National Flood Hazard Layer (HESS)

National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) for development of the Parcel Inventory dataset for the Housing Element Site Selection (HESS) Pre-Screening Tool. This NFHL data incorporates all Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. It is updated on a monthly basis. The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper FIRMs. The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The FIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published FIRMs, flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by FEMA. In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas, the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. The FIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The FIRM Database serves to archive the information collected during the Flood Risk Project. ** This flood zone data should not be used for flood insurance purposes, but rather hazard mapping. FIRM data retrieved directly from the FEMA should be used for insurance programs. Source data, by county, was downloaded from https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch.