Information on the Public Comment Period -
Property owners will have the three months listed above to protest the new flood risk designations provided in the preliminary flood map, but will need to prove that they
are sufficiently above the base flood elevation by providing some technical information about the property, such as a survey or an elevation certificate.
What If I Have Better Information That Shows I'm Not in the High Risk Flood Area?
Every effort has been made to have the Flood Hazard Maps reflect the most reliable risk data for Hillsborough County. Although, the risk maps reflect the best available
data, neither Hillsborough County nor the Federal Emergency Management Agency, have the resources to measure every foot and inch of the county. There have always been and will
continue to be mechanisms for individuals to show that better information may change the risk level indicated by the maps.
The maps show a flood risk at a particular point in time. As land development, stormwater infrastructure, and flood frequencies change, the maps have the potential to
be improved. That is one of the great benefits of this update to the flood hazard maps. The maps will now be in a digital environment that can be updated every two to three years
instead of 25 years.
If you have better information, such as an elevation certificate, topographic map, detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, then you may be able to protest or appeal the flood
risk indicated by the new maps. FEMA provides for a 90-day Public Comment Period which allows property owners or other interested parties to file an appeal or protest. Hillsborough
County’s Public Comment Period starts December 1, 2006 and ends with all appeals and protests being due by February 28, 2007.
What is an Appeal?
A formal objection to new or revised proposed base flood elevation(s) (BFEs). Appeals are based on empirical data that show proposed base flood elevations to be scientifically
or technically incorrect.
What Information is Required to Support an Appeal?
Depending on what specific aspect of the study is being challenged, various types of data are required to support an appeal. In some cases, the applicant is required to
submit a revised flood study, including updated hydrologic and/or hydraulic analyses, flood profiles, and floodplain and floodway boundaries, using the alternate methods or data
that are believed to be superior to those used in the preliminary study. A flood study determines proposed base flood elevation(s) (BFEs) along a stream, and involves collection
of historical and physical data, followed by analyses using hydrologic methods to determine flow rates and hydraulic modeling to determine water-surface elevations.
What is a Protest?
A formal objection to any new or revised information that does not involve Base flood elevations. Protests generally involve comments regarding the boundaries of the updated
floodplain, floodways or municipalities, and road names/locations.
What Information is Required to Support a Protest?
You will need to submit certified topographic maps or other certified ground elevation data that are of greater detail and/or more recent than those used for the preliminary
map panel in question. No certification is needed for the topographic information if it is a government product, such as a USGS Map. In addition, elevation certificates
would need to be signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor or design professional. The requested changes to the floodplain should be marked on the topographic mapping and flood
map panel. Protests of a floodway require updated hydraulic modeling.
How Should Property Owners Submit Appeals and Protests?
Any individual property owner or other interested party who wishes to appeal proposed BFE's or protest other information shown in the preliminary map should submit a protest application ( PDF, 105KB ) or an appeals application ( PDF, 102KB ) , and all supporting data to the address below:
Planning and Growth Management
Attention: Flood Map Review
P.O. Box 1110
Tampa, FL 33601
How are Appeals and Protests Resolved?
All appeals and protests will be sent to Hillsborough County government to initially review if the technical data submitted by the applicant will support the request. After
that determination, they will be forwarded onto FEMA for final review and a decision. If necessary, additional supporting data will be requested. Following the review of all submitted
data, FEMA will send a letter to the local government explaining the resolution of all of the appeals or protests. The decision to deny or approve the request will then be forwarded
back to the applicant. Approved requests will become effective the day after the maps are formally adopted, which is anticipated to occur in fall 2008.
Where Can I Get Additional Information on Appeals and Protests?
Further information on this topic, as well as the NFIP and floodplain mapping, is available from the FEMA Map Assistance Center toll-free information line at 1-877-FEMA-MAP
(1-877-336-2627) or via e-mail at FEMAMapSpecialist@mapmodteam.com.
How Do I Check the Status of my Appeal or Protest?
Search online using the Flood Risk Protest/Appeal Status program or Contact our office at (813) 272-5920.
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