Section
404 for the conversion of square feet to square miles).
Using Option 3, rAFD1 = aAFD1 = 0.09 = 0.21
aSFHA 0.43
rAFD2 = aAFD2 = 0.43 = 1.0
aSFHA 0.43
ΣrAFDi = 0.21 + 1.0 = 1.21, so ΣrAFDi < 1.5.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-25

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

413 Credit Calculation
a. AFDi = ((NSi x LEVi) + HSSi + FWSi) x rAFDi x CTP2i
b. c410 = ΣAFDi + (AFDSHi x CTP2i) + CTP1

Example 413.b-1. In Floodville (see Figure 410-3):
1. AFD1 = detailed study of the problem ditch in the C Zone.
NS1 = 290 HSS1 = 80 LEV1 = 1.0 FWS1 = 100 rAFD1 = 0.22
Floodville does not receive any CTP credit, CTP1 = 0, CTP2 = 1.0.
AFD1 = ((290 x 1.0) + 80 + 100) x 0.22 x 1.0 = 470 x 0.22 x 1.0 = 103.4
2. AFD2 = the site-specific analyses required for Deadman’s Run.
NS2 = 75 HSS2 = 30 LEV2 = 1.0 FWS2 = 0

rAFD2 = 0.18 CTP2 = 1.0

AFD2 = ((75 x 1.0) + 30 + 0) x 0.18 x 1.0 = 105 x 0.18 x 1.0 = 18.9
3. AFD3 = the more restrictive floodway prepared for Foster Creek. This higher
floodway standard was included in the City’s original Flood Insurance Study, so
there is no NS, HSS, or LEV credit.
NS3 = 0 HSS3 = 0 LEV3 = 0 FWS3 = 100 rAFD3 = 0.82 CTP2 = 1.0
AFD3 = ((0 x 0) + 0 + 100) x 0.82 x 1.0 = 100 x 0.82 x 1.0 = 82.0
4. Floodville does not receive any CTP credit, CTP1 = 0,
c410 = AFD1 + AFD2 + AFD3 + CTP1 = 103.4 + 18.9 + 82.0 + 0 = 204.3

Example 413.b-2. Watertown has two areas with additional flood data as shown
on its Impact Adjustment Map in Figure 410-4.
1. AFD1 = the site-specific analyses conducted by the city’s Engineering
Department on all streams with a drainage area larger than 40 acres.
NS1 = 100 HSS1 = 0 LEV1 = 1.0 FWS1 = 150 rAFD1 = 0.21 CTP2 = 1.0
AFD1 = ((100 X 1.0) + 0 + 150) x 0.21 x 1.0 = 250 x 0.21 x 1.0 = 52.5
2. AFD2 = the Riley River floodplain covered by the original Flood Insurance Study.
The City receives no NS, HSS, LEV or CTP2 credit at this time. However, it will
when the restudy is completed and adopted in the City’s floodplain management
regulations. Watertown receives credit for the state’s higher floodway standard
(FWS).
NS2 = 0 HSS2 = 0 LEV2 = 1.0 FWS2 = 150 rAFD2 = 1.0

CTP2 = 1.0

AFD2 = ((0 x 0) + 0 + 150) x 1.0 x 1.0 = 150 x 1.0 x 1.0 = 150

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-26

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

3. Because the City and the state have signed Cooperating Technical Partner
agreements, CTP1 = 10 + 10 = 20, even though the Riley River restudy has not
been completed.
c410 = ΣAFDi = AFD1 + AFD2 + CTP1 = 52.5 + 150 + 20 = 222.5

414 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. The ordinance or law language that adopts the flood study for regulatory purposes
or that requires site-specific flood elevation or floodway studies to be conducted at
the time of permit application.

The ordinance or law should either specify what standard is to be used or adopt the studies or
maps for regulatory purposes.
Example 414.a-1. Appropriate regulatory language could read:
The floodplain delineation map for Skunk Creek, dated January 15, 1998, is
adopted and included in the area of jurisdiction of this ordinance. OR
The flood protection elevation shall be the base flood elevation shown on the
flood profiles in the Flood Insurance Study for the County. In floodplains where
the Flood Insurance Study does not provide a profile, the applicant shall
calculate the base flood elevation and submit it to the County Engineer for
approval and use as the flood protection elevation. OR
The areas of mudflow hazard subject to the management requirements of this
ordinance shall be as shown on the Geologic Hazard Maps produced by the
State Geological Survey.

NOTE: This Coordinator’s Manual contains examples of certifications and ordinance
language. Communities are advised to have all certifications and proposed ordinances
reviewed by their attorneys or corporation counsels.

b. Either:
(1) A copy of the study or an explanation of the technique used and a licensed
professional engineer’s statement that the study was based on a technique
approved by FEMA; OR

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-27

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

(2) A copy of the Flood Insurance Study pages or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR)
that show that the study has been accepted by FEMA to revise the FIRM.

Only those pages of the study that explain the elements for which the community is applying
need to be submitted. For example, if the community is applying for credit for a higher
floodway standard, the page from the Flood Insurance Study explaining the standard used and
an excerpt from the Floodway Data Table would suffice.
Under b.(1), the documentation must also include a statement signed by a licensed
professional engineer that the technique used in the study or the ordinance language has been
accepted by FEMA. It is not necessary to have the FEMA Regional Office specifically
approve the study, if the technique is listed as an acceptable one in Guidelines and
Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.
Example 414.b-1. Engineer’s language for a study could read:
The attached study for Unnamed Ditch #1 was prepared using hydrological and
hydraulic engineering methods that have been approved by FEMA. The
hydrology was prepared using HEC-1 and the flood profiles were prepared
using HEC-2, techniques that are listed in FEMA’s Numerical Models Meeting
the Minimum Requirement of the NFIP. The study was submitted on November
12, 2004, with a request for a Letter of Map Revision. The LOMR was issued on
January 14, 2005.

Example 414.b-2. Engineer’s language for an ordinance requirement could
read:
Section 123.4 of Ordinance No. 89-23 requires all applicants for a development
permit in unnumbered A Zones to calculate a base flood elevation and delineate
a floodway for their development sites. The ordinance states that the applicant
may use any method listed as acceptable in the current edition of FEMA’s
Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners.

c. [If the community requested credit for the independent review under Section 411.a]
Documentation that the state or other agency reviewed and accepted the study or
analysis techniques for which credit is being requested.

Documentation will usually be a letter from the responsible agency, stating that the review
was done and/or that the data were approved.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-28

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
d. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 411.b] For Flood
Insurance Studies that were partly paid by FEMA, documentation that describes the
non-FEMA share and who paid for it.

This documentation may be included in the engineer’s statement described in Section 414.b.
Note that many flood insurance studies and restudies were conducted by federal agencies and
private consulting firms under contract to FEMA. This activity credits only the share of a
study that FEMA did not finance.
Many communities are eligible for this credit if they shared in the cost of preparing the
original Flood Insurance Study or subsequent revisions. The non-FEMA contribution may be
in the form of direct financial participation or in-kind services, such as hydrologic studies or
topographic mapping. The community must be able to document the non-FEMA participation.
e. [If the community determines the impact adjustment ratios using Option 3 (412.c)]
The Impact Adjustment Map with the appropriate acronyms marking the areas
affected by the additional flood data. Each area with the same standard(s) should
be marked “AFD.” If more than one standard was used, the areas should be marked
“AFD1,” “AFD2,” etc. Different areas mapped to the same standards should all be
marked with the same acronym.

The Impact Adjustment Map is discussed in Section 403. If the community has additional
flood data that affect more than 25% of its floodplain, then it will receive more points if it
uses Option 3 as discussed in Section 412.c.
f. [If the community is requesting credit for CTP2, Cooperating Technical Partner,
under Section 411.f] Documentation that shows the relation between the study or
standard and the Cooperating Technical Partner agreement.
The community must have the following documentation available at its cycle
verification visit:
g. [If the community has received credit for a new study (NS) under Section 411.a] A
statement by the community’s engineer that its regulatory floodplain maps and
related data reflect current conditions. This statement need only address the maps
that are credited by this activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-29

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

The community’s engineer must sign a statement that addresses the following issues:
(1) Whether the precipitation data used for the study’s hydrology are still appropriate
and have not been replaced by new data, such as a new publication of standard
precipitation data.
(2) Whether the basis for the hydrology still reasonably reflects the current watershed
conditions.
(3) Whether the method used for the study is still considered appropriate, given current
techniques and technology.
(4) Whether construction, filling, and other development in the floodplain have made
the maps obsolete.
(5) If any of the flood studies or floodplain maps credited under this activity are not
current, what needs to be done to bring them up to date (e.g., restudy a stream
where the watershed has undergone a lot of development, revise a study to reflect a
revised official precipitation data publication, or conduct a new study where a
bridge has been replaced).
If any of the community’s flood studies or floodplain maps are not current, the engineer
must identify what needs to be done to bring them up to date, e.g., restudy a stream where
the watershed has undergone a lot of development, revise a study to reflect a revised
official precipitation data publication, or conduct a new study where a bridge has been
replaced.

415 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. More information on FEMA mapping criteria can be found on the FEMA website,
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/index.shtm .
More information on the Cooperating Technical Partner program can be obtained from the
FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A) and from the website at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/index.shtm .
To contact the FEMA map specialist for each region of the country, see
http://www.fema.gov/about/contact/fhm.shtm .

For technical data on past FEMA maps, see
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/st_order.shtm .

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-30

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

FEMA’s Numerical Models Meeting the Minimum Requirement of the NFIP can be found
at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/en_modl.shtm.
b. See Appendix E to order free copies of the following publications.
Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards.
c. The following publications may be obtained from
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
800-480-2520
Fax: (301) 362-5335
Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 2003. (Also available from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/gs_main.shtm .)
Use of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Data as Available Data, FEMA Floodplain
Management Bulletin 1-98, 1998. (Also available from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/fima/fis_data.shtm .)
Estimating the Value of Partner Contributions to Flood Mapping Projects “Blue
Book,” Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2002
The following can provide guidance on technical standards for studies in areas where base
flood elevations were not provided with the FIRM:
Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas, FEMA-265,
July 1995. (Also available from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1526 .)
d. Communities may check on past FIRMs and obtain background data by calling 1-877FEMA MAP. They can also submit a written inquiry through this link:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/st_main.shtm .
e. The following publications may be obtained from
Hydrologic Engineering Center
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
609 Second St.
Davis, CA 95616

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-31

Edition: July 2007

Additional Flood Data

Effects of Flood Plain Encroachments on Peak Flow, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, September 1980. (Also available for download at
http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/publications/ResearchDocuments/RD-14.pdf .)

HEC-2 Water Surface Profiles—Users Manual, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
January 1981.
f. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

410-32

Edition: July 2007

420 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
Summary of Activity 420
421

Credit Points. There are four elements in this activity for a maximum of 900 points
(excluding special hazards credit).

a.

Preserved open space (OS): Up to 725 points are provided for keeping vacant floodplain lands
open. This can be done by keeping the land publicly owned (e.g., a park or golf course), by
keeping it as a private preserve (e.g., hunting club lands), or by regulating development so that
there will be no new buildings or filling on the land.

b. Deed restrictions (DR): Up to 75 points are provided if the deeds for the parcels preserved as
OS have restrictions that prevent future owners from developing them.
c.

Natural and beneficial functions (NB): Up to 100 points are provided if the parcels preserved as
OS are in an undeveloped natural state, have been restored to a natural state, or protect natural
and beneficial floodplain functions.

d. Special hazard areas preserved as open space (SHOS): Up to 50 points are provided if the open
space is also in an area subject to one of the special flood-related hazards listed in Section 401.

422

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three ways.

a.

Under Option 1, where the entire regulatory floodplain is affected, the impact adjustment ratio
for an element is 1.0.

b. Under Option 2, where at least 5 acres of regulatory floodplain are affected, the impact
adjustment ratio for an element is 0.05 for OS and 0.1 for DR and NB.
c.

423

Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratios reflect the proportion of the regulatory floodplain
affected by an element.

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact
adjustment ratios.

424

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

[Required only if credit for OS is based on a prohibitory regulation] A copy of the regulatory
language.

b. Documentation showing the development restriction for each parcel to be credited under OS. If
Option 2 was used, then documentation is only needed for 5 acres.
c.

Documentation showing the deed restriction for each parcel to be credited under DR. If Option
2 was used, then documentation is only needed for 5 acres.

d. Documentation, signed by a professional in a natural science, that parcels credited under NB
have been preserved in or restored to an undeveloped natural state. If Option 2 was used, then
documentation is only needed for 5 acres.
e.

The Impact Adjustment Map, showing the areas designated for credit.

f.

[Required only if credit is requested for areas outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)] Documentation showing that floodplain
regulations are in effect in those areas.

425

For More Information. Additional credit for open space in special hazard areas is
discussed in the supplements on special hazards.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-1

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

420 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
Credit is provided for having floodprone property that is preserved as publicly owned or
controlled open space.
Background: One of the best ways to prevent flood damage is to keep floodprone
areas free of development. Preserving open space is therefore recognized as a
regulatory activity. In addition to the flood protection benefits, preserving open space
can greatly enhance the natural and beneficial functions that floodplains serve.
Activity Description: Credit is given for areas that are permanently preserved as
open space. Additional credit is given for parcels of open space that are protected by
deed restrictions or that have been preserved in or restored to their natural state.

Under this activity, several different methods of preserving floodplain lands as open space
(OS) are recognized. To be termed “open space,” the land must be free from buildings,
filling, or other encroachment to flood flows. The objective is to prevent or minimize
development that obstructs floodwaters, exposes insurable buildings to damage, or adversely
affects water quality or quantity or other floodplain functions. This activity recognizes
programs that have preserved wetlands, beaches, and other critical areas from development,
even though they may not have been intended as floodplain regulatory activities.
If an open space parcel has a deed restriction or other permanent legal attachment that
prohibits buildings or fill from ever being placed on the land, it is given the designation “DR”
and additional credit. If it has been preserved in or restored to its natural state, it is
designated “NB” and given additional credit.

Additional credit is provided for preserving open space in areas subject to one of the
hazards discussed in the appropriate CRS publications on special hazards.

The Community Rating System (CRS) encourages communities to devote special attention to
areas affected by any of the special flood-related hazards listed in Section 401. Communities
affected by one or more of these hazards should obtain a copy of the appropriate CRS
publication on special hazards and/or coastal hazards (see Appendix E). That publication
shows how to increase credit points for areas that are designated open space in this activity if
they are also affected by one of these special hazards.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-2

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

421 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 420: 900 points (excluding special hazards credit)
a. Preserved open space (OS) (Maximum credit: 725 points)
OS = 725, for that portion of the regulatory floodplain which is preserved as open
space. To qualify for credit, there must be an assurance that the property will remain
open, that is, without buildings, fill, obstruction to flood flows, or loss of floodplain
storage.

This requirement may be met in one of three ways:
1. Public land such as state and local parks and easements: However, as noted in Section
403, there is no open space credit for federal lands. All portions of city and county
parks, forest preserves, state parks and state forests, publicly owned beaches, or
natural areas that are within the regulatory floodplain may be counted for open space
credit. Separate parcels owned by a school district or other public agency can be
counted, provided there are no buildings on them within the regulatory floodplain. See
Section 301 for the definition of “buildings.”

Example 421.a-1. Floodville has three publicly owned open space areas that
qualify. They are marked “OS” on the Impact Adjustment Map in Figure 420-1. Foster
Creek Park is a nature preserve along Foster Creek. It is 90 acres, with 10 acres in
the B Zone and 80 acres in the SFHA. The Hunter Street School has a 6-acre
playing field in the Deadman’s Run floodplain. The City’s Adams Street Park is 1.5
acres. All of it is in the newly mapped floodplain for the unnamed ditch.
2. Preserve land: private wildlife or nature preserves that are maintained for open space
purposes. Examples would be church retreats, hunting club lands, Audubon Society
preserves, and similar privately owned areas that are set aside and not intended to be
developed. A parcel set aside by a developer as a temporary “preserve” until the area
develops is not considered permanent open space.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-3

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

Impact Adjustment Map
Area

Size (acres)

Notes

OS
OS, DR
OS
aOS

80.0
6.0
1.5
87.5

Foster Creek Park (floodplain portion)
Hunter Street School playing field
Adams Street Park
All open space areas

aNB

50.0

Bottomland hardwoods in Foster Creek Park

Figure 420-1. Floodville’s open space.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-4

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

3. Restrictive development regulations: privately owned lands subject to state or local
regulations that prevent construction of buildings or the placement of fill or other
obstructions. Credit is only given for such regulated lands that are vacant at the time
of application for CRS credit. Some examples are coastal construction setback lines,
wetlands or natural areas regulations, or any state or local law that prohibits new
buildings from a defined area. The regulations must also prohibit fill, grading, or other
activities that obstruct flood flows or remove flood storage in areas subject to riverine
flooding. Maintenance of existing levees and engineered dune and beach nourishment
programs may be allowed.
A wetlands regulation that is dependent upon site analysis to define whether a property is a
wetland is not acceptable. The area where buildings are prohibited must be mapped or defined
by lots or a legal description so it can be mapped. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act is not
acceptable because it does not prevent construction of buildings, it only denies federal
support for new development.
Ordinance language prohibiting structures that may cause obstructions in the floodway is not
granted CRS credit because such a prohibition is a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
requirement. It allows a building in the floodway if the applicant can show that it causes no
obstruction.
If an ordinance prohibits residential development of a floodplain, the community may request
OS credit for all floodplain areas that are zoned for residential use only.
Open space subdivision design, cluster development, transfers of development rights, and
planned unit developments are regulatory approaches that can require or encourage
developers to set aside floodplains and other areas as dedicated open space. The areas may be
deeded to the community or permanently protected under a conservation easement and
maintained by the owner or a homeowners association.
Unless the local regulations specifically identify certain undeveloped floodplains and
mandate that they be set aside, there is no automatic OS credit for these regulations because
there is no assurance that the developer will set aside specific areas. However, once a plat has
been accepted and the open space is deeded over or otherwise preserved, the sites can be
credited as public or preserved open space. More information on these regulatory techniques
can be found in Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard Areas.
NOTE: The CRS does not call for prohibiting all use of private property. Communities are
advised to have their attorneys or corporation counsels ensure that their regulations that
prevent construction of buildings or the placement of fill in hazardous areas do not constitute
a taking of private property.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-5

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

Five types of properties are not counted for this activity:
1. Properties not counted in any calculations for the 400 series.
2. Areas with buildings on them. Insurable buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres
will not disqualify a lot, provided the building is “a necessary appurtenance” of the
open space use.
3. Streets, pavement, and other impervious surfaces; and parkway, railroad, levee,
canal, ditch, and channel rights of way less than 100 feet wide unless they are the
principal drainage feature in the area. Such rights of way with pervious surfaces
may be included in the open space calculation if they are an integral part of a larger
open space area or a designated public greenway.
4. Parcels where filling or other encroachments may be placed.
5. Publicly owned property that is not intended for open space use, such as a vacant
lot in an industrial park.

The five types of properties that are not counted are discussed in more detail below.
1. Properties not counted in any calculations: As noted in Section 403, certain areas are
not considered part of the regulatory floodplain, and these areas are not counted
toward either open space or aRF:
a) Open water larger than 10 acres, such as lakes, bays, and large rivers;
b) Lands larger than 10 acres that are either owned by the federal government, such
as military installations and national parks, or where development is prohibited by
the federal government;
c) At the community’s option, areas beyond the community’s regulatory jurisdiction;
and
d) A99 and AR Zones.
See Section 403 for a discussion of excluding these areas from the Impact Adjustment
Map.
2. Areas with buildings on them: See Section 301 for a discussion of “buildings.”
Insurable buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres will not disqualify a lot, provided
the building is “a necessary appurtenance” of the open space use.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-6

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

Example 421.a-2.
1. If a large city park has a swimming pool, the park can be counted even though it
may have a building with restrooms, lockers, and clothes-changing areas.
However, if it has a paved parking lot, the area of impervious surface must be
deleted from the credited area of open space.
2. A 12-acre park that includes the first settler’s home or other historical building
that is an integral part of the park can be considered OS.
3. A ranger’s cabin will not disqualify a state forest for OS credit.
4. Floodville’s Foster Creek Park can be credited even though it has a nature
center because the park is larger than 10 acres.
5. A strip of single-family lots along a stream has a house in the floodplain fringe of
each lot. There are no buildings in the floodway, and the community’s
regulations prohibit filling and the placement of new buildings in the floodway.
The open space area, the floodway, is currently vacant and the regulations will
keep it vacant, so it can be credited.
6. Floodville’s Hunter Street School playing field can be credited. None of the
structures on it, like the bleachers and fence, are “buildings” as defined in
Section 301. Impervious surfaces, such as a basketball court and parking lot, are
not credited.

3. Street, parkway, railroad, levee, canal, ditch, and channel rights of way less than 100
feet wide: Such narrow, linear strips of utility easements or publicly owned property
are excluded from consideration as open space because they are necessary for any type
of development or use of an area. These areas are not deleted if they are an integral
part of a larger open space area or a designated public greenway.
On the other hand, greenways and parks that parallel a river or shoreline that are at
least as deep as the normal lots in the area may be counted as open space.
Streets, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces are not included in the area to be
credited. Roads and parking lots in a park can be credited if they have pervious
surfaces, such as gravel or porous pavement and support the open space use.
Otherwise, paved roads, parking lots, and other large areas of impervious surface are
deleted from the area calculations. Small paved areas, such as a sidewalk in a
designated greenway, can be counted toward OS.
4. Parcels where filling or other encroachments may be placed: For example, an open
area used for temporary storage of rock or construction materials does not qualify as
open space. Plowing and other alterations of the ground are not counted as filling
provided they do not create obstructions to the flow or loss of storage of floodwaters.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-7

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

The objective of preserving open space is to prevent increased flood damage from
future development. Even though insurable buildings may not be allowed, filling,
dumping, or storage on a lot can aggravate flood problems on other properties.
5. Publicly owned property that is not intended for open space use, such as a vacant lot
in an industrial park: One of the keys to the open space credit is the fact that the area
will remain open space, not just that it is owned by a public agency. Therefore, areas
set aside by a developer or a public agency only until future economic or other
conditions allow it to be developed, are excluded.

b. Deed restrictions (DR) (Maximum credit: 75 points)
DR = 75, for those parcels of the community’s open space which have deed
restrictions. Only areas that qualify for OS credit can be considered for DR credit.

Just because a lot is a city park today, there is usually no legal restriction that keeps a city
council from building on it or selling it for development. The exact language for a legal
arrangement or deed restriction will vary from state to state and should be prepared by a local
attorney. It should include the following factors:
•

No new buildings may be allowed on the property,

•

The restriction runs with the land, and

•

The restriction cannot be changed by a future owner; rather, it can only be
amended by a court for just cause.

A community, other agency, or organization may attach such a restriction to its existing parks
and other public open areas in order to receive the deed restriction credit.

Example 421.b-1. Property often is donated for park purposes with the stipulation that it be used only for public recreation. Properties purchased under FEMA’s
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program qualify for this credit because the titles have a
deed restriction that prohibits buildings.

Example 421.b-2. The Hunter Street School playing field in Floodville was
purchased with financial assistance from a state agency. The agency required a
deed restriction that limits future use of the site to recreation or education. Because
the site was in the floodplain, the deed restriction also prohibits construction of any
buildings. On Floodville’s Impact Adjustment Map (Figure 420-1), the CRS
Coordinator designated this site with “DR” as well as “OS” to show that it is open
space subject to a deed restriction.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-8

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

c. Natural and beneficial functions (NB) (Maximum credit: 100 points)
NB = 100, for those parcels of the community’s floodplain open space which are in
an undeveloped natural state, have been restored to a natural state, or protect
natural and beneficial floodplain functions. Credit is available for NB only in areas
that qualify for OS credit. The area must be located in the community’s floodplain
and must be preserved in its natural state either by commitment of the owners or
through development regulations.

The following types of open space can receive NB credit.
1. Areas in their undeveloped natural state (i.e., areas that have not been built on, graded,
or farmed).
2. Areas that have been farmed or otherwise developed but have been restored to a state
approximating their natural, pre-development conditions.
3. Areas designated as worthy of preservation for their natural or beneficial functions by
a federal, state, or nationally recognized private program. Such programs include, but
are not limited to:
•

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Threatened and Endangered Species’ Critical
Habitat Designations;

•

A Habitat Conservation Plan approved by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or the
National Marine Fisheries Service. (The Habitat Conservation Plan can also
support credit under Sections 431.g and 511.b);

•

State sensitive-areas programs that place development restrictions on designated
properties; and

•

The Nature Conservancy’s Heritage Program Inventory.

NB credit is only provided for open space land designated for some natural and
beneficial floodplain function as defined in Section 130, Glossary. Areas designated
only as “scenic,” as historically significant, or as outstanding canoeing or boating
streams would not qualify for this credit.
To qualify for NB credit, the property must meet all the criteria for OS. For example, a forest
preserve with a building on it could still be credited if the building is a nature center or a
restroom that is a “necessary appurtenance of the open space use.”
Although any open space area may qualify for OS, to qualify as NB the area not only must be
in a natural state but also must be preserved in such a state. This must be documented with a
letter from a professional in a natural science such as botany or biology. For example, a state

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-9

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

forest may qualify for OS but would not qualify for NB if clear cutting is allowed. Similarly,
a recreational beach with cabanas, changing facilities, temporary concession stands, etc., may
qualify as OS but would not meet the credit criteria for NB credit.
If a property is also protected by a deed restriction, DR credit can be provided. A property
may be marked on the Impact Adjustment Map for credit under all three elements. In such
cases, the credit points for all three elements, OS, DR, and NB, are cumulative (i.e., worth
725 + 75 + 100 = 900 points before the impact adjustment).
Example 421.c-2. When it prepared its comprehensive plan, Floodville
recognized the value of preserving the bottomland hardwoods in the floodplain of
Foster Creek. A joint public and private venture acquired bottomland areas adjacent
to the city’s park. The park was expanded and nature trails and an interpretive center
were established in the newly acquired area.
The floodplain portion of the park is designated “OS” on the Impact Adjustment Map
(Figure 420-1). Within the area designated OS, those bottomlands still in a natural
state are marked with a dashed line and designated “NB.”
The entire park is 90 acres; the floodplain area designated as OS covers 80 acres.
Some of the park includes ball fields, picnic pavilions, and other areas that do not
qualify for NB credit. The area that qualifies for NB is 50 acres.

d. Special hazard areas preserved as open space (SHOS) (Credit points vary.)
Credit for preserving areas subject to special flood-related hazards is described in
the appropriate CRS publications on special hazards. The credit points, cSHOS, are
then transferred to this activity.

422 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
1. rOS: If all of the area of the regulatory floodplain is preserved as open space,
rOS = 1.0.
2. rDR: If all of the regulatory floodplain is open space and has deed restrictions,
rDR = 1.0.
3. rNB: If all of the regulatory floodplain is open space that also qualifies for NB
credit, rNB = 1.0.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-10

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

Option 1 can be used only if ALL of the area in the community’s regulated floodplain is
currently undeveloped and is preserved as open space.

b. Option 2:
1. rOS: If at least 5 acres of regulatory floodplain are preserved as open space,
the community may use the default value for the impact adjustment ratio rOS =
0.05.
2. rDR: If at least 5 acres of regulatory floodplain qualify for OS and DR credit, the
community may use the default value for the impact adjustment ratio rDR =
0.10.
3. rNB: If at least 5 acres of regulatory floodplain qualify for OS and NB credit, the
community may use the default value for the impact adjustment ratio rNB = 0.10.

Example 422.b-1. Singleton has one 7-acre park in its regulatory floodplain.
Rather than prepare an impact adjustment map, Singleton decides to use Option 2
and rOS = 0.05.

c. Option 3:
1. rOS: The size of the area preserved as open space (aOS) must be determined
in order to adjust the credit points to reflect its impact. This impact is the portion
of open space in the total area of regulated floodplain in the community (aRF).
rOS = aOS
aRF
2. rDR: The size of the area with deed restrictions (aDR) must be determined in
order to adjust the credit points to reflect its impact. This impact is the portion of
the area with deed restrictions within the total area of regulated floodplain in the
community (aRF).
rDR = aDR
aRF
3. rNB: The size of the area preserved for natural and beneficial functions (aNB)
must be determined in order to adjust the credit points to reflect its impact. This
impact is the portion of the area preserved for its natural and beneficial
floodplain functions within the total area of regulated floodplain in the community
(aRF).
rNB = aNB
aRF

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-11

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

See Section 403 for a discussion of the Impact Adjustment Map. In these formulae, the “a”
variables are the sizes of the areas marked on the Impact Adjustment Map. aOS is the size of
all of the areas marked “OS.” It is divided by the value for aRF that was calculated according
to the instructions in Section 404.

Example 422.c-2. As shown in Figure 420-1, Floodville has three areas that
qualify for OS: Foster Creek Park (80 acres in the SFHA), the Hunter Street School
playing field (6 acres in the Deadman’s Run floodplain) and the Adams Street Park
(1.5 acres). The area of Floodville’s regulatory floodplain (aRF) is the area of all
three regulated floodplains: 396 acres.
Because the regulatory floodplain is not all in open space, Floodville cannot use
Option 1. Option 2 is not used for OS because the City has calculated the areas
affected and found that more than 5% of the regulatory floodplain is in open space.
Therefore it uses Option 3:
aOS = 80 + 6 + 1.5 = 87.5 acres
rOS = aOS = 87.5 = 0.22
aRF 396
The only area affected by a deed restriction is the 6-acre playing field at Hunter
Street School. Because this is less than 10% of the area of the regulatory floodplain,
Floodville will receive more credit points by using Option 2: rDR = 0.10.
The area preserved in its natural state in Foster Creek Park is 50 acres. As with OS,
Option 3 will produce the highest score for NB:
aNB = 50
rNB = aNB = 50 = 0.13
aRF 396

423 Credit Calculation
a. cOS = OS x rOS
b. cDR = DR x rDR
c. cNB = NB x rNB
d. cSHOS from Section 424SH
e. c420 = cOS + cDR + cNB + cSHOS

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-12

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

Section 424SH is part of a separate CRS publication on special hazards, necessary to apply
for CRS credit for special hazard areas (see Appendix E).
Example 423-1. Floodville calculates its credit for Activity 420.
cOS = OS x rOS = 725 x 0.22 = 159.5
cDR = DR x rDR = 75 x 0.1 = 7.5
cNB = NB x rNB = 100 x 0.13 = 13
cSHOS = 38
The credit for SHOS is discussed in a separate publication on special hazards.
c420 = cOS + cDR + cNB + cSHOS =
159.5 + 7.5 + 13 + 38 = 218.0 = 218
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist notes that a significant portion of
the 6-acre playing field at the Hunter Street School recently has been filled in
preparation for development. Credit is not verified for this parcel. This reduces the
area of verified open space from 87.5 acres to 81.5 acres, which reduces the impact
adjustment factor rOS from 0.22 to 0.21. This reduces the credit for open space from
159.5 to 152.25. Since this was the only parcel eligible for credit for deed restrictions,
cDR = 0. Floodville’s verified credit for this activity is
c420 = cOS + cDR + cNB + cSHOS =
152.25 + 0 + 13 + 38 = 203.25, which is rounded to 203.

424 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. [Required if OS credit is requested for prohibitory ordinance language] The
ordinance language that prohibits structures and fill in part or all of the floodplain.
The acronym OS must be marked in the margin of the sections pertaining to this
activity.

The ordinance must specifically prohibit both structures and fill in all or part of the
floodplain to qualify for OS credit.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-13

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
b. 1. [If the community determined rOS using Option 1 (Section 422.a) or Option 3
(Section 422.c)] Documentation showing the development restrictions for each
parcel not owned by the community for which OS credit is applied. In the case of
parks, golf courses or other recreation or preserve areas owned by the state or
another public agency, a letter from the owning agency will suffice. In the case
of privately owned land, a charter for the preserve land or other written
statement that demonstrates that the owner will preserve the land as open
space is needed.
2. [If the community determined rOS using Option 2 (Section 422.b)] Documentation showing the development restrictions for at least 5 acres for which OS credit
is applied.
c. 1. [If the community determined rDR using Option 1 (Section 422.a) or Option 3
(Section 422.c)] For parcels of open space for which deed restriction (DR)
credit is requested, copies of the deed restrictions for each parcel.
2. [If the community determined rDR using Option 2 (Section 422.b)] For parcels
of open space for which deed restriction (DR) credit is requested, copies of the
deed restrictions for at least 5 acres.
d. 1. [If the community determined rNB using Option 1 (Section 422.a) or Option 3
(Section 422.c)] For parcels of open space for which protection of natural and
beneficial functions (NB) credit is requested, documentation signed by a
professional that the parcels have been preserved in or restored to an
undeveloped natural state.
2. [If the community determined rNB using Option 2 (Section 422.b)] For parcels of
open space for which protection of natural and beneficial functions (NB) credit is
requested, documentation signed by a professional that at least 5 acres have
been preserved in or restored to an undeveloped natural state.

NOTE: DR and NB can only be marked in areas designated OS. There is no credit for DR or
NB on lands that are not open space.
Copies of the documentation should be readily available at the verification visit. The
ISO/CRS Specialist will not be able to go to the courthouse to review property records. DR
credit can only be documented with a copy of the actual deed restriction. An ordinance
requiring deed restrictions or dedication of easements is not adequate documentation that
there is a permanent legal restriction that prevents future owners from developing that
property.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-14

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

NB documentation may be a page from a recognized natural areas inventory, or a letter from a
professional in a natural science such as botany or biology.
e. The Impact Adjustment Map prepared according to Section 403. Each area of open
space must be designated on the map and in the map key.

The community’s Impact Adjustment Map and its key must show the regulatory floodplain
and the areas designated for credit under this activity. The map will be reviewed during the
verification visit and there will be a visit to a sample of the sites to confirm that they are
open. If impact adjustment Option 2 is used, the map only needs to be prepared for the part of
the community that has the area(s) to be credited.
f. [If the community is applying for credit for open space outside the SFHA]
Documentation that shows that floodplain regulations are in effect in the area
outside the SFHA.

If aRF is greater than aSFHA, i.e., if the community’s regulatory floodplain includes areas
outside the SFHA shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), then the community must
show that the areas outside the SFHA are subject to floodplain regulations. Often this
documentation is supplied with the application for Activity 410 (Additional Flood Data). This
documentation ensures that OS credit is provided only for parks that are actually in
floodplains.

425 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Additional credit for open space in special hazard areas and coastal areas is discussed in
the appropriate publications. See Appendix E to order these free publications, which are
necessary to apply for CRS credit for special flood-related hazards.
Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards.
b. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-15

Edition: 2006

Open Space Preservation

c. The Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service
provides planning assistance to communities interested in setting flood protection goals
and identifying nonstructural options. The Park Service provides experienced staff to help
communities focus on the grass-roots involvement of residents when developing a plan.
For more information, contact
National Park Service
Center for Recreation and Conservation
1849 C St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240-0001
(202) 565-1200
d. More information on planning and regulatory techniques to preserve floodplain open space
can be found in Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard Areas, Planning Advisory Service
Report # 473. Copies can be ordered for $32 ($16 for APA members) from
American Planning Association
122 South Michigan Ave, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 431-9100

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

420-16

Edition: 2006

430 HIGHER REGULATORY STANDARDS
Summary of Activity 430
431

Credit Points. There are 16 elements in this activity for a maximum of 2,740 points
(excluding special hazards credit):

a.
b.
c.

p.

Freeboard (FRB): Up to 300 points for a freeboard requirement.
Foundation protection (FDN): Up to 35 points for engineered foundations.
Cumulative substantial improvements (CSI): Up to 110 points for counting improvements
cumulatively.
Lower substantial improvements (LSI): Up to 90 points for a substantial improvement threshold
lower than 50%.
Protection of critical facilities (PCF): Up to 100 points.
Protection of floodplain storage capacity (PSC): Up to 80 points.
Natural and beneficial functions regulations (NBR): Up to 40 points.
Enclosure limits (ENL): 300 points for prohibiting first-floor enclosures.
Other higher standard (OHS): Up to 100 points for other regulations.
Land development criteria (LD). Up to 700 points, as calculated in Section 430LD.
Special hazards regulations (SH): Credit points vary for regulations keyed to special flood-related
hazards.
State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS): Up to 45 points.
Building code (BC): Up to 190 points, based on the community’s classification under the Building
Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule and adoption of the International Code Series.
Staffing (STF): Up to 50 points, based on certification and training of the community’s staff.
Manufactured home parks (MHP): Up to 50 points for certain anchoring and elevation
requirements.
Coastal A Zones (CAZ): Up to 650 points for construction standards in certain coastal zones.

432

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three ways:

a.

Under Option 1, if the standards apply throughout the regulatory floodplain, the impact adjustment
ratio for an element is 1.0 minus the ratio for open space.
Under Option 2, if the standards do not apply throughout the regulatory floodplain, a default impact
adjustment ratio of 0.25 may be used; for CAZ credit, the impact adjustment is 0.1.
Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratios may reflect the proportion of the regulatory
floodplain affected by the element (excluding open space areas); the adjustment for PCF is based
on the 500-year floodplain.

d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.

b.
c.

433

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact
adjustment ratios and the products are totaled.

434

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

The portion of the state or local law or ordinance that adopts the regulatory standard.

b.
c.
d.

[If impact adjustment factors are based on Option 3 (432.c)] The Impact Adjustment Map.
An explanation of the community’s enforcement procedures.
[If requesting credit for STF (431.n)] A copy of the certification of graduation or floodplain
manager certification.

435

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-1

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

430 HIGHER REGULATORY STANDARDS
NOTE: A separate publication, CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards, provides an
example of a community program and application documentation. Communities are
encouraged to obtain and read this document before applying for this activity. It will improve
the quality of the application and reduce the need to provide additional documentation later.
To order a free copy, see Appendix E.

Credit is provided for regulations that require that new development be provided more
protection than that of the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP's) minimum
requirements.
Background: Current NFIP riverine regulatory standards require that new residential
buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) have their lowest floor at or above
the base flood elevation. Non-residential buildings may be floodproofed to the base
flood elevation. NFIP coastal rules require that new buildings be above the base flood
elevation and, in V (velocity) Zones, be built on engineered piles or columns. Existing
buildings can be improved or reconstructed as long as the project does not exceed
50% of the building's value.

Although the NFIP minimum standards provide a great deal of flood protection, damage can
still result for many reasons:
•

Estimates of flood heights are subject to various errors, especially in areas without
long-term flood and rainfall records;

•

Buildings may be damaged by floods that exceed the predicted 100-year flood;

•

Urbanization and other changes in the watershed can increase the flood hazard; and

•

Filling and other development in the fringe can reduce storage capacity.

Activity Description: Under this activity, numerous approaches are credited. These
include freeboard, foundation protection, more stringent building improvement rules,
protection of critical facilities, preservation of floodplain storage, protecting the natural
and beneficial functions of floodplains, limiting building enclosures below the flood
level, mapping and regulating areas subject to special flood hazards, and low density
zoning. Additional measures proposed by a community will be evaluated and scored
accordingly.

Many standards have been adopted by communities across the nation to provide more
protection to new development and redevelopment.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-2

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

•

Requiring lowest floors of residences to be higher than the base flood not only reduces
damage if a larger flood occurs but also at least partially offsets uncertainties in the
hydrologic and hydraulic computations of the base flood elevation;

•

Protecting foundations reduces damage resulting from scour and settling;

•

Maintaining floodplain storage by prohibiting fill or by requiring compensatory
storage reduces downstream flood peaks;

•

Requiring full compliance with floodplain management regulations when proposed
improvements or repairs are less than 50% of a building’s value brings more
nonconforming buildings up to flood protection standards;

•

Protecting critical facilities to higher levels reduces damage to those facilities and
improves the community’s ability to respond to the needs of citizens during a disaster;

•

Identifying and regulating areas subject to special flood-related hazards reduces
damage within those areas; and

•

Zoning to maintain a low density of floodplain development reduces the damage
potential within the floodplain and helps maintain storage capacity and conveyance
capacity.

NOTE: A community should not amend its ordinances solely to earn Community Rating
System (CRS) credit points, nor should it necessarily adopt the examples used in the CRS
Coordinator’s Manual. Ordinance language should be carefully written to support the
community’s goals and the purposes of its regulatory program. All such language should be
reviewed by the community’s legal counsel before adoption.

431 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 430: 2,740 points (excluding special hazards credit)
a. Freeboard (FRB) (Maximum credit: 300 points)
FRB (Freeboard) credit is based on the required freeboard (FB) (in feet) in relation
to the base flood elevation:
1.

FRB = 100 x FB.

2.

For FB of 3.0 feet or more, FRB = 300.

3.

If the ordinance uses the encroached elevation, add 0.5 to FB.

4.

For FRB credit, the 500-year flood elevation is considered to be 1 foot higher
than the base flood elevation, unless the community demonstrates that it is
higher. If freeboard is based upon the 500-year flood, add 1.0 to FB.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-3

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

5.

For FRB credit outside of V Zones, if the ordinance uses "lowest horizontal
structural member" or similar language instead of "lowest floor," add 1.0 to FB.

6.

A community may use the following to receive more credit in AO1, AO2, and
AO3 Zones:
a. In AO1 and AO2 Zones, add 2 to FB.
b. In AO3 Zones, add 1 to FB.

7.

If the requirement for freeboard is limited to areas where there are base flood
elevations, or otherwise does not apply to all new construction, then an impact
adjustment must be made using Option 2 or 3 (see Sections 432.b and 432.c).

8.

If the community requires that electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air
conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork) be
elevated or made of flood-resistant materials above the base flood elevation,
but does not require these facilities to be elevated or protected to the
freeboard level, multiply FB by 0.75. If the community does not require that
these facilities (including ductwork) be elevated or protected to or above the
base flood elevation, there is no credit for FRB.

The NFIP rules require that the lowest floor of residential structures be elevated to or above
the base flood elevation and that non-residential structures be elevated or floodproofed to or
above the base flood elevation. Attached garages and utilities (including electrical, heating,
ductwork, ventilating, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment) must also be protected to
the base flood elevation (44 CFR 60.3(a)(3)). This can be done by elevating them or
constructing them of flood-resistant materials.
A freeboard requirement adds height above the base flood elevation to provide an extra
margin of protection to account for waves, debris, miscalculations, or lack of data. A
freeboard requirement of 1 foot would require the same standards at 1 foot above the base
flood elevation.
For CRS credit, freeboard must be applied not just to the elevation of the lowest floor of the
building or to the elevation to which a non-residential building is dry floodproofed, but also
to the level of protection provided to all components of the building. All building utilities,
including ductwork, must be elevated or protected to the freeboard level and all portions of
the building below the freeboard level must be constructed using flood-damage-resistant
materials. If the garage floor is below the freeboard level, the garage must meet the opening
requirements for enclosures. Two references on these requirements are Protecting Building
Utilities from Flood Damage, FEMA-348, and Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements, FIATB-2. Base flood and 500-year flood elevations can be found in the community’s Flood
Insurance Study profiles. More details about items 3–8 are provided below.
3. Detailed riverine flood studies that produce a floodway provide a flood elevation
based upon the floodway encroachment. In a flood insurance study, these elevations
are listed in the “With Floodway” column in the Floodway Data Table. They are

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-4

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

generally higher than the “Without Floodway” or “Regulatory” flood elevations. As
noted in Section 431.a.3, if the community’s ordinance requires that the building be
protected to at least 1 foot above this encroached elevation, FB = 1.5, FRB = 150.
4. A community may use the actual height of the 500-year flood if it is at least 1 foot
above the base flood elevation.
5. If the requirement is that the bottom of the floor joists, duct work, etc., be at least 1.0
feet above the base flood elevation, FB = 2, FRB = 200.
6. In AO Zones, base flood depths are provided instead of base flood elevations in
relation to mean sea level. Where depths are not provided, the NFIP regulations
require new buildings to be elevated 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade. Some
communities misinterpret this requirement as 2 feet of freeboard. Elevating 2 feet
above the base flood depth is a creditable freeboard requirement. Elevating 2 feet
above the highest adjacent grade in an AO Zone where no base flood depth is provided
is a minimum requirement of the NFIP and is not eligible for credit.
7. If the freeboard requirement does not affect all buildings, then the Option 2 or Option
3 impact adjustment must be used. For example, many ordinances require freeboard
only where a base flood elevation is provided. Others only require freeboard for
elevated buildings (non-residential buildings may be floodproofed to the base flood
elevation without freeboard). Often the requirements for manufactured homes are in a
different part of the ordinance and have different standards than other types of
structures. If so, the community can either identify and measure the areas affected for
Option 3 or use Option 2. Impact adjustments are discussed in Section 432.
8. Sections 60.3a(3)(ii) and (iv) of the NFIP regulations require that buildings “(ii) be
constructed with materials resistant to flood damage” and “be constructed with
electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other
service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering
or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.”
Many communities have focused on elevating the top of the lowest floor, but have
allowed utilities (especially ductwork) to hang below the floor joists and be flooded.
Flooded ductwork can add thousands of dollars to an insurance claim. This is
primarily a concern for buildings on crawlspaces. Buildings on slab foundations, on
pilings, and in V Zones normally have the utility facilities waterproofed or elevated
high enough.
Therefore, to receive full credit for this element, electrical, heating, ventilation,
plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including
ductwork) must be elevated or waterproofed to the base flood elevation plus
freeboard. A community can receive 75% of the appropriate credit if it requires the
utility facilities (including ductwork) to be elevated to or above the base flood
elevation, but not necessarily to the freeboard level. If the utilities and ductwork are
not required to be elevated, floodproofed, or otherwise protected to the base flood
elevation, there is no credit for FRB. These alternatives are illustrated in Figure 430-1.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-5

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

Figure 430-1. Adjusting freeboard credit based on the location of ductwork.
If the community has different freeboard standards in different areas, it may use the
lowest value for FRB for all areas. This may eliminate the need for an Impact Adjustment
Map and separate calculations for various values of FRB.

Example 431.a-1. Sample ordinance language could read:
a. "New construction or substantial improvement of any residential or nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, together
with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, elevated no lower than 18 inches
above the base flood elevation." [FB = 1.5, FRB = 100 x 1.5 = 150]
b. "The Flood Protection Elevation is 2 feet above the base flood elevation as
determined in the Flood Insurance Study and other floodplain studies. In areas
of shallow flooding, it is 2 feet above the depth shown on the Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM)."
Instead of regulating to the "base flood elevation" the ordinance would regulate
to the "Flood Protection Elevation." [FB = 2, FRB = 200]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-6

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards
c.

"All structures, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, shall be
elevated 2 feet above the 500-year flood elevation as determined in the Flood
Insurance Study." [FRB = 300]

d. "Within areas of shallow flooding (Zones AO1 and AO2 on the FIRM), new
construction or substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest
floor, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, elevated no lower than
2 feet above the depth number." [FB = 2 + 2 = 4, FRB =300]
e. "All structures, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, shall be
elevated 1 foot above the elevation of the 100-year flood with encroachments as
determined by the Flood Insurance Study." [FB = 1.5, FRB = 150]

b. Foundation protection (FDN) (Maximum credit: 35 points). This credit is not
available in V Zones because foundation protection is a minimum NFIP requirement
in V Zones.
1.

FDN = 35, if ALL new buildings must be constructed on foundations that are
approved by a licensed professional engineer; OR

2.

FDN = 35, if ALL new buildings must be constructed on properly designed
and compacted fill (ASTM D-698 or equivalent) that extends
beyond the building walls before dropping below the base flood
elevation and has appropriate protection from erosion and scour.
The fill design or the fill standard must be approved by a licensed
professional engineer; OR

3.

FDN = 20, if ALL new buildings built on fill must be
(a) constructed on properly designed and compacted fill (e.g., ASTM D-698 or
equivalent),
(b) that extends at least five feet beyond the building walls before dropping
below the base flood elevation, AND
(c) the fill has appropriate protection from erosion and scour.

The three items for credit for FDN are mutually exclusive. The credit is for any one of the
three approaches, not a combination or total of two or three of them.
Foundation protection may provide protection against differential settling as well as scour
and erosion. An engineer’s certificate is not needed for each structure if the community has
adopted an engineered standard and requires compliance with that standard. ASTM
(American Society for Testing and Materials) Standard D-698 requires compaction to 95% of
the maximum density obtainable using the Standard Proctor Test method.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-7

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

Under this element, 35 points are provided if all new buildings have engineered foundations.
Twenty points are provided if new buildings that will be built on fill have specific standards
for the compaction and design of the fill (and the community has no special standards for
buildings that are not built on fill).
See also Ensuring that Structures Built on Fill in or near Special Flood Hazard Areas are
Reasonably Safe from Flooding, FIA-TB-10, 2001 (also available from the Department of
Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website at
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/tb1001.pdf) .
c. Cumulative substantial improvement rules (CSI) (Maximum credit: 110 points)
CSI is the total of the following points, not to exceed the maximum credit:
1.

2.

One of the following:
(a)

45, if the regulations require that improvements, modifications, and
additions to existing buildings are counted cumulatively for at least
10 years, or

(b)

25, if the regulations require that improvements, modifications, and
additions to existing buildings are counted cumulatively for at least
five years.

One of the following:
(a)

45, if the regulations require that reconstruction and repairs to damaged
buildings are counted cumulatively for at least 10 years, or

(b)

25, if the regulations require that reconstruction and repairs to damaged
buildings are counted cumulatively for at least five years.

3.

20, if the community adopts regulatory language that qualifies properties for
Increased Cost of Compliance insurance coverage for repetitive losses.

4.

20, if the regulations require that any addition to a building be protected from
damage from the base flood.

The NFIP allows improvements valued at up to 50% of the building’s pre-improvement value
to be permitted without meeting the flood protection requirements. Over the years, a
community may issue a succession of permits for different repairs or improvements to the
same structures. This can greatly increase the overall flood damage potential within a
community as well as the insurance liability to FEMA.
This element provides credit to a community that ensures that the total value of all
improvements or repairs permitted over the years does not exceed 50% of the value of the

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-8

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

structure. When the total value does exceed 50%, the original building must be protected
according to the ordinance requirements for new buildings.
This element may require no specific ordinance language, but simply a policy decision to
interpret the 50% improvement threshold as cumulative. In such cases, the documentation
must include a legal opinion or directive from the community’s legal counsel stating how the
ordinance is to be interpreted. Either way, the community needs to maintain permit records by
parcel number or address, so that the history of improvements or repairs to a particular
structure is checked before the next permit is issued.
If a community does not regulate for cumulative substantial improvements, it may still
receive credit for regulation of additions. Additions within the footprint of the original
building would have to be to a floor above the base flood elevation. Additions outside the
footprint of the original building would have to be elevated (or, for non-residential structures,
floodproofed) above the base flood elevation.

d. Lower substantial improvement threshold (LSI) (Maximum credit: 90 points)
LSI credit is based upon the regulatory threshold. Use only one of the following:
1.

90, if the regulatory threshold is less than 10%;

2.

70, if the regulatory threshold is 10% to 24%;

3.

50, if the regulatory threshold is 25% to 39%;

4.

30, if the regulatory threshold is 40% to 44%;

5.

10, if the regulatory threshold is 45% to 49%; or

6.

20, if the regulatory threshold is no more than 25% of the bulk or square
footage of the building's first floor.

7.

If the lower substantial improvements threshold applies to EITHER
improvements, modifications, and additions OR reconstruction and repairs, but
not both, the value for LSI is multiplied by 0.5.

This element has the effect of requiring more structures to come into compliance after a
disaster because damage repair is included in “improvements” under the NFIP rules. Since a
community participating in the NFIP already has a threshold, it is only necessary to change
the number specified in its ordinance or regulations. A community must be sure that a
minimum threshold is not set by state law before it adopts a different standard.
Under some circumstances the NFIP flood insurance policy may pay a portion of the cost of
bringing a substantially flood-damaged building into compliance with the community’s

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-9

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

floodplain management ordinance. This Increased Cost of Compliance coverage is described
in Figures 430-5a and b.
Example 431.d-1.
Watertown's ordinance has a section on protecting buildings from flood damage. It
applies
a. When a new building is constructed,
b. When an existing building is substantially improved or substantially
damaged, and
c.

When an existing building is structurally altered such that the first floor area
is increased by more than 20%.

Sections a and b are minimum requirements of the NFIP but Section c exceeds the
NFIP criteria and will result in more buildings being treated as substantial
improvements: LSI = 20.

e. Protection for critical facilities (PCF) (Maximum credit: 100 points)
For CRS credit purposes, critical facilities are defined in Section 130. Use either:
1.

PCF = 100, where new critical facilities are prohibited from the 500-year
floodplain; or

2.

PCF = 50, where new and substantially improved critical facilities are required
to be protected from damage and loss of access as a result of the 500-year
flood or the flood of record, whichever is higher.

Note that credit is provided only if there is regulatory language that protects critical facilities.
The fact that there are currently no critical facilities in the regulated floodplain may indicate
community policy, but adopted regulations are required for PCF credit.
Requiring protection for critical facilities serves several purposes: it reduces damage to vital
public facilities; it reduces pollution of flood waters by hazardous materials; and, most
importantly, it ensures that the facilities will be operable during most flood emergencies.
To receive full credit for this element, the regulations must be enforced in the 500-year
floodplain. On older FIRMs, the 500-year floodplain is shown as the SFHA plus the B Zone.
The ordinance can simply specify the types of facilities prohibited from or protected within
the A and B Zones. On newer FIRMs with AE and X Zones, the 500-year floodplain is shown
as the SFHA plus the shaded X Zone. In either case, the 500-year flood elevation becomes the
“flood protection elevation” for critical facilities. If the community enforces critical facility

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-10

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

protection regulations in only part of its flood hazard area, e.g., in the floodway or V Zone,
the impact adjustment is based on the 500-year floodplain rather than aRF, the area of the
regulatory floodplain.

f. Protection of floodplain storage capacity (PSC) (Maximum credit: 80 points)
PSC is EITHER:
1.

80, where regulations prohibit fill within floodplains or flood fringes, including
construction of buildings on fill; OR

2.

70, where regulations require that new developments provide compensatory
storage at hydraulically equivalent sites.

Credit is not provided for protection of storage capacity in floodways only. Credit is
not provided in coastal floodplains.

Although a building built on fill and elevated above the base flood elevation meets the NFIP
rules, filling a substantial portion of the floodplain reduces storage for flood water and tends
to increase peak flows downstream. Prohibiting fill will reduce this problem, as will requiring
the provision of a similar volume of compensatory storage if fill is placed in the floodplain.
Credit is not provided for protection of storage capacity in floodways only. The minimum
NFIP requirement that nothing be allowed in floodways that will increase the flood elevation
generally protects storage in floodways. This element is most effective in fringe areas.
Similarly, credit is not provided in coastal floodplains where flood storage has no impact on
flood heights.
Example 431.f-1. Sample ordinance language could read:
Whenever any portion of a floodplain is authorized for use, the space occupied
by the authorized fill or structure below the base flood elevation shall be
compensated for and balanced by a hydraulically equivalent volume of
excavation taken from below the base flood elevation. All such excavations shall
be constructed to drain freely to the watercourse.
PSC = 70

Example 431.f-2. Floodville's regulations prohibit fill in the floodplain.
PSC = 80

g. Natural and beneficial functions regulations (NBR) (Maximum credit: 40 points)
NBR is the total of the following points:
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-11

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

1.

EITHER:
(a)

10, where regulations prohibit ALL activities in the floodplain that may be
hazardous to public health or water quality; OR

(b)

5, where regulations prohibit one or two specific activities in the
floodplain that may be hazardous to public health or water quality,
such as sanitary landfills or septic systems.

2.

15, where regulations require new floodplain developments to avoid or
minimize disruption to shorelines, stream channels, and their banks.

3.

EITHER:
(a)

15 for regulations adopted pursuant to a Habitat Conservation Plan or
similar plan that has been credited under Section 511.b., OR

(b)

10, for regulations that protect aquatic or riparian habitat from new
development.

Public health regulations restrict activities in the floodplain that could harm the natural and
beneficial functions of floodplains. Water quality is degraded and health hazards result when
septic systems malfunction or when septic water and surface water mix during a flood.
Another approach that allows development but minimizes its impact is to prevent or minimize
channel modifications and other disturbances to river, stream, or ditch channels and lake and
ocean shores. A setback requirement that prevents development from an area adjacent to a
channel or shoreline should receive additional credit under Activity 420 (Open Space
Preservation).
Section 511.b in Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) provides CRS credit for
adopting a plan to protect threatened aquatic or riparian species. If the community receives
credit for such a plan in Activity 510, and enacts development regulations recommended by
that plan, it would receive the 15 points under Section 431.g.3.

Example 431.g-1. Floodville is concerned about the bottomland hardwood
forest that is not in the City Park. To protect it, the City amended its ordinance to
require a landscaping plan as a condition for a permit to construct, regrade, or
otherwise develop in the bottomland. The landscaping plan is subject to approval by
the City's Environment Conservation Commission before a permit is issued.
NBR = 15.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-12

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

h. Enclosure limits (ENL) (Maximum credit: 300 points)
ENL is either:
1.

300, if regulations prohibit any building enclosures, including breakaway walls,
below the base flood elevation; or

2.

The total of the following points:
(a)

100, if regulations prohibit enclosures of areas of 300 square feet or
greater, including breakaway walls, below the base flood elevation.
The area enclosed must still meet all NFIP requirements for
openings, anchoring, and flood-resistant materials.

(b)

50, if regulations require that the owner of a building sign a
nonconversion agreement, promising not to improve, finish, or
otherwise convert the area below the lowest floor and granting the
community the right to inspect the enclosed area.

Regulations to limit enclosures below the base flood elevation have two objectives. First,
they minimize a potential source for debris that may hit other buildings. Second, they
discourage finishing the area below the base flood elevation and storing valuable or
hazardous items in that area.
These regulations are particularly useful in V Zones and other coastal areas subject to wave
damage and where flood depths result in the lowest floor’s being 8 feet or more above grade.
In the latter case, there is a tendency for the lower areas to be enclosed. Eventually, these
enclosed areas are converted to bedrooms, family rooms, or other finished areas, in violation
of floodplain management regulations. Breakaway walls are enclosures and must be
prohibited in order to receive the 300 points under Option 1. Screening and open lattice-work
are not considered enclosures.
The community may opt to enforce these enclosure limits only where the lowest floor is more
than five feet above grade. Where the lowest floor is less than five feet above grade, a
crawlspace with the proper openings may be more appropriate than an open area elevated on
columns or piles. With less than five feet in height, the lower area is not likely to be
improved or modified into a livable space and the enclosure limits are not needed.
Under a nonconversion agreement, the owner agrees to not modify the enclosed area to make
it more susceptible to flood damage. Because this area is not visible from the street, the
agreement must also allow the community the right to enter the property and inspect the
inside of the enclosure periodically. An example nonconversion agreement appears as Figure
430-6. As with all legal documents, the community should have such an agreement approved
by its attorney before it is used.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-13

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

If the community also requires that the nonconversion agreement be filed with the deed and
other property records, it would receive credit under Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure),
Section 341.b, other disclosure requirements (ODR).

i. Other higher standard (OHS) (Maximum credit: 100 points)
OHS = up to 100 points for higher regulatory standards that prevent flood losses or
protect natural and beneficial floodplain functions that are not otherwise credited in
another element. The community’s regulatory language is reviewed by FEMA to
determine the credit points.

This element provides CRS credit for regulatory approaches and standards that are not
addressed in the other elements of this or other activities. Each submittal for credit is
individually reviewed and scored. Examples of possible submittals include, but are not
limited to:
•

Prohibiting floodproofing as a flood protection measure for any new building (i.e.,
requiring all new buildings, including non-residential buildings, to be elevated);

•

Requiring new streets in the floodplain to be at or above the base flood elevation to
provide access for emergency vehicles during a flood; and

•

Requiring all new multi-family and commercial buildings to provide access to dry
land.

j. Land development criteria (LD) (Maximum credit: 700 points)
Credit for land development criteria and low density zoning is described in Section
430LD. The credit points, cLD, are added to the other elements in Activity 430.

Example 431.j-1. As explained in the examples in Section 430LD, Watertown
receives credit for its floodplain protection and zoning regulations. The credit, cLD =
160.95, is added to the scores for the other elements.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-14

Edition: 2006

k. Special hazards regulations (SH) (Credit points vary.)
Credit for regulating areas subject to special flood-related hazards is described in
the separate publications on special hazards.

The CRS encourages communities to devote special attention to areas affected by the special
flood-related hazards listed in Section 401. Communities affected by one or more of these
hazards must obtain a copy of the appropriate publication (see Appendix E), which shows
how to increase credit points for regulating development in areas affected by these special
hazards.
Example 431.k-1. Floodville manages Foster Creek's 500-year floodplain for ice
jam hazards. Using the publication CRS Credit for Management of Ice Jam Hazards,
it determines its credit . As explained in the example in that publication, cSH = 16.92.

l. State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) (Maximum credit: 45 points)
SMS = the sum of the following:
1.

Floodplain management regulatory standards (maximum credit: 25 points):
0.1 x the equivalent credit for each state-mandated regulation credited in the
400 series of CRS activities.

2.

Insurance agent training (maximum credit: 20 points):
(a)

5, if the state mandates that property insurance agents must attend at
least one hour of training per year on flood insurance as a condition
of obtaining or maintaining their license.

(b)

10, if the mandate is for two hours of flood insurance training.

(c)

20, if the mandate is for three or more hours of flood insurance training.

This element recognizes the benefit received by the NFIP for a state-required measure that is
implemented in both CRS and non-CRS communities in that state. State-mandated regulations
also benefit from better staff training and state oversight than other regulatory provisions.
A community should contact the ISO/CRS Specialist to obtain its SMS credit. The credit may
apply differently to different communities within a state, depending on the requirement. For
example, only coastal communities receive SMS credit for a state requirement for a coastal
setback line.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-15

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Each submittal for credit is individually reviewed and scored with a value of 1 to 25 points.
There is no credit if the activity is not verified locally. Examples of possible submittals
include, but are not limited to
•

State-mandated freeboard,

•

State floodway mapping standards, and

•

State coastal setback regulations.
Example 431.l-1. Floodville’s state requires a floodway mapping standard of a
0.5-foot allowable surcharge and Floodville’s floodways were calculated to this
standard. The equivalent credit for this under Activity 420 (Additional Flood Data),
Section 411.c, More Restrictive Floodway Standard (FWS), is 100 points.
SMS = 0.1 x 100 = 10

m. Building code (BC) (Maximum credit: 190 points)
BC = the sum of the following. These credits are reduced if the community adopts
only parts of each code or if the community adopts a stand-alone floodplain
management ordinance instead of adopting the flood provisions (including ASCE
24) of the International Code Series (I-Codes).
1. 15 x (7 - BCEGS) where BCEGS is the class attained by the community under
the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule. There is no credit for
BCEGS classes 7, 8, 9, or 10.
2. Up to 100 points for adopting a complete set of the codes. This credit is the
sum of the following points:
(a)

40, if the community has adopted the current or immediately
preceding edition of the International Building Code, the National
Fire Protection Association’s Building Construction and Safety
Code (NFPA 5000), or their equivalent;

(b)

40, if the community has adopted the current or immediately
preceding edition of the International Residential Code, the
National Fire Protection Association’s Building Construction and
Safety Code (NFPA 5000), or their equivalent;

(c)

20, if the community has adopted the current or immediately
preceding edition of all of the following codes (or their
equivalent):
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

International Plumbing Code or Uniform Plumbing Code,
International Mechanical Code or Uniform Mechanical Code,
International Fuel Gas Code , and
International Private Sewage Disposal Code.

430-16

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Even though a CRS community has been deemed to be in full compliance with the NFIP, it
may not have a building code. Many communities meet their NFIP obligations through a
stand-alone ordinance that may be administered by the zoning, planning, engineering, or
other office, separate from the building department. A floodplain management program can
work without a code, but implementation may not be as effective.
Coordinating floodplain management with a local building code has several advantages,
which are summarized in Figure 430-2. Because of these advantages, the CRS provides credit
for building codes in two ways: crediting the community’s Building Code Effectiveness
Grading Schedule (BCEGS) classification and recognizing those communities that have
adopted the current editions of the appropriate codes.
BCEGS: A community must adopt and enforce a building code to qualify for a CRS class 7
or better (see Sections 211.b and c). The BCEGS, developed and operated by the Insurance
Services Offices, Inc. (ISO) assesses the building codes in effect in a community and how a
community enforces them, with special emphasis on mitigation of losses from natural
disasters.
The insurance industry began the BCEGS project after determining that the catastrophic
losses from Hurricane Andrew were compounded by poor building code enforcement. The
insurance goal is that the prospect of lessening catastrophe-related damage (and ultimately
lower insurance costs) provides an incentive for communities to enforce their building codes
more rigorously.
In its BCEGS program, ISO assigns each community a grade of 1 (best) to 10 (no recognized
program). Ratings are based on community answers to an extensive mailed questionnaire and
a follow-up community verification visit with the cognizant building department by ISO.
BCEGS ratings are provided for all communities that do code enforcement, whether it be for
themselves or for smaller jurisdictions. When a smaller community’s code enforcement
program is administered by a larger jurisdiction, the smaller community will receive the
larger jurisdiction’s classification.
There are two ratings for each jurisdiction, personal (residential) and commercial. If they are
different, the CRS prerequisite and this element’s credit are based on the higher number of
the two ratings. For example, if a community has a class 6 residential BCEGS rating and a
class 5 commercial, the CRS considers it a class 6 BCEGS community.
Under this element, the credit for BC is determined by subtracting the BCEGS class from 7
and multiplying the result by 15. There is no credit for BCEGS classes 7, 8, 9, or 10. For
example, if a community has a BCEGS class 4, BC = 15 x (7 - 4) = 15 x 3 = 45.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-17

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

Interfaces between Building Codes and Floodplain Management
Permits. The building code is a built-in measure to assure that permits are obtained for structures. The
code can also extend to permits for “other development,” such as requiring permits for grading, paving,
and excavation. In the absence of an “automatic” building permit requirement, it is often difficult for
people to know they are in the floodplain, thereby triggering a floodplain permit. The code requirement
process especially helps capture any rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement, especially in the
case of older buildings, as it relates to substantial improvement requirements to elevate floodplain
buildings.
Inspections. A separate floodplain management ordinance may specify a staff of floodplain inspectors.
However, experience has shown this kind of staff, unless specially trained, would not necessarily be
qualified to assess building practices. A building code usually requires certain mandatory kinds of
inspections that dovetail with inspections for flood purposes (e.g., at the time of a foundation
inspection, which is quite routine per a building code, elevation certifications can be required before
further construction proceeds). The trained eyes of a building inspector are a definite advantage when
looking for construction methods and materials to reduce flood losses, as is required in the NFIP.
Permits for Other Development and Inspector Observations. Although building codes do not
necessarily regulate “other development,” such as grading, paving, or excavation that can result in
increased flood losses, the presence of trained building inspectors in the field, who can observe all
development, is effective in identifying such activities so that action can be taken if needed. Any local
floodplain management program that does not have the benefit of regular building inspectors would
have to establish a comparable field presence.
Post-Flood Inspections. After a flood, there is a strong desire to rebuild. Communities with a building
code and inspectors are generally better able to enforce the permit requirement for damaged buildings
in the floodplain.
Floodplain Management Requirements. A number of NFIP floodplain management requirements
relate to how a building is constructed and what materials are to be used. These areas of construction
are normally governed by building codes. Examples include constructing buildings with foundations
that are anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement; use of flood-resistant materials;
placement of utilities and mechanical equipment; and special construction requirements in V Zones.
Having a building code in place will help ensure that these requirements are properly implemented.
Special Certifications. Without the expertise of building inspectors, it is much more difficult for a
community to review special construction-related certifications that are required in the NFIP. These
include floodproofing certifications, certifications of lowest floor elevations (or lowest horizontal
structural members in V Zones), certifications for openings that are designed differently from minimum
NFIP criteria, design and methods of construction of pile and column foundation elements in V Zones,
and breakaway walls in V Zones when the design strength exceeds minimum criteria.
Construction Quality. In the absence of a building code, there is no assurance that buildings placed in
floodplains, even though elevated, will survive. Buildings that are improperly constructed in
floodplains can be subject to significantly more damage than those built to code. Use of improper
materials, unsafe foundations, and inadequate connections are examples of causes for possible failures.
The increased damage will often be paid for either through insurance or disaster aid, thereby working
contrary to good mitigation practices and to CRS principles.
Existing Buildings. Building departments routinely handle permits for existing buildings, yet planning
and zoning departments, which are often responsible for administering community floodplain
management ordinances, rarely deal with proposals to modify sites that are already developed. This has
been known to lead to gaps in enforcement of the substantial improvement and substantial damage
requirements of the NFIP.

Figure 430-2. Interfaces between building codes and floodplain management.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-18

Edition: 2006

Higher Regulatory Standards

If a community is in a state that has does not have a formal BCEGS program, a courtesy
review may be conducted to obtain an equivalent BCEGS class for CRS purposes. More
information on BCEGS can be obtained from ISO through the ISO/CRS Specialists listed in
Appendix G.
Example 431.l-1. Floodville has kept its building code current. Its BCEGS class
is 4 commercial and 5 residential. The 5 is used for CRS credit:
BC = 15 x (7 - 5) = 15 x 2 = 30

I-Codes: The International Code series (I-Codes) includes provisions that address all NFIP
minimum floodplain management requirements. Those NFIP requirements related to the
actual construction of buildings are contained in the bodies of the International Building
Code and International Residential Code. Requirements related to building utilities are
contained in these codes and in the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical
Code, International Fuel Gas Code, and International Private Sewage Disposal Code. The
other NFIP requirements, such as administrative provisions and requirements that apply to
floodways, subdivisions, and manufactured homes, are contained in Appendix G of the
International Building Code. Communities that adopt the I-Codes have the option of either
adopting Appendix G or addressing these other requirements through a companion ordinance
or regulation.
In the past, the model national building codes have included, to a variable extent, provisions
related to natural hazards, such as seismic hazards, high winds, severe winter storms, and
flood hazards. The I-Codes address all of these hazards on a consistent, rational basis that
allows mitigation of the effects of those natural hazards that are found within each
jurisdiction’s boundaries.
Because of the advantages of incorporating the I-Codes into the community’s floodplain
management program and addressing other hazards, the CRS provides up to 100 points for
adoption of the complete series. To receive full credit, the entire code must be adopted by the
community.
If the following sections are not adopted or are adopted with amendments, the language will
be reviewed to determine the credit:
•

International Building Code: Chapters 3−7, 14−18, and 21−24.

•

International Residential Code: Chapters 3−6, 8, and 9.

In some states, communities are required to adopt state codes or state versions of the I-Codes.
In those cases, the provisions of the mandated code will be compared to the I-Codes and
scored appropriately.
For more information on the links between the I-Codes, the NFIP, and CRS credit, see
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Code Series.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-19

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

NFPA 5000: The same provisions apply to the NFPA codes. If they are adopted with
amendments, the language will be reviewed to determine the credit.

n. Staffing (STF) (maximum credit: 50 points):
1. STF = 50, if all staff involved in (a) reviewing plans, (b) issuing permits, and
(c) conducting field inspections for floodplain development are
Certified Floodplain Managers (CFMs); OR
2. STF = 25, if all proposed development projects in the floodplain and all final
inspections and project approvals are reviewed and approved by a
CFM; OR
3. STF =

5, for each CFM or graduate of an approved course on managing
floodplain development employed in the office that regulates
floodplain development (up to 25 points). If a CFM also graduated
from the NFIP course, it is counted once as 5 points. This credit is
also provided if the community’s CRS Coordinator is a CFM or a
member of the community’s staff has graduated from the
Emergency Management Institute’s CRS course.

The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and several states have created
floodplain manager certification programs with requirements similar to the EMI course
graduation criteria. More points are provided if the staff person has been certified by ASFPM
(or by a state certification program that has been accredited by ASFPM) because the staff
must fulfill a continuing education requirement to maintain their certification.
Credit under Sections 431.n.1 and 431.n.2. is dependent on the CFMs’ being directly
involved in permit review. A CFM must review each project in the floodplain before it is
permitted and must conduct an inspection or review inspection reports after the project is
completed (e.g., before a certificate of occupancy is issued). The CFM may be a consultant or
employee of a regional agency. The credit is provided as long as no new floodplain
development project is used or occupied without the review and approval of a CFM.
If the head of the regulatory office is (1) responsible for all permits issued, (2) is a CFM, and
(3) establishes procedures that ensure that all floodplain development projects are properly
constructed, then the community would qualify for the 25 points under Section 431.n.2.
Otherwise, if some members of the regulatory staff are CFMs, but some floodplain
development projects are approved by non-CFMs, then 5 points are provided for each CFM
on staff.
This credit will be removed if the staff person leaves the community or does not maintain his
or her certification.
Five credit points are provided under this element if the staff responsible for floodplain
permits have graduated from the “Managing Floodplain Development through the National
Flood Insurance Program” course at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI), the four- or

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-20

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

five-day field-deployed version of this course, the home study version, or other equivalent
training. If a CFM also graduated from the NFIP course, it is counted once as 5 points.
Other courses on local floodplain management topics can be submitted for approval. These
could include the EMI courses “Residential Coastal Construction,” “Advanced Floodplain
Management Concepts,” or the field-deployed versions, and state sponsored classes. Courses
of less than four or five days receive pro-rated credit (e.g., an approved two-day course on
floodplain management will typically receive two points). A list of courses approved for CRS
credit is posted on the CRS Resource Center website listed under Activity 430.
The credit for training is based on the number of courses taken. If two people take the
“Managing Floodplain Development” course, the community receives 10 points, the same
credit provided if one person took both the “Managing Floodplain Development” and
“Coastal Construction” courses. If a CFM took the Coastal Construction course, it is worth 10
points. More information on EMI courses can be found in Section 435.
The maximum credit under Section 431.n.3 is 25 points for any combination of CFMs or EMI
course graduates. The only way to get more than 25 points for STF is if all regulatory staff
are CFMs (Section 431.n.1).
If the community is seeking credit for having the person responsible for floodplain permits
graduated from EMI’s floodplain management course, a copy of the certificate of graduation
must be provided. It should be noted that an EMI certificate of ATTENDANCE is not sufficient.
An EMI CERTIFICATE OF GRADUATION is provided only if the student passed the final
examination.
Example 431.n-1: Someburg has one person handling all floodplain
management activities. That person becomes and stays certified: 50 points.

Example 431.n-2: Gulf Beach County has five people involved in building and
development permitting. Two are certified and one of the others has been to the EMI
coastal construction course. Procedures require that one of the CFMs review all
proposed projects in the SFHA and review the final inspection report before a
certificate of occupancy is issued. The score would be 25 + 5 for the two CFMs and
5 for the EMI graduate. The community would receive 25 + 5 + 5 = 35 points.

o. Manufactured home parks (MHP) (Maximum credit: 50 points)
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The community has one or more existing manufactured home parks or
subdivisions in its regulatory floodplain.
(b) Base flood elevations are greater than three feet deep in the parks or
subdivisions.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-21

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

2. MHP = 50,

if regulations require that new and replacement manufactured
homes placed in existing manufactured home parks or
subdivisions be properly anchored and elevated to or above the
base flood elevation plus any required freeboard.

An “existing manufactured home park or subdivision” is a park or subdivision that was
established before the adoption of floodplain management regulations by the community. The
NFIP regulations (44 CFR 60.3(c)(12)) allow communities to site manufactured homes in
existing manufactured home parks or subdivisions on reinforced piers or other foundation
elements that are not less than 36 inches above grade. In some cases this results in
manufactured homes elevated above the base flood elevation, but where flooding is deeper
than three feet, it exposes them to substantial damage.
This element credits regulations that do not differentiate between manufactured homes and
conventional “stick built” buildings or between existing and new manufactured home parks
and subdivisions. However, the prerequisites limit this credit to those communities that have
existing manufactured home parks where the base flood is greater than three feet deep. In
other words, the credit is limited to those communities where these regulations will have an
impact. Because of this, there is no impact adjustment for this element.
This ordinance language was a requirement of the NFIP before 1989. When communities
were given the option of the 3-foot standard, many kept the higher standard and did not revise
their regulations. The creditable language is also included in the new International Building
Code. Therefore, it is possible that a community’s current ordinance already has the language
that is credited by this element.
p. Coastal A Zones (CAZ) (Maximum credit: 650 points)
1.

Prerequisites:
(a) The community must have a coastal floodplain on the Atlantic, Gulf of
Mexico, Pacific, or Great Lakes coasts.
(b) This credit is not available in a V Zone because it credits regulatory
standards that are minimum NFIP requirements for V Zones.
(c) The community must map or otherwise designate its coastal A Zone. The
coastal A Zone is the coastal SFHA that is not mapped as V Zone. A
community may declare all of its coastal SFHA inland from the V Zone as
coastal A Zone (as may be the case for a barrier island) or it may use
some other standard, such as identifying all areas where breaking waves
are higher than one foot.

2.

The credit for this element is in addition to the community’s credit for enclosure
limits (ENL) under Section 431.h.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-22

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

CAZ = the total of the following points:
(a) 500, if all new buildings in the coastal A Zone must meet the requirements
for buildings in V Zones and for openings in A Zones (44 CFR 60.3(e) and
60.3(c)(5)). If only some of the V-Zone regulations are enforced in the
coastal A Zone, the points are prorated as follows:
(1) 225, if all of the following V-Zone foundation standards (found in 44
CFR 60.3(e)) are required by the community:
(a) New construction and substantial improvements are elevated on
piles and columns (§60.3(e)(4));
(b) The pile or column foundation and the structure attached thereto are
anchored to resist floatation, collapse, and lateral movement due to
the effects of wind and water loads (§60.3(e)(4)(ii));
(c) New construction and substantial improvements have the space
below the lowest floor free of obstruction or enclosed with nonsupporting breakaway walls, open wood lattice work, or insect
screening (§60.3(e)(5)), and have openings (§60.3(c)(5)); and
(d) Use of fill for structural support is prohibited (§60.3(e)(6)).
(2) 100, if the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member and the
electrical and mechanical equipment servicing the building must
be elevated to or above the base flood elevation (§60.3(e)(4)(i));
(3) 125, if a registered professional engineer or architect must develop or
review the structural design, specifications, and plans and certify
that the designs and methods of construction to be used meet
accepted standards of practice for meeting the provisions of
§60.3(e)(4)(ii) and breakaway walls (§60.3(e)(5)).
(4) 25, provided all new construction is located landward of the reach of
mean high tide (§60.3(e)(3)). These points are available only if
the designated area includes shoreline).
(5) 25, if the community prohibits human alteration of ANY sand dunes or
mangroves that would increase flood damage (§60.3(e)(7)).
These points are available only if the designated areas include
sand dunes or mangroves.
(b)

EITHER

(1) 150, if regulations prohibit any building enclosures, including solid
breakaway walls, below the base flood elevation; OR
(2) 50, if regulations prohibit enclosures of areas of 300 square feet or
greater, including breakaway walls, below the base flood
elevation. The area enclosed must still meet all NFIP requirements for openings, anchoring, and flood-resistant materials.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-23

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

FEMA has concluded that its criteria for construction in A Zones do not provide adequate
protection in coastal A Zones subject to wave effects, velocity flows, erosion, scour, or
combinations of these forces. Wave tank studies conducted by FEMA show that breaking
waves lower than the 3-foot criterion used to designate VE Zones can cause considerable
damage. Post-disaster evaluations and insurance claims data also support this conclusion,
particularly for those buildings with enclosures below the elevated floor. FEMA’s new
Coastal Construction Manual strongly encourages use of some or all of the VE Zone
construction methods in coastal A Zones, depending on the hazard. A handout providing
information about coastal A Zones is shown in Figure 430-3.
Credit under Section 430.p.2(a)(2) can be given where the top of the lowest floor is used as
the reference point and the community regulations require two or more feet of freeboard in
the coastal A zone. However, a community cannot receive both freeboard (FRB) and CAZ
credit for the same two feet of freeboard. To receive freeboard credit the community would
need to prorate the credit for freeboard greater than two feet for the area in the regulated
coastal A Zone.
This element has an impact adjustment. Therefore, coastal communities can only receive the
maximum 650 points if their entire regulatory floodplain (aRF) is treated as a VE Zone.

Example 431.p-1. Gulf Beach County’s floodplain regulations state that all lands
seaward of the Coastal Highway shall be considered V Zones for building protection
purposes. It also states that no new buildings or substantial improvements seaward
of the Coastal Highway shall have enclosures below the level of the base flood
elevation plus two feet.
CAZ = 500 + 150 = 650.
Note that the credit for CAZ will be multiplied by the impact adjustment so the final
credit (cCAZ) will reflect how much of the County’s regulatory floodplain is affected
by these regulations.

432 Impact Adjustment
The area affected by a regulatory standard must exclude areas designated as open
space that are receiving OS credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation).
There is no impact adjustment for the following elements:
Section 431.l State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS)
Section 431.m Building code (BC)
Section 431.n Staffing (STF)
Section 431.o Manufactured home parks (MHP).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-24

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Mapping Coastal A Zones
Recent post-storm investigations have shown that typical A-Zone construction
techniques (e.g., wood-frame, light-gauge steel or masonry walls on shallow footings
or slabs, etc.) are subject to damage when exposed to less than 3-foot breaking waves, which is
the current threshold for V-Zone conditions. Accordingly, FEMA and the Community Rating
System encourage communities to map the areas subject to damaging waves and velocities and
enact special regulations for new
construction in those areas.
For the purposes of the CRS,
these areas are called coastal A
Zones. Regulating the area is optional
and credited under Activity 430
(Higher Regulatory Standards),
Section 431.p.
Coastal A Zones have not been
shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMs) or mentioned in a community’s Flood Insurance Study Report.
Therefore, the exact boundary of a
coastal A Zone is determined by the community. At a minimum, it should include all areas
subject to waves of 1.5 feet in height or more.
In some cases, FEMA’s advisory flood recovery
maps show the area subject to such waves. An example
from the Mississippi Gulf Coast is shown to the right.
Some new FIRMs will delineate the “limit of moderate
wave action.”
In other cases, the community may want to use a
readily identifiable feature as its boundary. For example,
because Hurricane Katrina flooded areas inland well
beyond the map to the right, the community could play it
safe and declare all land between Railroad Street and the
Gulf as coastal A Zone for informational purposes and/or
for special coastal high hazard area construction standards.
Additional technical guidance on mapping coastal A Zones
can be found in Design and Construction in Coastal A
Zones at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/ mat/
coastal_a_zones.pdf. Additional guidance on construction
standards can be found in the Coastal Construction
Manual (FEMA 55), Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal
Construction (FEMA 499), and other hurricane recovery
references found in the Information Resource Library at
http://www.fema.gov/library/index.jsp.
Figure 430-3. Handout on coastal A Zones.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-25

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

The impact adjustment for Section 431.e, protection of critical facilities (PCF), is based
on the area of the 500-year floodplain.
a. Option 1:
1.

If new development within the entire area of regulated floodplain (aRF) is
regulated by an element, and no credit was requested for OS in Activity 420,
the impact adjustment ratio for that element = 1.0 (rXXX = 1.0).

2.

If new development within the entire area of regulated floodplain (aRF) is
regulated by an element, and credit was requested for OS in Activity 420, the
impact adjustment ratio for that element = 1.0 - rOS (rXXX = 1.0 - rOS).

The elements in this activity are usually implemented throughout the floodplain. Where this is
the case, the community should use Option 1. Unless the community has applied for credit
under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation), the applicant can fill in the blanks on the
activity worksheet for the “r” variables with “1.0.” If the community requested credit for OS
in Activity 420, the impact adjustment ratios under Option 1 are reduced by rOS.
Note that some elements are not enforced throughout the floodplain or for all types of
development. For example, there is no credit for protecting storage capacity (PSC) in V
Zones and some ordinances do not require freeboard (FRB) for floodproofing nonresidential
buildings. In these cases, Options 2 or 3 must be used.

Example 432.a-1.
1. Watertown enforces its lower substantial improvement threshold (LSI)
throughout its regulatory floodplain. Watertown did not apply for open space
preservation credit under Activity 420. Under Option 1, rLSI = 1.0.
2. Floodville enforces its regulation to preserve storage capacity (PSC) throughout
its regulatory floodplain. Floodville applied for open space preservation credit
under Activity 420. As shown in the example in Section 422.c, rOS = 0.22. Under
Option 1, rPSC = 1.0 - rOS = 1.0 - 0.22 = 0.78.

b. Option 2:
1.

If new development within part of the area of regulated floodplain (aRF) is
regulated by an element, default values of 0.25 may be used for the impact
adjustment ratios (rXXX = 0.25).

2.

For coastal A Zone credit (CAZ), under option 2, rCAZ = 0.1.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-26

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Where the standard is enforced in only some of the regulatory floodplain, the community
must use either Option 2 (the default value) or Option 3. The community may use Option 2 if
it results in more points than Options 1 or 3 (e.g., if more than 75% of the regulatory
floodplain is preserved as open space, rOS > 0.75 and Option 2 would provide more credit
than Option 1).

Example 432.b-1. Someburg has some open space and requires freeboard only
for residential buildings. Rather than prepare an Impact Adjustment Map, Someburg
uses Option 2 for Activity 430:
rFRB = 0.25

c. Option 3:
The impact adjustment ratio for each element is computed by dividing the area
affected by the area of the regulatory floodplain (aRF).
1. rFRB = aFRB
aRF

2. rFDN = aFDN
aRF

3. rCSI = aCS I
aRF

4. rLSI = aLSI
aRF

5. rPCF = aPCF, where a500 = the area of
a500
the 500-year floodplain

6. rPSC = aPSC
aRF

7. rNBR = aNBR
aRF

9. rOHS = aOHS
aRF

10. rCAZ = aCAZ
aRF

8. rENL =

aENL
aRF

The area affected by a regulatory standard must exclude areas designated as open space that
are receiving OS credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation).
If Option 3 is used, each variable for which credit is requested must be appropriately
designated on the Impact Adjustment Map described in Section 403. In many communities,
these regulatory standards will be applicable throughout the community’s floodplains, so a
note on the key will be adequate.
Where an element applies differently to different areas, the impact adjustment ratios for each
area must be computed separately.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-27

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Example 432.c-1. See Figure 430-3. Floodville's regulation requiring a landscaping plan is only in effect in the bottomland portion of the floodplain. The
bottomlands are marked "NB" in the City's park where they receive open space
credit.
They are marked "NBR" outside of the park where future development is subject to
the regulation. The area of the bottomlands outside of the park, aNBR, is 91 acres.
rNBR = aNBR = 91 = 0.23
aRF
396
If Floodville used Option 2, rNBR = 0.25 - (0.25 x rOS) = 0.25 - (0.25 x 0.22) = 0.25 0.06 = 0.19. rNBR will be smaller under Option 2, so Floodville uses Option 3, and
rNBR = 0.23.

Example 432.c-2. See Figure 430-4. Watertown requires 2 feet of freeboard
(FRB2) in the Riley River floodplain. This is the entire mapped regulatory floodplain,
so aFRB2 = aSFHA = 0.43 square miles. The City requires 1 foot of freeboard on the
tributaries. These are marked FRB1 on the Impact Adjustment Map. aFRB1 = 0.09.
aRF for Watertown = 0.52.
rFRB2 = aFRB2 = 0.43 = 0.83
aRF
0.52

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

rFRB1 = aFRB1 = 0.09 = 0.17
aRF
0.52

430-28

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Impact Adjustment Map
Area
aRF

Size (acres)
396

aNBR

91

Notes
Foster Creek, Deadman's Run and problem ditch
floodplains
Foster Creek bottomlands outside of park

Figure 430-4. Floodville’s Impact Adjustment Map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-29

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Impact Adjustment Map
Area

Size (sq. miles)

Notes

aFRB1
aFRB2

0.09
0.43

1 foot freeboard
2 feet freeboard

aRF

0.52

All floodplains draining ≥ 40 acres

Figure 430-5. Watertown’s Impact Adjustment Map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-30

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

433 Credit Calculation
a. cFRB

= FRB x rFRB

b. cFDN = FDN x rFDN
c. cCSI

= CSI x rCSI

d. cLSI

= LSI x rLSI

e. cPCF

= PCF x rPCF

f. cPSC = PSC x rPSC
g. cNBR = NBR x rNBR
h. cENL

= ENL x rENL

i. cOHS = OHS x rOHS
j. cLD

= c430LD from Section 434LD

k. cSH

= cSH from Section 434SH

l. cSMS = SMS
m. cBC

= BC

n. cSTF

= STF

o. cMHP = MHP
p. cCAZ

= CAZ x rCAZ

q. c430

= cFRB + cFDN + cCSI + cLSI + cPCF + cPSC+ cNBR + cENL +
cOHS + cLD + cSH + cSMS + cBC + cSTF + cMHP + cCAZ

Example 433-1. Floodville's values for higher regulatory standards are zero
except for the following:
cPSC = PSC x rPSC = 80 x 0.78 = 62.4.
cNBR = NBR x rNBR = 15 x 0.23 = 3.45
cSMS = SMS = 10
cBC = BC = 30
cSH = 16.92 (from example in Section 434SH in Special Hazards Supplement to the
CRS Coordinator’s Manual)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-31

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards
c430 = cFRB + cFDN + cCSI + cLSI + cPCF + cPSC + cNBR + cENL +
cOHS + cLD + cSH + cSMS + cBC + cSTF + cMHP + cCAZ
= 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 62.4 + 3.45 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 16.92 + 10 + 30 + 0 +
0 + 0 = 122.77, which is rounded to 123.
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews a sample of 10 recent
developments and discovers that one of the 10 received a variance from the PSC
requirement. Credit for PSC is reduced by 1/10 from 80 to 72. The Specialist also
noted that the value for rOS was changed from 0.22 to 0.21 when Activity 420 was
verified. This increases the value for rPSC from 0.78 to 0.79. Floodville's verified
credit for cPSC = 72 x 0.79 = 56.88.
c430 = 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 56.88 + 3.45 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 16.92 + 10 + 30 + 0 + 0 + 0
= 117.25, which is rounded to 117.

Example 433-2. See Figure 430-4 for Watertown. Watertown’s values for higher
regulatory standards are zero except for the following:
cFRB = cFRB1 + cFRB2 = (100 x 0.17) + (200 x 0.83) = 17 + 166 = 183.
cLSI = LSI x rLSI = 20 x 1.0 = 20
Watertown has credit for land development criteria and two areas of low density
zoning in the Riley River floodplain. cLD = 217 (from example in Section 433LD).
c430 = cFRB + cFDN + cCSI + cLSI + cPCF + cPSC + cNBR + cENL + cOHS +
cLD + cSH + cSMS + cBC + cSTF + cMHP + cCAZ
c430 = 183 + 0 + 0 + 20 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 +217 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 =
420
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist examines samples of
building permits and areas of low density zoning. There are apparently no
variances to the FRB or LSI requirements or the low density zoning.

434 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. The state or local law or ordinance language that adopts the regulatory standard.
The appropriate acronym(s) (FRB, FDN, etc.) must be marked in the margin of the
sections of the ordinance that apply to this activity. For CRS credit, the regulatory
language must be adopted and in full force at the time of application for CRS credit.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-32

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

A photocopy of the appropriate pages of the ordinance is sufficient and should be attached to
the activity worksheet. The CEO’s certification is considered to include a certification that
the ordinance or statute has been enacted and is being enforced (see Section 212.a).

The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
b. [If the community determines impact adjustment ratios using Option 3 (Section
432.c)] The Impact Adjustment Map prepared in accordance with Section 403. Each
area for which an impact adjustment ratio is calculated must be designated on the
Impact Adjustment Map and in the map's key.
c. An explanation of the procedures followed for enforcement of the regulatory
standard and copies of relevant permit records.
d. [If applying for credit for staffing under Section 431.n] A copy of the certificate of
graduation or floodplain manager certification must be provided.

For freeboard (FRB), the community should explain its general building permit inspection
process, demonstrating that this process ensures that structures are actually protected to the
level required by the ordinance. Relevant permit records would include elevation certificates
and floodproofing certificates that show the level to which the building is protected.
For cumulative substantial improvements (CSI), the community must demonstrate that its
permit process tracks permits for a structure to ensure that the regulatory requirement is met.

435 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Most state NFIP coordinating offices have prepared model ordinances with provisions that
exceed the minimum NFIP standards. Additional help on regulatory provisions may be
available from state planning or community affairs agencies and regional planning
commissions.
b. See Appendix E to order free copies of the following publications.
Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards.
.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-33

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

c. The following documents are available from FEMA Publications by calling 1-800-4802520 or faxing a request to (301) 362-5335.
Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas—A Guidebook for Local Officials,
FEMA-116, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1987.
User’s Guide to Technical Bulletins, FIA-TB-0, 1993 (also available from FEMA’s
website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/guide01.pdf.)
Openings in Foundation Walls, FIA-TB-1, April 1993 (also available from FEMA’s
website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job2.pdf.)
Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements, FIA-TB-2, 1993 (also available from
FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job4.pdf.)
Non-Residential Floodproofing—Requirements and Certification, FIA-TB-3, 1993
(also available from FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job6.pdf.)
Elevator Installation, FIA-TB-4, 1993 (also available from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job8.pdf )
Free-of-Obstruction Requirements, FIA-TB-5, 1993 (also available from FEMA’s
website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job10.pdf.)
Below-Grade Parking Requirements, FIA-TB-6, 1993 (also available from FEMA’s
website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job12.pdf.)
Wet Floodproofing Requirements, FIA-TB-7, 1993 (also available from FEMA’s
website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/job14.pdf.)
Corrosion Protection for Metal Connections in Coastal Areas, FIA-TB-8, 1996 (also
available from FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/corr.pdf)
Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-55, Third Edition, 2000 (available in three-volume
hard copy or on CD; see http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib55.shtm).
Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-348, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/pbuffd.shtm

Ensuring That Structures Built on Fill in or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas Are
Reasonably Safe From Flooding, FIA-TB-10, 2001 (also available from FEMA’s
website at http://www.fema.gov/pdf/fima/tb1001.pdf).
Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage: Guidance for State and Local Officials,
FEMA 301. FEMA, 2003.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Floodplain Management Requirements: A
Study Guide and Desk Reference for Local Officials, FEMA 480, 2005.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-34

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Design and Construction in Coastal A Zones (a five-page handout), FEMA, 2005
(also available from FEMA’s website at
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/mat/coastal_a_zones.pdf ).
Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction (31 fact sheets), FEMA, 2005 (also
available from FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/mat/mat_fema499.shtm).
FEMA’s regulations can be found at:
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/44cfrv1_99.html

The NFIP regulations for communities are in parts 59 through 73. The primary
regulations for local floodplain management are in parts 59 and 60.
d. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. Stipends to cover travel, registration, and rooms are usually
available from FEMA. EMI conducts a home study version of “Managing Floodplain
Development through the National Flood Insurance Program.” For more information, call
EMI at 1-800-238-3358 or the state emergency management agency’s training office.
e. More information on building codes, including the International Codes, can be obtained from the
International Code Council (founded by the three former national model code organizations) at
1-800-422-7233 or http://www.iccsafe.org/.
Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Code Series, May 2000, was published jointly
by the model code organizations, FEMA, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and the
American Society of Civil Engineers. Hard copies can be ordered for $15.00 from the
International Code Council at http://www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/7320S1.html. It can also be
downloaded free from http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1595.
f. For more information on floodplain manager certification, contact the Association of State
Floodplain Managers at (608) 274-0123 or see http://www.floods.org.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-35

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Increased Cost of Compliance
On June 1, 1997, the NFIP began offering “Increased Cost of Compliance” (ICC) coverage for
buildings covered under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP). ICC coverage provides for
the payment of a claim to help pay for the cost to comply with community floodplain management
ordinances after a flood event in which a building has been declared substantially damaged or
repetitively damaged.
When an insured building is damaged by a flood and the community declares the building to be
substantially or repetitively damaged, ICC will help pay for the cost to elevate, floodproof,
demolish, or relocate the building up to a maximum of $30,000. This coverage is in addition to
the building coverage for the repair of actual physical damage from flood under the SFIP. An ICC
claim can be filed whether or not a community has received a Presidential disaster declaration.
The following conditions must be met for a substantially damaged building to be eligible for
an ICC claim: A building is eligible for an ICC claim payment if it is in a Special Flood Hazard
Area and if the community determines it has been damaged by a flood whereby the cost of
restoring the building to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market
value of the building before the damage occurred, as determined by the community. All NFIP
communities must have, at a minimum, a substantial damage provision in their floodplain
management ordinance in accordance with the NFIP criteria.
The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 expanded the definition of what qualifies as substantial
damage. Section 105(b)(4) of the Act reads, “the term ‘substantially damaged structure’ means a
structure covered by a contract for flood insurance that has incurred damage for which the cost of
repair exceeds an amount specified in any regulation promulgated by the Director, or by a
community ordinance, whichever is lower.” After FEMA regulations are published to implement
this provision, regulations with substantial damage thresholds lower than 50% that qualify for LSI
credit may also be able to trigger ICC claim payments. Communities with LSI credit should check
with their FEMA Regional Offices (Appendix A) to confirm this.
The following conditions must be met for a repetitively damaged building to be eligible for
an ICC claim payment: A building is eligible for an ICC claim payment if it is in a Special
Flood Hazard Area and is a repetitive loss structure and is subject to a community floodplain
management ordinance. Two conditions must be met for an ICC claim to be paid under the SFIP
for a repetitive loss structure:
1. The state or community must have adopted and be currently enforcing a repetitive loss
provision or a cumulative substantial damage provision requiring action by the property owner to
comply with the community’s floodplain management ordinance, and
2. The building must have a history of NFIP claim payments that satisfies the statute’s definition
of “repetitive loss structure.” A repetitive loss structure means “a building covered by a contract
for flood insurance that has incurred flood-related damage on 2 occasions during a 10-year period
ending on the date of the event for which a second claim is made, in which the cost of repairing
the flood damage, on the average, equaled or exceeded 25% of the market value of the building at
the time of each such flood event.” Note that this statutory ICC definition is not the same as the
CRS definition of a repetitive loss property.

Figure 430-6a. Increased Cost of Compliance flood insurance coverage.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-36

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards

Increased Cost of Compliance (cont.)
The date on which the first loss occurred, even if the loss occurred before June 1, 1997, is
immaterial to eligibility for an ICC claim payment, as long as the state or community enforced a
repetitive loss or cumulative substantial damage requirement on the building and the insured
building satisfies the definition of the “repetitive loss structure” defined above.
CRS N OTE : Communities receiving CSI credit for a cumulative substantial improvement
regulation must be aware that there may be instances in which the community’s criteria may
require compliance with its floodplain management ordinance, but the building may not qualify
for an ICC claim payment (e.g., if a building is damaged three times, with each flood averaging
20% damage).
Below are two options for ordinance language that is consistent with the definition of “repetitive
loss structure” under the NFIP. The language would receive 20 points under CSI—fewer points
than the more restrictive language of Sections 431.c.1(a) and (b).
Additional guidance on ICC coverage can be found in Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage:
Guidance for State and Local Officials, FEMA 2003.
Option 1:
A. Adopt the Following Definition:
“Repetitive loss” means flood-related damage sustained by a structure on two separate occasions
during a 10-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on the
average, equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
B. And modify the “substantial improvement” definition to read as follows:
“Substantial improvement” means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other
improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the
structure before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures that
have incurred “repetitive loss” or “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work
performed.
Option 2: Modify the “substantial damage” definition to read as follows:
“Substantial damage” means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of
restoring the structure to its before-damage condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market
value of the structure before the damage occurred. Substantial damage also means flood-related
damage sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a 10-year period for which the
cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on the average, equals or exceeds 25% of the
market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
N OTE : An ICC claim payment is ONLY made for flood-related damage. The substantial damage
part of the definition must still include “damage of any origin” to be compliant with the minimum
NFIP floodplain management regulations.

Figure 430-6b. Increased Cost of Compliance flood insurance coverage (page two).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-37

Edition: July 2007

Higher Regulatory Standards
NONCONVERSION AGREEMENT
FOR CERTAIN STRUCTURES IN THE FLOODPLAIN

Application has been made for a Permit from the City of __________________, ______[state].
Permit # _____________________________
Property Owner _______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
, Recorded ________________________________
Deed dated
, block
, parcel _________________________
Tax map
Base Flood Elevation at the site is
Map Panel Number

feet (NGVD).
, effective date ____________________________

In consideration for the granting of a permit for the above structure, the property owner agrees to
the following:
1. That the enclosed area below the base flood elevation shall be used solely for parking of
vehicles, limited storage, or access to the building and will never be used for human
habitation without first becoming fully compliant with the flood damage prevention ordinance
in effect at the time of conversion.
2. That all interior walls, ceilings, and floors below the base flood elevation shall be unfinished
or constructed of flood-resistant materials.
3. That mechanical, electrical, or plumbing devices shall not be installed below the base flood
elevation.
4. The walls of the enclosed areas below the base flood elevation shall be equipped with at
least two vents which permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwater with total openings of
at least one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area below flood level. The vents
shall be on at least two different walls, and the bottoms of the vents shall be no more than
one foot above grade.
5. That any variation in construction beyond what is permitted shall constitute a violation of this
agreement and Section ____of Ordinance #_______ .
6. That this Nonconversion Agreement becomes part of Permit #

.

__________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Property Owner
Witness
Date
___________________________________________________________________________
At a minimum, the following has been recorded on the deed to the above property: “This structure
has received special permission to be constructed in the Special Flood Hazard Area. The lowest
floor shall not be finished or converted to a habitable space unless the enclosed area below the
Base Flood Elevation becomes fully compliant with Ordinance #______ in effect at the time of
conversion. At this site, the Base Flood Elevation is ____ feet, National Geodetic Vertical Datum.”
___________________________________________________________________________
Signature, Recorder of Deeds
Date

Figure 430-7. Example nonconversion agreement.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430-38

Edition: July 2007

430LD LAND DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
Summary of Activity 430LD
431LD Credit Points. This activity has two elements that provide up to 700 points for managing
the development of land in ways that minimize construction of buildings in the floodplain.
a.

Land development criteria (LDC): Up to 100 points for regulations that require or encourage
appropriate uses in the floodplain and/or discourage construction of buildings in floodprone
areas. Additional credit is provided under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) as open space
is set aside through the regulations credited here.

b. Low density zoning (LZ): Up to 600 points are provided for low density zoning. Low density is
considered a minimum of 1 acre per building or unit. Maximum credit is provided for a 10-acre
or larger minimum lot size. The credit points are calculated by multiplying the minimum lot size
by 60. Credit is provided for up to three different zoning densities.

432LD Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three
ways.
a.

Under Option 1, if the same requirement is implemented throughout the regulatory
floodplain, the impact adjustment ratio is 1.0, minus the ratio for open space.

b. Under Option 2, if part of the area of regulatory floodplain is zoned for low density, the
community may use the default value of 0.05 for each of its two lowest density zones.
c.

Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratio for each element reflects the proportion of the
regulatory floodplain affected (excluding open space areas).

433LD Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact
adjustment ratios and the products are totaled.

434LD Credit Documentation. The community must submit the following.
a.

The ordinance language that adopts the land development criteria and/or low density zoning
standard.

The community must have the following documentation available to verify implementation of this
activity:
b. The Impact Adjustment Map.
c.

An explanation of the community’s enforcement procedures.

d. Examples of developments constructed in accordance with the ordinance language.

435LD For More Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-1

Edition: July 2007

Land Development Criteria

430LD LAND DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
Credit is provided for managing the development of land so that new projects avoid
floodplains or minimize the amount of construction in floodplains. Credit is provided for
two approaches: regulations that require or encourage appropriate development and
zoning that restricts the use or density of floodplain development.
Background: Appropriate development criteria and low density zoning, like open
space preservation, reduce the potential for flood damage by reducing the amount of
development in the floodplain. They can also enhance natural and beneficial values
and maintain floodplain storage capacity.

Activity, 420 (Open Space Preservation), credits keeping vacant areas vacant. This is done
through measures such as public ownership and legal restrictions on future construction. The
credit is based on the percentage of floodplain land that is preserved as open space.
Most communities have undeveloped areas that are not preserved as open space through one
of the means recognized in Activity 420. However, there are many tools that can encourage
the owners to keep the floodplain open when a site is developed. Activity 430LD (Land
Development Criteria) provides credit for those tools—it recognizes local efforts to minimize
the construction of buildings in the floodplain.
Activity, 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), picks up where 420 and 430LD leave off. It
credits construction standards for development that is allowed in the floodplain. In other
words, these three activities recognize three approaches to floodplain development:
420 (Open Space Preservation) credits keeping development out of the floodplain entirely.
430LD (Land Development Criteria) credits avoiding the floodplain or minimizing what is
done in it.
430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) credits more restrictive construction rules for the
buildings and other development that are allowed in the floodplain.
The most credit points for any single element in these three activities is for preserving
floodplains as open space (OS). That is considered the best way to deal with floodplain
development. The second highest possible credit points is to minimize the amount of
construction in the floodplain through land development criteria or low density zoning—if
you have to build in the floodplain, do as little as possible. Examples of ways that
development can avoid the floodplain are shown in Figure 430LD-1.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-2

Edition: July 2007

Land Development Criteria

Figure 430LD-1. Examples of subdivisions that avoid floodplain development.
Source: Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard Areas, page 19.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-3

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

Activity Description: The land development criteria element recognizes a variety of
planning and regulatory tools that encourage developers to avoid or minimize
development in floodplains. Low density zoning credit is provided for limiting
development to no more than one building per acre. Credit increases as the allowable
density decreases to one building per 10 acres.
The land development criteria credits are in addition to any open space credit a
property may qualify for under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). For example, a
community can receive 430LD credit for regulations that encourage subdividers to set
aside floodprone areas as flowage easements. Once a parcel is appropriately deeded,
the community can receive credit under Activity 420 for that site.

Activity 420’s credits for open space and this activity’s credit for low density zoning are
keyed to areas that are currently vacant and preserved as open space or developed at the
credited density. The credits are adjusted with an impact adjustment to reflect the amount of
floodplain that is affected by the element.
The land development criteria element is treated differently. Even though no areas may
qualify as open space, credit is provided for the regulations that require certain review
procedures or offer developers incentives to avoid the floodplain. If a parcel is preserved as
open space as a result of the regulations, the community can document it and receive open
space preservation credit under Activity 420.
There are, in effect, two credits: first for the land development criteria that encourage
avoidance of the floodplain, and later for those parcels that are legally kept vacant as a result
of the regulations.

431LD Credit Points
a. Land development criteria (LDC): (Maximum credit: 100 points)
1. Prerequisite. The community must have vacant floodprone areas where the
regulations will have a benefit. A community with a completely developed
regulatory floodplain is not eligible for this credit.
2. LDC is the total of the following points:
(a) 100, if the regulations require new subdivisions and other developments to
set aside all floodprone lands as open space, drainage or flowage
easements, back yards, or otherwise keep them free from development. This
credit is pro-rated based on the percentage of floodplain kept open by the
regulations.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-4

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

(b) 75, if the regulations require that each lot in a new subdivision provide a
building site that is on natural high ground, out of the regulatory floodplain.
This credit is not provided if filling the floodplain (or cutting and filling) is
allowed to meet the building site requirement.
(c) 50, if the regulations provide for incentives, such as density transfers,
bonuses, or other mechanisms to encourage developers to avoid developing
in the regulatory floodplain.
(d) 25, if the regulations require developers to submit more than one site plan
and one of those alternative plans must keep buildings out of the regulatory
floodplain.
(e) 10, if the community’s zoning or subdivision regulations allow cluster
development or other alternatives to traditional subdivision patterns.
(f) 10, if the community has a land use plan that recommends open space use
or low density development of floodprone areas.

Under item 2(a), if the community requires that floodprone lands be kept undeveloped when
an area is subdivided, it could receive 100 points. This does not qualify for credit under
Activity 420, because unsubdivided floodprone lands could be built on. If the community
requires that 50% of the floodplain be kept open, then 50% of the credit is provided here. If
the requirement is limited to one or two zoning districts, the credit will be pro-rated
accordingly. After a subdivision’s final plat is recorded, the areas set aside could also qualify
for open space credit.
There is a variety of other approaches to minimizing the number of buildings allowed in a
floodplain that would be credited under this element. Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard
Areas (see Section 435LD) describes the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Density transfers,
Transfers of development rights (TDRs),
Bonuses for avoiding the floodplain,
Open space subdivision design,
Mandating more than one site plan, one of which must avoid the floodplain
entirely,
Planned unit developments (PUDs),
Cluster development,
Greenway and setback rules, and
Open space ratio credits for open space in the floodplain.

These approaches may be administered differently, but have a similar result: developers are
required, encouraged, or rewarded for keeping buildings out of floodprone areas. Buildings,
streets, and other damage-prone infrastructure are grouped on high ground (or the area of

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-5

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

shallowest flooding), while the more hazardous floodplain is used for open space or
recreational land.
These regulations do not have to be enacted for floodplain management purposes. Many
communities have adopted them for farmland preservation, protection of sensitive areas, and
even for economic reasons. For example, developments such as the example cluster plan in
Figure 430LD-1 have shorter streets, resulting in lower maintenance, cleaning, and snow
plowing costs for the community.
If a community’s program uses an approach to minimize development or disturbance in the
floodplain that is not described here, it should be submitted for scoring in accordance with
Section 221. If a community’s regulatory program effectively prohibits new buildings from
the floodplain, the community should apply for open space preservation credit under
Activity 420.

3. Duplicate credit. A regulatory provision may meet the credit criteria of more than
one element. The community may receive the credit for one regulatory provision
under the element with the highest points, but not under more than one element.

Under the duplicate credit rule in Section 430LDa.3., one regulatory provision can only be
credited once by the CRS. For example, requiring small setbacks along streams (e.g., 10- or
15-foot buffers) is credited under Section 431.g.2, natural and beneficial functions
regulations (NBR) under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards). Prohibitory setback
requirements can also be credited as preserved open space under Activity 420. The
community should calculate which approach gives it the most points (after the impact
adjustment). In a small community with narrow floodplains, a 15-or 25-foot setback on both
sides of a stream may provide more points than an open space provision.
On the other hand, an area can benefit from more than one regulatory provision. A site may
be subject to cluster development rules and low density zoning under 430LD and freeboard,
setback, and compensatory storage requirements under Activity 430. The community would
receive CRS credit for all of these regulatory provisions in all areas where they are in effect
(except in areas that are credited as open space (OS) under Activity 420 (Open Space
Preservation)—there is no duplicate credit for areas designated as OS because the regulatory
standards have no impact where development is prohibited).
Example 431LD.a-1. Watertown enacted regulations designed to protect new
floodplain development, preserve its remaining natural bottomlands, and help
recharge groundwater supplies. It requires new subdivisions and other developments
greater than five acres to set aside areas that are below the elevation that
corresponds to the boundary of its bottomlands (roughly the 25-year flood elevation).
LDC = 75

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-6

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria
This provision does not receive open space (OS) credit because buildings are not
prohibited in unsubdivided or previously subdivided developments in this area. In
other words, a house can be built in the 25-year floodplain on a 20-acre parcel. But,
if the owner wants to subdivide that parcel or otherwise develop it more intensely, the
designated area must be set aside from filling, paving, or construction of buildings.

b. Low density zoning (LZ): (Maximum credit: 600 points)
1. Credit points. Credit up to 600 points is given for low density zoning. Credit is
given for those portions of the floodplain subject to zoning rules that require a
minimum of 1 acre per building or unit. Maximum credit is provided for a 10-acre
or larger minimum lot size.
s = the minimum lot size in acres.
LZs = 60 x s

Credit is provided for zoning areas to keep them substantially open. This credit is available
for undeveloped land within low density zoning districts, as well as for areas developed in
accordance with the density requirements. Zoning an area for agriculture, conservation, or
large residential lots preserves more open space than allowing more intensive development.
For this element, it does not matter why an area is zoned for low density; what counts is the
minimum lot size allowed in the zoning district.
The maximum credit for this element is 83% of the credit provided for Activity 420 (Open
Space Preservation), because some disruption and damage are expected even at a density of
one building per 10 acres.
The credit for low density zoning is based upon the traditional zoning approach of setting
minimum lot sizes for different zoning districts. The bigger the lot size, the less dense the
floodplain development.
For the credit calculation, density is measured in terms of acres per building. A zoning
district with a minimum lot size of 2 acres allows a density of 2 acres per building. For this
area, s = 2, and the area would be designated “LZ2” on the regulatory floodplain map.
“s” may have any value from 1.0 to 10.0. That is, the highest allowable density is one
building per acre (s = 1.0), and minimum lot sizes larger than 10 acres are credited as 10
acres (s = 10.0).
Where minimum lot sizes are in units other than acres, they must be converted to acres to
calculate the credit for this element. A minimum lot size from 40,000 to 43,560 square feet
may be counted as 1 acre if the lots are exclusive of rights of way.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-7

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

2. Requirements.
(a) A minimum lot size required by a public health ordinance for septic tanks is
not counted toward low density zoning.
(b) Except in areas zoned for single family residential use, lot coverage must not
exceed 10% including buildings and fill.

For example, an area with a zoning density of five structures per acre, where development is
restricted due to lack of a sanitary sewer, may develop to its full potential if a sewer is
installed. An industrial subdivision might allow only one structure per acre, but it might
allow 90% lot coverage. This type of development would not meet the objectives of low
density zoning credit for the CRS.

Example 431LD.b-1.
A zoning district with 5-acre minimum lots gives:
s=5

LZ5 = 60 x 5 = 300.0

A minimum lot size of 100,000 square feet gives:
s = 100,000 = 2.30
43,560

LZ2.3 = 60 x 2.30 = 138.0

Separate calculations are made for each zoning density, and the credits are added together in
Section 433LD.
Example 431LD.b-2. See Figure 430LD-1. Watertown allows a minimum lot
size of 1 acre in part of its floodplain and a minimum lot size of 10 acres in another
portion.
LZ1 = 60 x 1 = 60

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

LZ10 = 60 x 10 = 600

430LD-8

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

432LD Impact Adjustment
The area(s) affected by low density zoning must exclude areas designated as open
space that are receiving OS credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation).
There is no impact adjustment for LDC.
a. Option 1:
1. If new development within the entire area of regulated floodplain (aRF) is
regulated by an element, and no credit was requested for OS in Activity 420, the
impact adjustment ratio for that element = 1.0 (rXXX = 1.0).
2. If new development within the entire area of regulated floodplain (aRF) is
regulated by an element, and credit was requested for OS in Activity 420, the
impact adjustment ratio for that element = 1.0 - rOS (rXXX = 1.0 - rOS).

As with other regulatory elements, areas for which open space credit (Activity 420) is
requested must be excluded from the area credited for low density zoning.

b. Option 2:
The community may use the default value rLZs = 0.05 for up to two of its low density
zones, provided each zone covers at least 5 acres of the regulatory floodplain.

Option 2 is limited to two zoning densities. Use of the two lowest density (highest “s”) zones
will provide the most credit for low density zoning using the default values for rLZs.

Example 432LD.b-1. A community has 10-, 5-, and 1-acre zoning districts
within its regulated floodplain. Each of these districts covers more than 5 acres. The
CRS Coordinator uses Option 2. Since LZ10 gives 600 points, LZ5 gives 300 points,
and LZ1 gives 60 points, the community uses rLZ10 = 0.05 and rLZ5 = 0.05 to
calculate the credit cLZ.

c. Option 3:
The impact adjustment ratio for each low density zoning district is computed by
dividing the area affected by the area of the regulatory floodplain (aRF). Any area
for which OS credit is requested must be excluded from the element’s area
measurements.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-9

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

rLZs = aLZs
aRF

If there is more than one low density zoning district within the regulatory floodplain, each
must be appropriately designated on the Impact Adjustment Map (see Section 403) and the
area of each must be determined in order to calculate the impact adjustments.

Example 432LD.c-1. See Figure 430LD-1. The area of Watertown's LZ1
zoning district is 0.14 square miles: aLZ1 = 0.14. The area of the LZ10 zoning
district is 0.11 square miles: aLZ10 = 0.11. aRF = 0.52.
rLZ1 = 0.14 = 0.27
0.52

rLZ10 = 0.11 = 0.21
0.52

433LD Credit Calculation
a. cLZ = Σ(LZs x rLZs)
b. c430LD = cLDC + cLZ

Example 433LD-1. Using the values calculated in 432LD above, Watertown
calculates its credit for this element:
cLDC = LDC = 75
cLZ = {(LZ1 x rLZ1) + (LZ10 x rLZ10)}
= {(60 x 0.27) + (600 x 0.21)} = {16.2 + 126.0} = 142.2
c430LD = cLDC + cLZ = 75 + 142.2 = 217.2, which is rounded to 217
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist visits several areas of low
density zoning in Watertown’s floodplains. All of the areas visited appear to comply
with the zoning density on the zoning maps.

The value for c430LD is used in Example 433-2.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-10

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

434LD Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. The ordinance language that adopts the land development criteria or low density
zoning standard. The appropriate acronym(s) (LDC, LZ1, LZ5, etc.) must be marked
in the margins of the sections that pertain to the element. For CRS credit, the
regulatory language must be adopted and in full force at the time of application for
CRS credit.

A photocopy of the appropriate pages of the ordinance is sufficient and should be attached to
the activity worksheet. The CEO’s certification of the application or modification is considered to include a certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted and is being
enforced (see Section 212.a).

The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
b. The Impact Adjustment Map prepared in accordance with Section 403. Each area
listed in Section 431LD for which credit is being requested must be designated on
the Impact Adjustment Map and in the map’s key.

Areas subject to low density zoning are designated as “LZs” on the Impact Adjustment Map
(see Section 403), where the “s” designates the minimum lot size (in acres). An area of 5-acre
zoning would be designated “LZ5”; an area in which one structure is allowed on a 100,000square-foot lot would be designated “LZ2” (100,000 square feet is 2.30 acres).

c. An explanation of the procedures followed for enforcement of the regulatory
standard.
d. Examples of developments constructed in accordance with the ordinance language.

During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will need to see site plans and final plats
that will document how the land development criteria or zoning density is applied. The
ISO/CRS Specialist will also visit a sample of new developments to verify that they have
been constructed in accordance with the approved plans.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-11

Edition: 2006

Land Development Criteria

435LD For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Most state NFIP coordinating offices have prepared model ordinances with provisions that
exceed the minimum NFIP standards. Additional help on regulatory provisions may be
available from state planning or community affairs agencies and regional planning
commissions.
b. More information on planning and regulatory techniques to preserve floodplain open
space can be found in Subdivision Design in Flood Hazard Areas, Planning Advisory
Service Report # 473. Copies can be ordered for $32 from
American Planning Association
122 South Michigan Ave, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 431-9100
c. Often local governments and regional agencies have guidebooks for some of the
planning or regulatory tools encouraged by this activity, such as low-impact
development design manuals and handbooks on best management practices (BMPs).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

430LD-12

Edition: 2006

440 FLOOD DATA MAINTENANCE
Summary of Activity 440
441

Credit Points. There are four elements in this activity for a maximum of 239 points (excluding
special hazards credit).

a.

Additional map data (AMD): Up to 129 points are provided for implementing digital or paper
systems that improve access, quality, and/or ease of updating flood data within the community. Each
system must be used by the local regulatory staff on a regular basis. The data in the system must be
updated at least annually.

b.

Benchmark maintenance (BMM): Up to 90 points are provided for a program that maintains
benchmarks so surveyors can find them and can depend on them to be accurate.

c.

Erosion data maintenance (EDM): Points are provided for maintaining coastal erosion data as
described in CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards.

d.

FIRM maintenance (FM): Up to 20 points for maintaining copies of all Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMs) that have been issued for the community.

442

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three ways.

a.

Under Option 1, if the program is implemented throughout the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA),
the impact adjustment ratio for an element is 1.0.

b.

Under Option 2, if the program is not implemented throughout the SFHA, a default impact adjustment
ratio of 0.25 may be used.

c.

Under Option 3, if the program is not implemented throughout the SFHA, the impact adjustment
ratios may reflect the proportion of the SFHA affected.

443

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact
adjustment ratios and the products are totaled.

444

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify

a.

A summary of all elements of its flood data maintenance program and a description of how these
elements are used and updated on a regular basis.

b.

[If the community calculates impact adjustment factors using Option 3 (Section 442.c)] The Impact
Adjustment Map discussed in Section 403.

c.

Copies of the digitized mapping, parcel records, and/or overlay maps, benchmark data, erosion data,
shoreline erosion records, and/or old FIRMs, as appropriate.

d.

[If the community is applying for credit for maintaining benchmarks (BMM)] Key data on the
qualifying benchmarks, a map of their locations, and surveyor’s statement that they meet the
element’s prerequisites (for those benchmarks not in the NSRS).

implementation of this activity.

The community must submit the following documentation with its annual CRS recertification:
e.

445

Identification of any reference marks that appear on the FIRM that were found to be missing or
inaccurate.

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-1

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

440 FLOOD DATA MAINTENANCE
Credit is provided for making the community’s floodplain maps more current, useful, or
accurate in order to improve local regulations, planning, disclosures, and property
appraisals.
Background: Outdated mapping hinders good floodplain management. A Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) can and should be updated frequently to account for study
revisions, site-by-site analyses, better ground elevation data, annexations, and
incorporation of new hazard data. To keep a FIRM updated at minimal cost, the
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
publishes Letters of Map Revision. However, these do not provide local officials and
other map users with a meaningful picture of the floodplain.
Activity Description: Under this activity, credit is provided for putting National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) FIRM and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map delineations
on a digitized mapping system or other method that allows quick revision and reprinting
of a floodplain map. Flood hazard data could also be maintained on computerized
parcel records. This activity also includes credit for adding and/or maintaining
benchmarks and overlaying the community’s floodplain mapping (including the FIRM)
on the zoning map, the assessor’s map, or other map used regularly by community
staff.

A computerized parcel system is often easier to use than a map. With such a system, a
building official, real estate agent, or anyone interested in the flood hazard on a property can
quickly find data such as flood zone number, flood elevations, and lowest floor elevation. In
most cases, flood data are maintained for a community’s entire floodplain. Where this is not
the case, the areas affected must be adjusted by an impact adjustment ratio based upon the
area of regulated floodplain with the community.
Maintaining current benchmarks makes it easier and less expensive for developers and
property owners to determine ground, floor, and base flood elevations for construction and
flood insurance purposes.
NOTE: This activity only credits maintenance of the community’s regulatory flood data. The paper
FIRM is still the document used for flood insurance rates and the mandatory purchase requirement.
However, if the community’s flood data maintenance program finds an error in the FIRM, it should
be reported to FEMA so it can be included in the next map revision. If the error would remove a
property from the SFHA, it is assumed that the owner will be motivated to request a map
amendment.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-2

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

441 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 440: 239 points.
a. Additional map data (AMD) (Maximum credit: 129 points)
This element credits digital or paper systems that improve access, quality, and/or
ease of updating flood and FIRM data.
1. Prerequisites.
(a) The system must be used regularly by the community regulatory staff.
(b) New data, including annexations, new subdivision maps, flood insurance
restudies, letters of map revision, letters of map amendment, and studies
performed for site-specific analyses, must be added at least annually to the
data base or overlay map.
(c) Digitized data must be made available annually to FEMA at no cost (if
requested).

Three different types of flood data maintenance systems are usually eligible for credit:
•

Map overlays, such as overlaying the regulatory floodplain on the zoning map, aerial
photograph, or more detailed street map; or using clear plastic sheets over the FIRM to
record map changes.

•

A geographic information system (GIS), computer aided design (CAD), or other
digitized system that updates information electronically and can display or print a
current map.

•

A database management program for parcel records that maintains the appropriate
flood data for each property. Some communities have master parcel record systems
that can be accessed for building permit records, property tax information, FIRM data,
and other purposes. Sometimes these systems are tied into a GIS. Credit is given if
parcels in this system are designated as “in” or “out” of the floodplain.

Data available from these three systems improve the community’s administration of its
floodplain management program. Credit is dependent on the map data being used in the
community’s regulatory program. There is no credit for a map system that is used only for
planning drainage projects or other non-regulatory purpose. The objective of this requirement
is to encourage more community offices to be familiar with the local flood problems and to
reduce the likelihood that land use or development decisions will be made without

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-3

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

considering the hazard. Using the system to provide map determinations to the permit office
is considered a regulatory purpose.
The data from a digitized mapping or parcel system must be provided to FEMA if it is
requested. A fee may be charged to other requestors based on the actual cost of retrieval or
reproduction.
The Community Rating System (CRS) encourages communities to devote special attention to
areas affected by the special flood-related hazards listed in Section 401. Communities
affected by one or more of these hazards should obtain a copy of the appropriate CRS
publication (see Appendix E), which shows how to increase credit points for regulating
development in areas affected by these special hazards. Regulating such areas is a
prerequisite to receiving credit for including the area in this activity.

2. Credit points: AMD = the total of the following points based on the types of data
included in the data maintenance system, except that no credit is provided
unless item (a) is included:
(a) 32, for showing the regulatory floodplain boundaries, corporate limits,
streets, and parcel or lot boundaries (a database management program
must show whether a parcel is in the regulatory floodplain);
(b) 15, for a GIS layer that shows buildings, building outlines, or building
footprints (a database management program must show whether the
primary building on the lot is in the regulatory floodplain), and the
building data is kept up to date to reflect new construction;
(c) 8, for showing floodways or coastal high hazard areas (a database
management program must show whether either the parcel or the
primary building is in the floodway or coastal high hazard area);
(d) 8, for showing base flood elevations;
(e) 6, for including FIRM zone attributes (e.g., A3, VE, etc.);
(f) 8, for showing the 500-year floodplain elevations or boundaries (a
database management program would show whether the parcel is in
the 500-year floodplain);
(g) 8, for showing areas of the community subject to other natural hazards (a
database management program would show whether the parcel is
subject to another hazard);

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-4

Edition: July 2007

(h) EITHER:
(1) 10, if the community’s GIS includes topographic contour lines; OR
(2) 20, if the system includes topographic contour lines at a smaller contour
interval than that provided on available U.S. Geological Survey digital
orthophoto quarter quads (DOQQ);
(i) 8, for including updated floodplain data in the tax assessment data base;
(j) 8, for including overlays or layers for all FIRMs in effect after the date of the
community’s application to the CRS; and
(k) 8, for other overlays or databases used for regulation or mitigation
programs, including incorporating and maintaining layers from HAZUSMH and the community’s repetitive loss areas.

Most of the credited items are important to provide the regulatory staff the latest FIRM data
for a property. The CRS wants to encourage users of the community’s system, including tax
assessors and property appraisers, to be aware of the flood hazard. The CRS also wants to
encourage keeping old FIRMs to help track substantial improvement requirements and
eligibility for grandfathered flood insurance premiums. Old maps are hard to obtain, so
keeping them on record would provide a valuable service to residents.
Item 2(g) credits showing areas of the community subject to other natural hazards. Local
permitting and planning should be aware of all hazards to which a property is exposed. These
could include landslide-prone areas, areas subject to subsidence or stream migration, and
areas with soils unsuitable for septic fields. Including these hazards in GIS layers that are
seen when permits are reviewed or when plans are being drafted will remind everyone
involved of the need to protect people and property from those hazards.
For item (h), credit is provided for including a layer with contour lines in the community’s
GIS. If the layer has contour intervals smaller than what is available from the U.S. Geological
Survey’s DOQQs, then 20 points are provided. In those areas where there are no DOQQs, the
credit is provided if the contour interval is smaller than that on the area’s USGS quadrangle
maps.
HAZUS-MH (Hazards U.S.–Multi-Hazard) is FEMA’s standard, nationally applicable
methodology and software program for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods,
and hurricane winds. HAZUS-MH uses ESRI’s ArcGIS geographic information system
software platform to analyze, map, and display potential damage and losses. The CRS
encourages the use of HAZUS-MH to promote a greater understanding and awareness of
hazard risk and for keeping the HAZUS-MH database updated. See Figure 510-1 for more
information on HAZUS-MH.)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-5

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

Identifying and mapping the community’s repetitive loss areas is discussed in Sections 502
and 503. A repetitive loss community must also develop a list of addresses of the improved
properties in its repetitive loss areas. This work can be greatly facilitated by the use of a GIS.
Once a repetitive loss area layer is developed, it should be used during mitigation planning
and other activities focused on reducing the community’s flood problems.
NOTE: If a community maintains data on its repetitive loss properties, it must be remembered
that such data may be subject to the Privacy Act. Information such as the names of people
and addresses of properties that have received repetitive flood insurance claims and the
amounts of such claims may only be used by the community in furtherance of local flood loss
reduction. Communities are prohibited from releasing such information to the public and
from using it for solicitation or other purposes. Such information should be marked “For
internal use only. This information is legally privileged and confidential. Its use is protected
by the Privacy Act of 1974.” Generic information, such as total claim payments for an area
or data not connected to a particular property, may be made public.

Example 441.a-1. Floodville has overlaid the regulatory floodplain and floodway
boundaries, with base flood elevations, onto the zoning and land use plan maps
used to administer the zoning ordinance, the building and health codes, and the
regulations for new subdivisions. The maps are updated at least annually. The
maps include streets, corporate limits, and parcels.
AMD = 32 + 0 + 8 + 8 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 = 48

b. Benchmark maintenance (BMM) (Maximum credit: 90 points)
This element credits a program that maintains benchmarks so surveyors can find
them and can depend on them to be accurate.
1. Prerequisites: credit is provided for each benchmark that meets the following
criteria:
(a) It must be a benchmark that is EITHER:
(1) In the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) database; OR
(2) A permanent monument with key data posted in a reference system
readily available to local surveyors, such as the community’s website.
(b) There must be a note that is has been recovered within the last five years;
(c) It must be a first- or second-order vertical control benchmark;

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-6

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance
(d) It must have a stability rating of A or B; AND
(e) It must be within one (1.0) mile of some part of the community’s regulatory
floodplain.
2. Credit points:
(a) NSRS = the number of qualifying NSRS benchmarks in the community.
(b) LBM = the number of qualifying locally maintained benchmarks in the community.
(c) BMM = 15 x ((NSRS x 1.5) + LBM) ,
aRFM
where aRFM is the area of the community’s regulatory floodplain in square miles.

The National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) is maintained by the National Geodetic
Survey (NGS) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is a compendium of vertical and
horizontal benchmarks for the country. This element provides credit for a community’s
having a sufficient number and density of benchmarks the meet the prerequisites in the
NSRS. If the community does not, it is encouraged to either survey new ones or submit the
data necessary to add qualifying existing benchmarks to the national system.
Any surveyor can create a NSRS benchmark. Surveyors must follow strict NGS guidelines for
the type of monument set and the accuracy of the survey that establishes the horizontal
location of the monument and/or the elevation. After review by the NGS, these benchmarks
are added to the NSRS database, which is available to surveyors and the public on the
internet.
If the community has a network of quality benchmarks that are permanent monuments but are
not entered into the NSRS, it must provide a statement, signed by a licensed surveyor, that
each benchmark for which credit is requested is a monument that would qualify for addition
to the NSRS if it were submitted to the NGS.
“Permanent monuments” are engraved metal discs at least 2 inches in diameter or similar
markers that are recognizable, durable, and immovable and set in concrete or on steel rods
driven to resistance. Chiseled squares in sidewalks, parts of fire hydrants, nails in telephone
poles, “PK nails” in pavement, etc., are not “permanent monuments.”
For this credit, a benchmark must meet all of the prerequisites:
(1) It must be in the NSRS database, or it must be in a database maintained by the
community or other authority that is readily available to local surveyors. This may be
in the form of a published book or a website. The database must include key data, such
as the location and description of the benchmark, the elevation and datum, and when it
was last recovered.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-7

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

(2) There must be a note that it has been recovered within the last five years. “Recovered”
means that a benchmark has been located and that it appears to be undisturbed. A
recovery note must be filed where it can be accessed by local surveyors. If a
benchmark has not been recovered in the last five years (i.e., no one has confirmed to
NSRS that the site has been found), a local official or surveyor can locate the
monument and report that it has been recovered. In some cases, the community or
local surveyors may need to recover all credited benchmarks to maintain this credit at
each cycle verification visit. Recovery can be reported by any local official—it does
not have to be a licensed surveyor. Recovery can also be reported by surveyors in the
private sector if the community maintains the recovery notes. (The NSRS website
explains the process to report recovery.)
(3) It must be a first- or second-order vertical benchmark. The “order” tells how close the
results were when the surveyor who set the benchmark completed a circuit back to the
starting point. Lower-order vertical benchmarks are not as precise in elevation.
(4) It must have a stability rating of A or B. The NSRS describes whether a benchmark is
likely to move over time with the following system:
A = most reliable and expected to hold an elevation (e.g., bedrock)
B = probably will hold an elevation well (e.g., a massive bridge pier)
C = may hold, but of a type commonly subject to ground movement (e.g., a
building foundation)
D = mark of questionable or unknown stability
Some areas subject to land subsidence may not have any benchmarks rated A or B. If
the community has an alternative way to provide dependable elevation data, it may
submit a description of its alternative. An example would be a program that resurveys
benchmarks every few years. The community must demonstrate that its alternative
method achieves a consistent accuracy of elevations over time.
(5) It must be within one mile of some part of the community’s regulatory floodplain. For
this credit, the community must submit a map showing the location of the qualifying
benchmarks.

Example 441.b-1. Floodville has two vertical control benchmarks that meet
the prerequisites. One is listed in the National Spatial Reference System and the
other is posted on the city engineering department’s website. (NSRS = 2), (LBM
= 0). The area of Floodville’s regulatory floodplain is 396 acres or 0.62 square
miles.
BMM = 15 X ((NSRS X 1.5) + LBM = 15 X (2 X 1.5) + 0 = 15 X 3 = 45.0 = 72.58
ARFM
0.62
0.62
0.62

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-8

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance
Floodville could increase its credit for BMM to the maximum 90 points if it had
four benchmarks that were entered into the NSRS. It may be that the NSRS has
one or two qualifying benchmarks that would provide the city with this credit if
the City simply found them and reported them as recovered..

c. Erosion data maintenance (EDM)
Credit for maintaining coastal erosion data is described in CRS Credit for
Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards. The credit points, EDM, are calculated
separately and transferred to this activity.

This credit is for including coastal erosion rates and similar data in a GIS, digitized parcel
data, or overlay map. More information and credit point calculations can be found in CRS
Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards (see Appendix E).

d. FIRM maintenance (FM) (Maximum credit: 20 points)
Credit is provided for maintaining earlier editions of flood insurance maps. The
maps must be readily available and the community must allow inquirers access to
them.
FM = the total of the following points:
1. 15, for maintaining copies of all FIRMs, Flood Insurance Studies, and Flood
Boundary Floodway Maps that have been issued for the community. There
is no credit if the FIRM has never been revised.
2.

5, for maintaining copies of all Flood Hazard Boundary Maps that were issued
for the community.

To receive credit under Activity 320 (Map Information Service), the community must
maintain copies of old FIRMs that have been in effect since 1999 or the date the community
applied to the CRS, whichever is later. Under this element, credit is provided for maintaining
copies of ALL FIRMs, i.e., each FIRM that appears on the list of FIRM revisions in the legend
of each FIRM. Keeping the community’s current FIRM is a minimum requirement of the
NFIP, so if the community has only been issued one FIRM, there is no credit under this
element.
Additional credit is provided for maintaining copies of the Flood Hazard Boundary Maps
(FHBMs), i.e., the FEMA maps published before the community received its first FIRM.
This credit is provided for maintaining the FIRMs and FHBMs in paper, microfilm, or other
format. They do not have to be part of the system credited under Section 441.a (AMD).
Copies of old FIRMs and FHBMs may be available from the Map Coordination Contractors
(see Section 445.e).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-9

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

442 Impact Adjustment
Credit for additional map data (AMD) and benchmark maintenance (BMM) are adjusted
according to the portion of the area of regulatory floodplain (aRF) that the element
covers:
a. Option 1:
If the data for the entire regulatory floodplain have been entered into the system or
included on the overlay map, rAMD = 1.0.
b. Option 2:
If the data for only part of the regulatory floodplain have been entered into the
system or included on the overlay map, the community may use the default values:
rAMD = 0.25.
c. Option 3:
The impact adjustment ratio is computed by dividing the area for which data have
been entered into the computer or added to the overlay map by the area of the
regulatory floodplain (aRF):
rAMD = aAMD
aRF

If the program is implemented in only a portion of the regulatory floodplain, the community
may use either Option 2 or Option 3. For example, if a county has only entered flood data for
its urbanized areas into a GIS, it may use the default value rAMD = 0.25, or it may determine
aAMD and aRF to calculate rAMD and designate the areas on its Impact Adjustment Map.

Example 442-1. Floodville’s overlay map covers the entire community and
includes all floodplains. Using Option 1, rAMD = 1.0.

If a community has different systems for different areas of the community, it should designate
and score each one separately and the total score will be corrected through the impact
adjustment.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-10

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

Example 442-2. Gulf Beach County has a GIS for the developed area along the
coast. For inland rural areas, the staff refers to map overlays. The GIS would be
designated “AMD1” and the area not covered by the GIS would be “AMD2.” The
two systems would be scored and, if together they covered the entire county,
rAMD1 plus rAMD2 would equal 1.0.

d. There is no impact adjustment for BMM, EDM, or FM.

443 Credit Calculation
a. cAMD = AMD x rAMD
b. c440 = cAMD + BMM + EDM + FM

Example 443-1. As noted above, AMD for Floodville = 48 and rAMD = 1.0.
cAMD = 48 x 1.0 = 48
Floodville’s credit for benchmarks is explained in Example 441.b-1. BMM =
72.58
Floodville’s staff cannot find copies of earlier FIRMs: FM = 0.
Floodville has no coastal erosion areas: EDM = 0.
c440 = cAMD + BMM + EDM + FM = 48 + 72.58 + 0 + 0 = 120.58

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-11

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

444 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. A short summary of all elements of its flood data maintenance program, or a sample
copy of the item for which credit is requested, which clearly shows all of the items to
be credited.

For credit for computerized data, the summary should briefly discuss the computer system
used, the types of data included in the system, access to the data, and how the system is used
for floodplain management. For the other systems, the summary should consist of a short
narrative description of the procedure and how it is used by the community for floodplain
management.

The community must have the following available to verify implementation of this
activity:
b. [If the community calculates impact adjustment ratios using Option 3 (442.c)] The
Impact Adjustment Map discussed in Section 403. Each area listed in Section 441
for which credit is being requested must be shown on the Impact Adjustment Map
and in the key.
c. Copies of the digitized mapping, parcel records, overlay maps, shoreline erosion
records, and/or old FIRMs, as appropriate.

If the community has a GIS or a database management program for parcel records, it should
be able to prepare a printout or a disk with the addresses of all the properties in the
floodplain. This would facilitate mailing its outreach project to floodplain residents (OPF)
under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

d. [If the community is applying for credit for maintaining benchmarks (BMM)]
1. The data for the creditable bench marks that are in the NSRS or the community’s
publicly accessible database. This must include key data, such as the location and
description of the benchmarks, their order and stability, the elevation and datum,
and when they were last recovered;
2. For those benchmarks that are not in the NSRS, a statement signed by a licensed
surveyor that states that they meet all five of the element’s prerequisites, and
3. A map showing the community’s regulatory floodplain and the locations of the listed
benchmarks.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-12

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

The data can be in the form of a printout of the NSRS datasheets, a photocopy of the relevant
pages of the community’s benchmark book, or the URL for the website database. The
surveyor’s statement does not need to be certified or sealed, but does need to include the
signator’s license number. The map can be a street map, a floodplain map, or any map that
facilitates finding the benchmarks on the ground. The NSRS retrieval maps do not qualify
because they do not show or name enough features.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification:
e. Identification of any benchmarks that appear on the FIRM that were found to be
missing or inaccurate.

If any benchmarks are found to be listed incorrectly, the community should provide FEMA
with the correct elevations or information on other benchmarks. Otherwise, revised FIRMs
will continue to show the incorrect information.

445 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. The following documents are available from
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
1-800-480-2520
Fax: (301)-362-5335
National Flood Insurance Program Standards for Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps,
October 1993.
Flood Insurance Study Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping
Partners, 2003, or http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/gs_main.shtm.
b. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
c. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide assistance with benchmarks and mapping
issues. Requests for assistance should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management
Services Coordinator at the appropriate District Office of the Corps.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-13

Edition: July 2007

Flood Data Maintenance

d. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. Three or four times each year, it offers the “Digital Hazard Data
Course” on digital FIRMs and other computer databases. Stipends to cover travel,
registration, and rooms are usually available from FEMA. For more information, call EMI
at 1-800-238-3358 or the state emergency management agency’s training office.
e. Communities may check on past FIRMs and obtain background data by calling 1-877FEMA MAP. They can also submit a written inquiry through this link:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/tsd_emap.shtm .
For Regions I—V, contact Dewberry & Davis at (703) 849-0100 or see the website at
http://www.Dewberry.com .
For Regions VI—X, contact Michael Baker, Jr., at (703) 329-3023 or see the website at
http://www.bakerprojects.com/fema .
f. Information on the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) can be found at
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov. Benchmarks entered into the system are recorded on datasheets
at http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/datasheet.prl.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

440-14

Edition: July 2007

450 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Summary of Activity 450
451 Credit Points. There are five elements in this activity for a maximum of 670 points.
a. Stormwater management regulations (SMR): Up to 225 points are provided for regulating developments on a
case-by-case basis to ensure that the peak flow of stormwater runoff from each site will not exceed the
predevelopment runoff. SMR credit is the sum of three subelements:
1. Size of developments regulated (SZ): Up to 25 points.
2. Design storms used in regulations (DS): Up to 90 points.
3. Public maintenance of required facilities (PUB): Up to 110 points.
b. Watershed master plan (WMP): Up to 225 points are provided for regulating development according to a
watershed management master plan.
c. Freeboard for new buildings in B, C, D, and X zones (FRX): Up to 150 points are provided for requiring all
new buildings (not just those in floodplains) to be protected from local drainage problems.
d. Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC): Up to 45 points are provided for regulations to
minimize erosion from land disturbed due to construction or farming.
e. Water quality regulations (WQ): 25 points are provided for regulations that improve the quality of stormwater
runoff.

452 Impact Adjustment. The credit points for SMR and WMP are adjusted in one of three ways. The
standards for the other elements must apply throughout the community, so there is no impact adjustment for
them.
a. Under Option 1, if the standards apply throughout all watersheds affecting the community, the impact
adjustment ratio for an element is 1.0.
b. Under Option 2, if the standards do not apply throughout all watersheds affecting the community, a default
impact adjustment ratio of 0.25 may be used.
c. Under Option 3, if the standards do not apply throughout all watersheds affecting the community, the impact
adjustment ratios may reflect the proportion of the watersheds affected.

453 Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact adjustment ratios
and the products are totaled.

454 Credit Documentation. The community must submit the following:
a. [If requesting credit for SMR] A copy of the language from the ordinance or law that tells how surface water
runoff from new development is regulated.
b. [If requesting credit for WMP] Certification and appropriate pages from the watershed master plan.
c. [If requesting credit for FRX] A copy of the language from the ordinance or law that requires elevation of the
lowest floor or lowest opening of new buildings.
d. [If requesting credit for ESC] A copy of the erosion and sediment control ordinance or law.
e. [If requesting credit for WQ] A copy of the language from the ordinance or law that requires new
developments to implement appropriate best management practices.
f. [If impact adjustment ratios use Options 1 or 3] An Impact Adjustment Map showing the watershed
boundaries and stormwater management jurisdiction.
g. [If impact adjustment ratios include areas regulated by another community(ies)] Documentation of the other
community’s (or communities’) regulation.
h. [If requesting credit for PUB] A copy of inspection and maintenance procedures for drainage facilities.
The community must have the following available to verify implementation of this activity:
i. Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement of the regulations.
j. An evaluation report on the effectiveness and currency of the stormwater management plans.

455 For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-1

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

450 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
NOTE: A separate publication, CRS Credit for Stormwater Management, provides an
example of a community program and application documentation. Communities are
encouraged to obtain and read this document before applying for this activity. It will improve
the quality of the application and reduce the need to provide additional documentation later.
To order a free copy, see Appendix E.

Credit is provided for regulating new developments to minimize their impact on surface
water drainage and runoff.
Background: One of the greatest problems of floodplain management in urbanizing
areas is the increase in peak flow caused by watershed development. As forests,
fields, and farms are covered by impermeable surfaces, such as streets, rooftops, and
parking lots, more rain runs off at a faster rate. When an area is urbanized, the rate of
runoff can increase five-fold or more.
A great deal of damage from local drainage problems can be avoided by requiring all
structures to be elevated. Sediment from disturbed ground can reduce the capacity of
the drainage system and adversely affect water quality.

This problem is compounded by changes in the surface drainage system. Stormwater runoff
travels faster on streets and in storm drains than under pre-development conditions. As a
result, flooding is more frequent, happens more quickly, and is more severe.

Activity Description: This activity credits five approaches to regulating new
development in the watershed:
1. Regulating developments on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the peak flow of
stormwater runoff from each site will be no greater than the runoff from the site
before it was developed;
2. Regulating developments according to a watershed management master plan that
analyzes the combined effects of existing and expected development on drainage
through and out of the watershed;
3. Requiring all new buildings (not just those in the floodplain) to be elevated to protect
them from local drainage problems;
4. Regulating activities throughout the watershed to minimize erosion that results in
sedimentation; and
5. Regulating the quality of stormwater runoff.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-2

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

These five approaches are discussed in more detail below.
1. Because the amount of runoff is generally increased by development, stormwater
management usually requires that a volume of flood water be stored during the storm.
It is released after the runoff subsides (stormwater DETENTION). A developer may store
this excess runoff for a short time so that it may be used for irrigation or groundwater
recharge or to reduce pollution (stormwater RETENTION ). Where retention is used for
stormwater management, the detained runoff is not discharged until after the storm has
passed and the receiving body can carry the discharge without causing damaging peak
flows anywhere downstream.
Detention does not reduce the amount of water flowing downstream, it simply lets it
out over a longer period of time to reduce the peak flow. This can still cause flooding
problems farther downstream and the extra flows can destabilize channel banks and
cause other problems. Therefore, stormwater retention is preferred over detention. If
stormwater retention is allowed, the community must ensure that adequate storage is
again available within a reasonable time should another storm occur.
Maintenance of these facilities is vital—if they silt in or become clogged, they provide
no flood protection benefits.
2. Watershed master plans can be used to determine the appropriate amount of detention
or retention necessary to prevent an increase in runoff as development occurs within
the watershed. A master plan coordinates the timing and total volume of peak flows
from subwatersheds in order to provide better data for development standards.
Although there is no doubt that stormwater regulation reduces the future flood threat
from a developing area, a master plan goes much further in predicting the
rainfall/runoff relationships within the watershed and in locating and dealing with
specific problems as development progresses.
3. Much of the nation’s flood damage (including one-third of all flood insurance losses)
occurs in B, C, and X Zones. A large portion of this damage would be prevented by
requiring ALL new development to be elevated. This is usually done by requiring
lowest floors or basement openings to be elevated above street level.
4. Sediment control is especially important in watersheds where land is being disturbed
by construction or farming. Drainage systems cannot operate as designed if they are
choked with sediment washed in from construction sites. Sedimentation has also been
called the largest source of water pollution in the country.
5. Stormwater runoff picks up dirt, road oil, salt, farm chemicals, and other substances.
Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated before it enters rivers, lakes, estuaries, and
other receiving bodies of water. Regulations that require developers to install or
implement measures that improve the quality of stormwater are credited.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-3

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

Unless care is taken to avoid it, each new development in a watershed increases the runoff
from the newly developed area, and flood peaks and flood volumes increase farther down the
watershed as development continues. Many communities and some states now require that the
runoff from new development be managed to reduce this increase in runoff. SMR credit is
provided for this regulation.
The term “stormwater management” is also widely used in programs intended to maintain or
improve the quality of stormwater runoff. Such water quality programs are provided CRS
credit under Section 451.e, below. These programs frequently regulate a relatively small level
of runoff, such as the first half-inch of runoff or the runoff from a 2-year storm.
Credit for stormwater management regulations (SMR) is provided for regulation of new
development to prevent future increases in flood damage that result from development in the
watershed. Therefore, SMR credit is only provided for regulation of runoff from a 10-year
storm or larger. More credit is provided for regulation of larger storms and maximum credit is
provided if runoff from both small and large storms is regulated.
Stormwater management regulation credited under Section 451.a (SMR) helps to manage
increased runoff from a developing watershed, but it does not solve the problem entirely. The
flood peak at a point downstream in a watershed is a result of both the quantity of upstream
runoff and the time it takes for water to travel down the watershed. Development within the
watershed usually has an impact on both of these characteristics.
The objective of watershed master planning under Section 451.b (WMP) is to provide the
community with a tool it can use to make decisions that will reduce the increased flooding
from development on a watershed-wide basis. Most communities have some way of dealing
with drainage problems, through a capital improvement plan, planned flood control
structures, or perhaps just by responding to complaints as they arise. A watershed master
plan, like other community plans, allows the community to consider future development as it
works on current problems.
For CRS credit, development of a watershed master plan does not imply that a community
must immediately address its future problems through capital drainage projects. It should be
considered a tool to help the community identify opportunities to address problems before
and as they arise.
The only way to completely understand how a watershed works, and how it will work as
development proceeds, is to do a relatively detailed study of runoff under both present and
future conditions. Doing the present-condition model allows the model to be calibrated to
current experience. The community already knows where its problem areas are, and the model
results should agree with this knowledge. Using information from future land use planning to
modify the model will show the locations and magnitude of future problems. This is generally
the first step in developing a watershed master plan. The present- and future-conditions
hydrology and hydraulics are usually done using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ HEC-1
model or something similar.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-4

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

In addition to the present- and future-conditions hydrology studies, a watershed master plan
should include mitigation recommendations that are appropriate for the community. These
recommendations should include the entire range of mitigation activities—public information,
structural control of runoff, non-structural programs (usually including stormwater
management regulations), and acquisition of floodprone properties.
At a minimum for CRS credit, a watershed master plan must address the regulatory standards
for new development. The modeling might show that different standards are needed for
different watersheds, or for different parts of the watershed.
Other recommendations might be:
•

To initiate a public information campaign to encourage property owners to adjust their
landscaping to retain more runoff.

•

To decide that all future capital improvements on streets and drainage systems will use
the future-conditions hydrology. A 10% increase in the cost of a new culvert or bridge
might bring huge future reductions in flood damage.

•

To recommend a new revenue source to work on existing problems. Watershed-based
drainage districts with taxing authority are becoming common in many areas of the
country.

One of the prerequisites for CRS Class 4 (see Section 211.c) is that the community receive
credit for watershed master planning based on the 100-year storm. Most communities use
different storms for different design and management purposes. Development of a watershed
master plan does not have to change that.
For example, a community might require that the 5-year storm be contained in storm sewers,
the 10-year storm be contained in streets below the curb, the 25-year storm be at least 12
inches below the floors of new buildings, and the 100-year storm be below the floor
elevations. If the community uses future-conditions hydrology to develop 5-, 10-, 25- and
100-year storms in the plan, it can use the results to effectively reduce future flood damage
without revising the nominal requirements.

451 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 450: 670 points.
a. Stormwater management regulations (SMR) (Maximum credit: 225 points)
SMR credit is provided if new developments are required to prevent or reduce the
increase in runoff that results from urbanization of the watershed. To receive SMR
credit, the watershed must be subject to a regulation that requires the peak runoff
from new developments to be no greater than the runoff from the site in its pre-

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-5

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

development condition. Credit may be provided for other approaches to managing
the impact of development on runoff where the community can show that there is no
increase in flood damage downstream.
SMR credit is the sum of the credit for three sub-elements:
SMR = SZ + DS + PUB.
If SZ = 0, then SMR = 0.
1. Size of development (SZ) (Maximum credit: 25 points)
SZ is based upon the minimum size of areas regulated. Use either:
(a) 25, if all development is regulated;
(b) 20, if all development is regulated except for single-family residences,
parcels of 1/2 acre or less, or increases in impervious area of 5,000
square feet or less;
(c) 15, if all development is regulated except for parcels of 1/2 acre or less or
increases in impervious area of 10,000 square feet or less; or
(d) 5, if all development is regulated except for parcels of 5 acres or less or
increases in impervious area of 20,000 square feet or less; or
(e) 0, if the regulations only affect development of parcels larger than 5 acres
or increases in impervious area of more than 20,000 square feet. If the
regulations only cover such large development projects, there is no credit
for SZ or SMR.

SZ provides different credit for different types of development. For example, if the
community regulates commercial developments that are larger than 1 acre (SZ = 15) and
residential developments larger than 5 acres (SZ = 5), an impact adjustment using Options 2
or 3 must be used to reflect the percentage of land use in each category. A similar adjustment
must be made if the regulations do not apply to government agency developments.
If developments are exempt from regulation for some reason other than size, the community
must relate this to one of the standards given. For example, the community could calculate
the average size of such exempted developments over the last several years. The ISO/CRS
Specialist should be contacted for assistance on this.
The CRS does not credit regulations that apply only to large developments (larger than 5
acres or more than 20,000 square feet of impervious surface) because the cumulative effect of
a number of small, unregulated developments could have just as significant an impact on
runoff in the watershed as a large development could.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-6

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

Credit may be provided for requiring developers to pay fees in lieu of constructing facilities,
if the fees collected go toward construction of the necessary facilities.
Example 451.a-1. As a condition of subdivision, planned unit development, or
other permit approval, Watertown requires that all developments larger than 1 acre
ensure that the post-development stormwater discharge will not exceed the amount
of runoff under pre-development conditions.
SZ = 5

2. Design storms (DS) (Maximum credit: 90 points)
DS is the total of the following points based on the design storms used in the
regulations (i.e., the storms used to measure the impact of new developments).
For DS credit, the community’s regulations must require pre- and postdevelopment hydrology calculations and post-development runoff must be
limited to pre-development levels. The standard used may be peak flow, volume,
or a combination of the two.
(a) 60, if detention/retention is designed for the 100-year storm;
(b) 20, if detention/retention is designed for a storm larger than the 10-year but
smaller than the 100-year storm; and
(c) 10, if detention/retention is designed for a 10-year storm.

Although the 100-year flood is the basis for floodplain management, many communities use a
lesser standard for stormwater management. A lower standard may meet many community
needs, but management of smaller storms does not necessarily result in reduced peak flows or
volume from a major storm.
The community must require management of at least a 10-year storm. A regulation designed
to retain or detain only the “first flush,” the first inch of rainfall, or less than a 10-year storm,
is not credited under SMR. However, it may qualify as a water quality regulation (WQ) and
be credited under Section 451.e.
DS credit of 90 points is provided if the regulation clearly states that all discharges UP TO AND
the 100-year storm discharge must be released at rates not exceeding the predevelopment peak discharge.

INCLUDING

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-7

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

Example 451.a-2. Watertown’s stormwater management ordinance used to
require regulation of the 2- and 10-year storms to prevent increases in runoff. Under
that ordinance, DS = 10. Similarly, if the ordinance had been based on the 25- and
50-year storms, DS would be 20.
Watertown’s current ordinance requires determination of a proposed development’s
effects on the 10- and the 100-year storms to ensure that downstream peak flows
are not increased.
DS = 10 + 60 = 70

Example 451.a-3. Gulf Beach County requires all new developments to retain
the runoff from all storms up to and including the 100-year storm.
DS = 10 + 20 + 60 = 90

3. Public maintenance (PUB) (Maximum credit: 110 points)
Credit for PUB is provided if the community assumes maintenance responsibility
for all new stormwater facilities or if the community inspects all new stormwater
facilities at least annually and has regulatory authority to require the owners to
perform appropriate maintenance.
PUB = 110, for public maintenance of all stormwater facilities.

Because experience has shown that private maintenance of stormwater management facilities
is not as reliable in the long term, credit is provided to encourage maintenance by a public
agency, or inspections by a public agency and maintenance as indicated by the inspections.
A community can receive PUB credit through any one or combination of three ways:
1. At least once each year, the community (or other stormwater management agency)
inspects all stormwater management facilities constructed after the date of adoption of
the regulation and orders maintenance when needed. If the owner fails to perform the
maintenance, the community (or agency) does the job and bills the owner;
2. At least once each year, the owners of all stormwater management facilities
constructed after the date of adoption of the regulation have the facilities inspected by
a licensed professional engineer and perform the maintenance recommended by the

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-8

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

engineer. The owners must provide the engineer’s inspection reports and
documentation of the maintenance performed at least annually; or
3. All stormwater management facilities constructed after the date of adoption of the
regulation (including basins built by private developers) are required to be deeded to
the community (or other stormwater management agency), and the community (or
agency) inspects the facilities at least annually and provides maintenance as needed.
Whichever approach is used, it must be supported by an ordinance or other regulatory
authority. For example, holding the owner responsible for maintenance must be based on
clear legal authority, such as the subdivision ordinance, that was known to the developer at
the time of construction of the stormwater facility. Credit is not provided for a policy or a
statement that the community has been able to get compliance in the past.
If inspection is performed by the community, the community must document its inspection
program with all documentation required for channel debris removal (CDR) in Section 544.

Example 451.a-4. Watertown maintains all detention facilities in all developments:
PUB = 110
Watertown’s other values were calculated above: SZ = 5 and DS = 70.
SMR = SZ + DS + PUB = 5 + 70 + 110 = 185

b. Watershed master plan (WMP) (Maximum credit: 225 points)
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The community must have adopted a watershed master plan for one or more
of the watersheds that drain into the community.
(b) The community has adopted regulatory standards for new construction in the
watershed based on the plan.
(c) The plan’s regulatory standards manage future peak flows so that they do
not increase over present values.
(d) The plan’s regulatory standards require management of runoff from all
storms up to and including the 25-year event.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-9

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

(e) In order to maintain WMP credit for any plan that is more than five years old,
the community must evaluate the plan to ensure that it remains applicable to
current conditions. The evaluation must address whether the dates used for
the plan are still appropriate and whether the plan effectively manages
stormwater runoff. If a watershed master plan is obsolete, the community
must update the plan or the WMP credit will be revised accordingly.
2. WMP = the total of the following points. Credit must be received for item (a).
(a) 80, if the watershed master plan meets all of the prerequisites listed in
Section 451.b.1.
(b) 25, if the plan manages the runoff from all storms up to and including the
100-year event.
(c) 40, if the plan provides management of future peak flows AND VOLUMES so
that they do not increase over present values. If the community can
demonstrate that its watershed plan prevents damaging increases in
peak flows at all points within its watershed(s) and downstream, it will
receive this credit.
(d) 25, if the plan manages the runoff from all storms up to and including the 5day event. If a community can demonstrate that an event shorter than
five days is the locally appropriate “worst-case” runoff event for
stormwater management, it may receive the credit if it uses that event for
its regulatory standard.
(e) 15, if the plan identifies existing wetlands or other natural open space areas
to be preserved from development to provide natural attenuation,
retention, or detention of runoff.
(f) 10, if the plan prohibits development, alteration, or modification of existing
natural channels.
(g) 10, if the plan requires that channel improvement projects use natural or
“soft” approaches rather than gabions, rip rap, concrete, or other “hard”
techniques.
(h) 20, if the plan was prepared in coordination with or as a part of the
community's floodplain management plan credited under Activity 510.

Credit is provided if the community develops and implements surface water runoff
regulations through a watershed master plan that ensures that flood damage within and
downstream from the watershed is not increased by future development. Eighty points are
provided for the plan, provided that its standards:
•

Have been adopted in the community’s regulatory program,

•

Require that the peak flows of runoff from future development will not increase
beyond the present peak flows, and

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-10

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

•

Manage all storms up to and including the 25-year storm (no credit is provided for
WMP for management of storms smaller than the 25-year storm).

Communities that receive 80 points for the watershed master plan can then receive additional
points under subsections (b) through (h).
(b) Twenty-five points are added if the community’s regulations manage all storms up to and
including the 100-year storm. “All storms” includes specifically listed storms, such as the
2-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year storms.
(c) Forty points are added if the plan’s regulatory standards prevent all increases in
downstream flood peaks AND VOLUMES, regardless of the size of the watershed or its
location within a larger basin. A community can receive the maximum credit if it detains
runoff from a 25-year or larger storm and discharges it to groundwater or irrigation or if it
detains the runoff long enough to discharge it after the peak flow in the receiving body
has subsided so the discharge will not increase downstream peak flows anywhere in the
receiving stream.
Communities that discharge directly into an ocean or a Great Lake may receive this credit
if they have adopted a watershed master plan that models their watershed(s) and prevents
increased peak flows within those watershed(s). Communities with watersheds that
discharge into other large lakes or rivers must demonstrate that their discharges will not
increase flood elevations in the lake or anywhere downstream on the receiving river.
(d) Twenty-five additional points are provided for assuring that the most appropriate
modeling techniques are used for the location. This is assumed to be a 5-day event unless
the community can show that a shorter event is more appropriate for local conditions. In
some areas this may require continuous-simulation modeling. If a community, regional,
state, or federal agency can demonstrate that, say, the 72-hour event provides the “worst
case” runoff for a watershed, the 72-hour event would be credited for communities in that
area.
(e)—(g) These additional points recognize communities that preserve their remaining
“natural” channels, floodplains, or upland wetlands for stormwater conveyance or
storage. “Soft” or “green” approaches are encouraged over “hard” or concrete
measures.
(h) The last 20 possible additional points are dependent on the community’s receiving credit
for a floodplain management plan under Activity 510. A floodplain management plan
developed for Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) probably will not qualify
for WMP credit, but a watershed master plan may qualify for credit under Activity 510. A
community may be eligible for these 20 points if:
•

The Floodplain Management Plan is mentioned prominently in the watershed
master plan, and if references in the watershed master plan demonstrate that it is
intended to help implement the Floodplain Management Plan; and/or

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-11

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

•

Hydrologic output from the watershed master plan is used as input for the
Floodplain Management Plan.

c. Freeboard for new buildings in B, C, D, and X Zones (FRX) (Maximum credit: 150
points)
FRX is determined by the type and amount of freeboard required in B, C, D, or X
Zones (FX). FRX credit is not provided for a freeboard requirement above the base
flood elevation. FRX credit is not provided to communities that are entirely Special
Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). FRX = one of the following:
1. 50 x FX (the height in feet that the lowest floor (including basement) must be
above the crown of the nearest street or the highest grade adjacent to the
building); or
2. 25 x FX (the height in feet that the lowest opening or point of entry must be
above the crown of the nearest street or the highest grade adjacent to the
building); or
3. 50, if the regulations require that as a condition for a building permit, the
applicant must prepare a site plan that accounts for local drainage from
and onto adjoining properties and that protects the building from local
drainage flows; or
4. 20, if the regulations require that the applicant provide positive drainage away
from the building site.
FX is reduced by 0.5 feet if the standard is an elevation above the gutter rather than
the crown of the street.

The FRX regulatory language is usually found in the building code, rather than in the
ordinance with the floodplain or stormwater management regulations. Several of the national
model codes require site plans or positive drainage.
Under items c.1. and 2., the maximum credit is provided for 3 feet of freeboard. The highest
adjacent grade or other datum may be used as an alternative to the crown of the nearest street.
If the street gutter is used, 0.5 feet is subtracted from the amount of freeboard.
There is no impact adjustment for FRX because it must be enforced throughout either the
entire community or the B, C, D, and X Zones.
A community may request credit for FRX even if it does not apply for credit for the other
elements of this activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-12

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

Example 451.c -1. Watertown has adopted a version of the Uniform Building
Code that requires the lowest floor to be at least 14" above the crown of the adjacent
street.
FRX = 50 x FX = 50 x 14" = 50 x 1.17 = 58.5
12"

d. Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) (Maximum credit: 45 points)
ESC is based upon the areas regulated. ESC = one of the following:
1. 45,

if regulations control erosion and soil loss from any disturbed land,
including agricultural lands, greater than 1,000 square feet;

2. 35,

if regulations control erosion and soil loss from construction sites as small
as 1/2 acre;

3. 30,

if regulations control erosion and soil loss from construction sites as small
as 1 acre; or

4. 15,

if regulations control erosion and soil loss only from construction sites
greater than 5 acres.

This credit is provided because drainage systems cannot perform to their design standards if
they are choked with sediment, a particular problem when the ground has been disturbed by
development. This credit is for regulations that are applied throughout a community, not just
in floodprone areas.
“All construction sites” in subsections d.2, 3, and 4 means all sites subject to construction of
buildings, roads, etc., regrading, or other non-agricultural land-disturbing activity. An erosion
and sedimentation control regulation that is part of a floodplain ordinance or a building code
and does not affect ALL construction sites in the community does not receive full credit under
this element.
A community may have regulations that exempt agricultural uses from erosion and sediment
control requirements. For example, the state enabling legislation may not allow regulation of
farms. In such cases, the community may apply for ESC = 45 if it can document that there are
no agricultural zones and no existing agricultural uses within its corporate limits and all other
projects (except those smaller than 1,000 square feet) are regulated.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-13

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

Example 451.d-1. Appropriate ordinance language might read:
Prior to any grading or other earthwork that affects a land area larger than 500
square feet, the person performing such earthwork shall submit an erosion control
plan. The plan shall be designed to prevent sediment from leaving the site during
storms up to and including the 100-year storm and recover the ground after
construction or other work to prevent or minimize erosion. [ESC = 45]

or
Application for any grading and/or building permit (except for single-family dwellings
on existing platted lots) must include an erosion control plan designed to prevent
sediment from leaving the site during the 100-year storm and recover the ground
after construction to prevent or minimize erosion. [ESC = 35]

e. Water quality regulations (WQ) (Maximum credit: 25 points)
WQ = 25, if regulations require new developments of 5 acres or more to include in
the design of their stormwater management facilities appropriate "best management
practices" that will improve the quality of surface water.

Most states’ environmental protection or pollution control offices have recommended best
management practices (BMPs) appropriate for that state. Best management practices may
include grass filter strips at retention basin inlets or outlets, velocity dissipators and baffles,
basin dimensions that encourage settling of suspended solids, aeration, infiltration trenches,
skimmers, vegetated swales, and other techniques that clean stormwater. It should be noted
that this credit is not for BMPs required during the course of construction, but rather for
measures that are permanently incorporated in the development’s stormwater management
facilities.
For WQ credit, the stormwater management regulations must either specify one or more
measures or refer to best management practices as published in an official government reference. A mention of water quality or reduction of nonpoint sources of pollution in the purpose
section of the regulations is not sufficient for credit.
Example 451.e-1. Watertown is located in a state-designated estuarine
protection area. The plans for all new developments larger than 1 acre must be sent
to the state coastal zone management agency for approval. The state regulations
stipulate best management practices to improve the quality of the stormwater
entering the estuary.
WQ = 25

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-14

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

452 Impact Adjustment
There are no impact adjustment ratios for FRX, ESC, or WQ because they must be
enforced throughout the community. Credit for FRX is provided if the regulation applies
only to areas outside the regulatory floodplain.
a. Option 1:
1. Stormwater management regulation (SMR): If the community, separately or
along with upstream communities, regulates development within all of the
watersheds that affect it, rSMR = 1.0.
2. Watershed master plan (WMP): If the watershed master plan regulates all
development within all of the watersheds that affect the community, rWMP = 1.0.

A community may choose to exclude watersheds larger than 50 square miles. If such large
watersheds are outside the community’s jurisdiction, or are not regulated, the community will
receive more credit by excluding them. If they are regulated, the community will receive
more credit by including them.
The two “r” variables are used to reflect the ratio of the area covered by the community’s
basic regulations and the area covered by the community’s watershed management plan.
aWMP must be included in aSMR. If all regulated areas are included in the watershed plan,
rWMP = 1.0.
Few communities will be able to use Option 1 to determine their impact adjustments because
few communities have regulatory jurisdiction over areas that coincide with their watershed
boundaries. The only cases that have arisen so far are:
•

Communities that are islands,

•

Communities subject to state or regional stormwater regulations that affect their entire
watersheds, and

•

Communities, usually counties, whose corporate boundaries are formed entirely by
watershed divides (ridges), or bodies of water.

b. Option 2:
1. Stormwater management regulation (SMR): If the community does not regulate
development within all of the watersheds that affect it, it may use the default
value rSMR = 0.25.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-15

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

2. Watershed master plan (WMP): If the watershed master plan does not regulate
all development within all of the watersheds that affect the community, it may
use the default value rWMP = 0.25.

Many communities find it difficult to determine the size of the watersheds. Therefore, 25% of
the credit is given for cSMR if no rSMR is calculated. A community that regulates less than
25% of its watersheds may also use Option 2 to determine the minimum value of rSMR.

Example 452.b-1. Watertown regulates all watersheds within its corporate
limits. However, areas outside the corporate limits are not regulated. Watertown uses
Option 2: rSMR = 0.25.

c. Option 3:
1. Stormwater management regulation (SMR): If the community does not regulate
development within all of the watersheds that affect it, it may develop a
Stormwater Impact Adjustment Map to determine the areas required to calculate
rSMR:
rSMR = aSMR, where
aW
aSMR = the area of stormwater management regulation, and
aW = the area of all watersheds affecting the community.
2. Watershed master plan (WMP): If the watershed master plan does not include
all areas of stormwater management regulation within the community, it may use
the Stormwater Impact Adjustment Map to determine the areas required to
calculate rWMP:
rWMP = aWMP, where
aW
aWMP = the area covered by a watershed master plan.
If a community can demonstrate that the upstream portion of its watershed is
managed to a similar standard, either by other communities separately or by a
regional entity like a drainage or flood control district, aSMR and aWMP may be

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-16

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

increased. The community must document such management in accordance with
Section 454.

If a community can demonstrate that the upstream portion of its watershed is managed to a
similar standard, either by other communities separately or by a regional entity like a
drainage or flood control district, aSMR and aWMP may be increased. The community must
document such management in accordance with Section 454.
Because this activity only affects watersheds under the jurisdiction of stormwater
management regulations, impact adjustment ratios must be determined for stormwater
management regulation and the watershed master plan.
In order to use Option 3 and determine aSMR, aW, and aWMP, the community must prepare a
Stormwater Impact Adjustment Map. Although the purpose of this map is similar to the
Impact Adjustment Map discussed in Section 403, it may be quite different in appearance.
The base map for the Stormwater Impact Adjustment Map should be a small-scale map that
can show all of the watersheds affecting the community. A community may choose to exclude
watersheds larger than 50 square miles. If such large watersheds are outside the community’s
jurisdiction, or are not regulated, the community will receive more credit by excluding them.
If they are regulated, the community will receive more credit by including them.
The entire watershed for each watercourse draining into or through the community should be
shown on this map (except those with drainage areas over 50 square miles, if they are
excluded from the calculations). The total area of these watersheds is aW. With appropriate
documentation, aW may be reduced in two ways:
1. If upstream watersheds are effectively reduced by flood control structures that control
the base flood, the size of aW is reduced accordingly.
NOTE: Only structures designed to control the base flood can be used for this type of
adjustment to aW.
2. If portions of the watersheds are unlikely, because of their ownership, to be
developed, those portions may be excluded from aW. Areas that might be excluded are
national forests, state parks, or privately owned land dedicated to open space use.
Communities are encouraged to cooperate with adjacent communities to manage stormwater.
If a community only has regulatory jurisdiction over a portion of its watersheds, it cannot
ensure that properties will be safe from increased runoff in the future. However, if upstream
communities also manage future development, either independently or through county-wide
or watershed planning, all communities can benefit. Therefore, if a community can
demonstrate that upstream communities have similar watershed management programs for the
upper portions of their watersheds, it can include those areas in aSMR and aWMP.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-17

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

Communities are encouraged to check with their state or regional stormwater management
agency to see if they can apply for “uniform minimum credit,” i.e., credit based on the
stormwater management program implemented by the regional agency.

453 Credit Calculation
a. cSMR = SMR x rSMR
b. cWMP = WMP x rWMP
c. c450 = cSMR + cWMP + FRX + ESC + WQ

Example 453-1. Watertown's credit points are discussed above:
SMR = 185, rSMR = 0.25, cSMR = 185 x 0.25 = 46.25
FRX = 58.5
WQ = 25
c450 = 46.25 + 0 + 58.5 + 25 = 129.75, which is rounded to 130
During the field verification, the ISO/CRS Specialist examined a selection of public
and privately owned facilities and they appeared to be properly maintained.

454 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. [Required if the community is applying for credit for SMR under Section 451.a]: A
copy of the ordinance or law language regulating surface water runoff from new
developments in the watershed. For SMR credit, the language must require that
peak runoff from new developments be no greater than the runoff from the site in its
pre-development condition. The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance
must be marked “SMR.”
The language submitted must include those factors that are credited: size of
developments regulated, design storms to be used, and how the maintenance of
drainage and retention facilities is handled. The appropriate acronym(s) (SZ, DS,
and PUB) must be marked in the margin of the ordinance sections that pertain to
each element.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-18

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

The community may also be asked to complete an activity worksheet that helps
identify where the credits are due.

As an alternative to such a performance standard, the language may be based on criteria
designed to produce the same result on a regional basis (e.g., a standard allowable discharge
per acre based on a regional study). If such language is used, the community must provide an
estimate of the design storm controlled and a comparison of the pre-development runoff and
the permitted discharge.
For CRS credit, the regulations must be legally enforceable. Policies and guidelines are not
acceptable unless the community’s legal counsel states that they are enforceable.
A photocopy of the appropriate pages of the ordinance(s) (e.g., subdivision and/or zoning
ordinances) or statute, including the cover page to identify the document, is sufficient and
should be attached to the activity worksheets. The Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) certification is considered to include a certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted
into law and is being enforced (see Section 212.a).

Example 454.a-1. Sample ordinance language might read:
All new development within the Little River watershed shall be designed to prevent
any increase in peak flow, velocity, or total runoff volume during the 5-year and 100year rainfall events. Prior to development, the developer must submit hydrologic and
hydraulic studies showing the nature and extent of runoff under present conditions
and with the proposed development for those two rainfall events.

b. [Required if the community is applying for WMP credit under Section 451.b] Copies
of the pages of the watershed master plan that show the following:
1. Management of peak flows and volumes so that they do not exceed present
values. The plan must include either regulations that meet these criteria, or must
be based on a rainfall/runoff model that achieves these results;
2. The recurrence interval of the storm used for the regulations and/or model;
3. The duration of the storm used for the regulations and/or model;
4. [Required if the community is applying for credit for Section 451.b.2(e)—(g)]
How the plan utilizes or protects the existing natural stormwater features within
the watershed; and

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-19

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

5. [Required if the community is applying for credit for Section 451.b.2(h)] A
statement by the community official responsible for implementation of the
watershed master plan that it was prepared in coordination with or as part of the
community’s Floodplain Management Plan credited under Activity 510. This
documentation may be provided from either plan if it is contained there.
The community may also be asked to complete an activity worksheet that helps
identify where the credits are due.

A watershed management plan is usually a complex, bulky document. It may have an introduction or summary describing the area covered by the plan, its objectives, and the regulation
of surface water runoff. This summary is probably adequate documentation for some or all of
this credit. If no such summary is available, it must be developed to document this credit.
There are three ways for the community to document its credit for WMP:
● Mark the appropriate sections of the plan with the section numbers in Section
451.b (451.b.1(b), 452.b.2(c), etc.);
● Write a memo listing the credits requested and giving the pages and sections
where the language can be found; or
● Complete the activity worksheet that identifies where the credits are found.

c. [Required if the community is applying for FRX credit under Section 451.c] A copy of
the ordinance or law language that requires elevation of the lowest floor or lowest
opening of new buildings. The acronym FRX must be marked in the margin of the
section that pertains to this element.

This documentation may be in the community’s building code. If the community has adopted
one of the national model building codes, documentation of that adoption, as well as the code
language, must be provided.

d. [Required if the community is applying for ESC credit under Section 451.d] The
ordinance or law language that requires developers or property owners to use
techniques that prevent erosion and soil loss from exposed land. The ordinance(s) or
law must designate an office or official responsible for receiving complaints and
monitoring compliance and it must include enforcement and abatement provisions.
The acronym ESC must be marked in the margin of the ordinance section that
pertains to this element.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-20

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

e. [Required if the community is applying for WQ credit under Section 451.e] The
ordinance or law language that requires new developments to implement
appropriate best management practices to improve water quality.
The acronym WQ must be marked in the margin of the ordinance section that
pertains to this element.

A copy of the appropriate pages of the ordinance or statute is sufficient. The CEO’s certification is considered to include a certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted into
law and is being enforced (see Section 212.a).

f. [Required if the community calculates the impact adjustment ratio for one or more
elements by using Option 1 (Section 452.a) or Option 3 (Section 452.c)] An Impact
Adjustment Map showing watershed boundaries and stormwater management
jurisdiction.

The Impact Adjustment Map is explained in the Commentary text following Section 452.c. If
either Option 1 or 3 is used, the map is needed to verify the impact adjustment calculations.

g. [Required if the community determines the area of stormwater management
regulation (aSMR) or the area covered by the watershed master plan (aWMP) to
include watershed areas regulated by other communities] Documentation that
watersheds outside the jurisdiction of the community are regulated to similar
standards or are subject to the same plan as those within the community.

The applicant can provide the actual ordinance language from the community(ies) or written
assurance from a county, regional, or state agency that similar standards are in effect in the
upstream communities.

h. [Required if the community is applying for PUB credit under Section 451.a.3] The
procedures used to inspect and maintain drainage facilities.

The inspection and maintenance procedures for this activity must include the same five items
needed for Activity 540’s drainage system maintenance as specified in Section 544.a. It is
recommended that the stormwater management facility maintenance procedures be part of the
drainage system maintenance program because Activities 450 and 540 are closely related.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-21

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
i. Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement of the
regulations. If the community applied for credit for public maintenance under Section
451.a.3, records that demonstrate implementation of the inspection and
maintenance requirements.
If it has received credit for a watershed master plan (WMP) under Section 451.b, the
community must provide the following documentation at the time of its cycle
verification:
j. An evaluation report that addresses whether the community’s watershed master
plans that are more than five years old are still based on appropriate data and
effectively manage stormwater runoff. In lieu of a formal report, the community may
submit a letter signed by a licensed professional engineer that addresses the
following issues:
(1) The “future conditions” at the time the plan was completed: Do these conditions
still reasonably reflect the actual watershed conditions today?
(2) The precipitation data used for the plan’s hydrology: Does the community or
agency still use the same precipitation that was used in the report?
(3) Method used for the plan(s): Is the method used to develop the plan(s)
considered appropriate today by the agency?
(4) Construction: Has construction of stormwater infrastructure altered actual
conditions in ways that make the plan(s) obsolete?
(5) Other factors: Are there other aspects of the plan(s) that make it obsolete or
otherwise of questionable applicability?

455 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. See Appendix E to order a free copy of CRS Credit for Stormwater Management.
b. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-22

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

c. Most states’ environmental protection or pollution control offices have recommended best
management practices (BMPs) appropriate for that state. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has developed BMPs for coastal areas that are appropriate throughout
the country.
Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal
Waters, 840-B-92-002, January 1993, can be obtained from
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Washington, D.C. 20460

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-23

Edition: July 2007

Stormwater Management

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

450-24

Edition: July 2007

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

500 FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES
This series of activities addresses flood damage to existing buildings. It complements the
previous series that dealt with preventing damage to new development. Recognized
damage reduction measures include acquiring, relocating, or retrofitting existing buildings
and maintaining drainageways and retention basins.
Credit points for Activities 520 and 530 are adjusted according to the number of buildings
affected. See Sections 301 through 303 for a discussion of impact adjustment ratios based
on building counts.
Sections 501 through 503 and Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) are
mandatory for all or some repetitive loss communities. See Sections 501 and 502 for a
discussion of the applicability of these requirements.
Contents of Series 500
Section

Page

500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities........................................................ 500-1
501 The Repetitive Loss List .................................................................. 500-3
502 Repetitive Loss Category................................................................. 500-5
503 Repetitive Loss Area Outreach Project............................................ 500-7
504 Repetitive Loss Mitigation Activities ............................................ 500-13
505 National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994.............................. 500-15
510 Floodplain Management Planning ........................................................... 510-1
511 Credit Points..................................................................................... 510-5
512 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 510-26
513 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 510-27
514 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 510-29
515 For More Information .................................................................... 510-33
520 Acquisition and Relocation...................................................................... 520-1
521 Credit Points..................................................................................... 520-2
522 Impact Adjustment........................................................................... 520-5
523 Credit Calculation ............................................................................ 520-6
524 Credit Documentation...................................................................... 520-7
525 For More Information ...................................................................... 520-8
530 Flood Protection....................................................................................... 530-1
531 Credit Points..................................................................................... 530-4
532 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 530-13
533 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 530-14
534 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 530-15
535 For More Information .................................................................... 530-18

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-1

Edition: July 2007

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

540 Drainage System Maintenance ................................................................ 540-1
541 Credit Points..................................................................................... 540-4
542 Impact Adjustment........................................................................... 540-8
543 Credit Calculation ............................................................................ 540-9
544 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 540-10
545 For More Information .................................................................... 540-14

List of Figures
500-1.
500-2.
500-3.

Types of repetitive loss properties................................................... 500-4
Floodville’s repetitive loss area map............................................... 500-9
Outreach project to Floodville’s repetitive loss area #2................ 500-11

510-1.
510-2

HAZUS-MH.................................................................................. 510-14
Floodplain management categories and activities......................... 510-17

530-1

Example worksheets for documenting a
retrofitting project ......................................................................... 530-21

540-1.

“No dumping” sign.......................................................................... 540-7

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-2

Edition: July 2007

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

501 The Repetitive Loss List
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) produces a list of repetitive loss properties within each National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) community that has one or more repetitive loss
properties. This list must be obtained through the FEMA Regional Office by any
community considering applying for the Community Rating System (CRS).
As part of its application and cycle verification, the community must review the list
for accuracy, correct addresses, whether the properties are actually in the
community’s corporate limits, and whether the insured buildings have been
removed, retrofitted, or otherwise protected from the cause of the repetitive
flooding. The result of this review is recorded on a Repetitive Loss Update
Worksheet (AW-501).
A community with repetitive losses must sign the activity worksheet, AW-502,
certifying that each address has been checked. If there are updates, the submittal
must include corrected Repetitive Loss Update Worksheets (AW 501) with any
required supporting documentation. If no updates are necessary, only the AW-502
certification is submitted.
The Repetitive Loss Update Transmittal Sheet or a cover letter authorizing the
updates must accompany all AW-501 submittals.
Failure to submit this material will result in the application’s being returned. If the
community does not conduct the review of the list at cycle verification, it will lose its
CRS credit for addressing its repetitive loss properties, which can result in a
reversion to a Class 10.

Repetitive loss properties are those properties for which two or more claims of more than
$1,000 have been paid by the NFIP within any 10-year period since 1978 (e.g., two claims
during the periods 1978–1987, 1979–1988, etc.). These properties represent only 1% of all
the NFIP’s insurance policies, but they have accounted for nearly one-third of the claim
payments (Figure 500-1). These properties cost the NFIP an estimated $200 million per
year in flood insurance claim payments (over $4.5 billion to date). NFIP actuaries have
reported that repetitive loss is the single most important factor that affects the stability of
the National Flood Insurance Fund.
Each year, FEMA produces a list of repetitive loss properties for communities in or
interested in the CRS. The list includes the property address, the dates of the claims, and,
usually, the current insured’s and/or previous owner’s name. It is printed on a worksheet,
AW-501, which can be ordered through the ISO/CRS Specialist or the FEMA Regional
Office (see Appendix A and Appendix G) for any NFIP community. Before applying for
the CRS, a community must check to see if it is classified as a repetitive loss community
and if so, obtain its current repetitive loss list.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-3

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

Repetitive Flood Loss Properties
In the United States there are over 115,000 repetitive loss properties, i.e.,
properties that have had two or more claims of more than $1,000 paid by the NFIP
within any 10-year period since 1978. Although some of these properties have had
mitigation measures applied to them, most remain at risk of flooding.
To focus resources on those properties that represent the best opportunities for
mitigation, Congress defined a subset called “Severe Repetitive Loss Properties”
when it passed the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. Severe Repetitive Loss
Properties are those 1–4 family properties that have had four or more claims of more
than $5,000 or two to three claims that cumulatively exceed the building’s value.
FEMA is directed by the Act to define Severe Repetitive Loss Property for multifamily buildings. For the purposes of the CRS, Severe Repetitive Loss Property also
includes non-residential buildings that meet the same criteria as for 1–4 family
properties. The flood insurance policies on these properties are serviced by a
separate Special Direct Facility and not by individual Write Your Own insurance
companies.
The Flood Insurance Reform Act creates new funding mechanisms to help mitigate
flood damage to these properties and to other repetitive loss properties. A list of both
categories of properties can be obtained from the FEMA Regional Office. The CRS
participation criteria in Sections 501−503 require communities to address ALL their
repetitive loss properties, not just those that meet the Severe Repetitive Loss
Property definition. However, since these severe loss properties have had a
disproportionate impact on the National Flood Insurance Fund, the CRS offers
“bonus” points under selected activities, such as 520, Acquisition and Relocation,
and 430, Flood Protection, for mitigating these properties.

Figure 500-1. Types of repetitive loss properties.
The community needs to make sure it has a current list before it submits its application or
modification to the CRS and before its cycle verification is completed. It is the
community’s responsibility to review the list for accuracy and updating. The community
must note the following situations in which the form should be updated:
•

The property is not located in the community’s jurisdiction. The property may be
outside the community’s corporate limits, it may be in another city, or it may have
been annexed into another community. If it can be determined which community
the property belongs in, it will be removed from the list.

•

There was an error in the repetitive loss database, such as a duplicate listing or an
incorrect address.

•

The property has subsequently been protected from the types of events that caused
the losses. Buildings that have been acquired, relocated, retrofitted, or otherwise
protected from the types of frequent floods that caused the past damage are not
counted in determining the community’s CRS requirements.

•

The property is protected from damage by the base flood shown on the current
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). For example, the community may demonstrate

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-4

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

that the building is elevated or floodproofed above the base flood elevation but was
flooded by a higher level. If the property is outside the Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA), the community may show that all of the repetitive losses were caused by
events with recurrence intervals of over 100 years (e.g., two 200-year storms).
It is hoped that the community will be able to locate all listed properties and determine
why they were flooded, but it may be impossible to confirm every one. Updated information is noted on the form, AW-501, for each property that the community could locate.
Activity worksheets AW-501 (Repetitive Loss Update) and AW-502 (Repetitive Loss
Requirements) (or the equivalent page from the CRS Application) are submitted with the
community’s CRS application or modification. FEMA reviews the revisions submitted by
the community. If a property is not in the community, it will not be removed from the list
unless the community in which the property does belong can be definitely identified.
Each year, a compact disk that includes a new set of AW-501 update worksheets is sent to
each participating CRS community for informational purposes. It reflects the community’s
previously submitted changes, new properties that have been added due to recent floods,
and changes resulting from other communities’ updates. Except during cycle verification
and as specified in Section 502.b, a community is not required under the CRS to respond
to each year’s new list. However, the list can be a valuable planning tool and source of
information about the location and extent of flooding within the community. Communities
are encouraged to submit any known updates every year.

502 Repetitive Loss Category
a. For CRS purposes, there are three categories of repetitive loss communities
based on the number of properties on the UPDATED repetitive loss list (i.e., after
the changes and updates have been reported and accepted by FEMA):
1. Category A: A community that has no repetitive loss properties, or whose
repetitive loss properties all have had mitigation measures applied to them.
2. Category B: A community with at least one, but fewer than 10, repetitive loss
properties that have not received mitigation.
3. Category C: A community with 10 or more repetitive loss properties that
have not received mitigation.

Every community with one or more unmitigated repetitive loss property on FEMA’s
original list must submit a Repetitive Loss Requirements activity worksheet, AW-502 (or
the equivalent page from the CRS Application), to be eligible for a CRS Class 9 or better.
Additional requirements depend on the community’s repetitive loss category, which is
determined by the number of repetitive loss properties without mitigation measures AFTER
the applicant has updated the repetitive loss property information and submitted it for
approval. Properties that have been mitigated, that are shown to be in another community,

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-5

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

or that are not currently insured and documented as impossible to identify and locate in
the community, are not counted when determining the repetitive loss category .
•

A Category A community has no special requirements except to submit information
needed to update the repetitive loss list if applicable.

•

A Category B community must review and describe its repetitive loss problem,
prepare a map of the repetitive loss area(s), prepare a list of the addresses of all
improved properties in those areas, and undertake an annual outreach project to
those addresses. This is explained in Section 503. A copy of the outreach project is
submitted with each year’s recertification.

•

A Category C community must do the same things as a Category B community AND
prepare a floodplain management plan or area analyses for its repetitive loss
area(s). The plan and area analysis requirements are explained in Activity 510
(Floodplain Management Planning).

b. A community’s repetitive loss category may change over time as a result of flood
damage reduction measures implemented by the community, as a result of
floods that add new insurance losses to the FEMA list, or as a result of data
updates.
A CRS community has no immediate need to take action as a result of a change
in its repetitive loss category except as follows:
1. When it applies for or modifies its application for Activity 510 (Floodplain
Management Planning).
2. When it submits a modification that will result in an increase in its CRS
classification.
3. When it is slated for a complete cycle verification of its program. Cycle
verification visits are conducted five years after the original application year
for Class 6–9 communities, and every three years for Class 1–5
communities.

The last two situations are explained in more detail in Sections 215 and 234. They require
that a community submit activity worksheets and documentation for all of its activities,
including Activity 510.
c. If a community becomes a Category B community during the year of its cycle
verification (see Section 234), it must begin the required outreach project during
the following year. If a community becomes a Category C community during the
year of its cycle verification, it has until October 1 of the following year to prepare
and adopt the required floodplain management plan or area analyses for its
repetitive loss areas. (However, all updates to its repetitive loss list must be
submitted with the rest of the cycle verification materials.)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-6

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

503 Repetitive Loss Area Outreach Project
Because repetitive flooding accounts for approximately 33% of all flood insurance
claims payments, an outreach project is required for any community in repetitive
loss category B or C. These communities must identify and describe their repetitive
loss problem areas and initiate an outreach project to those areas.
In addition to the outreach project, a community in Category C must adopt a
floodplain management plan or prepare area analyses for its repetitive loss areas.
The plan or analyses must be submitted with the community’s CRS Application
under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning).
If a Category B or C community fails to supply a copy of each year’s outreach
project with its recertification, or if a Category C community fails to submit its
annual floodplain management plan or area analysis evaluation report with its
recertification, it will revert to a Class 10.

Over 4 million buildings are insured by the NFIP, but only around 1% of them account for
33% of the flood insurance claims paid since 1978. This is because these few properties
have been flooded more than once, and some of them have been flooded numerous times.
The outreach project is mandatory for repetitive loss communities because such a small
number of properties has such a big impact on the NFIP. Communities with 10 or more
such properties (i.e., Category C communities) must also prepare plans to address their
repetitive loss problems.
Every community with at least one repetitive loss property must undertake the outreach
project to be eligible for the CRS. Failure to include the items listed in this Section 503
with an application or modification will prevent a review of the community’s submittal.
A Category B or C community may be able to demonstrate that it has no repetitive loss
properties. If so, the updates must be noted on the worksheet, AW-501. If all of the
properties can be removed from the list by updating (see Section 501), then the
community will be treated as a Category A community. In that case, it does not need to
implement the items in this section.
In its CRS application, a community with one or more properties on the updated
FEMA list (i.e., a category B or C community) must submit AW-502 and:
a. A description of the cause(s) of the repetitive flooding;
b. A map of its repetitive loss areas. The repetitive loss areas must include the
properties on the repetitive loss list obtained from FEMA and all adjacent
properties with the same or similar flooding conditions;
c. A list of the addresses of all properties in the repetitive loss area(s) with
insurable buildings on them; and
d. The number of buildings in the repetitive loss area(s), bRLA.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-7

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

The community must plot all the properties on FEMA’s repetitive loss list and define all
repetitive loss areas. In some cases, such as those in which the address consists of a rural
route or box number, a property will be unplottable. However, local officials can often
identify a property by the name of the insured, especially if the last flood was recent. All
that is needed is for the general area of the property to be located, e.g., the 400 block of a
street.
The community then plots its repetitive loss AREAS . The repetitive loss areas will include
buildings on FEMA’s list and nearby buildings that were subject to the same flood hazard.
After the repetitive loss AREAS are identified, the community must prepare an address list
of all improved parcels in those areas. An improved parcel is one with an insurable
building on it. For CRS purposes, an “insurable building” is defined in Section 301. This
list has two purposes: it will be used for the outreach project, and it will determine the
number of buildings in the community’s repetitive loss areas.
The number of buildings currently in the community’s repetitive loss areas is represented
by the variable bRLA. This variable is also used in the impact adjustment for repetitive
loss area analyses in Section 512. It should not be confused with bRL (number of
properties on the FEMA repetitive loss list) in Activity 520, Acquisition and Relocation.
NOTE: If a community maintains flood insurance data on its repetitive loss properties, it
must be remembered that such information is subject to the Privacy Act. Information such
as the names of people and addresses of properties that have received repetitive flood
insurance claims and the amounts of such claims may not be released to the public. Such
information should be marked “For internal use only. Protected by the Privacy Act of
1974.” Generic information, such as total claim payments for an area or data not
connected to a particular property, may be made public.
Example 503-1. (See Figure 500-2.) Floodville received its repetitive loss list
from FEMA. Twenty properties were listed and the City Planner was able to plot
the location of each. Floodville is a Category C community. Figure 500-2 shows
that the City has two repetitive loss areas.
Area #1: Twelve of the properties had been flooded by ice jam floods in the late
1980s and early 1990s. The City drew a repetitive loss area boundary around an
area that has been flooded by Foster Creek ice jams almost every other year. Six
of the listed properties were purchased, two under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program in 1996. The City’s Foster Creek Park was expanded to the east
to include the newly vacated lots. However, there are still 25 buildings remaining
in Area #1 that have been flooded repeatedly, including six that either did not
have flood insurance or did not have claims large enough to put them on the
FEMA repetitive loss list. The City has all their addresses.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-8

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

Repetitive Loss Area Map
X

= Property on FEMA’s repetitive loss property list

r

= Property on FEMA’s list that has been purchased and removed

+

= Property in repetitive loss area, not on FEMA’s list
= Repetitive loss area

Note: This map contains information from flood insurance claims that is
protected by the Privacy Act. It is for internal use only.

Figure 500-2. Floodville’s repetitive loss area map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-9

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities
Area #2: The other eight properties are in an area that has been flooded several
times because of a railroad culvert that is too small. The culvert was properly
sized when built 50 years ago, but new development upstream has increased
runoff and recent storms have caused floods. The City had the area studied and
is applying for credit for the study under Activity 410 (Additional Flood Data). A
total of 22 buildings in Area #2 appear to be subject to the same level of flooding
and the City has recorded their addresses.
bRL = the number of buildings on the FEMA repetitive loss list = 20. Note that
this number includes those properties that were later removed or retrofitted.
bRLA = the number of buildings in the two repetitive loss areas = 25 + 22 = 47

e. A category B or C community must implement an annual outreach project to the
properties in the mapped repetitive loss areas and include a copy of the project
with its application.
1. The outreach project must advise the recipient of four things:
(a) that the property is in or near an area subject to flooding;
(b) property protection measures appropriate for the flood situation;
(c) sources of financial assistance for property protection measures; and
(d) basic facts about flood insurance.
2. The outreach project must be delivered to all properties in the repetitive loss
AREAS, not just the properties on the FEMA list. This may be done in one of
three ways:
(a) An outreach project that is distributed each year and that reaches the
properties in the repetitive loss areas. This project may also be submitted
for credit as an outreach project to floodplain properties (OPF) or an
additional outreach project (OPA) under Activity 330;
(b) An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS)
credited in Activity 330, provided that the public information strategy
identifies the target audience and discusses the best way to advise that
audience about the hazard, property protection, available financial
assistance, and flood insurance; or
(c) An outreach project that does the same as (a) or (b), above, but is not
credited under Activity 330. The materials must be distributed each year.
f. A category B or C community must include a copy of each year’s outreach
project with its annual recertification.

An example project appears in Figure 500-3. More information on outreach projects can
be found in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). In many cases, the community can combine
this repetitive loss area outreach project with an outreach project credited under Activity
330. More information on sources of financial assistance can be found in Section 504.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-10

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

City of Floodville
City Hall
Floodville, ST 98765

Resident
3801 Adams St.
Floodville, ST 98765
Dear Resident:
You have received this letter because your property is in an area that has been flooded
several times. When our drainage system of ditches and culverts was built over 50 years
ago, it could handle all but the largest storms. Since then, urban development in and
upstream of Floodville has increased the amount of stormwater runoff. Now, heavy rains
overload the system more often. As a result, your area floods on an average of every 3 –
4 years.
The City of Floodville is concerned about repetitive flooding and has an active program to
help you protect yourself and your property from future flooding. We are seeking funding
support to construct reservoirs upstream of your area and to make improvements that will
increase the downstream floodwater carrying capacity.
Meanwhile, here are some things you can do:
1. Check with the Building Department (555-1234) on the extent of past flooding in your area.
Department staff can tell you about the causes of repetitive flooding, what the City is doing
about it, and what would be an appropriate flood protection level. City staff can visit your
property to discuss flood protection alternatives.
2. Prepare for flooding by doing the following:
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−

Know the flood safety guidance on the last page of this letter.
Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when a flood comes.
Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go to.
Make a household inventory, especially of basement contents.
Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc. in a safe place.
Collect and put cleaning supplies, camera, waterproof boots, etc. in a handy place.
Develop a disaster response plan – See the Red Cross’ website: www.redcross.org/
services/disaster/ for a copy of the brochure “Your Family Disaster Plan”
Get a copy of Repairing Your Flooded Home. We have copies at the Public Works
Department or it can be found on the Red Cross’ website, too.

Figure 500-3a. Outreach project to Floodville’s repetitive loss area #2.
Because Floodville’s two repetitive loss areas have such different types of flooding, the
City sends different mailings to each. This one includes property protection and financial
assistance information appropriate for area #2’s shallow flooding.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-11

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

3. Consider some permanent flood protection measures.
−
−

−

−
−

−

Mark your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the
power to the basement can reduce property damage and save lives.
Consider elevating your house above flood levels. This was done on St. Mary’s Road
near 40th Street. In 1998, the Foster Creek flood went under these houses without
damaging them.
Check your building for water entry points. These can be basement windows, the
basement stairwell, doors, and dryer vents. These can be protected with low walls or
temporary shields.
Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, overhead sewer, or sewer backup valve to prevent
sewer backup flooding.
More information can be found in Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to
Protect Your House from Flooding. Copies are in the Floodville Public Library or at
www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/lib312.shtm
Note that some flood protection measures may need a building permit and others may
not be safe for your type of building, so be sure to talk to the Building Department.

5. Talk to the Building Department for information on financial assistance.
−

−
−

The City administers a flood protection rebate program that will pay 25% of approved
projects, up to a total of $2,500. This program has funded low floodwalls, overhead
sewers, sewer backup valves, and relocation of utilities to higher levels.
If you are interested in elevating your building above the flood level or selling it to the
City, we may apply for a Federal grant to cover 75% of the cost.
Get a flood insurance policy – it will help pay for repairs after a flood and, in some cases,
it will help pay the costs of elevating a substantially damaged building.

6. Get a flood insurance policy.
−

−
−

−
−

Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because
Floodville participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase a
separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal government
and is available to everyone, even properties that have been flooded. Because Floodville
participates in the Community Rating System, you will receive a reduction in the
insurance premium.
Because your area is not mapped as a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may qualify for a
lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy.
Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank
when they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover
the building’s structure and not the contents. During the kind of flooding that happens in
your area, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the
structure. Be sure you have contents coverage.
Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. In most cases, there is a 30-day
waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect.
Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.

Figure 500-3b. Page two of Floodville’s outreach project to its repetitive loss area #2.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-12

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

An annual outreach project to floodplain properties (OPF) in Activity 330 (Outreach
Projects) can satisfy this requirement, provided that (1) it covers the flood insurance and
property protection topics as described in Section 331; (2) it discusses sources of financial
assistance; and (3) it reaches all properties in the repetitive loss areas, including those not
in the SFHA. If it does not qualify for OPF, the outreach project to the repetitive loss
areas may qualify for credit as an additional outreach project (OPA) under Activity 330.
This information is submitted on AW-502 or its equivalent page in the CRS Application.

504 Repetitive Loss Mitigation Activities
Sections 501–503 describe the minimum CRS participation requirements for repetitive
loss communities. The requirements focus on updating repetitive loss records, identifying
the extent of the problem, and providing basic information to owners of properties in the
repetitive loss area(s).
The CRS encourages communities to do more to reduce their repetitive flooding problems.
Special additional credit points are provided in the following activities for actions that
address repetitive loss properties or repetitive loss areas:
•

410—Additional Flood Data: Bonus points are provided for mapping and
regulating repetitive loss areas in B, C, and X Zones (Section 411.a).

•

510—Floodplain Management Planning: Credit is given for conducting an
analysis of the repetitive loss areas and determining appropriate mitigation
measures for these areas (Section 511.b).

•

520—Acquisition and Relocation: Bonus points are provided for acquiring or
otherwise removing repetitive loss properties, with larger bonuses for Severe
Repetitive Loss Properties (Section 521.b).

•

530—Flood Protection: Bonus points are provided for retrofitting or otherwise
protecting repetitive loss properties, with larger bonuses for Severe Repetitive
Loss Properties (Section 531.e).

FEMA has several financial assistance programs that can help communities implement
some of these activities. There are four programs that can fund acquisition, retrofitting,
and other flood protection projects that would qualify for credit under Activities 520 and
530. All four of them require that an applicant community have a hazard mitigation plan,
as described in Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning).
•

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA). FMA funds are specifically designed to be
used to reduce losses to NFIP-insured buildings. Each year a certain amount is
set aside for planning grants, project grants (e.g., acquisition or retrofitting),
and technical assistance grants. FMA funds are allocated to the states each year.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-13

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

•

The Pilot Program under the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. This
program has been authorized additional funds under FMA to mitigation Severe
Repetitive Loss properties (see Figure 500-1).

•

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). HMGP funds are made available
after a Presidential disaster declaration. The amount of funding available varies,
based on the total amount of expected federal disaster assistance (the bigger the
disaster, the more money will be available). Often, funds can used throughout
the state, not just in the declared area.

•

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM). Annual appropriations provide the
funding for the PDM program. There is no state allocation or formula to
distribute the funds. Communities throughout the country can apply.

All four programs are managed by the state, usually by the emergency management
agency. The state may set additional priorities for use of the funds.
There are other sources of financial assistance:
•

Community Development Block Grants are provided to larger cities and
counties; smaller communities can apply to the state community development
agency.

•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will support elevation and flood control
projects as part of a larger flood protection program.

•

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
can help fund retrofitting and local flood control projects in smaller watersheds.

•

Flood insurance claims can include Increased Cost of Compliance funding,
which is described in Figure 430-5. This provision provides additional coverage
to help underwrite a flood protection project that is required by code as a
condition to rebuild the flooded building. It can also be used to help pay the
non-federal portion of a cost-shared retrofitting project. The Flood Insurance
Reform Act of 2004 provides for this coverage to be made available, in most
cases, for insured structures for which offers of mitigation assistance have been
made under certain federally funded mitigation programs.

•

Many states and regional or county flood control districts have their own
funding programs or will help on the non-federal cost share of a federal
program.

•

Many communities have developed financial assistance programs, especially for
sewer backup and local drainage problems, where mitigation projects may be
relatively inexpensive.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-14

Edition: 2006

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

•

More and more communities are starting rebate programs, similar to
Floodville’s (described in Figure 500-3b). These cost the local government
relatively little, but act as an effective catalyst to motivate the owner to retrofit.

More information on financial assistance programs to protect individual buildings can be
found in
Local Flood Proofing Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2005, available at
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/publications.html .

505 National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994
This Act requires that, “if a community has received mitigation assistance under Section
1366 [the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program], the credits shall be phased in a manner,
determined by the Director, to recover the amount of such assistance provided for the
community.”

When the ISO/CRS Specialist visits a community that received funds from the
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, those funded projects that are related to CRS
credit will be reviewed, and the scores pro-rated based on FEMA’s share of the
cost.

Generally, this will be limited to Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) and 530
(Flood Protection), the two activities most likely to be funded.
NOTE: This is a statutory requirement that only applies to the Flood Mitigation
Assistance program, not to other FEMA-funded financial assistance programs.
Example 505-1. A community applies for credit under Activity 520 (Acquisition
and Relocation) for having removed 20 buildings from the floodplain. Five of
those buildings were acquired with a 75% grant from the Flood Mitigation
Assistance Program.
The ISO/CRS Specialist will calculate the score based on 25% credit for the five
buildings and full credit for the other 15. If the community can demonstrate that
there was a higher local cost-share, the points will be adjusted accordingly.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-15

Edition: July 2007

Flood Damage Reduction Activities

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

500-16

Edition: July 2007

510 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Summary of Section 510
Credit is provided for preparing, adopting, implementing, evaluating, and updating a comprehensive
floodplain management plan or repetitive loss area analyses. The Community Rating System (CRS) does not
specify what must be in a plan, but it only credits plans that have been prepared and kept updated according to
the standard planning process explained in Section 511. Credit is also provided for implementing a habitat
conservation plan.

511
a.

b.
c.

512

a.

b.
c.

513

Credit Points. Up to 359 points are provided for three elements.
Up to 294 points are provided for adopting and implementing a floodplain management plan (FMP)
that was developed using the following standard planning process. There must be some credit for
each of the 10 planning steps.
Step
Max points
1. Organize to prepare the plan
10
2. Involve the public
85
3. Coordinate with other agencies
25
4. Assess the hazard
20
5. Assess the problem
35
6. Set goals
2
7. Review possible activities
30
8. Draft an action plan
70
9. Adopt the plan
2
10. Implement, evaluate, and revise
15
Up to 50 points are provided for conducting repetitive loss area analyses (RLAA).
Up to 15 points are provided for adopting and implementing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
Impact Adjustment.

Under Option 1, if the floodplain management plan covers all of the community’s known flood
hazard areas, the impact adjustment ratio is 1.0. If the repetitive loss area analyses cover all repetitive
loss areas, the impact adjustment ratio is 1.0 A Category C repetitive loss community must use
Option 1 if it is preparing a plan or analysis to meet the CRS participation prerequisite specified in
Section 502.
Under Option 2, if the floodplain management plan or repetitive loss area analyses cover some of the
community’s hazard areas, the impact adjustment ratio is 0.25. A Category C repetitive loss
community must use Option 1.
Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratios reflect the proportion of the community’s repetitive loss
areas that are covered by area analyses.

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact adjustment
ratios and the products are totaled.

514

Credit Documentation. The community must submit the following.

a.
b.

The activity worksheet or plan review crosswalk.
A copy of the floodplain management plan with the credited elements noted in the margin or
explained in an attached memo.
c. Documentation showing how the public was involved in preparing or reviewing the plan.
d. Copies of materials that document coordination with other municipalities, agencies, and organizations
credited under Section 511.a.3(b)-(f).
e. Documentation showing that the plan has been adopted by the community’s governing body and/or
the habitat conservation plan was accepted by the appropriate agency.
f. A copy of each repetitive loss area analysis.
The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification.
g. An annual evaluation report on progress toward implementing the recommendations.
h. An update to the plan, prepared at least every five years.

515

For More Information. A free CRS publication, Example Plans, provides more information

and examples for this activity.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-1

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

510 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Background: Programs that are based on a comprehensive floodplain management
or hazard mitigation plan address all the community’s flood problems more effectively.

NOTE: A separate publication, Example Plans, has a detailed discussion of the requirements
of this section and of multi-hazard mitigation plans, as well as model plans and application
documentation. Communities are encouraged to obtain and read this document before
applying for this activity. It will improve the quality of the submittal and reduce the need to
provide additional documentation later. To order a free copy, see Appendix E.
The objective of floodplain management or hazard mitigation planning is to produce a
program of activities that will best tackle the community’s vulnerability to the hazard(s) and
meet other community needs. A well-prepared plan will:
•

Ensure that a comprehensive review of possible activities and mitigation measures is
conducted so that the most appropriate solutions are used to address the hazard.

•

Ensure that the recommended activities meet the goals and objectives of the
community, do not create conflicts with other activities, and are coordinated to reduce
the costs of implementing individual activities.

•

Educate residents about the hazards, loss reduction measures, and the natural and
beneficial functions of floodplains.

•

Build public and political support for projects that prevent new problems, reduce
losses, and protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.

•

Build a constituency that wants to see the plan’s recommendations implemented.

Activity Description: Credit is provided for preparing, adopting, implementing,
evaluating, and updating a comprehensive floodplain management plan. The
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
also requires a multi-hazard mitigation plan as a prerequisite for mitigation funding. The
CRS and FEMA do not specify what activities a plan must recommend, but they only
recognize plans that have been prepared according to the standard planning process
explained in FEMA regulations and Section 511 of this activity.
An area analysis focuses on reducing damage to repetitively flooded buildings. It has a
narrower scope than a plan, and receives fewer credit points. A Category C repetitive
loss community must prepare either a floodplain management plan or area analyses
that cover at least all of its repetitive loss areas. A community can receive credit for
both efforts, but they must be published as separate documents.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-2

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

Floodplain management planning that covers all of a community’s known flood hazards
is encouraged. However, if the planning is for less than all flood problems (e.g., just
some of the repetitive loss areas), the credit points are reduced by using the impact
adjustment (see Sections 512 and 513).
To maintain the credit for this activity, the community must annually evaluate progress
toward implementing the plan or area analysis and submit an evaluation report with its
annual CRS recertification. It must prepare an update to its plan at least every five
years.

Because each community is different, each planning effort will be different. The objective of
this credit is to ensure that a process was followed that selected the best measures for the
community and its hazards. Therefore, the key elements for crediting a floodplain
management or hazard mitigation plan or area analysis focus on the process used to prepare
it. A plan by another name, such as a post-flood or multi-hazard mitigation plan, could
receive this credit if it was prepared in accordance with the process explained in Section 511
or FEMA’s multi-hazard mitigation planning guidance.
The floodplain management plan must have been developed using a standard, step-by-step,
planning process. To receive credit for a floodplain management plan, the community’s
process must include at least one item from each of the 10 steps explained Section 511.a.
FEMA’s multi-hazard mitigation planning regulations pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act
of 2000 are specified in 44 CFR 201.6. The 10-step CRS process is consistent with those
regulations, which identify four essential parts to mitigation planning. The 10 steps are
organized in the table below with the four phases of the mitigation planning requirements.
Multi-Hazard Mitigation
Planning Regulations
(44 CFR 201.6)

Phase I − Planning process
201.6(c)(1)
201.6(b)(1)
201.6(b)(2) & (3)
Phase II − Risk assessment
201.6(c)(2)(i)
201.6(c)(2)(ii) & (iii)
Phase III − Mitigation strategy
201.6(c)(3)(i)
201.6(c)(3)(ii)
201.6(c)(3)(iii)
Phase IV − Plan maintenance
201.6(c)(5)
201.6(c)(4)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

CRS
Planning Steps

Maximum
Points

1. Organize
2. Involve the public
3. Coordinate

10
85
25

4. Assess the hazard
5. Assess the problem

20
35

6. Set goals
7. Review possible activities
8. Draft an action plan

2
30
70

9. Adopt the plan
10. Implement, evaluate, revise
Total

510-3

2
15
294

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

Although the planning process must follow the 10-step process, the plan document does not
need to be organized according to these 10 steps. However, the community must submit the
plan with its submittal for credit and identify where these steps were covered. Steps 1, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, and 10 must appear in the plan document. The other three steps can be in the plan
document or they may be explained in a separate memo from the community or the plan’s
author. The location of each step that is covered in the plan document must be clearly
marked.
A plan developed for the CRS can fulfill the mitigation planning prerequisite for a project
grant from FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM),
and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs (HMGP). These programs also provide funds to
communities to help prepare such plans if they address the full range of natural hazards
affecting the community.
NOTE : It is recommended that the local planner review all of these planning programs’
guidelines to ensure that the planning effort will meet all of their criteria. With proper
planning, one plan document can fulfill several programs’ requirements.
Additional items needed to meet FEMA’s requirements for these other programs are noted in
this activity. There may be other conditions set by the state office that approves plans for the
grants. It is recommended that planners check with the appropriate state office(s) before
beginning the planning work. These programs are administered by the state hazard mitigation
office, usually located in the state emergency management agency.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has a floodplain management planning requirement.
Communities receiving funding from the Corps for flood protection projects are required to
prepare a floodplain management plan following procedures similar to this activity’s 10-step
process. The Corps guidance specifically states that CRS plans may be sufficient for that
requirement (Policy Guidance Letter No. 52). For more information, contact the District
Office of the Corps of Engineers.
Other federal programs also encourage comprehensive floodplain management planning,
including the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Habitat Conservation Plans, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service’s watershed planning, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s
multi-objective management planning. A community’s flood protection planning efforts
should include contacting these programs and coordinating with them as much as possible.
One other note about planning: planning is a comprehensive “future-oriented” approach that
determines how a community will deal with its flooding problem(s) and protect the natural
and beneficial functions of its floodplain. Planning guides the community through its
problem(s) by reviewing options for solving the problem(s) and identifying the most
appropriate solutions.
An ordinance is not a plan. An ordinance sets standards for land development and other
activities. Planning may include a review of land development standards and procedures, but
it should also cover a much broader range of activities as noted in Figure 510-2.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-4

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

511 Credit Points
Maximum credit for floodplain management planning: 359 points
a. Floodplain management planning (FMP) (Maximum credit: 294 points)
The floodplain management plan must have been developed using the standard 10step planning process. TO RECEIVE CREDIT UNDER THIS ACTIVITY, THE PLANNING
PROCESS MUST RECEIVE SOME CREDIT UNDER EACH OF THE 10 STEPS LISTED BELOW.
Floodplain management planning (FMP) = the total of the following points credited
for each of the 10 steps.
Phase I − Planning Process
1. Organize to prepare the plan (Maximum credit: 10 points). The credit for this
step is the total of the following points, which are based on how the community
organizes to prepare its floodplain management plan:
(a) 2, if the planning process is under the supervision or direction of a
professional planner;
(b) 6, if the planning process is conducted through a committee composed of
staff from those community departments that will be implementing the
majority of the plan’s recommendations;
(c) 2, if the planning process and/or the committee are formally created or
recognized by action of the community’s governing board.

The plan document must discuss how it was prepared, who was involved in the
planning process, and how the public was involved during the planning process.
(REQUIRED)
When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, at least one representative from
each community seeking CRS credit must be involved on the planning
committee that is credited under item (b).

To receive credit, the planning process must be consistent with these 10 steps and receive
credit points for each or them. For some steps, such as step 1, the community may show that
it implemented at least one of the listed credit items. For other steps, specific items are
required at a minimum. Required items are noted with “( REQUIRED )” after them.
NOTE: if the plan preparation process includes all “REQUIRED ” items, the plan will qualify
under both CRS and FEMA’s multi-hazard mitigation plan criteria. However, if the planning
includes ONLY those items, it will not receive very many points under this activity.
The plan must document how the community organized to prepare the plan. If the planning
committee includes representatives from the public and other stakeholders, additional credit
is provided in the next step.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-5

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

Item (a): A “professional planner” may be a community employee, consultant, or an advisor
from a state agency or regional planning agency. He or she does not have to be a member of
the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Someone with an urban planning degree
or someone with land use planning, community planning, or urban renewal experience may be
a professional planner. However, the CRS will not recognize a building official, emergency
manager, engineer, or other non-planner acting alone as a professional planner, unless they
have the type of planning experience noted above.
Item (b): A planning committee is strongly recommended. By involving those who will be
most affected by the planning, the community will get a more realistic product that will have
a much better chance of being adopted and implemented. Community departments that should
be represented on the committee include:
•
•
•
•

Building department/code enforcement
Land use planning/zoning
Emergency management/public safety
Environmental protection/public health

•
•
•
•

Engineering
Public works
Public information
Parks/recreation

Item (c): Two points are provided if the community’s governing board (e.g., the city council)
formally recognizes the planning process. However, a preferred method is a formal resolution
that designates who is responsible for preparing the plan and specifies a completion deadline.
If a committee with representatives from the public is used, the resolution should identify the
members, who acts as chair, and how staff support is provided.

Phase I − Planning Process
2. Involve the public (Maximum credit: 85 points). The planning process must
include an opportunity for the public to comment on the plan during the drafting
stage and before plan approval (REQUIRED). The term “public” includes residents,
businesses, property owners, and tenants in the floodplain and other known
hazard areas as well as other stakeholders in the community, such as business
leaders, civic groups, academia, non-profit organizations, and major employers.
The credit for this step is the total of the following points based on how the
community involves the public during the planning process.
(a) 40, if the planning process is conducted through a planning committee that
includes members of the public. If this is the same planning committee
credited under step 1, items (b) and (c), at least one half of the
members must be representatives of the public, including residents,
businesses, or property owners from the floodprone areas. The
committee must hold a sufficient number of meetings that involve the
members in planning steps 4 through 9 (e.g., at least one meeting on
each step).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-6

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

(b) 15, if one or more public information meetings are held in the affected
area(s) at the beginning of the planning process to obtain public input on
the natural hazards, problems, and possible solutions. At least one
meeting must be held separate from the planning committee meetings in
item (a).
(c) 15, for holding at least one public meeting to obtain input on the draft plan.
The meeting must be at the end of the planning process, at least two
weeks before submittal of the recommended plan to the community’s
governing body.
(d) 5, if questionnaires are distributed asking the public for information on their
natural hazards, problems, and possible solutions. The questionnaires
must be distributed to at least 90% of the floodplain residents.
(e) 5, if written comments and recommendations are solicited from
neighborhood advisory groups, homeowners’ associations, parentteacher organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, or similar
organizations that represent the public in the affected area(s).
(f)

5, if other public information activities are implemented to explain the
planning process and encourage input to the planner or planning
committee.

The term “public” includes floodplain residents, the owners or managers of floodprone
properties, business leaders, civic groups, academia, non-profit organizations, major
employers, managers of critical facilities, farmers, landowners, developers, and others from
outside governmental agencies. The involvement of the public and community stakeholders is
encouraged because their activities can impact natural hazards and they can participate in or
support the recommendations of the plan.
Item (a): The credit points show the importance of involving the public in the planning
process, especially as members of the planning committee. The highest number of points for
this activity are provided for having a planning committee responsible for floodplain
management planning. At least half of its members must be from the public. The rest should
be staff from the local government and agencies that will likely be responsible for
implementing the plan.
The large number of points provided is because a citizens’ planning committee has the
following advantages:
•

The participants recognize that they are involved and will be more willing to commit
themselves to the process.

•

The participants can do some of the work, especially data gathering, thereby reducing
the overall cost.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-7

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

•

A committee can be an effective forum for discussing alternatives, debating goals and
objectives, and matching the technical requirements of a program to local situations.

•

It gives the participants a feeling of “ownership” of the plan and its recommendations,
which helps build public support for it.

•

Committee members form a constituency that will have a stake in ensuring that the
plan is implemented.

No credit is provided if the committee only meets once or twice. It must meet a sufficient
number of times to involve the members in the following key steps of the planning process
(e.g., at least one meeting on each step):
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Assess the hazard
Assess the problem
Set goals
Review possible activities
Draft an action plan.

Items (b) and (c): If the community invites the public to comment during the planning
process or holds the meetings credited under items (b) or (c), it must attempt to notify
floodplain residents of the meetings and explain the planning process in the notification. The
notices of the meetings should be in the form of letters to floodplain residents, a notice sent
to all residents, or a newspaper article or advertisement. An inconspicuous legal notice
appearing in the classified section of the newspaper is not sufficient for CRS credit. If very
few residents are affected, as may be the case for a plan that addresses only a repetitive loss
area, a written record that the residents were called would be sufficient documentation.
The intent of the public meeting(s) under item (b) is to go out to the people to gather input. It
is recommended that some of these meetings be held in the affected neighborhoods. At a
minimum, they must be separate from regular meetings of the planning committee or the
community’s governing body.
For credit for item (c), simply discussing the plan at a regular public meeting of the
governing body, just before it is voted on, is not sufficient public input for CRS credit. To
receive credit for this item, there must be at least one public meeting at the end of the
planning process where the proposals are explained and people can ask questions and submit
their comments. State and local laws take precedence, however. The CRS does not require
public hearings. The community’s legal counsel should determine if a public hearing is
required.
Item (d): A questionnaire is credited if it is distributed to at least 90% of the floodplain
residents. For example, it could be included as a page in a newsletter or other outreach
project, such as those credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). If the plan covers only
the repetitive loss areas, the questionnaire must go to at least 90% of the residents of those
areas.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-8

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

Item (f): This credit is provided for public information activities IN ADDITION to any that are
credited under other items. For example, if the only public involvement activity was the final
public meeting, the community would receive 15 points under item (c) and would have no
credit under item (f). If the only activity was to place information on the community’s
website and ask for comments, it would be credited under item (f), because no other items
credit a website.

Phase I − Planning Process
3. Coordinate (Maximum credit: 25 points). Other agencies and organizations must
be contacted to see if they are doing anything that may affect the community’s
program and to see if they could support the community’s efforts.
Examples of “other agencies and organizations” include neighboring
communities; local, regional, state, and federal agencies; and businesses,
academia, and other private and non-profit organizations affected by the
hazards or involved in hazard mitigation or floodplain management.
The credit for this step is the total of the following points. To receive credit for
this step, the coordination must include items (a) and (b).
(a) 3, if the planning includes a review of existing studies, reports, and
technical information and of the community’s needs, goals, and plans for
the area. (REQUIRED)
(b) 1, if neighboring communities, local and regional agencies involved in
hazard mitigation activities, and agencies that have the authority to
regulate development, as well as businesses, academia, and other
private and non-profit interests are given an opportunity to be involved in
the planning process. (REQUIRED)
(c) 4, if neighboring communities, the state NFIP Coordinator, the state water
resources agency, the county and state emergency management
agency, the FEMA Regional Office, and (where appropriate) the state’s
coastal zone management agency are contacted at the beginning of the
planning process to see if they are doing anything that may affect the
community's program and to see how they can support the community's
efforts.
(d) 4, if other governmental and nongovernmental organizations, such as the
National Weather Service, Red Cross, homebuilders association, and
environmental groups are contacted at the beginning of the planning
process to see if they are doing anything that may affect the community's
program and to see how they can support the community's efforts.
(e) 10, if the coordination effort includes holding meetings with representatives
of the other agencies and organizations to review common problems,
development policies, mitigation strategies, inconsistencies, and conflicts
in policies, plans, programs, and regulations.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-9

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

(f) 3, for sending the draft action plan to the other agencies and organizations
contacted under items (b), (c), (d), and (e) and asking them to comment
by a certain date.

This step mirrors step 2, which encourages the planner and the planning committee to
communicate and coordinate with the public and stakeholders. To receive credit for this step,
items (a) and (b) must be implemented.
Item (a): The community’s needs and goals should already be identified as part of previous
comprehensive planning activities. If not, they should be identified to ensure that the plan’s
recommendations will be coordinated with other community activities. Community
development and floodplain management goals may be mutually supportive or they may
conflict.
For example, if the community wants more recreational opportunities, clearing out the
floodplain to provide a scenic waterfront park may be most appropriate. Conversely, if the
floodplain includes the downtown and local officials are solidly behind economic
development, the plan should probably recommend measures other than removing the
community’s economic base.
Items (b) through (f): Examples of local and regional agencies that should be contacted
include adjacent communities; regional flood, stormwater management, or sanitary districts;
levee districts; county flood control authorities; the soil and water conservation district; park
districts; and other agencies involved in hazard mitigation or regulation of new development.
The State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator and the state and FEMA
regional mitigation officers should be able to identify state and federal agencies that may be
conducting activities, such as construction projects and regulatory programs, that could affect
(or should be coordinated with) the community’s planning.
Item (e): The meetings need only be held with those agencies that have the most impact on
the community’s problem. Some agencies may be so important that their representatives may
be invited to sit on the planning committee.

Phase II − Risk Assessment
4. Assess the hazard (Maximum credit: 20 points). The credit for this step is the
total of the following points based on what the community includes in its
assessment of the hazard. To receive CRS credit for this step, the assessment
must include item (a). If the community wants the plan to also qualify as a FEMA
multi-hazard mitigation plan, item (b) must also be completed.
(a) 15, for including an assessment of the flood hazard in the plan. If the
community is a Category B or C repetitive loss community, this step must
cover all of its repetitive loss areas (REQUIRED). The assessment must
include at least one of the following items:

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-10

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

(1) a map of the known flood hazards. “Known flood hazards” means the
floodplain shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), repetitive
loss areas, areas not mapped on the FIRM that have flooded in the past,
and surface flooding identified in existing studies. No new studies need
to be conducted for this assessment. (5 points)
(2) a description of the known flood hazards, including source of water,
depth of flooding, velocities, and warning time. (5 points)
(3) a discussion of past floods. (5 points)
(b) 5, if the plan includes a map, description of the magnitude or severity,
history, and probability of future events for other natural hazards, such as
erosion, tsunamis, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The plan should include
all natural hazards that affect the community. At a minimum, it should
include those hazards identified by the state’s hazard mitigation plan.
(REQUIRED FOR PLANS TO BE CREDITED UNDER THE DISASTER MITIGATION ACT
OF 2000)

Item (a): This step involves gathering and reviewing existing flood studies, including the
Flood Insurance Study, drainage problem studies, and SLOSH and SPLASH models that
identify areas inundated during hurricanes. For CRS credit, the community does not need to
conduct studies to develop new flood data.
The hazard assessment needs to describe the local flood hazard and not be a broad or generic
discussion of flooding in general. Because the most important readers are elected officials
and floodplain residents, the descriptions of the hazards should be in lay terms.
For CRS purposes, the community’s planning may address only some of its floodplain, such
as a problem stream, a lakeshore, or a repetitive loss area. The impact adjustment in Section
512.b will adjust the credit points to reflect that not all of the community’s flood problems
are covered in the plan.
As part of its coordination under step 3, the community should contact agencies that will have
pertinent flood hazard information. These include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Tennessee Valley
Authority, the National Weather Service, and state and regional planning, flood, and water
resources management agencies.
Item (b): State and county emergency management agencies should have information on
other natural hazards. Each state has prepared a multi-hazard mitigation plan, which is an
excellent source of information on hazards that affect various parts of the state. All of the
hazards listed in the state’s mitigation plan that affect the community must be assessed in
order to receive recognition as a local multi-hazard mitigation plan.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-11

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

NOTE: To qualify as a multi-hazard mitigation plan, the plan must address ALL of the
community’s flood and other natural hazards identified in the hazard assessment. Not only
does an all-hazards plan help qualify for mitigation funds, it will better prepare the
community for hazards other than flooding. It is common for communities to focus only on
mitigation of flood problems because they occur more often. However, assessing the other
hazards when preparing a flood plan can help address what can be done for all hazards,
some of which may occur less frequently, but have a greater impact on the community.

Phase II − Risk Assessment
5. Assess the problem (Maximum credit: 35 points) The credit for this step is the
total of the following points, based on what is included in the assessment of the
vulnerability of the community to the hazards identified in the previous hazard
assessment step. To receive credit for this step, the assessment must include
item (a) and must evaluate the hazard data in light of their impact on the
community. Simply listing data, such as the names of the critical facilities or the
number of flood insurance claims, will not suffice for credit.
(a) 2, if the plan includes an overall summary of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability
to each hazard identified in the hazard assessment (step 4) and the
impact on the community. (required)
(b) 15, if the plan includes a description of the impact that the hazards identified
in the hazard assessment (step 4) have on:
(1) life, safety, and health and the need and procedures for warning and
evacuating residents and visitors. (5 points)
(2) critical facilities and infrastructure. (5 points)
(3) the community’s economy and tax base. (5 points)
(c) 5, for including the number and types of buildings subject to the hazards
identified in the hazard assessment.
(d) 4, if the assessment includes a review of all properties that have received
flood insurance claims (in addition to the repetitive loss properties) or an
estimate of the potential dollar losses to vulnerable structures.
(e) 4, if the plan describes areas that provide natural and beneficial functions,
such as wetlands, riparian areas, sensitive areas, and habitat for rare or
endangered species.
(f) 5, if the plan includes a description of development, redevelopment, and
population trends and a discussion of what the future brings for
development and redevelopment in the community, the watershed, and
natural resource areas.
When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, the critical facilities, building counts,
and similar data must be presented for each community.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-12

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

The previous step assessed the hazards facing the community. This step looks at the impact of
those hazards. For example, a flood hazard area may or may not have flood problems.
Flooding is viewed as a natural and even beneficial occurrence. A floodplain is only a
problem if human development gets in the way of, or exacerbates, the natural flooding.
In this step, the community planners or planning committee members collect and summarize
data on what is at risk. An inventory of buildings and other human-made structures is needed
to ensure that all problem areas are addressed by the plan.
Item (b): Emergency management plans and HAZUS-MH analyses may provide information
on the impact of the hazards on public safety and health, critical facilities, and the local
economy (see Figure 510-1). For example, a review of past floods would show if there have
been illnesses caused by the water or debris after the flood. A map that shows critical
facilities can identify health and safety problems caused by disasters, such as when the
wastewater treatment plant is flooded.
Item (c): The inventory should include how many and what types of buildings are affected
(e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, with or without basements, etc.). In smaller
communities, exact counts can be made using aerial photos or windshield surveys. In larger
communities, these numbers will likely be approximates, although HAZUS-MH data sets and
HAZUS-MH flood model analysis results can help.
Item (d): Data on building damage usually can be obtained from post-disaster damage
assessment reports, flood insurance claims or disaster assistance data, and flood control
studies. Emergency management offices and FEMA may be able to help locate such data.
Particularly in areas that have experienced little or no serious flooding in recent history, a
HAZUS-MH flood analysis can yield valuable information about the potential for flood
damage and loss. Before running the analysis, the building/structure inventory data bases in
HAZUS-MH should be reviewed and, if possible, augmented with local input.
Communities are encouraged to include repetitive loss areas in their problem assessment
(Category C repetitive loss communities must base their plan on where repetitive flood
insurance claims have been paid). In order to receive the 5 points credit under item (d), the
community must request a printout of ALL the addresses of properties that have received flood
insurance claims, not just the repetitive loss properties.
NOTE: If a community maintains flood insurance data on its repetitive loss properties, it must
be remembered that such information is subject to the Privacy Act. Information such as the
names of people and addresses of properties that have received repetitive flood insurance
claims and the amounts of such claims may not be released to the public. Such information
should be marked “For internal use only. Protected by the Privacy Act of 1974.” Generic
information, such as total claim payments for an area or data not connected to a particular
property may be made public.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-13

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

HAZUS-MH − A Risk Assessment Tool
HAZUS-MH is a software program that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes,
floods, and hurricane winds. It can be of great assistance in the step 5 vulnerability assessment.
HAZUS-MH uses geographic information system (GIS) software to map and display hazard data and the
results of damage and economic loss estimates for buildings and infrastructure. It also allows users to
estimate the impacts of hurricane winds, floods, and earthquakes on populations. HAZUS-MH can also
provide real-time data to support response and recovery after a natural disaster.
The utility and accuracy of the output depends on the amount of additional information provided by the
local planner. HAZUS-MH provides for three levels of analysis.
− A Level 1 analysis yields a rough estimate based on the nationwide database and can be a good way
to begin the risk assessment process and prioritize high-risk areas.
− A Level 2 analysis requires the input of additional or refined data and hazard maps that will produce
more accurate risk and loss estimates. Assistance from local emergency management personnel, city
planners, GIS professionals, and others may be necessary for this level of analysis.
− A Level 3 analysis yields the most accurate estimate of loss and typically requires the involvement of
technical experts such as structural and geotechnical engineers who can modify loss parameters based
on the specific conditions of a community. This level analysis will allow users to supply their own
techniques to study special conditions, such as dam breaks and tsunamis.
HAZUS-MH includes a Building Inventory Tool that allows users to import building data and is most useful
when handling large datasets (over 100,000 records), such as tax assessor records.
The HAZUS-MH Flood Model is capable of assessing riverine and coastal flooding. It estimates potential
damage to all classes of buildings, essential facilities, transportation and utility lifelines, vehicles, and
agricultural crops. The model addresses building debris generation and shelter requirements. Direct losses
are estimated based on physical damage to structures, contents, and building interiors. The effects of flood
warning are taken into account, as are flow velocity effects. HAZUS-MH includes the Flood Information
Tool (FIT), which allows users to prepare local flood hazard and other pertinent data (such as FIRMs and
DFIRMs) for use in the HAZUS-MH Flood Model.
The HAZUS-MH Hurricane Wind Model gives users in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions and Hawaii the
ability to estimate potential damage and loss to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It also
allows users to estimate direct economic loss, post-storm shelter needs and building debris.
The HAZUS-MH Earthquake Model provides loss estimates of damage and loss to buildings, essential
facilities, transportation and utility lifelines, and population based on scenario or probabilistic earthquakes.
The model addresses debris generation, fire-following, casualties, and shelter requirements. Direct losses
are estimated based on physical damage to structures, contents, inventory, and building interiors.
HAZUS-MH can perform multi-hazard analysis by accessing the average annualized loss and probabilistic
results from the hurricane wind, flood, and earthquake models and combining them to provide integrated
multi-hazard reports and graphs. HAZUS-MH contains a third-party model integration capability that
provides access and operational capability to a range of human-made and technological hazard models
(nuclear and conventional blast, and radiological, chemical, and biological incidents) that will supplement
the natural hazard loss estimation capability (hurricane wind, flood, and earthquake) in HAZUS-MH.
Copies of HAZUS-MH are available at no charge from the FEMA Distribution Center. Users can
request that a 60-day trial/evaluation copy of ESRI’s ArcGIS software be sent with HAZUS-MH. Users
should be familiar with GIS software. HAZUS training is available at FEMA’s Emergency Management
Institute and elsewhere. Information is at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/index.shtm.

Figure 510-1. HAZUS-MH.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-14

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

Maps showing AREAS where claims have been paid can be made public. The data can be used
for internal planning and can be very helpful in identifying problem areas that may not be
apparent on a floodplain or drainage map.
Item (e): Along with flood protection, comprehensive floodplain management planning
should review the unique natural features, natural areas, and other environmental and
aesthetic attributes that may be present in the floodplain. Protecting and preserving these
natural and beneficial floodplain functions yield flood protection benefits and also help
integrate floodplain management efforts with other community goals and objectives.

Phase III − Mitigation Strategy
6. Set goals (Maximum credit: 2 points). The two credit points for this step are
provided if the plan includes a statement of the goals of the community’s
floodplain management or hazard mitigation program. (REQUIRED)

The planning committee may need several meetings to work out goals statements to which
everyone can agree. The goals should set the context for the subsequent review of floodplain
management activities and drafting of the action plan. They should incorporate or be
consistent with other community goals for the affected areas. A multi-hazard mitigation plan
should have goals that address all the major hazards that face the community.
The goals guide the remainder of the planning process. Some plans set more specific
objectives under each goal. The review of mitigation strategies and the selection of
recommended activities should reflect the goals and objectives set at this step in the planning
process.
Goal statements do not have to state how the goals will be attained, but they should address
the priority problems as identified in the previous step. For example, a goal could state
“protect buildings from flood damage” rather than “stop the flooding” or “remove the
buildings from the floodplain.”

Example 511.f.
The following are some example goal and objective statements for Floodville:
Goal 1. Protect people from the safety and health hazards caused by natural forces.
Objective 1.1. Ensure that residents are given adequate warning of ice jam
floods and tornadoes….
Goal 2. Protect public and private property from damage by natural hazards.
Objective 2.1. Protect the buildings in repetitive loss area #1 (Woodbridge Road
and 40th Street) and repetitive loss area #2 (Adams and Cleveland Streets) from
flood damage.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-15

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning
Objective 2.2. Prevent new development in the watershed from increasing runoff
and resulting increases in flood flows into the City.
Objective 2.3. Ensure that new buildings are constructed to the latest wind and
earthquake protection standards….
Goal 3. Improve the quality of life in Floodville.
Objective 3.1. Protect the Foster Creek bottomlands from development that will
disturb habitats.
Objective 3.2. Expand Foster Creek Park to provide more recreational facilities
to serve the growing north side of the City….

Phase III − Mitigation Strategy
7. Review possible activities (Maximum credit: 30 points) The plan must describe
those activities that were considered and note why they were or were not
recommended (e.g., they were not cost-effective or they did not support the
community’s goals). (REQUIRED)
If an activity is currently being implemented, the plan must note whether it
should be modified. The discussion of each activity needs to be detailed enough
to be useful to the lay reader.
The credit for this step is the total of the following points based on which
floodplain management or hazard mitigation activities are reviewed in the plan.
(a) 5, if the plan reviews preventive activities, such as zoning, stormwater
management regulations, building codes, and preservation of open
space and the effectiveness of current regulatory and preventive
standards and programs;
(b) 5, if the plan reviews property protection activities, such as acquisition,
retrofitting, and flood insurance;
(c) 5, if the plan reviews activities to protect the natural and beneficial functions
of the floodplain, such as wetlands protection;
(d) 5, if the plan reviews emergency services activities, such as warning and
sandbagging;
(e) 5, if the plan reviews structural projects, such as reservoirs and channel
modifications; and
(f) 5, if the plan reviews public information activities, such as outreach projects
and environmental education programs.

The objective of this step is to ensure that all possible measures are explored, not just the
traditional approaches of flood control, acquisition, and regulation of land use. Figure 510-2
provides a list of some of the types of activities that could be reviewed under each of the six
categories. More information on the activities is provided in Example Plans.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-16

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

1. Preventive activities keep problems from getting worse. The use and development of
floodprone areas is limited through planning, land acquisition, or regulation. They are
usually administered by building, zoning, planning, and/or code enforcement offices.
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

Planning and zoning
Open space preservation
Floodplain regulations
Building codes

Stormwater management
Drainage system maintenance
Dune and beach maintenance

2. Property protection activities are usually undertaken by property owners on a
building-by-building or parcel basis. They include:
•
•
•

•
•
•

Relocation
Acquisition
Building elevation

Retrofitting
Sewer backup protection
Insurance

3. Natural resource protection activities preserve or restore natural areas or the natural
functions of floodplain and watershed areas. They are usually implemented by parks,
recreation, or conservation agencies or organizations.
•
•

•
•

Wetlands protection
Erosion and sediment control

Best management practices
Coastal barrier protection

4. Emergency services measures are taken during an emergency to minimize its
impact. These measures are the responsibility of city or county emergency
management staff and the owners or operators of major or critical facilities.
•
•

•
•

Hazard warning
Hazard response

Critical facilities protection
Health and safety maintenance

5. Structural projects keep floodwaters away from an area with a levee, reservoir, or
other flood control measure. They are usually designed by engineers and managed or
maintained by public works staff.
•
•
•

•
•
•

Reservoirs
Levees/floodwalls/seawalls
Diversions

Channel modifications
Beach nourishment
Storm sewers

6. Public information activities advise property owners, potential property owners, and
visitors about the hazards, ways to protect people and property from the hazards, and
the natural and beneficial functions of local floodplains. They are usually implemented
by a public information office.
•
•
•

•
•
•

Map information
Outreach projects
Real estate disclosure

Library
Technical assistance
Environmental education

Figure 510-2. Floodplain management categories and activities.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-17

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

The range of activities should be evaluated for each site or area affected. While some of them
may be quickly eliminated as inappropriate, most deserve careful consideration, especially to
ensure full understanding of their costs and benefits. Questions about technical aspects or
agency programs can be handled during coordination with other agencies and organizations
(see step 3).
The community should strive for a balanced program, selecting measures from more than one
category of floodplain management activity. In every case, the community should implement
preventive activities to keep its flood problems from getting worse and to protect new
construction from the effects of natural hazards.

Phase III − Mitigation Strategy
8. Draft an action plan (Maximum credit: 70 points). The action plan specifies those
activities appropriate to the community’s resources, hazards, and vulnerable
properties.
For each recommendation, the action plan must identify who does what, when it
will be done, and how it will be financed. The actions must be prioritized and
include a review of the benefits of the proposed projects and their associated
costs. (REQUIRED) A multi-hazard mitigation plan must identify actions that
address both existing and new infrastructure and buildings.
The credit for this step is based on what is included in the action plan. Credit is
provided for a recommendation on floodplain regulations, provided it
recommends a regulatory standard that exceeds the minimum requirements of
the NFIP.
(a) 10, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities
from two of the six categories credited in step 7, Review possible
activities.
(b) 20, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities
from three of the six categories credited in step 7, Review possible
activities.
(c) 30, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities
from four of the six categories credited in step 7, Review possible
activities.
(d) 45, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities
from five of the six categories credited in step 7, Review possible
activities.
(e) 10 additional points are provided if the action plan establishes post-disaster
mitigation policies and procedures.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-18

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

(f) 10 additional points are provided if the action plan’s recommended natural
resource protection activities include recommendations from a Regional
Habitat Conservation Plan as credited under Section 511.c.
(g) 5 additional points are provided if the plan includes action items (other than
public information activities) to mitigate the effects of the other natural
hazards identified in the hazard assessment (step 4, item (b)).
If the plan calls for acquiring properties, there must be a discussion of how the
project(s) will be managed and how the land will be reused.
When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, it must have action items from at
least two of the six categories that directly benefit each community seeking CRS
credit.

The first consideration in the selection of recommended activities is to ensure that the
measures are technically appropriate for the hazard threat. The measures should be
appropriate for community development trends, needs, and goals. The actions for different
hazards need to be coordinated, so an activity to address one does not adversely affect an
activity for another hazard. For example, requiring elevation of floodplain buildings on open
foundations may expose them to greater wind or earthquake damage.
The action plan needs to be affordable, implementable, and permitted by local, state, and
federal regulations. Where possible, each measure should have objectives that are easy to
measure when accomplished.
The actions must be prioritized. When prioritizing mitigation actions, the planners need to
consider the benefits that would result from the mitigation actions and projects versus the
cost of those actions. Note that this is not a requirement for a cost-benefit analysis for every
action item. However, an economic evaluation is essential for selecting one or more actions
from among many competing ones. See Example 511.h.
To qualify as a multi-hazard mitigation plan, the plan must include a “process by which local
governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into other planning
mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, when appropriate.” The
action items relating to preventive activities should clarify how this is done. For example, an
action item could recommend that the next time the zoning ordinance is revised, flood and
landslide hazard areas be considered when determining allowable uses.
There is no requirement that a floodplain management plan identify expensive or massive
structural flood control projects. The plan should recommend only those activities that the
community can be assured will be implemented through its own resources. If outside funding
support is included, the programs should be identified and researched to ensure that the
projects are eligible and the community has a chance of receiving the funds. Many of the
activities could receive CRS credit once they are implemented.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-19

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

Item (e): Post-disaster policies should account for the expected damage from a base flood or
other disaster. For example, the action plan should identify the areas likely to be worst hit and
the policies should determine whether they will be rebuilt if substantially damaged. Postdisaster mitigation procedures should assign responsibilities for public information, code
enforcement, planning, and other efforts that encourage, mandate, and/or fund loss reduction
activities.
Example 511.h.
The following is an excerpt from Floodville’s Action Plan:
The Floodplain Management Planning Committee reviewed and discussed many
things that can be done to protect people and property. It was recognized that
priorities must be set so the City’s resources can focus on those activities that will do
the most good. Accordingly, four factors were used to prioritize what should be
pursued:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ensure the activity is feasible and affordable,
Ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs,
Reduce repetitive losses, and
Implement some highly visible projects as quickly as possible.

Factors 1 and 2 need accurate estimates of the costs of the projects. In some cases,
additional planning and cost estimates are needed to verify affordability and the
benefits vs. the costs before the project should be implemented.
Many different activities and projects were discussed, but, following the four factors,
the Committee settled on 10 action items. The top priorities are the first three. [NOTE:
Only the first five action items appear in this example].
1. The Public Information Officer will distribute a flood hazard notice to each
resident of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) each year. It will include the
warning procedures for ice jam flooding and what to do when warnings are
issued.
Action: Have the notices in the mail by the beginning of winter each year.
Budget: staff time (operating funds).
2. Six properties in repetitive loss area #1 on the west side of 40th Street, should
be purchased. The sites should be cleared and added to Foster Creek Park.
Action: The City Planning Office will apply for funding from FEMA’s Flood
Mitigation Assistance Program by August 2005.
Budget: staff time (operating funds).
Action: The Park District will acquire the properties by August 2006.
Budget: Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.
Action: Clear the properties and restore them to approximate a natural state by
August 2007.
Budget: Park District capital improvement budget.
3. The Planning Commission will review amendments to the floodplain regulation
ordinance to prohibit new buildings, filling, or other land disturbance in the Foster
Creek bottomlands.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-20

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning
Action: Report recommended ordinance language to the City Council by March
2006.
Budget: staff time (operating funds).
4. The City Engineer will draft a comprehensive stormwater management plan for
the ditch draining the southeast part of town to identify the best locations for
stormwater facilities and set retention standards for new developments.
Action: Complete the first draft by September 2006.
Budget: staff time (operating funds).
5. The City Engineer will prepare a cost estimate for enlarging the culvert under the
railroad tracks to accommodate the base flood. The estimate will include a study
of the impact of increased flows on downstream properties, channel banks, and
habitat.
Action: Complete the study by January 2006.
Budget: staff time (operating funds).

Phase IV − Plan Maintenance
9. Adopt the plan (Maximum credit: 2 points) The 2 credit points for this step are
provided if the plan and later amendments are officially adopted by the
community’s governing body. (REQUIRED)
When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, it must be adopted by the governing
board of each community seeking CRS or multi-hazard mitigation plan credit.

The plan must be an official plan of the community, not an internal staff proposal. Regional
plans are not adequate unless they specifically address the community’s natural hazards and
the community’s governing body adopted the plan.

Phase IV − Plan Maintenance
10. Implement, evaluate, and revise (Maximum credit: 15 points) The credit for this
step is the total of the following points based on how the community monitors
and evaluates its plan.
(a) 2, if the community has procedures for monitoring implementation,
reviewing progress, and recommending revisions to the plan in an
annual evaluation report. The report must be submitted to the governing
body, released to the media and made available to the public. (REQUIRED)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-21

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

(b) 13, if the evaluation report is prepared by the same planning committee that
prepared the plan that is credited in step 2(a) or by a successor
committee with a similar membership that was created to replace the
planning committee and charged with monitoring and evaluating
implementation of the plan.
To maintain this credit, the community must submit a copy of its annual
evaluation report with its recertification each year and update the plan at least
every five years.

To be useful, planning must be dynamic. The plan should not sit on a shelf gathering dust
once it is completed. Therefore, the community must have an evaluation and update process.
No plan is perfect. As implementation proceeds, flaws will be discovered and changes will be
needed. Not only can hazard conditions change but also goals and objectives may change. If a
community is hit by a tornado, the planning may be changed to focus attention on the newly
damaged areas in the SFHA. Many communities have periodic meetings of the planning
committee to review progress to date and recommend changes to the projects for the next
year.
The plan must describe the how, when, and by whom the plan will be monitored. Monitoring
may include periodic reports by agencies involved in implementing projects or activities, site
visits, phone calls, and meetings conducted by the person responsible for overseeing the plan.
The plan must also include a description of how, when, and by whom the plan will be
evaluated, and should include the criteria used to evaluate the plan.
Those involved in developing and implementing the plan should meet periodically to review
progress toward the objectives and identify changes or revisions that should be made. This is
usually done monthly or quarterly, but must be done at least annually to facilitate preparation
of the annual evaluation report.
FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE EVALUATION REPORT WITH THE ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION WILL
RESULT IN LOSS OF THE PLANNING CREDIT ( I . E ., FMP = 0). L OSS OF CREDIT FOR THIS ACTIVITY
WILL CAUSE A REPETITIVE LOSS C ATEGORY C COMMUNITY TO REVERT TO A C LASS 10.
Changes should be made in the action plan when opportunities arise to add new activities or
complete some items ahead of schedule. The plan should also be revised if it is found that
some activities cannot be completed on the original timetable. The revisions must be adopted
by the governing body as required under step 9.

b. Repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA)
Up to 50 points are provided for conducting area analyses of all of the community’s
repetitive loss areas. An area analysis is prepared according to the following criteria:

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-22

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

1. All repetitive loss areas must be mapped as described in Section 503.b. If the
community does not conduct an analysis of all the areas, it will be reflected
through the impact adjustment in Section 512.
2. Data must be collected on each building in the area(s) using the “limited data
view” of the National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool. The database file
created by the National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool must be made
available to FEMA and the state, upon request.
3. A five-step process must be followed. The steps do not have to be done in the
order listed.
Step 1. Advise all the property owners in the repetitive loss areas that the
analysis will be conducted. This must be sent directly to each property
owner and cannot be done via a newspaper or newsletter notice or
article.
Step 2. Collect data on each building and determine the cause(s) of the
repetitive damage.
Step 3. Review alternative approaches and determine whether any property
protection measures or drainage improvements are feasible. The review
must look at all of the property protection measures listed in Figure 5102 that are appropriate for the types of buildings affected.
Step 4. Contact agencies or organizations that may have plans that could affect
the cause or impacts of the flooding.
Step 5. Document the findings, including a map showing all parcels in the area,
recommendations, and how the recommendations will be funded.
4. Each area analysis document must be approved by the head of the appropriate
community department. It does not have to be circulated to or adopted by the
community’s governing board, but it does have to be made available to any
inquirer, including residents of the repetitive loss area(s).
5. The community must prepare an annual report on progress toward
implementing the recommendations.

As with a floodplain management plan, CRS credit is dependent on the community’s
following an appropriate process. The five steps for an area analysis are less involved than
the 10-step floodplain management planning process, but the analysis must look at each
building in the repetitive loss area(s).
Although all five steps must be completed, they do not have to be done in the order listed. For
example, the planners may want to contact agencies and organizations to see if they have
useful data before they start the analysis. The community may notify the property owners
before the process starts (in order to ask for more information and advise them that someone
will be conducting a survey of their homes) or it may want to notify them at the end of the
process (when they can be told that there is a report on the findings).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-23

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

The National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool has been developed by FEMA to gather
information related to risk, building construction, and costs in order to help make decisions
about what mitigation measures are appropriate for a floodprone property. The tool is in
Microsoft Access format and is available free to any public agency.
The tool may be populated with insurance claim data for the properties. The local planners
need to remember that such information is subject to the Privacy Act, which prohibits public
release of the names of policy holders or recipients of financial assistance and the amount of
the claim payment or assistance. However, maps showing AREAS where claims have been paid
can be made public. The data can be used for internal planning and can be helpful in
identifying problem areas.
The tool has two levels of data collection effort. Limited level data can normally be collected
through a windshield-type survey while completing the entire detailed data section may
require elevation surveying and structural inspections inside the building. The detailed data
are collected when the limited effort concludes that mitigation is possible and the additional
data is needed to determine the most appropriate mitigation measure and its benefits and
costs.
In a companion publication, Development of Cost Effective Mitigation Measures for
Floodprone Structures, FEMA shows how to use the data to determine cost-effective
retrofitting or other mitigation measures for each building.
More information on conducting an “area analysis” is described in FEMA’s Reducing
Damage from Localized Flooding: A Guide for Communities. The end product is a report that
should include:

•
•
•

A summary of the process that was followed;
A summary of residents’ comments and/or concerns;
The problem statement with a map of all parcels in the area affected and/or the
drainage basin (AND WITHOUT CLAIMS INFORMATION PROTECTED BY THE PRIVACY
ACT).

The report must be reviewed and accepted by the head of the department responsible for
conducting the analysis. It, and the annual progress report, must be made available to any
inquirer, including residents and owners of properties in the repetitive loss areas.
As explained in Section 502, a Category C community has 10 or more properties on FEMA’s
repetitive loss list. To fulfill the repetitive loss planning prerequisite for participating in the
CRS, a Category C community must either prepare and adopt a floodplain management plan
that covers its repetitive loss areas or conduct area analyses of all of its repetitive loss areas.
A community may receive credit for either a floodplain management plan, area analyses, or
both. Area analyses may be conducted during the floodplain management planning or a
floodplain management plan may identify areas needing analyses, which are conducted after
the plan is adopted. For CRS credit, a separate document must be published for each area.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-24

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

c. Habitat conservation plan (HCP)
HCP = the total of the following points:
10, if the community has adopted a regional Habitat Conservation Plan or other
plan that explains and recommends actions to protect rare, threatened, or
endangered aquatic or riparian species. The plan must have been adopted by
the community’s governing board and there must be documentation that the
plan is being implemented. The plan must identify:
• the species in need of protection,
• the impact of new development on their habitat,
• alternative actions that could be taken to protect that habitat,
• what actions are recommended to protect that habitat and why they were
selected from the alternatives, and
• how the recommendations will be funded.
5, if the plan has also been accepted as a Habitat Conservation Plan by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Regional Habitat Conservation Plans are “broad-based, landscape level planning tools” that
identify steps that reduce conflicts between land development activities and the need to
protect threatened or endangered species. They can prove very useful in providing ways for
development to comply with the Endangered Species Act and to reduce the costs of
conservation activities on individual property owners. For more information, see the Habitat
Conservation Planning Handbook.
This credit of 10 points is provided if the community has adopted a habitat conservation plan
or a similar plan with the objective of protecting rare, threatened, or endangered species. The
credit of 10 points in step 8, item (f) is also provided if the community’s floodplain
management plan includes recommendations from its habitat conservation or similar plan.
There is credit of 15 points under Section 431.g.3 if the community has adopted regulations
pursuant to its Habitat Conservation plan. A Habitat Conservation Plan can also help with
credit in Section 421.c by documenting the value of preserving natural areas as open space.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-25

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

512 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
1. rFMP = 1.0 if the planning covers all of the community’s known flood hazard
areas.
2. rRLAA = 1.0 if all repetitive loss areas identified in Section 503 are covered by
repetitive loss area analyses.
A Category C Repetitive loss community must use Option 1 if it is preparing an
area analysis to meet the CRS participation prerequisite specified in Section
502.
b. Option 2:
1. rFMP = 0.25 if the planning covers either all of the community’s repetitive loss
areas or at least 25% of the community’s known flood hazard areas.
2. rRLAA = 0.25 if an area analysis has been prepared for at least one repetitive
loss area. There is no credit if only some buildings in a repetitive loss area are
covered in the analysis—the analysis must include all buildings in an area.
Option 2 is used if not all of the areas have been analyzed.
c. Option 3:
rRLAA =

bAA
bRLA

, where

bAA = the number of buildings in the repetitive loss areas where area
analyses have been completed
bRLA = The number of buildings in all the community’s repetitive loss area(s).

There is no impact adjustment for the Habitat Conservation Plan credit (HCP). Option 1 can
only be used if the planning covers all of the community’s known flood hazard areas. “Known
flood hazards” means the SFHA shown on the FIRM, repetitive loss areas, areas not mapped
on the FIRM that have flooded in the past, and surface flooding identified in existing studies
(see step 4).
If the planning covers all repetitive loss areas, then the Option 2 default impact adjustment
ratio of 0.25 may be used for FMP. This option can also be used if the community’s planning
effort addressed only one or two watersheds, which cover at least 25% of all of the

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-26

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

community’s known flood problems. If the area analyses cover all repetitive loss areas, then
Option 1 is used for RLAA.
A Category C repetitive loss community must cover all of its repetitive loss areas to meet the
CRS prerequisite described in Section 503. This can be done with a floodplain management
plan that covers all the repetitive loss areas or area analyses that cover all the repetitive loss
areas.
Example 512.c-1. Floodville’s planning covers all of the SFHA and other areas of
known flood hazard. The City chooses option 1 and rFMP = 1.0.

Example 512.c-2. Gulf Beach County has many flood hazard areas and the staff
is unable to prepare a plan that addresses all of them. The County has prepared a
floodplain management plan that addresses all three of its repetitive loss areas.
These areas represent approximately 10% of all of the buildings in the County’s
SFHA. The County chooses Option 2 and rFMP = 0.25.
If either Floodville or Gulf Beach County prepared repetitive loss area analyses for
their repetitive loss areas, then rRLAA = 1.0.

ALL of

513 Credit Calculation
a. FMP = the total of the credit points for the 10 steps in Section 511.a. If the credit for
any one of the 10 steps is 0, then FMP = 0.
b. c510 = (FMP x rFMP) + (RLAA x rRLAA) + HCP

Example 513-1.
Floodville’s plan was prepared using the following process:
Item
Score

Step
Total

Phase I − Planning Process
1. Organize to prepare the plan:
The plan was prepared by the City Planner
with help from a committee with
representatives from other departments.

2
6

8

2. Involve the public
News releases, newsletter articles, and the website
invited the public to comment at

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-27

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

the beginning of the planning process
Questionnaires were sent to residents with one of the
City’s annual outreach projects.
A public meeting was held to review the draft.

Item
Score
5

Step
Total

5
15

25

3
1
10
3

17

4. Assess the hazard
The plan includes a map and description of the flooding
in the SFHA and the newly mapped area, and the City’s
flood history.

15

15

5. Assess the problem
An overall summary of the impact of the hazards.
The plan discusses the impact on life, safety, and health.
The plan describes the impact on critical facilities.
The plan lists the numbers and types of buildings.

2
5
5
5

17

6. Set goals

2

2

7. Review possible activities
The plan reviews preventive activities.
The plan reviews property protection activities.
The plan reviews natural resource protection activities.
The plan reviews structural projects.
The plan reviews public information activities.

5
5
5
5
5

25

8. Draft an action plan
The action plan recommends preventive, property
protection, natural resource protection, structural
projects, and public information activities.

45

45

9. Adopt the plan

2

2

10. Implement, evaluate, and revise
The staff has prepared procedures for
the annual evaluation.

2

2

3. Coordinate with other agencies
The plan reviewed the community’s needs,
goals and plans for the area.
Letters were sent to six agencies asking for input.
Meetings were held with key agencies.
The draft action plan was sent to other agencies.
Phase II − Risk Assessment

Phase III − Mitigation Strategy

Phase IV − Plan Maintenance

Total points, FMP =

158

c510 = (FMP x rFMP) + (RLAA x rRLAA) + HCP = (159 x 1.0) + 0 = 158

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-28

Edition: 2006

Floodplain Management Planning

514 Credit Documentation
If the community already has a floodplain management, hazard mitigation, or similar plan
that meets the 10-step credit criteria, it need not prepare a new plan just for this CRS credit.

The community must submit the following:
a. The activity worksheet or plan review crosswalk that identifies the page or section
number where each credited item is located in the floodplain management or hazard
mitigation plan.
b. A copy of the floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan. At the time of cycle
verification, this section applies to the five-year update to the previously credited
plan. A description of the process used to develop (or update) the plan must be
included, either as part of the plan or attached to it. While some of the steps can be
explained in a separate memo, the following must appear in the plan document:
Step 1.

a description of the plan preparation process,

Step 4.

the hazard assessment,

Step 5.

the problem assessment,

Step 6.

goals of the floodplain management or hazard mitigation program,

Step 7.

the review of possible activities,

Step 8.

the action plan, and

Step 10. how the plan will be periodically evaluated and revised.
c. Documentation showing how the public was involved in preparing or reviewing the
plan, including a list of the members of the planning committee and their affiliations
and a copy of the notice(s) advising residents about the public meeting(s) held
pursuant to step 2(b) and (c), and a record of the meeting(s).
d. Copies of correspondence, meeting notes, or other materials that document the
coordination with other municipalities, agencies, and organizations credited under
Sections 511.a3(b)—(f).

The notice of the public input meeting(s) should be in the form of letters to floodplain
residents, a notice sent to all residents, or a newspaper article or advertisement. An
inconspicuous legal notice in the classified section of the newspaper will not be sufficient for
CRS credit. If very few residents are affected, as may be the case for planning that addresses

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-29

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

only a repetitive loss area, a written record that the residents were called would be sufficient
documentation.
A record of the meeting is also needed. This could be the minutes of the public meeting, a
memo for the record, or a list of the issues raised by those who attended.
e. Documentation showing that the floodplain management plan (or the five-year
update) and/or the Habitat Conservation Plan have been adopted by the community’s governing body. When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, it must be
adopted by the governing board of each community seeking CRS credit. If the
community is applying for credit for a Habitat Conservation Plan that has been
accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries
Service, the documentation must include a written record of that acceptance.
Normally a plan is adopted by a formal resolution of the city council, county board,
or other governing body. A copy of the resolution or a copy of the minutes for the
meeting are appropriate documentation to show that the plan was officially adopted.
f. A copy of each repetitive loss area analysis to be credited and a memo or other
documentation showing that the head of the appropriate department has approved
it. The National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool database file must also be
provided, if requested.
The community must submit the following documentation with its annual CRS
recertification (see Section 214):
g. An annual report on evaluating progress toward implementing the action plan’s
objectives and/or the recommendations of the area analyses. A single report may
be prepared for all area analyses. The evaluation report must be submitted to the
governing body, released to the media, made available to the public, and included
as part of the community’s annual recertification. The report must include the
following:
1. A description of how the evaluation report was prepared and how it is submitted
to the governing body, released to the media, and made available to the public.
2. How the reader can obtain a copy of the original plan or area analysis report;
3. A review of each recommendation or action item in the action plan or area
analysis report, including a statement on how much was accomplished during
the previous year;
4. A discussion of why any objectives were not reached or why implementation is
behind schedule; and
5. Recommendations for new projects or revised recommendations.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-30

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

The submittal must include other documentation to demonstrate that the evaluation
report was submitted to the governing body, released to the media, made available
to the public and/or prepared by the same planning committee that prepared the
plan.
If the community fails to submit an annual progress report with its recertification,
there is no credit (FMP = 0 and RLAA = 0). Without continued credit, a category C
repetitive loss community will revert to a Class 10.

The objective of the annual evaluation report and the five-year plan update is to ensure that
there is a continuing and responsive planning process. It is required for the community to
continue to receive the credit for its floodplain management planning. Continued credit for
floodplain management planning is dependent on the report’s being submitted with the
community’s annual CRS recertification.
The review of each recommendation in the action plan or area analysis report must state how
much was accomplished during the previous year. Where possible, the objectives and
progress toward them should be measurable (e.g., “five of the six lots slated for acquisition
were purchased” or “we improved one mile of stream channel”). Where a recommendation or
action item is not scheduled to be addressed during the year, it should still be listed and so
noted (e.g., “scheduled for 2007”).
If appropriate, new projects or revised objectives may be established. For example, if fewer
people requested technical advice than expected, the next year’s plan might have a smaller
target number. If the original plan’s projects or objectives are changed, the evaluation report
or a plan amendment must be adopted by the governing body. If an area analysis’
recommendations are changed, the change must be approved by the appropriate department
head.

Example 514.f-1. Floodville’s staff prepares the annual evaluation report by
March 1 each year. This is added to the City Manager’s March report to the City
Council, which is copied to the local media, the Chamber of Commerce, and three
neighborhood organizations that helped prepare the plan. Members of the public
may review copies in City Hall.

FAILURE

TO SUBMIT THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN ’ S EVALUATION REPORT WITH THE
ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION OR THE FIVE-YEAR UPDATE AT THE FOLLOWING CYCLE VERIFICATION
WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF THE PLANNING CREDIT ( I . E ., FMP = 0). F AILURE TO SUBMIT THE AREA
ANALYSIS ’ EVALUATION REPORT WITH THE ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF
THE CREDIT ( I . E ., RLAA = 0). L OSS OF CREDIT FOR THIS ACTIVITY WILL CAUSE A REPETITIVE
LOSS C ATEGORY C COMMUNITY TO REVERT TO A C LASS 10.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-31

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

h. An update to the plan, prepared at least every five years. If it has been more than
five years since the plan was adopted, an update will be required at the time the
community applies for the credit. The five-year plan update will be scored according
to the Coordinator’s Manual currently in effect, not the version used when the
community originally applied. The update must include the following steps:
1. Steps 1 and 2: If the original planning process included a committee, then in
order to keep the credit provided under step 1, item (b) or step 2, item (a), the
update must be conducted by a committee that meets the criteria identified in
those steps.
2. Step 2: If the original planning process received credit for the final public
meeting credited under step 2, item (c), then in order to keep this credit the
community must also conduct a public meeting that reviews and receives
comments on the draft update.
3. Step 3, item (a): The update must include a review of new studies, reports, and
technical information and of the community’s needs, goals, and plans for the
area that have been published since the plan was prepared.
4. Steps 4 and 5: The hazard and problem assessments must be reviewed and
brought up to date. The assessments must account for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

new floodplain or hazard mapping,
annexation of floodprone areas,
additional repetitive loss properties,
increased development in the floodplain or watershed,
new flood control projects,
lack of maintenance of flood control projects,
major floods or other disasters that occurred since the plan was adopted,
and
any other change in flooding conditions and/or development exposed to
flooding or the other hazards covered in the plan.

5. Step 8: The action plan must be revised to account for projects that have been
completed, dropped, or changed and for changes in the hazard and problem
assessments, as appropriate.
6. Step 9: The update must be adopted by the community’s governing board.
An annual evaluation that includes these steps may qualify as the five-year update.
If the community fails to submit the five-year update by October 1 of the year
following its next cycle verification, there is no planning credit (FMP = 0). Without
continued credit under this activity, a category C repetitive loss community will
revert to a Class 10.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-32

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

515 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. See Appendix E to order a free copy of Example Plans. It is also on the CRS website,
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/ .
b. HAZUS-MH is a risk assessment software program that is described in Figure 510-1.
Copies are available free from FEMA. Users need to be familiar with operating GIS
software. Training is also available. More information is available at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/index.shtm .
c. The National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool gathers information related to risk,
building construction, and costs in order to help make decisions about what mitigation
measures are appropriate for a floodprone property. The Tool is in Microsoft Access
format and is available free to any public agency. Copies of the software can be obtained
from the CRS at [email protected] or 317-848-2898.
d. Contact state or regional planning, water resources, natural resources, environmental
protection, or NFIP coordinating agencies for information on state and federal agencies
that can assist in preparing a floodplain management plan.
e. The following publications discuss the planning process and the variety of measures that
should be examined. They are available free from
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
800-480-2520
Fax: 301-362-5335
FEMA has a series of “how-to guides” on planning, to help communities meet the multihazard mitigation planning criteria. They can be found at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/mitplanning/planning_resources.shtm#1.
• Getting Started: Building Support for Mitigation Planning (FEMA 386-1) covers
planning Phase I and CRS planning steps 1–3.
• Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses (FEMA
386-2) covers planning Phase II and CRS planning steps 4–5.
• Developing the Mitigation Plan: Identifying Mitigation Actions and
Implementation Strategies (FEMA 386-3) covers planning Phase III and CRS
planning steps 6–8.
• Bringing the Plan to Life: Implementing the Hazard Mitigation Plan (FEMA 3864) covers planning Phase IV and CRS planning steps 9–10.
• Integrating Manmade Hazards into Mitigation Planning (FEMA 386-7).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-33

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding: A Guide for Communities, FEMA 511,
2005. Also available at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1448.
Development of Cost Effective Mitigation Measures for Floodprone Structures, FEMA,
2005.
Planning for Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction, American Planning
Association (APA) Planning Advisory Service, 346 pages, APA Report # 483/484,
FEMA 421, 1998.
Planning for a Sustainable Future: The Link Between Hazard Mitigation and
Livability, 43 pages, FEMA 364, 2000. Also available for downloading at
http://www.fema.gov/plan/mitplanning/linkmitliv.shtm .
Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas—A Guidebook for Local Officials,
FEMA
116,
1987.
Also
available
for
downloading
at
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1508 .
“Mitigation Benefit Cost (BCA) Toolkit Compact Disc.” This CD includes all the
FEMA BCA software, technical manuals, BCA training course documentation, and
other supporting material and BCA guidance. Copies can be obtained by calling
FEMA’s toll-free BC Hotline at 1-866-222-3580.
f. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
g. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can also provide technical information and advice to
communities interested in preparing a comprehensive floodplain management plan.
Requests for assistance should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services
Coordinator at the appropriate District Office of the Corps. Corps offices can be found at
http://www.usace.army.mil/ContactUs.html .
h. The Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service
provides planning assistance to communities interested in setting flood protection goals
and identifying nonstructural options. The Park Service provides experienced staff to help
communities focus on the grass-roots involvement of residents when developing a plan.
For more information, contact:
National Park Service
Center for Recreation and Conservation
1849 C St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240-0001
(202) 565-1200
i. The following publications can also be of assistance. They can be ordered from their
publisher by calling the number noted.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-34

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

A Multi-Objective Planning Process for Mitigating Natural Hazards, FEMA and the
National Park Service, 1995, (303) 235-4830 or (303) 969-2850.
Flood Proofing: How to Evaluate Your Options, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
1994. Also available for downloading at
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/publications.html.

j. More information on Habitat Conservation Plans can be found in Habitat Conservation
Planning Handbook, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries
Service, November 1996. See Appendix F for the appropriate office of the Fish and
Wildlife Service.
k. The Association of State Floodplain Managers has prepared a floodplain management
planning kit. It consists of reference materials, masters for handouts, and a two-part video
that explains the 10-step process to the general public and is meant to be shown at the
first meeting of a planning committee. Order Flood Mitigation Planning—The First Steps
through the ASFPM website, http://www.floods.org or call (608) 274-0123, $12.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-35

Edition: July 2007

Floodplain Management Planning

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

510-36

Edition: July 2007

520 ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION
Summary of Activity 520
521 Credit Points. There are two elements in this activity for a maximum of 3,200 points.
a.

Buildings acquired or relocated (bAR): Up to 3,200 points are provided based on the number of
buildings acquired, relocated, or otherwise cleared from the regulatory floodplain since the effective
date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

b.

Buildings on the repetitive loss list that have been acquired or relocated (bRL). Repetitive loss
buildings counted for this element may have been located anywhere in the community.

c.

Severe Repetitive Loss Properties that have been acquired, relocated, or otherwise removed from the
problem site (bSRL)

522

Impact Adjustment. All buildings must have been removed from the SFHA in order to
receive the full 3,200 points for this activity. The credit points are adjusted in one of two ways.

a.

Under Option 1, if 20 or fewer buildings have been removed, a default impact adjustment gives 5
points for each building.

b.

Under Option 2, the credit points are adjusted to reflect the number of buildings that have been
acquired or relocated from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

523

Credit Calculation.

a.

Under Option 1, the number of buildings (bAR) is multiplied by the default value of 5; the number of
buildings on the repetitive loss list (bRL) is multiplied by 10, and the number of Severe Repetitive
Loss Properties (bSRL) is multiplied by 15.

b.

Under Option 2, the impact adjustment ratio is multiplied by 32.

524

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following:

a.

A map showing the parcels where floodprone buildings have been demolished or relocated since the
effective date of the FIRM and the total number of such buildings (bAR, bRL, and bSRL).

b.

Documentation that shows that each site credited under this activity can also qualify for credit as
preserved open space in Activity 420.

c.

[If the community is using Option 2] Calculations showing the number of buildings in the SFHA.

d.

Real estate or permit records that document the date of removal of each building.

e.

[If credit is being requested for buildings outside the SFHA] Documentation showing that floodplain
regulations are in effect in the area outside the SFHA.

525

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-1

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

520 ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION
Credit is provided for acquiring, relocating, or otherwise clearing buildings out of the
flood hazard area.
Background: The surest way to protect a building from flood damage is to remove it
from the floodplain. The most common method of doing this is for a government
agency to acquire the property and demolish the building or move it to high ground. A
less frequently used approach is for the owner to relocate it to high ground, either on
the same lot or to a different one.
Activity Description: This activity credits either approach as long as an insurable
building is removed from the path of flooding and the community can document that
the property will stay vacant. The credit is based on the number of buildings cleared as
a portion of the total number of buildings in the community’s Special Flood Hazard
Area (SFHA). The credit is provided only if the site qualifies for credit under Activity
420 (Open Space Preservation).

There is, in effect, duplicate credit for purchasing a property and maintaining it as public open
space because the vacant lot must also qualify for the open space preservation credit under
Section 421.a of Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). If the community can obtain or
require a deed restriction at the time of acquisition or relocation, credit is also provided under
Section 421.b.
No Community Rating System (CRS) credit is provided for acquisition or relocation projects
undertaken before the community joined the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP). No credit is provided for removing a building if another building has since
been built on the same site, even if the new building was built to flood protection standards. A
description of the kinds of buildings that can be counted toward bAR appears in Sections 301
through 303.

521 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 520: 3,200 points.
a. Buildings acquired or relocated (bAR) (Maximum credit: 3,200 points)
bAR = the number of buildings acquired, relocated, or otherwise cleared from the
regulatory floodplain since the effective date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM). The regulatory floodplain is as shown on the Impact Adjustment Map
discussed in Section 403. It may include areas outside of the SFHA.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-2

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

To be counted toward bAR, an acquired or relocated building must meet these requirements:
1. It must be an insurable building (see Section 301);
2. It must have been acquired or relocated after the date of the community’s initial Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM);
3. It must not have been replaced by another building on the floodprone portion of the
same lot and the site will remain preserved as open space;
4. The lot must be plotted on the map discussed in Section 524.a; and
5. The building must have been located in the regulatory floodplain as shown on the
Impact Adjustment Map prepared in accordance with Section 403.
If the community did not prepare an Impact Adjustment Map, credit is provided for buildings
that were in the SFHA as shown on the community’s current FIRM. If areas outside the SFHA
are included in the community’s regulatory program and credit is requested for buildings
acquired or relocated in these areas, the community must demonstrate that these buildings
were in areas currently under regulation.
A building that lies outside the regulatory floodplain (aRF) because of remapping, completion
of a flood control structure, or other activity is not eligible for this credit. Such a building has
already benefited twice: it does not have a mandatory NFIP insurance purchase requirement;
and if the owner chooses to purchase NFIP insurance, the premium will be based on the lower
X-Zone rate.
NOTE: See Section 505 on projects funded by the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
program of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).

b. Buildings on the repetitive loss list that have been acquired or relocated (bRL)
bRL = the number of buildings that are listed on FEMA’s repetitive loss list that
have been acquired, relocated, or otherwise removed from the flood problem site
they occupied. If a repetitive loss property is also in the regulatory floodplain, it is
counted under bRL, not under bAR.
c. Severe Repetitive Loss Properties that have been acquired or relocated (bSRL)
bSRL = the number of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties that have been acquired,
relocated, or otherwise removed from the flood problem site they occupied. If a
Severe Repetitive Loss Property is also in the SFHA, it is counted under bSRL, not
under bAR. It is not double counted under bRL.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-3

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

Section 501 explains the FEMA repetitive loss list. It is a list of properties that have received
repetitive flood insurance claims. Communities with one or more properties on the list review
the list as a prerequisite to entering the CRS.
Figure 500-1 explains Severe Repetitive Loss Properties, a subset of the repetitive loss
properties that includes those that have been particularly hard hit by repetitive flooding and
are prime candidates for acquisition or relocation.
bRL and bSRL credit those repetitive loss properties that have been acquired, relocated, or
otherwise removed from the site where they suffered flooding. The buildings must meet the
first four criteria for bAR noted above. They do not have to meet the fifth requirement, i.e., be
located in the regulatory floodplain. To be credited toward bRL or bSRL, the building may be
located anywhere in the community.
This element is verified by a review of the community’s corrected repetitive loss list and field
verified. A community with no properties on the FEMA repetitive loss list is not eligible for
these credits.
Example 521.a-1. A check of building permit records since the community’s
initial FIRM date has shown that 12 homes in Floodville’s regulatory floodplain were
bought and cleared as part of a community development project. Four buildings
were demolished to make way for a ballfield expansion. Two people have moved
their homes to higher ground on their lots outside the SFHA and above the base
flood elevation and the City purchased easements to keep the floodprone portions of
the lots open. Six buildings were destroyed by flooding. The City purchased the six
lots, two under FEMA’s Section 1362 program.
Of these 24 buildings, six are on the repetitive loss list. One of the six is a Severe
Repetitive Loss Property.
bAR = 18
bRL = 5
bSRL = 1
All 24 properties qualify for OS credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation).
Because the lots were small, the City opted to save some paperwork and not
include all of them in its application for Activity 420. Only those properties that were
added to Foster Creek Park were included in the application for Activity 420.
However, the City can still document that the other properties meet the credit criteria
for open space under Activity 420 as described in Section 421.a.
The City used a copy of the tax assessor’s map to show the location of each of the
24 properties.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-4

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

522 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1
c520 = (bAR x 5) + (bRL x 10) + (bSRL x 15). Under Option 1, the maximum value
for bAR, bRL or bSRL is 20. The maximum credit for c520 under Option 1 is 300.

If the community has acquired, relocated, or otherwise removed 20 or fewer buildings from
its regulatory floodplain, then the Option 1 default credit calculation formula gives five points
for each building. There is no impact adjustment formula under Option 1.
Where there is a mix of regular, repetitive loss, and Severe Repetitive Loss Properties, the
score is calculated for each category. No more than 20 buildings can be counted under each
category under Option 1.

Example 522.a-1. Bigtown has acquired and cleared 40 floodprone buildings:
▫

25 buildings in the regulatory floodplain.

▫

12 repetitive loss buildings, some in the SFHA and some out, and

▫

3 Severe Repetitive Loss Properties, some in the SFHA and some out.

Bigtown has 2,000 buildings in the SFHA, so it uses Option 1. Because the
maximum value for bAR is 20, it can only count 20 of the 25 buildings in the SFHA
toward bAR.
c520 = (bAR x 5) + (bRL x 10) + (bSRL x 15)
= (20 x 5) + (12 x 10) +
(3 x 15) = 100 + 120 + 45 = 265

b. Option 2:
bSF = the number of buildings in the SFHA.
rAR = 100 x (bAR + (2 x bRL) + (3 x bSRL)). rAR cannot be greater than 100.0.
bSF + bAR + bRL + bSRL

Under Option 2, the credit points are based on the ratio of buildings that have been acquired
or relocated from the regulatory floodplain (rAR). This is done by dividing the number of
buildings acquired or relocated (including the multipliers for repetitive loss and Severe
Repetitive Loss Properties) by the number of buildings in the SFHA before the projects were
conducted (bSF plus the number of buildings removed). The numerator is multiplied by 100.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-5

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

A detailed discussion of impact adjustment ratios based upon buildings can be found in
Sections 302 and 303. The variable bSF is described in more detail in Section 303.
The denominator includes all existing buildings PLUS all buildings that have been acquired or
relocated. The denominator does not change as more buildings are removed from the
regulatory floodplain (i.e., the total of bSF + bAR + bRL + bSRL stays the same). However,
rAR can decrease if more buildings are built in the floodplain (i.e., if bSF increases over
time).
It should be noted that bAR buildings are in the regulatory floodplain (aRF) while bSF
buildings are only in the SFHA as shown on the FIRM. If a community maps and regulates
non-SFHA flood problem areas, it can also count buildings acquired or relocated from those
areas towards bAR. This will result in a higher score.
Also, communities should note that if development is allowed in the SFHA, even if it is in
compliance with the NFIP requirements, credit for this activity may decrease over time as the
denominator increases.
Example 522.b-1. As discussed above for Floodville, bAR = 24, bRL = 5, and
bSRL = 1. bSF is the total number of buildings currently in the SFHA. These include:
250 pre-FIRM buildings (bPR in Activity 310)
22 buildings built between the initial FIRM date and the CRS application
date (bPO in Activity 310)
10 buildings built since the CRS application date (bEC in Activity 310)
282 buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (bSF)
rAR = 100 x (bAR + (2 x bRL) + (3 x bSRL)) = 100 x (18 + (2 x 5) + (3 x 1))
bSF + bAR + bRL + bSRL
282 + 18 + 5 + 1
= 100 x (18 + 10 + 3) = 100 x 31 = 3,100 = 10.13
282 + 18 + 5 + 1
306
306

523 Credit Calculation
a. Option 1: c520 = (bAR x 5) + (bRL x 10) + (bSRL x 15)
b. Option 2: c 520 = 32 x rAR

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-6

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

A community may use whichever formula provides the larger score. If a community has
acquired and relocated more than 20 buildings, it may still use Option 1 and apply for credit
for only 20 of those buildings. A community may want to do this if this approach provides
more points than Option 2 or if the staff does not want to or is unable to calculate the values
for the variables in the formula. Under Option 1, the maximum value for bAR, bRL, or bSRL
is 20. The maximum credit for c520 under Option 1 is 300.

Example 523-1. For Floodville:
c520 = 32 x10.13 =324.16, which is rounded to 324.
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist reviewed the documentation for
a sample of the buildings and found that they were all eligible for credit. She then
visited the sites of a sample of the buildings to verify that there were no floodprone
structures on them.

524 Credit Documentation
The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
a. A map showing the location of parcels where floodprone buildings have been
demolished or relocated since the effective date of the FIRM and the total number
of such buildings (bAR, bRL, and bSRL).

This map may be the same one used for documentation of open space credit under Section
424.d under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). It need only show the part of the
community where buildings have been cleared. It should show lot boundaries. The map will
be used by the ISO/CRS Specialist to check the sites during the verification visit.

b. Documentation that shows that each site credited under this activity can also qualify
for credit as preserved open space. This may be done by applying for Open Space
(OS) credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) or by submitting the
same documentation necessary for such credit as specified in Sections 424.a or
424.b.

As explained in Section 421.a, a site may be preserved as open space through public
ownership or easement, ownership by a private preserve, or prohibitory development
regulations. For acquisition and relocation credit, the community must demonstrate that the
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-7

Edition: 2006

Acquisition and Relocation

site will remain vacant by showing that it also qualifies for credit under Activity 420 (Open
Space Preservation).

c. [If the community is using Option 2 under Section 522.b] Calculations showing the
total number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF).

The variable bSF represents the number of buildings in the SFHA. It is discussed in detail in
Sections 302 and 303.

d. Real estate or permit records that document the date of removal of each building.

The community’s building permit files should have records on relocation and demolition
projects. This documentation is used to confirm that the building was removed after the
effective date of the initial FIRM.

e. [If the community is applying for credit for acquisition or relocation of non-repetitive
loss buildings located outside the SFHA] Documentation that shows that floodplain
regulations are in effect in the area outside the SFHA.

If the community’s regulatory floodplain includes areas outside the SFHA shown on the
FIRM, the community may request credit for acquisition or relocation of floodprone buildings
outside the SFHA. However, the community must show that the areas outside the SFHA are
subject to floodplain regulations. Often this documentation is supplied with the application
for Activity 410 (Additional Flood Data). This documentation ensures that credit is given only
for acquiring or relocating genuinely floodprone buildings.

525 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
b. The Corps of Engineers can provide technical information and advice to communities
interested in relocation of buildings to flood-free sites. Requests for assistance should be
addressed to the Flood Plain Management Services Coordinator at the appropriate District
Office of the Corps.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-8

Edition: 2006

c. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance program are
possible sources of financial assistance for acquiring and relocating floodprone properties.
The State NFIP Coordinator or ISO/CRS Specialist should be contacted for the names of
the people who run these programs. Additional programs are noted in Appendix F.
d. Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities, FEMA 317, 1998, is a “how
to” guide to help communities work through property acquisition. This handbook also
contains a toolkit with tools and forms, including checklists, fact sheets, and briefing
notes, to aid the process. It can be found at
http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/resources/acqhandbook.shtm.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-9

Edition: July 2007

Acquisition and Relocation

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

520-10

Edition: July 2007

530 FLOOD PROTECTION
Summary of Activity 530
531

Credit Points. Up to 2,800 points are provided. However, there is a maximum of 1,000 points
for structural flood control projects and 200 for sewer backup protection projects.

a.

Prerequisites: Projects must protect to at least the 25-year flood level, in some cases be designed by
an engineer, and meet other requirements specific to the type of project.

b.

Retrofitting technique used (TU): The points for TU are based on the effectiveness of:
i Elevation,
i Dry floodproofing,
i Wet floodproofing, and
i Protection from sewer backup.

c.

Flood control technique used (TU): The points for TU are based on the effectiveness of:
i Barriers,
i Channel modifications, including enlarging bridges and culverts,
i Diversions,
i Storm sewer improvements, and
i Reservoirs and other storage basins that meet state dam safety requirements.

d.

Flood protection improvement (FPI): The points are adjusted based on the difference between the
flood protection provided before and after the project.

e.

The values for TU and FPI for each building are multiplied and totaled to produce the score for
protected buildings (PB)

f.

Protected buildings on the FEMA repetitive loss list are counted twice toward PB.

g.

Protected buildings in the floodplain that are critical facilities are counted twice toward PB.

532

Impact Adjustment. The credit points are adjusted in one of two ways.

a.

Under Option 1, the community receives 4.2 points for each protected building.

b.

Under Option 2, PB is divided by the number of buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

533
534

Credit Calculation. The impact adjustment ratio is multiplied by 28.
Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify
implementation of this activity.

a.

Documentation that demonstrates that each project meets the prerequisites as described in Section
531.a.

b.

Documentation for each protected building, appropriate to the flood protection technique used.

c.

A map showing the location of all protected buildings for which credit is being requested.

d.

[If the community is using Option 2] Calculations showing the number of buildings in the SFHA.

e.

[If credit is being requested for buildings outside the SFHA] Documentation that shows that
floodplain regulations are in effect in the area outside the SFHA.

535

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-1

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

530 FLOOD PROTECTION
Credit is provided for protecting buildings from flood damage through either of two
methods:
•

Retrofitting the buildings so that they suffer no or minimal damage when flooded.

•

Constructing small flood control projects that keep flood waters from reaching
the buildings or lower the level of flood waters.

Background: The 300 series of activities provides credit for encouraging retrofitting
and other flood protection measures. This activity provides credit when properties are
actually protected.
Acquisition and relocation of floodprone buildings is the preferred method of flood
damage reduction. However, many buildings can be protected on-site, especially from
shallow, slow-moving flood waters. This activity provides credits for those buildings left
in the floodplain that have been protected from flood damage by retrofitting or certain
types of flood control structures.
Activity Description: The credit is based on the number of insurable buildings in the
area of regulated floodplain that have been retrofitted since the date of the
community’s original Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). For the purposes of this
activity, an accessory structure such as a garage or shed is not counted as an
insurable building. Extra credit is given for protecting buildings on the repetitive loss list
of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) (see Section 501).
Flood protection techniques that are recognized by this activity include:
Retrofitting projects:
•
•
•
•

Elevating buildings above flood levels,
Dry floodproofing,
Wet floodproofing, and
Protecting basements from sewer backup.

Structural flood control projects:
•
•
•
•
•

Barriers, including levees, berms, and floodwalls;
Channel modifications, including enlarging bridges and culverts;
Diversions;
Storm sewer improvements, including enclosing open channels; and
Small reservoirs, including retention and detention basins.

The following techniques are NOT credited under this activity:
1. Projects that protect to less than the 25-year flood level;
2. Coastal structural projects, including seawalls, groins, and beach nourishment;

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-2

Edition: July 2007

3. Levees or floodwalls that protect more than one property (such levees are
covered under Activity 620 (Levee Safety));
4. Dams that do not meet dam safety requirements; and
5. Structural flood control projects owned AND operated by a federal agency.

Credit is not provided for the major flood control works owned and operated by agencies like
the Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
However, credit is provided for locally owned and operated projects that were partially
funded by a federal agency.

6. Projects that protect buildings outside of the regulatory floodplain. There is no
Community Rating System (CRS) credit for buildings (except repetitive loss
buildings) that have been removed from the regulatory floodplain by a structural
project.

If the community prepared an Impact Adjustment Map in accordance with Section 403 that
shows floodprone areas subject to regulation outside of the Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA), then buildings in the regulatory floodplain but outside the SFHA may be counted for
this credit.
If the community did not prepare an Impact Adjustment Map, credit is provided for buildings
in the SFHA shown on the current FIRM. If areas outside the SFHA are included in the
community’s regulatory program and credit is requested for protected buildings in these
areas, the community must demonstrate that these buildings are in areas currently under
regulation.
A building that lies outside the regulatory floodplain (aRF) because of remapping, completion
of a flood control structure, or other activity is not eligible for this credit.

7. Projects implemented due to a requirement of the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP), such as elevating a substantially damaged or substantially
improved residential building. However, credit is provided for replacing a preFIRM building with a new or substantially improved post-FIRM building if the
project was implemented voluntarily or pursuant to a community action, such as
providing financial assistance or declaring a dilapidated structure to be unsafe
and uninhabitable.

The NFIP requires that new, substantially improved, and substantially damaged residential
buildings be elevated to or above the base flood level and that new, substantially improved,
or substantially damaged non-residential buildings be elevated or dry floodproofed to or
above the base flood level. Some items to note about these requirements are:

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-3

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

•

The CRS credits other retrofitting measures, provided that the project is NOT part of a
substantial improvement or a repair to a substantially damaged building.

•

Credit is NOT provided for requiring new, substantially improved, or substantially
damaged buildings to meet the minimum requirements of the NFIP.

•

Similarly, if a community constructed a project to mitigate the adverse effect of not
properly regulating new construction in accordance with a court order or an agreement
with FEMA, then that action would be considered one taken to meet the minimum
requirements of the NFIP and would not be credited.

The retrofitting techniques are described in more detail in the references listed at the end of
this activity. The credit points are based on the effectiveness of the technique in preventing
flood damage. The most effective techniques are elevation and those measures designed by a
licensed engineer or architect.
Credit is also provided for certain structural flood control projects that reduce the flood
hazard to a property. Structural flood control projects are also discussed in Activities 620 and
630 (Levee Safety and Dam Safety).

531 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 530: 2,800 points. However, there is a maximum of 1,000
points for structural flood control projects and 200 for sewer backup protection projects.
Prerequisites:
a. 1. Each flood protection project must meet the following criteria:
(a) All required permits must have been issued for the project or the local permit
officer must state in writing that the project complies with all federal, state,
and local codes and regulations.
(b) The project must protect a building from at least the 25-year flood.
(c) If the project requires human intervention, there must be at least one hour of
flood warning time plus the time it takes to install the measure. “Human
intervention” means that a person is needed at the site to close an opening
or install or operate a protection device before floodwaters reach the
building.
(d) The project must have been completed after the effective date of the initial
FIRM.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-4

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

(e) Credit is not provided for a retrofitted building or flood control project in
disrepair or that otherwise does not appear to be maintained.
2. In addition to the above prerequisites, the design of retrofitting projects for
buildings located in the following areas must be certified by a licensed
professional engineer or architect:
(a) V Zones,
(b) Floodways with velocities greater than 5 feet per second, and
(c) Areas subject to any of the special hazards listed in Section 401.
3. In addition to the prerequisites in Section 531.a.1, structural flood control
projects must meet the following prerequisites:
(a) The design and construction of the project must have been certified by a
licensed professional engineer.
(b) The project must meet minimum environmental protection criteria.
(1) If the project was constructed on or after January 1, 1990, the
community must document that all state and federal permits were
obtained, including a Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (or documentation that a 404 permit was not required).
(2) If the project was constructed before 1990, the community must
document that the project would be approved if it went through an
environmental review.
(3) If the project potentially affects a listed species or critical habitat under
the Endangered Species Act and was constructed after the date of the
listing of that species or designation of the critical habitat, the
community must demonstrate compliance with Section 7 or 10 of the
Act.

The environmental review standards are the standards currently used by the FEMA Regional
Office to approve funding for flood control projects, such as drainage improvements. Each
Regional Office can provide the community with its procedures for environmental reviews of
new funding requests. The community can self-certify that the review criteria have been met.
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires federal agency consultation with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) if a
project may have an impact on a listed species. If a federal agency funded the project or
permitted the project under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, there should be a completed
consultation or some documentation by that agency that none was required.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-5

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

Section 10 applies to the community and to individual developers. If the project has the
potential to affect a species, the community or developer should have contacted NMFS or
FWS to determine if an “incidental take” permit is required. If the project results in a “take”
of the species, there should be an incidental take permit accompanied by a Habitat
Conservation Plan to document this prerequisite.

(c) The responsible agency must be implementing an operations and
maintenance plan that was prepared for the project by a licensed
professional engineer.
(d) The community must be enforcing development regulations that prevent or
minimize the impact of future development on the project’s flood protection
level. These regulations can be either:
(1) Watershed-wide regulations that prevent increases in stormwater runoff.
This can be documented by receipt of credit for stormwater management
regulations under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) (i.e., credit for
SMR or SMP with an impact adjustment of 1.0). The design storm (DS)
must be at least as large as the flood protection level for the project; or
(2) Regulations requiring new buildings in the regulatory floodplain to be
protected to a base flood elevation based on a fully developed
watershed. This can be documented by receipt of credit for either
appropriate freeboard (FRB) under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory
Standards) or a flood study based on future conditions hydrology (ADS)
under Activity 410 (Additional Flood Data).

These prerequisites assure FEMA that CRS credit is provided for projects that are properly
designed and well maintained.

b. Retrofitting technique used (TU) (Maximum credit: 2,800 points)
TUi = the value of TU for building i. The value of TU is based on the retrofitting
technique used.
1. For elevated buildings:
TU = 1.0, if the building is elevated
2. For buildings that are dry floodproofed (i.e., the walls and floor are made
watertight so floodwater does not enter the building):

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-6

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

TU = 0.6, if the project was designed by a licensed engineer or architect and
the design accounts for openings and internal drainage, seepage,
and underdrainage.
TU = 0.4, if the project does not depend on human intervention to close
openings, the project protects to a level less than 3 feet over the first
floor, the design accounts for internal drainage, seepage, and
underdrainage, and the building does not have a basement (i.e., any
floor below grade on all sides).
TU = 0.2, for all other cases, including those for which there is no
documentation of how openings, interior drainage, seepage, or
underdrainage are handled.
3. For buildings that are wet floodproofed (i.e., floodwater is allowed into the
building, but measures are taken to minimize damage):
TU = 0.5, if the project was designed by a licensed engineer or architect.
TU = 0.3, if the project was not designed by a licensed engineer or architect.
TU = 0.2, if the furnace, water heater, electrical breaker box, and other utilities
are relocated above flood level.
4. For buildings that are protected from sewer or sump backup:
TU = 0.2, if the building is located in the SFHA.
TU = 0.1, for sewer backup prevention measures if the building is located
outside of the SFHA and the community has a building code or other
regulations that require positive drain sewers or other measures that
prevent sewer backup into new buildings. A maximum of 200 points
is provided under this activity for sewer backup prevention measures
outside of the SFHA.

The variation in the value for the technique used (TU) is based on the reliability of the project
to prevent flood damage. For example, dry floodproofing is a less reliable retrofitting
approach than elevation. Other methods and variations on these methods can be submitted for
review to determine the credit points.
The credit is calculated for each protected building. When calculating TU, each building is
represented by the letter “i.” TUi is the credit for the flood protection technique used to
protect building “i.” When the formulae are completed on the activity worksheets, TU1 and
FPI 1 are the credits for building #1, TU24 and FPI 24 are the credits for building #24, and so
on.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-7

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

Credit is usually not provided for post-FIRM buildings because the NFIP already requires
that they be protected. However, if a post-FIRM building was retrofitted to protect it from a
flood hazard not covered by the FIRM or NFIP regulations, credit is provided under this
activity.
An example of this would be the case of a post-FIRM building constructed to the base flood
elevation shown on an old FIRM. The current base flood elevation is higher because of a
recent restudy. If the building is elevated again to protect against the new base flood
elevation, then the community could receive retrofitting credit. However, constructing a NEW
building to meet the community’s flood protection requirements is not retrofitting.

c. Structural flood control technique used (TU) (Maximum credit: 1,000 points)
TUi = the value of TU for building i. The value of TU is based on the structural flood
control technique used. If more than one technique is used to protect a building,
then TU = the lower of the techniques’ values.
1. For buildings protected by a barrier, including a levee, berm, or floodwall, the
following prerequisites must be met in addition to those in Section 531.a:
(a) The barrier must be located entirely on the property of the owner of the
protected building(s).

The reason for this requirement is to ensure that those who are protected will maintain the
levee or floodwall. When a barrier protects several neighbors and one neglects maintenance,
all the properties are in jeopardy.
A barrier entirely on property owned by a condominium association would be acceptable,
while one on property owned by a homeowner’s association that protects several privately
owned homes would not. If the barrier is on land that does not meet this requirement, then the
community should review the credit criteria in Activity 620 (Levee Safety) to see if it would
qualify for that credit.
(b)

The barrier must have no openings (e.g., access is gained by going over
the wall), openings that close without human intervention, or a written
plan and adequate warning time for available personnel to close the
openings.

TU = 0.8, if the barrier was designed, and the construction approved, by a
licensed engineer and the design accounts for interior drainage,
seepage, and underdrainage.
TU = 0.4, if the barrier was not designed by a licensed engineer, but the design
accounts for interior drainage, seepage, and underdrainage.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-8

Edition: 2006

2. For buildings protected by a channel modification project, including diversions,
enlarging bridges and culverts, and storm sewer improvements, a licensed
professional engineer must certify that no buildings are located in areas that
would be impacted by any increases in flood elevations caused by the project.
TU = 0.8, if the project design provides at least one foot of clearance between
the flood protection level and bridge decks, top of pipe, and other
obstructions.
TU = 0.7, in all other cases.
3. For buildings protected by a reservoir, detention basin, retention pond, or other
flood water storage facility
TU = 0.8
If the flood water is stored behind a dam or other above-ground containment
structure, then the community must document that the structure meets all state
dam safety requirements. If the state does not have a dam safety program, then
a licensed professional engineer must certify that the structure meets the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers’ dam safety criteria.
d. Flood protection improvement (FPI)
FPIi = the improved flood protection that the project provides for building i
1. For buildings that have been elevated so they meet the NFIP requirements for
new construction:
FPIi = 1.0, if the building (and its utilities, duct work, etc.) have been elevated to
one foot or more above the base flood elevation.
FPIi = 0.9, if the building (and its utilities, duct work, etc.) have been elevated to
or above the base flood elevation.
2. The credit for all other flood protection measures is adjusted for the flood protection improvement provided to each building:
FPIi = FPPi – FPBi, where
FPIi = flood protection improvement for building i
FPP = flood protection provided by the project
FPB = flood protection level before the project was constructed.
3. The values for FPP and FPB are:
0.0 for protection to less than the 10-year flood
0.3 for protection to the 10-year flood, but less than the 25-year flood
0.5 for protection to the 25-year flood, but less than the 50-year flood
0.8 for protection to the 50-year flood, but less than the 100-year flood
0.9 for protection to the 100-year flood
1.0 for protection to the 100-year flood plus one foot or more
1.0 for protection to the 500-year flood

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-9

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

4. The minimum value for FPP is 0.5. There is no credit for flood protection
measures that protect to less than the 25-year flood level.
5. The flood protection level of a barrier is the top of the barrier.
6. If a basement is protected from sewer backup by an overhead sewer or backup
valve, then FPP = 1.0

If a structural flood control project modifies the 100-year floodplain, the community is
obligated to notify FEMA of the changes (44 CFR 65.3).
Example 531-1.
Example 1: A building on a crawlspace was elevated from the 10-year flood
elevation to one foot above 100-year flood elevation.
FPI = 1.0
Example 2: A building has been protected by a 25-year berm (changing its
protection level from 0 to the 25-year flood level).
FPP = 0.5, FPB = 0, FPI = FPP – FPB = 0.5 – 0 = 0.5
Example 3: A channel improvement lowers the 100-year flood by 2 feet. Instead of
having the 50-year flood go over the lowest floor, buildings are now dry during the
100-year flood. For these buildings:
FPP = 0.9, FPB = 0.8,
FPI = FPP – FPB = 0.9 – 0.8 = 0.1
Example 4: Another building closer to the stream is affected by the same channel
improvement. The two-foot drop in flood levels means that this building is now
subject only to the 60-year flood instead of the 35-year flood.
FPP = 0.8, FPB = 0.5, FPI = FPP – FPB = 0.8 – 0.5 = 0.3

.
e. Protected buildings
PB = Σ(TUi x FPIi). That is, PB, the variable for protected buildings, is the sum of the
TU value for each building times the FPI value for that building. The maximum value
for (TUi x FPIi) for any single building is 1.0 (i.e., the building was elevated (TUi =
1.0) and it was elevated to one foot above the base flood level (FPIi = 1.0)).

Summing the factors for each building is shown in the formula with the mathematical symbol
“Σ” (sigma). The calculations are easier to understand and compute in the activity worksheets.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-10

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

NOTE: See Section 505 on projects funded by FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program.

f. If a protected building in the regulatory floodplain is also on the FEMA repetitive loss
list, it is counted twice toward PB. If a protected building outside of the regulatory
floodplain is also on the FEMA repetitive loss list, it is counted once toward PB.
If a protected building is a Severe Repetitive Loss Property and in the regulatory
floodplain, it is counted three times toward PB. If a protected building outside of the
regulatory floodplain is also a Severe Repetitive Loss Property, it is counted twice
toward PB. These multipliers are provided only if the flood protection measure was
sufficient to remove the property from the repetitive loss list.

Section 501 explains the FEMA repetitive loss list. It is a list of properties that have received
repetitive flood insurance claims. Communities with one or more properties on the list review
the list as a prerequisite to entering the CRS.
Figure 500-1 explains Severe Repetitive Loss Properties, a subset of the repetitive loss
properties that includes those that have been particularly hard hit by repetitive flooding and
are prime candidates for flood protection. Additional credit is provided for each Severe
Repetitive Loss Property that has been protected. For example, if five floodplain properties
on the repetitive loss list were elevated and one was a Severe Repetitive Loss Property, then
they would be counted as (4 x 2) + (1 x 3) = 11 buildings counted toward PB.
If a repetitive loss property in the regulatory floodplain, it is simply listed twice on the
activity worksheet, AW-530-2, and noted as “repetitive loss.” If it is not in the community’s
regulatory floodplain, it is listed once. The same approach is used for Severe Repetitive Loss
Properties, except that if one is in the regulatory floodplain, it is listed three times (twice if it
is outside the floodplain).
No separate documentation is needed for this extra repetitive loss credit. It is verified by a
review of the community’s corrected repetitive loss list and field verified with the other
buildings credited for PB. A community with no properties on the FEMA repetitive loss list is
not eligible for this extra credit.

Example 531-2. A review of Floodville’s building permits identified 5 retrofitted
buildings. They are listed by address and numbered on AW-530-2. Buildings 1–4 are
in or near Area #1 in Figure 500-1. Because Area #1 is subject to ice jams, it is a
high hazard area. The retrofitting projects were all designed by a licensed engineer.
Buildings 1 and 2 were elevated several years ago. The buildings were subject to
damage by the 10-year flood until they were raised above the level of an earlier
flood, which was about a 50-year event. (The projects were not substantial
improvements, so there was no code requirement to go to the 100-year flood level).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-11

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection
TU1-2 = 1.0
FPP1-2 = 0.8, FPB1-2 = 0
FPI1-2 = FPP1-2 – FPB1-2 = 0.8 – 0 = 0.8
TU1-2 x FPI 1-2 = 1.0 x 0.8 = 0.8
Buildings 3 and 4 were elevated after the last flood. They were not as low as
buildings 1 and 2. It is estimated that they were at a 10–20-year flood level. The City
used FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds to encourage voluntary retrofitting.
Buildings 3 and 4 were elevated 2 feet above the base flood level.
TU3-4 = 1.0
FPI3-4 = 1.0
TU3-4 x FPI 3-4 = 1.0 x 1.0 = 1.0
Building 1 and Building 3 are on FEMA’s repetitive loss list, so they are listed twice
on AW-530-2.
Buildings 5–14 are in or near Area #2. Although Area #2 is outside the SFHA, it is
subject to Floodville’s floodplain regulations. Buildings in this floodplain are therefore
eligible for credit under this activity. The area flooded an average of every 5 years,
so the buildings are considered to have been protected to less than the 10-year flood
level
Buildings 5–14 benefited from a culvert enlargement. The City had surveyed each
building in this area. The channel and the culvert can now handle the 25-year flood
without its reaching these buildings. The other buildings in this floodplain, closer to
the channel, are still subject to flooding by the 25-year flood.
TU5-14 = 0.7
FPP5-14 = 0.5, FPB5-14 = 0
FPI5-14 = FPP5-14 – FPB5-14 =0.5 – 0 = 0.5
TU5-14 x FPI 5-14 = 0.7 x 0.5 = 0.35
Buildings 8, 13 and 14 are on FEMA’s repetitive loss list, so they are listed twice on
AW-530-2.
The calculations are done on AW-530-2. PB = 9.95.

g. If a protected building in the regulatory floodplain is also a critical facility, it is
counted twice toward PB. If a protected building outside of the regulatory floodplain
is also a critical facility, it is counted once toward PB.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-12

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

For CRS credit purposes, critical facilities are defined in Section 130. This section provides a
bonus for protecting structures such as emergency operations centers, hospitals, and buildings
where hazardous materials are stored. Like repetitive loss buildings, buildings that are critical
facilities are scored twice.

532 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
rPB = 0.15 x the number of buildings protected using one or more of the techniques
described in Section 531.b or c. The projects must meet all of the prerequisites in
Section 531, including protecting to at least the 25-year flood level. A maximum of
20 different properties can be counted toward Option 1. This can be any
combination of properties in the regulatory floodplain, repetitive loss buildings, and
Severe Repetitive Loss Properties.

If the community uses Option 1, it will receive 4.2 points for each protected building. The
maximum value under Option 1 is limited to the scores for 20 different properties. For
example, the community may count 14 buildings removed from the regulatory floodplain, 5
repetitive loss properties, and 1 Severe Repetitive Loss Property. Using the repetitive loss
multipliers in Section 531.e, these 20 properties equate to 14 + (5 x 2) + (1 x 3) = 27
protected buildings. rPB = 0.15 x 27 = 4.05.
The community does not need to complete activity worksheet AW-530-2, nor does its
application specify the addresses or the values for TU and FPI for the protected buildings.
However, the community must still have this information available for the credited buildings
during the verification visit and it must be able to show that the retrofitting or structural flood
control projects meet all of the relevant prerequisites.

b. Option 2:
bSF = the number of buildings in the SFHA, as described in Section 303.
rPB = 100 x PB. rPB cannot be greater than 100.0.
bSF

The credit points for this activity are based on the ratio of the protected buildings’ points
(rPB) to the number of buildings in the SFHA. This is done by dividing the points for
protected buildings (PB) by the number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF). bSF is the same variable used in Activities 520, 610, and 620, and is described in more detail in Sections 302–
303. Even if the community is requesting credit for buildings outside the SFHA, the impact
adjustment is based on bSF, the number of buildings in the SFHA.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-13

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

It is theoretically possible that there are more protected buildings than buildings in the SFHA
and that the number of retrofitted buildings could be greater than bSF. However, rPB cannot
be greater than 100.0. Note that buildings not on FEMA’s repetitive loss list that are outside
of the SFHA can only be counted toward PB if they are in an area subject to floodplain
regulations (aRF) as shown on the community’s Impact Adjustment Map (see Section 403).
Example 532.b-1. Someburg has protected ten buildings from the 50-year flood
with a channel improvement, has two buildings elevated above the 100-year flood
level, and has constructed a barrier around the public works garage to protect it from
the 25-year flood. Someburg has 13 buildings that are protected by techniques that
meet the criteria of Section 531.b or c. The Someburg building official has permit
records for each project. None of the projects requires human intervention, nor are
the buildings located in a high hazard area.
Under Option 1, rPB = 0.15 x 13 = 1.95

Example 532.b-2. As noted in the previous section, Floodville’s PB score is
9.95. As noted in Section 522, there are 282 buildings in Floodville’s SFHA: bSF =
282.
Under Option 2, rPB = 100 x 9.95 = 995 = 3.53
282
282

533 Credit Calculation
c530 = 28 x rPB

Example 533-1. Someburg uses Option 1 for the impact adjustment:
rPB = 1.95
c530 = 28 x 1.95 = 54.6, rounded to 55

Example 533-2. Floodville receives more credit points using Option 2. As
discussed above, rPB for Floodville is 3.53.
c530 = 28 x 3.53 = 98.84, rounded to 99

Example 533-3. Bigtown constructs a series of flood control reservoirs and
detention basins to reduce flood levels on Swampy Creek. Some wetlands are
preserved and some more are created to act as natural retention areas. There are
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-14

Edition: July 2007

600 buildings in Bigtown’s regulatory floodplain. This project protects 400 that had
been flooded twice in the last 20 years from the 75-year flood.
TU1-400 = 0.8
FPP1-400 = 0.8, FPB1-400 = 0.3
FPI1-400 = FPP1-400 – FPB1-400 =0.8 – 0.3 = 0.5
TU1-400 x FPI 1-400 = 0.8 x 0.5 = 0.4
PB = 400 x 0.4 = 160
Using Option 2: bSF = 600
rPB = 100 x 160 = 26.67
600
c530 = 28 x 26.67 = 746.76, rounded to 747

534 Credit Documentation
The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
a. Documentation that demonstrates that each project meets the prerequisites as
described in Section 531.a:
1. For all projects:
(a) All required permits were obtained or the local permit official states in writing
that the project complies with all federal, state, and local codes and
regulations.
(b) Protection is provided to at least the 25-year flood level.
(c) If human intervention is required, there is at least one hour of warning time.
(d) The project was completed after the effective date of the initial FIRM.
(e) The building or project is in good condition.
2. For retrofitting projects: If the building is in a high hazard area, the design was
certified by a licensed professional engineer or architect.
3. For structural flood control projects:
(a) The design and construction were certified by a licensed professional
engineer.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-15

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

(b) The project meets the minimum environmental protection criteria.
(c) The responsible agency is implementing an operations and maintenance
plan that was prepared for the project by a licensed professional engineer.
(d) The community is enforcing development regulations that prevent or
minimize the impact of future development on the project’s flood protection
level.

These prerequisites are discussed in Section 531.a. For some items, the documentation would
be a copy of the permit, project plan, or ordinance. In other cases, a local official may have to
certify that a prerequisite has been met.
b. Documentation for each protected building that is appropriate to the type of flood
protection technique used.
1. For retrofitting projects:
(a) For elevated buildings, a elevation certificate should be provided.
(b) For retrofitting projects other than elevation, AW-530-3 and AW-530-4 are
optional forms that may be used.
(c) If the retrofitting project was a substantial improvement or was made to a
substantially damaged building, the documentation must also show that the
project was implemented pursuant to a community action other than routine
enforcement of the NFIP requirements, such as providing financial
assistance or declaring a dilapidated structure to be unsafe and
uninhabitable.

Examples of AW-530-3 and AW-530-4 appear in Figures 530-1a and 530-1b.
Credit is not provided for requiring new, substantially improved, or substantially damaged
buildings to meet the minimum requirements of the NFIP. However, credit is provided if a
community action causes a pre-FIRM building to be brought up to post-FIRM standards.

2. The documentation for structural flood control projects must show:
(a) The level of flood protection for each building to be credited, both before and
after the project was installed or constructed.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-16

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

(b) [For buildings protected by a reservoir, detention basin, retention pond, or
other facility that stores water above ground] That the structure meets all
state dam safety requirements. This is done with a letter from the state dam
safety office. If there is no state dam safety office, then a licensed
professional engineer must certify that the project meets all appropriate dam
safety criteria.

There must be documentation on each building. A channel modification or reservoir that
lowers the 25-year flood level of the stream may still leave many buildings exposed to
flooding by the 25-year flood.

c. A map showing the location of all protected buildings for which credit is being
requested.
1. If the building is on FEMA’s repetitive loss list (including being a Severe
Repetitive Loss Property), it may be located anywhere in the community.
2. If the building is not on FEMA’s repetitive loss list, it must be located in the
SFHA as shown on the FIRM or in the regulatory floodplain as shown on the
Impact Adjustment Map prepared in accordance with Section 403.

This map is not necessarily the same as the Impact Adjustment Map prepared pursuant to
Section 403. It need only show the part of the community in which buildings have been
protected. The map for this activity does not need to show lot boundaries, unless the same
map is used for Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation).

d. [If the community is using Option 2 under Section 532.b] Calculations showing the
total number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF).

NOTE: The variable bSF must have the same value as bSF in Activities 520, 610, and 620.

e. [If the community is applying for credit for protecting non-repetitive loss buildings
located outside the SFHA] Documentation that shows that floodplain regulations
are in effect in the area outside the SFHA.

As noted in Section 524.e, this documentation requirement ensures that CRS credit is
provided only for actions taken to mitigate damage to genuinely floodprone properties.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-17

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

535 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. Copies of the following publications are available free from
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
800-480-2520
Fax: (301) 362-5335
1. Comprehensive and detailed reviews of retrofitting:
Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1424.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from
Flooding, FEMA-312, 1998.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib312.shtm

Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures, FEMA-114,
1986.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1414

Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood Prone Residential
Buildings, FEMA-259, 1995.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib259.shtm

2. Additional references on elevating a building:
Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54, 1984.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib54.shtm

Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-55, Third Edition, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib55.shtm

Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal
Areas, FEMA-257, October 1994.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1643

Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas, FEMA-85, 1985.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/lib85.shtm

Openings in Foundation Walls, FIA-TB-1, 1993.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1579

Free-of-Obstruction Requirements, FIA-TB-5, 1993.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1718

Below-Grade Parking Requirements, FIA-TB-6, 1993.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1719

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-18

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

3. Additional references on wet and dry floodproofing:
Floodproofing Nonresidential Structures, FEMA-102, 1986.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1413

Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements, FIA-TB-2, 1993.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1580

Non-Residential Floodproofing—Requirements and Certification, FIA-TB-3, 1993.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1716

Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-348, 2000.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/pubs/pbuffd.shtm

Wet Floodproofing Requirements, FIA-TB-7, 1993.
http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1720

4. Additional references on protecting critical facilities:
Design Guide for Improving Critical Facility Safety from Flooding and High
Winds, FEMA 543, 2007. http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2441.
b. These Corps floodproofing publications can be found on the following website:
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/publications.html

Hard copies can be ordered from
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECW-PD
National Nonstructural/Flood Proofing Committee
Attn: Joe Remondini
1645 South 101st East Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74128
(918) 669-7197
1. Overviews of retrofitting issues:
Flood Proofing Techniques, Programs and References, 1991.
Flood Proofing: How to Evaluate Your Options, 1993.
Local Flood Proofing Programs, 2005.
Flood Proofing Performance—Successes & Failures, 1998
2. Additional references on elevating a building:
Raising and Moving The Slab-On-Grade House, 1990.
A Flood Proofing Success Story, September 1993.
Flood Proofing Technology in the Tug Fork Valley, 1994.
3. Additional references on wet and dry floodproofing:
Flood Proofing Systems & Techniques, 1984.
Flood-Proofing Regulations, EP 1165 3 314, 1995.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-19

Edition: July 2007

Flood Protection

c. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide technical information and advice on
retrofitting techniques to interested communities and individuals. Requests for assistance
should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services Coordinator at the
appropriate District Office of the Corps.
d. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
e. Several states have published their own floodproofing or retrofitting manuals and some
have programs to help fund or otherwise assist property owners.
f. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in
Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a five-day course on retrofitting techniques oriented to
engineers and experienced building professionals. Stipends to cover travel, registration,
and rooms are usually available from FEMA. Information is available from EMI at 1-800238-3358 or the state emergency management agency’s training office.
g. The following sites provide information on retrofitting:
http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/mat/fema312.shtm
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/index.html
http://www.LouisianaFloods.org

h. More information on sources of funding for flood protection projects can be found in Section
504, Appendix F, and the following publications:
Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding: A Guide for Communities, FEMA 511,
2005, available at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1448.
Local Flood Proofing Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2005, available at
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/nfpc/docs/Local_FP_Programs_February_2005.pdf.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-20

Edition: July 2007

Figure 530-1a. Example worksheet for documenting
a retrofitting project (AW-530-3).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-21

Edition: 2006

Flood Protection

2006

Figure 530-1b. Page two of an example worksheet for documenting
a retrofitting project (AW-530-4).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

530-22

Edition: July 2007

540 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Summary of Activity 540
541

Credit Points. There are three elements in this activity for a maximum of 330 points (excluding
special hazard credit).

a.

Channel and basin debris removal (CDR): Up to 300 points are provided for inspecting the drainage
system and removing debris. For the purposes of this activity, a community’s drainage system
consists of all natural and human-made watercourses, conduits, and storage basins that must be
maintained to prevent flood damage to buildings from smaller, more frequent storms.

b.

Stream dumping regulations (SDR): Up to 30 points are provided if the community has regulations
prohibiting dumping in streams and ditches.

c.

Coastal erosion protection maintenance (EPM): Credit points are provided for maintaining erosion
protection programs in communities with coastal erosion-prone areas as described in CRS Credit for
Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards.

542

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three ways.

a.

Under Option 1, if the program is implemented throughout the community, the impact adjustment
ratio for an element is 1.0.

b.

Under Option 2, if the program is not implemented throughout all of the developed portions of the
community, a default impact adjustment ratio of 0.2 may be used.

c.

Under Option 3, if the program is not implemented throughout all of the developed portions of the
community, the impact adjustment ratios may reflect the proportion of the community’s drainage
system that is affected.

543

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact
adjustment ratios and their products are totaled.

544

Credit Documentation. The community must have the following available to verify

implementation of this activity.

a.

A description of the drainage system and areas subject to the maintenance program, an explanation of
the inspection and debris removal procedures, and records to document both the inspection and
removal projects.

b.

[Required if the community is applying for credit under Section 541.a.3] A copy or description of the
capital improvements program, including
1. A master list of the community’s drainage maintenance problem sites,
2. Recommended corrective measures for each problem site, and
3. Documentation that funds are spent on improvement projects each year.

c.

[Required if applying for credit for SDR under Section 541.b] A copy of the stream dumping
ordinance or pertinent portion of the law.

d.

[Required if applying for SDR under Section 541.b.2] A photo or photocopy of the “no dumping”
sign OR a copy of the outreach project OR a note that the outreach project documentation is included
in the documentation submitted for Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

e.

[If the community determines the impact adjustment factors using Options 1 or 3 (Sections 542.a and
542.c)] An Impact Adjustment Map that shows all channels and other drainage facilities in the
developed portion of the community and identifies the channels and facilities covered by the channel
and basin debris removal program.

f.

Documentation demonstrating that the inspection and maintenance were performed according to the
procedures submitted in Section 544.a.

545

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-1

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

540 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
NOTE: A separate publication, CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance, provides an
example of a community program and application documentation. Communities are
encouraged to obtain and read this document before applying for this activity. It will improve
the quality of the application and reduce the need to provide additional documentation later.
To order a free copy, see Appendix E.
Credit is provided for keeping the channels and retention basins of a community’s
drainage system clear of debris in order to maintain its flood carrying and storage
capacity.
Background: An area’s drainage system consists of natural drainageways or
channels, human-made storm sewers and ditches, and detention/retention basins built
along the system to store high flows. In many cases, the actual channel of a natural
stream will carry only the two-year flood, with the larger flows being carried in the
overbank area. Engineered channels are designed to carry larger floods. When a
drainage system loses a portion of its carrying or storage capacity, overbank flooding
occurs more frequently and flows reach higher elevations.

Even where floodplain regulations prevent construction from encroaching, channels and
detention basins can lose their carrying capacities due to debris accumulation, sedimentation,
and the growth of vegetation.
One proven approach to preventing this is a community program to routinely inspect and
clear debris from the drainage system. This work can be limited to cleaning out culverts and
removing trash, shopping carts, and similar debris that can dam a stream and cause flooding,
even during small storms.
Activity Description: Under this activity, a community receives credit for inspecting
its drainage system, removing debris, and correcting drainage problem sites. For the
purposes of this activity, a community’s drainage system consists of all natural and
human-made watercourses, conduits, and storage basins that must be maintained in
order to prevent flood damage to buildings from smaller, more frequent storms. In
some communities, this will include streets, roadside ditches, underground storm
sewers, and inlets, as well as open channels and detention and retention basins.
The sites of flood insurance and disaster assistance claims should be considered by
the community in determining the extent of the local drainage system that deserves
regular maintenance. In communities with repetitive losses (Category B and C
communities), the drainage system MUST cover those areas having repetitive loss
properties where the cause of the losses was due to local drainage problems or
smaller, more frequent storms.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-2

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

If the community does not inspect and maintain all parts of its drainage system, either
because it does not have legal access to those parts on private property or for some
other reason, it must use the impact adjustment to reflect the portion that it does
maintain.

Each community must define its own drainage system for this activity. This is best done on a
map with a narrative that is included in the drainage system maintenance procedures
submitted with the CRS application (see Section 544.a.2).
The definition is based on what needs to be maintained in order to prevent damage to
buildings. In some communities, the drainage system will be open channels and ditches. In a
flat community, especially one protected by a levee, maintaining storm sewers, sewer inlets,
and human-made canals may be vital to prevent flooding. In some areas of a community,
roadside ditches are important conveyors of surface water and must be kept cleaned.
The map should be prepared in three stages:
1. Show which parts of the community are developed. This activity is not concerned with
drainageways through parks, farms, and undeveloped areas if insurable buildings will
not be affected due to a lack of maintenance. However, this activity encourages
maintenance of all undeveloped areas that should be maintained for any reason (e.g.,
to keep a road from flooding).
2. Identify the drainage system in the developed areas, i.e., all rivers, creeks, natural
streams, open channels, ditches and storage basins and those parts of the underground
system that need to be maintained to prevent flooding of buildings. This must include
all channels and basins in developed Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)shown on
the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
3. Show which parts of the developed areas are covered by the inspection and
maintenance program. This may exclude parts of the drainage system that are on
private property where the community has no right of access or it may exclude parts
that the community simply does not cover for budgetary or other reasons.
Defining and mapping the drainage system for this activity is explained in more detail
in CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance.
Communities must be aware of all environmental laws and regulations that affect their ability
to conduct maintenance operations, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Credit
will not be approved for any procedures that are not consistent with those requirements.
The implementing agency need not be the community. Many communities are in flood control
or drainage districts that perform this work. However, no credit is provided for projects that
rely on unsecured outside funding, such as a special appropriation from the state legislature
or approval of a Corps of Engineers clearing and snagging project. Secure outside funding,
such as an annual state distribution of gasoline tax receipts, is acceptable.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-3

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

NOTE: The NFIP requires that communities “must assure the carrying capacity within the
altered or relocated portion of any watercourse is maintained” (44 CFR 60.3(b)(7)). This
maintenance provision applies to any watercourse altered or relocated after the date of
adoption of the community’s floodplain management ordinance. Any natural growth or
human-made debris that reduces the carrying capacity of these channels may be a violation
of that ordinance. In addition, these areas may be remapped by the Department of Homeland
Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reflect the current carrying
capacity and potential increased risk to existing development.
This activity also credits regulations against dumping in the drainage system. Credit is
available under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) for advising people about the regulations
and the need for open channels and cleared basins.

541 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 540: 330 points
a. Channel and basin debris removal (CDR) (Maximum credit: 300 points)
CDR = the total of the following points, except that no credit is provided unless the
first item is credited.
1.

200, if the community’s drainage maintenance program includes
following:

ALL

of the

(a)

An inspection is conducted at least once each year,

(b)

An inspection is conducted after each storm that could adversely impact
the drainage system,

(c)

Inspections are conducted in response to citizen’s complaints, and

(d)

Action is taken after an inspection identifies a need for maintenance or
cleaning. The action taken must be in accordance with the community’s
drainage maintenance procedures, which must be consistent with federal
and state environmental protection laws and regulations.

Credit is dependent upon regular inspection and maintenance. The community (or other
non-federal agency) must have a program to regularly inspect its drainage facilities and
remove debris as needed. Neither the cost of the work nor the amount of debris removed
affects the credit. A program that simply responds to complaints is not eligible for this credit.
The maintenance work recognized by the first and second items is normally done by a public
works crew, usually without heavy equipment. The objective of this activity is to remove

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-4

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

accumulated debris that obstructs flows that cause flooding to adjacent properties. It is
important that the community’s procedures spell out what can and cannot be removed. In
some areas with natural streams, some woody debris may remain without causing a flooding
problem. In other areas, with concrete lined ditches, all debris may have to be removed to
maintain the ditch’s carrying capacity.
CRS credit is not provided if local drainage maintenance procedures violate federal or state
laws. There may be special restrictions on streams or a requirement to obtain a federal or
state permit before certain work can proceed. Often, a “general” or “statewide” permit or
other permission can be granted in advance for projects that are specifically described in the
permit. Such laws and regulations usually do not preclude all maintenance work, but they
may place restrictions on activities that disturb natural or protected areas. These restrictions
must be included in the community’s procedures.

2.

50,

if the community’s program identifies specific “choke points” or other
obstructions to flows, or sites with erosion or sedimentation problems,
that are inspected and maintained differently or more frequently than
other parts of the drainage system. Such inspections are in addition to
those credited under item 1(b), above.

3.

50,

if the community has an ongoing program, such as a capital
improvements plan, to eliminate or correct drainage problems, improve
drainage or storage facilities, or to construct “low maintenance” channels
or other facilities. There is no credit for this item if the community does
not spend money on a regular basis on such improvement projects (a
one-time-only project would not be credited). There is no credit if the
funded projects are not part of the drainage system that is described in
the community’s inspection and maintenance procedures.

The third item credited is not for an ongoing maintenance program, such as cleaning inlets
and culverts. It is designed to recognize a program that makes structural or permanent
changes to the channels or basins to reduce flooding or maintenance problems. Creditable
examples would be ongoing programs to:
•

Enlarge culvert and bridge openings to eliminate bottlenecks,

•

Install permanent hard or soft bank protection measures,

•

Install grates to catch debris during high flows,

•

Build new retention basins to reduce flows into existing channels, or

•

Convert problem channels into “low-maintenance” channels.

The capital improvements program should address the “‘choke points’ and other obstructions
to flows” that warrant the special attention that is credited in item (2). It must include

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-5

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

improvements to sites that are in the community’s drainage system as defined in its
procedures (see the documentation requirements in Section 544.a.2).
NOTE: Once a capital improvements project is completed, it may qualify for CRS credit
under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). Projects that protect repetitive loss properties receive
higher credits in Activity 530.
If an agency other than the community performs the inspection and/or debris removal, it is
nonetheless the community’s responsibility to document the activity for credit. In the case of
a drainage district or county-wide maintenance program, the community may find it
advantageous to work with other affected communities and the larger agency to develop
consistent documentation that can be used by all affected communities.

Example 541.a-1. Floodville’s Public Works Department inspects all of the
City’s channels and retention basins. City crews remove critical accumulations of
debris that are found during the annual inspection and when problems are reported
by neighboring residents. This work is done every winter. CDR = 200.
Over the years the crews have identified spots that are chronic problems, such as
the culvert under the railroad on the unnamed ditch in the C Zone and spots on
Foster Creek where ice jams usually form in late winter. The drainage maintenance
procedures list these spots and require the crews to visit them first and more
frequently during rains or ice breakup. The culvert under the railroad is inspected
weekly and cleaned out as soon as debris is found. (CDR = 50).
Floodville does not have a formal program for funding channel improvement projects.
Such work is done only if enough complaints are received and there is money left in
the Public Works Department budget at the end of the fiscal year.
CDR = 200 + 50 + 0 = 250

b. Stream dumping regulations (SDR) (Maximum credit: 30 points)
SDR = EITHER:
1. 15,

if regulations prohibit dumping in the community’s drainage system, OR

2. 30, if regulations prohibit dumping in the community’s drainage system and the
community publicizes the regulatory requirements.
The ordinance or law must designate an office or official responsible for
receiving complaints and monitoring compliance and it must include
enforcement and abatement provisions.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-6

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

An ordinance that prohibits littering or similar general nuisance is not acceptable. The
regulations must specifically address the problem of keeping channels clear of materials such
as brush, fill, and items normally not covered in littering ordinances. Credit is not provided
for ordinance language directed solely at water quality problems, or solely for construction in
floodplains. The regulation must include the entire community for CRS credit.
To receive 30 points for SDR, the community must publicize the regulatory requirement. This
may be through one of four kinds of outreach projects:
1. An outreach project to the community credited under OPC in Activity 330 (Outreach
Projects);
2. An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS) credited in
Activity 330, provided the public information
strategy document discusses publicizing drainage
system maintenance;
No Dumping in

3. An outreach project that advises all residents and
businesses in the community about the regulations,
but is not credited under Activity 330; or
4. Posting “no dumping in the stream” signs at key
locations in the drainage system, such as frequent
problem spots, schools, and public parks. An
example of a sign that has been used by several
CRS communities is shown in Figure 540-1.

Channels or Ditches.
The House You Flood
May be Your Own.
Report Dumping to
City Hall
(555-1234)

Figure 540-1.
“No dumping” sign.
Example 541.b-1. Article 21 of Floodville’s code of ordinances deals with
nuisances and misdemeanors. The article states that the police department is
responsible for enforcement of listed violations. It also prescribes penalties.
Section 2113 of Floodville’s code states:
It shall be unlawful to dump, deposit, or otherwise cause any trash,
landscape debris, or other material to be placed in any stream, channel,
ditch, pond, or basin that regularly or periodically carries or stores water.

Floodville’s documentation includes all appropriate sections of Article 21 with “SDR”
marked in the margins. The City’s outreach project to the community (OPC)
discusses the need for drainage system maintenance and what to do if dumping is
seen (see Figure 330-1). SDR = 30

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-7

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

c. Coastal erosion protection maintenance (EPM)
Credit for maintaining erosion protection programs in communities with coastal
erosion-prone areas is described in CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion
Hazards. The credit points, cEPM, are added to the other elements in Activity 540.

The CRS encourages communities to devote special attention to areas affected by coastal
erosion. Credit is available for maintaining measures that protect buildings from coastal
flooding or erosion. These include dune or mangrove preservation, bluff stabilization, and
beach nourishment programs. There are several prerequisites to this credit, which are
described in CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards (see Appendix E).

542 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
If all of the community’s drainage system is maintained in accordance with Section
541.a, the community may use rCDR = 1.0.
b. Option 2:
If any part of the community’s drainage system is maintained in accordance with
Section 541.a, the community may use rCDR = 0.2.
c. Option 3:
aDC = area of the developed portion of the community.
rCDR = aCDR
aDC
Linear measurements can be more accurate and easier to calculate than areas, so
feet or stream miles may be used for aCDR and aDC. If linear measurements are
used, aDC = the total length of the streams and ditches in the developed portion of
the community and aCDR = the total length of those reaches subject to the
program.

To receive full credit for this activity, the community must maintain all of the surface
drainage system, as defined in its procedures, not just channels in the floodplain. (See
“Activity Description” at the beginning of this activity for the definition of a drainage
system.) This type of program is usually implemented throughout the community and the
impact adjustment ratio (rCDR) is 1.0 (Option 1).
If an element is implemented in only part of the community, the community must either use
the default value, rCDR = 0.2 (Option 2), or determine the impact adjustment ratio (Option
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-8

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

3). In Option 3, rCDR is computed by dividing the area affected (aCDR) by the area of the
developed portion of the community (aDC). The value for aDC excludes undeveloped areas
where there are few buildings to protect.
This activity does not need to be conducted in undeveloped or sparsely developed areas. If a
county (or other community with a large proportion of rural area) does not maintain
channels in undeveloped or sparsely developed areas (e.g., areas with minimum lot sizes of 1
acre or more), or where no buildings would be affected by a lack of maintenance (e.g., on
steep ravines), it may exempt those areas from the aDC calculations.
One way to identify such areas is on the Impact Adjustment Map described in Section 403. If
the map has areas designated as open space or low density zoning, then the community need
not implement this activity there. See Sections 402 and 403 for more information on marking
the map for areas of open space and low density zoning. Other designations of undeveloped
areas may be submitted by the applicant.
If the community’s program does not maintain the streams, ditches, basins, etc., in all
developed areas, then the impact adjustment measurements (aCDR) must exclude those areas
not maintained. The two most common reasons for not maintaining a developed area are that
the streams or facilities are on private property and that environmental regulations or
practices prohibit removing new growth or natural debris.
Note that the CRS is not intended to encourage communities to look at flood protection in
isolation from other equally important local concerns, such as habitat preservation. However,
if a facility is not maintained for whatever reason and damage to buildings could result, the
lack of drainage system maintenance must be reflected in the impact adjustment.
Note also that the definition of the drainage system for CRS credit is related to damage to
buildings. The denominator (aDC) includes only developed areas. If an unmaintained stream
is in an area where no buildings would be affected, such as a park or farmland, those areas
should be excluded from both the numerator and denominator and there would be no point
reduction through the impact adjustment.

543 Credit Calculation
a. cCDR = CDR x rCDR
b. c540 = cCDR + SDR + cEPM

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-9

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

Example 543-1. As discussed in Section 541, the value of CDR for Floodville is
250. The program is implemented throughout the City: rCDR = 1.0
cCDR = CDR x rCDR = 250 x 1.0 = 250
The City has an ordinance that prohibits dumping in streams and ditches. The
prohibition against dumping is publicized in an annual flyer (see Figure 330-1).
SDR = 30.
cEPM = 0 (There is no coastal erosion in Floodville.)
c540 = cCDR + SDR + cEPM = 250 + 30 + 0 = 280
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist visits five sites on Floodville’s
drainage system. At one site, there is a car body with a tree at least two years old
growing up through it. Therefore, the ISO/CRS Specialist visits 10 more sites. Two of the
next 10 have bridge openings clogged with sediment and vegetation growing in the
sediment that is more than a year old. The ISO/CRS Specialist can credit only 12 of the
15 sites sampled (80%).
Floodville’s verified credit for CDR is 80% of the maximum possible credit:
CDR = 250 x 0.8 = 200
c540 = 200 + 30 + 0 = 230

544 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following:
a. The procedures, instructions, or other documents that explain the community’s
routine inspection and debris removal program. The document(s) must:
1. Identify who is responsible for the various aspects of the maintenance program;
2. Describe the community’s drainage system and the areas subject to the maintenance program. If the community uses impact adjustment Options 1 or 3, this
description must include a map of the surface drainage system in the
community’s developed areas;
3. Explain the procedures for inspection, including when regular inspections are
conducted and how soon inspections are conducted after a complaint or a
storm, and [if applying for credit under 541.a.2] specific problem sites that are
inspected and maintained differently;

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-10

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

4. Explain the debris removal procedures, i.e., how soon after an inspection an
area must be cleared and what can and cannot be removed; and
5. Include the records that are kept to document both the inspections and the
removal projects.

The document(s) should be a description of the community’s program. It should be
descriptive rather than detailed and need not exceed several pages. In some cases, the
description will be in several documents, such as a job description, field procedures manual,
memorandum of agreement with another agency, contract for canal mowing, drainage system
map, forms used for records, etc..
The description document(s) must include five items.
1. Identification of who is responsible. This may include agencies other than the
community’s public works department, such as a drainage district (responsible for
larger canals) or the state highway department (responsible for highway bridges and
culverts). The community is still responsible for providing the materials needed to
verify the program.
2. A description of the community’s drainage system, the areas covered by the program,
and a description of the types of channels (e.g., natural or human-made). These
descriptions are only needed for the developed portions of the community. If the
community uses Options 1 or 3 to determine the impact adjustment, the description
must include a map of all open channels and storage basins in the developed area and
show which ones are subject to the maintenance program (see Section 544.e). The
drainage maintenance staff must have access to the property to conduct inspections
and to perform the maintenance unless the community has the legal authority to order
the owners to correct the problems.
3. The procedures for inspection, including when regular inspections are conducted and
how soon inspections are conducted after a complaint or a storm. If the community is
applying for credit under Section 541.a.2 for identifying specific problem sites and
inspecting and maintaining them differently or more frequently, then those sites and
the inspection procedures also need to be included in the procedures.
4. The debris removal procedures, including how soon after an inspection an area must
be cleared and what can and cannot be removed. The procedures may be different for
different streams. For example, they may call for the public works department to
remove downed trees and underbrush from human-made ditches but to leave them in
parks or natural areas. Simply stating that “problems are corrected” or “debris is
removed” is not an adequate description of what actions are to be taken for the
different types of materials that may be found.
5. Records kept for the inspections and subsequent actions.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-11

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

Examples of such procedures are presented in CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
(see Appendix E).

b. [Required if the community is applying for credit under 541.a.3] Excerpts from the
capital improvements program or other documentation that shows the community
(or other drainage maintenance agency) has an ongoing program to reduce
drainage maintenance problems. The submittal must include:
1. A master list of the community’s drainage maintenance problem sites that are in
need of elimination or correction. The problem sites must be part of the drainage
system that the community has mapped for its CDR credit (Section 544.a.2);
2. Recommended correction measures for the problem sites; and
3. Documentation that funds are spent on improvement projects each year.

Usually, all the needed documentation can be found in two documents: a written capital
improvements plan for public works or drainage that has a master list of proposed projects,
and the community’s annual budget that shows how funds are spent each year.
The master list could be of problem sites or choke points submitted in relation to the credit
under 541.a.2, provided the community intends to “eliminate or correct the problem sites.” In
other words, the list must be related to the capital improvements program. It cannot just be a
list of problems that are not slated for an improvement project.
The list can be prepared from master watershed plans, complaints, or reports from
maintenance crews. Projects do not have to be prioritized or listed in any order. For example,
the community may determine which projects will be funded at the beginning of each fiscal
year.
Credit can only be provided if the projects are tied to the community’s drainage system as
defined in its drainage maintenance procedures (Section 544.a.2). Projects to improve road
drainage or storm sewers can only be credited if the roadside ditches or sewers are identified
in the community’s procedures and regularly inspected and maintained.
If the program is administered by a county or multi-community district (i.e., an organization
outside the community’s jurisdiction), then the list must be prepared from master watershed
plans and not solely on complaints or other ad hoc basis.
The recommended correction measures for the problem sites do not need to be the result of
detailed plans or studies. They may be one sentence statements on the most likely approach
(e.g., “enlarge culvert,” “bank stabilization,” etc.).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-12

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

The documentation that funds are spent on projects each year may be in the form of a multiyear capital improvements budget or line items in several years’ budgets that fund drainage
improvement projects.

c. [Required if the community is applying for credit under Section 541.b] A copy of the
stream dumping ordinance or law regulating disposal of debris in the affected
drainage system. The ordinance or law must designate an office or official
responsible for receiving complaints and monitoring compliance and it must include
enforcement and abatement provisions. The acronym SDR must be marked in the
margin of the ordinance section pertaining to this element.
d. [If the community is applying for credit under Section 541.b.2.]:
1. An annual outreach project to the community credited under OPC in Activity 330
(Outreach Projects),
2. An annual outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS)
credited in Activity 330, provided the public information strategy document
discusses publicizing drainage system maintenance,
3. An annual outreach project that advises all residents and businesses in the
community about the regulations, but is not credited under Activity 330, or
4. Posting “no dumping in the stream” signs at key locations in the drainage
system, such as frequent problem spots, schools, and public parks
e. [If the community determines the impact adjustment ratios using Options 1 or 3
(Sections 542.a and 542.c)] An Impact Adjustment Map that shows all channels
and other drainage facilities in the developed part of the community and identifies
which channels and facilities are covered by the channel and basin debris removal
program.

If the community does not submit a map with its application, Option 2 will be used for the
impact adjustment.

The community must have the following documentation available to verify
implementation of this activity:
f. Documentation demonstrating that the inspections and needed maintenance were
performed according to the procedures submitted in Section 544.a.

These records should be detailed in the CDR procedures described as the fifth item in Section
544.a. Typical documentation includes time sheets and work order forms that show follow up
to inspection reports.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-13

Edition: 2006

Drainage System Maintenance

When the ISO/CRS Specialist makes the verification visit, a field survey may be conducted to
verify that the channels and basins have been maintained in accordance with the community’s
procedures. See the discussion in Section 232.d.

545 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. The following documents are available at no cost (see Appendix E).
CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards.
b. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.
c. Stream Obstruction Removal Guidelines, American Fisheries Society, 1983. Copies are
available for $8 plus shipping from the American Fisheries Society, 5410 Grosvenor
Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

540-14

Edition: 2006

600 FLOOD PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES
Activities in this series are usually coordinated at the local level by the emergency manager.
They include actions that should be taken to minimize the effects of a flood on people,
property, and building contents. The first activity, 610 (Flood Warning Program), covers
flood warning, emergency response, and evacuation plans for the entire community. The other
two activities ensure that flood protection structures do not exacerbate the damages caused
during a flood.
Contents of Series 600
Section

Page

610 Flood Warning Program .......................................................................... 610-1
611 Credit Points .................................................................................... 610-3
612 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 610-14
613 Credit Calculation.......................................................................... 610-15
614 Credit Documentation.................................................................... 610-16
615 For More Information .................................................................... 610-20
620 Levee Safety............................................................................................. 620-1
621 Credit Points .................................................................................... 620-3
622 Impact Adjustment........................................................................... 620-5
623 Credit Calculation............................................................................ 620-6
624 Credit Documentation...................................................................... 620-7
625 For More Information ...................................................................... 620-8
630 Dam Safety............................................................................................... 630-1
631 Credit Points .................................................................................... 630-3
632 Impact Adjustment........................................................................... 630-7
633 Credit Calculation............................................................................ 630-8
634 Credit Documentation...................................................................... 630-9
635 For More Information ...................................................................... 630-9
List of Figures
610-1.

Watertown's flood stage forecast map............................................... 610-7

620-1.
620-2.

Levee protection level ....................................................................... 620-3
FEMA's levee safety criteria ........................................................... 620-10

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

600-1

Edition: 2006

Flood Preparedness Activities

[This page intentionally blank]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

600-2

Edition: 2006

610 FLOOD WARNING PROGRAM
Summary of Activity 610
611

Credit Points. There are five elements in this activity for a maximum of 255 points.

a.

Flood threat recognition system (FTR): Up to 40 points are provided for a flood threat recognition
system that forecasts flood elevations and arrival times at specific locations within the community.

b.

Emergency warning dissemination (EWD): Up to 60 points are provided for disseminating the warning
to the general public.

c.

Other response efforts (ORE): Up to 50 points are provided for implementation of specific tasks to
reduce or prevent threats to health, safety, and property.

d.

Critical facilities planning (CFP): Up to 50 points are provided for coordination of flood warning and
response activities with operators of critical facilities.

e.

StormReady community (SRC): If FTR credit is received, 25 or 30 points are provided for designation
by the National Weather Service as a StormReady community or a TsunamiReady community.

The community must receive credit for FTR to receive any credit under this activity and it must receive
credit for EWD to receive credit for ORE or CFP.

612

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element (except SRC) are adjusted in one of
three ways.

a.

Under Option 1, if the program is implemented throughout the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the
impact adjustment ratio for an element is 1.0.

b.

Under Option 2, if the program is not implemented throughout the SFHA, a default impact adjustment
ratio of 0.25 may be used.

c.

Under Option 3, if the program is not implemented throughout the SFHA, the impact adjustment ratios
may reflect the number of buildings in the SFHA affected.

613

Credit Calculation. The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact adjustment
ratios and their products are totaled.

614

Credit Documentation. The community must submit the following.

a.

A description of the flood threat recognition system that tells how site-specific forecasts with flood
elevations or flood flows and arrival times are generated by meteorologic and/or hydrologic data.

b.

[Required only if applying for EWD, ORE, or CFP credit under Sections 611.b through d]:
1. Documentation of adoption of the flood response plan.
2. Applicable portions of the plan or other documents.
3. A copy of the materials that publicize the flood warning system.

c.

[Required if the impact adjustment ratios used Options 1 or 3 (Section 612.a or 612.c)] Documentation
showing how the impact adjustments were determined. If Option 3 is used, a map showing the areas
covered by the flood warning program.
The community must submit the following with its annual recertification:

d. [Required if applying for credit for other response efforts (ORE)] A description of the drill,
exercise, or actual emergency or disaster response during the past year.
e.

[Required if applying for credit for critical facilities planning (CFP1)] A page from the list of operators
of the facilities affected by flooding, updated at least annually
If the community experienced a flood during the year, it must submit with its annual recertification:

f.

615

An evaluation report on the flood warning program’s performance.

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-1

Edition: July 2007

Flood Warning Program

610 FLOOD WARNING PROGRAM
NOTE: A separate publication, CRS Credit for Flood Warning Programs, gives an example
of a community program and application documentation. Communities are encouraged to
read this document before applying for this activity. It will improve the quality of the
application and reduce the need for additional documentation later. For a free copy, see
Appendix E.

Credit is provided for a program that provides timely identification of impending flood
threats, disseminates warnings to appropriate floodplain occupants, and coordinates
flood response activities.
Background: With sufficient warning of a flood, a community and its floodplain
occupants can take protective measures such as moving furniture, cars, and people
out of harm’s way. When a flood threat recognition system is combined with an
emergency response plan that addresses the community’s flood problems, a great deal
of flood damage can often be prevented.

The National Weather Service issues specific flood warnings for specific locations along
major rivers and coastlines. There is a small but growing number of communities with their
own flood threat recognition systems, which enable advance identification of floods on
smaller rivers. The full benefit of early flood warning is only realized if the community
disseminates the warning to the general public and to critical facilities. Additional flood
damage can be prevented if the community has a flood response plan that includes appropriate tasks, such as directing evacuation, sandbagging, and moving building contents above
flood levels.

Activity Description: The community must have a flood threat recognition system
that identifies an impending flood in order to receive credit under this activity. Additional
credit is provided for disseminating a warning to the general public, carrying out
appropriate flood response tasks, and coordinating the flood response plan with
operators of critical facilities. A report on the operation of the system is required if a
flood meeting the criteria in Section 614.d occurred during the previous year.

This activity is not intended to be a model for developing a flood warning or flood response
program. As with the rest of the Community Rating System (CRS) activities, its objective is
to provide a simple way to measure a local program’s potential impact on flood insurance
premiums. An effective flood warning or response program needs to be carefully prepared
and tailored to the local flood hazards and the specific needs of the community.
The minimum requirement for credit for this activity is a flood threat recognition system to
identify impending flooding. The system can use locally collected data or data from the
National Weather Service or other rain, river, or storm monitoring agency.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-2

Edition: July 2007

Additional credit is available depending on the community’s program for actions to be taken
after an impending flood is identified. A “flood response plan” is the name given in this
activity to the document that describes these activities. It may have different names in
different communities, such as “flood warning plan,” “flood preparedness plan,” or “flood
annex” to a multi-hazard plan. The plan must have been adopted by the community’s
governing board.
Three elements provide credit points for the flood response plan:
•

Dissemination of the warning to the general public;

•

Implementation of specific tasks to reduce or prevent threats to health, safety, and
property, such as controlling evacuation routes, restricting access to flooded areas, and
maintaining vital services; and

•

Coordination of flood warning and response activities with operators of critical
facilities, such as hospitals and hazardous materials companies.

NOTE: The community must have a warning dissemination program in order to receive credit
for the flood response plan.

611 Credit Points
NOTE: No credit will be provided for this activity unless the documentation requirements
described in Section 614.a are met.

Maximum credit for Activity 610: 255 points.
a. Flood threat recognition system (FTR) (Maximum credit: 40 points)
Credit is provided if the community has a system that provides an early notice of a
flood for at least one location within the community. The notice must be generated
by meteorologic and/or hydrologic data. The system must be able to forecast
specific flood conditions in the future.
1. Prerequisites: To receive credit for this element:
(a) The data collection, communications, and data analysis components of the
flood threat recognition system must be regularly maintained and tested at
least annually; and
(b) The community must submit descriptions of the flood hazard and the flood
threat recognition system.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-3

Edition: July 2007

Flood Warning Program

2. Credit points: FTR = the total of the credit points in either (a) or (b) as follows:
(a) If the flood threat recognition system is operated by a federal, state, or other
agency other than the community, FTR = the total of (1) and (2), as follows:
(1) 20, if the community demonstrates in its documentation that it is
prepared to receive flood warnings on a 24-hour basis. The
information received must be specific to one or more sites on each
river in the community and include flood elevations and arrival times
(or other specific data appropriate for warning); and
(2) EITHER:
((a)) 5, if a manual technique is used to predict downstream arrival time
and peak flow or elevations; OR
((b)) 20, if a computerized flow or storm surge prediction model (e.g.,
HEC-2 or HUREVAC) is used to analyze the data to produce
more locally pertinent flood threat information. This model may
be either a “real-time” model run during the flood, or maps,
charts, and other output from a model that provides detailed
data for points other than those specifically forecast in Section
611.a.2(a)(1).

The flood threat recognition system lets local officials know that a flood is coming. It should
also enable estimates to be made of the time of onset of flooding and crest height. Under
Section 611.a.2(a)(1), credit for flood threat recognition is provided if the community
documents that, on a 24-hour basis, it monitors, and is ready to react to, notification systems,
such as:
•

River stage reports from the National Weather Service, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, or other agency that monitors river stages [FTR = 20].

•

Reports from the National Hurricane Center [FTR = 20].

•

Reports from an IFLOWS (Integrated Flood Observing and Warning System) system
that rainfall in the watersheds above the community will cause the river to crest at a
certain stage at a certain time at a specific location within the community [FTR = 20].

•

Reports from the West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC) or the
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) [FTR = 20]

Under Section 611.a.2(a)(2), credit is provided if the community documents that a computer
model will allow the site-specific forecast provided through Section 611.a.2(a)(1) to be
extended to other locations within the community:

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-4

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

•

Using a flood profile produced by computer modeling (e.g., the profile in the
community’s flood insurance study) and a contour map to determine the area along the
river that will be inundated by the flood that has been forecast. [FTR = 20 + 20 = 40]

•

Using SLOSH inundation maps to convert a forecast from the National Hurricane
Center to a predicted area of inundation throughout the community. [FTR = 20 + 20 =
40]

•

Using a forecast peak flow at one point on a river from the National Weather Service
or an IFLOWS system and the HEC-2 backwater model to produce a map of
inundation areas throughout the community. [FTR = 20 + 20 = 40]

(b) If the flood threat recognition system is operated by a local, state, or other
nonfederal agency, FTR = the total of the credit points in (1), (2), and (3) as
follows:
(1) EITHER:
((a)) 15, for a collection system based on precipitation and/or river gage
data that are manually read and reported (e.g., by volunteer);
OR

((b)) 20, for an automated precipitation and/or river gage data collection
and reporting system (e.g., IFLOWS, ALERT, or comparable
system);
(2) 10, if the density of the gage network is at least one per 10 square
miles, or if all upstream tributaries with more than 10 square miles
are gaged; and
(3) EITHER:
((a)) 5, if a manual technique is used to predict downstream arrival
time and peak flow or elevations; OR
((b)) 10, if a verified digital flow prediction model is used to analyze the
data collected to predict downstream arrival time and peak
flow or elevations.

Flood threat recognition systems creditable under Section 611.a.2(b) include:
•

Monitoring upstream river and rain gages by volunteers, neighboring communities, or
others who report the data to an emergency operating center or other location [15
points] where the data are reviewed and flood predictions are made using graphs and
charts [5 points for a manual technique to predict arrival times and peak flows].
[FTR = 15 + 5 = 20]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-5

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

•

Operating or participating in an ALERT, IFLOWS, or similar system. ALERT or
IFLOWS systems consist of remote river and rainfall gages and a communication
system that transmits the gage data to a microprocessor [20 points]. A hydrologic
model converts the river and rainfall data to a flood prediction [10 points].
[FTR = 20 + 10 = 30]

It does not matter which agency provides the flood forecast to the community. What counts is
that a knowledgeable person in the community is responsible for receiving information and
making or communicating a locally useful flood prediction. Monitoring the NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio and hearing that low-lying portions
of several counties can expect flooding is not creditable under the CRS unless the community
has its own followup system of monitoring and predicting flood levels.
Each system must have a schedule of maintenance, drills, and/or other training appropriate to
its needs. An ALERT system usually has automatic daily tests, while a manual gage-reading
system may only need an annual drill. The community’s documentation must explain how and
when the flood threat recognition system is maintained and updated (see Section 614.a.3).
If a system does not cover all of a community’s sources of flooding, the areas affected are
factored in during the impact adjustment. The impact adjustment is based on the number of
buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) that are affected (see Section 612).

Example 611.a-1. Watertown is flooded by three streams as shown in Figure
610-1: two small streams that are not mapped as having an SFHA, and the Riley
River. The following text is included in Watertown’s description of the flood threat
recognition system as required by Section 614.a.3:
Watertown obtains warnings of flooding on Riley River from NOAA Weather
Radio. The broadcasts include a stage predicted for the gage at the Cornhusker
Street bridge. The emergency manager uses the flood stage forecast map
(Figure 610-1) to determine what other areas will be affected by the predicted
flood.
Broadcasts are monitored 24 hours a day by personnel at the police dispatch
center. Because the radio is continuously monitored, there are no special procedures for testing. Maintenance is performed under contract with a local
electronics store.
This system receives 20 points under Section 611.a.2(a)(1) for receiving and acting
on National Weather Service warnings and 20 points under 611.a.2(a)(2)(b) for using
the map to provide flood data for other points in the community.
FTR = 20 + 20 = 40

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-6

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

Riley River Flood Stage Forecast Map

×

PW
CC
LES

Flood stage 32 feet
Flood stage 36 feet (base flood)
Sandbag distribution point
Public works garage
First Christian Church
Lincoln Elementary School

Figure 610-1. Watertown’s flood stage forecast map.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-7

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

b. Emergency warning dissemination (EWD) (Maximum credit: 60 points)
This element credits arrangements for disseminating a flood warning to the public.
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The community must receive credit for the flood threat recognition system (if
FTR = 0, EWD = 0 and c610 = 0).
(b) The community must have adopted an emergency response plan, and the
items for which EWD credit is requested must be in that plan or in
appendices or procedures adopted or developed as part of that plan.
(c) The warning must be disseminated in ways that can reach people in a timely
manner, including at night or in heavy storms. If the warning lead time is
under 12 hours, it is not sufficient to rely only on radio and TV
announcements.
(d) The warning dissemination equipment and procedures must be tested at
least annually.
(e) The community must publicize the warning procedures at least annually.
This may be done by using an outreach project credited under elements
OPC, OPF, or OPS of Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) or a project that is not
credited by the CRS but that reaches at least 90% of the properties in the
floodplain. The publicity must cover the topics of flood warning and flood
safety discussed in Section 331. If an OPS is used, the public information
strategy document must discuss the best way to publicize warning and
safety information to the target audience.
2. Credit points: EWD = the total of the following points if these measures are
specified in the adopted plan:
(a) 10, for having an adopted policy that specifies when and how a warning is
issued and what messages will be used. The policy must provide
adequate guidance to allow staff to quickly issue appropriate warnings;
(b) 15, for either an outdoor voice-sound system or a fixed siren system;
(c) 30, for dissemination of warnings by door-to-door contact or mobile public
address systems;
(d) 10, for warning dissemination through the Emergency Alert System;
(e) 15, for a telephone system that reaches all floodplain residents;
(f) 10, for warning dissemination using a cable television override system; and
(g) 10, for local AM radio transmitters used for public announcements.
(h) Additional points may be possible for warning systems not listed.
Communities should submit requests for such credit to their ISO/CRS
Specialist.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-8

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

The emergency response plan must be adopted by the governing body of the community.
Specific items for which EWD credit is applied must be included in the adopted plan. The
term “plan” includes annexes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that may be
developed pursuant to the plan, but without specific adoption. It is a standard procedure for
such a plan to require the development and frequent revision of such SOPs without formal
adoption of each procedure and revision.
A community may include redundant warning dissemination systems in its flood response
plans that total more than 60 points, but no more than 60 points are provided for this element.
Credit is provided for either an outdoor voice-sound system or a fixed siren system, but not
both.
To receive credit for this element, the community must receive credit for FTR under Section
611.a. The documentation must show that the warning will reach people in a timely manner.
In areas subject to flooding with little lead time, sirens or fixed or mobile public address
systems may be necessary.
In areas with longer warning lead times, slower methods such as telephone calling trees and
going from door to door may be appropriate. Often areas subject to hurricanes and coastal
storms can expect more than 24 hours of warning lead time. In these cases, radio and
television announcements would suffice.
The warning equipment and procedures must be tested at least annually. Each approach
should have its own appropriate testing schedule. Sirens and emergency alert systems are
often tested weekly or monthly. A system that relies on telephone calling trees needs a
provision for updating at least annually.
The community must conduct one or more annual outreach projects that may be credited
under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) as outreach projects to the community (OPC), to
floodplain residents (OPF), or pursuant to a public information program strategy (OPS) that
determined the most appropriate way to advise people about the warning system. The project
must cover flood warning and flood safety as discussed in Section 331. An outreach project
used for this publicity requirement must be sent to at least 90% of the target audience.

Example 611.b-1. Watertown’s emergency response plan describes its warning
dissemination system. The plan includes guidance on what warnings to issue and to
whom when the Riley River is predicted to reach different stages [10 points for the
warning policy]. When the flood threat recognition system shows that the river is
expected to exceed a flood stage of 30 feet, the City sounds its sirens, which are
located throughout the community [15 points for a fixed siren system]. The police
dispatcher also activates the Emergency Alert System and advises area radio
stations about the hazard [10 points for use of the Emergency Alert System].
Different messages are used based on the predicted flood stage.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-9

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

Sirens are tested on the first Monday of each month. The Emergency Alert System is
tested every six months. Maintenance of the sirens and communications equipment
is provided for by contracts with the manufacturers. A flood exercise is conducted
every two years. In the other years, a different type of disaster is used to exercise the
City’s emergency response program.
The Police Department also sends a squad car along streets in the Riley River
floodplain to warn residents with its public address system. The squad cars are used
daily, so there is no special testing. They are maintained by local car dealers
according to a preventive maintenance schedule [30 points for mobile public address
system].
EWD = 10 + 15 + 10 + 30 = 65.
Because the maximum value for EWD is 60, EWD = 60.

c. Other response efforts (ORE) (Maximum credit: 50 points)
This element credits the other flood response efforts in the community’s flood
response plan.
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The community must receive credit for the flood threat recognition system
and for disseminating a flood warning to the general public (if FTR = 0 or
EWD = 0, ORE = 0).
(b) The community must conduct at least one exercise of the response plan
each year. The exercise may be a table top exercise, drill, or response to an
actual disaster. If the flood response plan is part of a multi-hazard plan, then
the exercise may be in response to another disaster provided the parties and
tasks involved are substantially the same.
2. Credit points: ORE = the total of the credit points in (a), (b), and (c) as follows:
(a) 20, if the adopted plan is keyed to specific predicted flood levels or other
appropriate data furnished by the flood threat recognition system;
(b) 10, if the adopted plan identifies responsibility for flood response tasks for
the community’s staff and other public and private organizations; and
(c) 20, if the adopted plan includes a summary of the estimated staff,
equipment, supplies, and time required for each flood response task and
the sources of the necessary resources.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-10

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

Flood response tasks are assignments to be implemented by personnel within the local
government, in other agencies (e.g., state police), and the private sector (e.g., contractors,
volunteers, or the Red Cross). To receive full credit for this element, the tasks must be
specific and flood-related. This level of detail is likely to be in an appendix or standard
operating procedure attached to the plan.
Example 611.c-1. Watertown’s emergency manager prepared a Flood Stage
Forecast Map for Riley River, shown in Figure 610-1. Its flood response plan is
keyed to predicted flood crests at the river gage on Cornhusker Street. At the
predicted 32-foot stage, a flood will reach buildings south of Cornhusker and the
city’s Public Works garage. At the predicted 36-foot stage, the Cornhusker and
Chestnut Street bridges will become impassable. The following are some of the city’s
flood response tasks:
32-foot stage predicted:
Police Department: direct evacuation out of the identified areas.
Fire Department: move two trucks and one ambulance to other side of river,
so the entire town can be covered if the bridges are closed.
Public Works Department: sandbag the public works garage.
The Streets Department, Public Information Officer, other departments, and
other agencies in the community, such as utility companies and the Red
Cross, also have specific assignments.
36-foot stage predicted:
Police Department: direct evacuations.
Public Works Department: move all moveable equipment to high ground.
As noted under the example for EWD, Watertown’s response plan is much more
detailed than this example indicates. The EWD example also demonstrates that the
town has a schedule for drills and exercises for its emergency response plan.
[20 points for keying response tasks to predicted flood levels and 10 points for
itemizing flood response plans by the responsible department, agency, or
organization. ORE = 20 + 10 = 30

d. Critical facilities planning (CFP) (Maximum credit: 50 points)
This element credits warning and coordinating with operators of critical facilities.
Critical facilities are defined in Section 130.
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The community must receive credit for the flood threat recognition system
and for disseminating a flood warning to the general public (if FTR = 0 or
EWD = 0, CFP = 0).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-11

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

(b) The community must update the information on its critical facilities at least
annually.
2. Credit points: CFP = the credit points as follows:
(a) CFP1 = 10, if the adopted plan includes the names and telephone numbers
of the operators of all critical facilities affected by flooding. This
information must be updated at least annually;
(b) CFP2 = 20, if the adopted plan includes arrangements for providing special
warnings or early notifications directly to all facilities that need
them; and
(c) CFP3 = 20, if the critical facilities needing them have their own flood
response plans that have been developed, reviewed, or
accepted by the community.

As with the other elements of this activity, the community must receive credit for its flood
threat recognition system in order to receive credit for this element.
See Section 130, Glossary, for the definition of “critical facilities” used to determine CRS
credit. The community’s flood response plan must list the facilities considered critical in a
flood. Facilities not subject to flooding generally do not need to be addressed, although in
some cases loss of access can cause a critical situation. Other facilities in flood-free sites may
be needed to support the flood response effort (e.g., sandbag suppliers and shelters for
evacuees).
More credit points are available if the community provides warnings tailored to the needs of
its critical facilities. The timing and type of notice would depend on the facility and its needs.
For example, an industrial complex where there is a lot of noise may need a direct telephone
call because no one would hear a siren. Another facility may need an early notice in order to
get ready. To obtain the 20 points, the community does not need to provide a special warning
to all critical facilities, only all of those identified in the flood response plan as needing one.
More credit is provided if there are flood response plans for individual critical facilities. The
plans may be developed by the community or developed by the facilities’ operators and
reviewed by the community. The facilities’ plans should include flood response tasks similar
to those credited under Section 611.c, Other Response Efforts.
Example 611.d-1. Watertown’s multi-hazard plan lists all critical facilities in the
community, their operators, and their telephone numbers. The list is updated by the
emergency manager every six months. [CFP1 = 10 points]
There are three critical facilities affected by flooding of the Riley River: the Public
Works garage, the First Christian Church, and Lincoln Elementary School. The first is
in the floodplain and the last two are adjacent to the floodplain but are needed for the
flood response plan. The City’s plan includes providing special warnings to these
three facilities. [CFP2 = 20 points]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-12

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

e. StormReady community (SRC) (Maximum credit: 55 points)
This element credits a local government that has been designated by the
National Weather Service (NWS) as a StormReady or a TsunamiReady
community.
1. Prerequisites:
(a) The local government must receive credit for a flood threat recognition
system operating within its jurisdiction. (if FTR = 0, SRC = 0).
(b) The flood warning program must be able to forecast the arrival time and
peak flow or elevations of floods.
(c) For TsunamiReady credit, the community must:
(1) meet the other mapping requirements for special hazards credit, as
described in CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards,
sections 410TS and 430TS, and.
(2) have adopted a tsunami hazard operations plan or annex that
addresses actions to take after a tsunami warning.
2. Credit Points:
(a) SRC = 25 points for obtaining and maintaining the designation as a
National Weather Service StormReady community.
(b) SRC = 30 points for obtaining and maintaining the designation as a
National Weather Service TsunamiReady community.

Warning and response programs for other hazards should be coordinated with and support
flood warning and response activities. The StormReady element is an example of where local
warning and public information activities directed toward other metrological and hydrological
hazards, such as thunderstorms and tsunamis, receive CRS credit because they have a direct
flood loss reduction benefit.
The National Weather Service established the StormReady and TsunamiReady programs to
help local governments improve the timeliness and effectiveness of hazardous-weatherrelated warnings for the public. By participating, local agencies can earn recognition for their
jurisdiction by meeting the guidelines established by the NWS in partnership with federal,
state, and local emergency management professionals.
The StormReady and TsunamiReady programs have communications and educational
requirements that go beyond the elements credited by the CRS. Therefore, CRS credit is
provided to local governments that receive credit for flood threat recognition (FTR) and are
designated by the NWS as a StormReady or a TsunamiReady community. More information
on the special hazard credits for tsunami programs can be found in CRS Credit for
Management of Tsunami Hazards.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-13

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

Example 611.e-1. Watertown was designated by the National Weather
Service as a StormReady community on November 1, 2000. [SRC = 25 points]

612 Impact Adjustment
There is no impact adjustment for SRC because the program applies to the entire
community.
a. Option 1:
1. If the flood threat recognition system, the warning dissemination system, and the
flood response tasks cover the entire SFHA, rFTR, rEWD, and rORE = 1.0.
2. If all critical facilities affected by flooding have their own flood response plans,
rCFP3 = 1.0.

There is no impact adjustment for CFP1 and CFP2. If the community’s program does not
cover all critical facilities affected by flooding, then CFP1 and CFP2 = 0. There is an impact
adjustment for CFP3 based on whether all (Option 1) or some (Option 2) of the critical
facilities have their own flood response plans.

b. Option 2:
1. If the flood threat recognition system, the warning dissemination system, and the
flood response tasks cover less than the entire SFHA, rFTR, rEWD, and rORE =
0.25.
2. If only some of the critical facilities have their own flood response plans, rCFP3
= 0.25.
c. Option 3:
The impact adjustment ratios for FTR, EWD, and ORE are computed by dividing the
number of buildings affected by each element by the total number of buildings in the
SFHA (bSF):
rFTR = bFTR
bSF

rEWD = bEWD
bSF

rORE = bORE
bSF

rFTR and rORE cannot be greater than 1.0. rEWD cannot be greater than rFTR.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-14

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

In most cases, a flood warning program is implemented throughout the community. This
includes the regulatory floodplain and B, C, D, or X Zones that are not mapped for flooding.
Where a community implements a warning program that serves everyone in the SFHA, the
impact adjustment variables for those elements are 1.0.
Sections 301 through 303 discuss determining impact adjustment ratios based on buildings,
including the variable bSF.

Example 612.c-1. Watertown’s SFHA is limited to the Riley River floodplain. Its
flood warning and response program for Riley River covers the entire SFHA.
Therefore, the city uses Option 1: rFTR, rEWD, and rORE = 1.0.

613 Credit Calculation
a. cFTR = FTR x rFTR
b. cEWD = EWD x rEWD
c. cORE = ORE x rORE
d. cCFP = CFP1 + CFP2 + (CFP3 x rCFP3)
e. c610 = cFTR + cEWD + cORE + cCFP + SRC

Example 613-1. Watertown’s flood warning and flood response program is
described in the previous sections:
FTR = 40

rFTR = 1.0

cFTR

EWD = 60

rEWD = 1.0

cEWD = EWD x rEWD = 60 x 1.0 = 60

ORE = 30

rORE = 1.0

cORE = ORE x rORE = 30 x 1.0 = 30

CFP1 = 10
CFP3 = 0

CFP2 = 20

cCFP

SRC = 25

= FTR x rFTR = 40 x 1.0 = 40

= CFP1 + CFP2 + (CFP3 x rCFP3)
= 10 + 20 + (0 x 0) = 30

cSRC = 25

c610 = cFTR + cEWD + cORE + cCFP + SRC = 40 + 60 + 30 + 30 + 25 = 185

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-15

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

614 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following documentation with its application:
a. A description of the community’s flood threat recognition system. The following
items must be included and the margins must be marked so these items can be
located by the reviewer. If the community is only applying for credit for a flood threat
recognition system under Section 611.a, only items 1 and 3 need to be submitted.
The document should be marked as indicated:
1. A description of the flood hazard (“flood hazard”).
2. A description of the areas affected by flooding and the impact of flooding on
those areas (“flood impact”).
3. A description of the system used to recognize and evaluate an impending flood
(“flood threat recognition system” or “FTR”).
4. Flood warning lead times for each stream or body of water covered by the
program (“flood warning times”).

This documentation is the basis for providing the community with credit for this activity. If
the documentation is incomplete, does not address the elements’ credit criteria, or is not
adequately marked, the community may not receive all the credit points that its program
deserves.
NOTE: The community’s staff may be asked to complete a questionnaire on its flood warning
program to facilitate verification of this activity.
The following provides guidance on what documentation is needed:
1. A description of the flood hazard: There must be a discussion of the nature of the
flood hazard. A description that meets the criteria for step 4, “assess the hazard” items
(a)(2)and (a)(3) for a floodplain management plan will usually suffice (see Section
511.a.4.(a)(2) and (3)). The community may find it helpful to show the flood hazard
area on a map of the community that shows the streams and other bodies of water that
affect the community (see Figure 610-1). The description of the flood hazard in the
community’s Flood Insurance Study, which was provided to the community by the
Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
when the community received its Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), will generally
provide a good basis for this description.

Example 614.a-1. Watertown’s Flood Stage Forecast Map is shown in Figure
610-1. The following text is included in Watertown’s documentation:

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-16

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program
Watertown’s primary threat of flooding is from the Riley River, which has a
drainage area of 417 square miles. There are two smaller streams with drainage
areas that are not large enough to be mapped as SFHA on the city’s FIRM.
Although Riley River occasionally floods during the summer and fall, the
principal cause of flooding is spring snow melt. Attached is the Flood Stage
Forecast Map for the Riley River (Figure 610-1).
The duration of flooding varies depending on the cause of flooding. Summer
thunderstorms immediately upstream of Watertown can cause the river to rise
rapidly to a peak and to subside as quickly. Peak flows from thunderstorms
farther upstream are attenuated as they move downstream. The peaks are
lower, and the duration of flooding is longer. Flooding from snow melt and slowmoving winter frontal storms may persist for several days and have multiple
peaks.
In all cases, velocities are less than 5 feet per second. Flooding on the Riley
River has included logs and other debris that increase the hazards.

2. A description of the areas affected and the impact of flooding on the areas: A flood
threat recognition system should be tailored to the needs of an area. A description that
meets the criteria for step 5, “assess the problem,” items (a) through (d) in a
floodplain management plan will usually suffice (see Section 511.a.5(a)—(d)).

Example 614.a-2. The following text is included in Watertown’s documentation:
Areas in FIRM Zones A and B along the Riley River are subject to flooding.
Major parts of these areas have been flooded at least six times in the last 50
years. The Chestnut Street bridge has sustained minor damage several times
due to battering by debris.
Within the area subject to overland flooding, properties subject to damage are
primarily residential with a few commercial developments and one critical facility.
The Riley River floodplain includes 86 houses and four non-residential buildings.
There is only one critical facility in the Riley River floodplain, the city’s Public
Works garage.
Damage in the past has included water damage to contents, battering of
structures, and secondary losses due to disruption of utility services. Flooding of
bridges and the Public Works garage has impeded response and recovery
work.

3. A description of the flood threat recognition system: The description must
demonstrate that the flood threat recognition system is timely and reliable enough to
allow a reasonable opportunity to reduce the impact of the flood on the community
and its residents. If the notice of impending flooding is provided by the National
Weather Service or other federal agency, the description must state how the

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-17

Edition: 2006

Flood Warning Program

community receives the notice. If data are collected and analyzed by the community,
state, or other non-federal agency, the system should be described in more detail.

Example 614.a-3. Watertown’s description of the flood threat recognition
system is included in the example in Section 611.a.

4. Flood warning times for each stream or body of water covered by the program: A
response plan must be based on the amount of time the flood threat recognition system
provides for the community to respond to the flood notification. Warning times can be
estimated.

Example 614.a-4. The following text is included in Watertown’s documentation:
The flood predictions provided by the National Weather Service provide
Watertown approximately 12 hours of warning in advance of flooding from
events in the upper part of the Riley River watershed. Accurate and timely
warnings cannot be provided for floods resulting from rain within 10 miles
upstream of the community.

b. [Required if the community is applying for credit under Sections 611.b through d]:
1. Documentation that the flood response plan has been formally adopted by the
community’s governing board.

Many communities have prepared multi-hazard emergency response plans or comprehensive
emergency management plans. Unless such a plan has a flood annex, standard operating
procedures, or other parts that specifically address the community’s flood problem,
it may not be specific enough to qualify for CRS credit. For CRS credit, a flood response plan
must specifically relate to the flood hazard and identify activities that respond to the flood
threat at different predicted stages.
An effective date or adoption date on the cover of the plan or a copy of the minutes of the
meeting at which it was adopted will suffice.

2. Copies of those portions of the plan or other documents demonstrating that the
credit is appropriate. The CRS acronyms must be marked in the margins.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-18

Edition: 2006

Even where a multi-hazard plan or other comprehensive emergency response plan is used for
parts of the documentation, other documentation may be required. Many of the specific items
required to document these elements may be in appendices or standard operating procedures
rather than in the body of the plan.
If a multi-hazard emergency response plan or comprehensive emergency management plan
with many annexes is used to document the credit for this activity, the entire document should
not be submitted with the CRS application. The specific documentation should be marked
with the CRS acronyms in the margins, and copies of only those pages should be submitted.

3. A copy of the materials that publicize the warning system. The publicity must
fully cover the topics of flood warning and flood safety as discussed in Section
331. The materials must be distributed each year and must reach at least 90%
of the target audience.
c. [If the community determines the impact adjustment ratios using Options 1 or 3
(Section 612.a or 612.c)] Documentation showing how the impact adjustments
were determined. If Option 3 is used, a map showing the areas covered by the flood
warning program is needed.

If Option 1 is used, a written statement that all buildings in the SFHA are covered by the
program is sufficient.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification:
d. [If the community has credit for other response efforts (ORE)] A description of the
exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster conducted during the
previous year. The description must include a list of who participated and any
lessons learned from the exercise, drill, emergency, or disaster.
e. [If the community has credit for critical facilities planning (CFP1)] A page from the
list of the operators of the critical facilities affected by flooding that must be updated
at least annually (see Sections 214 and 611.d.2(a)).
f. If the community experienced at least one flood during the previous year that
damaged more than 10 buildings, caused more than $50,000 in property damage,
or caused the death of one or more persons, it must submit the following
documentation with its annual CRS recertification (see Section 214):
An evaluation report that describes the performance of the warning program. For
each flood meeting the above criteria, this report must describe how the program
operated in response to the flood, and any improvements that may be needed.

If there has been a flood that meets the above criteria, submission of the report with the
annual recertification is necessary for continued credit under this activity. The report should
include a discussion of the following items. The report does not need to cover items 3 through
5 if the community is not receiving CRS credit for these elements.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-19

Edition: July 2007

Flood Warning Program

1. The cause of the flood and its estimated recurrence interval, if known;
2. Performance of the flood threat recognition system;
3. Dissemination of warnings and public response;
4. Governmental and private response activities, such as evacuation or flood fighting;
5. Impact of the flood on critical facilities;
6. Description of deaths, injuries, property damage, and impact on public health and
safety;
7. Damage prevented by the flood warning system and response plan;
8. Lessons learned and changes needed in the warning program and response plan; and
9. The status of implementing the changes recommended by the last post-flood
evaluation report.
If the evaluation identifies shortcomings in the flood warning system or failures in its
operation, the report must identify remedial actions that will improve future operation.

615 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. The following publications are available at no cost (see Appendix E).
CRS Credit for Flood Warning Systems
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards.
b. In most cases, communities can receive assistance from their state emergency services
agency or the National Weather Service in establishing warning programs and planning
and conducting drills.
c. Most district offices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have handbooks on flood
emergency procedures and offer help in developing flood response plans.
d. Copies of the following publications are available at no cost from
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2010
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
1-800-480-2520
Fax: (301) 362-5335
Disaster Operations, A Handbook for Local Governments, FEMA, CPG 1-6, 1981.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-20

Edition: July 2007

Flood Warning Program

Preparing for Hurricanes and Coastal Flooding: A Handbook for Local Officials,
FEMA and the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, FEMA-50, 1983.
State and Local Guide (SLG) 101: Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations
Planning. September 1996 (available from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/0-prelim.pdf.)
e. FEMA has independent study courses from the Emergency Management Institute through its
website. See http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/.
f. The following may be ordered from
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
U.S. Department of Commerce
Springfield, VA 22161
Guidelines on Community Local Flood Warning and Response Systems, Federal
Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Data, 1985. (NTIS order number PB 86
109 717, $21.95).
Community Handbook on Flood Warning and Preparedness Programs, H. James
Owen, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1981. (NTIS order number AD-A108
669, $15.95).
g. More information on StormReady can be obtained from the local National Weather Service
office or the NOAA website at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/stormready/.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-21

Edition: July 2007

Flood Warning Program

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

610-22

Edition: July 2007

620 LEVEE SAFETY
Summary of Activity 620
621
a.

Credit Points. There is one element in this activity for a maximum of 900 points.
Levee protection level (LPL): Up to 100 points are provided based on the flood recurrence
interval at the flood protection level. The levee’s flood protection level is 3 feet below the lowest
point of the crown. The following conditions must be met:

b. The levee must have been constructed before January 1, 1991.
c.

The community must have a levee emergency plan that specifies actions to be taken at various
flood stages.

d. Each year the community must notify properties protected by the levee of the residual flood
hazard.

622

Impact Adjustment. The credit points for each element are adjusted in one of three ways.

a.

Under Option 1, if all of the buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) are protected by
the levee, the impact adjustment ratio is 1.0.

b. Under Option 2, if there are at least five buildings protected by the levee, a default impact
adjustment ratio of 0.01 may be used and the community receives 9 points for this activity.
c.

623

Under Option 3, the impact adjustment ratio reflects the number of buildings in the SFHA
protected by the levee.

Credit Calculation. The credit points for LPL are multiplied by the impact adjustment ratio
and then by 9.

624
a.

Credit Documentation. The community must submit the following.
Levee protection level documentation. EITHER:
1. A statement signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that states the levee protection level
and the date of construction, OR
2. A certification by a licensed professional engineer that states that the levee meets all of the
NFIP levee recognition requirements except for height and show date of construction, the
levee protection level, and that interior mechanized drainage systems have been tested.

b. The community’s levee emergency response plan specifying actions to take at various flood
stages.
c.

The map showing the area protected by the levee.

d. Documentation showing how the impact adjustment ratios were determined.
The community must submit the following documentation with its annual recertification.
e.

A certification by a licensed professional engineer that the levee has been maintained in such a
manner that it meets all the NFIP levee maintenance requirements and that mechanized interior
drainage systems have been tested.

f.

Documentation of the monthly communications checks between the agency responsible for
the levee and local officials and a description of the levee emergency plan exercise, drill, or
response to an emergency or disaster during the previous year.

g. A copy of the materials that notify occupants of the area protected by the credited levee.

625

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-1

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

620 LEVEE SAFETY
Credit is provided for maintaining levees and a levee emergency response plan for
areas protected by less than base flood levees.
Background: If a levee or floodwall does not meet the base flood protection criteria, it
is not recognized on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Because these levees do
prevent damage from smaller, more frequent floods, they may receive CRS credit.

Many communities are protected to some extent by levees or floodwalls. (As used in this
activity, the word “levee” includes floodwalls.) The National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) has criteria (44 CFR 65.10, shown in Figure 620-2a–c) for recognizing whether a
levee provides protection from the base flood. If it does, the protected area is mapped as a B,
C, or X Zone and flood insurance rates are lower than if it remained an A Zone. The
community is required to maintain the levee to its design standard in order to keep the
favorable zone designation.

Activity Description: This activity provides credit to communities protected by levees
that are properly maintained and operated but are not high enough to meet the criteria
for base flood levees. A community may also receive credit for a levee that protects to
the base flood elevation or above if the levee is not reflected on the community’s FIRM.
There is no credit under this activity if the area protected by the levee is designated as
an AO, A99, AR, B, C, or X Zone or an AE or A numbered zone with the base flood
elevation lower than on the water side of the levee.
CRS credit is only provided for levees and floodwalls built before January 1, 1991, and
those that provide protection to at least the 25-year flood elevation. SEE THE NOTE IN
SECTION 621.

In addition to having adequate design and maintenance, there must be emergency response
plans for situations in which the levees are threatened with overtopping or failure.
This activity is not intended to encourage construction of new flood control structures or to
duplicate credit given to base flood levees by current mapping procedures.
The area protected by a levee on a community’s FIRM must show the protected area as an
SFHA. The base flood elevation must be the same on both sides of the levee. If the area
protected by a levee is mapped as a B, C, or X Zone, the levee was considered to provide base
flood protection when the FIRM was prepared and no credit is available under this activity.
There are other activities related to levees that are not included here because they are credited
elsewhere. For example, Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) could provide credit for advising
residents of the protected area about the levee and its shortcomings.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-2

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

621 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 620: 900 points.
Levee protection level (LPL) (Maximum credit: 100 points)
For LPL credit, the following conditions must be met:
a. LPL = flood recurrence interval at the flood protection level. If the flood protection
level is at or above the base flood elevation, LPL = 100. There is no credit
for levees below the 25-year protection level. The flood protection level can
be determined in either of the following ways:
1. The levee’s flood protection level may be determined by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers or other federal agency that has inspected the levee;
or
2. In the absence of a determination by a federal agency with jurisdiction,
the levee’s flood protection level is 3 feet below the lowest point of the
crown.

The criteria in 44 CFR 65.10(b)(1) require that the crown of the levee be at least 3 feet above
the base flood elevation. To be credited under this activity, the levee would not need to be
that high, but it must meet the rest of the requirements of §65.10.
crown
protection level

¦

3 feet

Figure 620-1. Levee protection level.
In the absence of a statement from the Corps or other federal agency with jurisdiction, the
protection elevation of the levee is considered to be 3 feet below the crown of the levee (see
Figure 620-1). For example, if the levee’s crown is 3 feet above the 50-year flood level, LPL
= 50. In 44 CFR 65.10(b)(1), there is a discussion of the circumstances under which a smaller
freeboard is acceptable.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-3

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

The recurrence interval for the protection elevation can be determined from the flood
insurance study’s profile. In any case, the flood protection elevation must be provided by the
community.
Example 621.a-1. The elevation of the crown of Riverview’s levee is 532 feet
NGVD. Three feet below the crown is elevation 529. A check of the profile shows
that 529 is halfway between the 50- and 100-year flood elevations. Therefore, LPL =
75.
To be eligible for credit under this activity, the levee must provide protection from at least a
25-year flood. Base flood levees may already be credited under the NFIP because areas in the
floodplain that are protected by them are usually mapped B, C, or X Zones and flood
insurance premium rates are substantially lower than those for unprotected floodplain
properties.
Example 621.a-2. The elevation of 3 feet below the crown of Floodville’s levee
approximates the 10-year flood elevation on the profile. Therefore, LPL = 0 and there
is no credit for this activity. Floodville may review the freeboard criteria in 44 CFR
65.10(b)(1) to see if the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) would accept 2 feet of freeboard.
NOTE: The area protected by the levee may be mapped as an A, AE, or numbered A Zone to
reflect internal drainage problems. If it is an AO Zone, it definitely reflects internal drainage
problems. Where the SFHA is based on an internal drainage problem, the protected area has
a base flood elevation lower than the river’s and the levee has been mapped as providing
protection from the base flood. This activity does not provide credit for levees in these cases.
If the area protected by the levee is later remapped as an X, A99, AR, or AO Zone or other
SFHA that only reflects internal drainage, the community will lose its CRS credit for this
activity. Remapping the floodplain due to a flood protection project provides a separate and
greater flood insurance premium rate reduction (see Section 530).
It is important to note that operation and maintenance “must be under the jurisdiction of a
Federal or State agency, an agency created by Federal or State law, or an agency of a
community participating in the NFIP.” A levee maintained by a levee district is acceptable;
one maintained by a homeowner’s association is not.
b. The levee must have been constructed before January 1, 1991.
c. The community must have a levee emergency plan that specifies actions to be
taken at various flood stages. Actions that must be included are:
1. Periodic patrols of the structure;

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-4

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

2. Closing openings that are structural parts of the system (sandbagging is not
acceptable);
3. Warning local emergency officials when the flood reaches within 4 feet of the
crown of the levee;
4. Monthly communications checks with local emergency officials;
5. Annual inspections of emergency equipment and stockpiles; and
6. Annual drills.

The NFIP rules in 44 CFR 65.10(c), Operation plans and criteria, specify what needs to be
done to protect the levee from failure. For example, the standards for allowable closures are
found in 65.10(c)(1).
Items c.1 through c.6 specify what needs to be done to protect lives and property in the
protected area if the levee fails or is overtopped. Acting when a flood is within 4 feet of the
crown allows time to advise local officials that the levee protection is being threatened. A
different threshold for advance notice of failure or overtopping may be submitted for review.
If the community requests credit for a flood response plan under Activity 610 (Flood Warning
Program), items 1, 2, and 3 should be incorporated into that plan. Items 4, 5, and 6 should be
coordinated with the maintenance, testing, and drills of the community’s flood response plan.
However, the emergency plan for the levee must be designed and implemented by the agency
that operates and maintains the levee, which may or may not be the community.
d. Each year, the community must notify properties protected by the levee of the
residual flood hazard. The annual project must meet the credit criteria for an
outreach project to floodplain properties (OPF) credited under Section 331.b. The
notice must clearly explain that the property is subject to flooding from a flood that
exceeds the levee protection level or that results from a levee failure.

622 Impact Adjustment
a. Option 1:
If all of the buildings in the community’s SFHA are protected by a single levee or a
levee system built to a single flood protection level, rLP = 1.0.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-5

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

b. Option 2:
rLP = 0.01, where bLP ≥ 5 and bLP = the number of buildings protected by the
levee.
c. Option 3:
rLP = bLP, where bLP = the number of buildings protected by the levee.
bSF
bSF = the number of buildings in the SFHA.

If the levee protects all of the buildings in the SFHA, the impact adjustment ratio rLP = 1.0
(Option 1).
If at least five buildings are protected by the levee (i.e., bLP = 5 or more), then a default
impact adjustment ratio of 0.01 may be used. If the community has fewer than 500 buildings
in its SFHA (i.e., bSF < 500), it will receive more credit points by using Option 3. If the levee
protects more than 1% of the buildings in the SFHA, it will receive more credit points under
Option 3. However, Option 2 may still be used if the community does not want to calculate
bSF.
Otherwise, rLP is calculated by dividing the number of buildings that the levee protects (bLP)
by the number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF) (Option 3). There is no credit for protecting
buildings not in the SFHA as shown on the FIRM.
A discussion of impact adjustment ratios using buildings, including the variable bSF, appears
in Sections 301 through 303.

Example 622.b-1. Riverview’s levee protects 82 buildings in the SFHA:
bLP = 82. There are 150 buildings in Riverview’s SFHA: bSF = 150. Using Option 3,
rLP = 82 = 0.55
150

623 Credit Calculation
c620 = 9 x LPL x rLP

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-6

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

Example 623-1. Riverview’s levee protects 82 buildings to approximately the 75year flood level: LPL = 75. As noted above, rLP = 0.55.
c620 = 9 x 75 x 0.55 = 371.25 = 371

624 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following documentation with its application:
a. EITHER:
1. A statement signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or other federal
agency with jurisdiction that has inspected the levee that
(a) States the levee protection level; and
(b) Provides the date of construction; OR
2. A certification by a licensed professional engineer that
(a) States that the levee or floodwall meets all the NFIP levee recognition
requirements (44 CFR 65.10) except for height (65.10(b)(1));
(b) Provides the date of construction; and
(c) Provides the protection elevation and the flood recurrence interval for that
elevation. Data sources and calculations must be included.

The levee must be certified by a licensed professional engineer as meeting all of the NFIP’s
requirements for levee recognition as iterated in 44 CFR 65.10. These requirements are
reprinted in Figure 620-2 and cover the levee design, operation, and maintenance in
subsections (b), (c), and (d), respectively.

b. A copy of the community’s levee emergency plan meeting the specifications of
Section 621.c.
c. A copy of the officially adopted levee maintenance plan meeting the specifications
of 44 CFR 65.10(d).
d. A map showing the area the levee protects, designated as “LP.” No credit is
provided for levees that protect vacant land or properties in B, C, or X Zones.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-7

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

The credit points for this activity are adjusted in Section 622 according to the number of
buildings protected (bLP). To assist in calculating and verifying the number of buildings
protected, the area protected by the levee must be shown on a map.
The map may be the community’s FIRM or the Impact Adjustment Map prepared in
accordance with the instructions in Section 403. The data for the map can be found in the
original design study for the levee. As an alternative, bLP can be the buildings in the area
below the flood protection elevation as extrapolated from the best available contour map.

e. [If the community determines the impact adjustment ratios using Options 2 or 3
(Section 622.b or 622.c)] Documentation showing how bLP was determined. If the
community used Option 3, documentation showing how bSF was determined.

The variable bSF represents the number of buildings in the SFHA. It is discussed in detail in
Sections 302 and 303.

The community must submit the following documentation with its annual CRS
recertification (see Section 214):
f. A certification by a licensed professional engineer that the levee has been
maintained in accordance with the officially adopted levee maintenance plan and
that all mechanized interior drainage systems have been tested.

As an alternative to certification, the community may use a copy of the Corps’ annual
inspection report, provided that it shows that the levee has been maintained and received an
“acceptable” rating, or a letter from the Corps that states that the levee has been maintained
in accordance with the officially adopted levee maintenance plan.

g. Documentation of the monthly communications checks between the agency
responsible for the levee and local emergency officials and a description of the
exercise or drill of the levee emergency plan or the response to an actual
emergency or disaster conducted during the previous year. The description must
include a list of who participated and any lessons learned from the exercise, drill,
emergency, or disaster.
h. A copy of the materials that notify occupants of the area protected by the credited
levee. The materials must be distributed each year and must reach at least 90% of
the properties in the protected area. An outreach project to floodplain properties
credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) may qualify for this credit provided
that it clearly notifies the recipients that they are exposed to a levee failure flood
hazard.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-8

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

The following may be cause for loss of credit under this activity:
•
•
•
•

Failure to properly maintain the levee;
Failure to conduct the monthly checks and annual inspections and drills;
Failure to distribute the annual notification to the occupants of the area protected by
the credited levee;or
Failure to submit the appropriate documentation each year.

Many levees have been funded or partially funded by the Corps of Engineers or other federal
or state agencies. To ensure that their investment is being properly maintained, these agencies
often conduct inspections and send inspection results to the levee owner (e.g., the levee
district). Copies of these results suffice as documentation that the levee is being maintained
but not necessarily that the checks, inspections, and drills have been conducted.

625 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/ .
a. The following document is available at no cost from
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: CECW-PF
20 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20314
Design and Construction of Levees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Office of the
Chief of Engineers, Engineering Manual 1110-2-1913, 1978.
b. See the documents listed for Activity 610 (Flood Warning Program) in Section 615.
c. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water
conservation district, which is usually located in the county seat.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-9

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

44 CFR § 65.10 Mapping of Areas Protected by Levee Systems.
(a) General. For purposes of the NFIP,
FEMA will only recognize in its flood hazard and
risk mapping effort those levee systems that meet,
and continue to meet, minimum design, operation,
and maintenance standards that are consistent
with the level of protection sought through the
comprehensive flood plain management criteria
established by § 60.3 of this subchapter.
Accordingly, this section describes the types of
information FEMA needs to recognize, on NFIP
maps, that a levee system provides protection
from the base flood. This information must be
supplied to FEMA by the community or other
party seeking recognition of such a levee system
at the time a flood risk study or restudy is
conducted, when a map revision under the
provisions of Part 65 of this subchapter is sought
based on a levee system, and upon request by the
Administrator during the review of previously
recognized structures. The FEMA review will be
for the sole purpose of establishing appropriate
risk zone determinations for NFIP maps and shall
not constitute a determination by FEMA as to
how a structure or system will perform in a flood
event.
(b) Design criteria. For levees to be
recognized by FEMA, evidence that adequate
design and operation and maintenance systems
are in place to provide reasonable assurance that
protection from the base flood exists must be
provided. The following requirements must be
met:
(1) Freeboard. (i) Riverine levees must
provide a minimum freeboard of three feet above
the water-surface level of the base flood. An
additional one foot above the minimum is
required within 100 feet in either side of
structures (such as bridges) riverward of the levee
or wherever the flow is constricted. An additional
one-half foot above the minimum at the upstream
end of the levee, tapering to not less than the
minimum at the downstream end of the levee, is
also required.

(ii) Occasionally, exceptions to the minimum
riverine freeboard requirement described in
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, may be
approved. Appropriate engineering analyses
demonstrating adequate protection with a lesser
freeboard must be submitted to support a request
for such an exception. The material presented
must evaluate the uncertainty in the estimated
base flood elevation profile and include, but not
necessarily be limited to an assessment of
statistical confidence limits of the 100-year
discharge;
changes
in
stage-discharge
relationships; and the sources, potential, and
magnitude of debris, sediment, and ice
accumulation. It must be also shown that the
levee will remain structurally stable during the
base flood when such additional loading
considerations are imposed.
Under no
circumstances will freeboard of less than two feet
be accepted.
(iii) For coastal levees, the freeboard must be
established at one foot above the height of the one
percent wave or the maximum wave runup
(whichever is greater) associated with the
100-year stillwater surge elevation at the site.
(iv) Occasionally, exceptions to the minimum
coastal levee freeboard requirement described in
paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, may be
approved. Appropriate engineering analyses
demonstrating adequate protection with a lesser
freeboard must be submitted to support a request
for such an exception. The material presented
must evaluate the uncertainty in the estimated
base flood loading conditions.
Particular
emphasis must be placed on the effects of wave
attack and overtopping on the stability of the
levee. Under no circumstances, however, will a
freeboard of less than two feet above the 100-year
stillwater surge elevation be accepted.
(2) Closures. All openings must be provided
with closure devices that are structural parts of
the system during operation and design according
to sound engineering practice.

Figure 620-2a. FEMA’s levee safety criteria (page one).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-10

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

(3) Embankment protection. Engineering
analyses must be submitted that demonstrate that
no appreciable erosion of the levee embankment
can be expected during the base flood, as a result
of either currents or waves, and that anticipated
erosion will not result in failure of the levee
embankment or foundation directly or indirectly
through reduction of the seepage path and
subsequent instability.
The factors to be
addressed in such analyses include, but are not
limited to: Expected flow velocities (especially in
constricted areas); expected wind and wave
action; ice loading; impact of debris; slope
protection techniques; duration of flooding at
various stages and velocities; embankment and
foundation materials; levee alignment, bends, and
transitions; and levee side slopes.
(4) Embankment and foundation stability.
Engineering analyses that evaluate levee
embankment stability must be submitted. The
analyses provided shall evaluate expected seepage
during loading conditions associated with the
base flood and shall demonstrate that seepage into
or through the levee foundation and embankment
will not jeopardize embankment or foundation
stability. An alternative analysis demonstrating
that the levee is designed and constructed for
stability against loading conditions for Case IV as
defined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(COE) manual, “Design and Construction of
Levees” (EM 1110-2-1913, Chapter 6, Section
II), may be used. The factors that shall be
addressed in the analyses include: Depth of
flooding, duration of flooding, embankment
geometry and length of seepage path at critical
locations, embankment and foundation materials,
embankment compaction, penetrations, other
design factors affecting seepage (such as drainage
layers), and other design factors affecting
embankment and foundation stability (such as
berms).
(5) Settlement. Engineering analyses must be
submitted that assess the potential and magnitude
of future losses of freeboard as a result of levee
settlement and demonstrate that freeboard will be

maintained within the minimum standards set
forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. This
analysis must address embankment loads,
compressibility
of
embankment
soils,
compressibility of foundation soils, age of the
levee system, and construction compaction
methods. In addition, detailed settlement analysis
using procedures such as those described in the
COE
manual,
“Soil
Mechanics
Design--Settlement Analysis” (EM 1100-2-1904)
must be submitted.
(6) Interior drainage. An analysis must be
submitted that identifies the source(s) of such
flooding, the extent of the flooded area, and, if the
average depth is greater than one foot, the
water-surface elevation(s) of the base flood. This
analysis must be based on the joint probability of
interior and exterior flooding and the capacity of
facilities (such as drainage lines and pumps) for
evacuating interior floodwaters.
(7) Other design criteria.
In unique
situations, such as those where the levee system
has relatively high vulnerability, FEMA may
require that other design criteria and analyses be
submitted to show that the levees provide
adequate protection. In such situations, sound
engineering practice will be the standard on
which FEMA will base its determinations.
FEMA will also provide the rationale for
requiring this additional information.
(c) Operation plans and criteria. For a levee
system to be recognized, the operational criteria
must be as described below. All closure devices
or mechanical systems for internal drainage,
whether manual or automatic, must be operated in
accordance with an officially adopted operation
manual, a copy of which must be provided to
FEMA by the operator when levee or drainage
system recognition is being sought or when the
manual for a previously recognized system is
revised in any manner. All operations must be
under the jurisdiction of a Federal or State
agency, an agency created by Federal or State
law, or an agency of a community participating in
the NFIP.

Figure 620-2b. Page two of FEMA’s levee safety criteria.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-11

Edition: July 2007

Levee Safety

(1) Closures. Operation plans for closures
must include the following:
(i) Documentation of the flood warning
system, under the jurisdiction of Federal, State, or
community officials, that will be used to trigger
emergency operation activities and demonstration
that sufficient flood warning time exists for the
completed operation of all closure structures,
including necessary sealing, before floodwaters
reach the base of the closure.
(ii) A formal plan of operation including
specific actions and assignments of responsibility
by individual name or title.
(iii) Provisions for periodic operation, at not
less than one year intervals, of the closure
structure for testing and training purposes.
(2) Interior drainage systems. Interior
drainage systems associated with levee systems
usually include storage areas, gravity outlets,
pumping stations, or a combination thereof.
These drainage systems will be recognized by
FEMA on NFIP maps for flood protection
purposes only if the following minimum criteria
are included in the operation plan:
(i) Documentation of the flood warning
system, under the jurisdiction of Federal, State, or
community officials, that will be used to trigger
emergency operation activities and demonstration
that sufficient flood warning time exists to permit
activation of mechanized portions of the drainage
system.
(ii) A formal plan of operation including
specific actions and assignments of responsibility
by individual name or title.
(iii) Provision for manual backup for the
activation of automatic systems.
(iv) Provisions for periodic inspection of
interior drainage systems and periodic operation
of any mechanized portions for testing and
training purposes. No more than one year shall
elapse between either the inspections or the
operations.

(3) Other operation plans and criteria. Other
operating plans and criteria may be required by
FEMA to ensure that adequate protection is
provided in specific situations. In such cases,
sound emergency management practice will be
the standard upon which FEMA determinations
will be based.
(d) Maintenance plans and criteria. For levee
systems to be recognized as providing protection
from the base flood, the maintenance criteria must
be as described herein. Levee systems must be
maintained in accordance with an officially
adopted maintenance plan, and a copy of this plan
must be provided to FEMA by the owner of the
levee system when recognition is being sought or
when the plan for a previously recognized system
is revised in any manner. All maintenance
activities must be under the jurisdiction of a
Federal or State agency, an agency created by
Federal or State law, or an agency of a
community participating in the NFIP that must
assume ultimate responsibility for maintenance.
This plan must document the formal procedure
that ensures that the stability, height, and overall
integrity of the levee and its associated structures
and systems are maintained. At a minimum,
maintenance plans shall specify the maintenance
activities to be performed, the frequency of their
performance, and the person by name or title
responsible for their performance.
(e) Certification requirements. Data submitted
to support that a given levee system complies
with the structural requirements set forth in
paragraphs (b)(1) through (7) of this section must
be certified by a registered professional engineer.
Also, certified as-built plans of the levee must be
submitted. Certifications are subject to the
definition given at § 65.2 of this subchapter. In
lieu of these structural requirements, a Federal
agency with responsibility for levee design may
certify that the levee has been adequately
designed and constructed to provide protection
against the base flood.
[52 FR 30316, Aug. 25, 1986]

Figure 620-2c. Page three of FEMA’s levee safety criteria.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

620-12

Edition: July 2007

630 DAM SAFETY
Summary of Activity 630
631

Credit Points. There are two elements in this activity for a maximum of 175 points.

a. State dam safety program (SDS): Up to 75 points are provided if the community is in a
state with a dam safety program that has been accepted by FEMA for Community Rating
System (CRS) credit. The state dam safety office must have stated that the community’s
program is in compliance with the state program.
b. Dam failure emergency action plan (DFP): Up to 100 points are provided for the
community’s dam failure emergency action plan.

632

Impact Adjustment. There is no impact adjustment for SDS. The credit points for DFP
are adjusted in one of three ways.

a. Under Option 1, if the plan covers all buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA),
the impact adjustment ratio is 1.0.
b. Under Option 2, if the plan does not cover all buildings in the SFHA, a default impact
adjustment ratio of 0.25 may be used.
c. Under Option 3, if the plan does not cover all buildings in the SFHA, the impact adjustment
ratios reflect the proportion of the buildings in the SFHA covered by the plan.

633

Credit Calculation. The credit points for DFP are multiplied by the impact adjustment
ratios and added to SDS.

634

Credit Documentation.

The community must have the following available to verify implementation of this activity.
a. [Required only if applying for DFP credit under Section 631.b.1] The portions of the
emergency plan or other documentation that show that it has dam failure inundation areas,
flood elevations, and estimated arrival times, an annual report from the dam operator, annual
exercises; and monthly communications checks.
.

b. [Required only if applying for credit under Section 631.b.2] The portions of the community’s
emergency plan that detail at least three methods of disseminating a dam failure warning.
c. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 631.b.3]
1. The portions of the community’s emergency plan that indicate evacuation routes and
procedures for notifying and evacuating critical facilities; and
2. Documentation of the notification of occupants of the dam failure inundation area as
discussed in Section 631.b.3.
d. [If Option 3 was used to determine the impact adjustment ratios] The Impact Adjustment
Map.

The community must submit the following with its annual CRS recertification:
e. [Required only if the community applying for credit under Section 631.b.1] Documentation
of the monthly communications checks between dam operators and local officials and a
description of the dam failure exercise, drill, or response to an emergency or disaster during
the previous year.

635

For More Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-1

Edition: July 2007

Dam Safety

630 DAM SAFETY
Credit is provided to the community based on its state’s dam safety program.
Background: A state dam safety program reduces the probability of dam failure and
includes a much larger jurisdiction than the community. Community management of
areas subject to flooding in the event of dam failure and community preparedness for
dam failure further reduce the damage potential.

Dams can create a false sense of security for floodplain residents. Unlike levees, they do not
need flood conditions to fail. They can be breached with little or no warning and send a wall
of water downstream. The combination of high velocity, great depth, and short notice has
proven particularly deadly and destructive. One way to minimize this hazard is to enforce
construction and maintenance standards—usually through a state dam safety program.
There are almost 11,000 dams in the United States that are classified as “high hazard” dams.
A “high hazard” dam is one whose failure would threaten life and property. Of these 11,000
high hazard dams, fewer than 5,000 have emergency action plans (EAPs). All states require
EAPs for new dams, but only a few have statutes that require owners of existing dams to
produce EAPs.
Although the legal definition of a dam for regulatory purposes varies from state to state,
many dams are very small. A dam may be as low as 5 feet, with an impoundment of no more
than 5 acre-feet of water. In many states, highway and railroad embankments may legally be
dams, although they may not be rigorously regulated. This means that, if your community has
one or more high hazard dams upstream, it should not necessarily expect a 100-foot wall of
water to suddenly swamp developed areas. On the other hand, if a dam failure caused even a
25- or 50-year flood with no warning or preparations on a clear day, the results could be
devastating.

Activity Description:
a. The state dam safety element (SDS) provides credit for any community in a state
with a dam safety program that has submitted the necessary documentation of its
program to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). Community Rating System (CRS) credit for this
element will be determined for each state based upon the elements of its dam
safety program.
Two conditions are prerequisites for credit under this element:
1. If a state does not receive credit for this element, no community within that state
is eligible for credit for this element.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-2

Edition: July 2007

State dam safety programs are scored based on a separate Schedule for State Dam Safety
Programs, based on the standards outlined in the Model State Dam Safety Program developed
by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) and published by FEMA as
Publication 123. If the status of a state’s dam safety program is unknown, the community
should contact the FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A). If a state program receives few
or no points, it is hoped that local interest will encourage the appropriate state agency or
legislature to improve the state program.

2. A community must meet state dam safety standards to receive credit for this
element.

If a community owns or regulates the construction, operation, or maintenance of any dams,
the community dam safety program must meet the state standards for dam safety in order for
the community to be eligible for credit for this element. The separate dam safety Schedule
requires states to advise FEMA when any community is in violation of the state’s program.

Credit is provided for a community program that mitigates the threat to its floodplain
properties from a failure of an upstream dam through emergency preparedness.

A community may also be eligible for credit under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory
Standards) if it requires new buildings to be protected from flooding caused by a dam failure.

631 Credit Points
Maximum credit for Activity 630: 175 points.
a. State dam safety program (SDS) (Maximum credit: 75 points)
SDS = up to 75 points, if the community is in a state with a dam safety program that
has been accepted by FEMA for CRS credit. The state dam safety office must have
stated that the community’s program is in compliance with the state program.

This credit is available to all communities in states with acceptable dam safety programs,
including communities that are not downstream of any dams. There is no impact adjustment
for this credit. Credit is automatically provided. The value of SDS is determined by FEMA
based upon its review of the state dam safety program.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-3

Edition: 2006

Dam Safety

Example 631-1. Riverview is in a state with a dam safety program that has been
credited by FEMA for 50 points:. The state dam safety office has confirmed that the
City does not own or regulate any dams.
SDS = 50

b. Dam failure emergency action plan (DFP) (Maximum credit: 100 points)
DFP = DFP1 + DFP2 + DFP3
1. DFP1 = 25, if the community has the following:
(a) An emergency action plan that
(1) Specifies that the community will be notified in the event of an impending
or actual failure of a dam upstream from the community;
(2) Provides projected inundation areas, flood elevations, and estimated
arrival times for flood peaks arising from a failure of the dam; and
(3) Calls for an exercise at least annually. The results of the exercise are
evaluated and used to revise the action plan.
(b) A procedure to obtain annual reports by the dam operators on the safety and
operational status of their dams. Copies of these reports must be sent to the
community and the state dam safety office; and
(c) Monthly communication checks between dam operators and emergency
services officials.

Credit for this element is patterned after Activity 610, Flood Warning Systems. The first subelement, DFP1, provides credit if the community demonstrates that it is aware of the hazard
and can be reasonably sure of being notified if a dam failure is imminent or has occurred.
Credit for the other sub-elements is based on specific items in the community’s emergency
preparedness plan.
Emergency action plans (EAPs) are usually prepared by dam owners so that they and
downstream communities understand the potential results of the generally unlikely event of a
dam failure and prepare for them. A good EAP will discuss the different ways a dam may fail
and the floods that will result if such failures occur. An EAP that qualifies for DFP1 credit
must also include a hydraulic analysis that produces a dam failure inundation map, flood
elevations, and arrival times at various points downstream from the dam.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-4

Edition: July 2007

Dam Safety

If a community has a dam upstream that has no EAP, it can either prepare its own EAP or
work with the State Dam Safety Office to require that the owner provide one.
The annual report by the dam operators must include any factors that have changed since the
EAP that affect the safety of the dam or increase the likelihood of failure. Such factors might
include the results of recent inspections, revisions to the hydrologic studies used to forecast
possible dam failures, revisions in the operation plans, and/or current conditions such as the
water level of the reservoir and the snowpack in the watershed above the dam.

Example 631-2. Riverview has an adopted emergency action plan for the areas
that would be affected by a failure of Safe Dam. It is based on an emergency action
plan (EAP) prepared by the owner of Safe Dam. The owner has agreed by letter to
provide a status report each March 1, when the reservoir of Safe Dam is normally at
its highest level for the year. The plan specifies that the dam operator will contact the
emergency manager once each month by radio and telephone to ensure that the
established communications systems are in good order at all times. Riverview’s
emergency plan includes a provision for an annual exercise, although this exercise
does not have to be based on dam failure.
DFP1 = 25.

2. DFP2 = 25, if the community has the following:
(a) Credit for DFP1, and
(b) An adopted emergency plan that details at least three methods of notifying
affected residents of an imminent flood event resulting from a possible or
ongoing dam failure. At least three of the following notification methods must
be available:
•

Sound or voice siren system,

•

Telephonic notification, AM transmitters, and receivers dedicated to dam
failure notification,

•

NOAA Weather Radio. Receivers with Specific Area Message Encoding
(SAME) are preferred,

•

Mobile public address,

•

Emergency Alert System,

•

Cable television override, and

•

Door-to-door notification.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-5

Edition: July 2007

Dam Safety

Many communities have prepared multi-hazard emergency response plans or comprehensive
emergency management plans. Unless such a plan has an annex, standard operating
procedures, or other parts that specifically address the community’s dam safety problem, it
may not be specific enough to qualify for CRS credit. For CRS credit, a dam failure
emergency action plan must specifically relate to the dam safety issue and identify
appropriate response activities.
Because a dam failure is generally unexpected, and because the flood wave resulting from a
dam failure can travel rapidly downstream, the warning dissemination methods appropriate
for this hazard are those used in flash flood situations. In many cases, there will be only a few
hours to evacuate, and in some cases, only minutes.
Example 631-3. Riverview’s emergency action plan specifies four methods of
warning dissemination:
DFP2 = 25.

3. DFP3 = 50, if the community:
(a) Has credit for DFP1 and DFP2;
(b) Has an adopted emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and
detailed procedures for notifying and evacuating critical facilities, specifically
including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and other locations where
there are populations that may have difficulty evacuating the dam failure
inundation area; and
(c) At least annually notifies occupants in the dam failure area of the hazard, the
area affected, evacuation routes, and flood safety topics appropriate to the
hazard.

Because dams failures are rare events, it is difficult for people to believe that they are in
danger. It is necessary for them to receive repeated messages so that if the event occurs they
understand that they have to act quickly. When the time comes, they also have to know what
to do and where to go. Depending on the community’s situation, they may have to put the
family in the car and leave immediately, leaving animals to fend for themselves and leaving
all of their possessions.
Facilities with special populations are a particular concern in this type of emergency. It is
likely that the staff of such facilities do not have the ability to evacuate their students,
patients, clients, inmates, etc. and will need extraordinary assistance to avoid a catastrophe.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-6

Edition: July 2007

Dam Safety

Example 631-4. Riverview has worked with the local telephone company to get
dam failure information published in the telephone directory. The entry includes the
dam failure inundation map from the EAP, evacuation routes from their own
emergency plan, and flood safety information appropriate for the 6 hours of warning
expected in the event of a dam failure.
Riverview has three critical facilities within the dam failure inundation area. The
emergency plan specifies that a day care center with a capacity of 50 children will be
evacuated by a city-owned bus to the high school six blocks away. The three story
county hospital is outside the 100-year floodplain, and is subject to an estimated two
feet of flooding in the event of a dam failure. Working with the Riverview emergency
manager, the emergency power supply has been relocated and data processing and
records departments were moved to the second floor. Inmates at the city jail will be
evacuated to the federal prison outside of town using buses from the prison.
DFP3 = 50.

632 Impact Adjustment
There is no impact adjustment for SDS.
a. Option 1:
If the dam failure emergency plan covers all buildings in the SFHA, the impact
adjustment ratio rDFP = 1.0.
b. Option 2:
If only some of the buildings in the SFHA are covered by the dam failure emergency
plan, the community may use the default value rDFP =0.25.
c. Option 3:
The impact adjustment ratio rDFP is computed by dividing the number of buildings
covered by the dam failure emergency action plan by the total number of buildings
in the SFHA (bSF):
rDFP = bDFP , where
bSF
bDFP = number of buildings covered by the dam failure emergency action
plan
bSF = the number of buildings in the SFHA
rDFP cannot be greater than 1.0.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-7

Edition: July 2007

Dam Safety

Example 632.1. Riverview is downstream from Safe Dam on Dang Creek. Even
though the dam meets all the state’s dam safety requirements and is well
maintained, Riverview has developed a dam failure emergency action plan in
conjunction with the dam operator. The area along Dang Creek subject to inundation
is larger than the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) for Dang Creek mapped on the
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). It covers 192 buildings, of which 68 are in the
SFHA: bDFP = 192.
Riverview’s regulatory floodplain includes several other streams with dams
upstream. These dams do not have emergency action plans, so Riverview does not
have the information it needs for dam failure planning. There are 150 buildings in
Riverview’s SFHA; bSF = 150.
rDFP = 192 = 1.28 The maximum value for rDFP = 1.0, rDFP = 1.0
150

633 Credit Calculation
a. DFP = DFP1 + DFP2 + DFP3
b. cDFP = DFP x rDFP
c. c630 = SDS + cDFP

Example 633-1.
a. From the examples in Section 631, SDS = 50, DFP1 = 25,
DFP2 = 25, DFP3 = 50
DFP = 25 + 25 + 50 = 100.
b. From the example in Section 632, rDFP = 1.0
cDFP = 100 x 1.0 = 100
c.

c630 = 50 + 100 = 150

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-8

Edition: July 2007

634 Credit Documentation
There is no documentation required for the community to receive credit points based
on the state’s dam safety program. The credit points will automatically be added to the
community’s credit, provided the state verifies community compliance with the state’s
program.
The community must provide the following documentation:
a. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 631.b.1] The
portions of the community’s emergency plan or other documentation that show the dam
failure inundation areas, flood elevations, and estimated arrival times, an annual report
from the dam operator, annual exercises, and monthly communications checks.
b. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 631.b.2] The
portions of the community’s emergency plan that detail at least three methods of
disseminating a dam failure warning.
c. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 631.b.3]
1. The portions of the community’s emergency plan that indicate evacuation routes
and procedures for notifying and evacuating critical facilities; and
2. A copy of the materials that notify occupants of the dam failure inundation area
as discussed in Section 631.b.3. The materials must be distributed each year and must
reach at least 90% of the properties in the dam failure inundation area. An outreach
project to the community or to floodplain properties credited under Activity 330
(Outreach Projects) may qualify for this credit provided that it explains the dam failure
hazard, the area affected, evacuation routes, and flood safety topics appropriate to the
hazard.
d. [Required only if the community determines the impact adjustment ratios using
Option 3 (633.c)] The Impact Adjustment Map with the appropriate acronyms marked.
Documentation showing how the impact adjustment ratio was determined.
The community must submit the following documentation with its annual CRS
recertification (see Section 214):
e. [Required only if the community is applying for credit under Section 631.b.1]
Documentation of the monthly communications checks between the dam operators
and local emergency officials and a description of the exercise or drill of the dam
failure emergency plan or the response to an actual emergency or disaster
conducted during the previous year. The description must include a list of who
participated and any lessons learned from the exercise, drill, emergency, or
disaster.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-9

Edition: July 2007

Dam Safety

635 For More Information
Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at the CRS Resource
Center at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CRS/.
a. More information on dam safety activities and state programs can be found on the website
for the Association of State Dam Safety Officials at http://www.damsafety.org/ and on
FEMA’s dam safety website, http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/damfailure/ndsp.shtm.
b. The following can be obtained from
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Mitigation Directorate
500 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20472
Model State Dam Safety Program, Association of State Dam Safety Officials, FEMA123, 1998.
Successes & Challenges: The National Dam Safety Program. Association of State
Dam Safety Officials, 2002.
Suggested Procedures for Safety Inspection of Dams, Ohio Department of Natural
Resources, 1987.
Dam Safety: An Owner’s Guidance Manual, FEMA-145, 1987.
Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Emergency Action Planning for Dam Owners,
FEMA-64, 2002.
Dam Inundation Mapping Pilot Study, FEMA, 1999.
FEMA’s Dam Safety Office website:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/damfailure/ndsp.shtm .

c. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide technical information and advice to
communities interested in developing dam safety programs. Requests for assistance
should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services Coordinator at the District
Office of the Corps.
The National Inventory of Dams (NID) includes almost 70,000 dams. The Corps
hosts the NID at http://crunch.tec.army.mil/nid/webpages/nid.cfm.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

630-10

Edition: July 2007

700 COMMUNITY CLASSIFICATION CALCULATIONS
In this series, the credit points for each activity undergo final adjustment. In Section 710, the scores
for mapping and regulatory activities are adjusted to reflect the community's rate of growth. The
points for all the activities are then totaled in Section 720. Appendix C relates the community's total
points to its Community Rating System (CRS) classification and flood insurance premium credit.
Contents of Series 700
Section

Page

710 Community Growth Adjustment.............................................................. 710-1
711 Growth Data..................................................................................... 710-2
712 Growth Adjustment Calculation ...................................................... 710-3
713 Credit Documentation...................................................................... 710-4
720 Community Total Points .......................................................................... 720-1

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

700-1

Edition: 2006

Community Classification Calculations

[This page intentionally blank]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

700-2

Edition: 2006

710 COMMUNITY GROWTH ADJUSTMENT
Summary of Section 710
Activities related to new development are more important in growing communities than in
communities with little or no pressure for future development in floodplains. In this section, the 400
series’ regulatory activities are adjusted to reflect the community’s average growth rate.

711

Growth Data.

a. U.S. Census growth rate (USGR): USGR is the latest U.S. Census’ average annual rate of
population growth for the whole county. Use of this rate accounts for growth pressure
throughout the area and for potential annexations. The U.S. Census data for a community
can be obtained from the FEMA Regional Office.
b. Community growth rate (CMGR): CMGR is the growth rate of population or buildings that
may be submitted by the community. This information must be taken from a growth rate
accounting system used for state or federal reporting requirements. A community may want
to submit a second growth rate if it is higher than USGR. If a second source is submitted,
the two rates are averaged.

712

Growth Adjustment Calculation.

a. Average growth rate (AGR): AGR is an average of the values for growth data, USGR and
CMGR, if used.
b. Community growth adjustment (CGA): The net result of this adjustment is to increase the
credit points earned for the 400 series of activities in growing communities.

713

Credit Documentation. If the community wants the average growth rate to reflect a
second source of growth data (CMGR), it must submit documentation that the second
growth rate has been accepted by a state or federal agency.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

710-1

Edition: 2006

710 COMMUNITY GROWTH ADJUSTMENT
Background: Activities related to new development are more important in growing
communities than in communities with little or no pressure for future development in
floodplains.
Activity Description: The 400 series’ regulatory activities are adjusted to reflect the
community’s average growth rate. The community growth adjustment is applied by
multiplying the number of points for the activity by the average growth rate.

711 Growth Data
Two sources of information can be used to determine a community’s rate of growth.

a. U.S. Census growth rate (USGR)

The U.S. Census Growth Rate (USGR) is the latest U.S. Census’ average annual rate of
increase in the population of the whole county, including all incorporated cities and towns
and unincorporated areas. Using this rate accounts for growth pressure throughout the area
and for potential annexations.
The U.S. Census data for a community is provided by the Regional Office of the Department
of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (see Appendix A)
or the ISO/CRS Specialist. The growth rates provided to ISO by the FEMA Regional Offices
will be used to calculate the community’s Community Rating System (CRS) credit. If the
community disagrees with the data, it must resolve the matter with its FEMA Regional
Office.

b. Community growth rate (CMGR)
[Optional] CMGR is the growth rate of households or buildings that may be submitted by the community. This information must be taken from a growth rate
accounting system that is used for state or federal reporting requirements (i.e.,
another agency has reviewed and accepted the approach). The minimum period for
CMGR is five years. Annexation of developed areas may not be included as a
source of growth. An incorporated municipality may use the U.S. Census growth
rate for the community if it is higher than the USGR county growth rate.

A second source of growth data may be prepared by the community or a state agency. A
community may want to submit a second growth rate if it is higher than USGR. If a second
source is submitted, the two rates are averaged.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

710-2

Edition: 2006

Many states have developed their own growth figures for formulae that are used to distribute
grants or tax revenues. Whatever source is used, the data must have been reviewed and
accepted by a state or federal agency.
The state or local growth rate data must represent construction of new insurable buildings in a
community. Accordingly, data based on the annexation of areas already developed are not
acceptable. Communities do not need to account for seasonal fluctuations in population.

712 Growth Adjustment Calculation
a. Average growth rate (AGR)
AGR, the average growth rate for the community, is an average of the values for
growth data, USGR and CMGR, if used:
AGR = USGR or USGR + CMGR
2
If AGR is less than 0.0, a value of 0.0 is used.
If AGR is greater than 5.0, a value of 5.0 is used.

Example 712.a-1. The FEMA Regional Office has advised Floodville that the
Census’ household growth rate for the county is 2.55: USGR = 2.55. The U.S.
Census growth rate for the City of Floodville is 2.21. Because an average of the two
will result in a lower growth rate, Floodville decides to use only USGR.
AGR = USGR = 2.55

b. Community growth adjustment (CGA)
CGA = 1 + (0.1 x AGR)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

710-3

Edition: 2006

The net result of this adjustment is to increase the credit points earned by growing
communities for activities in the 400 series. The maximum increase is 50%, which would
apply to communities with average growth rates of at least 5.0 (5.0 is the maximum value for
AGR). Communities that are losing population are not affected because AGR must be greater
than or equal to zero. The growth rate figures are entered on activity worksheet AW-710.

Example 712.b-1. Floodville’s AGR = 2.55.
CGA = 1 + (0.1 x 2.55) = 1.255 = 1.26
Floodville’s credit points for Activities 410 through 450 are increased by 26%.

713 Credit Documentation
The community must submit the following documentation:
[Required only if the community wants the average growth rate to reflect a second
source of growth data] If the community has growth rate data other than U.S. Census
data for households or buildings, documentation that these data have been accepted
by a state or federal agency for reporting requirements.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

710-4

Edition: 2006

720 COMMUNITY TOTAL POINTS
At this step the points for all of the community’s activities are totaled. The resulting total
decides the community’s CRS classification.
a. The scores for the 400 series activities are multiplied by the current value for CGA
(from Section 710).
b. The results are totaled with the scores for the other activities to arrive at the
community’s total points (cT).

In this step, the points for all of the community’s activities are calculated and totaled. The
result is the community’s total credit points (cT), which determines the community’s
Community Rating System (CRS) classification.
If the community does not have enough total points to attain a better class than it currently
has, then it should apply for additional activities or elements. An application for a smaller
number of points than that needed for an improved class will be returned.
The classes and the resulting flood insurance premium credits may be revised from year to
year by the Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA based on experience gained in
measuring the impacts of the activities. A current breakdown of credit points, the
corresponding CRS classification, and the resulting premium credit appears as Appendix C.
Example 720.a-1. The verified scores for Floodville are computed below. Credit
for the community growth adjustment (CGA) is included.
c310
c320
c330
c340
c350
c360

=
=
=
=
=
=

c410
c420
c430
c440
c450

= 206 x CGA 1.26 = 260
= 203 x CGA 1.26 = 256
= 117 x CGA 1.26 = 147
= 68 x CGA 1.26 = 86
=
0 x CGA 1.26 =
0

c510
c520
c530
c540

=
=
=
=

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

97
140
266
66
43
48

158
324
99
230

720-1

Edition: 2006

Community Total Points

c610 =
c620 =
c630 =
cT = total of above

0
0
0
2,220

Floodville has enough points for a Class 6. It has met the Class 7 or better BCEGS
prerequisite discussed in Section 211b, so it is verified as a Class 6. [Note that some
of the examples for the activities were for communities other than Floodville.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

720-2

Edition: 2006

APPENDICES

[This page intentionally blank.]

Appendix A
FEMA REGIONAL OFFICES

REGION I

REGION V

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Ohio, Wisconsin

FEMA Region I
99 High St., 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2132
(617) 832-4612
Fax: (617) 956-7574

FEMA Region V
536 South Clark St., 6th Floor
Chicago IL 60635
(312) 408-5500
Fax: (312) 408-5551

REGION II

REGION VI

New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Texas

FEMA Region II
26 Federal Plaza, Rm. 1307
New York, NY 10278-0002
(212) 680-3620
Fax: (212) 680-3602

FEMA Region VI
FRC 800 N. Loop 288
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 898-5127
Fax: (940) 898-5195

REGION III

REGION VII

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
FEMA Region VII
2323 Grand Blvd., Suite 900
Kansas City, MO 64108-2670
(816) 283-7002
Fax: (816) 283-7018

FEMA Region III
615 Chestnut St.
One Independence Mall, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404
(215) 931-5512
Fax: (215) 931-5501

REGION VIII
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Utah, Wyoming

REGION IV
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee

FEMA Region VIII
Federal Center, Bldg. 710
Box 25267
Denver, CO 80225-0267
(303) 235-4830
Fax: (303) 235-4849

FEMA Region IV
3003 Chamblee Tucker Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30341
(770) 220-5400
Fax: (770) 220-5440

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

A-1

Edition: 2006

Appendix A
REGION IX
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
FEMA Region IX
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200
Oakland, CA 94169
(510) 627-7184
Fax: (510) 627-7147

REGION X
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
FEMA Region X
Federal Regional Center
130 228th St., S.W.
Bothell, WA 98021-9796
(425) 487-4678
Fax: (425) 487-4613

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

A-2

Edition: 2006

Appendix B
ACRONYMS
The acronyms used in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual are listed below. The section number
tells where the first detailed description of the acronym appears in the manual.
Most of the acronyms are elements of the credited activities in the 300 through 600 series. All
elements are in capital letters. Attributes of an element are in lower-case letters. The lowercase letters, “a,” “b,” “c,” and “r,” are prefixes. The letters “i,” “n,” and “s” are suffixes to
the elements. For example, “bAR” represents the number of buildings acquired or relocated.
The “b” is described in Section 302 and the “AR” is described in Section 521.
Acronym

Section

Description

aDC
AFD
AFE
AGR
AMD
AR
aRF
aRFM
ASDSO
ASFPM
aW
AW-nnn
aXXX

542
411
411
710
441
521
402
441
630
431
452
210
402

area of the developed portion of the community
additional flood data
advisory flood elevations
average growth rate
additional map data
acquisition or relocation of floodprone buildings
area of the regulatory floodplain
area of the regulatory floodplain measured in square miles
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Association of State Floodplain Managers
area of a community’s watersheds
activity worksheet number nnn
area affected by element XXX

bAR
BC
BCEGS
BFE
BMM
BMP
bPO
bPR
bRL
bSF
bSRL

521
431
211
130
441
451
312
312
521
303
520

bXXX

302

number of buildings acquired or relocated
building code
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
base flood elevation
benchmark maintenance
best management practices (for stormwater quality)
number of post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA
number of pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA
number of buildings on the repetitive loss list acquired or relocated
number of buildings in the SFHA
number of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties acquired, relocated, or
otherwise removed
number of buildings affected by element XXX

CAD
CAZ
CBRA
CDR
CEO
CFP
CFM

441
431
320
541
130
611
431

computer aided design (computer program)
coastal A zone regulations
Coastal Barrier Resources Act
channel and basin debris removal
Chief Executive Officer of a community
critical facilities planning
Certified Floodplain Manager

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

B-1

Edition: July 2007

Appendix B

Acronym

Section

Description

CFR
CGA
CMGR
CRS
CSI
cT
CTP
cXXX

310
711
711
110
431
720
410
223

Code of Federal Regulations (in the Federal Register)
community growth adjustment
community-supplied growth rate
Community Rating System
cumulative substantial improvement regulations
community’s total CRS credit points
Cooperating Technical Partner
credit points for element or activity XXX

DAYS
DFH
DFP
DOH
DR
DS

411
341
631
341
421
451

the number of days before adoption of advisory flood elevations
disclosure of the flood hazard by real estate agents
dam failure emergency action plan
disclosure of other hazards, such as subsidence
deed restrictions placed on open space properties
design storms used in stormwater management regulations

EAP
EC
ECCF
ECPO
ECPR
ECWS
EDM
EMI
ENL
EPM
ESC
EWD

631
311
311
311
311
311
441
364
431
541
451
611

dam failure emergency action plan
maintaining FEMA elevation certificates
maintaining elevation certificates in computer format
maintaining post-FIRM elevation certificates
maintaining pre-FIRM elevation certificates
posting elevation certificate data on a website
erosion data maintenance
FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute
regulations limiting enclosures below elevated floors
coastal erosion protection maintenance
erosion and sedimentation control regulations
emergency warning dissemination

FB
FDN
FEMA
FHBM
FIRM
FM
FMA
FMP
FPA
FPI
FPB
FPP
FRB
FRX

431
431
113
441
113
441
510
510
361
531
531
531
431
451

feet of freeboard above the base flood elevation
foundation protection regulations
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Flood Hazard Boundary Map
Flood Insurance Rate Map
FIRM maintenance
Flood Mitigation Assistance program
floodplain management planning
flood protection assistance
flood protection improvement
flood protection level before the project was constructed
flood protection provided by the project
floodplain regulations that require freeboard
freeboard for new buildings in B, C, D, and X Zones

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

B-2

Edition: July 2007

Appendix B

Acronym
FTR
FWS

Section
611
411

Description
flood threat recognition system
more restrictive floodway standard

GIS

441

geographic information system

HCP
HMGP
HSS

511
510
410

Habitat Conservation Plan
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
higher study standard

ICC
ISO

431
113

increased cost of compliance
The Insurance Services Office

LIB
LDC
LEV
LOMA
LOMR
LP
LPD
LPL
LSI
LZ
LZs

351
431LD
410
321
321
621
351
621
431
431LD
431LD

flood protection library
land development criteria
leverage
Letter of Map Amendment
Letter of Map Revision
levee protection
locally pertinent documents for a library
levee protection level
lower substantial improvement threshold
low density zoning
zoning: “s” = maximum number of acres per building

MHP
MI
MLS

431
321
340

manufactured home park regulations
providing map information and FIRM data
Multiple Listing Service

NB
NBR
NFIP
NGS
NGVD
NID
NOAA
NS
NSRS

421
431
111
441
130
635
631
410
441

open space with natural and beneficial functions
regulations to protect natural and beneficial functions
National Flood Insurance Program
National Geodetic Survey
National Geodetic Vertical Datum
National Inventory of Dams
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
new flood study
National Spatial Reference System

ODR
OHS
OPA
OPC
OPF

341
431
331
331
331

other disclosure requirements
other higher regulatory standards
additional outreach projects
outreach project to the entire community
outreach project to floodplain residents

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

B-3

Edition: July 2007

Appendix B

Acronym
OPS
ORE
ORS
OS

Section
331
611
311
421

Description
outreach project based on a strategy
other flood warning response efforts
off-site records storage
floodplain lands preserved as open space

PB
PBi
PCF
PFI
PSC
PUB

531
531
431
330
431
451

protected buildings
protection credit for building “i”
regulations that protect critical facilities
promotion of flood insurance
regulations that protect floodplain storage capacity
stormwater facilities subject to public maintenance

REB
rXXX

341
220

real estate agent brochure (explains flood hazards)
ratio of the buildings or area affected by XXX

SDR
SDS
SFHA
SFIP
SH
SHR
SMR
SMS
SRC
SZ

541
631
130
431
401
430
451
431
61
451

stream dumping regulations
state dam safety program
Special Flood Hazard Area
Standard Flood Insurance Policy
special flood-related hazard
special hazard regulations
stormwater management regulations
state-mandated regulatory standards
StormReady community
size of development subject to stormwater management

TUi
TVA

531
344

technique used to protect building “i”
Tennessee Valley Authority

URL
USGR

351
711

universal resource locator
U.S. Census growth rate

WEB
WMP
WQ

351
451
451

flood protection website
watershed master plan
stormwater management regulations for water quality

XXX
XXXn

B-1
222

element acronym or variable number
element number “n,” e.g., OPAn = OPA1, OPA2, and OPA3

YCM

441

number of years between checks of reference marks

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

B-4

Edition: July 2007

Appendix C
COMMUNITY CLASSIFICATION POINTS
There are 10 community classes in the Community Rating System. Class 1 communities have
the largest premium credit; residents of Class 10 communities receive no premium credit.
Communities that do not apply for CRS classification are Class 10 communities.
The insurance premium credit is based on whether a property is in or out of the Special Flood
Hazard Area (SFHA), i.e., the A and V Zones as shown on the community’s Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM). The premium credit for properties in the SFHA increases according to the
community’s CRS class.
The credit for properties outside the SFHA is lower for Class 1–8 communities because
premiums in these areas are already relatively low and can be lowered further through the
Preferred Risk Policy. Also, most activities undertaken to qualify for those classes are
implemented only in the floodplain. Because areas designated as A99 and AR Zones already
receive an insurance premium reduction, these zones get the same premium reduction as nonSFHA areas.
A community’s classification is based on the community total points (cT) as calculated on
application worksheet AW-720. The qualifying community total points, CRS classes, and
flood insurance premium credits are shown below:
Credit Points (cT)

CRS Class

Premium
Discount

4,500+

1

45%

4,000–4,499

2

40%

3,500–3,999

3

35%

3,000–3,499

4

30%

2,500–2,999

5

25%

2,000–2,499

6

20%

1,500–1,999

7

15%

1,000–1,499

8

10%

500–999

9

5%

0–499

10

0

SFHA (Zones A, AE, A1–A30, V, V1–V30, AO, and AH): Credit varies
depending on class.
SFHA (Zones A99, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1–A30, AR/AH, and AR/AO):
10% credit for Classes 1–6; 5% credit for Classes 7–9. (For purposes of
determining CRS premium discounts, all AR and A99 zones are treated as
non-SFHAs.)
Preferred Risk Policies are not eligible for CRS premium discounts.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

C-1

Edition: 2006

Appendix C

The Preferred Risk Policy does not receive premium rate credits under the CRS because it
already has a lower premium than other policies. Preferred Risk Policies are available only in
B, C, and X Zones for properties that are shown to have a minimal risk of flood damage.
Premium reductions are subject to change.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

C-2

Edition: 2006

Appendix D
A Comparison of the Minimum NFIP Requirements and the CRS
The Community Rating System provides credits for exceeding the minimum requirements of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Many local officials are not sure whether their
regulations exceed the NFIP requirements or just meet them. The minimum NFIP requirements for
communities are spelled out in 44 CFR Parts 59–General Provisions and 60–Criteria for Land
Management and Use. This Appendix compares these minimum requirements with specific CRS
credits.
Related CRS Credit

NFIP Requirement
Part 59 General Provisions
Subpart A - General

“Exceeding” the definitions for substantial
improvement and substantial damage is
recognized in Sections 431.c and d which
credit cumulative substantial improvements
(CSI) and lower substantial improvement
thresholds (LSI).

59.1 Definitions

59.2 Description of program

N/A

59.3 Emergency program

N/A

59.4 References

N/A

Subpart B - Eligibility Requirements

N/A

Part 60 - Criteria for Land Management and
Use
Subpart A - Requirements for Flood Plain
Management Regulations
60.1 Purpose of subpart
(c) “Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as modifying or replacing the
general requirement that all eligible
communities must take into account flood,
mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and flood-related
erosion hazards, to the extent that they are
know, in all official actions...”

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-1

In other words, the NFIP expects communities
to exceed the minimum requirements.

Edition: 2006

Appendix D

Related CRS Credit

NFIP Requirement
(d) “The criteria set forth in this subpart are
minimum standards...”

N/A

60.2 Minimum compliance with flood plain
management criteria: describes the procedures for getting the local regulations
approved.

N/A

60.3 Flood plain management criteria for
flood-prone areas: the requirements in
sections (a) - (e) are based on the type of flood
data provided by FEMA.
(a) When no flood data are provided by
FEMA, the community shall:
1. Require permits for development
everywhere to determine if its in a
floodprone area.

Section 411.a, new study (NS) credits
identifying and regulating additional
floodprone areas

2. Make sure proposed developments
have permits from other agencies.

N/A

3. Make sure building sites will be
reasonably safe from flooding. If in a
floodprone area, new buildings and
substantial improvements must be
anchored, constructed with materials
and methods resistant to flood
damage, and have their utilities
protected.

This NFIP requirement should not be
confused with the credit for engineered
foundations under Section 431.b (FDN).

4. New subdivisions must meet similar
requirements.

N/A

5. New and replacement water systems
must be protected.

N/A

6. New and replacement sanitary and
septic systems must be protected.

Section 431.g, natural and beneficial functions
regulations (NBR), credits prohibiting septic
systems in the floodplain.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-2

Edition: 2006

Appendix D

Related CRS Credit

NFIP Requirement
(b) When FEMA provides a flood map but no
flood elevations, the community shall:
1. Require permits for development in
the A Zone.

Section 411.a credits providing regulatory
flood elevations where not available (NS).
This would mean requiring permits in
floodplains outside the SFHA.

2. Require development to meet the
requirements in 60.3(a). 2-6.

N/A

3. Require larger subdivisions and
developments to produce flood
elevations.

Section 411.a (NS) credits providing
regulatory flood elevations for all new
developments, not just large ones.

4. “Obtain, review and reasonably
utilize” available flood elevations.

Section 411.a (NS) credits providing
regulatory flood elevations for all new
developments, not just those where data are
readily available.

5. Obtain and maintain records of the
elevations and floodproofing protection levels of new buildings.

Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) credits
keeping the records on the FEMA elevation
and floodproofing certificates.

6. Tell the State and other communities
if a watercourse will be altered.

This requirement should not be confused with
the credit in Section 431.g for stream bank
protection (NBR).

7. Assure that the flood carrying
capacity of an altered watercourse is
maintained.

This requirement should not be confused with
the credit in Section 431.g for stream bank
protection (NBR).

8. Require that manufactured homes be
elevated and anchored.

N/A

(c) When FEMA provides a FIRM with flood
elevations, the community shall:
1. Meet all the requirements of 60.3(b)
in all types of A Zones.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-3

N/A

Edition: 2006

Appendix D

Related CRS Credit

NFIP Requirement
2. Make sure that residential buildings
and substantial improvements are
elevated to or above the base flood
elevation in those A Zones with flood
elevations or depths.

Section 411.a credits providing regulatory
flood elevations where not available (NS).
This results in requiring permits in A Zones
without flood elevations or depths. Section
431.a, Freeboard, credits going higher than
the base flood elevation.

3. Make sure that non-residential
buildings and substantial improvements are elevated or floodproofed in
those A Zones with flood elevations
or depths.

See (c)2, above

4. Obtain an architect’s or engineer’s
certification for floodproofing nonresidential buildings.

Activity 310 credits certifications on FEMA
forms. This language does not receive credit
for engineered foundations (FDN) under
Section 431.b.

5. Make sure that the areas below
elevated buildings allow for the entry
of water.

This is often confused with the credit for
engineered foundations under Section 431.b
(FDN), but it is a minimum NFIP requirement. Prohibiting enclosing the lower area is
credited under Section 431.h (ENL).

6. Make sure that mobile homes outside
of existing mobile home parks are
elevated.

N/A

7. Require new and substantially improved residential buildings in AO
Zones to be elevated above the
specified depth or, where none is
specified, two feet.

Section 431.a, Freeboard, credits going higher
than the base flood depth. Section 431.a.7
notes that the two feet language is not eligible
for freeboard credit.

8. Require new and substantially improved non-residential buildings in
AO Zones to be elevated or
floodproofed above the specified
depth or, where none is specified, two
feet.

See (c)7, above.

N/A
9. Require the standards of (a)1-4 and
(b)5-9 in A99 Zones.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-4

Edition: 2006

Appendix D

NFIP Requirement

Related CRS Credit

10. Make sure there is no cumulative
increase in flood heights in areas with
no floodway designated.

Section 411.a credits new floodway mapping
as additional data (NS).

11. Require drainage paths around
buildings in AH and AO Zones, areas
of shallow flooding without defined
channels.

N/A

12. Require mobile homes in existing
mobile home parks to be elevated
above the base flood elevation or at
least three feet above grade.

Section 431n credits higher regulatory
standards for existing manufactured home
parks (MHP).

13. Apply for a conditional FIRM
revision if a development will increase the base flood elevation by
more than one foot.

Section 411.d credits a floodway standard
more restrictive than one foot (FWS).
N/A

14. Require that recreational vehicles on a
site for more than 180 days be treated
as a manufactured home.
(d) When FEMA provides a floodway map,
the community shall:
1. Meet all the
60.3(c).1-14.

requirements

of

N/A

2. Adopt a regulatory floodway that does
not result in increasing the base flood
by more than one foot.

Section 411.d credits a floodway standard
more restrictive than one foot (FWS).

3. Prohibit encroachments in the floodway from causing any increase in the
base flood.

This is often confused with Section 431.f
which credits preserving floodplain storage
capacity (PSC), but it is a minimum NFIP
requirement.

4. Apply for a conditional FIRM
revision if a development in the
floodway will increase the base flood
elevation.

N/A

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-5

Edition: 2006

Appendix D

Related CRS Credit

NFIP Requirement
(e) When FEMA provides a FIRM that shows
the coastal high hazard area (V Zone), the
community shall:
1. Meet all the
60.3(c).1-14

requirements

of

N/A

2. Keep records of the lowest structural
member of new buildings.

Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) credits
keeping the records on the FEMA elevation
certificate.

3. Make sure all new buildings are
landward of mean high tide.

N/A

4. In V Zones with base flood elevations, require all new buildings to be
elevated on pilings and columns so (i)
the lowest horizontal structural
member is elevated above the base
flood level and (ii) an engineer or
architect certifies the foundation
anchoring.

Section 431.a.6 provides freeboard credit for
requiring buildings outside of V Zones to
have the lowest horizontal member elevated
above the base flood. Credit under Section
431.b for engineered foundations (FDN) is not
available in V Zones because they are
required there. Section 431.o (CAZ) credits
extending the V Zone standards to coastal A
Zones.

5. Make sure that the areas below
elevated buildings are open or
enclosed with breakaway walls.
6. Prohibit fill for structural support in V
Zones.
7. Prohibit man-made alteration of sand
dunes and mangrove stands in V
Zones.

Section 431.f credits prohibition of fill in the
floodplain (PSC). It is not available if the
community only prohibits fill in V Zones.
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal
Erosion Hazards credits prohibiting alteration
of dunes outside of V Zones and regulations
that restrict traffic on dunes.

8. Require mobile homes outside of
existing mobile home parks to meet
the requirements of (e)2-7 and mobile
homes in existing parks to meet the
requirements of (c)12.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

Section 431.h (ENL) credits prohibiting all
enclosures of the lower area.

D-6

N/A

Edition: 2006

Related CRS Credit

NFIP Requirement
9. Require that recreational vehicles on a
site for more than 180 days meet the
requirements of (b)1 and (e)2-7.

N/A

60.4 Flood plain management criteria for
mudslide (i.e., mudflow) -prone areas.

See Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS
Coordinator's Manual.

60.5 Flood plain management criteria for
flood-related erosion-prone areas.

See CRS Credit for Management of Coastal
Erosion Hazards.

60.6 Variances and exceptions

N/A

60.7 Revisions of criteria for flood plain
management regulations.

N/A

60.8 Definitions (references the definitions in
Part 59)

N/A

Subpart B - Requirements for State Flood
Plain Management Regulations

N/A

Subpart C - Additional Considerations in
Managing Flood-Prone, Mudslide (i.e.,
Mudflow)-Prone, and Flood-Related ErosionProne Areas

N/A: These are planning considerations, not
requirements. Implementing them would
exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

Regulations Credited by the CRS Not Related to Minimum NFIP Requirements
Regulations credited in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards):

Section 431.b: Requiring that fill and building foundations be designed to protect them from
damage due to erosion, scour and settling (FDN).
Section 431.e: Requiring that critical facilities, such as hospitals and hazardous materials storage
sites, be protected from higher flood levels (PCF).
Section 431.f: Maintaining floodplain storage by prohibiting fill or by requiring compensatory
storage (PSC). While floodway regulations preserve flood conveyance, they allow the flood fringe to
be filled in which can have a significant effect on downstream flood heights.
Section 431.g: Prohibiting or regulating developments that can have an adverse impact on public
health or water quality, including alterations to shoreline, channels, and banks (NBR).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-7

Edition: July 2007

Appendix D

Section 431.i: Implementing other regulations that exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP
Regulations (OHS).
Section 431LZ: Zoning to minimize the number of buildings in the floodplain to reduce the damage
potential and help maintain flood storage and conveyance capacity (LZ).
The NFIP Regulations are oriented toward the more common overbank and coastal flooding. Special
hazards regulations (“SH”) are requirements tailored to different conditions. They are described in
publications on special hazards and coastal hazards listed in Appendix E.
Regulations credited under other activities:

Section 341.b: Requiring developers or sellers to publicize or disclose the flood hazard on their
properties (ODR).
Section 421: Prohibiting new buildings in the floodway, V Zone, or other part of the floodplain to
preserve open space (OS).
Section 431LD.a: Regulations that encourage preserving floodplain lands as open space.
Section 451.a: Requiring new developments to provide retention or detention of their stormwater
runoff to minimize the increase in flood flows due to watershed urbanization (SMR).
Section 451.e: Requiring erosion and sedimentation control during construction projects to reduce
siltation and the resulting loss of channel carrying capacity (ESC).
Section 451.f: Requiring developers to implement appropriate “best management practices” that
will improve the quality of stormwater runoff (WQ).
Section 541.b: Prohibiting dumping or placing debris in stream channels (SDR).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

D-8

Edition: July 2007

Appendix E
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM PUBLICATIONS
Except as noted, the following documents are available at no cost. The end of this appendix
includes two order forms.

General References on the Community Rating System (CRS)
CRS Coordinator's Manual, 2007. 300+ pages. Includes the current Schedule and
Commentary. The CRS Coordinator's Manual is the primary document used by communities
for the Community Rating System. It includes detailed discussion of credits provided for
various floodplain management activities and instructions on the calculation of credit. The
CRS Coordinator's Manual is used to verify CRS credit and for modifications of a
community's CRS credit for a better classification.
CRS Activity Worksheets, 2007, 55 pages. The worksheets are used to calculate the verified
activity scores and to submit modifications.
CRS Application, 2007, 50 pages. Instructions and worksheets for a community to apply for
an initial CRS classification. The activities are summarized and the activity descriptions are
combined with checklists which are submitted for application.
The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System. These are several color
brochures that summarize the CRS for distribution to elected officials, residents, and others
who want an overview of the program.
“Computerized Calculations for the Community Rating System,” 2005. A stand-alone
program for IBM-compatible personal computers (on a compact disk) that guides data entry
and calculates credit points. A copy of the user's guide is included. This software prints
worksheets that may be used for submitting modifications as an alternative to the paper
Activity Worksheets.
CRS Record-Keeping Guidance, 2007. Guidance on keeping track of records and annual
actions such as outreach projects for CRS credit. The guide includes sample forms.

References on Specific Activities
“Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates,” 2000. A program for entering and
retrieving data from FEMA elevation certificates. Meets the requirements for credit for
elevation certificates in computerized format under Activity 310 of the CRS. Requires an
IBM-compatible PC and a compact disk drive.
CRS Credit for Dam Safety, 2006. 35 pages. A discussion of state and local dam safety
programs credited under Activity 630 (Dam Safety) in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual, with
examples.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

E-1

Edition: July 2007

Appendix E

CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance, 2006. 80 pages. A discussion of the credit
under Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) in the CRS Coordinator's Manual, with
examples.
CRS Credit for Flood Warning Programs, 2006. 50 pages. A discussion of the credit under
Activity 610 (Flood Warning Program) in the CRS Coordinator's Manual, with examples.
CRS Credit for Outreach Projects, 2006. 80 pages. A discussion of the credit under Activity
330 (Outreach Projects) in the CRS Coordinator's Manual, with examples.
CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards, 2006. 60 pages. A discussion of the credit
under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) in the CRS Coordinator's Manual, with
examples.
CRS Credit for Stormwater Management, 2007. 70 pages. A discussion of the credit under
Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) in the CRS Coordinator's Manual, with examples.
Example Plans, 2007. 100 pages. A discussion of credit for Floodplain Management Planning
(Section 510 in the CRS Coordinator's Manual), with examples.
“National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool,” 2005. Developed by FEMA to gather
information related to risk, building construction, and costs to help choose appropriate
mitigation measures for a floodprone property.

References on Special Flood-Related Hazards
The following references cover the special flood-related hazards. They must be used by
communities wishing to apply for CRS credit for management of the eight special hazard
areas. They include worksheets needed for special hazards credit.
Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

E-2

Edition: July 2007

Community Rating System Publications

The following publications can be obtained free by folding and mailing this form (to the address
on the back) or faxing it to 317-848-3578. If you want more than one copy, call (317) 848-2898.
All of the “General and Application” and “Specific Activities” publications are available for
downloading from FEMA’s website, http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/CRS/index.htm, or on an
IBM-compatible compact disk.
Check here if you would prefer the CD instead of the paper copies.

General and Application
CRS Coordinator's Manual
CRS Activity Worksheets
CRS Application
The National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (color brochures)
CRS Record-Keeping Guidance

Specific Activities
CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
CRS Credit for Dam Safety

CRS Credit for Flood Warning Programs
CRS Credit for Outreach Projects
CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
Example Plans

Software
“Computerized Calculations for the Community Rating System” (IBM-compatible compact disk)
“Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates” (IBM-compatible compact disk)
“National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool”

Special Hazards
Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
CRS Credit for Management of Tsunami Hazards

Please send these publications to (please specify a street address, not a post office box):
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
City:

State:

Zip: __________________

Community Name: _________________________________________________________________________

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

E-3

Edition: July 2007

Stamp

Flood Publications
NFIP/CRS
P.O. Box 501016
Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016

[Fold, staple or tape, and mail]

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Community Rating System Publications
The following publications are available free by faxing this form to (301) 362-5335. If you want more
than one copy, call 1-800-480-2520. Each publication was written for a target audience:
GP - general public

E - engineers and architects

O - planners and permit officials

Libraries are encouraged to order only those publications noted with a “GP.” Items noted with an asterisk
can also be found on FEMA’s website: http://www.FEMA.gov.
Documents on flood maps and studies
GP
How to Use a Flood Map to Protect Your Property, FEMA-258, May 1995.
E, O
*Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas, FEMA-265, July 1995.
E
*Flood Insurance Study Guidelines and Specifications for Study Contractors, FEMA-37, 1993.
Documents on flood insurance
GP
*Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA-387, 2001.
GP
*Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Guidelines, FEMA-186, September 1999.
Documents on protecting a building
GP
*Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA-234,1992.
GP
*Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting, FEMA-312,1998.
GP
* Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347, 2000.
GP
*Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54, March 1984.
GP
Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-55, June 2000.
GP
*Manufactured Home Installation in Flood Hazard Areas, FEMA-85, September 1985.
GP
*Floodproofing Nonresidential Structures, FEMA-102, May 1986.
GP
Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential Structures, FEMA-114, 1986.
E, O
*Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage, FEMA-348, November 1999.
E
*Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood Prone Residential
Buildings, 1995.
O
*Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA-213, May, 1991
GP
*Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas,
FEMA-257, October 1994.
Documents on community floodplain management or flood hazard mitigation
GP
A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management, FEMA-248, May 1994.
GP
*Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction, FEMA-15, December 1981.
O
*Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas—A Guidebook for Local Officials,
FEMA-116, February 1987.
GP, O * Planning for a Sustainable Future: The Link Between Hazard Mitigation and Livability,
FEMA-364, 2000.
Documents on natural and beneficial floodplain functions
GP, O Protecting Floodplain Resources, A Guidebook for Communities, FEMA-268, 1995
Please send these publications to:
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
City:

State:

Community Name:

NFIP Number: _________________

(if applicable)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

Zip: ________________
(if applicable)

E-5

Edition: July 2007

[This page intentionally blank]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

E-6

Edition: July 2007

Appendix F
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ASSISTANCE AGENCIES
These agencies can help communities prepare programs that qualify for credit under the 18
CRS activities. More information about these agencies is provided on the following pages.
Activity

Federal Agencies

State Agencies

310 Elevation
Certificates

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator

320 Map Information
Service

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Natural Resources Conservation Service

State NFIP Coordinator
State licensing board

330 Outreach Projects

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Coastal Resources Management
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator
Emergency management agency
State licensing board
*Regional agencies

340 Hazard
Disclosure

FEMA Regional Office

State NFIP Coordinator
State licensing board

350 Flood Protection
Information

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Environmental Protection Agency

State NFIP Coordinator
Environmental protection agency
Parks/natural resources department
State licensing board
*Regional agencies

360 Flood Protection
Assistance

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Geological Survey
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator

410 Additional Flood
Data

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Geological Survey
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator
Department of transportation
*Regional agencies

420 Open Space
Preservation

FEMA Regional Office
Fish and Wildlife Service
National Park Service
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Coastal Resources Management

Parks/natural resources department
*Regional agencies

430 Higher
Regulatory Standards

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Fish and Wildlife Service
Coastal Resources Management
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator
Housing/econ./community development
Environmental protection agency
Parks/natural resources department
*Regional agencies

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-1

Edition: 2006

Appendix F
Activity

Federal Agencies

State Agencies

440 Flood Data
Maintenance

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Geological Survey
US Army Corps of Engineers

*Regional agencies

450 Stormwater
Management

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Coastal Resources Management
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Environmental Protection Agency

Department of transportation
Environmental protection agency
*Regional agencies

510 Floodplain
Management Plan

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
National Park Service
Fish and Wildlife Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator
Housing/econ./community development
State licensing board
Environmental protection agency
*Regional agencies

520 Acquisition and
Relocation

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

Housing/econ./community development
*Regional agencies

530 Flood Protection

FEMA Regional Office
Emergency Management Institute
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

State NFIP Coordinator
Housing/econ./community development
Environmental protection agency
*Regional agencies

540 Drainage System
Maintenance

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

Department of transportation
*Regional agencies

610 Flood Warning
Program

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Geological Survey
National Weather Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

Dam safety program
Emergency management agency

620 Levee Safety

FEMA Regional Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service
US Army Corps of Engineers

Emergency management agency

630 Dam Safety

FEMA Regional Office
US Army Corps of Engineers

Dam safety program
Emergency management agency

*Various regional agencies involved in housing, planning, urban renewal, and community
development.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-2

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

Federal Agencies
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Regional Office - Mitigation Division [http://www.fema.gov/fima]
Each of the ten FEMA Regional Offices has a Mitigation Division that handles the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the Community Rating System (CRS), and
several mitigation funding programs. These offices help states, communities and private entities
interpret the federal regulations.
Program: NFIP and CRS Assistance
[http://www.fema.gov/about/divisions/mitigation/mitigation.shtm]
Program Description: Regional staff includes engineers and planners assigned to help communities. They provide technical assistance and publications to help citizens and local officials
understand NFIP flood maps and the regulatory requirements for communities to participate in
the NFIP. While each office has one person designated as the lead person for the CRS, a local
official’s first point of contact should be the planner or emergency management specialist
assigned to that community.
Activities Supported: All
Point of Contact: FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual).
Program: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
[http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/index.shtm]
Program Description: The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will pay for 75% of the eligible
costs of such mitigation projects. To be eligible, the projects should be consistent with the
recommendations of the state’s mitigation plans and strategies. Projects must be shown to be
cost-effective, and they may mitigate hazards other than the one that caused the disaster.
Activities Supported: 520, 530
Point of Contact: FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual).
Program: Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
[http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/fma/index.shtm]
Program Description: To assist states and local governments to implement cost-effective
measures that will reduce future flood damage and reduce future flood insurance claims.
Examples of eligible projects include acquisition or elevation of National Flood Insurance
Program-insured buildings, and minor drainage improvement projects. Also hazard mitigation
plans can be generated with these funds.
Activities Supported: 510, 520, 530, 540
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-3

Edition: July 2007

Appendix F

Point of Contact: FEMA Regional Office (see Appendix A in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual)
Also, at the FEMA website the top bar tabs provide links to the FEMA Regional Office websites
(click on “REGIONS”).

Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Emergency Management Institute [http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/]
Program Description: FEMA’s National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, is
the home of the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy. There,
emergency managers, firefighters, and elected officials can take classes in many areas of
emergency management, including emergency planning, exercise design and evaluation disaster
management, hazardous materials response, and fire service management. EMI course are also
given by many states. An Independent Study Program is also available to private citizens.
Special seminars and workshops are offered via satellite as part of FEMA’s Emergency Education Network, called EENET.
Courses of special interest to engineers, architects and building code officials are:
Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings
Multihazard Building Design Summer Institute
Digital Hazard Data Course
Managing Floodplain Development Through the National Flood Insurance Program
National Flood Insurance Program - Community Rating System
HAZUS/DMA 2000
Mitigation Grants
Activities Supported: 310, 320, 360, 410, 430, 440, 530
Point of Contact: The local emergency manager or the training officer in the state emergency
management agency.

Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) [http://www.nrcs.usda.gov]
NRCS primarily serves rural areas. NRCS staff provides information on land use planning,
conservation planning, resource development, water management and flood prevention to
farmers, community officials, and land developers. While mostly a general information and
technical assistance operation, NRCS also funds flood protection projects.
In addition, NRCS can assist local officials with review of subdivision proposals, erosion and
sedimentation control, and other development plans.
Program: Watershed Surveys and Planning Program, Section 6, Public Law 83-566
[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-4

Edition: July 2007

Appendix F

Program Description: The Watershed Surveys and Planning Program focuses on appraising
water and related land resources and formulating alternative plans for conservation use and
development. Generally, studies are of limited scope and short duration to provide specific
information needed for planning. Plans may include management and land measures or
combinations thereof that would meet existing and projected needs and objectives.
Task Assistance: 320, 350, 360, 410, 420, 440, 450, 510, 520, 530, 540, 610, 620
Point of Contact: The NRCS work is conducted through local soil and water conservation
district service center. The point of contact is the district conservationist who usually has an
office in the county seat. Check the local telephone directory, or click on “Contact Us” at the top
bar menu, or “Find a Service Center” at the left side menu at the NRCS website, to find the
nearest office. To find a state link click on “State and Regions” at the left side menu.

Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) [http://www.usgs.gov or http://water.usgs.gov]
The USGS performs surveys, investigations and research, covering topography, geology,
hydrology, and the mineral resources of the United States. They classify lands as to their mineral
water resources and publish and disseminate data relative to the foregoing activities. The USGS
also publishes flow rates, and peak flows of certain streams and rivers.
Program: National Water Data Exchange
Program Description: Each state has a User Assistance Center. These centers can provide
•

Factual information on flood peaks and discharges, flood depths and velocities, profiles of
the water surface and areas inundated during major floods, time-of-travel of flood wave,
and sediment transport information;

•

Interpretative information regarding flood frequency relations, estimates of 10-, 50-, 100-,
and 500-year flood discharges, computed water surface profiles, and flood-prone areas
delineated on topographic maps;

•

Assistance in minimizing flood losses by quickly identifying areas of potential flood
hazards; and

•

Additional information on the hydrology of floodplains.

Activities Supported: 360, 410, 440, 610
Point of Contact: Each state has a USGS Office. Either check the government section in the
phone book or click on “Contact Us” on the left side menu at the http://water.usgs.gov website.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-5

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

Department of the Interior
National Park Service [http://www.nps.gov/rtca]
The objectives of the National Park Service are to administer the properties under its jurisdiction,
to protect the natural environment of the areas, and to assist States, local governments, and citizen
groups in the development of park areas, the protection of the natural environment, and the
preservation of historic properties.
Program: Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
Program Description: The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program provides
National Park Service staff for assistance to communities for river and trail corridor planning and
open space preservation efforts. Program personnel are acknowledged experts in facilitating
cooperative planning efforts. Projects are all based on substantial involvement of varied
community interests. Targeted National Park Service assistance with grassroots planning can help
communities make informed choices based upon consensus about future growth and development
that will help avoid future flood losses.
Activities Supported: 420, 510
Point of Contact:
Alaska Region
Northeast Region

(907) 644-3586

Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia,
West Virginia, District of Columbia
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

(215) 597-1787
(617) 223-5123

Midwest Region
Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin

(402) 221-3483
(330) 657-2950

Pacific West Region
(206) 220-4113
(510) 817-1449

Idaho, Oregon, Washington
California, Hawaii, Nevada

Intermountain Region
Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming
(303) 969-2855
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi,
North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee,
(404) 562-3175 ext.522
Virgin Islands
Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
(505) 988-66091

Contact information and regional websites can also be found by clicking “Who We Are” at the
left side menu of the website.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-6

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service [http://www.fws.gov or http://habitat.fws.gov]
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others, to conserve, protect, and
enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Their major responsibilities are: migratory birds, endangered species, freshwater and anadromous
fish, the National Wildlife Refuge System, wetlands, conserving habitat, and environmental
contaminants.
The Fish and Wildlife Service provides expertise on questions relating to fish, wildlife, and
habitat resource, preservation and maintenance. They also review wetland projects as part of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 404 permit program.
Activities Supported: 420, 430
Point of Contact:
Pacific Region 1: Portland, Oregon

(503) 231-6120

http://www.fws.gov/pacific

(California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington)

Region 2: Albuquerque, New Mexico

(505) 248-6911

http://www.fws.gov/southwest

(612) 713-5360

http://www.fws.gov/midwest

(404) 679-4000

http://www.fws.gov/southeast

(Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)

Region 3: Twin Cities, Minnesota
(Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin)

Region 4: Atlanta, Georgia

(Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico)

Region 5: Newton Corner, Massachusetts

(413) 253-8200 http://www.fws.gov/northeast

(Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia)

Region 6: Denver, Colorado

(303) 236-7920

http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie

(Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)

Region 7: Anchorage, Alaska

(907) 786-3309

http://www fws.gov/alaska

(Alaska)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-7

Edition: July 2007

Appendix F

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration −
National Weather Service (NWS) [http://www.nws.noaa.gov or
http://hydrology.nws.noaa.gov/oh/]
Reports the weather of the U.S. and its possessions and provides weather forecasts to the general
public, issues warnings against natural events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and
tsunamis, provides special services in support of aviation, marine activities, agriculture, forestry,
urban air-quality control, and other weather-sensitive activities; monitors and reports all non
federal weather modification activities conducted in the United States.
Program: Local Flood Warning Systems
Program Description: Floodplain information and interpretation assistance for specific points
on larger rivers of the United States can be obtained from the National Weather Service. NWS
provides flood forecasts and warnings on larger rivers and provides flash flood warnings on
smaller streams. Interested communities are assisted in establishing flood warning systems. There
are 12 field forecasting offices across the United States. Regional office staff can identify field
stations near a user.
Also, storm surge frequency information and interpretative assistance are available for the Gulf of
Mexico and Atlantic coasts. Studies have been completed for the Gulf of Mexico coast from the
Alabama-Florida border to southern Florida and along the Atlantic coast from southern Florida to
Cape Henlopen, the southern boundary of Delaware Bay. NWS also provides warnings of storm
surges associated with tropical and extra-tropical storms.
Activities Supported: 610
Point of Contact: There are six Regional Offices:
Eastern: Bohemia, NY

(516) 244-0100

(Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia,
Rhode Island, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Ohio, Pennsylvania)

Southern: Fort Worth, TX

(817) 978-2561

Central: Kansas City, MO

(816) 426-5400

Western: Salt Lake City, UT

(801) 524-5122

Alaskan: Anchorage, AK

(907) 271-5008

(Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico,
Tennessee, Texas)

(Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming)
(Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
Oregon, Utah, Washington)
(Alaska)

Pacific: Honolulu, HI

(808) 532-6416

(Hawaii, independent countries in free association with the U.S.)

Contact information for state offices can be found by clicking “Organization” at the top bar menu
of the website.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-8

Edition: July 2007

Appendix F

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Office of Coastal
Resources Management [http://www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov/czm]
Program: Coastal Zone Management Program
Program Description: The national program, created by the Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, balances competing demands on the coast. The Coastal Zone Management Program
(CZMP) covers a range of issues, including habitat protection, coastal hazard mitigation, public
access to the coast, nonpoint source pollution control, and responsible coastal development. The
program is designed as a federal-state partnership in which coastal management is undertaken
through the administration of state laws and regulations while the federal government provides
funding, technical assistance, and support.
Objectives of the CZMP include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

manage coastal development to protect life and property from coastal hazards;
protect wetlands and other coastal ecosystems;
provide public access to the nation’s beaches and coastal areas;
maintain and, where necessary, improve the quality of coastal waters;
provide for the development of energy resources, such as oil and gas, in a manner
compatible with the long-term conservation of resources; and
coordinate and simplify administrative procedures to expedite government decision
making.

Activities Supported: 330, 420, 430, 450
Point of Contact: The following are the state coastal zone management contacts. Those marked
with an asterisk do not yet have a federally approved coastal management program.
Alabama
Alaska
Amer. Samoa
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Illinois*
Indiana
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota

Mississippi
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
No. Mariana Is.
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Virgin Islands
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin

(251) 929-0900
(907) 465-8794
(684) 633-5155
(415) 904-5200
(860) 424-3034
(302) 739-3451
(850) 245-2163
(912) 264-7218
(671) 472-4201
(808) 587-2846
(312) 793-3123
(317) 233-0132
(225) 342-7591
(207) 287-3261
(410) 260-8735
(617) 626-1200
(517) 335-3168
(218) 834-6625

(228) 374-5000
(603) 271-2155
(609) 292-2662
(518) 474-6000
(919) 733-2293
(670) 664-8306
(419) 626-7980
(503) 373-0500
(717) 772-4785
(787) 721-7593
(401) 783-3370
(803) 744-5838
(512) 463-5054
(340) 774-3320
(804) 698-4320
(360) 407-6600
(608) 266-0288

State contacts can also be found by clicking State Programs” at the bottom bar menu of the
website.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-9

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

Department of Defense
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [http://www.usace.army.mil]
The Civil Works Program is the Nation’s major water resources development activity. It
involves engineering works such as major dams, reservoirs, levees, harbors, waterways, locks,
and other types of structures. Planning assistance is provided to states and other nonfederal
entities for the comprehensive management of water resources, including pollution abatement
works.
This program conducts feasibility studies and builds flood damage reduction projects. Major
projects require specific authorization and funding by Congress, while small projects can be
implemented with agency authority.
Program: Floodplain Management Services Program
Program Description: Within the Civil Works Program is the Corps’ Floodplain Management
Services Program which provides flood hazard determinations, technical data on flood hazards,
and guidance on flood proofing, floodplain regulations, flood warning, emergency preparedness,
and evacuation planning.
Program: Section 206 of the 1960 Flood Control Act, as amended (Floodplain Management
Services Program)
Program Description: Provides floodplain information and technical assistance to states,
counties, and cities for prudent use of land subject to flooding from streams, lakes and oceans.
Examples of projects include developing and interpreting flood and flood plain data such as
flood hazard mapping; providing a broad assessment of the impact of structural and nonstructural
flood damage reduction measures; providing technical assistance on flood proofing systems and
techniques; and assessing the possible impacts of land use changes on the physical, socioeconomic and environmental conditions of the floodplain.
Program: Section 404 of the 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (Section
404 of the “Clean Water Act”)
Program Description: The Corps is also involved in regulating activities in navigable
waterways and "waters of the United States," which includes many wetlands. The Corps’
regulation of wetland activities, commonly called Section 404 authority, is part of the
amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which is also called the “Clean Water
Act.” A major aspect of the 404 program is determining which areas qualify for protection as
wetlands. In reaching these decisions, the Corps uses its 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual
(available in PDF format at the above website). Numerous relatively minor activities in wetlands
are covered by regional or nationwide general permits, allowing the regulatory staff to
concentrate on more complex cases. The Corps does have authority to delegate its regulatory
responsibilities to qualifies state and local agencies.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-10

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

Activities Supported: 310, 330, 350, 360, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 510, 520, 530, 540, 610,
620, 630
Point of Contact: There are eight Division Offices, and 38 District Offices. Check the local
phone book, contact the State NFIP Coordinator, or contact the FEMA regional office for the
appropriate Corps district office. Corps offices can also be found by clicking “Where We Are” at
the left side menu of their website.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds [http://www.epa.gov/owow]
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of eight federal agencies responsible
for developing a Clean Water Action Plan. While EPA has a number of regulatory
responsibilities, they also provide support to grassroots organizations to develop watershed
partnerships. EPA offers, through their office and through partner organizations, numerous
publications and public information materials on watershed protection.
Activities Supported: 350, 450
Point of Contact: EPA website or see “For More Information” sections at the end of the
Activities 350 and 450 in this Manual.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-11

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

State Agencies
State NFIP Coordinator
Most states have an NFIP Coordinator whose duties include advising and assisting local officials
and property owners about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), particularly its
regulatory aspects. These offices are also the best sources of information about related floodplain
management issues, including programs that affect or support flood reduction. A few state
coordinating offices provide technical assistance or manage financial assistance programs. The
State NFIP Coordinating Offices are listed in Appendix H.
Activities Supported: 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 410, 430, 510, 530

Housing/community affairs/economic development agency
Most states have a department of community affairs or similar office that is responsible for
managing the Community Development Block Grant. Some states have their own funding
programs that operate similar to the Block Grant. They fund housing or economic improvement
projects, including projects that protect buildings from floods. Some agencies provide technical
assistance to communities undertaking floodplain management planning or establishing
programs to help property owners.
Activities Supported: 430, 510, 520, 530
Point of Contact: The title and duties will vary from state to state, but most will have a
community affairs agency located in the state capital. Check with your state NFIP Coordinator.

Dam safety program
Most states have a dam safety program. It will vary from state to state as to what size of
impoundments are regulated. The majority of states also provide for a system of inspections and
checks for state regulated dams, to insure they are being properly maintained.
Activities Supported: 610, 630
Point of Contact: Check with your state NFIP Coordinator or contact the Association of State
Dam Safety Officials at 450 Old Vine St., 2nd Floor, Lexington, KY 40507, (606) 257-5140.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-12

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

Emergency management agency
This agency is the Governor’s designated contact in the event of a disaster. It is the liaison
between community officials and the federal government. This agency is responsible for
publishing the state’s emergency plans as required for presidentially declared disaster assistance.
The state manages the FEMA mitigation programs introduced earlier.
Activities Supported: 330, 510, 610, 620, 630
Point of Contact: Check with your state NFIP Coordinator.

Department of transportation
An office in the highway agency is responsible for the design, engineering and developing of
roads and bridges. As part of their duties they make sure the following regulations are complied
with:
•
•
•
•
•

Federal Highway Administration’s Federal-Aid Policy Guide;
The Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations;
The Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System regulations;
The state stormwater and sediment and erosion control regulations; and
Departmental policy

The highway office may have a listing of all bridges, the elevations of the bridges, and the 100year flood level for that bridge location. This information can be used to determine flood levels
in areas with state highways.
Activities Supported: 410, 450, 540
Point of Contact: Check with your state NFIP Coordinator.

Environmental protection agency
Most state environmental protection agencies have a stormwater management program. This
program monitors communities for compliance with state and federal stormwater run-off
regulations . Some agencies manage erosion and sedimentation regulations as part of their nonpoint source pollution management programs.
Activities Supported: 350, 430, 450
Point of Contact: Check with your state NFIP Coordinator.

Parks/recreation/natural resources department

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-13

Edition: 2006

Appendix F

This department usually handles the rules and regulations governing the natural resources within
the state. It usually controls large amounts of open space land, wetlands, and water impoundments. Department staff can help with issues related to natural and beneficial floodplain
functions.
Activities Supported: 350, 420, 430
Point of Contact: Check with your state NFIP Coordinator.

State licensing board
Among other things, the state licensing board tests and issues licenses for lending institutions,
insurance agents, and real estate agents. The agency may be a good contact with these
organizations.
Activities Supported: 320, 340
Point of Contact: Check with your state NFIP Coordinator.

Regional Housing, Community Development, Planning, and Sewer Agencies
There are many different kinds of city, county, and regional agencies involved in housing,
planning, urban renewal, and community development. Community development departments
and housing authorities work to improve local housing conditions through public housing and
other programs to help low and moderate income residents. This work can be in the form of
building inspections, technical assistance, and financial assistance.
Other local and regional agencies include regional planning commissions and water management
districts. Most provide general information to residents and technical assistance to local officials.
Some can assist in mitigating flood conditions when done on a community-wide or
neighborhood basis.
Some sanitary districts have floodplain or stormwater management regulatory authority based on
the need to keep floodwaters out of sewer lines. Some of these agencies have active technical
and financial assistance programs to help property owners flood proof or retrofit their homes.
Activities Supported: 330, 350, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 510, 520, 530, 540
Point of Contact: These agencies may be listed in the local telephone directory. State NFIP
coordinators and FEMA Regional Offices may know of agencies particularly active in floodplain
management.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

F-14

Edition: 2006

Appendix G
ISO/CRS SPECIALISTS
Montana – Kerry Redente
Nebraska – Kerry Redente
Nevada - Ron Mielnicki
New Hampshire – Jimmy Chin
New Jersey – Tom Brett
New Mexico – Kerry Redente
New York (Long Island) – Jimmy Chin
New York (Upstate) – David Van Troost
North Carolina – Mandy Todd
North Dakota – Kerry Redente
Ohio – Jimmy Chin
Oklahoma - Janine Ellington
Oregon – Dave Arkens
Pennsylvania - Tom Brett
Rhode Island - Jimmy Chin
South Carolina – David Van Troost
South Dakota – Kerry Redente
Tennessee – Sherry Harper
Texas – Janine Ellington
Utah – Kerry Redente
Vermont – Jimmy Chin
Virginia – Tom Brett
Washington – Linda Ryan
West Virginia – Tom Brett
Wisconsin – Scott Cofoid
Wyoming – Kerry Redente

Alabama – Sherry Harper
Alaska – Linda Ryan
Arizona – Ron Mielnicki
Arkansas - Janine Ellington
California – Ron Mielnicki (S)
Dave Arkens (N)
Colorado – Kerry Redente
Connecticut – Jimmy Chin
Delaware – Tom Brett
Florida – Gabe Gambrill, Sherry Harper,
Sue Hopfensperger, Heidi Liles,
Lori Hudson
Georgia – David Van Troost
Hawaii – Ron Mielnicki
Idaho – Linda Ryan
Illinois – Scott Cofoid
Indiana – Scott Cofoid
Iowa – Kerry Redente
Kansas – Kerry Redente
Kentucky – Sherry Harper
Louisiana – Sherry Harper
Maine – Jimmy Chin
Maryland – Tom Brett
Massachusetts – Jimmy Chin
Michigan – Scott Cofoid
Minnesota – Scott Cofoid
Mississippi – Sherry Harper
Missouri – Kerry Redente

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

G-1

Edition: July 2007

Appendix G

Telephone numbers are for both voice and fax.
David Arkens
2312 Tulane Ave.
Central Point, OR 97502
541/664-9966
[email protected]
Tom Brett
1327 Old Meadow Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
412/221-4679
[email protected]
Jimmy Chin
6 Stedman Street - #1
Brookline, MA 02446
617/734-9424
[email protected]
Scott Cofoid
1126 Schuyler Street
Peru, IL 61354
815/220-1002
[email protected]
Janine Ellington
614–C S. Business IH35
#28H
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830/899-6422
[email protected]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

Gabe Gambrill
125 Colombard Court
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
32082
904/280-1268
[email protected]

Ron Mielnicki
P.O. Box 2819
2375 W. Willow Breeze Rd.
Chino Valley, AZ 86323
928/636-5969
[email protected]

Sherry Harper
2382 Susan Drive
Crestview, FL 32536
850/682-1998
[email protected]

Kerry Redente
12500 County Rd. 258
Salida, CO 81201
719/539-6501
[email protected]

Sue Hopfensperger
636 Cashiers Dr.
West Palm Beach, FL
33413
561/543-1122
[email protected]

Linda Ryan
270 Bluebird Lane
Tillamook, OR 97141
503/842-0029
[email protected]

Lori Hudson
14320 Salem Church Road
Dover, FL 33527
813/215-8074
[email protected]
Heidi Liles
282 West Sabal Palm Place
Longwood, FL 32779
407/774-7494
[email protected]

G-2

Mandy Todd
1993 Meadowood Lane
Longs, SC 29568
843/399-5127
[email protected]
David Van Troost
340 So. Pearl St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585/394-3815
[email protected]

Edition: July 2007

Appendix H
STATE NFIP COORDINATORS
Most states have an NFIP Coordinator whose duties include advising and assisting local officials
and property owners about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), particularly its
regulatory aspects. These offices are also the best sources of information about related floodplain
management issues, including programs that affect or support flood reduction. A few state
coordinating offices provide technical assistance or manage financial assistance programs. The
State NFIP Coordinating Offices are listed below.
Ken Meredith
Alabama Dept. of Economic and Community
Affairs
Office of Water Resources
P.O. Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690
(334) 353-0853; Fax: (334) 242-0776
[email protected]

Ricardo S. Pineda
California Dept. of Water Resources
3310 El Camino Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 574-0611; Fax: (916) 574-0678
[email protected]

Taunnie L. Boothby
Alaska Dept. of Community and Economic
Development
550 West 7th Ave., Ste. 1770
Anchorage, AK 99501–3510
(907) 269-4583; Fax: (907) 269-4563
[email protected]

Thuy Patton
Colorado Water Conservation Board
1313 Sherman St., Rm. 721
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-3803; Fax: (303) 866-4474
[email protected]

Brian Cosson
Arizona Dept. of Water Resources
3550 North Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2105
(602) 771-8657; Fax: (602) 777-8691
[email protected]

Diane Ifkovic
Connecticut Dept. of Environ. Protection
79 Elm St.
Hartford, CT 06106–5127
(860) 424-3706; Fax: (860) 424-4075
[email protected]

Michael Borengasser
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
101 East Capitol Ave., Ste. 350
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-3969; Fax: (501) 682-3991
[email protected]

Michael S. Powell
Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources
89 Kings Hwy.
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-9921; Fax: (302) 739-6724
[email protected]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

H-1

Edition: July 2007

Appendix H

Timothy Karikari
Dept. of Health
51 N St., N.E., Rm. 5021
Washington D.C. 20002
(202) 535-2248; Fax: (202) 535-1364
[email protected]

Greg Main
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
402 West Washington St., Rm. W264
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748
(317) 234-1107; Fax: (317) 233-4579
[email protected]

Charles H. Speights
Florida Dept. of Community Affairs
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399–2100;
(850) 413-9960; Fax: (850) 410-1582
[email protected]

Bill Cappuccio
Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Bldg.
502 East Ninth St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
(515) 281-8942; Fax: (515) 281-8895
[email protected]

Collis O. Brown
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources
7 Martin Luther King Jr., Dr., Ste. 440
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-6382; Fax: (404) 656-6383
[email protected]

Tom Morey
Kansas Dept. of Agriculture, DWR
109 SW 9th St., 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612-1283
(785)-296-5440; Fax: (785) 296-4835
[email protected]

Carol Tyau-Beam
Hawaii Dept. of Land & Natural Res.
P.O. Box 373
Honolulu, HI 96809
(808) 587-0287; Fax: (808) 587-0283
[email protected]

Christopher Hart
Kentucky Division of Water
14 Reilly Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3410 x585; Fax: (502) 564-9003
[email protected]

Mary McGown
Idaho Dept. of Water Resources
322 E. Front St.
Boise, ID 83720
(208) 287-4928; Fax: (208) 287-6700
[email protected]

Cindy O’Neal
La. Dept. of Transportation & Development
P.O. Box 94245 Capitol Station
Baton Rouge, LA 70804–9425
(225) 274-4354; Fax: (225) 274-4351
cindyo’[email protected]

Paul Osman
Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
(217) 782-4428; Fax: (217) 785-5014
[email protected]

W. Louis Sidell, Jr.
State Planning Office
38 State House Station, 184 State St.
Augusta, ME 04333–0038
(207) 287-8063; Fax: (207) 287-6489
[email protected]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

H-2

Edition: July 2007

Appendix H

David Guignet
Maryland Dept. of Environment
1800 Washington Blvd, Ste. 430
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 537-3773; Fax: (410) 631-3873
[email protected]

Traci Sears-Tull
Montana Floodplain Management Program
1424 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59620-1601
(406) 444-6654; Fax: (406) 444-0533
[email protected]

Richard Zingarelli
Massachusetts DCR
Flood Hazard Management Program
251 Causeway St., Ste. 700
Boston, MA 02114-2104
(617) 626-1406; Fax: (617) 626-1349
[email protected]

Bill Jones
Nebraska Dept. of Natural Resources
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. 94676
Lincoln, NE 68509–4876
(402) 471-3932; Fax: (402) 471-2900
[email protected]

Les Thomas
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 30458
Lansing, MI 48909-7958
(517) 335-3448; Fax: (517) 373-9965
[email protected]

Nevada Division of Water Resources
901 So. Stewart St., Ste. 2002
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-2860; Fax:

Tom Lutgen
Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155–4032
(651) 259-5691; Fax: (651) 296-0445
[email protected]

Joanne Cassulo
Office of Energy and Planning
57 Regional Dr., Ste. 3
Concord, NH 03301-8519
(603) 271-2155; Fax: (603) 271-2615
[email protected]

Al W. Goodman, Jr.
Mississippi Emergency Mgmt. Agency
P.O. Box 5644
Pearl, MS 39208
(601) 933-6884; Fax: (601) 933-6805
[email protected]

John H. Moyle
New Jersey Dept. of Environ. Protection
P.O. Box 419
501 East State St.
Trenton, NJ 08625-0419
(609) 984-0859; Fax: (609) 984-1908
[email protected]

Randy Scrivner
Missouri Emergency Mgmt. Agency
P.O. Box 116
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 526-9116; Fax: (573) 526-9198
[email protected]

Bill Borthwick
New Mexico Office of Emerg. Mgmt.
P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628
(505) 476-9617; Fax: (505) 471-9695
[email protected]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

H-3

Edition: July 2007

Appendix H

William Nechamen
New York State Dept. of Environ. Cons.
Bureau of Flood Protection
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-3507
(518) 402-8146; Fax: (518) 402-9029
[email protected]

Kerry Wilson
Dept. of Community & Economic Affairs
400 N St., 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 720-7445; Fax: (717)234-4650
[email protected]

Phillip S. Letsinger
North Carolina Div. of Emergency Mgmt.
4713 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4713
(919) 715-8000 x273; Fax: (919) 715-5408
[email protected]

Angel Rodriguez
Puerto Rico Planning Board
Minillas Govt. Center, P.O. Box 41119
Santurce, PR 00940–1119
(787) 723-6200; Fax: (787) 268-6858
[email protected]

Jeffrey Klein
North Dakota State Water Commission
900 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505-0850
(701) 328-4898; Fax: (701) 328-3747
[email protected]

Pamela Pogue
Emergency Management Agency
645 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 946-9996; Fax: (401) 944-1891
[email protected]

Cynthia J. Crecelius
Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Rd., Bldg. B-2
Columbus, OH 43224
(614) 265-6754; Fax: (614) 447-9503
[email protected]

Lisa S. Jones
South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources
1000 Assembly St., Ste 345C
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-9120; Fax: (803) 734-9106
[email protected]

Gavin Brady
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
3800 North Classen Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(918) 581-2924; Fax: (405) 530-8900
[email protected]

Michelle Saxman
South Dakota Division of Emergency
Mgmt.
118 W. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3238; Fax: (605) 773-3580
[email protected]

Christine Shirley
Oregon Dept. of Land Conserv. & Devel.
635 Capitol St., NE, Ste. 150
Salem, OR 97310-2540
(503) 373-0050 x250; Fax: (503) 375-5518
[email protected]

Dan Hawk
Tennessee Dept. of Economic &
Community Development
312 Eighth Ave. North, 10th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0405
(615) 741-2211; Fax: (615) 741-0607
[email protected]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

H-4

Edition: July 2007

Appendix H

Mike Howard
Texas Water Development Board
1700 North Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78791
(512) 239-6155; Fax: (512) 239-4770
[email protected]

Daniel Sokol
Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
(360) 407-6796; Fax: (360) 407-6902
[email protected]

John Crofts
Utah Div. of Emergency Mgmt.
State Office Bldg., Rm. 1110
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
(801) 538-3332; Fax: (801) 538-3770
[email protected]

Robert Perry / Tim Keaton
West Virginia Office of Emergency Services
1900 Kanawha Blvd., Rm. EB-80
Charleston, WV 25305-0360
(304) 965-2331; Fax: (304) 3965-3216
[email protected]
[email protected]

Rob Evans
Vermont DEC, Water Quality Division
River Management Program
103 South Main St., Bldg. 10N
Waterbury, VT 05671-0408
(802) 241-1554; Fax:
[email protected]

Robert M. Watson
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster, WT/2
Madison, WI 53702
(608) 266-8039; Fax: (608) 264-9200
[email protected]

Brent Blyden
Dept. of Planning & Natural Resources
Cyril E. King Airport
Terminal Bldg., 2nd Floor
St. Thomas, VI 00802
(340) 774-3320; Fax: (340) 775-5706

Kim Johnson
Wyoming Office of Homeland Security
Herschler Building, 1st East
122 West 25th St.
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-4910; Fax: (307) 635-6017
[email protected]

Bill Browning / David Gunn
Virginia Dept. of Conservation & Recreation
203 Governor St., Ste. 206
Richmond, VA 23219-2019
(804) 786-8073; Fax: (804) 371-2630
[email protected]
[email protected]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

H-5

Edition: July 2007

Appendix H

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

H-6

Edition: July 2007

Appendix I
APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The procedures for applying for the CRS are covered in the CRS Application. The information
in this appendix is taken directly from that publication, so page numbers refer to those in the
CRS Application.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

I-1

Edition: July 2007

[This page intentionally blank.]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

I-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM APPLICATION

FEMA FORM 81-73, June 2007

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

I-3

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 31 hours per response for the
application process and 4 hours for annual recertification. The burden estimate includes the time
for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are not required to respond to this
collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed in the upper right corner
of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any
suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W., Washington,
D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed
form to this address.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-4

Edition: July 2007

210 REQUESTING CRS CREDIT
The prerequisites for applying for a CRS classification are covered in Section 211 of this CRS
Application and the more detailed CRS Coordinator’s Manual. Application documents and
procedures are explained in Sections 212 and 213. If you do apply, you are required to submit
all of the application documents needed, including application for credit under Activity 310
(Elevation Certificates).

211 Credit Prerequisites
a. Application Prerequisites: There are four prerequisites to applying to become a Class 9
or better community:
1. Your community must have been in the Regular Phase of the NFIP for at least one year.
2. Your community must be in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the
NFIP. See the discussion below.
3. If there are one or more repetitive loss properties in the community, the community must
take certain actions as specified on pages 33–34.
4. The community must maintain all flood insurance policies that it has been required to
carry on properties owned by the community. [See the discussion under item 6 on page I4 of this Appendix.]
Your application must include a letter from the Regional Office of the Department of
Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stating that your
community is in full compliance with the NFIP. (The Regional Offices are listed on page 45.)
The letter must have been written no earlier than six months before your application is
submitted. The Regional Office or State NFIP Coordinator may need to visit your community
if they have not been there recently. If so, your application cannot be processed until the visit
is conducted and FEMA confirms your community’s full compliance. If a CRS community is
determined at any time not to be in full compliance, it will revert to a CRS Class 10.
b. Class 7 Prerequisite: In addition to having sufficient points, in order to be a Class 7 or
better, your community must have received a classification of 6 or better under the Building
Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS). Both BCEGS classifications
(residential/personal and commercial) must be a Class 6 or better.
The BCEGS is administered by the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). It measures a
community’s building code standards as they relate to natural hazard mitigation and how the
community administers its code. More information about BCEGS can be obtained from your
ISO/CRS Specialist (see page 53).
There are additional prerequisites for a community to become a Class 4 or better.
c. Application Information: You MUST check with your FEMA Regional Office (listed
on page 45) to determine if your community is in full compliance with the NFIP. If so, ask for
a letter of confirmation. You cannot apply for a CRS classification until the FEMA Regional
Office provides the letter. You may have to wait for the Region or the State Coordinator to
conduct a community visit.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-5

Edition: July 2007

Call your ISO/CRS Specialist (see page 53) and discuss your application. The ISO/CRS
Specialist can provide advice on helpful hints, common mistakes to avoid, how neighboring
communities have handled certain activities, and possible timing of the verification visit. Ask
your ISO/CRS Specialist for the following information:
1. What is your community’s BCEGS classification? Enter the two numbers (residential/
commercial) in the blanks in the top line of the application cover page on page 7.
2. What parts of the application are submitted to the Regional Office and the State NFIP
Coordinator? Some FEMA Regions and State Coordinators will want the entire
application and some will want to review only certain parts. In any case, the entire
application is submitted to the ISO/CRS Specialist. See also “Application Submittal” on
page 9.
3. Is your community a repetitive loss community? If so, ask for the FEMA repetitive loss
list so that you can meet the requirements of Sections 501–503 on pages 33–34.
4. How many credit points will you receive for your state’s dam safety program under
Activity 630 (Dam Safety)? Enter this in the blank before Section 631.a on page 43.
5. What is your community’s growth adjustment factor? Enter this number in the blank
before Section 711.a on page 44.
6. How many NFIP policies are in your community, how much flood insurance coverage is
provided, and what are the annual premiums paid? This information is not required, but it
will help determine the monetary impact of your participation in the CRS.

212 Application Documents
A complete application must include the appropriate worksheet pages from this CRS
Application and the documents that must be submitted with them as noted in the Application
Documentation section for each activity. Your application will not receive full credit, and
may be rejected, if the documentation is not complete.
Application Cover Page: On page 7 is the application cover page that includes data
needed about your community. It should be the first page of your application. The following
notes explain Sections 1 through 7 on the cover page. All of these items must be included
with your application package.
1. Your NFIP number and “FIRM Effective Date” are found on the legend of your FIRM.
The latter is usually the date of conversion to the Regular Program of the NFIP. The
“Current FIRM Date” is the date on the FIRM Index Map (or the FIRM legend if only one
panel was printed).

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-6

Edition: July 2007

210 CRS APPLICATION COVER PAGE
1. Community Name: ______________________________State: ____ BCEGS: _____/_____
NFIP Number: ________________ FIRM Effective Date: ____________________, ______
Population: ___________________ Current FIRM Date: _____________________, ______
Application Date: ________________, 200____
2.

Chief Executive Officer

County: __________________________
CRS Coordinator

Name:

_______________________________

________________________________

Title:

_______________________________

________________________________

Address: _______________________________

________________________________

_______________________________

________________________________

Coordinator’s telephone: __________________________ Fax: _______________________
Coordinator’s email:__________________________________________________________
3. Attached is our letter from FEMA stating that we are in full compliance with the
minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
4. I hereby certify that ___________________________[community name] is implementing the
following activities (check the ones that apply). We will continue to implement these activities and will advise FEMA if any of them are not being conducted in accordance with this
certification. We will cooperate with the ISO/CRS Specialist verification visit and will
submit the documentation and annual recertification needed to validate our program.
310 Elevation Certificates
____ 320 Map Information Service
____ 330 Outreach Projects
____ 340 Hazard Disclosure
____ 350 Flood Protection Information
____ 360 Flood Protection Assistance
____ 410 Additional Flood Data
____ 420 Open Space Preservation
____ 430 Higher Regulatory Standards
____ 430LD Land Development Criteria

____ 440 Flood Data Maintenance
____ 450 Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
____ 510 Floodplain Management Planning
____ 520 Acquisition and Relocation
____ 530 Flood Protection
____ 540 Drainage System Maintenance
____ 610 Flood Warning Program
____ 620 Levee Safety
____ 630 Dam Safety

5. Attached are the worksheet pages and the documentation for the checked activities as well
as the page for Section 720, showing that we have at least 500 points for CRS credit.
6. I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, we are maintaining in force
all flood insurance policies that have been required of us as a condition of Federal
financial assistance for insurable buildings owned by us and located in the Special Flood
Hazard Area shown on our Flood Insurance Rate Map. I further understand that disaster
assistance for flooded public buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area will be reduced
by the amount of flood insurance available from the National Flood Insurance Program for
the buildings, even if we do not have a policy.
(Chief Executive Officer)

7. Signed:

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-7

Edition: July 2007

2. Your Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is
your mayor, county board chair, city
manager, or other person of equivalent
position. Your CEO must designate
your community’s CRS Coordinator.
3. Your application must include the
letter from the FEMA Regional Office
stating that your community is in full
compliance with the NFIP. The letter
must be dated no more than six months
before your application date.
4. Check each activity for which you are
applying. Activity 310 is already
checked because maintaining Elevation
Certificates is a minimum requirement
for participation in the CRS. You must
complete and submit the worksheet
page for Activity 310 (page 10).

The CRS Coordinator
The CRS Coordinator coordinates the
application work of the various local
departments and offices performing the
activities for which credit is being requested.
This person serves as the liaison between the
community and FEMA and the ISO/CRS
Specialist on CRS matters.
The CRS Coordinator need not be the person
who normally handles NFIP activities. The
program will be best managed when the CRS
Coordinator can speak for the CEO, e.g., an
assistant city manager. The CRS Coordinator
should attend all CRS workshops. This person
should know the operations of all community
departments that deal with floodplain
management and public information. The CRS
Coordinator must coordinate the application
process and know where to obtain the

As noted on page 5, you must check to
see if you are a repetitive loss community. Read and complete page 33 on Repetitive Loss
Requirements. If you have one or more repetitive loss properties, you must obtain the list
of properties from FEMA and complete the two worksheet pages for Sections 501–503 on
pages 33–34. Category C communities (those with more than 10 repetitive loss properties)
must also apply for Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning).
Your CEO’s signature certifies that your community
is actually implementing the activities in your
application. This certification does NOT mean that
you will START doing them; it means that your
community IS doing them as of the date of your
application.

This CRS Application contains
examples of certifications and
ordinance language. It is
recommended that all certifications and proposed ordinances
be reviewed by your attorney or
corporation counsel.

5. Your application must include completed copies of
the appropriate worksheet pages of this CRS
Application and the documentation that is required
for each activity. See “Worksheet Pages” on page 9. The worksheet page for 720
(Community Total Points) is also required to show your total points. You may apply for
any of the other activities, as long as all of your activities add up to 500 points or more.
6. By signing the “CRS Application Cover Page,” the CEO is certifying your community has
all the flood insurance policies it has been required to have. The CRS is not concerned
with past lapses in flood insurance coverage. What counts is that NFIP insurance is in
effect at the time of the application and is kept in the future. The CRS Coordinator should
make every effort to determine the community’s legal requirement to purchase flood
insurance.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-8

Edition: July 2007

Over the last several years, Congress has taken steps to encourage public agencies and
private property owners to purchase flood insurance instead of relying exclusively on
disaster assistance for help after a flood. Disaster assistance for a public building (and
some private nonprofit buildings) will be reduced by the amount of NFIP flood insurance
coverage (structural and contents) a community should be carrying on the building
(regardless of whether the community is carrying a policy).
In effect, disaster assistance for a public agency now has a very large deductible equal to
the flood insurance policy the agency should carry. The law expects public agencies to be
appropriately insured as a condition of receiving federal disaster assistance.
There have also been recent cases in which communities were underinsured. Some
communities have purchased only the required amount of coverage (e.g., coverage equal
to the amount of a previous federal grant). The disaster assistance rule requires that the
community fund all repairs up to the amount of flood insurance that it could purchase.
Whether there was a requirement to purchase and maintain flood insurance as a condition
of some previous federal grant or not, the community’s risk manager or other appropriate
official should ensure that all community-owned buildings exposed to flooding are
insured for flood damage. Many agencies find out too late that their all-risk insurance
policies do not cover flooding.
7. The cover page must be signed by your community’s CEO. This form cannot be signed by
a department head or other staff person.

213 Application Procedures
a. Application Submittal: Ask your ISO/CRS Specialist about who gets what parts of the
application. A complete application (appropriate worksheet pages and all needed
documentation) is sent to your ISO/CRS Specialist.
Worksheet Pages: Each activity has one or more pages that explains the credit points and/or a
worksheet page. Worksheet pages are the pages in this CRS Application with the space at the
top for the community’s name. Enter the appropriate credit points in the blanks in the left
column of the worksheet page. The credit points are added and the total points for each
activity are transferred to page 44.
Documentation: The last section of each activity is the Application Documentation section.
You must check off the documentation that is needed with the application and you must check
that those items needed for verification will be provided during the verification visit. Attach
the documentation that is submitted with the application to the worksheet page for that
activity. Mark the margins of the documents to show where the credited element is covered
(see example on pages 19–20). Your ISO/CRS Specialist will explain any additional
documentation that may be needed for the verification visit or your annual recertification.
Submittal: All or parts of the application are sent to the FEMA Regional Office, Attn:
Director, Flood Insurance and Mitigation Division, and to your State NFIP Coordinator. The
FEMA Regional Offices are listed on page 45. They or the ISO/CRS Specialist can provide
the name, address, and telephone number of your State NFIP Coordinator.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-9

Edition: July 2007

A complete application includes the following:
•
•
•

A completed CRS Application Cover Page (page 7), signed by the CEO
Completed worksheet pages (those pages with “Community: __________” at the top)
All needed documentation, as noted at the end of each worksheet page.

Your application will not be processed under the following circumstances:
•
•
•

If your community is not in full compliance with the NFIP,
If your application is incomplete, or
If your application does not have the 500 points needed to warrant a Class 9.

b. Application Review: The ISO/CRS Specialist and FEMA Regional Office will need
approximately one month to conduct the application review. Once the application review
confirms that your community should have the 500 points needed for a Class 9, the ISO/CRS
Specialist schedules a verification visit. This visit is usually held within six months of receipt
of a complete application.
During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will review your activities according to
the scoring criteria in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. For example, a random sample of your
elevation certificates will be checked to see if they are complete and correct. Your credit
points could increase or decrease based on these reviews and the more accurate scoring
formulae in the Coordinator’s Manual.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual
FEMA Form 81-73, June 2007

I-10

Edition: July 2007

INDEX

[This page intentionally blank.]

INDEX
Activity/Element/Term

Section

-AAcquisition and Relocation (AR) ................................................................................................520
buildings acquired or relocated (bAR)..........................................................................521.a
buildings on the repetitive loss list acquired or relocated (bRL)..................................521.b
Activity credit points ...................................................................................................................122
Additional Flood Data (AFD)........................ (page vii), 410, (Figure 410-3, Figure 410-4), 524.e
Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) .......................................................................... 411.f
Credit for new studies (NS) ..........................................................................................411.a
for special hazards (AFDSH)................................................................................401, 411.e
see also Flood Insurance Study Guidelines and
Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners ..................................... 411, 415.c
future conditions hydrology..........................................................................................411.c
leveraging other funding (LEV) ...................................................................................411.b
more restrictive floodway standard (FWS)...................................................................411.d
non-FEMA share ..........................................................................................................411.b
regulatory flood elevation credit...................................................................................411.a
state review process ......................................................................................................411.a
topographic data............................................................................................................411.c
Additional map data (AMD).....................................................................................................441.a
Advice, technical assistance ........................................................................................330, 350, 360
All-hazard mitigation .................................................................................119, 510, (Figure 510-1)
Alluvial fans.................................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Application...........................................................................................................................121, 210
courtesy review .................................................................................................. 215.h, 215.i
cycle verification.....................................................................114, 130, 216.c, 234, 502.b.3
documentation.........................................................113, 212, 230, 314, 323, 333, 343, 353,
363, 414, 424, 434, 434LD, 444, 454,
514, 524, 534, 544, 614, 624, 634, 713
effect of revisions.............................................................................................................216
information needed for.....................................................................................................212
modifications......................................................................................... (page v), 215, 502.b
preparations for ................................................................................................................211
prerequisites ..........................................................................................................123.c, 211
procedures ........................................................................................................................213
recertification ..............................................................114, (Figure 210-1), 214, 511, 614.e
verification ..........................................114, 213.b, 230, (Figure 230-1), 311, 321, 424, 524

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-1

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Area analysis.............................................................................................................................511.b
Area calculations..........................................................................................................................404
Assistance [See: Advice]
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)..........................................................630, 635
-BBackground of the CRS ...............................................................................................................111
Barriers .................................................................................................................530, 531.c, 620
floodwalls.................................................................................................................361, 621
levees ............................................................................................................ (page xiii), 620
Base flood ....................................................................................................................................130
Base flood elevation (BFE), new elevation data...............................................................130, 411.a
Base map .......................................................................................... (Figure 400-1, Figure 400-2)
Bench marks [See: Elevation reference mark maintenance]
Best management practices (BMPs) ........................................................................................451.e
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
Building code (BC) ................................................................................................................. 431.m
Building codes ...........................................................................................211, (Figure 430-2), 431
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) ............................................ 211, 431.m
Buildings ....................................................................................................111, 130, 301, 302, 303
acquisition of....................................................................................................................520
community growth adjustment ........................................................................................710
counting for impact adjustment ...............................................222, 302, 312, 522, 612, 622
dam safety for ..................................................................................................................630
definition of......................................................................................................................301
levee protection for ..........................................................................................................620
post-FIRM................................................................................................................130, 301
pre-FIRM .................................................................................................................130, 301
regulation of new construction ................................................................................430, 450
relocation of .....................................................................................................................520
repetitive loss ...........................................................................................501, 502, 503, 504
retrofitting of....................................................................................................................530
substantial improvement of................................................................................431.c, 431.d

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-2

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

-CCapital improvements plan ......................................................................................................541.a
Certified Floodplain Manager ..................................................................................................431.n
Channel and basin debris removal (CDR) ................................................................................541.a
see also CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ...........................................................................................130, 214
Closed basin lakes........................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Coastal

.........................................................................................................................130, 431.p
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards; Special Hazards
Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual

Coastal A zones (CAZ) ............................................................................................................431.p
Coastal AE zone regulations (CAZ) ............................................................................................431
Coastal Barrier Resources System.............................................................130, 320, (Figure 320-4)
Coastal dunes/beaches .................................................................................................................401
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards
Coastal erosion (CE) ................................................................................................ (page, xiii), 401
coastal erosion protection maintenance (EPM) ......................................................541.c
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Erosion Hazards
Coastal velocity zone mapping .................................…………………………………………411.c
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) ......................................................................310, Appendix D
Community ..................................................................................................................................130
Community (CRS) classification calculations ....................... 113, 123, 130, 225, 700, Appendix C
community growth adjustment ........................................................................................710
community total points ....................................................................................................720
previous applicants ..................................................................................................122, 216
Community Growth Adjustment (CGA) ....................................... (page xiv), 224, 710, 712.b, 720
average growth rate (AGR).........................................................................(page xiv), 712.a
community growth rate (CMGR)..................................................................................711.b
U.S. Census growth rate (USGR) .................................................................................711.a
Community Rating System (CRS)........................................................................ (page i), 112, 121

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-3

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

activity credit points.........................................................................................................122
all-hazard mitigation ........................................................................................................119
application for credit........................................................................................................121
background.......................................................................................................................111
changes in CRS credits .................................................................................... (pages v–xiv)
community responsibilities ..............................................................................................114
costs and benefits .............................................................................................................115
CRS activities ..................................................................................................................117
natural and beneficial functions.......................................................................................116
objective ..........................................................................................................................112
operation ..........................................................................................................................113
publications ............................................................................................... 124, Appendix E
purpose and scope of .......................................................................................................110
uniform minimum credit ..................................................................................................118
Community total points ...............................................................................................................720
Compensatory storage regulations ........................................................................................... 431.f
see also CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
Computer records [See: Digitized records]
Computer aided design (CAD) [See: Digitized mapping]
Contour

....................................................................................................................................130

Contractors, assistance with...........................................................................................361.b, 361.c
Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) ...........................................................(page viii), 410, 411.f
Credit calculation................................................................220, 313, 322, 332, 342, 352, 362, 413,
413, 423, 433, 433LD, 443, 453, 513,
523, 533, 543, 613, 623, 633
Step 1. Element credit points ...........................................................................................221
Step 2. Impact adjustment................................................................................................222
Step 3. Credit calculation.................................................................................................223
Step 4. Community growth adjustment ...........................................................................224
Step 5. Community classification ....................................................................................225
Credit documentation..........................................................212, 314, 323, 333, 343, 353, 363, 414,
424, 434, 434LD, 444, 454, 514, 524,
534, 544, 614, 624, 634, 713

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-4

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Credit points..............................(pages i, v-xiv), 113, 118, (Table 120-1), 122, 220, 311, 321, 331,
341, 351, 361, 411, 421, 431, 431LD, 441, 451, 511,
521, 531, 541, 611, 621, 631, Appendix C
Critical facilities.......................................................................................................130, 610, 611.d
definition of......................................................................................................................130
planning for (CFP) ........................................................................................................611.d
protection for (PCF)......................................................................................................431.e
CRS Application...........................................................................(page ii), 113, 121, 124, 130, 210
see also (Application)
CRS classification.......................................................................... 113, 123, 130, 225, Appendix C
CRS Commentary......................................................................................... (page i ), 113, 124, 130
CRS Coordinator..........................................................................................................................130
CRS Coordinators Manual .................................................................... (pages i, ii ), 113, 124, 130
CRS Schedule ................................................................................. (pages i, ii ), 113, 117, 124, 130
CRS credit points .........................................................................................................................120
activity credit points.........................................................................................................122
application for credit........................................................................................................121
publications ......................................................................................................................124
quick check of potential CRS credit ................................................................................123
Cumulative substantial improvement (CSI) regulations......................................... (page ix), 431.c
see also CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
Cycle

............................................................................................................................130, 234
see also (Application, verification)

-DDams, flood control projects........................................................................................................530
Dam safety ...................................................................................................................................630
dam failure emergency action plan (DFP) ....................................................................631.b
state dam safety program (SDS) ...................................................................................631.a
Datum
....................................................................................................................130, 410, 440
Deed disclosure regulations ......................................................................................................341.b

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-5

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Deed restrictions (DR) ............................................................................................. (page ix), 421.b
Design storm (DS) .................................................................................................................451.a.2
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
Detention/retention basins ...................................................................................................530, 540
Detention/retention regulations.................................................................................................451.a
public maintenance of facilities (PUB)......................................................................451.a.3
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
Development ................................................................................................130, 420, 430, 450, 542
Digitized mapping..................................................................................................441.a, 444.d, 445
Digitized records............................................................................................................311.d, 441.a
elevation certificates ............................................................................... 311.d, 314.f, 315.b
parcel records .....................................................................................................441.a, 444.d
Discharge .............................................................................................................. 130, 411.c, 451.a
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
Disclosure of flood hazard (DFH) ............................................................................................341.a
other disclosure requirements (ODR) ...........................................................................341.b
real estate agents brochure (REB) ................................................................................341.c
Disclosure of other hazards (DOH) ..........................................................................................341.d
Documentation..................................................................................................................212, 232.b
see also (Credit documentation)
Drainage ............................................................................................................331, 361, 451, 541
advice, technical assistance...........................................................................................361.d
channel debris removal (CDR) .....................................................................................541.a
drainage requirements for new construction.................................................................451.c
drainage system maintenance ..........................................................................................540
erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) ..................................................451.d
public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
retention/detention regulations .....................................................................................451.a
stream dumping regulations (SDR) ........................................................... (page xiii), 541.b
see also CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
Drainage system maintenance......................................................................................................540
channel and basin debris removal (CDR) .....................................................................541.a
CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-6

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

coastal erosion protection maintenance (EPM) ............................................................541.c
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards
stream dumping regulations (SDR) ....................................................(Figure 540-1), 541.b
-EElement credit points ...................................................................................................................221
see also (Credit points)
Elevation certificates (EC).............................................................................. (page vi), 310, 311.a,
(Figure 310-1, Figure 310-2, Figure 310-3, Figure 310-4)
elevation certificates in computer format (ECCF)........................................................311.d
see also Computerized Format for FEMA Elevation Certificates
elevation certificates on a web site (ECWS) ...............................................................311.e
elevation certificates post-FIRM (ECPO).....................................................................311.b
elevation certificates pre-FIRM (ECPR) ......................................................................311.c
see also (Floodproofing certificates)
Elevation reference marks maintenance (ERM) .......................................................................441.b
Emergency management ..............................................................................................611, 621, 631
dam safety .....................................................................................................................631.b
flood warning and response .............................................................................................611
see also CRS Credit for Flood Warning Programs
levee safety ...................................................................................................................621.c
Emergency Management Institute (EMI) .................................................. 113, 334.b, 361.f, 364.d,
431.n, 435.d, 445.d, 535.f
Community Rating System course...................................................................................113
D-FIRM mapping course. .............................................................................................445.d
managing floodplain development through the NFIP course ............................431.n, 435.d
public information courses............................................................................................334.b
retrofitting floodprone residential buildings course ................................361.f, 364.d, 535.f
Emergency warning dissemination (EWD) ......................................................................331, 610.b
see also CRS Credit for Flood Warning Programs
outreach requirements for ................................................................................................331
see also CRS Credit for Outreach Projects
Enclosure limits (ENL) ................................................................................. (page ix), 431.h, 431.p
Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC)..............................................................451.d
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-7

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Erosion data maintenance (EDM).............................................................................................441.c
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards
Erosion protection maintenance (EPM), coastal...............................................................401, 541.c
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards
-FFEMA

....................................................................................................(page ii), 113, 130, 211
“FEMA FAX”.......................................................................................................354.a.6.(f)
FEMA Regional Offices ....................................................................................Appendix A

Federal lands ................................................................................................................................403
Flood control projects ..................................................................................................................530
structural flood control projects...............................................................................530, 531
Flood damage reduction activities .............................................................................. (page xi), 500
acquisition and relocation ................................................................................................520
drainage system maintenance ..........................................................................................540
floodplain management planning.....................................................................................510
flood protection................................................................................................................530
Flood data maintenance ................................................................................................ (page x),440
additional map data (AMD) ..........................................................................................441.a
digitized parcel data ......................................................................................................441.a
elevation reference mark maintenance (ERM) .............................................................441.b
erosion data maintenance (EDM) .................................................................................441.c
overlay map...................................................................................................................441.a
Flood Hazard Boundary Maps (FHBM) ...................................................................................441.d
Flood insurance....................................................................................................310, 320, 330, 350
library references .......................................................................................................351.a.2
mandatory purchase requirement...................................................320, (Figure 320-1), 340
Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) .......................................................................Appendix C-1–2
promoting the sale of flood insurance (PFI) .......................................(Figure 330-2), 331.d
public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
standard policy ..............................................................................111, (Figure 320-2), 431
zones ................................................................................................................................130

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-8

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) ....................................................(page ii), 114, 130, 320, 410
copies in library .........................................................................................................351.a.1
see also (Flood studies/delineation; Map information)
terminology ............................................................................ (Figure 410-1, Figure 410-2)
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program .........................................................................................510
Flood preparedness activities.......................................................................................................600
flood warning program ....................................................................................................610
levee safety ......................................................................................................................620
dam safety ........................................................................................................................630
Flood protection ..........................................................................................................................530
Flood protection assistance (FPA)........................................... (page vii), (Figure 330-1), 351, 360
publicity ........................................................................................................................363.a
technical qualifications .................................................................................................363.b
topics ................................................................................................................................361
Flood protection improvement (FPI) ........................................................................................531.d
levee protection level (LPL) ........................................................................... 621.a, 624.a.1
retrofitted buildings.......................................................................................531.b, 532, 534
Flood protection level before the project was constructed (FPB) ...............................................531
Flood protection provided by the project (FPP) ..........................................................................531
Flood protection website (WEB) ..............................................................................................351.c
Flood studies/delineation .............................................................................................................411
floodway mapping ........................................................................................................411.c
hydrology standards ......................................................................................................411.c
public information.........................................................................................321, 331, 361.a
state review of floodplain studies .................................................................................411.a
Flood threat recognition system (FTR).....................................................................................611.a
see also (Flood warning program)
Flood warning program................................................................... (page xii), 610, (Figure 610-1)
critical facilities planning (CFP)...................................................................................611.d
emergency warning dissemination (EWD)...................................................................611.b
emergency/flood response plan .........................................................................611.b, 614.b
flood threat recognition system (FTR)..........................................................................611.a
levee emergency response plan.....................................................................................621.c
other response efforts (ORE) ........................................................................................611.c

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-9

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
StormReady community ...............................................................................................611.e
TsunamiReady community ...........................................................................................611.e
see also CRS Credit for Flood Warning Programs; CRS Credit for Management of
Coastal Hazards
Floodplain ....................................................................................................................................130
flood fringe.......................................................................................................................130
floodway ..........................................................................................................................130
see also (Flood Insurance Rate Map; Special Flood Hazard Area; Flood studies)
Floodplain management planning (FMP) ......................................... (page xi), 510, (Figure 510-2)
standard planning process.............................................................................................511.a
see also (Example Plans)
Floodplain storage capacity .........................................................................................431.f, 430LD
Floodproofing [See: Flood protection]
Floodproofing certificates.......................................................... 310, (Figure 310-5, Figure 310-6)
residential basement floodproofing certificate ......................................310, (Figure 310-7)
Floodwalls .................................................................................................................530, 531.c, 620
Floodway mapping...............................................................................411.c, (Figure 410-5), 411.d
Floodway standard (FWS) ...................................................................................... (page vii), 411.d
see also (Additional flood data)
Fluctuating lake levels .................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Foreword ............................................................................................................................. (page i)
For more information..................................................................315, 324, 334, 344, 354, 364, 415,
425, 435, 435LD, 445, 455, 515,
525, 535, 545, 615, 625, 635
Foundation protection (FDN) regulations................................................................ (page ix), 431.b
Freeboard (FRB) regulations .......................(page ix), 130, 402, (Figure 430-1), 431.a, 451.c, 621
feet above base flood elevation (FB) ............................................................................431.a
for new buildings in B, C, D, and X zones (FRX)........................................................451.c
for new buildings in floodplain.....................................................................................431.a
for levees................................................................................................621, (Figure 620-2)

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-10

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

-GGeographic information system (GIS)......................................................................................441.a
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................130
Growth rate [See: Community growth adjustment]
-HHabitat Conservation Plans.............................................................................. 421.c, 431.g.3, 510.c
see also (Example Plans)
Habitat protection ..........................................................................................................421.c, 431.g
Hazard disclosure........................................................................................................ (page vi), 340
disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH) ...........................................................................341.a
disclosure of other hazards (DOH) ...............................................................................341.d
other disclosure requirements (ODR) ...........................................................................341.b
real estate agents brochure (REB) ................................................................................341.c
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ...............................................................................................510
HAZUS-MH ......................................................................................................510, (Figure 510-1)
Higher regulatory standards........................................................................................ (page ix), 430
see also CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
building code (BC)...................................................................................................... 431.m
coastal A Zones (CAZ) .................................................................................................431.p
cumulative substantial improvement (CSI) ..................................................................431.c
enclosure limits (ENL)..................................................................................................431.h
foundation protection (FDN) ........................................................................................431.b
freeboard (FRB) ............................................................................................................431.a
land development criteria (LD)........................................................................ 431.j, 430LD
lower substantial improvement (LSI) ...........................................................................431.d
manufactured home parks (MHP).................................................................................431.o
natural and beneficial function regulations (NBR).......................................................431.g
other higher standard (OHS)......................................................................................... 431.i
protection of critical facilities (PCF) ............................................................................431.e
protection of floodplain storage capacity (PSC)........................................................... 431.f
special hazards regulations (SH)...................................................................................431.k
staffing (STF)................................................................................................................431.n
state-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) ................................................................. 431.l
Home study courses [See: Independent study courses]

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-11

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Hydrology standards ........................................................................................... 130, 411.a, 451.a.2
-IIce Jams

....................................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual

Impact adjustment.....................................222, 302, 312, (Figure 400-3), 402, 403, 404, 412, 422,
(Figure 430-1), (Figure 430-2), 432, 432LD, 442, 452,
512, 522, 532, 542, 612, 622, 632,
area calculations...............................................................................................................404
for buildings .....................................................................................................................302
see also (Buildings, counting for impact adjustment; definition of)
for areas....................................................................................................................402, 404
maps .................................................. 403, (Figure 400-3), (Figure 410-3), (Figure 410-4),
(Figure 430-3, (Figure 430-4)
Impact adjustment map ...........................................................403, (Figure 400-3), (Figure 410-3),
(Figure 410-4), (Figure 430-3), (Figure 430-4)
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)......................................................130, 431.d, (Figure 430-5)
Independent study courses ..................................................................................... 361.f, 431.n, 435
Insurance [See: Flood insurance]
Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) ..................................................................................113, 130
International Building Code Series......................................................................................... 431.m
Introduction..................................................................................................................................100
all-hazard mitigation ........................................................................................................119
application for credit........................................................................................................121
activity credit points.........................................................................................................122
a quick check of potential credits ....................................................................................123
background.......................................................................................................................111
CRS activities ..................................................................................................................117
CRS credit points .............................................................................................................120
community responsibilities ..............................................................................................114
costs and benefits .............................................................................................................115
glossary ............................................................................................................................130
natural and beneficial functions.......................................................................................116
objective...........................................................................................................................112
operation ..........................................................................................................................113

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-12

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

publications ......................................................................................................................124
purpose and scope ............................................................................................................110
uniform minimum credit ..................................................................................................118
ISO/CRS Specialist..............................................................................................113, 114, 121, 130
list of specialists.................................................................................................Appendix G
-LLand development criteria (LDC) ......................................................................................... 430LD
Land subsidence...........................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA)..........................................................................................320
Letters of Map Revision (LOMR) ...............................................................................................320
Levee safety ................................................................................................... (page xiii), 531.c, 620
emergency response plan ...................................................................................611.b, 621.a
levee protection level (LPL) ..................................................................621, (Figure 620-1)
maintenance [See: Maintenance, of levees]
NFIP levee standards .....................................................................530, 621, (Figure 620-2)
Library [See: Flood protection information]
Logs

........................................................................320, 363, (Figure 320-2), (Figure 320-5)

Low density zoning (LZ) ..................................................................................... 430, 431.j, 430LD
minimum lot size.............................................................................431LD.b, 434LD.b, 542
Lower substantial improvement threshold (LSI) ..................................................... (page ix), 431.d
see also CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
-MMaintenance.................................................................................................331, 451, 531, 540, 621
of drainage system .....................................................................................331, 451.a.3, 540
see also CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
of levees ...........................................................................................................................621
public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
of stormwater facilities ................................................................................... 451.a.3, 541.a
of structural flood control projects ...............................................................................531.a
Major changes in CRS credits .....................................................................................(pages v–xiii)
Mandatory purchase requirement ........................................320, 323.d, 324.a, (Figure 320-1), 340

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-13

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Manufactured home parks (MHP) ............................................................................................431.o
Map Information Service (MI) ........................................................................ (page vi), 320, 361.a
Mapping and regulations .............................................................................................................400
additional flood data ........................................................................................................410
flood data maintenance ....................................................................................................440
higher regulatory standards..............................................................................................430
land development criteria........................................................................................... 430LD
open space preservation ...................................................................................................420
special hazard areas .........................................................................................................401
stormwater management ..................................................................................................450
Maps [See: Base map, Flood Insurance Rate Map; Impact adjustment map]
Modifications [See: Application, Modification]
Moveable bed streams .................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Mudflow hazards (MF) ................................................................................................................401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Multi-hazard mitigation [See: All-hazard mitigation]
Multiple listing service (MLS) ............................................................................................341, 343

-NNational Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)..........................................(page ii), 111, 130, 310, 354
505, Appendix D
compliance with ............................................................................................................211.a
Reform Act of 1994 .........................................................................................................505
National Inventory of Dams.........................................................................................................635
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ....................................................................631
Natural and beneficial functions (NB)...................................................116, 130, 331, 421.c, 431.g
public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
references in library ......................................................................................................351.a
Natural and beneficial regulations (NBR) ................................................................................431.g

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-14

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Newsletters................................................................................................................................331.a
Newspapers ...............................................................................................................................331.c
National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) .......................................................................130, 310
Nonconversion agreement ........................................................................431.h.2.b, (Figure 430-6)
Non-FEMA share of flood insurance study costs (NFS) ..........................................................411.b
-OObjective of the CRS ...................................................................................................................112
Open space preservation (OS) ..................................... (page viii), 116, 420, (Figure 420-1), 421.a
deed restriction (DR) ....................................................................................................421.b
impact adjustment for ......................................................................402, 403, 404, 422, 432
low density zoning (LZ) ........................................................................................... 430LD
natural and beneficial functions (NB)...........................................................................421.c
special hazard areas preserved as (SHOS)....................................................................421.d
Operation of the CRS...................................................................................................................113
Outreach Projects .............................................................................. (page vi), 330, (Figure 330-3)
see also CRS Credit for Outreach Projects
additional (OPA)........................................................................................................331.c.1
pursuant to a strategy (OPS) ......................................................................................331.c.2
topics ................................................................................................................................331
to entire community (OPC).................................................................(Figure 330-1), 331.a
to floodplain properties (OPF)......................................................................................331.b
to repetitive loss areas......................................................................................................503
used for publicity ...................................................................... 323.a, 363.a, 544.d, 614.b.3
Overlay maps ............................................................................................................................441.a
-PParks

.................................................................................................................................421.a

Plans, Planning.............................................................................................450, 510, 610, 620, 630
see also Example Plans
critical facilities planning (CFP)...................................................................................611.d

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-15

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

dam failure emergency action plan ...............................................................................631.b
emergency response plan ..............................................................................................611.b
flood response plan .......................................................................................................614.b
floodplain management planning (FMP) .........................................................................510
Habitat Conservation Plan ............................................................................................510.c
levee emergency response plan.....................................................................................621.c
outreach project strategy (OPS).................................................................................331.c.2
references in library ...........................................................................................351.a, 351.b
repetitive loss plans.................................................................502, 510, 511.b, 512.b, 512.c
stormwater management master plan (SMP)................................................................451.b
Ponding

....................................................................................................................................130

Post-FIRM building [See: Buildings, post-FIRM]
Post-visit actions ..........................................................................................................................233
Preferred risk policy (PRP) [See: Flood insurance, preferred risk policy]
Pre-FIRM building [See: Buildings, pre-FIRM]
Prerequisites [See: Application, prerequisites]
Procedures ....................................................................................................................................200
application........................................................................................................................210
credit calculations ............................................................................................................220
verification .......................................................................................................................230
Property protection [See: Acquisition and Relocation; Levee Safety; Retrofitting]
Protected buildings (PB)...........................................................................................................531.e
Protection of critical facilities (PCF) ........................................................................................431.e
Protection of storage capacity (PSC) ........................................................................................ 431.f
Publications..................................................................................................................................124
Public information [See: Outreach Projects]
Public information activities........................................................................................................300
elevation certificates ........................................................................................................310
map information...............................................................................................................320
outreach projects ..............................................................................................................330
flood protection assistance...............................................................................................360
flood protection information ............................................................................................350
hazard disclosure..............................................................................................................340
Public meetings.........................................................................................................................511.a
Public maintenance (PUB).....................................................................................................451.a.3

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-16

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Purpose and scope........................................................................................................................110
all-hazard mitigation ........................................................................................................119
background.......................................................................................................................111
community responsibilities ..............................................................................................114
costs and benefits .............................................................................................................115
CRS activities ..................................................................................................................117
natural and beneficial functions.......................................................................................116
objective...........................................................................................................................112
operation ..........................................................................................................................113
uniform minimum credit ..................................................................................................118
-QQuick Check of a Community’s Potential CRS Credit................................................................123
-RReal estate agent activities.................................................................................. 341.a, 341.c, 341.d
Real estate agents brochure (REB) .................................................................(Figure 340-7), 341.c
Real estate disclosure...................................................................................................................341
Recertification [See: Application, recertification]
Record-keeping guidance .............................................................................................. Appendix E
see also CRS Record-Keeping Guidance
Regular program/phase .....................................................................................................130, 211.a
Regulation of new construction ..................................................... 331, 410, 421, 431, 430LD, 451
see also CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
standards ................................................................................. 410, 421.a, 431, 430LD, 451
Regulatory flood elevation (RFE).................................................................................. 411.a, 411.c
Regulatory floodplain (RF).......................................................130, 402.c, 411, 422, 432, 442, 632
Relocation of buildings ................................................................................................................520
see also (Acquisition and relocation)
Repetitive losses ........................... 123.c, 130, (Figure 500-1), (Figure 500-2), 501, 502, 503, 504
510, 511, 512, 521.b, 531.f
acquisition and relocation credit for .............................................................................521.b
area analysis ..................................................................................................................511.b
definition of..............................................................................................................130, 501

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-17

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

repetitive loss community categories...............................................................................502
repetitive loss list .............................................................................................................501
repetitive loss mitigation activities ..................................................................................504
repetitive loss outreach project ..............................................................(Figure 500-3), 503
repetitive loss plans............................................................................502, 510, 511.b, 512.b
see also Example Plans
retrofitting credit for ..................................................................................................... 531.f
Severe Repetitive Loss Properties ...................................................................501, 521, 531
Required activities ....................................................................................................123.c, 212, 231
Reservoirs ....................................................................................................................451, 530, 541
flood control projects .......................................................................................................530
retention/detention basins .................................................................................. 451.a, 541.a
Retention/detention regulations ...................................................................................................451
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
Retrofitting.................................................................................................130, 530, (Figure 530-1)
credit for retrofitted buildings.......................................................................................531.b
credit for repetitive loss buildings ................................................................................ 531.f
public information/outreach projects ..............................................331.a, 331.b, 361, 364.d
library................................................................................................................. 354.a, 351.a
references ..................................................................................... 354.a.3, 364.c, 364.e, 535
technical assistance ....................................................................................................... 361.f
technique used (TU)......................................................................................................531.b
Riparian ecosystems .............................................................................................. 130, 354.a, 421.c
Riverine

....................................................................................................................................130

-SSand dunes ..........................................................................................................................130, 401
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards
Schedule [See: CRS Schedule]
Sensitive areas..............................................................................................................................130
see also (Natural and beneficial functions)
Severe Repetitive Loss Properties ...............................................................................501, 521, 531
Sheet flow ....................................................................................................................................130
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-18

Edition: 2006

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) ............................................................ (page ii), 130, 220, 402
see also (Floodplain)
Special flood-related hazards (SH) ..............................................................................130, 401, 411
coastal erosion protection maintenance (EPM) ............................................................541.c
erosion data maintenance (EDM) .................................................................................441.c
mapping.............................................................................................................. 411.e, 441.a
real estate disclosure .....................................................................................................341.b
Special hazard regulations (SH) ............................................................................401, 421.d, 431.k
Staffing (STF) ..........................................................................................................................431.n
Stakeholders.................................................................................................................................130
Standard flood insurance policy (SFIP) [See: Flood insurance, standard policy]
State activities ......................................................................................................118, 211, 411, 630
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)..............................................630, 635
state dam safety program (SDS) ...................................................................................631.a
state-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) ...................................................................431
state review of floodplain studies .................................................................................411.a
uniform minimum credit ..................................................................................................118
State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) ............................................................................ 431.l
Storm sewer improvements..........................................................................................................530
StormReady, StormReady community (SRC) ..........................................................................611.e
Stormwater management .............................................................................................................450
see also CRS Credit for Stormwater Management
design storms used in regulations (DS) .....................................................................451.a.2
erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) ..................................................451.d
freeboard in B, C, D, and X zones (FRX).....................................................................451.c
public maintenance of facilities (PUB)......................................................................451.a.3
size of development regulated (SZ) ...........................................................................451.a.1
stormwater management regulations (SMR) ................................................................451.a
watershed impact adjustment map .....................................................................403.b, 452.c
water quality regulations (WQ) ....................................................................................451.e

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-19

Edition: July 2007

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Stream dumping regulations (SDR)...............................................................................541.b, 544.c
see also CRS Credit for Drainage System Maintenance
Stream maintenance, channel clearing [See: Channel and basin debris removal]
Structural flood control projects ..................................................................................................530
Studies [See: Flood studies/delineation]
Subdivisions................................................... 341.b.4, 421.a, 431, 430LD, (Figure 430LD-1), 451
disclosure on plats......................................................................................................341.b.4
regulations [See: Regulation of new construction and Land development criteria]
Subsidence (SU) [See: Land subsidence]
Substantial improvement ...........................................................130, 310, 331.9, 431.c, 431.d, 530
regulations..................................................................................................431.c, 431.d, 530
public information/outreach projects ...............................................................................331
see also CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
Surcharge ........................................................................................................................130, 411.c.
see also (Floodway standard)
Surveys, surveying..............................................................................................310, 441.b, 341.b.5
elevation certificates ........................................................................................................310
elevation reference marks, bench marks.......................................................................441.b
lot surveys ..................................................................................................................341.b.5
-TTechnical assistance [See: Advice, technical assistance]
Technique used for retrofitting (TU) ........................................................................................531.b
see also (Retrofitting)
Telephone book.............................................................................................................. 323.a, 331.a
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)..........................................................................................344.a
Topographic data, topographic maps............................................................................. 411.c, 441.a

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-20

Edition: July 2007

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Tsunamis ....................................................................................................................130, 401, 611
TsunamiReady community ...........................................................................................611.e
see also CRS Credit for Management of Coastal Hazards
-UUncertain flow paths ............................................................................................................130, 401
see also Special Hazards Supplement to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual
Undeveloped coastal barrier ........................................................................................................320
Uniform minimum credit .............................................................................................................118
U.S. Census growth rate (USGR) .............................................................................................711.a
see also (Community Growth Adjustment)

-VVariable

....................................................................................................................................130

Velocity zones [See: Coastal velocity zone mapping]
Verification ..................................................................................................................................230
application review............................................................................................................231
cycle verification..............................................................................................................234
post-visit actions ..............................................................................................................233
verification visits..............................................................................................................232
see also (Application, verification)
-WWarning [See: Flood warning program]
Water quality regulations (WQ) ...............................................................................................451.e
Watershed studies [See: Stormwater management; plans; flood studies]
Watershed management master plan (WMP) ...........................................................................451.b
Websites ............................................................................................................................310, 350
elevation certificates on a website (ECWS) ................................................................311.e
CRS credit for a community website (WEB) ..............................................................351.c

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-21

Edition: July 2007

Index

Activity/Element/Term

Section

Wetland preservation ................................................................................................................421.c
see also (Natural and beneficial functions)
-YYears between checks of elevation reference marks (YCM) ........................................... 441.b.2(a)
-ZZones [See: Flood insurance, zones]
Zoning ......................................................................................................................... 421.a, 430LD

CRS Coordinator’s Manual

i-22

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System

ACTIVITY
WORKSHEETS

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

INSTRUCTIONS
The following activity worksheets are to facilitate calculations of Community Rating System
(CRS) credit points. They are not used for a community’s initial application to the CRS. I NITIAL
APPLICATIONS FOR THE CRS ARE SUBMITTED USING THE WORKSHEET PAGES IN THE CRS
APPLICATION (FIA-15A/2007, FEMA Form No. 086-0-23).
These activity worksheets are for internal use by the community for submittal of modifications
and recertifications, and for use by the ISO/CRS Specialist during verification and cycle
verification of a community’s program.
These worksheets are designed to be used in conjunction with the CRS Coordinator’s Manual.
Each section of the worksheets corresponds to a section in the Coordinator’s Manual. If a
section is missing from the worksheets, it is because the Coordinator’s Manual shows that no
data or calculations are required for that section.
It is recommended that these worksheets be photocopied before they are used.
When used for submitting a modification, the Credit Points, Credit Calculation, and Credit
Documentation parts of the worksheets should be completed for each activity for which credit is
requested. Fill in the blanks with the value for each variable. DO NOT COMPLETE THE
VERIFICATION SECTIONS . That is done by the ISO/CRS Specialist during the verification or cycle
verification visit.
Each worksheet has a Credit Documentation section. Check the blanks to denote that all of the
required documentation is available. In some cases, the documentation must be provided with
the modification. In others, checking the appropriate spaces confirms that you will provide the
documentation when needed. Please consult the CRS Coordinator’s Manual if you have
questions about which documentation is to be provided with the request for a modification.
ATTACH

THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR AN ACTIVITY TO THE WORKSHEET FOR THAT

ACTIVITY . If the documentation is ordinance language, attach only the necessary page(s) from
the ordinance.

M ARK THE MARGINS OF THE DOCUMENTATION WITH THE ACRONYM for the element so the
ISO/CRS Specialist can identify the basis for the credit. If the document is a certification, it
must have an original signature (and seal if required).
Not included in this document are the activity worksheets needed for obtaining credit for
management of special flood-related hazards, such as uncertain flow paths, closed basin lakes,
ice jams, land subsidence, coastal dunes and beaches, mudflows, coastal erosion, and tsunamis.
Those worksheets can be found in the appropriate publications listed in Appendix E of the CRS
Coordinator’s Manual and in Appendix B of the CRS Application.
One other worksheet is not part of this document: AW-501 (Repetitive Loss List) is generated
separately by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) when needed, and provided to the community.

Activity Worksheets

iii

Edition: July 2007

[This page intentionally blank.]

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM
ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

Section 1. Community Data
If there are any changes or corrections to the information in this section, please line out the
old item and write in the correction.
Community:

State:

NFIP Number:

Recertification Date:
Chief Executive Officer:
Name:
Address:
CRS Coordinator:
Name:

Title:

Address:
Coordinator's Telephone:

Fax:

E-mail Address:
We are maintaining, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in force all flood insurance
policies that have been required of us as a condition of federal financial assistance for
insurable buildings owned by us and located in the Special Flood Hazard Area as shown
on our Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Section 2. Certification
I hereby certify that this community is continuing to implement the activities noted below as
credited under the Community Rating System and described in our original application and
subsequent modifications.

Signed: ___________________________________Date:_______________

Activity Worksheets

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

AW-214-1

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

____ 310 We are maintaining Elevation Certificates on all new and substantially improved
buildings in our Special Flood Hazard Area.
____ 310 We have issued ______ [insert number] permits for new construction and substantial
improvements in the Special Flood Hazard Area in the last year.
____ 310 Attached are 5 Elevation Certificates for new or substantially improved structures
that have been completed in the last year.
____ 310 We are maintaining Elevation Certificate data in computer format. Attached is a disk
with the elevation certificate data obtained since our last submittal. [ _____ Initial
here if there have not been any new buildings or substantial improvements in the
floodplain since the last submittal. Do not attach a disk.]
____ 310 We continue to make copies of Elevation Certificates on newer properties available
at our present office location. [ _____ Initial here if your office address has changed
in the past year. Please provide new address with this form.]
____ 320 We are providing Flood Insurance Rate Map information and information on the
flood insurance purchase requirement to inquirers. [ ____ Initial here if the office
address or the manner in which requests may be submitted has changed in the last
year. Please provide the new office address or manner of submittal with this form.]
____ 320 Attached is a copy of the document that told lenders, insurance agents, and real
estate offices about this service this year, including informing insurance agents about
the availability of elevation certificates. [____ Initial here if the information is
included in your annual outreach project to the community or is part of your
community’s outreach projects strategy. Mark the attachment to Activity 330 to
show where this service is publicized.]
____ 320 Attached is a copy of one page of the log, a letter, or other record that we kept on
this service this year.
____ 320 We are continuing to keep our FIRM updated and maintain old copies of our FIRM.
____ 330 Attached is a copy of this year’s annual outreach project to the community.
____ 330 Attached is a description of this year’s annual outreach project to floodplain
residents.
____ 330 Attached is a copy of the additional outreach project(s) we conducted this year.

Activity Worksheets

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

AW-214-2

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION
____ 330 Attached is a copy of the annual evaluation of our public information program
strategy or a completed AW-332.
____ 330 Attached is a copy of the annual outreach conducted for the promotion of flood
insurance.
____ 340 People looking to purchase floodprone property are being advised of the flood
hazard through our credited hazard disclosure measures.
____ 350 Our public library continues to maintain flood protection materials.
____ 360 We continue to provide flood protection assistance to inquirers.
____ 360 Attached is a copy of the document that told others about this service this year.
[____ Initial here if the information is included in your annual outreach project to the
community or to the floodplain properties, or is a part of our community’s outreach
projects strategy. Mark the attachment to Activity 330 to show where this service is
publicized.]
____ 360 Attached is a copy of one page of the log, a letter, or other record that we kept on
this service this year.
____ 410 We continue to use our additional regulatory flood data before a new development
can proceed in our floodplain.
____ 420 We continue to preserve our open space in the floodplain.
____ 430 We continue to enforce the floodplain management provisions of our zoning,
subdivision and building code ordinances for which we are receiving credit. [____
Initial here if you have amended your floodplain regulations. Attach a copy of the
amendment.]
____ 430 We continue to keep track of building improvements and repairs. Before a new
permit is issued, we check the permit record and count the projects' dollar value
cumulatively to determine if a nonconforming building should be brought up to our
standards for new construction.
____ 430 We continue to enforce our zoning ordinance in the credited low-density zones
and/or areas of our community receiving credit for land development criteria. [____
Initial here if you have changed the allowable density of development in any of your
zoning districts or if you have changed your land development criteria. Attach a
copy of the amendment.]

Activity Worksheets

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

AW-214-3

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION
____ 430 We continue to enforce our current building code. [____ Initial here if you have
amended your building code. Attach a copy of the amendment.
____ 430 We continue to employ those staff credited for attaining their CFM, and those who
have attended the credited training courses. [_____ Initial here if your staff has
changed and attach a statement as to the staffing changes.
____ 440 We continue to use and update our flood data maintenance system on an annual basis
as needed.
____ 440 We continue to maintain our system of elevation reference marks. [ _____ Initial
here if any reference marks on your FIRM were found to be missing or inaccurate.
Attach a copy of the correct elevation or a description of the missing reference
mark].
____ 440 We continue to maintain our erosion data maintenance system.
____ 450 We continue to enforce the stormwater management provisions of our zoning,
subdivision and building code ordinances for new developments in the watershed.
[____ Initial here if you have amended your stormwater management regulations.
Attach a copy of the amendment.]
____ 450 We continue to enforce the requirement that all new buildings outside the SFHA
must be elevated above the street or otherwise protected from drainage problems.
____ 450 We continue to inspect and maintain all our private and public stormwater facilities
for which credit has been verified.
____ 450 We continue to enforce the provisions of our zoning, subdivision, and building codes
as they pertain to erosion and sediment control and water quality.
____ 502 Attached is a copy of this year’s notice on property protection that we sent to our
repetitive loss areas.
____ 502 We currently have ________ repetitive loss properties and send our notice to _____
properties in the repetitive loss areas.
____ 510 Attached is a copy of our floodplain management plan's annual progress report
and/or a copy of the annual progress report on the recommendations of the area
analyses.
____ 510 We have provided copies of this progress report to our governing board, local media,
and the State NFIP Coordinating office.

Activity Worksheets

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

AW-214-4

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION
____ 520 We continue to maintain as open space the lots where buildings were acquired or
relocated out of the floodplain. [________ Initial here if there have been any
changes (additions or deletions) to the parcels credited as open space. Attach a
description of those changes.]
____ 530 We continue to encourage property owners interested in retrofitting their buildings to
protect them from flood damage. [______ Initial here if there have been any changes
(additions or deletions) to the building credited as being flood protected. Attach a
description of those changes.]
____ 540 We continue to implement our drainage system maintenance program.
____ 540 We continue to implement the sections of our Capital Improvements Program which
pertain to the drainage system maintenance.
____ 540 Attached is a copy of a typical inspection report and a copy of the record that shows
that any needed maintenance was performed.
____ 540 We continue to enforce our stream dumping regulations.
____ 540 Attached is a copy of this year's outreach project that explained our stream dumping
regulations. [____ Initial here if the information is included in your annual outreach
project to the community or is part of your community’s outreach projects strategy.
Mark the attachment to Activity 330 to show where your stream dumping regulations
are explained.] [____ Initial here if you publicize the regulations with “no dumping”
signs instead of through an outreach project.]
____ 540 We continue to maintain our coastal erosion protection program.
____ 610 We have maintained and tested our flood threat recognition system.
____ 610 Attached is a report evaluating how our flood warning program worked during the
flood(s) we had this year. [____Initial here if your community did not have a flood
that qualifies for evaluating the program (i.e., a flood that damaged more than 10
buildings, caused more than $50,000 in property damage, or caused the death of one
or more persons.)]
____ 610 We tested our warning dissemination equipment and procedures this year.
____ 610 Attached is a copy of this year’s outreach document that told people about the flood
warnings and safety measures. [____ Initial here if the information is included in
your annual outreach project to the community or to floodplain properties, or is a
part of your community’s outreach projects strategy. Mark the attachment to Activity
330 to show where the flood warnings and safety measures are explained.]
Activity Worksheets

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

AW-214-5

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION

____ 610 We conducted at least one exercise of our flood response plan this year.
____ 610 We have completed our annual update of the names and telephone numbers of the
operators of all critical facilities affected by flooding.
____ 620 Attached is the annual maintenance certification on our levee(s).
____ 630 We continue to enforce the building construction requirements in the area subject to
dam failure inundation.
____ 630 We conducted at least one exercise of our dam failure emergency action plan this
year.

Activity Worksheets

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

AW-214-6

Edition: July 2007

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 4 hours per response. The
burden estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting the application. You are
not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed
in the upper right corner of the application. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your
completed form to this address.

FEMA FORM 086-0-23A, June 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

230 MODIFICATION/CYCLE COVER PAGE
1. Community Name: _______________________________State: ____ BCEGS: _____/_____
NFIP Number: ________________

FIRM Effective Date: ____________________, ______

Population: ___________________ Current FIRM Date: ______________________, ______
Modification/Cycle Date: ___________, 200____
2.

County: __________________________

Chief Executive Officer:

CRS Coordinator:

Name:

_______________________________ ___________________________________

Title:

_______________________________ ___________________________________

Address: _______________________________ ___________________________________
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Coordinator’s Telephone: ____________________________ Fax: ______________________
Coordinator’s email:___________________________________
3. I hereby certify that ___________________________[community name] is implementing the
following activities (check the ones that apply). We are modifying or adding activities that have
an “m” for modifying, “a” for addition, or “d” for dropping in the blank and have attached new
activity worksheets and documentation. We will continue to implement these activities and will
advise FEMA if any of them are not being conducted in accordance with this certification. We
will cooperate with the ISO/CRS Specialist verification visit and will submit the documentation
and annual recertification needed to validate our program.
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____

310 Elevation Certificates
320 Map Information Service
330 Outreach Projects
340 Hazard Disclosure
350 Flood Protection Information
360 Flood Protection Assistance
410 Additional Flood Data
420 Open Space Preservation
430 Higher Regulatory Standards
430LD Land Development Criteria

____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____

440 Flood Data Maintenance
450 Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
510 Floodplain Management Planning
520 Acquisition and Relocation
530 Flood Protection
540 Drainage System Maintenance
610 Flood Warning Program
620 Levee Safety
630 Dam Safety

4. I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, we are maintaining in force all flood
insurance policies that have been required of us as a condition of federal financial assistance for
insurable buildings owned by us and located in the Special Flood Hazard Area shown on our
Flood Insurance Rate Map. I further understand that disaster assistance for flooded public
buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area will be reduced by the amount of flood insurance
available from the National Flood Insurance Program for the buildings, even if we do not have a
policy.
5. Signed: __________________________ (Chief Executive Officer)

Activity Worksheets

AW-230-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
312 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1:
1. rECPO = 1.0

2. rECPR = 1.0

3. rECCF = 1.0

4. rECWS = 1.0

b. Option 2:
1. rECPO = 0.25

2. rECPR = 0.25

3. rECCF = 0.25

4. rECWS = 0.25

c. Option 3:
1. rECPO = bECPO
bPO _____

= ______

2. rECPR = bECPR
= ______
bPR_______

3. rECCF =

bECCF
bEC ______ + bECPO ______ + bECPR ______

= ______

4. rECWS =

bECWS
bEC ______ + bECPO ______ + bECPR ______

= ______

313 Credit Calculation:
a. cEC

cEC =

b. cECPO = ECPO ______ x rECPO ______

cECPO = ______

c. cECPR = ECPR ______ x rECPR ______

cECPR = ______

d. cECCF = ECCF ______ x rECCF ______

cECCF = ______

e. cECWS = ECWS ______ x rECWS ______

cECWS = ______

f. cORS = ORS

______

cORS = ______

g. Add lines a through f above =

______

c310 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c310 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

Activity Worksheets

AW-310-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
314 Credit Documentation:
___ a. [If the community applies for credit under ECPO or ECPR and used a form different
from FEMA’s] A copy of the local elevation certificate, along with documentation
that FEMA has approved it. Note that a local elevation certificate can only be
credited if it was used before 1999 or before the community joined the CRS,
whichever is later.
___ b. [If the community applies for ECCF credit and is NOT using the CRS “Computerized
Format for FEMA elevation certificates”] a copy of the computer format being used.
___ c. EC – Copies of completed elevation certificates
OR

___
___
___
___
___
___ d.

Certification letter if no new construction or substantial improvements.
ECPO – Copies of completed post-FIRM elevation certificates.
ECPR – Copies of completed pre-FIRM elevation certificates.
ECCF – Printout of sample Certificates.
ECWS – Printout of sample Certificates. Website address _____________________
Documentation showing how the impact adjustment ratios were determined and how
the community maintains, stores, and provides copies of elevation certificates.

The following will be needed at the annual recertification:
___ e. ECCF – A disk with the elevation and floodproofing certificate data in computer
format obtained since the last submittal.

Starting month/year for which certificates are consistently available: ____________ ,
________
Office where requests should be submitted: _________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
City ________________________________ State ______________ Zip ________________
Phone ______________ Fax __________________ e-mail ____________________________
How should requests for elevation and/or floodproofing certificates be submitted (mail, phone,
fax, etc.)? ______________________________

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-310-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE
322 Credit Calculation:
c320 = MI =

c320 =

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

323 Credit Documentation:
a. Documentation that shows how the community publicizes the service each year.
1. If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project
credited under Activity 330 (OPC or OPS), “320” must be noted in the margin of
the outreach project to the community (OPC) where the map information service
is addressed. If an OPS is used, the public information strategy document must
discuss the best way to publicize the map information service to the target
audiences.
2. If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project that is
not credited under Activity 330, attach a copy of the project. The materials must
be distributed each year and must reach at least 90% of the target audience.
3. If the community sends a letter or e-mail directly to lending institutions and real
estate and insurance agencies, attach a copy of the letter or e-mail message.
4. If the community notifies organizations of lending institutions and real estate and
insurance agencies, attach copies of the notifications in their publications. If any
organization has not yet published the notifications, documentation must include
written assurance from the organization that it intends to publish the notification
within six months of the Community Rating System (CRS) application date.
b. If another agency provides map information, documentation that the agency agrees
to provide the service to all inquirers and will allow the CRS to verify its work.
c. Records of which institutions and agencies were notified of the service. If the
community sends letters to institutions and agencies, a mailing list for those
institutions and agencies.
d. A record or log that shows the level of service provided.
e. Documentation or notations on how the community keeps the FIRM updated.
Documentation or notations that the community has copies of all FIRMs since 1999
or the date the community applied for this credit, whichever is later.
Starting month/year for which certificates are consistently available: ______________ , ____
Office where requests should be submitted _______________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
City ________________________________________________ State ________ Zip ________
Phone ______________________ Fax __________________ e-mail______________________
How should requests for the service be made (mail, phone, fax, etc.)? ____________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-320-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

330 OUTREACH PROJECTS
331 Credit Points:
a.—c.
Variable:

OPC

Points per topic:

OPF

6

OPA1

13

OPA2

2

2

OPA3
2

Topics covered
1. Local flood hazard:
2. Flood safety:
3. Flood insurance:
4. Property protection:
5. Natural & beneficial functions:
6. Local flood hazard map:
7. Flood warning system:
8. Permit requirements:
9. Substantial improvement/damage:
10. Drainage maintenance:
Total of above:

OPC =
OPF =
OPA1 =
OPA2 =
OPA3 =

d. OPS
1. Outreach Project pursuant to a strategy (100 points):
2. Multi-hazard strategy (25 points):
OPS = the total of lines 1 and 2 above:

OPS =

e. PFI
1. Brochure or letter (10 or 45 points):
2. Inclusion of photo(s) (5 points):
3. Explanation of FIRM zones (15 points):
PFI = the total of lines 1, 2, and 3 above:

PFI =

332 Credit Calculation:
c330 = EITHER
OPC
OR

+ OPF
OPC

+ OPA1

+ OPF

+ OPA2
+ OPS

+ OPA3
+ PFI

+ PFI

c330 =
c330 =

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

Activity Worksheet

AW-330-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
333 Credit Documentation:
a. OPC: Copies of the materials, marked with the topics covered.
Date sent:_________________________________
OPF: Copies of the materials, marked with the topics covered.
Date sent:_________________________________
90% Coverage Documentation
OPA1: A description of the project with copies of the public information materials that
were distributed, marked with the topics covered.
Date undertaken:__________________
Example or description:________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
OPA2: A description of the project with copies of the public information materials that
were distributed, marked with the topics covered.
Date undertaken:__________________
Example or description:________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
OPA3: A description of the project with copies of the public information materials that
were distributed, marked with the topics covered.
Date undertaken:__________________
Example or description:________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
PFI:

A copy of the letter or brochure mailed to __ entire community or __ SFHA properties

b. OPS: A copy of the public information program strategy marked with the criteria that must
be met. Include documentation that the strategy is being implemented.
c. Documentation that shows when the projects were undertaken.
d. PFI
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

- Prerequisites:
Number of buildings in the community:
Number of apartments and condominium units in the community:
Number of buildings in the SFHA:
Number of apartments and condominiums in the SFHA:
Notes on how these numbers were calculated:

The following will be needed at the annual recertification:
___ e. Copies of the outreach projects that were conducted that year.
___ f. OPS − A copy of the annual OPS evaluation.
Activity Worksheet

AW-330-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
333.e Public Information Program Strategy Evaluation
[See page 330–25 of the CRS Coordinator's Manual for a completed example.

1. Goals of the community’s Public Information Program Strategy:

2. Projects implemented to meet those goals and their objectives:

3. Were any projects not implemented or objectives not reached? If not, why?

4. What new projects should be implemented and what projects or objectives should be
revised?

For more information, contact: _________________________ Phone: ______________

Activity Worksheet

AW-330-3

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE
342 Credit Calculation:
a. DFH:

DFH = ______

b. ODR:

ODR = ______

c. REB:

REB = ______

d. DOH:

DOH = ______

e. Add lines a through d above:

c340 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

343 Credit Documentation:
a. DFH: Documentation that demonstrates that real estate agents are advising potential
property purchasers of the flood hazard and the flood insurance purchase
requirement.
Disclosure notices from at least five real estate agencies. Blank forms are not
acceptable documentation. OR
__

State law that requires real estate agents to advise people whether a property is
located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
b. ODR: A copy of ordinance or law language requiring one or more additional
disclosure methods at the time of sale or rental of a property. The acronym “ODR”
must be marked in the margin of the sections that pertain to this element.
ODR1: Regulation: _______________________________________
ODR2: Regulation: _______________________________________
ODR3: Regulation: _______________________________________
c. REB: A brochure or other document that is made available to interested parties by
real estate agents. The document must advise people looking to purchase property to
investigate the flood hazard before they buy.
d. DOH: Documentation that the DFH notification includes disclosure of other floodrelated hazards, such as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands.

Comments:
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-340-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION
351 Credit Points:
a. LIB:
1. FIRM, Floodway Map, and explanation (4 points):

______

2. Flood insurance (2 points):

______

3. Building protection measures (8 points):

______

4. Floodplain management or hazard mitigation (3 points):

______

5. Natural and beneficial floodplain functions (3 points):

______

6. Directory of local sources of more information (3 points):

______

7. Special Hazards (2 points)

______

LIB = the total of lines 1 through 7 above

LIB = ______

b. LPD:

LPD = ______

c. WEB:
1. Prerequisites:
__ (a) Site is easy to locate using the community’s name.
__ (b) Easy to get to the flood information from the home page.
__ (c) Links are pertinent to the community’s flood conditions.
__ (d) At least one link to FEMA’s website.
__ (e) Site is reviewed and updated at least once each year.
2.(a) Outreach Project Topics:
1. Local flood hazard (4 points):

______

2. Flood safety (4 points):

______

3. Flood insurance (4 points):

______

4. Property protection (4 points):

______

5. Natural & beneficial functions (4 points):

______

6. Local flood hazard map (4 points):

______

7. Flood warning system (4 points):

______

8. Permit requirements (4 points):

______

9. Substantial improvement/damage (4 points):

______

10. Drainage maintenance (4 points):

______

(b) Publicizing elevation certificates (2 points):

______

(c) Real time river gauge data (10 points):

______

(d) Other flood warning information (20 points):

______

WEB = the total of lines 2(a)—2(d) above:

WEB = ______

352 Credit Calculation:
Add LIB, LPD, and WEB:

c350 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.
Activity Worksheet

AW-350-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
353 Credit Documentation:
a. LIB: A statement from the head of the library that includes:
1. A list of the documents available in the library with their publication dates. Note
which ones also qualify as locally pertinent documents for LPD credit. AND
2. E ITHER:
(a) Certification that the documents have been entered into the library’s card
catalog or similar system. OR
(b) A copy of the card catalog cards or printout of the automated system’s
inventory of flood documents. AND
3. A statement that adequate numbers of documents will be maintained and that the
FIRMs and other materials will be kept up to date.
b. WEB:

The URL of the community’s website: ______________________________

If appropriate, documentation that the website is publicized through an outreach
project reaching 90% of community.
The following will be needed at the annual recertification:
c. WEB: Certification that the community has conducted its annual review and update

of the information and links in its flood protection website.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-350-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE
361 Credit Points:
FPA:
a. Providing site-specific flood and flood-related data (10 points):

______

b. Providing names of contractors and consultants (4 points):

______

c. Providing material on how to select a contractor (3 points):

______

d. Making site visits to review flood, drainage, and
sewer problems (35 points):

______

e. Advising and assisting on retrofitting techniques (14 points):

______

f. Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Buildings course
at EMI (5 points) OR FEMA’s Retrofitting home study
course (2 points):

______

FPA = the total of lines a through f above:

FPA = ______

362 Credit Calculation:
c360 = FPA

c360 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

363 Credit Documentation:
a. A copy of the document used to publicize the service.
An outreach project to the community (OPC or OPF) credited under Activity 330.
An outreach project pursuant to the public information strategy (OPS) credited in
Activity 330, provided the public information strategy document discusses the best
way to advise the target audiences. OR
An annual outreach project that advises all residents and businesses in the
community or in the floodplain about the service, but is not credited under Activity
330 (e.g., a short notice with all tax or utility bills). The materials must be distributed
each year and must reach at least 90% of the target audience.
b. A description of the technical qualifications of all persons who are providing the site
visit and retrofitting assistance credited under Sections 361.d and e.
If credit is being sought under Section 361.f for graduation from the EMI retrofitting
course, a copy of the certificate of graduation.
c. If the person is not a community employee, a letter stating that the person and/or
agency have agreed to do the work.
d. If the community is applying for credit under Section 361.b or c, a list of the names of
contractors or consultants and/or a copy of the material the community provides on
how to select a contractor.
e. If the community is applying for credit under Section 361.d or e, records noting the
date and type of assistance given. The records must include the details of the
findings and recommendations provided to the inquirer.
Activity Worksheet

AW-360-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

410 ADDITIONAL FLOOD DATA
NOTE: Make a copy of this worksheet for each AFD.

This worksheet is for AFD ____

411 Credit Points:
a. NS _____
1. Delineation of an approximate A Zone:

______

2. Flood elevations for a site at time of development:

______

3. New profile or length of shoreline:

______

4. New profile with floodway or length of shoreline
with coastal velocity zone delineation:

______

5. Repetitive loss area(s):

______

Add lines 1 through 5:

NS__= ______

b. LEV__ EITHER
1. Non-FEMA share of study
Total cost of study

= ______

OR

2. A total of the following:
(a) 0.25 if better topographic map was contributed:
(b) 0.15 if other contributions were made to the study:

= ______
LEV__= ______

c. HSS__
1. Delineation of an approximate A Zone:

______

2. Flood elevations for a site at time of development:

______

3. New profile or length of shoreline:

______
HSS__ = ______

d. FWS__

FWS__ = ______

e. CTP2__

CTP2__ = ______

412 AFDi ___ Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: rAFD__ = 1.0

b. Option 2: rAFD__ = 0.25

= ______
c. Option 3: rAFD__ = aAFD
aSFHA ______

Activity Worksheet

AW-410-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

413 Credit Calculation:
a. cAFDi = ((NSi x LEVi) + HSSi + FWS) x rAFDi x CTP2i
cAFD1 = ((____ x ____) + ____ + ____) x ____ x ____

cAFD1 = ______

cAFD2 = ((____ x ____) + ____ + ____) x ____ x ____

cAFD2 = ______

cAFD3 = ((____ x ____) + ____ + ____) x ____ x ____

cAFD3 = ______

cAFD4 = ((____ x ____) + ____ + ____) x ____ x ____

cAFD4 = ______

cAFD5 = ((____ x ____) + ____ + ____) x ____ x ____

cAFD5 = ______

cAFD6 = ((____ x ____) + ____ + ____) x ____ x ____

cAFD6 = ______

b. ΣAFDi = the total of cAFD1 through cAFD6:

ΣAFDi = ______

AFDSH______ (enter total 410 credit from all Special Hazards Worksheets)
cAFDSH = AFDSH ______ x CTP2 ______
CTP1

cAFDSH = ______
CTP1 = ______

Add the lines under b above =

______

c410 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c410 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-410-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
414 Credit Documentation:
a. The ordinance or law that adopts the flood study for regulatory purposes. AND / OR
___

The ordinance that requires site-specific flood elevation or floodway studies to be
conducted at the time of permit application.
b. E ITHER:

___

A copy of each study or an explanation of the technique used and a licensed
professional engineer’s statement that the study technique is approved by FEMA. OR

___

A copy of the Flood Insurance Study pages or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) that
show that the study has been accepted by FEMA to revise the FIRM.

___ c. If the community requested credit for the independent review, documentation that
the state or other agency reviewed and accepted the study or analysis techniques
for which credit is being requested.
___

NS: Documentation that new base flood elevations are higher than those shown in
the FIRM.

___

NS: If credit for mapping a repetitive loss area is requested, the area must be
identified on a map.

___

HSS: Documentation of the higher study standard used in the flood study.

___

FWS: The state or local law that sets the maximum allowable surcharge used in the
study and a copy of the Floodway Data Table or similar documentation that shows
the surcharge used in the study.

___

CTP1: Documentation that the community or other entity has signed the CTP
agreement.

___

CTP2: Documentation showing the relationship between the study and the CTP
agreement.

___ d. LEV: Documentation of the non-FEMA share of the study and who paid for it.
___ e. The Impact Adjustment Map if Option 3 is used.
___ f.

CTP2: Documentation that shows the relation between the study or standard and
the CTP agreement.

The following will be needed at the cycle verification visit:
___ g. [If the community has received credit for a new study (NS) under Section 411.a] A
certification by the community’s engineer that its regulatory floodplain maps and
related data reflect current conditions.

Comments: ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Activity Worksheet

AW-410-3

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

420 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
422 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: 1. rOS = 1.0

2. rDR = 1.0

3. rNB = 1.0

b. Option 2: 1. rOS = 0.05

2. rDR = 0.1

3. rNB = 0.1

c. Option 3:
1. rOS = aOS
aRF
2. rDR = aDR
aRF

=

3. rNB = aNB
aRF

=

=

423 Credit Calculation:
a. cOS = 725 x rOS ______

cOS = ______

b. cDR =

75 x rDR ______

cDR = ______

c. cNB = 100 x rNB ______

cNB = ______

d. cSHOS (Enter total 420 credit from
all Special Hazards Worksheets)
e. Add lines a through d above =

cSHOS = ______
______

c420 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c420 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

424 Credit Documentation:
___ a. Provide assurance that eligible properties will remain open with a marked-up copy of
the restrictive ordinance language.
___ b. Provide assurance that eligible properties will remain open with a document from the
owner(s).
___ c. DR: Attach a copy of the deed restriction(s).
___ d. NB: Attach a copy of the documentation from a professional in a natural science that
the parcel has been preserved in or restored to an undeveloped natural state, or is
otherwise deserving of preservation because of the natural and beneficial function(s)
that it serves.
___ e. The Impact Adjustment Map.
___ f. E ITHER the open space areas are ___ located within the SFHA, OR ___ outside the
SFHA and documentation is attached showing that floodplain regulations are in effect
in the area outside the SFHA.

Activity Worksheet

AW-420-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-420-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

430 HIGHER REGULATORY STANDARDS
432 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: Enter rOS from AW-420-1.
If the community did not apply for Activity 420, then rOS = 0
1. rFRB = 1.0 - rOS ______ = ______

6. rPSC = 1.0 - rOS ______ = _______

2. rFDN = 1.0 - rOS ______ = ______

7. rNBR = 1.0 - rOS ______ = _______

3. rCSI = 1.0 - rOS ______ = ______

8. rENL = 1.0 - rOS ______ = _______

4. rLSI = 1.0 - rOS ______ = ______

9. rOHS = 1.0 - rOS ______ = _______

5. rPCF = 1.0 – rOS ______ = ______

10. rCAZ = 1.0 - rOS ______ = _______

b. Option 2:
1. rFRB = 0.25

6. rPSC = 0.25

2. rFDN = 0.25

7. rNBR = 0.25

3. rCSI = 0.25

8. rENL = 0.25

4. rLSI = 0.25

9. rOHS = 0.25

5. rPCF = 0.25

10. rCAZ = 0.1

c. Option 3:
1. rFRB = aFRB
aRF

= ______

6. rPSC = aPSC
aRF _____

= ______

2. rFDN = aFDN
aRF

= ______

7. rNBR = aNBR
aRF _____

= ______

3. rCSI = aCSI
aRF

= ______

8. rENL = aENL
= ______
aRF _____

4. rLSI = aLSI
aRF

= ______

9. rOHS = aOHS
aRF _____

5. rPCF = aPCF
a500

= ______

10. rCAZ = aCAZ
= ______
aRF _____

Activity Worksheet

AW-430-1

= ______

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
433 Credit Calculation:
a. cFRB = FRB ______ x rFRB ______

cFRB = ______

b. cFDN = FDN ______ x rFDN ______

cFDN = ______

c. cCSI =

CSI ______ x rCSI _______

cCSI = ______

d. cLSI =

LSI ______ x rLSI _______

cLSI = ______

e. cPCF = PCF ______ x rPCF ______

cPCF = ______

f. cPSC = PSC ______ x rPSC ______

cPSC = ______

g. cNBR = NBR ______ x rNBR ______

cNBR = ______

h. cENL = ENL ______ x rENL ______

cENL = ______

i. cOHS = OHS ______ x rOHS ______

cOHS = ______

j. c430LD (from AW-430LD-2 and LD values from
Special Hazards Worksheets):

c430LD = ______

k. cSH (Enter total 430 credit from all Special Hazards Worksheets):
l. SMS

cSH = ______

____ FRB

____ FDN

____ CSI

____ LSI

____ PCF

____ PSC

____ NBR

____ ENL

____ OHS

____ LD

____ SH

____ BC

____ STF

____ MHP

____ CAZ

____ NS

____ HSS

____ FWS

____ OS

____ SMR

____ (Other SMS: ________)

____ (Other SMS: ________)

1. 0.1 x (credit for SMS elements ______ )
2. Insurance agent training
cSMS = the total of 1 and 2 above:

= ______
= ______
cSMS = ______

m. BC
1. 15 x (7 – BCEGS rating ______ )

= ______

2. I-Codes credit IBC ____ + IRC ____ + Other codes_____ = ______
cBC = total of 1 and 2 above:

cBC = ______

n. STF
1. All regulatory staff are CFMs (50 points) ______
2. All development projects reviewed and approved by CFM (25 points) ______
3. 5 points for each CFM or EMI course graduate (max 25 points) ______
cSTF = 1 or 2 or 3 above:
cSTF = ______
o. MHP

cMHP = ______

p. cCAZ = CAZ ______x rCAZ ______

cCAZ = ______

q. Add lines a through p above =

______

c430 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c430 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

Activity Worksheet

AW-430-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
434 Credit Documentation:
a. Law or ordinance c. Explanation/documentation
Language
of enforcement procedures

Copies of relevant
permit records

FRB

_____

_____

_____

FDN

_____

_____

_____

CSI

_____

_____

_____

LSI

_____

_____

_____

PCF

_____

_____

_____

PSC

_____

_____

_____

ENL

_____

_____

_____

OHS

_____

_____

_____

NBR

_____

_____

_____

MHP

_____

_____

_____

CAZ

_____

_____

_____

NBR

_____ If credit is for regulations adopted pursuant to a Habitat Conservation
Plan, attach the appropriate pages of the plan.

LD

_____ AW-430LD is attached.

SH

_____ AW and relevant documentation for each special hazard for which
credit is requested is attached.

SMS _____ State law or regulation mandating a floodplain management standard is
attached.
_____ State law or regulation has been approved under Uniform Minimum Credit.
_____ State law or regulation mandating flood insurance training for property
insurance agents is attached.
BC

_____ Law or ordinance language adopting I-Codes is attached.

MHP _____ Map showing one or more existing manufactured home parks or
subdivisions in the regulatory floodplain. The base flood elevations are
greater than 3 feet deep in these parks/subdivisions.
CAZ _____ Map of the community’s designated Coastal AE Zone.
_____ b. Impact Adjustment Option 3 – Attached is the Impact Adjustment Map.
_____ d. STF: A copy of the certificate(s) of graduation or CFM certificate(s).

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Activity Worksheet

AW-430-3

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

430LD LAND DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
432LD Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: Enter rOS from AW-420-1.
If the community did not apply for Activity 420, then rOS = 0
rLZ__ = 1.0 - rOS ______ = ______
b. Option 2:
1. rLZ__ = 0.05
2. rLZ__ = 0.05
c. Option 3:
1. rLZ___ = aLZ
aRF

= ______

2. rLZ___ = aLZ
aRF

= ______

3. rLZ___ = aLZ
aRF

= ______

433LD Credit Calculation:
a. cLZ _ = LZ__ ___ x rLZ__ ____

cLZ__ = ______

cLZ _ = LZ__ ___ x rLZ__ ____

cLZ__ = ______

cLZ _ = LZ__ ___ x rLZ__ ____

cLZ__ = ______

cLDC = LDC ______

cLDC = ______

b. Add the lines above =

______

c430LD = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c430LD = ______

Enter this value on AW-430-3.

434LD Credit Documentation:
____ a. Ordinance language that adopts the land development criteria or low density
zoning.
____ b. The Impact Adjustment Map.
____ c. Attached is an explanation of how the regulations are enforced.
____ d. Attached are examples of developments constructed in accordance with the
regulations.

Activity Worksheet

AW-430LD-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
To facilitate verification of this activity, please provide the names of the CRS Coordinator and
planning director if other than the CRS Coordinator:
CRS Coordinator

Local Planning Director

Name:
Title:
Phone:

Fax:

Fax:

Address:
E-mail:

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-430LD-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

440 FLOOD DATA MAINTENANCE
441 Credit Points:
a. AMD:
1. Prerequisites:
___ (a) The system is used regularly by the community regulatory staff.
___ (b) New data are added at least annually.
___ (c) Digitized data will be made available annually to FEMA.
2. Credit Points:
(a) Regulatory floodplain, corporate limits, streets,
and parcels/lots (32 points):

______

(b) Location of buildings (15 points):

______

(c) Floodways or coastal high hazard areas (8 points):

______

(d) Base flood elevations (8 points):

______

(e) FIRM zone attributes (6 points):

______

(f) 500-year elevations or boundaries (8 points):

______

(g) Other natural hazard areas (8 points):

______

(h) Topographic contour lines (10 or 20 points):

______

(i) Floodplain data in tax assessment data base (8 points):

______

(j) Overlays for previous FIRMs (8 points):

______

(k) Other regulatory or mitigation overlays (8 points):

______

AMD = the total of lines (a) through (k) above:

AMD = ______

b. BMM:
BMM = 15 x ((NSRS x 1.5) + LBM = _______
aRFM
d. FM:

Activity Worksheet

BMM = ______

FM = ______

AW-440-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
442 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1:

rAMD = 1.0

b. Option 2:

rAMD = 0.25

c. Option 3:

rAMD =

aAMD
aRF

= _________

443 Credit Calculation:
a. cAMD = AMD ______ x rAMD ______ =
b. BMM:

cAMD = ______
BMM = ______

c. EDM (from AW-CE):

EDM= ______

d. FM:

FM = ______

Add the lines above =

______

c440 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c440 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

444 Credit Documentation:
____ a. A summary or example showing the types of data in the data maintenance program.
____ b. If the data maintenance program does not include the entire community, the Impact
Adjustment Map.
____ c. Copies of the digitized mapping, parcel records, or overlay maps, as appropriate.
____

Copies of the shoreline erosion records.

____

Copies of the old FIRMs, Floodway Maps, Flood Insurance Studies, and/or Flood
Hazard Boundary Maps.

____ d. The data on the qualifying benchmarks, the surveyor’s statement (for those
benchmarks not in the NSRS), and the map showing their locations.
____ e. Information on reference marks that appear on the FIRM that were found to be
missing or inaccurate.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-440-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No .1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

450 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
451 Credit Points:
a. SMR
1. SZ

SZ = ______

2. DS

DS = ______

3. PUB

PUB = ______

SMR = the total of lines 1 through 3:

SMR = ______

b. WMP
1. The four prerequisites are met (80 points):

______

2. The plan is also based on the 100-year storm (25 points):

______

3. The community also manages peaks and volumes (40 points):

______

4. The community uses the 5-day event (25 points):

______

5. Identification of wetlands, etc. (15 points):

______

6. Protection of natural channels (10 points):

______

7. Requiring “soft” techniques for bank stabilization (10 points):

______

8. Coordination with the floodplain management plan (20 points):

______

WMP = the total of lines 1 through 8:

WMP =______

452 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: 1. rSMR = 1.0

2. rWMP = 1.0

b. Option 2: 1. rSMR = 0.25

2. rWMP = 0.25

c. Option 3: 1. rSMR = aSMR
aW

= ______

2. rWMP = aWMP
= ______
aW ______

453 Credit Calculation:
a. cSMR = SMR
b. cWMP = WMP

x rSMR

cSMR = ______

x rWMP

cWMP = ______

c. FRX = ____ x ____height in feet of lowest floor or opening, OR
50, where site plan accounts for drainage, OR
20, where positive drainage required

FRX = ______

d. ESC

ESC = ______

e. WQ

WQ = ______

Add the lines a—e above =

______

c450 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c450 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

Activity Worksheet

AW-450-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
454 Credit Documentation:
a. Stormwater Management Regulation (SMR):
1. A copy of the ordinance or law language regulating surface water runoff from new developments in
the watershed. For SMR credit, the language must require that peak runoff from new developments
be no greater than the runoff from the site in its pre-development condition. As an alternative to
such a performance standard, the language may be based on criteria designed to produce the
same result on a regional basis (e.g., a standard allowable discharge per acre based on a regional
study). The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be marked “SMR.”
Ordinance language from other communities within the watershed with the same or
similar regulations. The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be
marked “SMR,” OR
Written assurance from a county, regional, or state agency that similar standards are in
effect in the upstream communities.
Development and permit records that demonstrate enforcement.
2. SZ: The ordinance language that includes the types of development regulated to ensure that
peak runoff from new developments be no greater than the runoff from the site in its predevelopment condition. Include the part of the ordinance that specifies exemptions to this
requirement. The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be marked “SZ.”
Ordinance language from other communities within the watershed with the same or
similar regulations. The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be
marked “SZ,” OR .
Provide written assurance from a county, regional, or state agency that similar
standards are in effect in the upstream communities.
3. DS: The ordinance language that includes the design storm(s) used by the community for
stormwater management regulation. This is the recurrence interval for the storm(s) that is/are
regulated to prevent increased runoff due to development. If credit is based on language that does
not include storm recurrence intervals, the community must provide an estimate of the recurrence
intervals. The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be marked “DS.”
Ordinance language from upstream communities within the watershed with the same or
similar regulations. The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be
marked “DS.” OR
Provide written assurance from a county, regional, or state agency that similar
standards are in effect in the upstream communities.
4. PUB: The ordinance language that shows that the community has the authority to inspect
all private and public stormwater facilities and ensure that they are properly maintained.
The margin next to where this appears in the ordinance must be marked “PUB.”
Ordinance language that requires that all stormwater facilities be dedicated to the
community.” OR
Ordinance language that allows community staff to enter private property to inspect
stormwater facilities, AND allows community staff to perform necessary maintenance.” OR
Ordinance language that requires the owner(s) of private stormwater facilities to have
them inspected at least annually by a registered engineer, to perform all maintenance
indicated by such inspections, and to submit copies of all inspection reports and
maintenance reports to the community.

Activity Worksheet

AW-450-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
A list or map that shows the locations of all publicly and privately owned stormwater
facilities for which the community is requesting PUB credit.
Documentation that shows that all public and private stormwater facilities have been
inspected at least annually. This documentation should include a standard operating
procedure for inspections and records of actual inspections and maintenance. This
documentation is similar to, and may be combined with, documentation for channel
debris removal (CDR) in Activity 540.
5. Impact adjustment. E ITHER
If the community uses Option 1, it must document that all of the watershed that affects
the community is regulated to the same standard. This is true if there is a regional
stormwater management standard applied by all upstream communities, or if the
community is entirely on an island, and no other communities on the island drain into
the community, or if the community’s upstream boundaries exactly match the
watershed boundaries. Provide an Impact Adjustment Map that shows the area
regulated by the community (usually the community’s boundaries) (marked “aSMR”)
and the boundaries of the watershed that affects the community (marked “aW”). aSMR
and aW must be equal. OR
If the community uses Option 2, rSMR = 0.25 and no documentation is required. OR
If the community uses Option 3, it must provide an Impact Adjustment Map. Provide an
Impact Adjustment Map that shows the area regulated by the community (usually the
community’s boundaries) (marked “aSMR”) and the boundaries of the watershed that
affects the community (marked “aW”). If areas within the upstream watershed are
regulated by other communities, their boundaries must also be marked.
b. Watershed Master Plan (WMP):
1. WMP Prerequisites (one prerequisite is credit for SMR):
a. Documentation that the community has adopted a watershed management master
plan for one or more of the watersheds that drain into the community. The margin
next to where this appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP 1.a.”
c. The section of the plan that includes regulatory standards to manage future peak
flows so that they do not increase over present values. The margin next to where this
appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP 1.c.”
d. The section of the plan that includes regulatory standards to manage runoff from all
storms up to and including at least the 25-year event. The margin next to where this
appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP 1.c.”
2. WMP Credit (Basic credit is provided for meeting the prerequisites):
b. Documentation that shows management of peak flows for all storms up to and
including the 100-year storm. The margin next to where this appears in the
documentation must be marked “WMP 2.b.”
c. Documentation that shows management of peak flows AND volumes so that they do
not exceed present values. The plan must include either regulations that meet these
criteria, or must be based on a rainfall/runoff model that achieves these results. The
margin next to where this appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP 2.c.”

Activity Worksheet

AW-450-3

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
d. Documentation that shows management of the runoff from all storms up to and
including the 5-day event. If a community can demonstrate that an event shorter than
five days is the locally appropriate “worst-case” runoff event for stormwater
management, it may receive the credit if it uses that event for its regulatory standard.
The margin next to where this appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP
2.d.”
e. Documentation that the plan identifies existing wetlands or other natural open space
areas to be preserved from development to provide natural attenuation, retention, or
detention of runoff. The margin next to where this appears in the documentation must
be marked “WMP 2.e.”
f. Documentation that the plan prohibits development, alteration, or modification of
existing natural channels. The margin next to where this appears in the
documentation must be marked “WMP 2.f.”
g. Documentation that the plan requires that channel improvement projects use natural
or “soft” approaches rather than gabions, riprap, concrete, or other “hard” techniques.
The margin next to where this appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP
2.g.”
h. Documentation that the plan was prepared in coordination with or as a part of the
community's floodplain management plan credited under Activity 510. The margin
next to where this appears in the documentation must be marked “WMP 2.h.” EITHER
The Floodplain Management Plan is mentioned prominently in the stormwater master
plan and references in the watershed master plan demonstrate that it is intended to
help implement the Floodplain Management Plan. OR
Hydrologic output from the watershed master plan is used as input for the Floodplain
Management Plan.
3. Impact adjustment. Either:
If the community uses Option 1, it must document that all of the watershed that affects
the community is covered by its watershed master plan(s). This is true if there is a
regional stormwater management plan applied by all upstream communities, or if the
community is entirely on an island, and no other communities on the island drain into
the community, or if the community’s upstream boundaries exactly match the watershed
boundaries. Provide an Impact Adjustment Map that shows the area covered by the
watershed master plan(s) (marked “aWMP”) and the boundaries of the watershed that
affects the community (marked “aW”). aWMP and aW must be equal. OR
If the community uses Option 2, rWMP = 0.25 and no documentation is required. OR
If the community uses Option 3, it must provide an Impact Adjustment Map. Provide an
Impact Adjustment map that shows the area covered by the watershed master plan(s)
(marked “aWMP”) and the boundaries of the watershed that affects the community
(marked “aW”).
c. Freeboard in B, C, D, and X Zones (FRX):
A copy of the ordinance or law language that requires elevation of the lowest floor or
lowest opening of new buildings. The margin next to where this appears in the
documentation must be marked “FRX.”
Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement.

Activity Worksheet

AW-450-4

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
d. Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC):
A copy of the ordinance or law language that requires developers or property owners to
use techniques that prevent erosion and soil loss from exposed land. The ordinance(s)
or law must designate an office or official responsible for receiving complaints and
monitoring compliance and it must include enforcement and abatement provisions. The
margin next to where this appears in the documentation must be marked “ESC.”
Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement.
e. Water quality regulations (WQ):
A copy of the ordinance or law language that requires new developments to implement
appropriate best management practices to improve water quality. The margin next to
where this appears in the documentation must be marked “WQ.”
Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement.

To facilitate verification of this activity, please provide the names of the CRS Coordinator and
local stormwater manager if other than the CRS Coordinator:
CRS Coordinator

Local Stormwater Manager

Name:
Title:
Phone:

Fax:

Fax:

Address:
E-mail:

Comments:

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-450-5

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

REPETITIVE LOSS REQUIREMENTS
501 Repetitive Loss List:
___ The community has reviewed the repetitive loss list dated ___________, 200___, and
___

Attached are updated Repetitive Loss Update Worksheets, AW-501. OR

___

There are no changes to FEMA’s repetitive loss list.

As the current CRS Coordinator for ______________________[community name], I have
examined the repetitive loss data provided for each of our ______[#] assigned repetitive loss
properties. For each property in need of update, I have attached an AW-501 that reflects the
current and accurate address, the correct NFIP community identification number, and all known
mitigation actions with the primary source of funding noted. In addition, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, any AW-501 not updated and submitted as part of this application has been
checked and is not in need of update at this time.
Signature: ___________________________________________ (Community CRS Coordinator)

502 Repetitive Loss Category:
After updating, the number of properties counted for CRS purposes is:___ This community is a:
___ Category A community because it has removed all properties from being counted as
repetitive loss properties for CRS purposes.
___ Category B community with 1 to 9 properties counted for CRS purposes. OR
___ Category C community with 10 or more properties counted for CRS purposes.
N OTE : A LL C ATEGORY B AND C REPETITIVE LOSS COMMUNITIES MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING
S ECTION 503 AND SUBMIT THE ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION. CATEGORY C COMMUNITIES MUST
ALSO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR A F LOODPLAIN M ANAGEMENT P LAN UNDER A CTIVITY 510 (F LOODPLAIN
M ANAGEMENT P LANNING ). A CATEGORY C COMMUNITY WILL REVERT TO C LASS 10 IF IT FAILS TO
SUBMIT A PLAN .

503 Repetitive Loss Area Outreach Project:
___ a. A description of the causes of the repetitive flooding.
___ b. A map with the repetitive loss areas identified.
___ c. The addresses for all the properties in the repetitive loss areas.
d. The number of buildings in the repetitive loss areas is: ________( = bRLA).
___ e. The outreach project sent to all properties in the repetitive loss areas.
The following will be needed at the annual recertification:
___

The outreach project sent to all properties in the repetitive loss areas.

Activity Worksheet

AW-500-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
To facilitate verification of this activity, please provide the names of the CRS Coordinator and
local repetitive loss contact person, if other than the CRS Coordinator:
CRS Coordinator

Repetitive Loss Contact

Name:
Title:
Phone:

Fax:

Fax:

Address:
E-mail:

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-500-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send our completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

Activity Worksheet

AW-510-1

4. Assess the hazard.
a. Plan includes an assessment of the flood hazard (REQUIRED) with:
(1) A map of known flood hazards (5)
(2) A description of known flood hazard (5)
(3) A discussion of past floods (5)
b. The plan describes other natural hazards (REQUIRED FOR DMA) (5)

3. Coordinate with other agencies.
a. Review of existing studies and plans (REQUIRED) (3)
b. Invited neighboring communities and other agencies (REQUIRED) (1)
c. Contacted communities and NFIP and EM agencies (4)
d. NWS, ARC and others are asked how they can help community (4)
e. Meetings are held with agencies on mitigation strategies (10)
f. Draft action plan sent to agencies for comments (3)

2. Involve the public.
a. Planning process conducted through a planning committee (40)
b. Public meetings held at the beginning of the planning process (15)
c. Public meeting held on draft plan (15)
d. Questionnaires ask the public for information (5)
e. Recommendations are solicited from advisory groups, etc. (5)
f . Other public information activities to encourage input (5)

1. Organize to prepare the plan.
a. Supervision or direction of a professional planner (2)
b. Planning committee of department staff (6)
c. Process formally created by the community’s governing board (2)

CRS Step

Section/Page

511.a Floodplain Management Planning (FMP)
Credit Points: Enter the section or page number in the plan where each credited item can be found.

510 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Step
Total

Edition: July 2007

Score

Item

Community : ____________________________

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page
Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance
Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance
Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety
Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-310
AW-320

AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

Activity Worksheet No.
AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Activity Worksheet No.

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

Title

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form.
You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments
regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department
of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction Project
(1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Activity Worksheet

AW-510-2

8. Draft an action plan.
Actions must be prioritized (REQUIRED)
a. Recommendations for activities from two of the six categories (10)
b. Recommendations for activities from three of the six categories (20)
c. Recommendations for activities from four of the six categories (30)
d. Recommendations for activities from five of the six categories (45)
e. Post-disaster mitigation policies and procedures (10)
f . Recommendations from Habitat Conservation Plan (10)
g. Action items for mitigation of other hazards (5)

7. Review possible activities.
a. Preventive activities (5)
b. Property protection activities (5)
c. Natural resource protection activities (5)
d. Emergency services activities (5)
e. Structural projects (5)
f . Public information activities (5)

6. Set goals. (REQUIRED) (2)

5. Assess the problem.
a. Summary of each hazard identified in the hazard assessment and
their community impact (REQUIRED) (2)
b. Description of the impact of the hazards on:
(1) Life, safety, health, procedures for warning and evacuation (5)
(2) Critical facilities and infrastructure (5)
(3) The community’s economy and tax base (5)
c. Number and types of buildings subject to the hazards (5)
d. Review of all flood insurance claims (4)
e. Natural and beneficial functions (4)
f. Development, redevelopment, and population trends (5)

CRS Step

Section/Page

Total

Edition: July 2007

Score

Community : ____________________________

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page
Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance
Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance
Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety
Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-310
AW-320

AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

Activity Worksheet No.
AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Activity Worksheet No.

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

Title

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form.
You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments
regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department
of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction Project
(1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Section/Page

FMP=

Score

Total

Activity Worksheet

AW-510-3

___ h. An update to the floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan.

The following will be needed at least every five years:

___ g. An annual report on evaluating progress toward implementing the action plan’s objectives.

The following will be needed at the annual recertification:

___ e. Documentation showing that the plan was adopted by the community’s governing board.

Edition: July 2007

___ d. Copies of correspondence, meeting notes, or other materials that document the coordination with other municipalities,
agencies, and organizations credited under Sections 511.a.3(b) – (f).

___ c. Documentation showing how the public was involved in preparing or reviewing the plan, including a copy of the notice(s)
advising residents about the public meeting(s) held pursuant to steps 2(b) and (c), and a record of the meeting(s).

___ b. A copy of the floodplain management plan, hazard mitigation plan, and/or Habitat Conservation Plan.

___ a. FMP: The completed CRS activity worksheet (AW-510-1−510-3) or the mitigation plan review crosswalk.

514 Credit Documentation:

Add the totals for steps 1 through 10 above:

10. Implement, evaluate, and revise.
a. Procedures to monitor and recommend revisions (REQUIRED) (2)
b. Same planning committee or successor committee that qualifies
under Section 511.a.2(a) does the evaluation (13)

9. Adopt the plan. (2)

CRS Step

Community : ____________________________

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page
Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance
Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance
Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety
Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-310
AW-320

AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

Activity Worksheet No.
AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Activity Worksheet No.

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

Title

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time
for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form.
You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed onf this form. Send comments
regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department
of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction Project
(1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Step 2. Data were collected on each building and the cause(s) of the repetitive flood damage was determined.

Step 3. Alternative mitigation approaches were reviewed to determine whether any property protection measures or drainage
improvements are feasible.

Step 4. Agencies or organizations that may have plans that could affect the cause or impacts of the flooding were contacted.

Step 5. Document the findings, including a map showing all parcels in the area, recommendations, and how the
recommendations will be funded.

____

____

____

____

b. The number of buildings in all of the community’s repetitive loss areas (bRLA) _____________.

a. The number of buildings in the repetitive loss areas where the analyses have been completed (bAA) ____________.

If the community did not conduct analyses of all the repetitive loss areas, provide the following:

RLAA: The completed CRS activity worksheet (AW-510-4) for each analysis.

Activity Worksheet

AW-510-4

Edition: July 2007

___ f. An annual report on evaluating progress toward implementing the action plan’s objectives and/or the recommendations of the
area analyses. A single report may be prepared for all analyses.

The following will be needed at the annual recertification:

___ e. A copy of each repetitive loss area analysis to be credited and a memo or other documentation showing that the head of the
appropriate department has approved it. The National Flood Mitigation Data Collection Tool database file must also be provided,
if requested.

___

514 Credit Documentation:

____

____4. A memo or other documentation showing that the head of the appropriate department has approved the analysis.

Step 1. Property owners were advised that the analysis would be conducted.

____

3. Enter the section or page number in the analysis where each credited item can be found.

___ 2. Upon request, provide the data collected on each building in the area(s) using the “limited data view” of the National Flood
Mitigation Data Collection Tool.

___ 1. Show that all repetitive loss areas are mapped as described in Section 503.b.

Complete one copy of this page for each analysis.

511.b Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) Credit Points:

Community : ____________________________

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page
Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance
Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance
Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety
Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-310
AW-320

AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

Activity Worksheet No.
AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Activity Worksheet No.

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

Title

Public reporting burden for this datta collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form.
You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments
regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005, Paperwork
Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

c510 = ______

______

cHCP = ______

cRLAA = ______

cFMP = ______

Activity Worksheet

AW-510-5

Edition: July 2007

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Comments:

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

c510 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

Add the lines above =

HCP ______

RLAA ______ x rRLAA ______

b. FMP ______ x rFMP ______

a. FMP = ______. If any of the step totals in subsections 511.a.1–10 is 0, then FMP = 0.

513 Credit Calculation:

rRLAA = bAA__________ = ________
bRLA ________

c. Option 3.

rRLAA = 0.25

rFMP = 0.25

b. Option 2:

rRLAA = 1.0

rFMP = 1.0

a. Option 1:

512 Impact Adjustment:

Community : ____________________________

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page
Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance
Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management
Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance
Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety
Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-310
AW-320

AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

Activity Worksheet No.
AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Activity Worksheet No.

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

Title

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate includes the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and submitting this form.
You are not required to respond to this collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments
regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department
of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction
Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

520 ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION
522 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: (bAR _____ x 5) + (bRL _____ x 10) + (bSRL _____ x 15) = ______. Under
Option 1, the maximum value for bAR, bRL or bSRL is 20. The maximum credit
for c520 under Option 1 is 300.
b. Option 2: rAR = 100 x (bAR
bSF

) + (3 x bSRL
+ bSRL _____

)) = ______

a. Option 1: c520 = (bAR ____ x 5) + (bRL)____ x 10) + (bSRL _____ x 15)

= ______

+ bAR

+ (2 x bRL
+ bRL

rAR cannot be greater than 100.0.

523 Credit Calculation:
b. Option 2: c520 = 32 x rAR ______ = ______
c520 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

______
c520 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

524 Credit Documentation:
___ a. A map showing the location of parcels where buildings have been demolished or
relocated since the effective date of the FIRM and the total number of such buildings.
___ b. Documentation showing that each site credited can also qualify for credit as
preserved open space.
___ c. Impact Adjustment Option 2 – Calculations showing the number of buildings in the
SFHA (bSF).
___ d. Real estate or permit records that document the date of removal of each building.
___ e. Either the non-repetitive loss buildings (bAR) are ___ located within the SFHA OR
___ outside the SFHA and documentation is attached showing that floodplain
regulations are in effect in the area outside the SFHA.

504 National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994:
___

No projects with CRS credit were funded with Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Funds.

___

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Funds were used to finance the acquisition and
relocation of ____ buildings which are on the list of buildings for CRS credit.

Comments: ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
Activity Worksheet

AW-520-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

530 FLOOD PROTECTION
532 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1.
Number of protected non-repetitive loss buildings in the regulatory floodplain: _____
Number of protected non-Severe Repetitive Loss buildings ___ x 2

= _____

Number of protected Severe Repetitive Loss buildings ___ x 3

= _____

Add the above lines

_____

rPB = 0.15 x the total of the above ____
b. Option 2. rPB = 100 x PB
bSF ______

= ______

= ______

533 Credit Calculation:
28 x rPB ______

= ______

c530 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c530 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

534 Credit Documentation:
___ a. and b. Elevation certificates, completed AW-530-3, or other documentation that
shows that each protection project meets this activity’s prerequisites and
shows the type of protection measure and protection level for each retrofitted
building.
___ c. A map showing the location of all protected buildings for which credit is being
applied.
___ d. Impact Adjustment Option 2 – Calculations showing the number of buildings in the
SFHA (bSF).
___ e. Either the non-repetitive loss protected buildings are _____ located within the SFHA
OR ___ outside the SFHA and documentation is attached showing that floodplain
regulations are in effect in the area outside the SFHA.

504 National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994:
___

No projects with CRS credit were funded with Flood Mitigation Assistance program funds.

___

Flood Mitigation Assistance program funds were used to finance the protection of ______
buildings which are on the list of buildings for CRS credit.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Activity Worksheet

AW-530-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
531 RETROFITTED BUILDINGS
If the building is a repetitive loss or Severe Repetitive Loss building, use ditto marks and enter the
same address two or three times as appropriate.

Building #

Address

FPP -

FPB =

FPI

x

TU

= FPI x TU

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______

___

____________________________ ______ - ______ = ______ x ______ = ______
Add the lines above: PB = (TUi x FPIi) =

______

Add the total of each page to obtain (TUi x FPIi) for the value of PB.
Activity Worksheet

AW-530-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
RETROFITTING WORKSHEET
This is an optional form that may be used to record CRS credit criteria for retrofitting projects
that are not in a high hazard area and that do not need to be designed or approved by an
engineer or architect. Elevated buildings should be documented with a FEMA elevation
certificate.
Property Address: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________
Permit record. EITHER Permit # _________________ Date of Permit: ______________
OR

___ The project meets all requirements of the regulations currently in effect.
___ The project was completed after the effective date of the initial FIRM.
Building/project condition.
___ The building or project appears to be maintained.
Human intervention. EITHER:
___ The project does not require human intervention. OR
___ The project requires human intervention and there is adequate warning time.
Approximate duration of flood events: ________________ hours/days.
High hazard area. EITHER:
___ The building is NOT located in a V Zone, floodway with velocity > 5 feet per second, or an area
subject to special hazard. OR
___ The building is located in one of the high hazard areas and the design was certified by a
licensed professional engineer or architect.
Dry floodproofing.
___ The project was designed by an engineer and the design accounts for interior drainage,
seepage, and underdrainage. (TU = 0.6)
___ The project does not depend on human intervention to close openings; the project protects to
a level less than 3 feet over the first floor; the design accounts for internal drainage, seepage,
and underdrainage; and the building does not have a basement. (TU = 0.4)
___ There is no documentation of how openings, internal drainage, seepage, or underdrainage are
handled. (TU = 0.2)

Activity Worksheet

AW-530-3

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
Wet floodproofing.
___ The project was designed by a licensed engineer or architect. (TU = 0.5)
___ The project was not designed by a licensed engineer or architect. (TU = 0.3)
___ The furnace, water heater, electrical breaker box, and other utilities are relocated above flood
level. (TU = 0.2)
Sewer backup protection.
___ The building is located in the SFHA. (TU = 0.2)
___ The building is located outside of the SFHA and the community has a building code or other
regulations that require positive drain sewers or other measures that prevent sewer backup
into new buildings. (TU = 0.1)
Flood protection improvement (FPI).
Before the retrofitting project, the building was protected from the ____-year flood FPB = ____
After the retrofitting project, the building was protected from the ____-year flood

FPP = ____

The values for FPB and FPP are:
0.0 for protection to less than the 10-year flood
0.3 for protection to the 10-year flood, but less than the 25-year flood
0.5 for protection to the 25-year flood, but less than the 50-year flood
0.8 for protection to the 50-year flood, but less than the 100-year flood
0.9 for protection to the 100-year flood
1.0 for protection to the 100-year plus one foot or more
1.0 for protection to the 500-year flood
Source of flood recurrence interval if other than FIS:___________________________________
CRS scores: TU =

FPB =

FPP =

___ This property is on the FEMA repetitive loss list.
___ This property is on the FEMA Severe Repetitive Loss list.

I certify that the items checked above are correct to the best of my knowledge.
Name (signed): ___________________________________________________________
Name (printed): _______________________________________ Date: _______________

Activity Worksheet

AW-530-4

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

540 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
541 Credit Points:
a. CDR
1. 200, if the program includes all four requirements:
2. 50, if there are measures for specific problem sites:
3. 50, if there is a capital improvement program:
CDR = the total of lines 1 through 3 above:

______
______
______
CDR = ______

542 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: rCDR = 1.0
b. Option 2: rCDR = 0.2
c. Option 3: rCDR = aCDR
= ______
aDC ______

543 Credit Calculation:
a. cCDR = CDR ______ x rCDR ______
b. SDR

cCDR = ______
SDR = ______

c. cEPM (from AW-CE)

cEPM = ______

Add the lines above =
c540 = above rounded to nearest whole number:
Enter this value on AW-720-1.

______
c540 = ______

544 Credit Documentation:
a. CDR: Drainage inspection and maintenance procedures, instructions, or other documents
that explain the community’s routine inspection and debris removal program:
1. Identification of the person or position responsible for the various aspects of the
maintenance program;
2. Description of the community’s drainage system and areas subject to the maintenance
program;
3. Explanation of the procedures for inspection, including when regular inspections are
conducted and how soon inspections are conducted after a complaint or a storm;
4. Explanation of the debris removal procedures, i.e., how soon after an inspection an area
must be cleared and what can and cannot be removed; and
5. Samples of records that are kept to document both the inspections and the removal
projects.
If the community is requesting credit for special inspection and maintenance of problem
sites (Section 431.a.2), attach a master list of the community’s drainage maintenance
problem sites that are inspected and maintained differently or more frequently. The
problem sites must be part of the drainage system that the community has mapped for its
CDR credit.

Activity Worksheet

AW-540-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
b. CDR: Capital improvement program: If the community is requesting credit for an ongoing
program, such as a capital improvements plan, to eliminate or correct problem sites or to
construct “low maintenance” channels or other facilities (Section 431.a.3):
1. A master list of the community’s drainage maintenance problem sites that are in need of
elimination or correction. The problem sites must be part of the drainage system that the
community has mapped for its CDR credit.
2. Recommended correction measures for the problem sites.
3. Documentation that funds are spent on improvement projects each year.
c. SDR: Stream dumping regulations:
A copy of the regulatory language that prohibits dumping in the community’s drainage
system. The ordinance or law must designate an office or official responsible for
receiving complaints and monitoring compliance and it must include enforcement and
abatement provisions. Mark this documentation “SDR.”
d. SDR: Stream dumping regulations publicity – EITHER
A copy of the outreach project. OR
Photographs of “no dumping” signs.
e. CDR: Impact Adjustment Map:
A map showing all parts of the surface drainage system in the developed areas of the
community and showing those parts that are inspected and maintained under CDR.
f.

CDR: Records:
Copies of inspection and maintenance records.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-540-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

610 FLOOD WARNING PROGRAM
611 Credit Points:
a. 2. Flood threat recognition system (FTR):
(a) (1) Act on NWS warning (20 points):

______

(2) Prediction model (5 or 20 points):

______

(b) (1) Data collection (15 or 20 points):

______

(2) Gage density (10 points):

______

(3) Prediction model (5 or 10 points):

______

FTR = the total of (a)(1) and (2) OR (b)(1) through (b)(3) above:

FTR = ______

b. 2. Emergency warning dissemination (EWD):
(a) Adopted policy (10 points):

______

(b) Outdoor system (15 points):

______

(c) Door to door (30 points):

______

(d) Emergency Alert System (10 points):

______

(e) Telephone (15 points):

______

(f) Cable TV override (10 points):

______

(g) AM transmitters (10 points):

______

(h) Other system:

______

EWD = the total of (a) through (h) above.
If the total is greater than 60, then EWD = 60.:

EWD = ______

c. 2. Other response efforts (ORE):
(a) Plan keyed to predicted flood levels (20 points):

______

(b) Plan assigns tasks (10 points):

______

(c) Plan identifies resources needed (20 points):

______

ORE = the total of (a) through (c) above:

ORE = ______

d. 2. Critical facilities planning (CFP):
(a) CFP1 Names and numbers (10 points):

CFP1 = ______

(b) CFP2 Warning coordination (20 points):

CFP2 = ______

(c) CFP3 Facilities have own plans (20 points):

CFP3 = ______

e. SRC

Activity Worksheet

SRC = ______

AW-610-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
612 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: 1. rFTR = 1.0

2. rEWD = 1.0

3. rORE = 1.0

4. rCFP3 = 1.0

b. Option 2: 1. rFTR = 0.25

2. rEWD = 0.25

3. rORE = 0.25

4. rCFP3 = 0.25

c. Option 3: 1. rFTR = bFTR
bSF

= ______

2. rEWD = bEWD
bSF

= ______

3. rORE = bORE
= ______
bSF ______

613 Credit Calculation:
a. cFTR = FTR

x rFTR

cFTR = ______

b. cEWD = EWD

x rEWD

cEWD = ______

c. cORE = ORE

x rORE

cORE = ______

d. cCFP = CFP1 _____ + CFP2 _____ + (CFP3 _____ x rCFP3 _____)

cCFP = ______

e. SRC

SRC = _______

f.

Add lines a through e above =

______

c610 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c610 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.
To facilitate verification of this activity, please provide the names of the CRS Coordinator and
local emergency manager if other than the CRS Coordinator:
CRS Coordinator

Local Emergency Manager

Name:
Title:
Phone:

Fax:

Fax:

Address:
E-mail:

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-610-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
614 Credit Documentation:
Note: If Activity 610 credit has been received before and there is no change in the flood warning
program and/or the emergency operations plan, go to page AW-610-5.

Flood Threat Recognition System (FTR):
1. Provide a description of the local flood hazards. [Include sources of flooding, areas affected
and impact of flooding on the community.] [See Attachment ____ pages ______________.]
If the community does NOT HAVE a description of its flood hazards, FTR=0 and c610=0.
2. Provide a description of the Flood Threat Recognition System. [Include documentation of early
notice of a flood at one or more locations within the community. If appropriate, describe show
how the community provides flood forecasts for areas other than the above forecast points.]
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
3. If the community or another local agency use rainfall and/or runoff data on a real-time basis
and makes flood forecasts from these data, provide a description of the system. [Tell whether
the collection system is based on precipitation and/or river gage data that are manually or
automatically read and reported, the location gage network density, etc.]
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
4. Provide documentation showing the method used to predict downstream arrival time and peak
flow or elevations. [See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
5. If flood warnings are received from another agency,
•

Include a description of how the notice is received.
[See Attachment ____ pages ________________.]

•

Identify local agency procedures for monitoring the system. [Include the written
instructions available to the person monitoring the warning system.]
[See Attachment ____ pages ________________.]

6. Provide examples of one or more flood forecast notices issued for the community.
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
7. Provide documentation of the annual maintenance and testing of the data collection,
communications, and data analysis components of the flood threat recognition system.
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]

Emergency Warning Dissemination (EWD):
8. Provide documentation that the local government has adopted an emergency response plan.
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
9. Describe the community’s program for testing warning dissemination equipment and
procedures. [Include the frequency of the test.] [See Attachment ____ pages ____________.]
Activity Worksheet

AW-610-3

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
Provide a copy of the adopted policy that specifies when and how a warning is issued. [Include the
written procedures that tell warning point personnel when, how and what messages to issue.] [See
Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
10. If the community uses either a sound or siren system to disseminate flood warnings, provide a
map showing the location of the sirens and the coverage area where they can be heard inside
a closed building during storm conditions. [See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
11. If the community uses door-to-door contact or a mobile public address system for flood
warning, provided documentation describing how the tasks are organized and conducted.
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
12. If the community’s response plan includes flood warning using the Emergency Alert System,
provide a copy of the community’s activation policies, procedures, and example messages.
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
13. If a telephonic system is used to warn all residents in the SFHA, provide documentation
describing how and when the system is updated, and its backup system for warning residents
when there is no telephone answer provided. [See Attachment ____ pages ______________.]
15. If the community uses a cable television override system for flood warning, provide
documentation of its procedures for activating the system. [See Attachment ____
pages _______________.]
16. If the community has established local AM radio transmitters used for public warning
announcements, provide documentation on the procedures for their use.
[See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
17. If the community has other warning methods not described above, these may be submitted for
credit evaluation. [See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]

Other Response Efforts (ORE):
18. Provide a copy of those sections of the local emergency operations plan, flood response plan,
standard operating procedures, and other documentation that show how the local government
responds to floods. [See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]

Critical Facilities Planning (CFP):
19. If the community maintains the names and telephone numbers of the operators of ALL critical
facilities affected by flooding, provide documentation that this information is updated at least
annually. [See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
20. If the community provides special flood warnings or early notifications directly to ALL facilities
that need them, provide a copy of the section of the adopted plan that describes these
arrangements and how they are implemented. [See Attachment ____ pages _____________.]
21. Provide a list of critical facilities that need flood response plans. Identify those critical facilities
with flood response plans that have been developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community.
[NOTE: The local government may be asked to provide one or more of the plans on the list to
the technical reviewer.] [See Attachment ____ pages _______________.]
Activity Worksheet

AW-610-4

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
Cycle verification of previously credited flood warning program
22. What is the date of the current flood warning program (Emergency Operations Plan)?
If this date is more recent than the date of the plan used for the
previous verification, obtain a copy of those portions related to flood warning and flood
operations. Send these materials for technical review. [See Attachment ____.]
23. Has there been a flood insurance restudy since the last verification?

Yes

No

A. If yes, did the new Flood Insurance Study add streams to the SFHA?
Yes
No If yes, mark these on the FIRM and send for review.
[See Attachment ____.]
B. Have these new streams been included in the flood warning program?
Yes. Provide a description of the flood threat recognition system for these
areas. Tell how many SFHA buildings are covered by the expanded
warning area. [See Attachment ____.]
No.

What percentage of the SFHA buildings are located in the area not
covered by flood forecast with peak flow or elevation data? ______

24. Has there been a flood since the last verification that resulted in the loss of life or
$50,000 in damage?
Yes
No
A. Was a flood warning evaluation report prepared?
Yes
copy of the report to this form. [See Attachment ____.]

No If yes, attach a

B. Were changes made to the flood warning program as a result of the evaluation report?
Yes
No If yes, attach a copy of the changes to this form.
[See Attachment ____.]
25. Has the flood warning program been modified since the last verification for other reasons?
Yes
No If yes, attach a copy of the changes to this form.
[See Attachment ____.]
26. Have emergency warning dissemination methods been added, deleted, or modified since the
last verification?
Yes
No If yes, attach a copy of the changes.
[See Attachment ____.]
27. Has the local government’s area of jurisdiction changed since the last verification?
Yes
No
A. If yes, do the changes add SFHA to the community’s area of jurisdiction?
Yes
No If yes, mark these new areas on the FIRM and attach.
[See Attachment ____.]
B. If yes, have these new streams been included in the flood warning program?
Yes. Provide a description of the flood threat recognition system for these areas.
[See Attachment ____.]
No. What percentage of the SFHA buildings are located in the area not covered
by flood forecast with peak flow or elevation data? ______
Activity Worksheet

AW-610-5

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
If the local government requested credit for critical facilities planning,
A. How many critical facilities within the community’s jurisdiction need advanced warning
for a flood event? _______
B. How many critical facility managers receive the advanced warning they have identified
they need to prepare for a flood? _______ Send a list of critical facilities with their
required warning time and contact information for technical review.
[See Attachment ____.]
28. How many critical facilities have flood response plans that have been developed, reviewed,
or approved by the local government? ______ Send a list of critical facilities with flood
response plans that have been developed, reviewed or approved by the local government.
[See Attachment ____.]

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-610-6

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
612 Impact Adjustment:
Credit points for each element are adjusted to reflect the extent of coverage of the flood warning
program. Local governments should describe the impact of their flood warning program using one
of the following options.

Option 1:
The flood threat recognition system, the warning dissemination system, and the flood response
tasks COVER THE ENTIRE Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). ____ Yes _____No [Remember,
the area credited by the flood warning program is the area where the warning program can
forecast specific flood conditions in the future. This includes areas where flood elevations and
arrival times can be forecast. It does not include areas where the National Weather Service or
others can only predict flooding “along streams and low areas.”]

Option 2:
If the flood threat recognition system, the warning dissemination system, and the flood response
tasks COVER LESS THAN THE ENTIRE SFHA, the local government may use a default value of 0.25 for
rFTR, rEWD, and rORE. ______ Yes _______ No

Option 3:
Where local flood warning programs COVER MORE THAN 25% OF THE STRUCTURES, BUT NOT ALL OF
THE STRUCTURES in the SFHA, the community may use Option 3. Using this option the impact
adjustment ratios for FTR, EWD, and ORE are computed by dividing the number of buildings
affected by each element by the total number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF).
rFTR=bFTR
bSF

=

rFTR= _________ = __________

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-610-7

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

620 LEVEE SAFETY
622 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: rLP = 1.0
b. Option 2: rLP = 0.01
c. Option 3: rLP = bLP
= ______
bSF______

623 Credit Calculation:
9 x LPL ______ x rLP ______

= ______

c620 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c620 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

624 Credit Documentation:
a. Levee protection level documentation. EITHER:
___
A statement signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that states the levee protection level
and the date of construction, OR
___
A certification by a licensed professional engineer that states that the levee meets all the NFIP
levee recognition requirements except for height, provides the date of construction, the levee
protection level, and shows that all mechanized interior drainage systems have been tested.
___ b. The levee emergency response plan that specifies actions to take at various flood stages.
___ c. The map showing the area protected by the levee, designated as "LP."
___ d. The Impact Adjustment Map (if Option 2 or 3 is used). and
___

Documentation showing how bLP and bSF were determined.

The following will be needed at the annual recertification:
___ e. A certification by a licensed professional engineer that the levee has been maintained in such
a manner that it meets all the NFIP levee maintenance requirements.
___ f.

Documentation of the monthly communications checks between local emergency officials and
the agency responsible for the levee and a description of the exercise or drill of the levee
emergency plan or the response to an actual emergency or disaster conducted during the
previous year.

___ g. A copy of the materials that notify occupants of the area protected by the credited levee.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Activity Worksheet

AW-620-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

630 DAM SAFETY
632 Impact Adjustment:
a. Option 1: rDFP = 1.0
b. Option 2: rDFP = 0.25
c. Option 3: rDFP = bDFP
= ______
bSF _______

633 Credit Calculation:
a. SDS

SDS = ______

b. cDFP = (DFP1 _____ + DFP2 _____ + DFP3 _____) x rDFP _____

= ______

c. Add SDS and DFP =

______

c630 = value above rounded to the nearest whole number:

c630 = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

634 Credit Documentation:
There is no documentation required for state dam safety program (SDS) credit.
a. Dam failure plan (DFP): Pages from the adopted emergency response plan, marked “DFP1,”
that
(a)(1) Specify that the community will be notified in the event of an impending or actual
failure of a dam upstream from the community;
(a)(2) Provide projected inundation areas, flood elevations, and estimated arrival times for
flood peaks arising from a failure of the dam; and
(a)(3) Call for an exercise at least annually. The results of the exercise are evaluated and
used to revise the response plan.
(b) A procedure to obtain annual reports by the dam operators on the safety and
operational status of their dams. Copies of these reports must be sent to the
community and the state dam safety office; and
(c) Documentation of monthly communications checks between dam operators and
emergency services officials.
b. DFP warning credit (Mark the documentation for this section “DFP2”): An emergency response
plan that details at least three methods of notifying affected residents of an imminent flood
resulting from a possible or ongoing dam failure. At least three of the following notification
methods must be available:
___

Sound or voice siren system.

___

Telephonic notification, AM transmitters and receivers dedicated to dam failure
notification.

___

NOAA Weather Radio. Receivers with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) are
preferred.
Mobile public address.

Activity Worksheet

AW-630-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________
Emergency Alert System.
Cable television override.
Door-to-door notification.
c. DFP evacuation planning credit (Mark the documentation for this section “DFP3”):
1. Documentation that the adopted emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and
detailed procedures for notifying and evacuating critical facilities, specifically including
schools, hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and other locations where there are populations that may have difficulty evacuating the dam failure inundation area; and
2. Documentation of at least annual notification of occupants in the dam failure area of
the hazard, the area affected, evacuation routes, and flood safety topics appropriate to
the hazard.
___

d. The Impact Adjustment Map (if Option 1 or 3 is used), and

___

Documentation showing how bLP and bSF were determined.

The following will be needed at the annual recertification:
_____ e. Documentation of the monthly communications checks between local emergency
officials and the agency responsible for the dam and a description of the exercise or
drill of the dam failure emergency plan or the response to an actual emergency or
disaster conducted during the previous year.
To facilitate verification of DFP, provide the names of the CRS Coordinator and flood warning
contact or emergency manager if other than the CRS Coordinator:
CRS Coordinator:

Flood Warning Contact or
Emergency Management Coordinator:

Name:
Title:
Phone:

Fax:

Fax:

Address:

Email:
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Activity Worksheet

AW-630-2

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of
information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy
of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA
20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

710 COMMUNITY GROWTH ADJUSTMENT
712 Growth Adjustment Calculation:
a. Average Growth Rate:
AGR1 = USGR = ______
AGR2 = USGR

+ CMGR
2

= ______

AGR = the larger of the two (AGR1 or AGR2)
If AGR is less than 0.0, then AGR = 0.0
If AGR is greater than 5.0, then AGR = 5.0

AGR = ______

b. Community Growth Adjustment:
CGA = 1 + (0.1 x AGR ______):

CGA = ______

Enter this value on AW-720-1.

713 Credit Documentation:
___ If CMGR is used, documentation that the community growth rate (CMGR) data have been accepted by
a state or federal agency for reporting requirements.

Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-710-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

720 COMMUNITY CREDIT CALCULATIONS
Calculation Section:
Verified Activity Calculations:

Credit

c310 ______ =
c320 ______ =
c330 ______ =
c340 ______ =
c350 ______ =
c360 ______ =

______
______
______
______
______
______

c410 ______ x CGA ______ =
c420 ______ x CGA ______ =
c430 ______ x CGA ______ =
c440 ______ x CGA ______ =
c450 ______ x CGA ______ =

______
______
______
______
______

c510 ______ =
c520 ______ =
c530 ______ =
c540 ______ =

______
______
______
______

c610 ______ =
c620 ______ =
c630 ______ =

______
______
______

722 Community Classification Calculation:
cT = total of above

cT = ______

Community Classification (from Appendix C):
CEO Name / Address

Class = ______
CRS Coordinator Name / Address

Date Report Prepared:___________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-720-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden
estimate includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining
the data needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of
information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy
of the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management,
Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA
20598-3005, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Community : ____________________________

720m COMMUNITY CREDIT CALCULATIONS (MODIFICATION):
Calculation Section:
Previous
Score

Modified
Score

Current
Credit

CGA
Credit

Activity
Total

c310 ______
c320 ______
c330 ______
c340 ______
c350 ______
c360 ______

c310 ______
c320 ______
c330 ______
c340 ______
c350 ______
c360 ______

c310 ______ =
c320 ______ =
c330 ______ =
c340 ______ =
c350 ______ =
c360 ______ =

______
______
______
______
______
______

c410 ______
c420 ______
c430 ______
c440 ______
c450 ______

c410 ______
c420 ______
c430 ______
c440 ______
c450 ______

c410 ______ x CGA ______ =
c420 ______ x CGA ______ =
c430 ______ x CGA ______ =
c440 ______ x CGA ______ =
c450 ______ x CGA ______ =

______
______
______
______
______

c510 ______
c520 ______
c530 ______
c540 ______

c510 ______
c520 ______
c530 ______
c540 ______

c510 ______ =
c520 ______ =
c530 ______ =
c540 ______ =

______
______
______
______

c610 ______ c610 ______ c610 ______ =
c620 ______ c620 ______ c620 ______ =
c630 ______ c630 ______ c630 ______ =

______
______
______

722 Community Classification Calculation:
cT = total of above:

cT = ______

Community Classification (from Appendix C):

Class = ______

CEO Name / Address
____________________________________

CRS Coordinator Name / Address
_______________________________________

____________________________________

_______________________________________

____________________________________

_______________________________________

____________________________________

_______________________________________

Date Report Prepared:____________________

Activity Worksheet

AW-720m-1

Edition: July 2007

OMB No. 1660-0022
Expires: September 30, 2013

Public reporting burden for this data collection is estimated to average 31 hours per response. The burden estimate
includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and submitting this form. You are not required to respond to this collection of information
unless a valid OMB control number is displayed on this form. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden
estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections Management, Department of
Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington, VA 20598-3005,
Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022). Note: do not send your completed form to this address.

Activity Worksheet No.

Title

AW-210
AW-214
AW-230

CRS Application Cover Page
Recertification Worksheet
Modification/Cycle Cover Page

AW-310
AW-320
AW-330
AW-340
AW-350
AW-360

Elevation Certificates
Map Information Service
Outreach Projects
Hazard Disclosure
Flood Protection Information
Flood Protection Assistance

AW-410
AW-420
AW-430
AW-430LD
AW-440
AW-450

Additional Flood Data
Open Space Preservation
Higher Regulatory Standards
Land Development Criteria
Flood Data Maintenance
Stormwater Management

AW-500
AW-510
AW-520
AW-530
AW-540

Repetitive Loss Requirements
Floodplain Management Planning
Acquisition and Relocation
Flood Protection
Drainage System Maintenance

AW-610
AW-620
AW-630

Flood Warning Program
Levee Safety
Dam Safety

AW-710
AW-720
AW-720m

Community Growth Adjustment
Community Credit Calculations
Community Credit Calculations (Modification)

AW-CB
AW-CE
AW-DB
AW-IJ
AW-MF
AW-SU
AW-TS
AW-UF

Closed Basin Lake Hazards
Coastal Erosion Hazards
Dunes and Beaches
Ice Jam Hazards
Mudflow Hazards
Land Subsidence Hazards
Tsunami Hazards
Uncertain Flow Path Hazards