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Frequently asked questions |
The maps are preliminary and have not been formally adopted by FEMA or Clark County. You may submit comments regarding your property’s base flood elevation or the accuracy of the maps through FEMA’s appeal or protest process. Clark County will compile the appeals and protests and forward them to FEMA at the end of the comment period. Appeals and Protest petitions must be received by 5 p.m. on May 30. Postmarks will not be accepted.
FEMA will review the appeals and protests and issue a Letter of Final Determination to the county that explains the outcome of the petitions and may revise the preliminary maps to reflect their decisions. Property owners that submit an appeal or protest will receive individual notice from FEMA when a decision has been made on their petition.
The maps will become effective approximately six months after FEMA issues the Letter of Final Determination. At that time, the new maps will be used by lending institutions to determine your property’s flood risk and insurance requirements.
How can I comment?
There are two ways to comment on the preliminary flood insurance rate maps.
- Appeal the Base Flood Elevations.
You may file an appeal if you believe that your property’s new BFEs is incorrect. Additional information about filing an appeal and the data needed to support it is listed on the Appeal Petition form (PDF - 37K). - Protest the accuracy of the maps.
You may protest issues unrelated to Base Flood Elevations, such as the floodplain and floodway boundaries or road names and locations. Additional information about filing a protest and the data needed to support it is listed on the Protest Petition form (PDF - 37K).
How can I submit my appeal or protest petition?
Property owners in the unincorporated areas of Clark County can submit an appeal or protest by:
Mail:
Mark Damon, team leader
Clark County Community Development
Engineering Services Division
PO Box 9810
Vancouver, WA 98666-9810
Or deliver to:
Clark County Community Development
Engineering Services Division
Attn: Mark Damon
Public Service Center
1300 Franklin St., Third Floor
Vancouver, Washington
If you have questions about how this process relates to property inside of a city, please contact the city where the property is located.
When will the new maps be in effect?
There are many steps in the map adoption process. The following is a tentative timeline. Please note that these dates may change based on FEMA’s review process.
- FEMA public comment period
Through May 30, 2007 - FEMA issues letter of final determination
July 2007 - Maps take effect for FEMA
Six months after FEMA final determination
When the FEMA determination is complete, the Board of Clark County Commissioners must decide whether to formally adopt the maps for local purposes. The Board’s decision will affect the ways in which the maps relate to development regulations and other aspects of the county code. Local hearings are planned as follows:
- Clark County Planning Commission public hearing - August 2007
- Board of Clark County Commissioners public hearing - September 2007
