44 CFR 60.3 and 60.6

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PART 60—CRITERIA FOR LAND MANAGEMENT AND USE

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Section Contents

Subpart A—Requirements for Flood Plain Management Regulations
§ 60.1
§ 60.2
§ 60.3
§ 60.4
§ 60.5
§ 60.6
§ 60.7
§ 60.8

Purpose of subpart.
Minimum compliance with flood plain management criteria.
Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas.
Flood plain management criteria for mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas.
Flood plain management criteria for flood-related erosion-prone areas.
Variances and exceptions.
Revisions of criteria for flood plain management regulations.
Definitions.

• List of CFR
Sections Affected

Subpart B—Requirements for State Flood Plain Management Regulations

• Regulations.gov

§ 60.11 Purpose of this subpart.
§ 60.12 Flood plain management criteria for State-owned properties in special hazard areas.
§ 60.13 Noncompliance.

• Unified Agenda
• All NARA Publications

Subpart C—Additional Considerations in Managing Flood-Prone, Mudslide (i.e., Mudflow)Prone and Flood-Related Erosion-Prone Areas
Ben's Guide
to U.S.
Government

§ 60.21
§ 60.22
§ 60.23
§ 60.24
§ 60.25
§ 60.26

Purpose of this subpart.
Planning considerations for flood-prone areas.
Planning considerations for mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas.
Planning considerations for flood-related erosion-prone areas.
Designation, duties, and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies.
Local coordination.

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Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq. ; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978, 43 FR 41943, 3 CFR,
1978 Comp., p. 329; E.O. 12127 of Mar. 31, 1979, 44 FR 19367, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 376.
Source: 41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177,
May 31, 1979.
Subpart A—Requirements for Flood Plain Management Regulations
top

§ 60.1 Purpose of subpart.
top
(a) The Act provides that flood insurance shall not be sold or renewed under the program within a
community, unless the community has adopted adequate flood plain management regulations
consistent with Federal criteria. Responsibility for establishing such criteria is delegated to the Federal
Insurance Administrator.
(b) This subpart sets forth the criteria developed in accordance with the Act by which the Federal
Insurance Administrator will determine the adequacy of a community's flood plain management
regulations. These regulations must be legally-enforceable, applied uniformly throughout the community
to all privately and publicly owned land within flood-prone, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) or flood-related
erosion areas, and the community must provide that the regulations take precedence over any less
restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances or codes. Except as otherwise provided in §60.6, the
adequacy of such regulations shall be determined on the basis of the standards set forth in §60.3 for
flood-prone areas, §60.4 for mudslide areas and §60.5 for flood-related erosion areas.
(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 known, in all official actions relating to land management and use.
(d) The criteria set forth in this subpart are minimum standards for the adoption of flood plain
management regulations by flood-prone, mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone and flood-related erosion-prone
communities. Any community may exceed the minimum criteria under this part by adopting more
comprehensive flood plain management regulations utilizing the standards such as contained in subpart
C of this part. In some instances, community officials may have access to information or knowledge of
conditions that require, particularly for human safety, higher standards than the minimum criteria set
forth in subpart A of this part. Therefore, any flood plain management regulations adopted by a State or
a community which are more restrictive than the criteria set forth in this part are encouraged and shall
take precedence.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984]

§ 60.2 Minimum compliance with flood plain management criteria.
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(a) A flood-prone community applying for flood insurance eligibility shall meet the standards of §60.3(a)
in order to become eligible if a FHBM has not been issued for the community at the time of application.

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Thereafter, the community will be given a period of six months from the date the Federal Insurance
Administrator provides the data set forth in §60.3 (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), in which to meet the
requirements of the applicable paragraph. If a community has received a FHBM, but has not yet applied
for Program eligibility, the community shall apply for eligibility directly under the standards set forth in
§60.3(b). Thereafter, the community will be given a period of six months from the date the Federal
Insurance Administrator provides the data set forth in §60.3 (c), (d), (e) or (f) in which to meet the
requirements of the applicable paragraph.
(b) A mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone community applying for flood insurance eligibility shall meet the
standards of §60.4(a) to become eligible. Thereafter, the community will be given a period of six months
from the date the mudslide (i.e., mudflow) areas having special mudslide hazards are delineated in
which to meet the requirements of §60.4(b).
(c) A flood-related erosion-prone community applying for flood insurance eligibility shall meet the
standards of §60.5(a) to become eligible. Thereafter, the community will be given a period of six months
from the date the flood-related erosion areas having special erosion hazards are delineated in which to
meet the requirements of §60.5(b).
(d) Communities identified in part 65 of this subchapter as containing more than one type of hazard (e.
g., any combination of special flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow), and flood-related erosion hazard areas)
shall adopt flood plain management regulations for each type of hazard consistent with the
requirements of §§60.3, 60.4 and 60.5.
(e) Local flood plain management regulations may be submitted to the State Coordinating Agency
designated pursuant to §60.25 for its advice and concurrence. The submission to the State shall clearly
describe proposed enforcement procedures.
(f) The community official responsible for submitting annual or biennial reports to the Federal Insurance
Administrator pursuant to §59.22(b)(2) of this subchapter shall also submit copies of each annual or
biennial report to any State Coordinating Agency.
(g) A community shall assure that its comprehensive plan is consistent with the flood plain management
objectives of this part.
(h) The community shall adopt and enforce flood plain management regulations based on data provided
by the Federal Insurance Administrator. Without prior approval of the Federal Insurance Administrator,
the community shall not adopt and enforce flood plain management regulations based upon modified
data reflecting natural or man-made physical changes.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
29318, June 24, 1983; 48 FR 44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984; 50 FR 36024, Sept. 4,
1985; 59 FR 53598, Oct. 25, 1994; 62 FR 55716, Oct. 27, 1997]

§ 60.3 Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas.
top
The Federal Insurance Administrator will provide the data upon which flood plain management
regulations shall be based. If the Federal Insurance Administrator has not provided sufficient data to
furnish a basis for these regulations in a particular community, the community shall obtain, review and
reasonably utilize data available from other Federal, State or other sources pending receipt of data from
the Federal Insurance Administrator. However, when special flood hazard area designations and water
surface elevations have been furnished by the Federal Insurance Administrator, they shall apply. The
symbols defining such special flood hazard designations are set forth in §64.3 of this subchapter. In all
cases the minimum requirements governing the adequacy of the flood plain management regulations
for flood-prone areas adopted by a particular community depend on the amount of technical data

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formally provided to the community by the Federal Insurance Administrator. Minimum standards for
communities are as follows:
(a) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has not defined the special flood hazard areas within a
community, has not provided water surface elevation data, and has not provided sufficient data to
identify the floodway or coastal high hazard area, but the community has indicated the presence of such
hazards by submitting an application to participate in the Program, the community shall:
(1) Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community, including the
placement of manufactured homes, so that it may determine whether such construction or other
development is proposed within flood-prone areas;
(2) Review proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been received from those
governmental agencies from which approval is required by Federal or State law, including section 404
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 1334;
(3) Review all permit applications to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe
from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a flood-prone area, all new construction and substantial
improvements shall (i) be designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse,
or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the
effects of buoyancy, (ii) be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage, (iii) be constructed by
methods and practices that minimize flood damages, and (iv) 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.
(4) Review subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including manufactured home
parks or subdivisions, to determine whether such proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a
subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood-prone area, any such proposals
shall be reviewed to assure that (i) all such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood
damage within the flood-prone area, (ii) all public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical,
and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and (iii)
adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards;
(5) Require within flood-prone areas new and replacement water supply systems to be designed to
minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems; and
(6) Require within flood-prone areas (i) new and replacement sanitary sewage systems to be designed
to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems
into flood waters and (ii) onsite waste disposal systems to be located to avoid impairment to them or
contamination from them during flooding.
(b) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has designated areas of special flood hazards (A zones)
by the publication of a community's FHBM or FIRM, but has neither produced water surface elevation
data nor identified a floodway or coastal high hazard area, the community shall:
(1) Require permits for all proposed construction and other developments including the placement of
manufactured homes, within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM;
(2) Require the application of the standards in paragraphs (a) (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of this section to
development within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM;
(3) Require that all new subdivision proposals and other proposed developments (including proposals
for manufactured home parks and subdivisions) greater than 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is the lesser,
include within such proposals base flood elevation data;
(4) Obtain, review and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation and floodway data available from a
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Federal, State, or other source, including data developed pursuant to paragraph (b)(3) of this section,
as criteria for requiring that new construction, substantial improvements, or other development in Zone
A on the community's FHBM or FIRM meet the standards in paragraphs (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(5), (c)(6), (c)
(12), (c)(14), (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section;
(5) Where base flood elevation data are utilized, within Zone A on the community's FHBM or FIRM:
(i) Obtain the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new
and substantially improved structures, and
(ii) Obtain, if the structure has been floodproofed in accordance with paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section,
the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was floodproofed, and
(iii) Maintain a record of all such information with the official designated by the community under §59.22
(a)(9)(iii);
(6) Notify, in riverine situations, adjacent communities and the State Coordinating Office prior to any
alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit copies of such notifications to the Federal
Insurance Administrator;
(7) Assure that the flood carrying capacity within the altered or relocated portion of any watercourse is
maintained;
(8) Require that all manufactured homes to be placed within Zone A on a community's FHBM or FIRM
shall be installed using methods and practices which minimize flood damage. For the purposes of this
requirement, manufactured homes must be elevated and anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral
movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame
ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable State and local anchoring
requirements for resisting wind forces.
(c) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has provided a notice of final flood elevations for one or
more special flood hazard areas on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated other
special flood hazard areas without base flood elevations on the community's FIRM, but has not
identified a regulatory floodway or coastal high hazard area, the community shall:
(1) Require the standards of paragraph (b) of this section within all A1–30 zones, AE zones, A zones,
AH zones, and AO zones, on the community's FIRM;
(2) Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures within
Zones A1–30, AE and AH zones on the community's FIRM have the lowest floor (including basement)
elevated to or above the base flood level, unless the community is granted an exception by the Federal
Insurance Administrator for the allowance of basements in accordance with §60.6 (b) or (c);
(3) Require that all new construction and substantial improvements of non-residential structures within
Zones A1–30, AE and AH zones on the community's firm (i) have the lowest floor (including basement)
elevated to or above the base flood level or, (ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, be
designed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially
impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy;
(4) Provide that where a non-residential structure is intended to be made watertight below the base
flood level, (i) a registered professional engineer or architect shall develop and/or review structural
design, specifications, and plans for the construction, and shall certify that the design and methods of
construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the applicable
provisions of paragraph (c)(3)(ii) or (c)(8)(ii) of this section, and (ii) a record of such certificates which
includes the specific elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which such structures are floodproofed
shall be maintained with the official designated by the community under §59.22(a)(9)(iii);
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(5) Require, for all new construction and substantial improvements, that fully enclosed areas below the
lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other
than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize
hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for
meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or
meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: A minimum of two openings having a total net area of
not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding shall be
provided. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be
equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the
automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(6) Require that manufactured homes that are placed or substantially improved within Zones A1–30,
AH, and AE on the community's FIRM on sites
(i) Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision,
(ii) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision,
(iii) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or
(iv) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred
“substantial damage” as the result of a flood, be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the
lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated to or above the base flood elevation and be securely
anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation collapse and lateral
movement.
(7) Require within any AO zone on the community's FIRM that all new construction and substantial
improvements of residential structures have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above the
highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's FIRM
(at least two feet if no depth number is specified);
(8) Require within any AO zone on the community's FIRM that all new construction and substantial
improvements of nonresidential structures (i) have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated above
the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet on the community's
FIRM (at least two feet if no depth number is specified), or (ii) together with attendant utility and sanitary
facilities be completely floodproofed to that level to meet the floodproofing standard specified in §60.3(c)
(3)(ii);
(9) Require within any A99 zones on a community's FIRM the standards of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)
(4)(i) and (b)(5) through (b)(9) of this section;
(10) Require until a regulatory floodway is designated, that no new construction, substantial
improvements, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within Zones A1–30 and AE on
the community's FIRM, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed
development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the
water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the community.
(11) Require within Zones AH and AO, adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes, to guide
floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
(12) Require that manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved on sites in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones A–1–30, AH, and AE on the community's FIRM
that are not subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(6) of this section be elevated so that either
(i) The lowest floor of the manufactured home is at or above the base flood elevation, or

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(ii) The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at
least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in height above grade and be securely
anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation, collapse, and lateral
movement.
(13) Notwithstanding any other provisions of §60.3, a community may approve certain development in
Zones Al–30, AE, and AH, on the community's FIRM which increase the water surface elevation of the
base flood by more than one foot, provided that the community first applies for a conditional FIRM
revision, fulfills the requirements for such a revision as established under the provisions of §65.12, and
receives the approval of the Federal Insurance Administrator.
(14) Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones A1–30, AH, and AE on the
community's FIRM either
(i) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,
(ii) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or
(iii) Meet the permit requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section and the elevation and anchoring
requirements for “manufactured homes” in paragraph (c)(6) of this section.
A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the
site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached
additions.
(d) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within
Zones A1–30 and/or AE on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated AO zones, AH
zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has provided data from which the
community shall designate its regulatory floodway, the community shall:
(1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c) (1) through (14) of this section;
(2) Select and adopt a regulatory floodway based on the principle that the area chosen for the
regulatory floodway must be designed to carry the waters of the base flood, without increasing the water
surface elevation of that flood more than one foot at any point;
(3) Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other
development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the
proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the
occurrence of the base flood discharge;
(4) Notwithstanding any other provisions of §60.3, a community may permit encroachments within the
adopted regulatory floodway that would result in an increase in base flood elevations, provided that the
community first applies for a conditional FIRM and floodway revision, fulfills the requirements for such
revisions as established under the provisions of §65.12, and receives the approval of the Federal
Insurance Administrator.
(e) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within
Zones A1–30 and/or AE on the community's FIRM and, if appropriate, has designated AH zones, AO
zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has identified on the community's FIRM
coastal high hazard areas by designating Zones V1–30, VE, and/or V, the community shall:
(1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section;

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(2) Within Zones V1–30, VE, and V on a community's FIRM, (i ) obtain the elevation (in relation to mean
sea level) of the bottom of the lowest structural member of the lowest floor (excluding pilings and
columns) of all new and substantially improved structures, and whether or not such structures contain a
basement, and (ii) maintain a record of all such information with the official designated by the
community under §59.22(a)(9)(iii);
(3) Provide that all new construction within Zones V1–30, VE, and V on the community's FIRM is
located landward of the reach of mean high tide;
(4) Provide that all new construction and substantial improvements in Zones V1–30 and VE, and also
Zone V if base flood elevation data is available, on the community's FIRM, are elevated on pilings and
columns so that (i) the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor (excluding
the pilings or columns) is elevated to or above the base flood level; and (ii) the pile or column foundation
and structure attached thereto is anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral movement due to the
effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water loading values
used shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by
applicable State or local building standards. A registered professional engineer or architect shall
develop or review the structural design, specifications and plans for the construction, and shall certify
that the design and methods of construction to be used are in accordance with accepted standards of
practice for meeting the provisions of paragraphs (e)(4) (i) and (ii) of this section.
(5) Provide that all new construction and substantial improvements within Zones V1–30, VE, and V on
the community's FIRM have the space below the lowest floor either free of obstruction or constructed
with non-supporting breakaway walls, open wood lattice-work, or insect screening intended to collapse
under wind and water loads without causing collapse, displacement, or other structural damage to the
elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. For the purposes of this section, a
breakway wall shall have a design safe loading resistance of not less than 10 and no more than 20
pounds per square foot. Use of breakway walls which exceed a design safe loading resistance of 20
pounds per square foot (either by design or when so required by local or State codes) may be permitted
only if a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that the designs proposed meet the
following conditions:
(i) Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water load less than that which would occur during the
base flood; and,
(ii) The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system shall not be subject to
collapse, displacement, or other structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting
simultaneously on all building components (structural and non-structural). Water loading values used
shall be those associated with the base flood. Wind loading values used shall be those required by
applicable State or local building standards.
Such enclosed space shall be useable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage.
(6) Prohibit the use of fill for structural support of buildings within Zones V1–30, VE, and V on the
community's FIRM;
(7) Prohibit man-made alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands within Zones V1–30, VE, and V
on the community's FIRM which would increase potential flood damage.
(8) Require that manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within Zones V1–30, V, and VE
on the community's FIRM on sites
(i) Outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision,
(ii) In a new manufactured home park or subdivision,
(iii) In an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or
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(iv) In an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred
“substantial damage” as the result of a flood, meet the standards of paragraphs (e)(2) through (7) of this
section and that manufactured homes placed or substantially improved on other sites in an existing
manufactured home park or subdivision within Zones VI–30, V, and VE on the community's FIRM meet
the requirements of paragraph (c)(12) of this section.
(9) Require that recreational vehicles placed on sites within Zones V1–30, V, and VE on the
community's FIRM either
(i) Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days,
(ii) Be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or
(iii) Meet the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (e) (2) through (7) of this section.
A recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the
site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices, and has no permanently attached
additions.
(f) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has provided a notice of final base flood elevations within
Zones A1–30 or AE on the community's FIRM, and, if appropriate, has designated AH zones, AO
zones, A99 zones, and A zones on the community's FIRM, and has identified flood protection
restoration areas by designating Zones AR, AR/A1–30, AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO, or AR/A, the
community shall:
(1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) and (d)(1) through (4) of this section.
(2) Adopt the official map or legal description of those areas within Zones AR, AR/A1–30, AR/AE, AR/
AH, AR/A, or AR/AO that are designated developed areas as defined in §59.1 in accordance with the
eligibility procedures under §65.14.
(3) For all new construction of structures in areas within Zone AR that are designated as developed
areas and in other areas within Zone AR where the AR flood depth is 5 feet or less:
(i) Determine the lower of either the AR base flood elevation or the elevation that is 3 feet above highest
adjacent grade; and
(ii) Using this elevation, require the standards of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section.
(4) For all new construction of structures in those areas within Zone AR that are not designated as
developed areas where the AR flood depth is greater than 5 feet:
(i) Determine the AR base flood elevation; and
(ii) Using that elevation require the standards of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section.
(5) For all new construction of structures in areas within Zone AR/A1–30, AR/AE, AR/AH, AR/AO, and
AR/A:
(i) Determine the applicable elevation for Zone AR from paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this section;
(ii) Determine the base flood elevation or flood depth for the underlying A1–30, AE, AH, AO and A Zone;
and

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(iii) Using the higher elevation from paragraphs (a)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section require the standards of
paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section.
(6) For all substantial improvements to existing construction within Zones AR/A1–30, AR/AE, AR/AH,
AR/AO, and AR/A:
(i) Determine the A1–30 or AE, AH, AO, or A Zone base flood elevation; and
(ii) Using this elevation apply the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this section.
(7) Notify the permit applicant that the area has been designated as an AR, AR/A1–30, AR/AE, AR/AH,
AR/AO, or AR/A Zone and whether the structure will be elevated or protected to or above the AR base
flood elevation.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976]
Editorial Note: ForFederal Registercitations affecting §60.3, see the List of CFR Sections Affected,
which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and on GPO Access.

§ 60.4 Flood plain management criteria for mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas.
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The Federal Insurance Administrator will provide the data upon which flood plain management
regulations shall be based. If the Federal Insurance Administrator has not provided sufficient data to
furnish a basis for these regulations in a particular community, the community shall obtain, review, and
reasonably utilize data available from other Federal, State or other sources pending receipt of data from
the Federal Insurance Administrator. However, when special mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazard area
designations have been furnished by the Federal Insurance Administrator, they shall apply. The
symbols defining such special mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazard designations are set forth in §64.3 of this
subchapter. In all cases, the minimum requirements for mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas adopted
by a particular community depend on the amount of technical data provided to the community by the
Federal Insurance Administrator. Minimum standards for communities are as follows:
(a) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has not yet identified any area within the community as
an area having special mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazards, but the community has indicated the presence
of such hazards by submitting an application to participate in the Program, the community shall
(1) Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community so that it may
determine whether development is proposed within mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas;
(2) Require review of each permit application to determine whether the proposed site and improvements
will be reasonably safe from mudslides (i.e., mudflows). Factors to be considered in making such a
determination should include but not be limited to (i) the type and quality of soils, (ii) any evidence of
ground water or surface water problems, (iii) the depth and quality of any fill, (iv) the overall slope of the
site, and (v) the weight that any proposed structure will impose on the slope;
(3) Require, if a proposed site and improvements are in a location that may have mudslide (i.e.,
mudflow) hazards, that (i) a site investigation and further review be made by persons qualified in
geology and soils engineering, (ii) the proposed grading, excavations, new construction, and substantial
improvements are adequately designed and protected against mudslide (i.e., mudflow) damages, (iii)
the proposed grading, excavations, new construction and substantial improvements do not aggravate
the existing hazard by creating either on-site or off-site disturbances, and (iv) drainage, planting,
watering, and maintenance be such as not to endanger slope stability.

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(b) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has delineated Zone M on the community's FIRM, the
community shall:
(1) Meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and
(2) Adopt and enforce a grading ordinance or regulation in accordance with data supplied by the
Federal Insurance Administrator which (i) regulates the location of foundation systems and utility
systems of new construction and substantial improvements, (ii) regulates the location, drainage and
maintenance of all excavations, cuts and fills and planted slopes, (iii) provides special requirements for
protective measures including but not necessarily limited to retaining walls, buttress fills, sub-drains,
diverter terraces, benchings, etc., and (iv) requires engineering drawings and specifications to be
submitted for all corrective measures, accompanied by supporting soils engineering and geology
reports. Guidance may be obtained from the provisions of the 1973 edition and any subsequent edition
of the Uniform Building Code, sections 7001 through 7006, and 7008 through 7015. The Uniform
Building Code is published by the International Conference of Building Officials, 50 South Los Robles,
Pasadena, California 91101.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984]

§ 60.5 Flood plain management criteria for flood-related erosion-prone areas.
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The Federal Insurance Administrator will provide the data upon which flood plain management
regulations for flood-related erosion-prone areas shall be based. If the Federal Insurance Administrator
has not provided sufficient data to furnish a basis for these regulations in a particular community, the
community shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize data available from other Federal, State or other
sources, pending receipt of data from the Federal Insurance Administrator. However, when special
flood-related erosion hazard area designations have been furnished by the Federal Insurance
Administrator they shall apply. The symbols defining such special flood-related erosion hazard
designations are set forth in §64.3 of this subchapter. In all cases the minimum requirements governing
the adequacy of the flood plain management regulations for flood-related erosion-prone areas adopted
by a particular community depend on the amount of technical data provided to the community by the
Federal Insurance Administrator. Minimum standards for communities are as follows:
(a) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has not yet identified any area within the community as
having special flood-related erosion hazards, but the community has indicated the presence of such
hazards by submitting an application to participate in the Program, the community shall
(1) Require the issuance of a permit for all proposed construction, or other development in the area of
flood-related erosion hazard, as it is known to the community;
(2) Require review of each permit application to determine whether the proposed site alterations and
improvements will be reasonably safe from flood-related erosion and will not cause flood-related erosion
hazards or otherwise aggravate the existing flood-related erosion hazard; and
(3) If a proposed improvement is found to be in the path of flood-related erosion or to increase the
erosion hazard, require the improvement to be relocated or adequate protective measures to be taken
which will not aggravate the existing erosion hazard.
(b) When the Federal Insurance Administrator has delineated Zone E on the community's FIRM, the
community shall
(1) Meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; and

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(2) Require a setback for all new development from the ocean, lake, bay, riverfront or other body of
water, to create a safety buffer consisting of a natural vegetative or contour strip. This buffer will be
designated by the Federal Insurance Administrator according to the flood-related erosion hazard and
erosion rate, in conjunction with the anticipated “useful life” of structures, and depending upon the
geologic, hydrologic, topographic and climatic characteristics of the community's land. The buffer may
be used for suitable open space purposes, such as for agricultural, forestry, outdoor recreation and
wildlife habitat areas, and for other activities using temporary and portable structures only.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984]

§ 60.6 Variances and exceptions.
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(a) The Federal Insurance Administrator does not set forth absolute criteria for granting variances from
the criteria set forth in §§60.3, 60.4, and 60.5. The issuance of a variance is for flood plain management
purposes only. Insurance premium rates are determined by statute according to actuarial risk and will
not be modified by the granting of a variance. The community, after examining the applicant's
hardships, shall approve or disapprove a request. While the granting of variances generally is limited to
a lot size less than one-half acre (as set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section), deviations from that
limitation may occur. However, as the lot size increases beyond one-half acre, the technical justification
required for issuing a variance increases. The Federal Insurance Administrator may review a
community's findings justifying the granting of variances, and if that review indicates a pattern
inconsistent with the objectives of sound flood plain management, the Federal Insurance Administrator
may take appropriate action under §59.24(b) of this subchapter. Variances may be issued for the repair
or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will
not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure and the variance is the
minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure. Procedures for the
granting of variances by a community are as follows:
(1) Variances shall not be issued by a community within any designated regulatory floodway if any
increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result;
(2) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements to be
erected on a lot of one-half acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing
structures constructed below the base flood level, in conformance with the procedures of paragraphs (a)
(3), (4), (5) and (6) of this section;
(3) Variances shall only be issued by a community upon (i) a showing of good and sufficient cause, (ii) a
determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and
(iii) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional
threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization
of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances;
(4) Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary,
considering the flood hazard, to afford relief;
(5) A community shall notify the applicant in writing over the signature of a community official that (i) the
issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased
premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and (ii)
such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall
be maintained with a record of all variance actions as required in paragraph (a)(6) of this section; and
(6) A community shall (i) maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their
issuance, and (ii) report such variances issued in its annual or biennial report submitted to the Federal
Insurance Administrator.
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(7) Variances may be issued by a community for new construction and substantial improvements and
for other development necessary for the conduct of a functionally dependent use provided that (i) the
criteria of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section are met, and (ii) the structure or other
development is protected by methods that minimize flood damages during the base flood and create no
additional threats to public safety.
(b)(1) The requirement that each flood-prone, mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone, and flood-related erosion
prone community must adopt and submit adequate flood plain management regulations as a condition
of initial and continued flood insurance eligibility is statutory and cannot be waived, and such regulations
shall be adopted by a community within the time periods specified in §§60.3, 60.4 or §60.5. However,
certain exceptions from the standards contained in this subpart may be permitted where the Federal
Insurance Administrator recognizes that, because of extraordinary circumstances, local conditions may
render the application of certain standards the cause for severe hardship and gross inequity for a
particular community. Consequently, a community proposing the adoption of flood plain management
regulations which vary from the standards set forth in §§60.3, 60.4, or §60.5, shall explain in writing to
the Federal Insurance Administrator the nature and extent of and the reasons for the exception request
and shall include sufficient supporting economic, environmental, topographic, hydrologic, and other
scientific and technical data, and data with respect to the impact on public safety and the environment.
(2) The Federal Insurance Administrator shall prepare a Special Environmental Clearance to determine
whether the proposal for an exception under paragraph (b)(1) of this section will have significant impact
on the human environment. The decision whether an Environmental Impact Statement or other
environmental document will be prepared, will be made in accordance with the procedures set out in 44
CFR part 10. Ninety or more days may be required for an environmental quality clearance if the
proposed exception will have significant impact on the human environment thereby requiring an EIS.
(c) A community may propose flood plain management measures which adopt standards for
floodproofed residential basements below the base flood level in zones A1–30, AH, AO, and AE which
are not subject to tidal flooding. Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section the
Federal Insurance Administrator may approve the proposal provided that:
(1) The community has demonstrated that areas of special flood hazard in which basements will be
permitted are subject to shallow and low velocity flooding and that there is adequate flood warning time
to ensure that all residents are notified of impending floods. For the purposes of this paragraph flood
characteristics must include:
(i) Flood depths that are five feet or less for developable lots that are contiguous to land above the base
flood level and three feet or less for other lots;
(ii) Flood velocities that are five feet per second or less; and
(iii) Flood warning times that are 12 hours or greater. Flood warning times of two hours or greater may
be approved if the community demonstrates that it has a flood warning system and emergency plan in
operation that is adequate to ensure safe evacuation of flood plain residents.
(2) The community has adopted flood plain management measures that require that new construction
and substantial improvements of residential structures with basements in zones A1–30, AH, AO, and
AE shall:
(i) Be designed and built so that any basement area, together with attendant utilities and sanitary
facilities below the floodproofed design level, is watertight with walls that are impermeable to the
passage of water without human intervention. Basement walls shall be built with the capacity to resist
hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of buoyancy resulting from flooding to the
floodproofed design level, and shall be designed so that minimal damage will occur from floods that
exceed that level. The floodproofed design level shall be an elevation one foot above the level of the
base flood where the difference between the base flood and the 500-year flood is three feet or less and

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two feet above the level of the base flood where the difference is greater than three feet.
(ii) Have the top of the floor of any basement area no lower than five feet below the elevation of the
base flood;
(iii) Have the area surrounding the structure on all sides filled to or above the elevation of the base
flood. Fill must be compacted with slopes protected by vegetative cover;
(iv) Have a registered professional engineer or architect develop or review the building's structural
design, specifications, and plans, including consideration of the depth, velocity, and duration of flooding
and type and permeability of soils at the building site, and certify that the basement design and methods
of construction proposed are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the
provisions of this paragraph;
(v) Be inspected by the building inspector or other authorized representative of the community to verify
that the structure is built according to its design and those provisions of this section which are verifiable.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
44543 and 44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984; 50 FR 36025, Sept. 4, 1985; 51 FR
30308, Aug. 25, 1986; 54 FR 33550, Aug. 15, 1989]

§ 60.7 Revisions of criteria for flood plain management regulations.
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From time to time part 60 may be revised as experience is acquired under the Program and new
information becomes available. Communities will be given six months from the effective date of any new
regulation to revise their flood plain management regulations to comply with any such changes.

§ 60.8 Definitions.
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The definitions set forth in part 59 of this subchapter are applicable to this part.

Subpart B—Requirements for State Flood Plain Management Regulations
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§ 60.11 Purpose of this subpart.
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(a) A State is considered a “community” pursuant to §59.1 of this subchapter; and, accordingly, the Act
provides that flood insurance shall not be sold or renewed under the Program unless a community has
adopted adequate flood plain management regulations consistent with criteria established by the
Federal Insurance Administrator.
(b) This subpart sets forth the flood plain management criteria required for State-owned properties
located within special hazard areas identified by the Federal Insurance Administrator. A State shall
satisfy such criteria as a condition to the purchase of a Standard Flood Insurance Policy for a Stateowned structure or its contents, or as a condition to the approval by the Federal Insurance
Administrator, pursuant to part 75 of this subchapter, of its plan of self-insurance.
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[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984]

§ 60.12 Flood plain management criteria for State-owned properties in special hazard
areas.
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(a) The State shall comply with the minimum flood plain management criteria set forth in §§60.3, 60.4,
and 60.5. A State either shall:
(1) Comply with the flood plain management requirements of all local communities participating in the
program in which State-owned properties are located; or
(2) Establish and enforce flood plain management regulations which, at a minimum, satisfy the criteria
set forth in §§60.3, 60.4, and 60.5.
(b) The procedures by which a state government adopts and administers flood plain management
regulations satisfying the criteria set forth in §§60.3, 60.4 and 60.5 may vary from the procedures by
which local governments satisfy the criteria.
(c) If any State-owned property is located in a non-participating local community, then the State shall
comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section for the property.

§ 60.13 Noncompliance.
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If a State fails to submit adequate flood plain management regulations applicable to State-owned
properties pursuant to §60.12 within six months of the effective date of this regulation, or fails to
adequately enforce such regulations, the State shall be subject to suspensive action pursuant to
§59.24. Where the State fails to adequately enforce its flood plain management regulations, the Federal
Insurance Administrator shall conduct a hearing before initiating such suspensive action.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 48 FR
44552, Sept. 29, 1983; 49 FR 4751, Feb. 8, 1984]

Subpart C—Additional Considerations in Managing Flood-Prone, Mudslide (i.e., Mudflow)Prone and Flood-Related Erosion-Prone Areas
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§ 60.21 Purpose of this subpart.
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The purpose of this subpart is to encourage the formation and adoption of overall comprehensive
management plans for flood-prone, mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone and flood-related erosion-prone
areas. While adoption by a community of the standards in this subpart is not mandatory, the community
shall completely evaluate these standards.

§ 60.22 Planning considerations for flood-prone areas.
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(a) The flood plain management regulations adopted by a community for flood-prone areas should:
(1) Permit only that development of flood-prone areas which (i) is appropriate in light of the probability of
flood damage and the need to reduce flood losses, (ii) is an acceptable social and economic use of the
land in relation to the hazards involved, and (iii) does not increase the danger to human life;
(2) Prohibit nonessential or improper installation of public utilities and public facilities in flood-prone
areas.
(b) In formulating community development goals after the occurrence of a flood disaster, each
community shall consider—
(1) Preservation of the flood-prone areas for open space purposes;
(2) Relocation of occupants away from flood-prone areas;
(3) Acquisition of land or land development rights for public purposes consistent with a policy of
minimization of future property losses;
(4) Acquisition of frequently flood-damaged structures;
(c) In formulating community development goals and in adopting flood plain management regulations,
each community shall consider at least the following factors—
(1) Human safety;
(2) Diversion of development to areas safe from flooding in light of the need to reduce flood damages
and in light of the need to prevent environmentally incompatible flood plain use;
(3) Full disclosure to all prospective and interested parties (including but not limited to purchasers and
renters) that (i) certain structures are located within flood-prone areas, (ii) variances have been granted
for certain structures located within flood-prone areas, and (iii) premium rates applied to new structures
built at elevations below the base flood substantially increase as the elevation decreases;
(4) Adverse effects of flood plain development on existing development;
(5) Encouragement of floodproofing to reduce flood damage;
(6) Flood warning and emergency preparedness plans;
(7) Provision for alternative vehicular access and escape routes when normal routes are blocked or
destroyed by flooding;
(8) Establishment of minimum floodproofing and access requirements for schools, hospitals, nursing
homes, orphanages, penal institutions, fire stations, police stations, communications centers, water and
sewage pumping stations, and other public or quasi-public facilities already located in the flood-prone
area, to enable them to withstand flood damage, and to facilitate emergency operations;
(9) Improvement of local drainage to control increased runoff that might increase the danger of flooding
to other properties;

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(10) Coordination of plans with neighboring community's flood plain management programs;
(11) The requirement that all new construction and substantial improvements in areas subject to
subsidence be elevated above the base flood level equal to expected subsidence for at least a ten year
period;
(12) For riverine areas, requiring subdividers to furnish delineations for floodways before approving a
subdivision;
(13) Prohibition of any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, except as part of an overall drainage
basin plan. In the event of an overall drainage basin plan, provide that the flood carrying capacity within
the altered or relocated portion of the watercourse is maintained;
(14) Requirement of setbacks for new construction within Zones V1–30, VE, and V on a community's
FIRM;
(15) Requirement of additional elevation above the base flood level for all new construction and
substantial improvements within Zones A1–30, AE, V1–30, and VE on the community's FIRM to protect
against such occurrences as wave wash and floating debris, to provide an added margin of safety
against floods having a magnitude greater than the base flood, or to compensate for future urban
development;
(16) Requirement of consistency between state, regional and local comprehensive plans and flood plain
management programs;
(17) Requirement of pilings or columns rather than fill, for the elevation of structures within flood-prone
areas, in order to maintain the storage capacity of the flood plain and to minimize the potential for
negative impacts to sensitive ecological areas;
(18) Prohibition, within any floodway or coastal high hazard area, of plants or facilities in which
hazardous substances are manufactured.
(19) Requirement that a plan for evacuating residents of all manufactured home parks or subdivisions
located within flood prone areas be developed and filed with and approved by appropriate community
emergency management authorities.
[41 FR 46975, Oct. 26, 1976. Redesignated at 44 FR 31177, May 31, 1979, as amended at 50 FR
36025, Sept. 4, 1985; 54 FR 40284, Sept. 29, 1989]

§ 60.23 Planning considerations for mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas.
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The planning process for communities identified under part 65 of this subchapter as containing Zone M,
or which indicate in their applications for flood insurance pursuant to §59.22 of this subchapter that they
have mudslide (i.e., mudflow) areas, should include—
(a) The existence and extent of the hazard;
(b) The potential effects of inappropriate hillside development, including
(1) Loss of life and personal injuries, and
(2) Public and private property losses, costs, liabilities, and exposures resulting from potential mudslide

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(i.e., mudflow) hazards;
(c) The means of avoiding the hazard including the (1) availability of land which is not mudslide (i.e.,
mudflow)-prone and the feasibility of developing such land instead of further encroaching upon
mudslide (i.e., mudflow) areas, (2) possibility of public acquisition of land, easements, and development
rights to assure the proper development of hillsides, and (3) advisability of preserving mudslide (i.e.,
mudflow) areas as open space;
(d) The means of adjusting to the hazard, including the (1) establishment by ordinance of site
exploration, investigation, design, grading, construction, filing, compacting, foundation, sewerage,
drainage, subdrainage, planting, inspection and maintenance standards and requirements that promote
proper land use, and (2) provision for proper drainage and subdrainage on public property and the
location of public utilities and service facilities, such as sewer, water, gas and electrical systems and
streets in a manner designed to minimize exposure to mudslide (i.e., mudflow) hazards and prevent
their aggravation;
(e) Coordination of land use, sewer, and drainage regulations and ordinances with fire prevention, flood
plain, mudslide (i.e., mudflow), soil, land, and water regulation in neighboring communities;
(f) Planning subdivisions and other developments in such a manner as to avoid exposure to mudslide (i.
e., mudflow) hazards and the control of public facility and utility extension to discourage inappropriate
development;
(g) Public facility location and design requirements with higher site stability and access standards for
schools, hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, correctional and other residential institutions, fire and
police stations, communication centers, electric power transformers and substations, water and sewer
pumping stations and any other public or quasi-public institutions located in the mudslide (i.e., mudflow)
area to enable them to withstand mudslide (i.e., mudflow) damage and to facilitate emergency
operations; and
(h) Provision for emergencies, including:
(1) Warning, evacuation, abatement, and access procedures in the event of mudslide (i.e., mudflow),
(2) Enactment of public measures and initiation of private procedures to limit danger and damage from
continued or future mudslides (i.e., mudflow),
(3) Fire prevention procedures in the event of the rupture of gas or electrical distribution systems by
mudslides,
(4) Provisions to avoid contamination of water conduits or deterioration of slope stability by the rupture
of such systems,
(5) Similar provisions for sewers which in the event of rupture pose both health and site stability hazards
and
(6) Provisions for alternative vehicular access and escape routes when normal routes are blocked or
destroyed by mudslides (i.e., mudflow);
(i) The means for assuring consistency between state, areawide, and local comprehensive plans with
the plans developed for mudslide (i.e., mudflow)-prone areas;
(j) Deterring the nonessential installation of public utilities and public facilities in mudslide (i.e., mudflow)prone areas.

§ 60.24 Planning considerations for flood-related erosion-prone areas.
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The planning process for communities identified under part 65 of this subchapter as containing Zone E
or which indicate in their applications for flood insurance coverage pursuant to §59.22 of this subchapter
that they have flood-related erosion areas should include—
(a) The importance of directing future developments to areas not exposed to flood-related erosion;
(b) The possibility of reserving flood-related erosion-prone areas for open space purposes;
(c) The coordination of all planning for the flood-related erosion-prone areas with planning at the State
and Regional levels, and with planning at the level of neighboring communities;
(d) Preventive action in E zones, including setbacks, shore protection works, relocating structures in the
path of flood-related erosion, and community acquisition of flood-related erosion-prone properties for
public purposes;
(e) Consistency of plans for flood-related erosion-prone areas with comprehensive plans at the state,
regional and local levels.

§ 60.25 Designation, duties, and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies.
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(a) States are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to the minimum flood plain management
criteria set forth in §§60.3, 60.4, and 60.5 as evidenced by the designation of an agency of State
government to be responsible for coordinating the Program aspects of flood plain management in the
State.
(b) State participation in furthering the objectives of this part shall include maintaining capability to
perform the appropriate duties and responsibilities as follows:
(1) Enact, whenever necessary, legislation enabling counties and municipalities to regulate
development within flood-prone areas;
(2) Encourage and assist communities in qualifying for participation in the Program;
(3) Guide and assist county and municipal public bodies and agencies in developing, implementing, and
maintaining local flood plain management regulations;
(4) Provide local governments and the general public with Program information on the coordination of
local activities with Federal and State requirements for managing flood-prone areas;
(5) Assist communities in disseminating information on minimum elevation requirements for
development within flood-prone areas;
(6) Assist in the delineation of riverine and coastal flood-prone areas, whenever possible, and provide
all relevant technical information to the Federal Insurance Administrator;
(7) Recommend priorities for Federal flood plain management activities in relation to the needs of
county and municipal localities within the State;

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(8) Provide notification to the Federal Insurance Administrator in the event of apparent irreconcilable
differences between a community's local flood plain management program and the minimum
requirements of the Program;
(9) Establish minimum State flood plain management regulatory standards consistent with those
established in this part and in conformance with other Federal and State environmental and water
pollution standards for the prevention of pollution during periods of flooding;
(10) Assure coordination and consistency of flood plain management activities with other State,
areawide, and local planning and enforcement agencies;
(11) Assist in the identification and implementation of flood hazard mitigation recommendations which
are consistent with the minimum flood plain management criteria for the Program;
(12) Participate in flood plain management training opportunities and other flood hazard preparedness
programs whenever practicable.
(c) Other duties and responsibilities, which may be deemed appropriate by the State and which are to
be officially designated as being conducted in the capacity of the State Coordinating Agency for the
Program, may be carried out with prior notification of the Federal Insurance Administrator.
(d) For States which have demonstrated a commitment to and experience in application of the minimum
flood plain management criteria set forth in §§60.3, 60.4, and 60.5 as evidenced by the establishment
and implementation of programs which substantially encompass the activities described in paragraphs
(a), (b), and (c) of this section, the Federal Insurance Administrator shall take the foregoing into account
when:
(1) Considering State recommendations prior to implementing Program activities affecting State
communities;
(2) Considering State approval or certifications of local flood plain management regulations as meeting
the requirements of this part.
[51 FR 30309, Aug. 25, 1986]

§ 60.26 Local coordination.
top
(a) Local flood plain, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and flood-related erosion area management, forecasting,
emergency preparedness, and damage abatement programs should be coordinated with relevant
Federal, State, and regional programs;
(b) A community adopting flood plain management regulations pursuant to these criteria should
coordinate with the appropriate State agency to promote public acceptance and use of effective flood
plain, mudslide, (i.e., mudflow) and flood-related erosion regulations;
(c) A community should notify adjacent communities prior to substantial commercial developments and
large subdivisions to be undertaken in areas having special flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and/or floodrelated erosion hazards.
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