The following information describes FEMA's Online LOMC web application, which allows anyone to submit a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) request online. This page is intended for homeowners and other interested parties that wish to submit a LOMC application online instead of the paper form method.
Access the Online LOMC application to start a new application or check the status of your submitted application. If you do not wish to submit your request online, you may submit through FEMA's other processes: eLOMA or through the MT-EZ, MT-1 or MT-2 paper forms submitted through the mail.
How to Request a Change to Your Flood Zone Designation
If you believe your property was incorrectly included in a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) identified Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), you may submit an application to FEMA for a formal determination of the property's location and/or elevation relative to the SFHA. The SFHA is the area that has a 1-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year; this area is also referred to by some as the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain, base floodplain or the 100-year floodplain. After FEMA reviews the map change request, it will issue a Determination Document, either approving or denying the map change. If FEMA grants the map amendment or revision request, the property owner may no longer be required to pay flood insurance. The property owner may send the Determination Document to their lender and request that the federal flood insurance requirement for the structure be removed.
What is the Online LOMC Application?
Online LOMC is an internet-based tool that allows applicants to easily request an Amendment or Revision to a flood map. It is a convenient way for applicants to upload all information and supporting documentation and check the status of their application online. Users can submit LOMC requests and pay any associated fees, through this tool instead of filing the MT-EZ, MT-1 or MT-2 paper forms submitted through the mail.
What is the Difference Between eLOMA and Online-LOMC?
The eLOMA tool is a web-based application that provides licensed land surveyors and professional engineers (Licensed Professionals or LPs) and other FEMA approved Certified Professionals (CPs) with a system to submit LOMA requests that are not considered to be within a coastal zone (Zone V), an alluvial fan, or modified by fill to raise the elevation of the structure to FEMA. The eLOMA tool is designed specifically for registered LP and CP users to generate a determination from FEMA within minutes of submitting required information and data for the request. For more information on the eLOMA tool, visit the eLOMA page.
The Online LOMC tool is available to any applicant who would like to submit a LOMC request directly to FEMA and does not require a surveyor or engineer to submit. All types of LOMC requests may be processed through the Online LOMC tool and applicants may check the status of their application at any time. A determination resulting from information submitted via Online LOMC is not received until after FEMA reviews the supporting documentation and receives payment (if required). This process may take up to 60 days for amendment applications and up to 90 days for revision applications.
Benefits of the Online LOMC Application
Applicants receive immediate benefits when applying through the online application versus applying by mail. These benefits include:
- Ability to save information and complete amendment or revision applications at the applicant's convenience
- Immediate receipt of a case number once the completed online application is submitted
- Real-time updates on the application status as well as an inventory of all in-progress and previous applications submitted online
- Convenient online payment of fees (if required)
- Frequent applicants can manage multiple LOMC requests online
- Clear and intuitive interface
- More efficient communications with LOMC processing staff
Who Can Submit an Online LOMC Application?
Community officials, property owners or lessees or designated authorized persons (e.g., agents, surveyors, engineers) can submit flood map change requests to FEMA.
Documents Required to Complete the Online LOMC Application
The Online LOMC application requires specific information regarding the property (parcels) of land or structure(s), including the location, legal description and use of fill. In accordance with NFIP regulations, FEMA uses the information required in the Online LOMC application process to make a determination on whether or not a property is located within a designated SFHA.
In certain instances, additional data may be required. A FEMA representative will notify the applicant of any additional requirements needed to complete the request.
Additional documents that may be required when requesting a LOMC:
- Elevation Form or Existing Elevation Certificate* - This document is located within the Online LOMC application
- Subdivision Plat Map or Property Deed with Tax Assessor's Map or Other Suitable Map - This document is located with the County/Parish Clerk, Recorder or Registrar of Deeds for the Community
- Community Acknowledgement Form - This document is located within the Online LOMC application
- ESA Compliance Documentation** - This documentation can be satisfied by contacting the National Marine Fishery Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Wildlife Agency Office or an independent biologist
- Riverine Hydrology and Hydraulics Form – This document is located in the FEMA Library
- Riverine Structures Form – This document is located in the FEMA Library
- Overview and Concurrence Form – This document is located in the FEMA Library
- Coastal Analysis Form – This document is located in the FEMA Library
- Coastal Structures Form – This document is located in the FEMA Library
- Alluvial Fan Flooding Form – This document is located in the FEMA Library
* NOTE: If the request is to make a determination on the structure and an NFIP Elevation Certificate has already been completed for this property, it may be submitted in lieu of the Elevation Form. Check with your community to see if an Elevation Certificate is already on file for your property or structure.
**NOTE: The purpose of the ESA is to conserve threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. Go to the Compliance with the Endangered Species Act for Letters of Map Change to receive more guidance on how to obtain this documentation.
Start the Online LOMC Application
Getting started is easy and simple. Visit the Online LOMC application and start the process today! To register, select "New User? Click here to Sign Up!"
Users of Internet Explorer 9 and 10 should take the following steps, so they may be able to access Online LOMC:
- Open Internet Options under the Tools Menu
- Click the Advanced tab
- Scroll down to Security and confirm the following items are checked: "Use TLS 1.1" and "Use TLS 1.2"
- Click OK to exit Internet Options
Valuable Online LOMC Resources:
To receive updates about the Online LOMC sign up for the Flood Hazard Mapping mailing list.
For questions about the Online LOMC, contact a FEMA Map Specialist by calling the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or e-mailing FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
How Do I Check the Status of My Application?
If you submitted a LOMC application through Online LOMC, you may check the status of your application by logging into your Online LOMC account. The application status is listed on the homepage after you log in. For more information, view the application status definitions.
If you submitted a request for a LOMC through the mail using the paper MT-1, MT-2, MT-EZ forms or used the eLOMA application process, visit the Status of Map Change Requests webpage for more information.