The District of Columbia has enacted and implemented the floodplain regulations required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is based on a mutual agreement between the Federal Government and the community (e.g. District of Columbia). Federally backed flood insurance is made available in those communities that agree to regulate development in their mapped floodplains. If the communities do their part in making sure future floodplain development meets certain criteria, FEMA will provide flood insurance for properties in the community. There are three basic parts to the NFIP: Mapping, Insurance and Regulations.

 

As a NFIP participating community, the District has committed itself to:

The effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) of the District of Columbia are dated in November 15, 1985. All FIRM panels and FIS can be viewed or purchased through the FEMA Map Service Center.

 

In September 2007, FEMA proposed the District of Columbia flood maps and study revision to the effective 1985 FIRMs and FIS. The period for commenting on FEMA’s proposal for the flood maps and study ran from October 5, 2007 to January 3, 2008. Afterwards, FEMA extended the comment period to March 7, 2008. However, the maps and the study have not been finalized. Publication of the final maps and study would be done upon completion of the design and construction of the Potomac Park levee at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

 

The proposed 2007 FEMA flood maps and study for the District of Columbia can be viewed for informational purposes through DDOE past Public Notices & Hearings on FEMA's Proposed Flood Maps and Study for the District of Columbia.