FEMA has begun the appeal process for flood hazard determinations related to the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Johnson County. The appeal period ends on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

The proposed flood hazard determinations, if finalized, will become the basis of floodplain management measures the County and cities must adopt to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Any owner or lessee of real property who believes their property rights will be adversely affected by the proposed flood hazard determinations may appeal until March 21. The sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect. Only appeals supported by scientific or technical data can be considered by FEMA.

Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) are identified on the FIRM. The SFHA is an area where there is a one-percent (1%) annual chance that flooding could exceed the base flood elevation, also referred to as the “100-year floodplain.”

The proposed flood hazard determinations (preliminary FIRM) and information on the appeal process are available as follows:

Online: https://ifis.iowafloodcenter.org/ifis/newmaps/hazard/

In-person: Johnson County Planning, Development and Sustainability Department, second-floor of the County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City.

Owners or lessees of property in unincorporated Johnson County who have questions may contact Josh Busard, PDS director and floodplain administrator for Johnson County, at 319-356-6083 or by email at [email protected].

Owners or lessees of property in cities in Johnson County who have questions are encouraged to contact their city for assistance.

People can also obtain information through the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe.

Official notice: https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/STAMPFHDREST/FHD/HTML/NOTICE/ID/73464177