Form FEMA Form 086-0-4 FEMA Form 086-0-4 V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form and Instructions

National Flood Insurance Program

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating
Form and Instructions
2013 Edition

National Flood Insurance Program

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form
FEMA FORM 086-0-4

PAPERWORK BURDEN DISCLOSURE NOTICE
Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 6.5 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 form. This collection of information is required to obtain or retain
benefits. 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 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 Street, Arlington VA 20598-3005, Paperwork
Reduction Project (1660-0033). NOTE: Do not send your completed form to this address.
PURPOSE OF V-ZONE RISK FACTOR RATING FORM
The severe economic losses due to flood damage led to the establishment of the NFIP to fulfill the essential
purposes of community flood hazard mitigation and provide flood hazard insurance protection. This certification
form can be used to (1) guide designers, owners, local officials, agents, and others as they consider those types
of siting, design, and construction activities that exceed minimum NFIP requirements, and (2) rate buildings
and provide insurance premium discounts to those structures that exceed minimum NFIP siting, design, and
construction requirements.
This form provides a basis for the actuarial rating of buildings and their contents on an individual risk basis
that allows a rate discount for prudent building designs. This approach will serve to further the NFIP goals of
providing incentives for hazard mitigation in coastal high hazard flood risk zones while permitting adequate
insurance protection under premium rates that ensure that the risk of flood losses related to building placement
and construction is borne by the owners of the properties at risk.
Thus, construction in coastal high hazard areas should follow certain construction guidelines. Those construction
guidelines, explanations, data, and examples for residences are set forth in the third edition of the FEMA Coastal
Construction Manual (CCM), which was published in June 2000.
To obtain a copy of the Coastal Construction Manual, you may submit a written request to:
FEMA Distribution Center
P.O. Box 2012
Jessup, MD 20794
or call toll-free 1-800-480-2520 and ask for the FEMA Coastal Construction Manual, either the print publication
(FEMA 55) or the interactive CD-ROM (FEMA 55CD).

FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

O.M.B. No. 1660-0006
Expires November 30, 2016

National Flood Insurance Program

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form
Important: Read the instructions that begin immediately after page 5 of 5 of this form.

SECTION A — PROPERTY INFORMATION
FLOOD PROGRAM USE ONLY
POST-CONSTRUCTION PROPERTY ADDRESS (ADDRESS OF BUILDING BEING RATED, IF KNOWN)
CITY

V.R.N. NO.

STATE

ZIP CODE

DATE REC.

INIT.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION (LOT NO., BLOCK NO., TAX PARCEL NO., LEGAL DESCRIPTION, ETC.)
BUILDING USE (E.G., RESIDENTIAL, NON-RESIDENTIAL, ADDITION, ACCESSORY, ETC.)
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE (OPTIONAL)
( ## °– ## ‘– ##.## “ or ##.##### °)

HORIZONTAL DATUM
SOURCE:
NAD 1927
NAD 1983

GPS (TYPE)
USGS Quad Map

OTHER

ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTION (EXCLUDING COST OF LAND)

Owner
NAME
MAILING ADDRESS (NOT NECESSARILY THE PROPERTY BEING RATED)

CITY

STATE

ZIP CODE

PHONE NO. INCLUDING AREA CODE

Elevation certification may be determined by a registered professional surveyor, engineer, or architect (attach certification). The
elevation data and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information may be obtained from the Elevation Certificate. If this certificate
is not available, the professional certifying this document must determine the required information, if authorized by law.

NFIP Community No.

Base Flood Elevation (BFE)*

FIRM Panel No.

100-year stillwater elevation*

Datum

FIRM Effective Date

Average grade elevation*

Datum

FIRM Zone

Bottom of lowest horizontal

supporting member elevation*

Datum

Datum

* All elevations must be referenced to the datum on which the FIRM is based (e.g., NGVD, NAVD).

SECTION B — COASTAL V-ZONE FLOOD RISK BUILDING POINT CALCULATION SHEET
Enter your File or Identification Number here and on the top of pages 2 of 5 through 5 of 5
The submitting registered professional engineer or architect should complete the calculation sheet using the building points shown.
You may use this form only if:
1. The bottom of the lowest horizontal supporting member of the lowest floor is at
or above 0.1 foot below the BFE.

Yes (continue)

No (STOP)

2. Only flood-damage-resistant materials are used below the BFE
(see NFIP Technical Bulletin 2-93 in CCM Appendix H).

Yes (continue)

No (STOP)

3. Shear walls and/or other solid obstructions below the BFE are installed
such that less than 25% of the building width measured parallel to the
shoreline is obstructed.

Yes (continue)

No*

* This form may be used in situations where ≥ 25% of the building width is obstructed,
only if the submit-for-rate process is used and engineering calculations and plans are
attached to this form; otherwise, stop. See page 2.

Page 1 of 5 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-ZONE RISK FACTOR RATING FORM

File or Identification Number

I. LOWEST FLOOR ELEVATION

CIRCLE APPROPRIATE
POINTS AND ENTER
BUILDING POINTS
IN APPROPRIATE
BOX BELOW

A. Bottom of lowest horizontal supporting member of lowest floor, relative to effective
BFE at the time of project construction. (Round all measurements to the nearest
0.1 foot. Do not consider equipment and breakaway enclosures below the elevated
floor for this calculation.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

0.1
0.5
1.5
2.5
3.5

foot
foot
feet
feet
feet

below the BFE to 0.4 foot above BFE ....................................................................... 0
above the BFE to 1.4 feet above BFE ..................................................................... 60
above the BFE to 2.4 feet above BFE ................................................................... 160
above the BFE to 3.4 feet above BFE ................................................................... 240
or more above BFE ............................................................................................. 300

pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.

POST-CONSTRUCTION

II. SITE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. Distance from shoreline (Complete either item 1 or item 2)
1. Ratio of horizontal distance from dune crest or bluff edge or crest of erosion control device (e.g., seawall
or revetment) to seaward side of building foundation, divided by long-term average annual erosion rate
(AAER) used in calculation shown in Section C, item 2. (If no dune or bluff, use seaward line of stable
vegetation; for stable, accreting, or rocky shorelines, use erosion rate = 1.0 foot/year; for shoreline with
erosion control device or beach nourishment project, use pre-project AAER.)
a. If minimum horizontal distance from crest of erosion control device to seaward side
of building foundation < 30 ft (see Figure 4a in Instructions).......................................... 0 pts.
b. If no erosion control device, or crest of device ≥ 30 feet from seaward side of
building foundation (see Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4b in Instructions) and:
0 < ratio ≤ 10 ............................................................................................................ 0 pts.
10 < ratio ≤ 30 ................................................................................................... pts. = ratio
30 < ratio ≤ 60 .......................................................................................... pts. = 1.5 × ratio
60 < ratio .............................................................. pts. = 2.0 × ratio, not to exceed 150 pts.
Unknown .................................................................................................................... 0 pts.
2. For shoreline without an erosion control device, subject to periodic large-scale fluctuations,
location of seaward side of building foundation relative to most landward historical vegetation
line (see Figure 5 in Instructions)
a. Foundation at or landward of most landward vegetation line in past 20 years ................ 0 pts.
b. Foundation at or landward of most landward vegetation line in past 40 years .............. 75 pts.
c. Foundation at or landward of most landward vegetation line in past 60 years ............. 150 pts.
d. Unknown .................................................................................................................... 0 pts.

B. Dune, structural, or beach nourishment protection (Complete item 1, item 2, and/or item 3,
as applicable)
1. Dune reservoir above 100-year stillwater elevation (see Figure 6 in Instructions)
a. < 540 square feet....................................................................................................... 0 pts.
b. 540 square feet ≤ reservoir < 1,100 square feet........................................................ 30 pts.
c. 1,100 square feet ≤ reservoir.................................................................................... 50 pts.
d. Unknown..................................................................................................................... 0 pts.
2. For upland property fronted by erosion control device (e.g., seawall, revetment)
a. Seaward side of building foundation < 30 feet from crest of wall
or revetment (see Figure 4a in Instructions).................................................................. 0 pts.
b. Seaward side of building foundation ≥ 30 feet from crest of wall or revetment —
enter points for only one of the following three conditions:
(1) Crest elevation of wall or revetment at or below 100-year stillwater elevation
(see Figure 7 in Instructions) .................................................................................. 0 pts.
(2) Crest elevation of wall or revetment above 100-year stillwater elevation
(see Figure 8 in Instructions).......................................... pts. = D/2, not to exceed 15 pts.
(3) Wall or revetment adequate to protect upland property during 100-year event
(satisfies criteria set forth in Part VII of CERC TR 89-15)......................................... 50 pts.
Page 2 of 5 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-ZONE RISK FACTOR RATING FORM

File or Identification Number

3. For upland property with an ongoing beach nourishment project undertaken within the last 5 years
a. Constructed project with a Federal, state, or local government sponsor, with all
necessary permits and a long-term funding mechanism in place, and with
ongoing renourishment (project maintenance)............................................................. 50 pts.

POST-CONSTRUCTION

b. Less than 3.a.............................................................................................................. 0 pts.

III. BUILDING SUPPORT SYSTEM AND DESIGN DETAILS
A. Foundation design (Complete item 1, item 2, and item 3)
1. Foundation design based on lowest expected ground elevation and highest expected BFE over
50-year life of structure (accounts for lowering of soil due to long-term erosion, shoreline
fluctuations, and storm erosion — see Figure 9 in Instructions) ............................................ 40 pts.
2. Foundation design accounts for local scour during 100-year flood event
(see Figure 10 in Instructions and CCM Section 7.5.2.5)....................................................... 20 pts.
3. Foundation design based on loads and load combinations computed
in accordance with ASCE 7-98 (or later editions) and CCM Chapter 11................................... 40 pts.

B. Foundation type (Complete either item 1 or item 2)
1. Pile foundation (complete items a, b, and c for driven piles; complete items a, b, c, and d
for jetted piles; complete items a, b, c, and e for piles set in augered or pre-dug holes)
a. Pile embedment
(1) All pile tips are to −10 feet MWL or deeper*.......................................................... 75 pts.
(2) Any pile embedment is less than −10 feet MWL, but no pile is less than
−5 feet MWL*........................................................................................................ 0 pts.
(3) Any pile embedment is less than −5 feet MWL*.................................................... −75 pts.
* If refusal is reached before the specified depth, consult a professional engineer to determine whether foundation anchoring is adequate and whether scour will undermine the
foundation. These judgments should determine the appropriate point value.
b. Pile size and type
(1) Wood piles at least 10” × 10” or 8” tip round....................................................... 75 pts.
(2) Wood piles smaller than dimensions in (1) but no smaller than
8” × 8” or 6” tip round......................................................................................... 30 pts.
(3) Wood piles less than dimensions in (2)................................................................ −75 pts.
(4) Reinforced or prestressed concrete piles at least 8” × 8”....................................... 75 pts.
(5) Steel piles with corrosion protection or engineered to take predicted
corrosion into account.......................................................................................... 75 pts.
c. Bracing
(1) Bracing (including grade beams) is required to resist lateral loads,
and bracing conforms to CCM Sections 12.4.5, 13.2.3.1, 13.2.3.2,
and 13.2.3.3 ...................................................................................................... 25 pts.
(2) Designed to resist lateral loads without bracing or grade beams ............................ 50 pts.
d. Jetted pile foundation
(1) After initial jetting, design embedment and capacity attained by driving ..................... 0 pts.
(2) Jetting only ........................................................................................................ −50 pts.
e. Pile set in augered or pre-dug hole (post foundation)
(1) After initial set and backfill, design embedment attained by driving............................ 0 pts.
(2) After initial set and backfill, design embedment attained by jetting......................... −25 pts.
(3) Set and backfilled only........................................................................................ −100 pts
2. Masonry or concrete columns (piers) supported on footing
a. Embedment and footing size
(1) Footing elevation and dimensions consistent with CCM Section 12.4.3.2................ 75 pts.
(2) Less than required by (1).................................................................................... −75 pts.
Page 3 of 5 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-ZONE RISK FACTOR RATING FORM

File or Identification Number

b. Column (pier) design
(1) Consistent with requirements of CCM Sections 13.2.4 or 13.2.5..............................75 pts.
(2) Less than required by (1).................................................................................... −75 pts.

POST-CONSTRUCTION

c. Bracing
(1) Bracing (including grade beams) is required to resist lateral loads, and bracing
conforms to CCM Sections 12.4.5, 13.2.3.1, 13.2.3.2, and 13.2.3.3..................... 25 pts.
(2) Designed to resist lateral loads without bracing or grade beams............................. 50 pts.

C. Lowest horizontal supporting member (Complete item 1 and item 2, or item 1 and item 3)
1. Orientation (see Figure 11 in Instructions)
a. ≤ +/- 20 degrees from perpendicular to shoreline........................................................ 20 pts.
b. > +/- 20 degrees from perpendicular to shoreline......................................................... 0 pts.
2. Connections between lowest horizontal supporting member and foundation (wood piles and beams)
a. Wood pile notching
(1) All piles AND horizontal members notched 50% or less ............................................ 0 pts.
(2) Any piles OR horizontal members notched more than 50% ................................. −100 pts.
b. Connections between wood piles and beams
(1) All bolted connections ............................................................................................50 pts.
(2) Any non-bolted connections (e.g., light-gauge metal connectors,
nailed connections) ......................................................................................... −250 pts.
3. Engineered connections between beam and pile (when either pile or beam is not wood)......... 50 pts.

IV. OBSTRUCTIONS AND ENCLOSURES
A. Obstructions below BFE (Complete item 1, item 2, and item 5, and either item 3 or item 4;
see NFIP Technical Bulletin 5-93 in CCM Appendix H)
1. Free of obstruction AND no enclosed areas below BFE (open stairs, insect screening, and
open lattice are permitted — see Instructions for discussion of open lattice)....................... 100 pts.
2. Spacing of piles/columns/piers
a. < 8 feet on center (o.c.) .............................................................................................. 0 pts.
b. ≥ 8 feet o.c ............................................................................................................. 20 pts.
3. Breakaway walls (non-loadbearing) are used below the BFE
a. Length of breakaway walls ≤ 20 feet........................................................................ −10 pts.
b. Length of breakaway walls > 20 feet but ≤ 60 feet .................................................. −20 pts.
c. Length of breakaway walls > 60 feet ....................................................................... −40 pts.
4. Area enclosed by non-loadbearing breakaway walls, and some portion of the
non-loadbearing walls is finished
a. Length of finished breakaway wall < 20 feet ............................................................ −50 pts.
b. Length of finished breakaway wall ≥ 20 feet but < 50 feet ..................................... −100 pts.
c. Length of finished breakaway wall ≥ 50 feet .......................................................... −250 pts.
5. Elevator, stairwell, masonry chimney, or other solid obstruction in 1- to 4-family,
3-story or less, residential structure................................................................................. −100 pts.

B. Equipment
1. ALL equipment and ductwork below building lie at or above BFE.............................................. 0 pts.
2. ANY equipment or ductwork below the building is below the BFE and is NOT resistant
to flood damage, but will not adversely affect the ability of other parts of the building
to resist velocity flows and wave action (complete item 1 in Section C of this form below;
FEMA may use the additional information from item 1 in section C of this form to
deduct fewer than 100 points)......................................................................................... −100 pts.

V. BUILDING POINT TOTAL ........................................................................................................

Page 4 of 5 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-ZONE RISK FACTOR RATING FORM

File or Identification Number

SECTION C — INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE BUILDING
1. List all equipment below BFE (check all that apply):
Air conditioner/heat pump

Furnace

Air handler

Ductwork Electric panel, fuse box

Elevator equipment

Water heater

Water softener/conditioner

Pump

Clothes washer/dryer

Other (list)

2. To support the point values claimed in item II.A in Section B of this form, provide the following:
Average annual erosion rate

feet/year

Source of rate
Date of rate calculation
Reference feature used (e.g., dune crest, vegetation line, top of bluff, crest of armoring)
Source of most landward vegetation line
When claiming points for compliance with item II.B.2.b.(3) (erosion control device meets requirements of CERC TR 89-15),
describe how the device meets the requirements.

When claiming points for compliance with item II.B.3.a (beach nourishment project), provide the name of the project, the
name of the sponsoring government entity, and the date of the last nourishment or renourishment work.
Name of Project

Sponsor Date of last nourishment/renourishment

When submitting the completed V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form, provide the following supporting material:
• Building plans for “before construction” rating
• Completed NFIP Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31), Flood Insurance Application, and photographs
of building for “after construction” rating

SECTION D — CERTIFICATION
POST-CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATION. I meet the qualifications set forth on page 1
of 7 of the Instructions for this V-Zone form and certify that the above statements are
correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement may be
punishable by fine or imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001.

Flood Program Use Only
NFIP Flood Risk Factor
CONFIRMATION
Total Coastal V-Zone
Flood Risk Factor

Name of Registered Professional Engineer or Architect

POST-CONSTRUCTION
Title

Buildings:

Address

Contents:

Signature Date
NFIP Underwriter’s Signature

Date

Page 5 of 5 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form Instructions
This V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form is to be used in the determination of the flood insurance discount for buildings
and contents located in a coastal area designated by the NFIP as Zone V, VE, or V1-V30.
The basic premise behind this form is that flood insurance premiums can be reduced for V-zone buildings that
exceed minimum NFIP requirements. This form allows an engineer or architect to claim points for a variety of
siting, design, and construction practices that exceed minimum NFIP requirements. Section B of the form, Coastal
V-Zone Flood Risk Building Point Calculation Sheet, is divided into four main categories:

I.
II.
III.
IV.

Lowest Floor Elevation
Site and Environmental Considerations
Building Support System and Design Details
Obstructions and Enclosures

The NFIP will review the completed form and assign a premium discount, depending on the number of
points awarded.
This form may be submitted only after construction is completed. However, the form may be used before
construction is begun (during site selection and project planning) to guide the designer and owner with regard to
those practices that will result in the greatest flood insurance premium reduction—that is, those practices that are
deemed most important in reducing potential flood and erosion losses.
The maximum number of points that can be claimed on this form is 1,030. The greater the number of points, the
greater the reduction in the flood insurance premium. Of the total number of possible points, the approximate
percentage for each of the four categories listed above is as follows:
•
•
•
•

Lowest Floor Elevation - 30 percent
Site and Environmental Considerations - 30 percent
Building Support System and Design Details - 30 percent
Obstructions and Enclosures - 10 percent

This form is used solely to adjust insurance rating for a building and does not replace other forms and
certificates that may be required by a community or state.
To complete this form, the engineer or architect will need to refer to the Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA 55).
See the inside cover of this form for information about how to obtain a copy of FEMA 55.
Completion of this form must be accomplished by a registered professional engineer or registered architect duly
licensed in the state where the subject structure is located.
The completed form should be submitted to the NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent, Underwriting Department, 8400
Corporate Drive, Suite 350, Landover, MD 20785. Confirmation of the V-zone risk discount and rate for National
Flood Insurance coverage will be returned in approximately 30 days.
Local permit officials will have on file copies of the community’s most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and
Flood Insurance Study (FIS). Your client’s property and casualty insurance agent may have a copy of the community’s
FIRM and is a valuable source of related information. If you need assistance, call the NFIP toll-free at 1-800-358-9616.
Page 1 of 7 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECTION B, COASTAL V-ZONE FLOOD RISK BUILDING POINT
CALCULATION SHEET
I. Lowest Floor Elevation. The lowest floor elevation measurement should be made at the bottom of the lowest
horizontal structural member supporting the lowest floor. Lowest floor guidance can be obtained from the Elevation
Certificate or the Flood Insurance Manual (Lowest Floor Guide):
• The Elevation Certificate can be downloaded from FEMA’s site on the World Wide Web at
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/elvinst.shtm. The certificate is also available from the FEMA
Distribution Center at 1-800-480-2520 (ask for FEMA Form 81-31).
• The Flood Insurance Manual is available from the FEMA web site at
http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/manual.shtm.
II.A. Distance from shoreline. Siting structures away from the shoreline is recognized as one of the most important
ways of preventing building damage. This form provides credit for siting buildings landward of dunes, bluffs,
and erosion control devices (item II.A.1), and landward of shorelines that fluctuate large distances (i.e., those that
experience large-scale erosion and accretion through time, item II.A.2).
Points may be claimed for II.A.1 or II.A.2, but not for both. In the majority of situations, II.A.1 will be used for
calculating points.
II.A.1. Points will be awarded based on (1) the distance between the seaward side of the building foundation and
the dune crest, bluff edge, or erosion control device crest and (2) the average annual erosion rate (AAER) for the site.
This item requires the engineer or architect to (1) measure the horizontal distance between the building foundation
and the dune crest, bluff edge, or erosion control device crest, (2) obtain the average annual erosion rate at the site,
and (3) calculate the ratio between the distance and the erosion rate (consult the local jurisdiction or state coastal
management program for erosion rate information). The examples shown in Figures 1-4b, following, illustrate the
calculation of points for five cases.

Page 2 of 7 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

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V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form

Page 3 of 7 Pages
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F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form

II.A.2. Points will be awarded based on the location landward of the seaward side of the building foundation relative
to the fluctuating shoreline on the site. Average annual erosion rates are not used for this calculation. CCM Figures
7-47, 7-48, and 7-49 show a situation in which item II.A.2 would be used to calculate points.
This item requires the engineer or architect
to (1) obtain historical shoreline (vegetation
line) positions at the site, (2) locate the
seaward side of the building foundation,
and (3) determine how long it has been
since the vegetation line was landward of
the seaward side of the building foundation.
An example is shown in Figure 5 using the
data from CCM Figure 7-49.
Figure 5 shows that the seaward side of the
building foundation was seaward of the
vegetation line as recently as 1997.
No points would be claimed in this
example. In order for points to be claimed
for this item, the building would have had
to have been constructed landward of all
vegetation lines for the past 40+ years—
since approximately 1957.
II.B Dune, structural, or beach nourishment protection. This form provides credit for protection received from
large dunes (item II.B.1), erosion control devices (item II.B.2), and beach nourishment projects (item II.B.3) that
meet certain criteria. Points will be awarded based on the level of flood and erosion protection afforded by a dune,
erosion control device, or beach nourishment project.
Points may be claimed for II.B.1, II.B.2,
and II.B.3, if applicable.
II.B.1. The dune reservoir is the crosssection (in square feet) above the 100-year
stillwater elevation (obtained from the Flood
Insurance Study [FIS] report) and seaward of
the dune crest or shoulder (see Figure 6).
This item requires the engineer or architect
to (1) plot a dune cross-section seaward of
the building site, (2) determine the 100-year
stillwater elevation (from the FIS report) and
plot on the dune profile, (3) characterize the
dune as a ridge type or mound type, and (4)
define the limits of the dune reservoir and
calculate its cross-sectional area.

Page 4 of 7 Pages
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V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form

II.B.2. Points may be claimed for protection offered by an erosion control device (seawall or revetment)

only if the crest elevation of the device is above the 100-year stillwater elevation, which may be obtained
from the FIS report (see Figures 7 and 8.) Points may be claimed for II.B.2.b.(2) or II.B.2.b.(3). If the crest
elevation is above the 100-year stillwater elevation, points may be obtained for II.B.2.b.(2)—the distance
between the crest of the device and the seaward side of the building foundation—or II.B.2.b.(3)—a device
that satisfies the criteria set forth in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Coastal Engineering Research Center
report CERC TR 89-15, Criteria for Evaluating Coastal Flood Protection Structures.

This item requires the engineer or architect to (1) determine the crest elevation of the seawall or revetment, (2)
determine the 100-year stillwater elevation (from the FIS report) and compare it against the crest elevation, (3)
determine the horizontal distance from the crest of the erosion control device to the seaward side of the building
foundation, and (4) if maximum points are desired, evaluate the dimensions, strength, and durability of the erosion
control device against the CERC criteria.
II.B.3. Points may be claimed for protection offered by an ongoing beach nourishment project. An eligible project
must be sponsored by a Federal, state, or local government entity and must have been constructed—either initial
construction or project maintenance—in the recent past (5 years or less from the date of completion of this form).
This item requires the engineer or architect to (1) determine whether an eligible beach nourishment project has been
conducted in front of the building for which this form is being completed and (2) provide basic information on the
project (i.e., name of project, project sponsor, most recent date of project construction) in Section C of this form.
Consult the local jurisdiction for this information.
III.A. Foundation design. This form recognizes foundation designs that consider expected conditions over the life of
the building (III.A.1), local scour (III.A.2), and design loads (III.A.3). Points may be claimed for III.A.1, III.A.2, and
III.A.3, if applicable.
III.A.1. This item requires the engineer or architect to estimate, over the life of the building, (1) the most landward
expected shoreline, (2) the lowest expected ground elevation, and (3) the highest expected BFE (see Figure 9). A
minimum erosion rate of 1.0 foot/year and a minimum building life of 50 years should be used in the calculations.
More details can be found in Section 7.9.2 of the CCM.
Page 5 of 7 Pages
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V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form

III.A.2. Local scour is illustrated in
Figure 10, and its calculation is discussed
in Section 11.6.11 of the CCM. Local
scour around pilings and columns and
grade beams can generally be estimated
as twice the diameter of the member
(see CCM Formula 11.10.a). Local scour
around large objects and enclosed areas
can also be estimated, but do not use
CCM Formula 11.10.b. Instead, estimate
local scour as equal to the width of the
object facing the flow or waves, with a
maximum scour depth of 3 feet.

Page 6 of 7 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

V-Zone Risk Factor Rating Form

III.A.3. This form awards points for the use of loads and load combinations based on ASCE 7-98 (or later editions)
and CCM Chapter 11.
III.B. Foundation type. This form recognizes several types of V-zone foundations (wood, concrete, steel, and
masonry; driven piles; piles set in augered holes; cast-in-place piles; and masonry piers/concrete columns on
footings). Maximum points can be obtained only with driven piles; reinforced, cast-in-place piles; and jetted or
augered piles that satisfactorily pass load tests. Note that it may be very difficult to claim any points for masonry/
concrete elements supported on footings.
III.C. Lowest horizontal supporting
member. Points can be claimed for
(1) orientation of the lowest horizontal
supporting member in the expected
direction of waves (see Figure 11)
and (2) use of bolted or engineered
connections between the foundation and
lowest horizontal supporting member.
For the purposes of this classification,
any metal strap, plate, or connector
that is not fabricated with structural
steel is considered “light-gauge.” Point
deductions do not apply to the use of
light-gauge metal connectors or nailed
connections above the top of the lowest
horizontal structural member.

IV. Obstructions and Enclosures. V-zone construction must be free of obstructions below the BFE. NFIP regulations
allow breakaway enclosures to be constructed (flood insurance premiums will be higher as a result) and allow
limited use of solid obstructions (e.g., shear walls, stairwells, elevators, and chimneys).
This form provides points for buildings without any enclosures or obstructions. The use of open lattice (see IV.A.1)
and/or insect screening still allows points to be claimed. Points will be deducted for the use of breakaway walls.
Points will be deducted for finished walls or space (even breakaway) below the BFE. Points will be deducted for
equipment or ductwork below the BFE and not flood-resistant. The conversion of below-BFE space to habitable
uses by building contractors and owners represents one of the most significant (and common) violations of NFIP
regulations. This form reflects the importance of the issue through its point deductions.
IV.A.1. Open lattice is defined as thin (1/2 inch or less) wood, vinyl, plastic, or similar lattice material with at least
40 percent of the lattice area open. A wall created of brick or other masonry units meeting the opening requirement
will not be considered open lattice.

Page 7 of 7 Pages
FEMA Form 086-0-4

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)

FEMA Form 086-0-4

Previously FEMA Form 81-25

F-086 (Revised NOV 2013)