Information about a community's minimum NFIP requirements including the floodplain permitting process , initiatives that a community can adopt to better promote floodplain management and to earn points through the Community Rating System.
Minimum NFIP Floodplain Regulations
Communities that participate in the NFIP must adopt at least the minimum NFIP regulations, which are contained in the state's model floodplain ordinances.
For additional information about the NFIP regulations, see the links below.
- Fact Sheet #2 - Elevation Certificate - How to review to ensure compliance with floodplain ordinance
- Fact Sheet #3 - Preventing Common Building Violations Factsheet
- Fact Sheet #5 - 12 Key Floodplain Management Regulations
- Variances and the NFIP - Floodplain Management Bulletin
- Technical information and guidance on various floodplain regulations
Floodplain Permitting Process
Communities that participate in the NFIP are also responsible for enforcing their floodplain regulations through a permitting process. Guidance and information on the floodplain permit process can be found on the Permit Process, Applications and Certificates page.
Floodplain Regulations that Exceed the Minimum NFIP Regulations
OSI and FEMA highly recommend that communities adopt regulations that exceed the minimum regulations. The minimum regulations do not account for the effects that floodplain development will have on future flood levels.
OSI has compiled a list of communities around the state that enforce at least one regulation that exceeds the minimum NFIP regulations. You can also view this information using our interactive map. If your community is not listed and you would like to be added, please Contact Us.
The following documents detail floodplain regulations that a community can adopt that exceed the minimum NFIP regulations.
- A Guide for Higher Standards in Floodplain Management (ASFPM)
- FEMA's CRS Credit for Higher Regulatory Standards
- FEMA's NFIP Floodplain Management Requirements - A Study Guide and Desk Reference for Local Officials - Unit 6 - Additional Regulatory Measures
- The Costs and Benefits of Building Higher
Floodplain Maps and Studies
- Floodplain Maps and Studies
- Current NH Floodplain Mapping Activities
- How to Change the Floodplain Maps
How to find out if a structure or property is shown to be in the floodplain:
- Find Your Flood Zone and Create a Printable Version of a Map
- How to View Preliminary Flood Maps and Additional Products
- Comparing Preliminary and Effective Flood Maps
- How to View Pending Flood Maps