The City of Denton’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) issued by FEMA became effective on April 18, 2011. For electronic copies of the FIRMs please visit the website: http://msc.fema.gov. An interactive map maintained by the City of Denton showing floodplain locations can also be accessed at http://gis.cityofdenton.com/mapviewer/. Check the FEMA box to view floodplain locations throughout the City of Denton.
The City of Denton Engineering Services Department offers all insurance agents, real estate agents, mortgage lenders and real estate appraisers a free floodplain determination service based on FEMA data for properties located inside the City of Denton limits. Information that can be given includes the community number, panel number, FIRM suffix, map revision date, flood zone, floodway information, Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and elevation datum used on the FIRM.
In Denton, several Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) have been issued by FEMA after the FIRMs were published. These LOMRs revise the special flood hazard areas and BFEs in local areas and invalidate the information shown on parts of the FIRM. The City retains copies of the LOMRs and will provide the current information when available. The City of Denton cannot give BFEs in “X” zones or unnumbered “A” zones because the elevations have not been determined; however, the City will try to assist in determining those if an inquirer requests that information.
The City of Denton hereby informs all inquirers of the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement for all federally backed mortgages for buildings located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) also known as the 100-year floodplain or the area inundated by the Base Flood.
SFHA and BFE determinations based on the FIRM and LOMRs may be obtained by calling the Floodplain Administrator in the Engineering Services Department at (940) 349-8910. Building elevation certificates may also be available from the City for some buildings constructed since 1984.
Please note that a property not in a SFHA as shown on the FIRM may still be at risk of flooding from a local drainage problem not shown on the FIRM and/or from a flood greater than those shown on the FIRM. Therefore, the determination assistance provided by the City does not create liability on the part of the City or any officer or employee of the City for issues that result from reliance on the FIRM information.
In addition to the floodplain determination service, the City of Denton can offer general advice and suggestions for flood protection to all inquirers. Information may include required or recommended minimum finish floor or flood proofing elevations. Engineering Services Department personnel can also perform site visits and review flood protection plans. The City of Denton also offers a collection of flood protection references that are available at the Denton public library and/or in the Engineering Services Department.
Finally, the City of Denton can provide maps of Environmentally Sensitive Areas throughout the City that have been identified for protection because of their natural floodplain functions.