North Carolina Floodplain Mapping

The North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program through a joint agreement with FEMA has prepared Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (“FIRMs”) for public review.  These maps are intended to update the 1996 FIRM maps currently in effect.  There may be changes to flood insurance and construction guidelines for properties within the existing and proposed special flood hazard areas as a result of the new delineation of the floodplain and floodway, and the projected base flood elevations within those areas.

The Town has appealed various areas and factors in the Preliminary maps including the flows used in developing the maps, the names and locations of land marks, and other questions raised by property owners.  We should hear back from the State this spring or early summer.  For areas on the maps that change as a result of the appeals, the Town will have another 90 day review period in which to comment.  For areas that don’t change, then the Town will have just a 30 day comment period.

Existing FIRMs and the Preliminary proposed FIRMs are available for review in the Town Board Room, and at State Floodplain Mapping Program website:  

Phone: (828) 669-9784
Fax: (828) 669-2030
elizabeth.teague@townofblackmountain.org