COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
220 West Willow Street, Building B
Lafayette LA 70501
Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 337-291-8468
FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR:Clay Boudreaux
HOMEOWNERS REFERENCE
This page is dedicated to assist homeowners with the submission of a Letter of Map Change application to remove an existing structure from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
In order for a structure to be considered eligible for a LOMC, a valid elevation certificate must demonstrate the lowest floor elevation AND the lowest adjacent grade (LAG) of the structure is equal to or higher than the current FEMA designated Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The Base Flood Elevation is the estimated elevation of flood waters during the 100-Year Flood (1% Annual Chance Flood Zone).
Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)
A LOMA is used to change the flood zone of the existing structure when the property owner is able to demonstrate that the existing natural grade elevation is higher than the mapped BFE without the placement of fill. A LOMA application can be completed if a structure was originally built before the first flood map(1980), or if the structure was built in a Zone B, D, X, or X500.
LOMA Application Requirements
- Completed application - Application can be completed on the Online LOMC website or by mail with the paper application MT-EZ form. Please note that the mailing address on the MT-EZ form is incorrect. Per FEMA, paper applications and supporting documents must be sent via U.S. or express mail to: LOMC Clearinghouse, 3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22304.
- Building permit issue date - Contact the Floodplain Management Section at (337) 291.8491.
- Finished construction elevation certificate - Completed by Professional Surveyor or Engineer.
- FIRM panel or FIRMette - Can be created on the FEMA Map Service Center webpage.
- Property deed and tax assessor's map- Property deed found at the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Tax Map can be found on the Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor’s Website: OR the Subdivision Plat Map – Found at the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court.
The completed application is sent directly to FEMA for review. The application is not required to be reviewed by LCG. FEMA does not charge a fee to process a LOMA application. Once FEMA receives the application and all required documentation, FEMA will notify the applicant in writing within 60 days. If the application is approved, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination to confirm the structure has been removed from the SFHA and the flood zone of the structure has been changed to Zone X or X500.
Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F)
A LOMR-F is used to change the flood zone of an existing structure where the property owner is able to demonstrate that fill was placed to raise the ground elevation above the BFE. A LOMR-F application is utilized if a structure was originally built in a SFHA. If a structure was originally built in a SFHA, fill was placed to elevate the home in order to meet building requirements. The Floodplain Administrator will require a Lot Grading Plan and/or Drainage Plan. This plan must include post development lot grading with dimensions, elevations & proposed grading area/fill area indicating how subject property will drain into the nearest R.O.W or public drainage system without crossing, nor adversely impacting neighboring properties.
LOMR-F Application Requirements
The LOMR-F application process requires the applicant to submit the entire application to the County for review and approval prior to submittal to FEMA. The following information is required to submit the LOMR-F application packet to the Floodplain Management section:
- Completed application - Application can be completed on the Online LOMC website or by paper with the MT-1 form. Per FEMA requirements, completed applications must be submitted to Collier County for staff to review. After review, the applicant must submit the application to the LOMC Clearinghouse. Please note that the mailing address on the MT-1 form is incorrect. Per FEMA, paper applications and supporting documents must be sent via U.S. or express mail to: LOMC Clearinghouse, 3601 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22304.
- Building permit issue date - Contact the Floodplain Management section at (337) 291-8491
- Finished construction elevation certificate - Completed by a Professional Surveyor or Engineer .
- FIRM panel or FIRMette - Can be created on the FEMA Map Service Center webpage.
- Property deed and tax assessor's map – Property Deed can be found at the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court and tax map can be found at the Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor’s website Subdivision Plat Map - Found at the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court.
Community Acknowledgement Form (CAF) - Signed by Community Official after review of the application packet.
Development & Planning Department
Attn: Floodplain Management
220 W. Willow Street, Building B
Lafayette, LA 70501
The Floodplain Administrator has a 15 business day initial review time for each application. The applicant will be notified if an error is identified within the initial review time. The errors must be corrected before the CAF can be signed by the Community Official. Once the Community Official approves the application packet, the signed CAF form will be returned to the applicant.
The applicant is then responsible for submitting the required documents and payment to FEMA. Once FEMA receives the application and all required documentation, FEMA will notify the applicant in writing within 90 days. If the application is approved, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination to confirm the structure has been removed from the SFHA and the flood zone of the structure has been changed to Zone X or X500.