Map Adoption Process

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2 and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a virtual meeting on the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map update for 36 of the 39 jurisdictions in Morris County for Community Officials. They estimate the partial countywide flood maps Letter of Final Determination (LFD) will come out in 2024.

For additional information on the Partial Countywide Map adoption process see the FEMA fact sheet(PDF, 158KB). 

Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) municipalities maps are on a separate track than these 36 municipalities. FEMA is currently in the process of generating new flood maps for those three (3) municipalities (Lincoln Park, Montville and Pequannock). FEMA has a tentative date for the end of 2023 for release of preliminary firms (SRP Revised Preliminary Maps) for these municipalities.

FEMA’S map adoption process typically takes between 18-24 months. Please review FEMA’s brochure, "Map Adoption Process,"(PDF, 3MB) for more details.

Please note: Other than the 90-day Appeal Period, and 6-Month Adoption/Compliance Period, there are no specific timeframes for the steps in the timeline below.

Updates map adoption process timeline. The final Flood Hazard Determination notice will be issued in 2022, followed by a 6 month adoption/compliance period.

Download full-size image of timeline

Important to Know:

  • The 90-day Appeal Period ended May 15, 2018.
  • FEMA is no longer accepting Comments or Appeals on the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) reports.

Map Finalization/Adoption

After the 90-day Appeals Period has ended, and all appeals have been resolved, FEMA will finalize the maps. A final Flood Hazard Determination (FHD) letter is sent to community officials which initiates a 6-month period during which the community must adopt the new FIRM to be in compliance. The FIRM will then become effective (adopted) and serve as the basis for flood insurance rates and purchase requirements, and local building regulations. Learn more about this process in FEMA’s publication, Adoption of Flood Insurance Rate Maps by Participating Communities.

If you believe your property has been incorrectly included in the Special Flood Hazard, after the FIRM and FIS are adopted, FEMA offers the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) Process.

Previously issued Letters of Map Change (LOMC) undergo a validation process as compared to the new FIRM.  If still valid, they are listed on the community’s Revalidation Letter.  This letter goes into effect one day after the new FIRM’s effective date.

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