Community Information and Initiatives

Information about a community's floodplain regulations, floodplain permitting process, initiatives that a community can adopt to better promote floodplain management and to earn points through the Community Rating System.
 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Floodplain Regulations and Permitting

Communities that participate in the NFIP have agreed to adopt local floodplain regulations and enforce those regulations through a local permitting process. In return, flood insurance through the NFIP is made available for purchase to all residents and businesses in the community. Effective implementation of local floodplain management regulations is critical for the safety of your residents and will help minimize future flood damage. Also, buildings that are not constructed in full compliance with local floodplain regulations will be more expensive for property owners to insure.

The following resources can help your community develop an effective floodplain management program that fully meets NFIP requirements:

• Best Practices for an Effective Local Floodplain Management Program Fact Sheet
• Floodplain Development Administrative Procedures for Local Communities Sample Template (See Coastal and Non-Coastal versions)
• The Regulations page includes the State’s model floodplain ordinances for use by local communities. The model ordinances include the minimum standards that must be adopted by communities that participate in the NFIP.
• Guidance and templates that can help communities manage the floodplain development permit process can be found on the Permit Process, Applications and Certificates page.
• Guidance for Making Substantial Improvement Determinations
• Guidance for Making Substantial Damage Determinations

Going Beyond the Minimum NFIP Regulations

Communities are strongly encouraged to adopt more stringent floodplain regulations that go beyond the minimum NFIP regulations. Adopting such standards can improve a community’s resiliency to future floods by reducing potential: loss of human life; property and environmental damage; displacement of residents; disruption of businesses; and the burden on community infrastructure, services and staff. Learn more on the Regulations page.
 

Floodplain Maps and Studies

• Floodplain Maps and Studies
• Current NH Floodplain Mapping Activities
• How to Change the Floodplain Maps

How to determine the flood risk for a property or structure:

• Find Your Flood Zone and Create a Printable Version of a Map
• How to View Preliminary Flood Maps and Additional Products
• How to Compare Preliminary and Effective Flood Maps
• How to View Pending Flood Maps

Community Initiatives:

• FEMA Community Rating System
• Flood Mitigation and Resiliency

Education and Training:

• Floodplain Management Resources Guide for Community Officials
• Floodplain Management Training & Education page