Letter of Map Changes

Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) are based on the best hydrological, hydraulic, topographic, and meteorological and survey information and engineering modeling available at the time of creating the maps. However, no map is perfect and no flooding situation is static. If a property owner believes that his or her property was mapped incorrectly by FEMA, they have the opportunity to retain the services of a Tennessee-licensed civil engineer or land surveyor and produce technical data and undertake the necessary engineering analysis to prove their case. The supporting document that is created is called an application for a “Letter of Map Change” (LOMC).

Use MT-1 form for:

The MT-1 portion of the Letter of Map Change is for all amendment requests: Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), Conditional Letter of Map Amendment (CLOMA), Letter of Map Revision of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F) and Conditional Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (CLOMR-F).  The MT-1 applications should be completed by a licensed TN-surveyor to certify elevation information for the request. 

  • Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA): A letter from DHS-FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land that has not been elevated by fill (natural ground) would not be inundated by the base flood.
  • Conditional Letter of Map Amendment (CLOMA): A letter from DHS-FEMA stating that a proposed structure that is not to be elevated by fill (natural ground) would not be inundated by the base flood if built as proposed.
  • Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOM R-F): A letter from DHS-FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land that has been elevated by fill would not be inundated by the base flood.
  • Conditional Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F): A letter from DHS-FEMA stating that a parcel of land or proposed structure that will be elevated by fill would not be inundated by the base flood if fill is placed on the parcel as proposed or the structure is built as proposed.

Use MT-2 form for:

The MT-2 requests are used for all revision requests: Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) proposed development and Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) final construction. This portion should be used for revisions to effective Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIIRMs), by individual and community requesters. This portion will provide FEMA with assurance that all pertinent data relating to the revision are included in the submittal. This will also verify: (a) the data and methodology are based on current or proposed conditions; (b) qualified professionals have assembled data and performed all necessary computations; and (c) all individuals and organizations affected by proposed changes are aware of the changes and will have an opportunity to comment on them.

A licensed TN engineer will complete the hydraulic and hydrologic analysis for these types of projects.  The engineer will submit a request to FEMA for the HEC-RAS or HEC-2 model and complete an analysis based on man-made, non-man made, existing and proposed conditions for the watershed.

  • Conditional Letter of Map A Revision (CLOMR): letter from DHS-FEMA commenting on whether a proposed project, if built as proposed, would meet minimum NFIP standards or proposed hydrology changes [see 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Ch. 1, Parts 60, 65, and 72].
  • Letter of Map Revision (LOMR): A letter from DHS-FEMA officially revising the current NFIP map to show changes to flood plains, floodways, or flood elevations (see 44 CFR Ch. 1, Parts 60, 65, and 72).

LOMC Resources