CFM CFM Floodplain Development & Permitting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is used to remove a property from the SFHA when the property's lowest adjacent grade is:
- Below the BFE
- At the BFE
- At or above the BFE based on natural ground (Correct answer)
- One foot above the BFE
Correct answer: At or above the BFE based on natural ground
A LOMA amends the FIRM to remove a property naturally situated at or above the BFE that was inadvertently included in the SFHA.
Question 2: What distinguishes a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) from a LOMA?
- A LOMR-F requires an engineer's seal; a LOMA does not
- A LOMR-F addresses properties elevated by fill; a LOMA addresses naturally elevated properties (Correct answer)
- A LOMR-F is issued by the community; a LOMA is self-certified
- A LOMR-F only applies to commercial structures
Correct answer: A LOMR-F addresses properties elevated by fill; a LOMA addresses naturally elevated properties
A LOMR-F is used when a property has been elevated above the BFE through the placement of fill, while a LOMA applies to land that is naturally above the BFE.
Question 3: Which zone designation on a FIRM indicates a coastal high-hazard area subject to wave action?
- Zone AE
- Zone VE (Correct answer)
- Zone X
- Zone AO
Correct answer: Zone VE
Zone VE designates coastal high-hazard areas where wave heights of 3 feet or more can occur, requiring more stringent construction standards than Zone AE.
Question 4: In Zone AO, the required lowest floor elevation for new residential construction is:
- At the BFE shown on the FIRM
- At or above the depth shown plus freeboard added by the community
- At or above the depth number shown on the FIRM above the highest adjacent grade (Correct answer)
- Two feet above natural grade
Correct answer: At or above the depth number shown on the FIRM above the highest adjacent grade
In Zone AO, new residential structures must have the lowest floor elevated at or above the designated flood depth above the highest adjacent grade.
Question 5: A 'substantial damage' determination triggers which requirement for the affected structure?
- Immediate demolition
- Compliance with current floodplain management regulations upon repair (Correct answer)
- Mandatory elevation to 2 feet above BFE
- Federal acquisition under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Correct answer: Compliance with current floodplain management regulations upon repair
A substantially damaged structure must be brought into full compliance with current floodplain management standards before it can be repaired or rebuilt.
Question 6: Which of the following accessory structures may qualify for a variance to be constructed below BFE in an SFHA?
- A detached garage used for storage that is non-habitable (Correct answer)
- A guesthouse used for overnight stays
- A detached garage with a habitable loft
- A pool house with a bathroom
Correct answer: A detached garage used for storage that is non-habitable
Small non-habitable accessory structures such as detached garages used solely for storage may qualify for a variance but must be flood-proofed and anchored.
CFM CFM Floodplain Development & Permitting 2
A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is used to remove a property from the SFHA when the property's lowest adjacent grade is: