OMB No. 1660-0022

Expires: March 31, 2020

National Flood Insurance Program

Community Rating System

Coordinator’s 

Manual

FIA-15/2017
CRS Coordinator’s Manual Edition: 2017 

The photograph on the cover represents the ultimate floodplain, from a community’s perspective: 

Nature follows its course with no threat to life or property. The waterfront is a community asset 

where people can relax and enjoy the view.

Cover photo courtesy of John Kinley

Burden Disclosure

Public reporting burden for this application is estimated to average 45 hours per response 

for the application process, 1.6 hours for the environmental and historic preservation 

certifications, and 4 hours for annual recertification. The burden estimate includes the time 

for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the 

data needed, and completing and submitting the application and/or forms. This collection of 

information is voluntary. You are not required to respond to this collection of information 

unless it displays a valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding the accuracy of 

the burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Information Collections 

Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 

500 C Street., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20472, Paperwork Reduction Project (1660-0022).

NOTE: Do not send your completed form to this address.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual iii Edition: 2017 

FOREWORD

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a national program developed by the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The CRS Coordinator’s Manual spells out the 

credits and credit criteria of the CRS for community activities and programs that go above 

and beyond the minimum requirements for participation in FEMA’s National Flood 

Insurance Program. The Coordinator’s Manual is available in Adobe pdf format at 

www.CRSresources.org. 

Using the CRS Coordinator’s Manual 

The Coordinator’s Manual is the guidebook for the CRS. It explains how the program 

operates, what is credited, and how credits are calculated. Although it is primarily a 

reference for CRS activities and credits, it can also help guide communities that want to 

design or improve their floodplain management programs. 

If you want to know how the CRS works and how your community can benefit from 

participating in the program and reduce flood insurance premiums,

• Start with Section 110 for an overview of the program. 

• Section 200 describes the procedures for applying, required activities, calculating 

credits, and advancing in the program. Be sure to review the prerequisites for 

participation in Section 211.

If you want to develop a comprehensive community floodplain management program,

• Start with the CRS Community Self Assessment, Section 240, to help evaluate your 

existing flood problems and identify potential future flood problems, and to identify 

appropriate measures to address them. 

• Use the results of the CRS Community Self Assessment to determine what additional 

data you need about your flood problem areas. Developing new data can be credited 

under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping). 

• Review how to prepare a floodplain management plan, following the 10-step process 

described in Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning). If you have developed 

a multi-hazard mitigation plan, Activity 510 can still assist you in developing a more 

comprehensive plan for flood damage reduction. 

• To develop an overall public information program, see the section on the Program for 

Public Information in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).
Foreword

CRS Coordinator’s Manual iv Edition: 2017

If you want to improve a specific aspect of your existing floodplain management 

efforts, the CRS has 19 credited activities and additional sections and appendices that 

provide supplementary guidance and references. Here is a guide to what they cover. 

• Assessing your community’s flood problem: Section 240 

• Mapping and flood data 

o Developing new maps and data: Activity 410 

o Maintaining and providing maps and data: Activity 440 and Activity 320 

o Providing the data to people: Activity 320 

o Mapping special flood-related hazards (e.g., tsunamis, migrating stream 

channels, coastal erosion): Activity 320 and Activity 410. 

• Managing new development to minimize future damage 

o Preserving open space: Activity 420 

o Protecting natural floodplain functions: Activity 420 and Activity 510 

o Regulating development in the floodplain: Activity 430 and Activity 310 

o Regulating development in the watershed: Activity 450 

o Managing special flood-related hazards (e.g., tsunamis, migrating stream 

channels, coastal erosion): Activity 420 and Activity 430. 

• Developing a floodplain management plan for your community: Activity 510 

• Reducing flood losses to existing development 

o Acquiring or relocating flood-prone buildings out of harm’s way: 

Section 501, Activity 520, and Activity 530 

o Protecting flood-prone buildings in place: Activity 530 

o Improving your drainage system maintenance efforts: Activity 540 

o Addressing repetitively flooded properties: Activity 520 and Activity 530

• Improving emergency preparedness and response 

o Flood warning and response planning: Activity 610 

o Warning and response for areas protected by a levee: Activity 620 

o Warning and response for areas downstream of a dam: Activity 630 

• Implementing public information activities

o Developing a master public information program: Activity 330 

o Reaching out to people about floods and flood protection: Activity 330 

o Providing detailed information on the potential for flooding and protecting 

against flood damage: Activity 320, Activity 350, and Activity 360 
Foreword

CRS Coordinator’s Manual v Edition: 2017

o Libraries: Activity 350 

o Websites: Activity 350 

o Disseminating information on flood insurance: Activity 370 and Activity 330 

o Assisting with real estate disclosure: Activity 340. 

More about the Coordinator’s Manual

This document uses some technical terms and acronyms. The terms are defined in 

the Glossary, Section 120. The acronyms are listed in Appendix A. The most common 

acronyms are

NFIP National Flood Insurance Program.

FEMA The Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of 

Homeland Security. Most of the NFIP field work and community 

coordination is done by the 10 Regional Offices of FEMA.

CRS Community Rating System.

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map; published by FEMA and provided to 

communities.

SFHA Special Flood Hazard Area; the floodplain delineated on the FIRM as 

A Zones and V Zones.

Communities and other floodplain management professionals are encouraged to make 

suggestions on both the content and the form of the CRS. Send them to

NFIP/CRS

P.O. Box 501016

Indianapolis, IN 46250-1016

(317) 848-2898 

Fax: (201) 748-1936

nfipcrs@iso.com
CRS Coordinator’s Manual vi Edition: 2017 

CONTENTS

Section Page

Foreword .................................................................................................... iii

100 Introduction .................................................................................. 100-1 

 110 Program Overview ............................................................... 110-1 

 120 Glossary ............................................................................... 120-1 

200 Procedures ................................................................................... 200-1 

 210 Requesting CRS Credit ........................................................ 210-1 

 220 Credit Calculation ................................................................ 220-1 

 230 Verification .......................................................................... 230-1 

 240 CRS Community Self Assessment ....................................... 240-1 

300 Public Information Activities ....................................................... 300-1 

 310 Elevation Certificates ........................................................... 310-1 

 320 Map Information Service ..................................................... 320-1 

 330 Outreach Projects ................................................................. 330-1 

 340 Hazard Disclosure ................................................................ 340-1 

 350 Flood Protection Information ............................................... 350-1 

 360 Flood Protection Assistance ................................................. 360-1 

 370 Flood Insurance Promotion .................................................. 370-1 

400 Mapping and Regulations ............................................................ 400-1 

 410 Flood Hazard Mapping ........................................................ 410-1 

 420 Open Space Preservation ..................................................... 420-1 

 430 Higher Regulatory Standards ............................................... 430-1 

 440 Flood Data Maintenance ...................................................... 440-1 

 450 Stormwater Management ..................................................... 450-1 

500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities ............................................ 500-1 

 510 Floodplain Management Planning ....................................... 510-1 

 520 Acquisition and Relocation ................................................. 520-1 

 530 Flood Protection ................................................................... 530-1 

 540 Drainage System Maintenance ............................................. 540-1 

600 Warning and Response ................................................................ 600-1 

 610 Flood Warning and Response .............................................. 610-1 

 620 Levees .................................................................................. 620-1 

 630 Dams .................................................................................... 630-1 
Table of Contents

CRS Coordinator’s Manual vii Edition: 2017

700 Community Classification Calculations ..................................... 700-1

 710 County Growth Adjustment................................................. 710-1

 720 Community Total Points...................................................... 720-1

Appendices

A Acronyms.................................................................................... A-1

B Comparison of the Minimum NFIP Requirements

 and the CRS ................................................................................ B-1

C CRS Publications .........................................................................C-1

D A History of Changes to CRS Credits......................................... D-1

E CRS Community Certifications...................................................E-1

F Community Certifications for Environmental and

 Historic Preservation....................................................................F-1

Index ........................................................................................................ i-1
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 100-1 Edition: 2017 

100 INTRODUCTION

This series presents an overview of the purpose, goals, and contextual background of the 

Community Rating System (CRS), the benefits of the program, and the community’s role 

and responsibilities. The activities that are credited under the CRS are listed here, along 

with the points that may be obtained for each activity, and a description of how those points 

are translated into CRS classifications and premium reductions. The last part of this series 

(Section 120) is a glossary of terms used throughout the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. 

Contents of Series 100

Section Page

110 Program Overview........................................................................ 110-1 

 111 Background........................................................................110-1 

 112 Goals ................................................................................. 110-1 

 113 Credit Points and Credited Activities ................................. 110-3 

 114 The Community’s Role ......................................................110-8 

 115 Costs and Benefits ........................................................... 110-10

 116 Other Program Priorities ..................................................110-12

 

120 Glossary .................................................................................. 120-1 

List of Figures 

110-1. The “What If” Table ............................................................... 110-11

List of Tables 

110-1. CRS classes, credit points, and premium discounts...................110-3 

110-2. Credit points awarded for CRS activities .................................. 110-6 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-1 Edition: 2017

110 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

111 Background

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides federally backed flood insurance 

within communities that enact and enforce floodplain regulations. Since its inception in 

1968, the NFIP has been very successful in helping flood victims get back on their feet. As 

of October 1, 2016, there were 5.1 million residential and commercial policies in force, 

with $1.25 trillion in written coverage with annual premiums of about $3.6 billion. From 

1978 through March 2016, over 2.2 million losses were paid, totaling over $54 billion.

To be covered by a flood insurance policy (for the structure and/or its contents), a property 

must be in a community that participates in the NFIP. To qualify for the NFIP, a community 

adopts and enforces a floodplain management ordinance to regulate development in flood 

hazard areas. The objective of the ordinance is to minimize the potential for flood damage 

to future development. Today, over 22,200 communities in 56 states and territories participate in the NFIP.

The NFIP has been effective in requiring new buildings to be protected from damage by a 

1% chance flood, also known as the 100-year or base flood. However, flood damage still 

results from floods that exceed the base flood, from flooding in unmapped areas, and from 

flooding that affects buildings constructed before the community joined the NFIP.

Under the Community Rating System (CRS), communities can be rewarded for doing more

than simply regulating construction of new buildings to the minimum national standards. 

Under the CRS, the flood insurance premiums of a community’s residents and businesses 

are discounted to reflect that community’s work to reduce flood damage to existing 

buildings, manage development in areas not mapped by the NFIP, protect new buildings 

beyond the minimum NFIP protection level, preserve and/or restore natural functions of

floodplains, help insurance agents obtain flood data, and help people obtain flood 

insurance.

112 Goals 

The goals of the NFIP are to provide flood insurance to property owners, to encourage flood 

loss reduction activities by communities, and to save taxpayers’ money. As a part of the 

NFIP, the CRS provides both incentives and tools to further these goals. 

The CRS recognizes, encourages, and rewards—by the use of flood insurance premium 

adjustments—community and state activities that go beyond the minimum required by the 

NFIP to

• Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property,

• Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and

• Foster comprehensive floodplain management.
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-2 Edition: 2017

The purpose of the CRS is to support the NFIP. To do this, the CRS provides flood

insurance premium rate reductions to policyholders in recognition of the fact that their 

communities implement activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements and that 

work toward the three goals of the CRS. Included in this support are measures that credit 

protection to life and property during a flood. A closer look at how communities can 

implement these three goals follows.

Goal 1. Reduce and avoid flood damage to insurable property. 

The CRS supports the NFIP by working to minimize flood losses nationwide, both inside 

and outside of mapped floodplains. Communities are encouraged to reduce the exposure of 

existing buildings (and their contents) to flood damage, especially properties that are 

subject to repetitive flood losses. New buildings and their contents should be protected 

from known and future local flood hazards. Standards higher than those set out in the

minimum criteria of the NFIP may be needed to accomplish these tasks. The CRS 

encourages communities to map and provide regulatory flood data for all their flood 

hazards. The data should be used in their regulatory programs and shared with all users and 

inquirers.

Goal 2. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP. 

The CRS recognizes communities whose activities generate and contribute data that enable 

accurate actuarial rating of flood insurance. Communities are encouraged to implement 

mapping and information programs that help assess individual property risk and reduce 

repetitive flood losses. To help expand the policy base, communities should make their 

residents aware of their flood risk so that they purchase and maintain flood insurance 

policies.

Goal 3. Foster comprehensive floodplain management. 

The CRS encourages communities to use all available tools to implement comprehensive 

local floodplain management programs, which ordinarily have concerns beyond the 

protection of insurable property. The CRS recognizes local efforts that protect lives; further 

public health, safety, and welfare; minimize damage and disruption to infrastructure and

critical facilities; preserve and restore the natural functions and resources of floodplains and 

coastal areas; and ensure that new development does not cause adverse impacts elsewhere 

in the watershed or on other properties. 

A community’s staff should understand the physical and biological processes that form and 

alter floodplains and watersheds and take steps to deal with flooding, erosion, habitat loss, 

water quality, and special flood-related hazards. A comprehensive approach includes 

planning, public information, regulations, financial support, open space protection, public 

works activities, emergency management, and other appropriate techniques.
Program Overview

113 Credit Points and Credited Activities 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-3 Edition: 2017

To be recognized in the insurance rating system, local floodplain management activities 

must be described, measured, and evaluated by the CRS. The basic document detailing the 

program is the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. It sets forth the procedures, creditable activities, 

and the credit points assigned to each activity, and gives examples of activities and how 

their credit is calculated. 

113.a. Credit Points and Classification

A community receives a CRS classification based upon the total credit for its activities. 

There are 10 CRS classes. Class 1 requires the most credit points and gives the greatest 

premium reduction or discount. A community that does not apply for the CRS, or does not 

obtain the minimum number of credit points, is a Class 10 community and receives no 

discount on premiums. The qualifying community total points, CRS classes, and 

flood insurance premium discounts are shown in Table 110-1.

Table 110-1. CRS classes, credit points, 

and premium discounts.

CRS Class Credit Points (cT)

Premium Reduction

In SFHA Outside SFHA

1 4,500+ 45% 10%

2 4,000–4,499 40% 10%

3 3,500–3,999 35% 10%

4 3,000–3,499 30% 10%

5 2,500–2,999 25% 10%

6 2,000–2,499 20% 10%

7 1,500–1,999 15% 5%

8 1,000–1,499 10% 5%

9 500–999 5% 5%

10 0–499 0 0

SFHA: Zones A, AE, A1–A30, V, V1–V30, AO, and AH

Outside the SFHA: Zones X, B, C, A99, AR, and D

Preferred Risk Policies are not eligible for CRS premium discounts because 

they already have premiums lower than other policies. Preferred Risk 

Policies are available only in B, C, and X Zones for properties that are shown 

to have a minimal risk of flood damage.

Some minus-rated policies may not be eligible for CRS premium discounts.

Premium discounts are subject to change.
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-4 Edition: 2017

The flood insurance premium discount is based on whether a property is in or out of the 

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), i.e., the zones beginning with the letter A and V as 

shown on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The premium discount for 

properties in the SFHA increases according to the community’s CRS class. A community’s 

classification is based on the community total points (symbolized as cT in the CRS 

calculations). 

The discount for properties outside the SFHA is lower for Class 1–8 communities because 

premiums in these areas are already relatively low and can be lowered further through the 

Preferred Risk Policy. Also, most activities undertaken to qualify for those classes are 

implemented only in the floodplain. Because areas designated as A99 and AR Zones already 

receive an insurance premium reduction, these zones get the same premium reduction as 

non-SFHA areas.

113.b. Credited Activities

There are 19 creditable activities, organized under four categories, which are presented in 

the 300–600 series of the Coordinator’s Manual. The Coordinator’s Manual assigns credit 

points based upon the extent to which an activity advances the three goals of the CRS. 

Public Information Activities (300 Series)

This series credits programs that advise people about the flood hazard, encourage the 

purchase of flood insurance, and provide information about ways to reduce flood damage. 

These activities also generate data needed by insurance agents for accurate flood insurance 

rating. They generally serve all members of the community.

Mapping and Regulations (400 Series)

This series credits programs that provide increased protection to new development. These 

activities include mapping areas not shown on the FIRM, preserving open space, protecting

natural floodplain functions, enforcing higher regulatory standards, and managing 

stormwater. The credit is increased for growing communities. 

Flood Damage Reduction Activities (500 Series)

This series credits programs for areas in which existing development is at risk. Credit is 

provided for a comprehensive floodplain management plan, relocating or retrofitting floodprone structures, and maintaining drainage systems.

Warning and Response (600 Series)

This series provides credit for measures that protect life and property during a flood, 

through flood warning and response programs. There is credit for the maintenance of levees 

and for state regulatory programs for dams, as well as for programs that prepare for the 

potential failure of levees and dams. 
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-5 Edition: 2017

Some CRS activities may be implemented by the state or a regional agency rather than by the 

community. For example, some states have hazard disclosure laws that are creditable under 

Activity 340 (Flood Hazard Disclosure). A community in those states will receive those 

credit points when it applies for CRS credit and demonstrates that the law is effectively 

implemented within its jurisdiction. See also Section 231.c.

113.c. Activity Credit Points

The 19 activities and their credit points are shown in Table 110-2. Each activity has one or 

more elements. Elements are the basic credit level for the CRS. The element and activity 

scoring process is covered in Activity 220 (Credit Calculation).

The maximum credit points for each activity are shown in the second column. The 

maximum credit can be earned when all elements within an activity are being implemented 

and all credit criteria are met. In some activities, maximum credit cannot be provided unless 

credit has been earned in other activities. For example, additional credit is provided in some 

activities if the community has adopted a Program for Public Information under Activity 

330 (Outreach Projects).

The third column and fourth columns in Table 110-2 show the estimated maximum credit 

and average credit points using a conservative model to convert the points received under 

the 2007 Coordinator’s Manual to the new scoring in the 2013 and 2017 Coordinator’s 

Manuals. The maximums and averages are based upon the number of applicants for each 

activity, not the total number of applicants for the CRS. The fifth column shows the 

percentage of all CRS communities that received credit for each activity as of May 2013.

Communities should note the average credits for these activities. They provide a better 

indication of what an applicant can expect for an activity than do the maximum points 

available. 

A community must have at least 500 verified credit points to become a Class 9 or better. It 

must also meet the prerequisites for certain classes, as described in Section 211. As 

explained in Activity 230 (Verification), the final, or verified, credit is calculated by the 

ISO/CRS Specialist after a review of the documentation provided by the community and the 

community’s implementation of its activities at the verification visit (explained in 

Section 232).

The CRS “Quick Check” is a tool that a community can use to assess its potential for 

receiving CRS credit for activities it is undertaking. The Quick Check can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/200. 

The Quick Check does not estimate credit for a community. However, by reviewing each 

element and going through the steps explained in Section 220, a community can assess its 

potentially creditable activities.
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-6 Edition: 2017

Table 110-2. Credit points awarded for CRS activities.*

Activity

Maximum

Possible

Points

Maximum

Points

Earned

Average

Points

Earned

Percentage 

of

Communities

Credited

300 Public Information Activities

 310 Elevation Certificates 116 116 38 96% 

 320 Map Information Service 90 90 73 85% 

 330 Outreach Projects 350 350 87 93% 

 340 Hazard Disclosure 80 62 14 84% 

 350 Flood Protection Information 125 125 38 87% 

 360 Flood Protection Assistance 110 100 55 41% 

 370 Flood Insurance Promotion 5 110 110 39 4% 

400 Mapping and Regulations

 410 Flood Hazard Mapping 802 576 60 55% 

 420 Open Space Preservation 2,020 1,603 509 89% 

 430 Higher Regulatory Standards 2,042 1,335 270 100% 

 440 Flood Data Maintenance 222 249 115 95% 

 450 Stormwater Management 755 605 132 87% 

500 Flood Damage Reduction 

 Activities

 510 Floodplain Mgmt. Planning 622 514 175 64% 

 520 Acquisition and Relocation 2,250 1,999 195 28% 

 530 Flood Protection 1,600 541 73 13% 

 540 Drainage System Maintenance 570 454 218 43% 

600 Warning and Response 

 610 Flood Warning and Response 395 365 254 20% 

 620 Levees 235 207 157 0.5%

 630 Dams 160 99 35 35% 

* Figures are based on communities that have received verified credit under the 

 2013 CRS Coordinator’s Manual (about 43% of CRS communities), as of October 2016. 

 The maximum possible points are based on the 2013 Coordinator's Manual. Growth adjustments 

 are not included.
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-7 Edition: 2017

There are three important things to note when estimating credit:

1. Moving to a Class 6, 4, or 1 depends on both having adequate points AND meeting 

class prerequisites, as explained in Section 211.

2. Many CRS activities have an impact adjustment associated with them. An impact 

adjustment means that CRS credit is provided for the portion of the regulatory 

floodplain to which the creditable element is applied. For example, even though 

1,450 maximum points are available for open space preservation (OSP), if a 

community has 20% of the regulatory floodplain as open space, then the credit will 

be 20% of the allowable credit, or 290 points. See Section 222.

2. Only the final, verified credit calculated by the ISO/CRS Specialist after the 

verification visit determines a community’s total points. It is important that the 

community provide correct and complete materials to document its activities. Only 

through a review of the community’s documentation can the ISO/CRS Specialist 

determine the credit points that should be provided.

A community should apply only for those activities it is actively undertaking and those it 

knows it can implement in accordance with the Coordinator’s Manual. For example, no 

credit is provided for draft ordinances—regulations must have been enacted and enforced.

Also, a community should not be overly ambitious in undertaking new activities for CRS 

credit at the risk of losing the credit later (at annual recertification or cycle verification 

visits) for activities it is unable to implement or continue.

113.d. Activities not Listed 

The CRS activities are not design standards for local floodplain management. The 

Coordinator’s Manual is an insurance tool that describes methods of calculating credit 

points for various community activities. The fact that the Coordinator’s Manual does not 

list a specific credit for some activities does not mean that they should not be implemented 

by communities that need them.

An activity may deserve credit even if the Coordinator’s Manual does not include it. The 

Coordinator’s Manual cannot predict or list everything that can be done to support the 

goals of the CRS. Communities are always welcome to request credit for alternate 

approaches or innovations that are not included in the Coordinator’s Manual. Similarly, 

communities can submit alternative approaches to the class prerequisites listed in 

Section 211.

Requests should be submitted to the ISO/CRS Specialist and should include documentation 

to support how the alternative approach or innovation meets the intent of, or is equivalent 

to, the prerequisite or the element and/or activity credited in the Coordinator’s Manual. 

Note that some activities are not directly recognized by the CRS for one of three reasons:

1. They do not directly affect buildings that can be insured under the NFIP (e.g., 

uninsurable items such as streets and land value);
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-8 Edition: 2017

2. They are recognized by other aspects of the flood insurance rating program (e.g., 

flood control projects that result in revised FIRMs reduce flood insurance premiums 

in protected areas); or

3. The impact of an activity cannot be measured for CRS credit (e.g., preserving 

floodplains for aesthetic reasons).

Credit criteria will change over time as experience is gained in implementing, observing, 

and measuring the activities and as new concepts in floodplain management come into 

common practice. As innovations arise, they will be considered for recognition under 

the CRS. 

114 The Community’s Role

114.a. Community Participation

Community participation in the CRS is voluntary. Any community in full compliance with 

the rules and regulations of the NFIP may apply for a CRS classification better than Class 

10. A community may apply to participate in the CRS at any time. 

The application procedures are simple: the community submits a letter of interest and 

shows that it is implementing activities that would receive at least 500 credit points. The 

documents go to the ISO/CRS Specialist for that state. The Regional Office of the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must approve the submittal to ensure that the 

community is in full compliance with the minimum floodplain management criteria of the 

NFIP. See also Section 212.

Upon receiving FEMA approval, a community verification visit is scheduled by the 

ISO/CRS Specialist. At this verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews all of the 

community’s activities that may deserve credit, even those not in the community’s 

submittal. All CRS credit is verified according to the credit criteria in the Coordinator’s 

Manual in effect at the time of the visit. The verification process is discussed in Activity

230.

The ISO/CRS Specialist is an employee of Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), FEMA’s 

CRS management contractor. ISO has many years of experience collecting and processing 

data for more than 1,000 insurance companies. Among other services, ISO develops and 

provides advisory classifications for community fire protection and building code programs. 

ISO reviews CRS submittals, verifies communities’ credit points, and performs program 

improvement tasks for FEMA.

After the verification visit, ISO submits its findings to FEMA. FEMA sets the CRS credit to 

be granted and notifies the community, the state, insurance companies, and other 

appropriate parties. The classification is effective on either May 1 or October 1, whichever 

comes first, after the community’s activities are verified.
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-9 Edition: 2017

Each year the community must recertify that it is continuing to perform the activities for 

which it is receiving CRS credit. Recertification is an annual activity that includes progress 

reports for certain activities (see Section 213). A “cycle verification visit” takes place every 

few years and is conducted in the form of another verification visit to the community (see 

Section 232).

If a community is not properly or fully implementing the credited activities, its credit 

points, and possibly its CRS classification, will be revised. A community may add credited 

activities in order to improve its CRS classification. This is called a modification and is 

explained in Section 214.

Communities are encouraged to call on their ISO/CRS Specialist for assistance at any time. 

This can be especially helpful when they are considering a change to a credited activity or 

implementing a new program.

A week-long CRS course for local officials is offered free at FEMA’s Emergency 

Management Institute and has been field deployed to many states. The ISO/CRS Specialist, 

NFIP State Coordinator, and FEMA Regional Office have more information on this course, 

state workshops, and other CRS training opportunities.

114.b. Community Responsibilities

Once a community receives its initial classification in the CRS, it must continue to 

implement its credited activities to keep its classification. Specifically, a community is 

responsible for

• Designating a community CRS Coordinator—someone who is familiar with the 

community offices that implement CRS activities;

• Cooperating with the ISO/CRS Specialist and the verification procedures 

(Section 230);

• Recertifying each year that it is continuing to implement its activities (Section 213);

• Advising FEMA and its ISO/CRS Specialist of modifications to its activities 

(Section 214);

• Keeping elevation certificates, old FIRMs, and old Flood Insurance Studies for as 

long as the community is in the CRS;

• Keeping the records iterated in the activities’ documentation sections until they are 

reviewed at the verification visit;

• Ensuring that flood protection projects and drainage system maintenance activities 

are compliant with federal environmental and historic preservation requirements

(Section 507); and 

• Participating in the cycle verification process (Section 232).
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-10 Edition: 2017

Communities will receive periodic updates to the Coordinator’s Manual and other CRS 

materials. They are encouraged to order the background publications (see Appendix C), 

attend CRS workshops, and ask their ISO/CRS Specialists for help understanding the CRS 

credit criteria for their current and planned activities.

115 Costs and Benefits 

Communities should prepare and implement those activities which best deal with their local 

problems, whether or not they are creditable under the CRS. Few, if any, of the CRS activities will produce premium reductions equal to or greater than the cost of their implementation. In considering whether to undertake a new floodplain management activity, a 

community must consider all of the benefits the activity will provide (not just insurance 

premium reductions) in order to determine whether it is worth implementing.

115.a. Costs

No fee is charged for a community to apply for participation in the CRS. The only costs the 

community incurs are those of implementing creditable floodplain management activities 

and the staff time needed to document those activities and prepare for and participate in the 

recertification process and verification visits.

115.b. Benefits

There are many benefits to participating in the CRS. Most of them cannot be measured in 

direct dollar terms, so it is impossible to conduct a strict numerical comparison of the 

benefits with the costs of implementing the credited activities. Listed here are the benefits 

more commonly mentioned by community officials.

(1) The benefit that attracts people to the CRS the most is the reduction in flood 

insurance premiums for their residents and businesses. The dollar savings varies 

according to the CRS class, the number of policies, and the amount of coverage. A 

community can obtain the current and potential dollar savings for all 10 classes from

its ISO/CRS Specialist. These are known as the “what if” tables (see Figure 110-1).

(2) Although the premium reduction attracts interest in the CRS, the most important 

benefits are the enhanced public safety, reduction in damage to property and public 

infrastructure, avoidance of economic disruption and losses, reduction in human 

suffering, and protection of the environment provided by the credited activities. 

Community officials agree that these programs are improved when changes are made 

to meet the CRS credit criteria.

(3) Through the CRS a community can evaluate the effectiveness of its flood program 

against state and nationally recognized benchmarks.

(4) Training and technical assistance in designing and implementing credited flood 

protection activities are available through the CRS at no charge. 
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-11 Edition: 2017

Figure 110-1. The “what if” table.

The table shows the community’s current and potential dollar savings in flood insurance 

premium reductions for various CRS classes. As a Class 7 community, Watsonville 

officials are saving their flood insurance policy holders nearly $200 each year.

“PIF” means “policies in force”

(5) Many communities initiate new public information activities when they join the 

CRS. These build a knowledgeable constituency within the community—people who 

become more interested in protecting themselves from flooding and in supporting the

community’s floodplain management efforts. 

(6) Keeping its CRS credits has proven to be an effective motivator to continue

implementing flood protection programs during the “dry years.” The fact that the 

community’s CRS status could be affected by the elimination of a flood-related 

activity or a weakening of the regulatory requirements for new development has been 

taken into account by many governing boards when considering such actions. 

(7) There is mutual support among CRS participants. Communities that participate in 

the CRS are joining the ranks of localities that have demonstrated a serious 

commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of their residents—and their 

floodplain and coastal resources. Across the nation, “CRS users groups” of 

representatives of counties, communities, and regional entities have formed to share 
Program Overview

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-12 Edition: 2017

their experiences, support each other in advancing their floodplain management 

programs, and encourage other communities to participate in the program.

116 Other Program Priorities 

116.a. Natural Floodplain Functions

Some Natural Functions of Floodplains

WATER RESOURCES

 Natural Flood and Erosion Control

- Provide flood storage and conveyance

- Reduce flood velocities

- Reduce peak flows

- Reduce sedimentation

 Water Quality Maintenance

- Filter nutrients and impurities from runoff

- Process organic wastes

- Moderate temperature fluctuations

 Groundwater Recharge

- Promote infiltration and aquifer recharge

- Reduce frequency and duration of low surface flows

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

 Biological Productivity

- Rich alluvial soils promote vegetative growth

- Maintain biodiversity

- Maintain integrity of ecosystems

 Fish and Wildlife Habitats

- Provide breeding and feeding grounds

- Create and enhance waterfowl habitat

- Protect habitats for rare and endangered species

− A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management 

FEMA-248 (1994)

Floodplains in riverine and coastal areas perform natural functions that cannot be replicated 

elsewhere. The CRS provides 

special credit for community 

activities that protect and/or restore

natural floodplain functions, even 

though some of the activities may 

not directly reduce flood losses to 

insurable buildings. There are many 

reasons to protect floodplains in 

their natural state.

When kept open and free of 

development, floodplains provide 

the necessary flood water 

conveyance and flood water storage 

needed by a river or coastal system. 

When the floodplain is allowed to 

perform its natural function, flood 

velocities and peak flows are 

reduced downstream. Natural 

floodplains reduce wind and wave 

impacts and their vegetation 

stabilizes soils during flooding.

Floodplains in their natural state 

provide many beneficial functions 

beyond flood reduction. Water 

quality is improved in areas where 

natural cover acts as a filter for runoff and overbank flows; sediment loads and impurities 

are also minimized. Natural floodplains moderate water temperature, reducing the 

possibility of adverse impacts on aquatic plants and animals.

Floodplains can act as recharge areas for groundwater and reduce the frequency and 

duration of low flows of surface water. They provide habitat for diverse species of flora and 

fauna, some of which cannot live anywhere else. They are particularly important as 

breeding and feeding areas.

The CRS encourages state, local and private programs and projects that preserve or restore 

the natural state of floodplains and protect these functions. The CRS also encourages 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-13 Edition: 2017

communities to coordinate their flood loss reduction programs with other public and private 

activities that preserve and protect natural and beneficial floodplain functions. Credits for

doing this are found in the following activities:

• Activity 320 (Map Information Service)—Credits advising people about areas that 

should be protected because of their natural floodplain functions.

• Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)—Credit is provided for outreach projects that 

include descriptions of the natural functions of the community’s floodplains. 

• Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information)—Credit points are available for a 

website that provides detailed information about local areas that should be protected 

for their natural floodplain functions and how they can be protected. 

• Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation)—Extra credit is provided for open space 

areas that are preserved in their natural state; have been restored to a condition 

approximating their pre-development natural state; or have been designated as worthy 

of preservation for their natural benefits, such as being designated in a habitat 

conservation plan.

• Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)—Regulations that protect natural areas 

during development or that protect water quality are credited.

• Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance)—Adding layers to the community’s 

geographic information system (GIS) with natural floodplain functions (e.g., 

wetlands, designated riparian habitat, flood water storage areas) is credited.

• Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)—Erosion and sediment control, water 

quality, and low-impact development techniques minimize the impacts of new 

development. These measures are credited, along with regulations that require the 

maintenance of natural flow regimes.

• Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning)—Extra credit is provided for plans 

that address the natural resources of floodplains and recommend ways to protect 

them.

• Activities 520 (Acquisition and Relocation), 530 (Flood Protection), and 540 

(Drainage System Maintenance) credit flood loss reduction measures such as capital

improvement programs and drainage improvement projects. No such programs or 

projects can be credited unless a thorough environmental review is conducted and 

documented.

116.b. All-Hazards Mitigation 

All communities are threatened by a variety of natural and technological hazards. The staff 

and programs that address flooding may also be responsible for protecting the community 

from damage due to earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, drought, hazardous materials 

incidents, and terrorism. Similarly, the staff members that work in programs related to other 

hazards may be implementing activities that could support floodplain management 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-14 Edition: 2017

programs. Floodplain management programs are synonymous with flood mitigation 

programs.

FEMA supports an all-hazards approach to mitigation, as does the CRS. It makes economic 

sense that mitigation programs address as many hazards as are appropriate. An all-hazards 

approach also ensures that staff, programs, construction standards, and public information 

messages are consistent and mutually supportive.

The CRS has become an important tool for mitigation as well as a mechanism for 

integrating mitigation with flood insurance. This is consistent not only with grading systems 

that have been successfully employed for many years in the insurance industry, but also 

with industry initiatives for relating insurance premiums to local efforts to reduce losses 

due to natural hazards. For example, adoption and enforcement of strong building codes as 

measured by the insurance industry’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule 

integrates building code enforcement into the industry’s premium rates.

The CRS has served as a model for all-hazards, pre-disaster mitigation. Local officials have 

reported that the CRS was the blueprint for organizing their program to build a more 

disaster-resistant community. 

This edition of the Coordinator’s Manual highlights many opportunities for expanding a 

flood-only orientation to address other hazards.

• The 300 series of public information activities credits advising people about the risk 

of flooding and other hazards and the mitigation measures they can take to protect 

their property;

• Under Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure), disclosure of other hazards (DOH) credits 

advising potential purchasers of property that there may be other hazards that could 

affect the property, such as erosion, subsidence, or flooding from a dam failure 

(Section 342.d);

• Section 401 has an overview of the additional credits that are provided for managing 

seven special flood-related hazards:

o Uncertain flow paths (alluvial fans, moveable bed streams, and other 

floodplains within which the channel moves during a flood);

o Closed-basin lakes;

o Ice jams;

o Land subsidence;

o Mudflow hazards;

o Coastal erosion; and

o Tsunamis.

• Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) encourages communities to keep hazardous 

areas open and undeveloped;
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-15 Edition: 2017

• Credit is provided for the International Series of building codes (which have 

improved protection standards for flooding, wind, and other hazards over previous 

model codes) in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), Section 432.h;

• Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) also credits extending V-Zone standards 

for coastal storm surge and wind protection farther inland to include coastal A Zones 

(Section 432.k);

• In Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance), additional credit is provided for showing 

areas subject to other natural hazards, such as landslides and stream migration in the 

GIS or data base management program;

• Under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management), management of runoff, erosion and 

sediment control, and water quality and low impact development requirements to 

minimize the impacts of new development are credited.

• More credit is available for including other hazards in a mitigation plan that qualifies 

for a floodplain management plan under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management 

Planning); and

• Local warning and public information activities directed toward storms and tsunamis 

are credited under the StormReady and TsunamiReady elements in Activity 610 

(Flood Warning and Response).

116.c. Future Conditions and Impacts of Climate Change

The CRS recognizes that floodplains and watersheds change over time, driven by many

natural and manmade changes. Good floodplain management acknowledges this, and 

includes thinking about how floodplains might look in the future under different scenarios. 

Increased impervious surfaces in developing watersheds, new fill in floodways, rising sea 

levels, changes in natural functions, and many other factors contribute to the character of 

the future with which floodplain managers must cope.

The Coordinator’s Manual incorporates additional acknowledgement of—and credit for—

community efforts to anticipate the future insofar as it relates to flood risk and natural 

floodplain functions and climate resilience, and to take actions that can mitigate any 

adverse impacts that could materialize.

• Credit is provided in Section 322.c for communities that provide information about 

areas (not mapped on the FIRM) that are predicted to be susceptible to flooding in the 

future because of climate change or sea level rise.

• To become a Class 4 or better community, a community must (among other criteria)

demonstrate that it has programs that minimize increases in future flooding.

• To achieve CRS Class 1, a community must receive credit for using regulatory flood 

elevations in the V and coastal A Zones that reflect future conditions, including sea 

level rise.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 110-16 Edition: 2017

• Credit is provided in Section 342.d when prospective buyers of a property are advised 

of the potential for flooding due to climate changes and/or sea level rise.

• Credit is provided in Section 412.d when the community’s regulatory map is based on 

future-conditions hydrology, including sea level rise.

• Credit is provided in Section 432.k when a community accounts for sea level rise in 

managing its coastal A Zones.

• Credit is provided in Section 452.a if a community’s stormwater program regulates 

runoff from future development.

• Credit is provided in Section 452.b for a community whose watershed master plan 

manages future peak flows so that they do not exceed present values.

• Credit is provided in Section 452.b for a coastal community whose watershed master 

plan addresses the impact of sea level rise.

• Credit is provided in Section 512.a, Steps 4 and 5, for flood hazard assessment and 

problem analysis that address areas likely to flood and flood problems that are likely 

to get worse in the future, including (1) changes in floodplain development and 

demographics, (2) development in the watershed, and (3) climate change or sea level 

rise.

Guidance on the sea level rise projections that are to be used for the purpose of CRS credit 

can be found in Section 404.
120 GLOSSARY 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-1 Edition: 2017

Unless otherwise noted, all terms used by the Community Rating System (CRS) are the 

same as those defined in the National Flood Insurance Program Rules and Regulations 

(44 Code of Federal Regulations §59.1).

A Zone: See “Zone A.”

Activity: A floodplain management activity for which Community Rating System credit 

has been established.

Allowable surcharge: The acceptable limit of increased flood elevation in the floodway 

due to obstruction of the floodway fringe.

Alluvial fan: An area at the base of a valley where the slope flattens out, allowing the 

flood water to decrease in speed and spread out, dropping sediment over a fan-shaped area. 

Credit for managing alluvial fan hazards is discussed in Section 400.

B Zone: See “Zone B.”

Base flood: The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, 

also known as the “100-year” or “1% chance” flood. The base flood is a statistical concept 

used to ensure that all properties subject to the National Flood Insurance Program are 

protected to the same degree against flooding.

BFE: Base flood elevation. The elevation of the crest of the base or 1% annual chance 

flood (also known as the 100-year flood).

Building: For CRS purposes, the definition of what constitutes a building is based on 

whether the structure is insurable. It must meet the following criteria, which are taken from 

the definition in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Flood Insurance Manual for 

insurance agents. A “building” is

A structure with two or more outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof, that is affixed 

to a permanent site; or

A manufactured home (a “manufactured home,” also known as a mobile home, is a 

structure built on a permanent chassis, transported to its site in one or more sections, 

and affixed to a permanent foundation); or

A travel trailer without wheels, built on a chassis and affixed to a permanent foundation, 

that is regulated under the community’s floodplain management and building ordinances 

or laws.

“Building” does not mean a gas or liquid storage tank or a recreational vehicle, a park 

trailer, or other similar vehicle, except as described above.

C Zone: See “Zone C.”
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-2 Edition: 2017

CBRA: The Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (pronounced “cobra”).

CEO: The Chief Executive Officer of a community, i.e., the official who is charged with 

the authority to implement and administer laws, ordinances, and regulations for the 

community. The CEO may be a mayor, city or county manager, county executive, chair or 

president of a county council, etc. The head of a department is not considered a CEO.

Coastal: Relating to the coastlines and bays of the tidal waters of the United States or the 

shorelines of the Great Lakes. Under the Community Rating System, there are five coastal 

areas eligible for creditable coastal activities: the coastlines and bays of the Arctic Ocean, 

Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Bering Sea, and Great Lakes. The term does 

not include riverine areas.

Coastal A Zone: Those parts of a community’s coastal floodplain that are subject to waves 

with heights of between 1.5 and 3 feet during a 1% annual chance storm. The exact 

boundary of a Coastal A Zone is determined by the community, as described in

Section 432.k, although the Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide a 

proposed boundary or “limit of moderate wave action” (LiMWA) on Flood Insurance Rate 

Maps.

Coastal Barrier Resources System: A set of “undeveloped coastal barriers” and 

“otherwise protected areas” along the U.S. coast (including the Great Lakes) designated by 

Congress under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 (CBRA). Most expenditures of 

federal funds are prohibited within the Coastal Barrier Resources System.

Coastal erosion: Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land masses caused primarily by 

waves on the two oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, the Bering Sea, or the Great Lakes, and major 

embayments to these bodies of water.

Coastal erosion-prone area: The coastal areas within which waves are anticipated to 

cause significant erosion and shoreline retreat within the next 60 years.

Coastal high hazard flooding: A condition of flooding subject to high velocity waters, 

including, but not limited to, hurricane wave wash or tsunamis. Coastal high hazard 

flooding is mapped as a Zone V or “limit of moderate wave action” on a Flood Insurance 

Rate Map. Coastal flooding without the high velocity hazard is mapped as a Zone A.

Community: A city, village, town, county, township, parish, borough, Indian tribe or 

authorized tribal organization, Alaska Native village or authorized native organization, or 

other local government with the statutory authority to enact floodplain regulations and 

participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Contour: A line of equal elevation on a topographic (contour) map.

Conveyance system: For purposes of the CRS, the conveyance system includes the 

channels that need to be maintained in order to prevent damage to buildings or roads and 
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-3 Edition: 2017

other infrastructure from smaller, more frequent storms. Components of the conveyance 

system include the structures and the channel segments throughout the system (e.g., bridges, 

culverts, and segments of open channel) through which water flows.

Critical facility: A structure or other improvement that, because of its function, size, 

service area, or uniqueness, has the potential to cause serious bodily harm, extensive 

property damage, or disruption of vital socioeconomic activities if it is destroyed or 

damaged or if its functionality is impaired . Critical facilities include health and safety 

facilities, utilities, government facilities, and hazardous materials facilities. For the 

purposes of a local regulation, a community may also use the International Codes’

definition for Category III and IV buildings.

CRS: Community Rating System. 

CRS classification: A rating of a community’s floodplain management program according 

to the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. The premium rate credits for each class are listed in

Table 110-1. A community that has not applied for Community Rating System classification 

is a Class 10 community.

CRS Coordinator: A local official designated by the community’s Chief Executive 

Officer to coordinate the community’s Community Rating System activities and work with 

FEMA and the Insurance Services Office, Inc. to document and verify the community’s 

program.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual: A publication for local officials that describes the 

procedures, credit criteria, and activities credited by the Community Rating System. It is 

available from FEMA or Insurance Services Office, Inc.

Cycle: A periodic review, scoring, and verification of a community’s Community Rating 

System activities, normally done on a 3- or 5-year cycle.

D Zone: See “Zone D.”

Datum: A reference surface used to ensure that all elevation records are properly related. 

Many communities have their own datum, developed before there was a national standard. 

The National Flood Insurance Program previously used the National Geodetic Vertical 

Datum (NGVD) of 1929, but all recent Flood Insurance Rate Maps have used the North 

American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988. Both datum planes express elevations in 

relation to sea level. The Flood Insurance Rate Map indicates the datum that applies to the 

community.

Debris: Trash, junk, litter, discarded remains of something destroyed, landscape waste, or 

vegetation that may reduce the conveyance capacity of a channel or the storage or 

infiltration capacity of a basin.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-4 Edition: 2017

Development: Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate including, but 

not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, 

excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.

Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM): All new FIRMs are prepared as a GISbased map of a community’s flood hazards. All new maps are based upon this digital 

platform and communities may use these maps instead of paper maps for regulatory 

purposes. See FIRM.

Discharge: The amount of water that passes a point in a given period of time. Rate of 

discharge is usually measured in cubic feet per second (cfs).

Drainage system: For the purposes of the CRS, a community’s drainage system consists of 

all natural and manmade watercourses, conduits, and storage basins that must be maintained 

in order to prevent flood damage to buildings from smaller, more frequent storms.

Element: A discrete piece of a floodplain management program that is credited as part of a 

Community Rating System activity.

FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency. Most of the National Flood 

Insurance Program field work and community coordination is done by the 10 FEMA 

Regional Offices, which are listed at https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-contacts. 

FIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Map. An official map of a community, on which FEMA has 

delineated both the Special Flood Hazard Areas and the risk premium zones applicable to 

the community. Most FIRMs include detailed floodplain mapping for some or all of a

community’s floodplains. In most cases, the date of the first FIRM issued to a community is 

the date the community entered the Regular Program of the National Flood Insurance

Program.

Flood Insurance Study: A report published by FEMA for a community in conjunction 

with the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map. The study contains such background data 

as the base flood discharges and water surface elevations that were used to prepare the 

FIRM. In most cases, a community FIRM with detailed mapping will have a corresponding 

flood insurance study.

Floodplain: Any land area susceptible to being inundated by flood waters from any source. 

A Flood Insurance Rate Map identifies most, but not necessarily all, of a community’s 

floodplain as the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Floodproofing: Protective measures added to or incorporated in a building that is not 

elevated above the base flood elevation to prevent or minimize flood damage. “Dry 

floodproofing” measures are designed to keep water from entering a building. “Wet 

floodproofing” measures minimize damage to a structure and its contents from water that is 

allowed into a building.
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-5 Edition: 2017

Floodway: The channel of a river and the portion of the overbank floodplain that must be 

reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water 

surface elevation by a designated height. The National Flood Insurance Program regulations 

allow construction in the floodway provided that it does not obstruct flood flows or increase 

flood heights.

Floodway fringe: The portion of the Special Flood Hazard Area lying outside of the 

floodway.

Freeboard: A margin of safety added to the base flood elevation to account for waves, 

debris, miscalculations, lack of data, or changes in climate.

Green infrastructure: Because of the wide interpretation given to this term, the CRS does 

not use the words “green infrastructure” in its credit criteria. However, the CRS does 

provide credit for designated open space corridors or connected networks of wetlands, 

woodlands, wildlife habitats, wilderness, and other areas that support native species, 

maintain natural ecological processes, and sustain air and water resources. In some areas, 

these features are called “green infrastructure.” 

High-hazard-potential dam: Dams assigned the high-hazard-potential classification are 

those whose failure or mismanagement will probably cause loss of human life. 

Hydrology: The science dealing with the waters of the earth. A flood discharge is 

developed by a hydrologic study.

I-Codes: The series of building codes published by the International Code Council.

ICC: Increased Cost of Compliance coverage, a flood insurance claim provision that helps 

fund the cost of bringing a flood-damaged building into compliance with floodplain 

management standards.

ISO: The Insurance Services Office, Inc., a corporation that conducts verification of 

community CRS credit and program improvement tasks for FEMA.

ISO/CRS Specialist: An Insurance Services Office, Inc., technician responsible for 

reviewing community requests for Community Rating System classification and verifying 

implementation of activities credited by the CRS. The name and telephone number of the 

ISO/CRS Specialist for a state can be found at www.CRSresources.org/100.

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer: An Insurance Services Office, Inc. technician or contractor 

responsible for reviewing community requests for Community Rating System credit for 

select activities. The reviews conducted by the ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer are provided 

to the ISO/CRS Specialist.
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-6 Edition: 2017

Levee: A manmade structure, usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed 

using sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert flood waters in accordance 

with a designated risk reduction level.

Levee system: The levee structure itself, plus all appurtenant facilities, such as pump 

stations, closure devices, etc., that are needed to contain, control, or divert flood waters in 

accordance with a designated risk reduction level. For CRS purposes, credit is based on 

local activities related to the entire levee system, not just to the levee structure.

Limit of moderate wave action: The inland limit of the area affected by waves greater 

than 1.5 feet (also known as “LiMWA”). The LiMWA is determined based on the landward 

limit of the 1% annual chance coastal flood that can support a 1.5-foot wave. New coastal 

FIRMs will show the LiMWA as an informational layer on the FIRM. The area between this

inland limit and the V-Zone boundary is also known as the Coastal A Zone. It is typically 

those parts of a community’s coastal floodplain, inland from the mapped V Zone (or 

shoreline if there is no mapped V Zone), that are subject to the damaging effects of waves, 

velocity flows, erosion, scour, or combinations of these forces. The area may be delineated 

on a Flood Insurance Rate Map. 

Low-impact development (LID): According to the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, “an approach to land development (or re-development) that works with nature to 

manage stormwater as close to its source as possible and treat stormwater as a resource 

rather than a waste product. LID practices include bioretention facilities, rain gardens, 

vegetated rooftops, rain barrels, and permeable pavements. Applied on a broad scale, LID 

can maintain or restore a watershed's hydrologic and ecological functions.” 

(www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/)

NAVD: North American Vertical Datum of 1988. The national datum that is replacing 

NGVD to set flood and ground elevations for the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Natural floodplain functions: 

a. The functions associated with the natural or relatively undisturbed floodplain that 

moderate flooding, retain flood waters, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and 

mitigate the effects of waves and storm surges from storms; and

b. Other significant beneficial functions, which include maintenance of water quality, 

recharge of groundwater, and provision of fish and wildlife habitat.

NFIP: National Flood Insurance Program.

NGVD: National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929, the national datum previously used by 

the National Flood Insurance Program. It was known formerly as the “Mean Sea Level 

Datum of 1929 (MSL).”
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-7 Edition: 2017

Ponding: A flooding condition in low-lying areas caused when runoff drains to a location 

that has no ready outlet. Ponded water usually remains until it evaporates, seeps into the 

ground, or is pumped out.

Post-FIRM building: For insurance rating purposes, a post-FIRM building is one that was 

constructed or substantially improved after December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of 

the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map of a community, whichever is later. A post-FIRM 

building is required to meet the National Flood Insurance Program’s minimum Regular 

Program flood protection standards.

Pre-FIRM building: For insurance rating purposes, a pre-FIRM building is one that was 

constructed or substantially improved on or before December 31, 1974, or before the 

effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map of the community, whichever is later. 

Most pre-FIRM buildings were constructed without taking the flood hazard into account.

Registered design professional: An individual who is registered or licensed to practice his 

or her respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the 

professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be 

constructed. The CRS considers “registered design professionals” to include licensed 

professional engineers, structural engineers and architects, and registered land surveyors.

Regular Program: Also called the Regular Phase. The phase of community participation 

in the National Flood Insurance Program that begins on the effective date of the 

community’s first Flood Insurance Rate Map or when the community adopts an ordinance 

that meets the minimum requirements of the NFIP and adopts the technical data provided 

with the FIRM, whichever is earlier. Nearly all communities participating in the NFIP are in 

the Regular Program.

Regulatory floodplain: For purposes of the Community Rating System, the regulatory 

floodplain is the flood-prone land area that is subject to a community’s floodplain 

development or floodplain management regulations. The regulatory floodplain includes, at a 

minimum, the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) (see definition), but may also incorporate

other areas outside the SFHA that are also subject to a community’s floodplain development 

or floodplain management regulations.

Repetitive loss community: For purposes of the Community Rating System, a community 

with one or more repetitive loss properties.

Repetitive loss property: A property for which two or more National Flood Insurance 

Program losses of at least $1,000 each have been paid within any 10-year rolling period 

since 1978.

Retrofitting: Modifications made to an existing building or nearby grounds to protect it 

from flood damage. Retrofitting techniques include elevation, dry and wet floodproofing, 

and protection from sewer backup. 
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-8 Edition: 2017

Riparian ecosystem: A distinct association of flora, fauna, and soil occurring along a 

river, stream, lake, ocean, or other body of water and dependent upon high water tables and 

occasional flooding to maintain its viability. These areas often exhibit high biologi cal 

productivity and species diversity. Although riparian ecosystems are closely associated with 

a body of water, they may extend beyond the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Riverine: Of or produced by a river or stream. Riverine floodplains have readily 

identifiable channels. Floodway maps can only be prepared for riverine floodplains.

Sand dunes: Naturally occurring accumulations of sand that form ridges or mounds 

landward of a beach. 

Sensitive area: An area defined by state or local regulations as deserving special 

protection because of its unique natural features or its value as habitat. A sensitive area is 

subject to more restrictive development regulations than other floodplains or wetlands. 

Although sensitive areas are often closely associated with a body of water, they may extend 

beyond the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Severe Repetitive Loss property: As defined in the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004, 

those 1–4 family properties that have had four or more claims of more than $5,000 or two to 

three claims that cumulatively exceed the building’s value. For the purposes of the CRS, 

non-residential buildings that meet the same criteria as for 1–4 family properties are 

considered Severe Repetitive Loss properties.

SFHA: Special Flood Hazard Area (see definition).

Sheet flow: A condition of flooding where there is moving water but no identifiable 

channel. Flooding depths are usually shallow (less than 3 feet). Sheet flow may have a high 

velocity, as on alluvial fans.

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): The base floodplain delineated on a Flood Insurance 

Rate Map that a community must regulate under the requirements of the National Flood 

Insurance Program. The SFHA is mapped as a Zone A (see definition). In coastal situations, 

Zone V (see definition) is also a part of the SFHA. The SFHA is included in a community’s 

regulatory floodplain (see definition).

Special flood-related hazards: For the purposes of the Community Rating System, the 

term includes terrain features or special hazards that accompany or aggravate flooding, as 

listed in Section 401.

Stakeholders: Floodplain residents, business leaders, insurance agents, civic groups, 

academia, non-profit organizations, major employers, managers of critical facilities, 

farmers, landowners, developers, and others who are affected by flooding or whose actions 

can help prevent or reduce flood losses. 
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-9 Edition: 2017

Storage basins: For the purposes of the CRS, storage basins include all constructed stormwater runoff detention or retention facilities located on public or private property. These 

include onsite detention, retention, or infiltration facilities that are required for new 

development. 

Substantial damage: Damage of any origin sustained by a building whereby the cost of 

restoring the building to its before-damage condition would equal or exceed 50% of the 

market value of the building before the damage occurred.

Substantial improvement: Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other 

improvement to a building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of 

the building before the start of construction of the improvement. 

Surcharge: An increase in flood elevation due to obstruction of the floodplain that reduces 

its conveyance capacity.

Tsunami: A wave caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, or volcano that can raise 

water levels on the ocean shore to levels higher than the base flood elevation. Tsunamis are 

discussed in more detail in Section 401.

Uncertain flow paths: Channels that move during a flood, including alluvial fans and 

moveable bed streams. They are discussed in more detail in Section 400.

V Zone: See “Zone V.”

Variable: A term used in the formulae for calculating Community Rating System credit. 

For each element, there are one or more variables, which often include the acronym for the 

element.

X Zone: See “Zone X.”

Zone A: The Special Flood Hazard Area (except coastal V Zones) shown on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map. There are seven types of A Zones: 

A: SFHA where no base flood elevation is provided.

A#: Numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14), SFHA where an older FIRM shows a base 

flood elevation in relation to a national datum.

AE: SFHA where base flood elevations are provided. AE-Zone delineations are used 

on newer FIRMs instead of A# Zones.

AO: SFHA with sheet flow, ponding, or shallow flooding. Base flood depths (feet 

above grade) are provided.

AH: Shallow flooding SFHA. Base flood elevations in relation to a national datum are 

provided.
Glossary

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 120-10 Edition: 2017

AR: A temporary designation for an area where a flood control system that no longer 

provides protection from the base flood is expected to be improved so it will provide 

protection to the base flood again in the future. This zone is considered part of the 

Special Flood Hazard Area or “regulatory floodplain,” but properties in this zone do not 

receive the “in SFHA” CRS premium discount (see Table 110-1). 

A99: A mapped floodplain that will be protected by a federal flood protection system 

where construction has reached specified statutory milestones. This zone is considered 

part of the Special Flood Hazard Area or “regulatory floodplain,” but properties in this 

zone do not receive the “in SFHA” CRS premium discount (see Table 110-1).

Zone B: Area of moderate flood hazard, usually depicted on older Flood Insurance Rate 

Maps as between the limits of the base and 500-year floods of the primary source of 

flooding. B Zones may have local, shallow flooding problems. B Zones are also used to 

designate areas protected by levees and base floodplains of little hazard, such as those with 

average depths of less than 1 foot.

Zone C: Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on older Flood Insurance Rate 

Maps as above the 500-year flood level of the primary source of flooding. C Zones may 

have local, shallow flooding problems that do not meet the criteria to be mapped as a 

Special Flood Hazard Area, especially ponding and local drainage problems.

Zone D: Area of undetermined but possible flood hazard.

Zone V: The Special Flood Hazard Area subject to coastal high hazard flooding. There are 

three types of V Zones: V, V#, and VE, and they correspond to the A-Zone designations.

Zone X: Newer Flood Insurance Rate Maps show Zones B and C (see above) as Zone X. 

The shaded Zone X corresponds to a Zone B and the unshaded Zone X corresponds to a 

Zone C.
200 PROCEDURES

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 200-1 Edition: 2017

This series covers the procedures for applying for a Community Rating System (CRS) 

classification and the steps for calculating and verifying a community’s CRS credit. It also 

covers annual recertification, modifications to the community’s CRS credit, and cycle 

verification.

Contents of Series 200

Section Page

210 Requesting CRS Credit .................................................................210-1

211 Program Prerequisites ........................................................210-2

212 Application Procedures......................................................210-8

213 Recertification .................................................................210-11

214 Modifications...................................................................210-12

215 Changes in CRS Credit ....................................................210-15

220 Credit Calculation ........................................................................220-1

221 Step 1. Element Credit Points ........................................... 220-5

222 Step 2. Impact Adjustment ................................................ 220-6

223 Step 3. Credit Calculation ................................................. 220-8

224 Step 4. County Growth Adjustment ................................... 220-9

225 Step 5. Community Classification ................................... 220-10

230 Verification ................................................................................. 230-1

231 Documentation Provided by the Community...................... 230-2

232 Verification Visit .............................................................. 230-6

233 Post-visit Actions............................................................ 230-11

240 CRS Community Self Assessment.................................................240-1

List of Figures

210-1. The CRS flood insurance prerequisite .......................................210-3

210-2. The CRS Program Data Table .................................................210-13

230-1. An example of a completed verification cover page ................230-10

240-1. An example of a flood problem area map..................................240-1
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-1 Edition: 2017

210 REQUESTING CRS CREDIT—Summary 

211 Program Prerequisites

A community must meet the current prerequisites at each verification visit.

a. Class 9 Prerequisites: There are six prerequisites to become and stay a 

Class 9 or better community. They include being in full compliance with 

the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program 

(NFIP), receiving credit for maintaining FEMA Elevation Certificates, and 

meeting repetitive loss criteria. 

b. Class 6 Prerequisite: To become a Class 6 or better community, a 

community must have received a classification of 5/5 or better under 

the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule.

c. Class 4 Prerequisites: To become a Class 4 or better community, a 

community must demonstrate that it has programs that minimize flood 

losses, minimize increases in future flooding, protect natural floodplain 

functions, and protect people from the dangers of flooding.

d. Class 1 Prerequisites: To become a Class 1 community, a community 

must have had a successful Community Assistance Visit conducted by 

FEMA within the previous 12 months and demonstrate that it has a “no 

adverse impact” program by receiving a certain number of points for 

designated activities.

212 Application Procedures

The documentation and procedures for joining the Community Rating System 

(CRS) are listed. Most of what is needed is collected at the initial verification 

visit.

213 Recertification

Each year, the community’s chief executive officer must recertify that the 

community is continuing to implement the activities for which credit has been 

provided.

214 Modifications

A community may modify its CRS classification by applying for credit for new 

elements or activities, dropping one or more elements or activities, or 

submitting revised versions of materials.

215 Changes in CRS Credit

A community’s credit points can change when it changes its activities, when 

the CRS Coordinator’s Manual is revised, when its floodplain map is revised, 

and/or if it allows more development in the floodplain. 
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-2 Edition: 2017

210 REQUESTING CRS CREDIT 

211 Program Prerequisites 

A community must meet the current CRS Coordinator’s Manual’s prerequisites at the time 

of each verification visit. An initial verification visit is conducted in response to a 

community’s request to join the Community Rating System (CRS). Subsequent visits are 

conducted every few years on a set schedule and are called “cycle verification visits.”

Verification visits are explained in Section 230.

No new requirements, including annual recertification requirements, affect a participating 

CRS community until the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews them at the cycle verification visit

conducted with the community after the new criteria take effect.

211.a. Class 9 Prerequisites

In order to become and continue to be a Class 9 or better, a community must demonstrate 

that it has enough points to warrant the class AND meet the following six prerequisites.

(1) The community must have been in the Regular Phase of the NFIP for at least one year.

(2) The community must be in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the 

NFIP. There must be correspondence from the Regional Office of the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stating that the community is in full 

compliance with the NFIP. The correspondence must have been sent within six months 

of the initial CRS verification visit. The FEMA Regional Office or State NFIP 

Coordinator may need to conduct a Community Assistance Visit if neither has been in 

the community recently. If a community is determined at any time to be in less-thanfull compliance, it will retrograde to a CRS Class 10.

(3) The community must maintain FEMA Elevation Certificates on all new buildings and 

substantial improvements constructed in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) after 

the community applies for CRS credit. This is explained in Activity 310 (Elevation 

Certificates).

(4) If there are one or more repetitive loss properties in the community, the community 

must take certain actions as specified in Sections 501–504. These include reviewing 

and updating the list of repetitive loss properties, mapping repetitive loss areas, 

describing the causes of the losses, and sending an outreach project to those areas each 

year. A community with 50 or more repetitive loss properties (a “Category C” 

community) must also prepare a repetitive loss area analysis or floodplain management 

plan that addresses its repetitive flood problem.

(5) The community must maintain all flood insurance policies that it has been required to 

carry on properties owned by the community. The community’s chief executive officer 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-3 Edition: 2017

(CEO) signs the verification visit cover sheet, which includes a statement that the 

signer certifies that the community has all the flood insurance policies that it has been 

required to maintain on properties owned by the community. This is discussed further 

in Figure 210-1.

(6) If a coastal community receives a draft Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that 

delineates the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA), the community must agree 

to show the LiMWA on its final published FIRM. Although showing a LiMWA on a 

FIRM is voluntary for non-CRS communities, it is a prerequisite for CRS participation. The LiMWA delineation is for informational purposes only. There is no CRS 

requirement to regulate the area differently, but the series of International Codes has

special construction requirements in areas subject to breaking waves of 1.5 feet or 

higher. Communities are encouraged to meet the criteria for Coastal A Zone credit 

(CAZ) in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards).

As part of the verification documentation, the community’s chief executive officer 

must certify that the community has all the flood insurance policies it has been 

required to have. The CRS is not concerned with past lapses in flood insurance 

coverage. Flood insurance must be in effect at the time of the verification visit and 

must be kept in the future. The CRS Coordinator should make every effort to 

determine the community’s legal requirement to purchase flood insurance. 

Congress has taken steps to encourage public agencies and private property 

owners to purchase flood insurance instead of relying exclusively on disaster 

assistance for help after a flood. Therefore, disaster assistance for a communityowned building will be reduced by the amount of NFIP flood insurance coverage 

(structure and contents) the community should be carrying on the building—

regardless of whether the community is actually carrying a policy.

In effect, disaster assistance for a public agency has a very large deductible equal 

to the flood insurance policy the agency should carry. The law expects public 

agencies to be appropriately insured as a condition of receiving federal disaster 

assistance. 

There have also been recent cases in which communities were underinsured. 

Some communities have purchased only the required amount of coverage (e.g., 

coverage equal to the amount of a previous federal grant). The disaster assistance 

rule requires that a flood-damaged community fund all repairs up to the amount of 

flood insurance that it could have purchased.

Whether there was a requirement to purchase and maintain flood insurance as a 

condition of a previous federal grant or not, the community’s risk manager or other 

appropriate official should ensure that all community-owned buildings exposed to 

flooding are insured for flood damage. Some communities have found out too late 

that their all-risk insurance policies did not cover flooding.

Figure 210-1. The CRS flood insurance prerequisite.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-4 Edition: 2017

211.b. Class 6 Prerequisites 

In order to be a Class 6 or better, a community must demonstrate that it has enough points 

to warrant the class AND meet the following two prerequisites.

(1) The community must meet all the Class 9 prerequisites.

(2) The community must have received and continue to maintain a classification of 5/5 or 

better under the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS). Both 

BCEGS classifications (residential/ personal and commercial) must be a class 5 or 

better. When communities submit a modification or undergo a cycle verification, they 

must meet the BCEGS prerequisite in order to achieve or remain a CRS Class 6 or 

better.

The BCEGS program measures a community’s building code adoption and enforcement as they relate to natural hazards mitigation. More information on the program can 

be found at www.isomitigation.com/bcegs/iso-s-building-code-effectiveness-gradingschedule-bcegs.html. Credit is also provided for BCEGS classifications of 5/5 or better 

under the building code credit (BC) in Section 432.h.

In accordance with Section 113.d, communities may propose alternative approaches to 

meet the objectives of a prerequisite. For example, communities that are prohibited by 

state law from adopting and enforcing building codes may submit comprehensive building 

construction regulations and administration and inspection procedures for review to 

determine the equivalent BCEGS classification. Such regulations must be enforced 

throughout the community, not just in the floodplain.

211.c. Class 4 Prerequisites 

A Class 4 or better community must demonstrate that it has programs that minimize flood 

losses, minimize increases in future flooding, protect natural floodplain functions, and 

protect people from the dangers of flooding. Even though it may have enough points, a

community that cleared most of the buildings from its floodplain with disaster assistance 

funds after a flood cannot be a Class 4 or better if it does not have an effective regulatory 

program to prevent a recurrence of the problem. 

In order to be a Class 4 or better, a community must demonstrate that it has enough points 

to warrant the class AND meet the following prerequisites.

(1) The community must meet all the Class 6 prerequisites.

(2) The community must have received and continue to maintain a classification of 4/4 or 

better under the BCEGS.

(3) The community must demonstrate that it has taken appropriate steps to eliminate or 

minimize future flood losses. To do this, a Class 4 or better community must receive 

credit for the following CRS activities.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-5 Edition: 2017

(a) Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)—The community must show that it 

enforces higher regulatory standards to manage new development in the floodplain.

(i) The community must adopt and enforce at least a 1-foot freeboard requirement 

(including equipment or mechanical items) for all buildings constructed, 

substantially improved and/or reconstructed due to substantial damage, and 

buildings allowed to be floodproofed, throughout its SFHA, except those areas 

that receive OSP credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). In 

unnumbered A, AO, and V Zones, the community must first determine a base 

flood elevation consistent with the techniques credited under Activity 410 

(Flood Hazard Mapping).

(ii) The community must receive at least 700 points (after the impact adjustment) 

under the other elements of Activity 430 and under Sections 422.a, e, and f 

under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). 

(b) Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)—The community must receive the 

following credits for its watershed management plan(s) (WMP) under 

Section 451.b: 

(i) WMP1: 90 points (before the impact adjustment) for meeting all of the credit 

criteria for WMP,

(ii) WMP2: 30 points (before the impact adjustment) for managing the runoff from 

all storms up to and including the 100-year event to ensure that flood flows 

downstream of new development do not increase due to the development, and

(iii) An impact adjustment value of rWMP = 0.5 or more. Alternatively, the 

community may show that at least 50% of the watershed area where future 

growth is expected is covered by one or more credited watershed management 

plans.

(c) Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning)—The community must have 

adopted and be implementing a floodplain management plan that receives at least 

50% of the maximum credit under Activity 510, calculated after the impact 

adjustment. This 50% of the maximum credit must include at least 50% of the 

available points in each of planning steps 2, 5, and 8.

(4) Obtain a minimum total credit of 100 points (after the impact adjustment) from one or 

a combination of the following elements that credit protecting natural floodplain 

functions:

o 420—Natural functions open space (NFOS),

o 420—Natural shoreline protection (NSP),

o 430—Prohibition of fill (DL1),

o 440—Additional map data (AMD12) natural functions layer,

o 450—Managing the volume of stormwater runoff (SMR, DS),

o 450—Low impact development (LID),
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-6 Edition: 2017

o 450—Watershed management plan (WMP), credit point items 3, 5, 6, and 7,

o 450—Erosion and sediment control (ESC),

o 450—Water quality (WQ), and

o 510—Natural floodplain functions plan (NFP).

(5) Document the following life safety measures: 

(a) Obtain some credit under Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response). 

(b) Have a map of all levees and all areas protected by levees, and an inventory of the 

types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc.) and the critical facilities that 

would be exposed to flooding should the levee(s) be overtopped or fail. This is the 

same as activity credit criterion (3) under Activity 620 (Levees), Section 621.b.

(c) Have a description of the dam failure threat, including a map of all areas that would 

be flooded by the failure of each high-hazard-potential dam that affects the 

community, and the types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc.) and critical 

facilities that would be flooded. This is the same as activity credit criteria (2) under

Activity 630 (Dams), Section 631.b.

In accordance with Section 113.d, the community may propose alternative approaches to 

these prerequisites that are more appropriate for local conditions.

211.d. Class 1 Prerequisites

In order to be a Class 1, a community must demonstrate that it has enough points to 

warrant the class, AND meet the following prerequisites.

(1) Meet all the Class 4 prerequisites.

(2) Meet the minimum standards of the NFIP as determined by a Community Assistance 

Visit conducted by FEMA within the previous 12 months.

(3) Promote flood insurance as a vital way to protect residents and businesses from the 

financial impact of a flood. This is demonstrated by having at least 50% of the 

buildings in the community’s SFHA covered by a flood insurance policy or obtaining

at least 50% of the maximum points under Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion).

(4) Demonstrate that it has a “no adverse impact” approach to floodplain management. A 

no adverse impact approach is one in which the action of one property owner or 

community does not adversely affect the flood risks for other properties or 

communities. “Adverse impact” is measured by increased flood stages, increased flood 

velocity, increased flows, or the increased potential for erosion and sedimentation. The 

“no adverse impact” concept is explained in more detail in papers published by the 

Association of State Floodplain Managers, which can be accessed at www.floods.org. 
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-7 Edition: 2017

This prerequisite is demonstrated by receiving credit under the following: 

(a) For all of the floodplains in the community: 

(i) The community must be enforcing regulations that discourage development in 

the floodplain. This is demonstrated by receiving a combined total of at least 

150 points under open space incentives (OSI) in Section 422.e and 

development limitations (DL) in Section 432.a.

(ii) All new critical facilities must be protected to the 500-year flood level. This is 

demonstrated by receiving credit under protecting critical facilities (PCF) in 

Section 432.f in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) and by enforcing 

the regulations throughout the 500-year floodplain. 

(iii) The community must have mapped and be enforcing regulations appropriate 

for all flood-related hazards within its jurisdiction. This is demonstrated by 

receiving credit under Activities 410 and 430 for all special flood-related 

hazards that are identified in the community’s floodplain management or 

hazard mitigation plan credited under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management 

Planning). 

(b) In the community’s riverine floodplains: 

(i) The community’s program must address potential increases in riverine flood 

elevations caused by new development. This is demonstrated by receiving the 

following credits: 

((1)) Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)—an impact adjustment value of 

rWMP = 0.75 or more. As an alternative, the community may show that 

at least 75% of the watershed area where future growth is expected is 

covered by one or more credited watershed management plans; AND

((2)) All riverine floodplains must be mapped using future conditions 

hydrology as credited under the higher study standard credit (HSS) in 

Section 412.d.

(c) In the community’s coastal floodplains: 

(i) The community must receive credit for regulating new development in coastal 

A Zones under CAZ in Section 432.k.

(ii) The community must receive credit for using regulatory flood elevations in 

the V Zones and coastal A Zones that reflect future conditions, including sea 

level rise. This is demonstrated by receiving credit for future-conditions 

hydrology under the higher study standard credit (HSS) in Section 412.d.

(iii) The community must receive credit for regulating new development in areas 

subject to erosion (CER) under Activity 430 (or demonstrate that it does not 

have a coastal erosion problem).

(5) Have a commitment to mitigate its repetitive loss problem as well as problems caused 

by other natural hazards.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-8 Edition: 2017

(a) Section 501 (Repetitive Loss List): The community must demonstrate that at least 

25% of the properties on its current FEMA repetitive loss list have been protected 

from damage from repetitive flooding through acquisition, retrofitting, or structural 

flood control projects.

(b) Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning): The community must have a 

multi-hazard mitigation plan that has been approved by FEMA as meeting all of the

requirements outlined under 44 CFR §201.6.

(6) Protect natural floodplain functions. This is demonstrated by having a total credit of at 

least 150 points (after the impact adjustment) from one or a combination of the 

elements listed under the Class 4 prerequisite in Section 211.c(4).

(7) Have a program to address the threat to life safety that flooding poses to the residents 

of the community. This is demonstrated by receiving the following credits: 

(a) The community must obtain some credit under all the elements in Activity 620 

(Levees) for all levees mapped and identified in the inventory prepared for the 

Class 4 prerequisite in Section 211.c(5)(b).

(b) The community must obtain some credit under all the local elements in Activity 

630 (Dams) for all areas mapped and identified as subject to dam failure flooding 

in the inventory prepared for the Class 4 prerequisite in Section 211.c(5)(c). The 

credit for the state’s program (SDS) is not counted toward this prerequisite.

In accordance with Section 113.d, the community may propose alternative approaches to 

these prerequisites that are more appropriate for local conditions.

212 Application Procedures 

212.a. Application Request

Application for a CRS classification is voluntary. A community can request a CRS classification at any time. 

A community can request a CRS classification for any activities and elements, provided

that

• The credit points add up to at least 500 points, enough to become a Class 9; and

• The community can meet all of the Class 9 prerequisites (Section 211.a).
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-9 Edition: 2017

The following documentation is needed to request a 

CRS classification. Both items can be submitted 

digitally to NFIPCRS@ISO.com (letters needing 

signatures should be scanned and sent as PDF files).

(1) A letter of interest sent to the FEMA Regional 

Office that

• States that the community is interested in 

joining the CRS,

• Designates the community’s CRS 

Coordinator, 

• States that the community will cooperate with 

the verification process, and

• States that the community understands that 

approval from the FEMA Regional Office is 

needed for the ISO/CRS Specialist to visit the 

community and verify the creditable activities. 

 CRS People 

Chief executive officer (CEO)—The 

official who is charged with the authority 

to implement and administer laws, 

ordinances, and regulations for the 

community. The CEO may be a mayor, 

city or county manager, or chair of a 

county board. 

CRS Coordinator—The local official 

designated by the CEO to coordinate the 

community’s CRS activities. The CRS 

Coordinator is the community’s point of 

contact for verification and recertification. 

ISO/CRS Specialist—An employee 

of Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). 

ISO is under contract with FEMA to 

conduct field work for the Community 

Rating System. The ISO/CRS Specialist 

is the community’s main contact with the 

program. The names and territories of 

the Specialists can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/100.

The letter is signed by the community’s CEO and is 

sent to the FEMA Regional Office. Copies of the 

letter are also sent to the State NFIP Coordinator 

and the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). 

Example language can be obtained from the 

ISO/CRS Specialist for the community’s area. An example letter is included in the 

“Community Rating System (CRS) Application Letter of Interest and CRS Quick Check,” 

available at www.CRSresources.org/200.

(2) Documentation showing that the community is implementing activities that warrant at 

least 500 points to be at least a CRS Class 9. This can be done by using the CRS Quick 

Check, available at www.CRSresources.org/200, a state-specific equivalent 

recommended by the ISO/CRS Specialist, or another method that shows each 

creditable element that the community can document as meeting the credit 

requirements.

If the community’s submittal is complete and shows that 500 or more credit points are 

likely, the ISO/CRS Specialist will contact the FEMA Regional Office for approval to 

conduct an initial verification visit with the community. This is only approval for ISO to 

commence the application process. As described in Section 211.a (2), communities must 

meet the minimum standards of the NFIP as determined by a Community Assistance Visit 

conducted by FEMA within six months of the verification visit. Therefore, the Regional 

Office (or State NFIP Coordinator) may opt to conduct the Community Assistance Visit 

before giving approval for the verification visit. 
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-10 Edition: 2017

When approval is received, the ISO/CRS Specialist will contact the community to 

schedule the initial verification visit. At the visit, the CRS is explained and each activity 

likely to receive credit is reviewed. The conduct of the verification visit is explained in 

Section 230.

212.b. Application Documentation

The ISO/CRS Specialist schedules the initial verification visit to review the community’s 

programs and activities. The ISO/CRS Specialist collects the needed materials from 

community staff. Before the materials can be processed, the ISO/CRS Specialist must have 

the following five items. Some of the documentation can be provided digitally.

(1) Correspondence from the FEMA Regional Office stating that the community is in full 

compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP (see Section 211.a(2)).

(2) The CRS Program Data Table, with lines 6 and 13 completed (see Figure 210-2). The 

CRS Program Data Table is the second page of the “CC-213 Recertification” form. 

The CRS Community Certifications are included in Appendix E and also are available 

at www.CRSresources.org/200. For a community’s initial application to the CRS, only 

the second page of the CC-213 Recertification is required (page CC-213-2).

(3) Documentation for each element for which credit is desired. Sections 310–630 have 

documentation sections that itemize what is needed. The ISO/CRS Specialist reviews 

these with the community during the visit and collects what is needed. Section 231 

reviews how documentation should be provided by the community. 

(4) A certification signed by the community’s CEO that says

I hereby certify that ___________________________ [community name] is 

implementing the following activities (check the ones that apply). We will continue to 

implement these activities and will advise FEMA if any of them are not being conducted 

in accordance with this certification. We will cooperate with the ISO/CRS Specialist’s

verification visit and will submit the documentation and annual recertification needed to 

validate our program.

The certification is included in the “CC-230 Verification Certification” form, which is the 

verification cover page provided by the ISO/CRS Specialist. The CRS Community 

Certifications are included in Appendix E and are available at 

www.CRSresources.org/200. Figure 230-1 shows a sample CC-231. The community may 

propose alternative language.

(5) A certification signed by the community’s CEO that says

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, we are maintaining in force 

all flood insurance policies that have been required of us as a condition of federal 

financial assistance for insurable buildings owned by us and located in the Special Flood 

Hazard Area shown on our Flood Insurance Rate Map. I further understand that disaster 

assistance for any community-owned building located in the Special Flood Hazard Area 

is reduced by the amount of NFIP flood insurance coverage (structural and contents) 
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-11 Edition: 2017

that a community should be carrying on the building, regardless of whether the 

community is carrying a policy.

The flood insurance prerequisite is explained in more detail in Figure 210-1. The 

certification is included in a cover sheet provided by the ISO/CRS Specialist. This 

certification is also included in the “CC-230 Verification Certification” form. The 

community may propose alternative language.

212.c. Verification Processing

After the verification visit is done and all needed documentation has been received, the 

ISO/CRS Specialist produces a verification report. FEMA and ISO need several months to 

review, double check, and confirm the ISO/CRS Specialist’s verification report. FEMA 

makes the final decision on the community’s credit and classification.

Once FEMA confirms the community’s classification, it must give the insurance 

companies a four-month advance notice, so they can advise their agents of the rating 

change before policies are renewed. Therefore, a community’s classification will take 

effect on the May 1 or October 1 about 8–12 months after the verification visit.

212.d. Reinstating Previous CRS Communities 

If a CRS community retrograded to a Class 10 for whatever reason, it may apply to be 

reclassified as a Class 9 or better community. Such a community must submit a complete 

new application according to the Coordinator’s Manual currently in effect. It may not 

submit a modification or documentation just to correct the problem activities. 

213 Recertification

Each year, a community must recertify that it is continuing to meet the prerequisites for its 

class and to implement the activities for which it has earned credit. The ISO/CRS 

Specialist sends the community a list of its credited activities, and it is the community’s 

responsibility to respond by the deadline provided with its annual recertification package .

The community must note whether it is still implementing each item on the list. The 

community’s recertification package can be submitted digitally to the ISO/CRS Specialist 

(documents needing signatures, such as CC-213 Recertification, should be scanned and 

sent as PDF files).

As noted in their credit documentation sections, some activities have additional require -

ments that must be submitted with the annual recertification. These are also noted on the 

list that is sent to the community. Examples of additional documentation are a copy of an 

annual report or a copy of an outreach project sent out during the previous year. 
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-12 Edition: 2017

A COMMUNITY THAT FAILS TO RECERTIFY WILL RETROGRADE TO A CLASS 10.

• Failure to submit the listed items or to certify that all prerequisites are being met 

will result in loss of credit for those activities. It is possible that a community could 

lose enough points to cause a change in its CRS classification.

• A repetitive loss community that fails to submit a copy of its annual outreach 

project or a Category C repetitive loss community that fails to submit its annual 

progress report as required by Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) will 

retrograde to a Class 10.

213.a. Program Data Table

A Program Data Table is included with the annual recertification materials sent by the 

ISO/CRS Specialist. The table is the second page of the CC-213 Recertification form 

(page CC-213-2), and is shown in Figure 210-2. Communities must include updated data 

with every annual recertification. The Program Data Table is also required at cycle 

verification visits and is the third page of the CC-230 Verification form (page CC-230-3).

The data help both FEMA and the community track floodplain development and mapping 

changes. The table is used by FEMA to help schedule assistance activities and set mapping 

priorities. The numbers are also used to determine the impact adjustments needed to 

calculate activity credit.

214 Modifications

A community may modify its CRS classification by applying for credit for new elements 

or activities, dropping one or more elements or activities, or submitting revised versions 

of materials. 

214.a. Modification Criteria

Modifications are processed and verified in the same manner as cycle verification visits, 

although a visit may not be necessary if everything can be verified remotely. 

The following provisions apply to modifications.

(1) A cover letter and the documentation needed for the credit are submitted to the 

ISO/CRS Specialist.

(2) The community must use the credit criteria of the Coordinator’s Manual in effect at 

the time the modification is submitted.

(3) A community’s CRS classification cannot change more than once a year. Therefore, 

only one modification can be processed over a 12-month period.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-13 Edition: 2017

Figure 210-2. The CRS Program Data Table (CC-213 Recertification).

Instructions for completing the Program Data Table are included in the annual recertification 

materials sent to communities by their ISO/CRS Specialists each year. They can also be viewed at 

www.CRSresources.org/200.

CRS Program Data

A. 

In the 

SFHA

B. 

In a 

regulated 

floodplain 

outside the 

SFHA

C. 

In the rest of 

the community

1. Last report’s number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF) (line 6, last report)

2. Number of new buildings constructed since last report +

3. Number of buildings removed/demolished since last report –

4. Number of buildings affected by map revisions since last report (+ or –)

5. Number of buildings affected by corporate limits changes (+ or –)

6. Current total number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF) (total lines 1–5)

7. Number of substantial improvement/damage projects since last report

8. Number of repetitive loss properties mitigated since last report

9. Number of LOMRs and map revisions (not LOMAs) since last report

10.Acreage of the SFHA (aSFHA) as of the last report (line 13, last report)

11.Acreage of area(s) affected by map revisions since last report (+ or –)

12.Acreage of area(s) affected by corporate limits changes (+ or –)

13.Current acreage of the SFHA (aSFHA) (total lines 10−12)

14.Primary source for building data: 

15.Primary source for area data:

16. Period covered: From______________ To______________ Current FIRM date:

If available, the following data would be useful: 

17. Number of new manufactured homes installed since last report

18. Number of other new 1 - 4 family buildings constructed since last report

19. Number of all other buildings constructed/installed since last report

Notes: Lines 1–8 deal with “buildings.” Section 301 has more information about what qualifies as “buildings” and 

how they are counted for CRS purposes. Numbers in column A are for the Special Flood Hazard Area. If the 

community also regulates floodplain development outside the SFHA, Column B is completed (and the community 

may deserve credit under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping)). The data in Column C help relate what happens in 

the floodplain to what is happening in the rest of the community.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-14 Edition: 2017

(4) If a community is modifying an activity previously applied for, its submittal must 

include documentation for both the new elements of the activity and those that were 

previously credited, if they are still being implemented.

(5) The ISO/CRS Specialist verifies only the activity(ies) being modified and reviews the 

rest at the next cycle verification visit. There are two exceptions to this, as noted under 

(6) and (7), below.

(6) The ISO/CRS Specialist will automatically update the community’s credit points for

(a) The community’s BCEGS classification (a Class 6 and Class 4 prerequisite and 

credited in Section 432(h));

(b) The community’s credit for the state dam safety credit (Section 632.a); and

(c) The county growth adjustment (Section 710). If the growth adjustment is changed, 

the total points for all affected activities in the 400 series will reflect the new 

factor.

(d) If the community’s repetitive loss category has changed since the previous cycle 

verification, the community must comply with Section 502.a, as applicable.

(7) The community’s entire program is verified with a verification visit under the 

following circumstances: 

(a) If the modification will result in a two-class improvement, or 

(b) If the Coordinator’s Manual has substantially changed most of the rest of the 

community’s credits. 

In these situations, the verification visit counts as a cycle verification visit and the 

community’s cycle schedule starts over.

214.b. Courtesy Reviews

Communities are encouraged to submit materials at any time for the ISO/CRS Specialist to 

review. A courtesy review advises the community about the impact of new programs or 

revisions to existing activities on its CRS credit. 

Courtesy review materials are returned to the community with comments. They are not 

credited to the community’s program. The only way a community’s credit points may be 

changed is by submitting a modification with enough points to result in a class change. 

If the community submits a modification that does not have sufficient credit points to 

result in a class change, it is treated as material for a courtesy review.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-15 Edition: 2017

215 Changes in CRS Credit

215.a. Changes Initiated by the Community

A community’s credit points can change due to the following actions initiated by the 

community: 

(1) The community may request a modification to improve a class at any time 

(Section 214).

(2) The community may gain or lose points during the cycle verification visit, if it adds or 

drops activities, or if it cannot submit the materials needed to document the credit. 

(3) The community will lose points if it fails to recertify that it is continuing to meet the 

prerequisites and implement all the activities for which it was receiving credit 

(Section 213).

(4) If credit points are dependent upon another agency or organizations (see 

Section 231.d), the community may gain or lose points based on the other agency’s or 

organization’s actions. An example of this is the credit for the state’s dam safety 

program (SDS) under Activity 630 (Dams).

215.b. Changes in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual 

From time to time, the Coordinator’s Manual is revised. Revisions are made with an eye 

toward minimizing loss of credit for communities already participating in the CRS.

Revisions are normally limited to once every three years.

Communities keep their credit points by continuing to meet the specifications of the 

Coordinator’s Manual that was in effect at their last verification visit, including the 

requirements for the annual recertification. At a community’s first cycle verification visit 

AFTER the new Coordinator’s Manual goes into effect, local program credits are recalculated according to the new Coordinator’s Manual.

215.c. Changes in the Floodplain Map

A community’s credit points can be affected by annexations or flood control projects that 

change the floodplain boundaries. These changes can affect the areas or buildings credited 

under several activities and the impact adjustment calculations. If a project or annexation 

is contemplated, the CRS Coordinator should contact the ISO/CRS Specialist to review its

impact on the community’s credit points.
Requesting CRS Credit

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 210-16 Edition: 2017

Example 215.c-1.

A flood control project results in a map revision that removes 100 

buildings from the SFHA. Twelve of the buildings had been retrofitted 

and were credited under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). Those 

buildings are no longer eligible for retrofitting credit because Activity 

530 only credits retrofitted buildings that are in the regulatory 

floodplain.

Example 215.c-2.

A community annexes an area that includes a large amount of floodplain. The result doubles the size of the community’s SFHA. The 

community will lose credit points under Activity 420 (Open Space 

Preservation) if the open space now makes up a smaller portion of 

the SFHA.

Conversely, if the annexed area includes a large amount of preserved 

open space, the community’s credit under Activity 420 could increase.

215.d. New Development 

A community’s credit points can be affected by new development. Several activities’ 

credits are modified by an impact adjustment based on the number of buildings in the 

SFHA. An example is Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation), which adjusts the credit

based on the ratio of the number of buildings cleared out of the regulatory floodplain to 

the number of buildings remaining in the SFHA. If the community permits more new 

buildings in the floodplain, the number of buildings in the SFHA increases and the total 

credit for Activity 520 would decrease. 

New development in the county will also affect the county growth adjustment (CGA, 

explained in Section 710). A growing county will mean an increase in points in the 400 

series. If the growth rate declines over time, the total points could decrease.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-1 Edition: 2017

220 CREDIT CALCULATION—Summary 

Calculating the Community Rating System (CRS) classification for a community is 

done in five steps as explained in Sections 221–225. Four terms are used 

throughout the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. 

• The CRS is divided into four SERIES of activities: “Public Information

Activities,” “Mapping and Regulation,” “Flood Damage Reduction

Activities,” and “Warning and Response.”

• Within each series, there are three to seven ACTIVITIES. 

• Within each activity, there are one or more ELEMENTS.

• For each element, there are one or more VARIABLES. These variables often 

include the acronym for the element. The variables are needed for the 

formulae that are used to calculate the credit points for each element.

221 Step 1. Element Credit Points

Each activity has a section entitled “Credit Criteria” and/or “Credit Points.” Each 

element has a maximum number of credit points, which can be earned if the 

element meets the listed credit criteria. 

222 Step 2. Impact Adjustment

The credit points earned in Step 1 need to be adjusted to reflect the impact of 

the community’s activity on floodplain development and on the community’s 

flood insurance premium base. 

223 Step 3. Credit Calculation

The last step listed for each activity is to compute its credit by multiplying the 

element’s credit points by the impact adjustment. The credits for each element 

are totaled to compute the activity’s credit points.

224 Step 4. County Growth Adjustment

The points for the five mapping and regulatory activities in the 400 series are 

adjusted to reflect the county’s growth rate.

225 Step 5. Community Classification

The points for all the activities are totaled to calculate the community’s CRS 

classification.
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-2 Edition: 2017

220 CREDIT CALCULATION 

Calculating the Community Rating System (CRS) credit points and determining the CRS 

classification for a community is done in five steps:

• Step 1. Element Credit Points,

• Step 2. Impact Adjustment,

• Step 3. Credit Calculation,

• Step 4. County Growth Adjustment, and

• Step 5. Community Classification.

The steps are explained in Sections 221–225. The ISO/CRS Specialist calculates the 

community’s credit points after each verification visit. A community may also use the 

Quick Check to estimate its credits, and work with the ISO/CRS Specialist to more 

accurately calculate credit points. 

All credit points calculated by a community are unofficial and are verified by the ISO/CRS 

Specialist. The final, verified, points are determined by the ISO/CRS Specialist.

Four terms are used throughout the Coordinator’s Manual: (1) series, (2) activity, 

(3) element, and (4) variable. These divisions direct communities to the credits for which 

they qualify, and divide the program logically into easily understood pieces.

Series

The CRS activities are divided into four series:

• 300 Series – Public Information Activities,

• 400 Series – Mapping & Regulations,

• 500 Series – Flood Damage Reduction Activities, and

• 600 Series – Warning and Response.

These series are the subject of the four main sections of the Coordinator’s Manual and 

recognize community efforts to inform the public, prevent future flood damage, address 

existing flood problems, and prepare for flood emergencies. 
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-3 Edition: 2017

Activities

Each series has from three to seven activities. Within the four series, there are 19 CRS 

activities. Each activity has a title, such as “Flood Hazard Mapping” or “Acquisition and 

Relocation.” The titles are mostly self-explanatory, but they may include components that 

are not specifically named in the title. A summary page at the beginning of each activity

lists that activity’s elements.

A community may select which activities it wants credit for, with three exceptions:

(1) Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) is a prerequisite for all communities for 

participation in the program (see Section 211.a).

(2) Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) is a prerequisite for Category C 

repetitive loss communities (see Section 503).

(3) If a community wants to become a Class 6 community, it must have received and 

continue to maintain a classification of 5/5 or better under the Building Code 

Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS).

(4) If a community want to become a Class 1–4 community, it must have credit from 

certain activities to show that it has a program that addresses all the goals of the 

CRS (see Section 211.c and d), and it must have received and continue to maintain a 

classification of 4/4 or better under the BCEGS).

At the end of the credit calculation process, the credits for all activities are added together 

to get the community’s total credit (see Section 225).

Elements

Within each activity, there are one or more elements. These are discrete pieces of a 

community’s floodplain management program, and each receives a certain number of credit 

points.

Each element has an acronym that is used in the calculation formulae. Some elements have 

subelements that are numbered. 

Example 220.c-1. 

The elements and their acronyms in Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) are

• EC, credit for Elevation Certificates since CRS application;

• ECPO, credit for post-FIRM Elevation Certificates; and

• ECPR, credit for pre-FIRM Elevation Certificates
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-4 Edition: 2017

The elements and their acronyms in Activity 320 (Map Information Service) 

are

• MI1, credit for providing basic FIRM information 

• MI2, credit for providing additional FIRM information

• MI3, credit for showing problems not shown on the FIRM

• MI4, credit for providing flood depth data 

• MI5, credit for advising inquirers about special flood-related hazards 

• MI6, credit for providing historical flood information 

• MI7, credit for advising inquirers about natural floodplain functions 

A community need not apply for all of the elements in an activity in order to receive credit 

points for the activity. However, in some cases, one element may be required in order to 

obtain any credit. For example, EC is a prerequisite for any credit for Activity 310 and MI1 

is a prerequisite for any Activity 320 credit. These requirements are shown in the “Credit 

Criteria” section of the activity or element.

Variables

Each element’s acronyms are used in the formulae to calculate the credit points. These 

acronyms are listed alphabetically in Appendix A. The acronyms or variables for basic 

scoring elements are capitalized, as in “ECPO,” the variable that represents Elevation 

Certificates for post-FIRM buildings. 

For each element, there are one or more additional variables used in the calculation 

formulae. Most of these have a lower-case letter preceding the acronym for the element.

Example 220.d-1. 

The variables associated with post-FIRM Elevation Certificates are

• ECPO, the initial points for the element;

• bECPO, the number of post-FIRM buildings with Elevation 

Certificates;

• rECPO, the impact adjustment ratio for the element; and

• cECPO, the credit for the element, after the impact adjustment.
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-5 Edition: 2017

221 Step 1. Element Credit Points 

The first step is to determine the credit points for each element for which the community 

requests credit. Under each activity is a section entitled “Credit Criteria.” For some 

activities there is a single “Activity Credit Criteria” and for other activities there is a 

separate credit criteria section under each element. These sections need to be reviewed to 

ensure that the community’s program qualifies for credit.

Each activity also has a “Credit Points” section. Each element has a maximum number of 

credit points that can be earned if the element is being implemented in accordance with the 

credit criteria. A community will receive less than the maximum points if its program does 

not include all the items listed in the Credit Points section.

Example 221-1. 

Freeboard (FRB) is an element under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory 

Standards). Freeboard can receive up to 500 points, depending on how 

high it is and whether fill is regulated. The points for FRB are listed in a 

table. The value for a freeboard not listed, such as 1.5 feet, can be 

interpolated from the table.

For this series of examples, a community has a freeboard requirement of 

one foot above the base flood elevation and it requires compensatory 

storage if fill is used to elevate the building. 

FRB = 110

Credit for Activities not listed in the Coordinator’s Manual

The CRS cannot prescribe credit criteria for every possible scenario of effective floodplain 

management in the country. The community may make reasonable interpretations that its 

program is in line with the intent of the element credit. However, it is recommended that 

whenever a community has trouble fitting its program into the credit criteria, it contact the 
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-6 Edition: 2017

ISO/CRS Specialist. It may be that the Coordinator’s Manual is being misunderstood or 

misinterpreted and that things are simpler than they first appear.

In accordance with Section 113.c, a community may submit alternative approaches to the 

listed elements. They will be considered by the Insurance Services Office, Inc., (ISO) and 

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In instances in which the approach is 

difficult to apply to the existing formula, the applicant should demonstrate its impact on the 

objective of the activity. Where a state or regional approach is different, it would be 

appropriate for the state or regional agency to demonstrate the impact on behalf of its 

communities and have the approach credited under Section 231.d.

Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) provides an example for this. Because there are 

so many ways to exceed the regulatory standards of the National Flood Insurance Program 

(NFIP), one of the elements is “other higher standards” (OHS). OHS allows for higher local 

regulatory standards not listed under Activity 430 to be considered for credit.

222 Step 2. Impact Adjustment 

The credit points need to be adjusted to reflect the activity’s impact on the community’s 

flood insurance premium base, which can include more policies than are actually in the area 

affected by the activity. For example, 100% of the buildings in the Special Flood Hazard 

Area (SFHA) will benefit from the CRS’s insurance premium credit even if only 50% of the 

SFHA is subject to higher regulatory standards or other activities. Therefore, this Step 2 

adjustment also serves to adjust credits so that the dollar impact of any discounts is spread 

over the community’s entire premium base.

A community that has preserved most of its floodplain as open space should receive more 

credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) than one that has only a small area 

preserved. Therefore, the element credit points determined in Step 1 need to be adjusted to 

reflect the impact of the community’s program on the objective of the activity.

There are two bases for most impact adjustments: 

(1) The number of BUILDINGS that are affected compared to the number of buildings in the 

SFHA. For example, if a community wants credit for having Elevation Certificates on 

25 post-FIRM buildings and it has 100 post-FIRM buildings in its SFHA, then it gets 

25  100 = 0.25 or 25% of the maximum credit. Impact adjustments based on buildings 

is covered in more detail in Sections 301–302.

(2) The AREA of the floodplain that is affected compared to the area of the SFHA. If a 

community has 1,000 acres of SFHA and 200 acres are preserved as open space, it gets 

200  1,000 = 0.2 or 20% of the maximum credit. Area is used to adjust credits in the 

400 series of mapping and regulatory activities, because the impact is on new 

development, not existing buildings. Impact adjustments based on area are covered in 

more detail in Sections 402–404.
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-7 Edition: 2017

Some elements do not lend themselves to building or area measurements. For natur al 

shoreline protection (NSP) under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), for example, 

the length of shoreline is used. 

Most of the activities have a section entitled, “Impact Adjustment.” The impact adjustment 

sections describe one or more “r” variables. The impact adjustment ratios (“r” variables) 

usually have a range of 0 to 1. They are the result of a formula that divides the number of 

buildings or area affected by the total number of buildings or area of interest. In most cases 

the area of interest is the SFHA, but in the stormwater management elements, for example, 

the area of interest is the watershed that drains into the community. 

In all CRS calculation formulae, numbers are rounded to two decimal points at each step. 

Numbers of 0.005 or higher are rounded up to the next 100th and numbers below 0.005 are 

rounded down. Final credit points for each activity are rounded to the nearest whole 

number.

Example 222-1.

The impact adjustment ratios for the elements in Activity 430 are 

established in an “Impact Adjustment” section for each element. For 

freeboard, the formula is:

rFRB = aFRB , where

 aSFHA

aFRB = the size of the area(s) that qualify for FRB credit, and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA 

The community in Example 221-1 does not require freeboard throughout its 

SFHA. It only enforces its freeboard requirement where there is a base 

flood elevation. Therefore, this higher regulatory standard has no impact in 

approximate A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations shown on 

the FIRM.

The area where freeboard has an impact (aFRB) is the area of all the SFHA 

with base flood elevations, i.e., AE and VE Zones. In this community’s case, 

that is 744 acres. The SFHA is 932 acres.

aFRB = 754

aSFHA = 932

rFRB = aFRB = 754 = 0.809012875 = 0.81 (rounded to two decimal points)

 aSFHA 932 
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-8 Edition: 2017

Some activities and elements have no impact adjustment section because they must cover 

the entire floodplain or the entire community for credit. For example, most of the public 

information programs benefit all residents in the community, so they do not have an impact 

adjustment step.

223 Step 3. Credit Calculation 

223.a. Element Calculation 

The last step for each element is to multiply the element’s credit points by its impact 

adjustment. The result is shown in the formulae with a lower case “c” before the element’s

acronym. These formulae appear in the “Credit Calculation” sections of the elements or in a 

single “Credit Calculation” section for the activity.

Example 223.a-1.

For the community with one foot of freeboard enforced only in AE and VE 

Zones, the formula is

cFRB = FRB x rFRB = 110 x 0.81 = 89.10

If there is more than one iteration of an element, the formulae are repeated. For example, a 

community may have a two-foot freeboard requirement in V Zones and a one-foot freeboard

requirement in riverine areas. Such situations are represented with a “#1” for the first 

iteration, a “#2” for the second one, etc., as in FRB#1, FRB#2, etc. cFRB = cFRB#1 + 

cFRB#2 + etc.

Where more than one iteration of an element is the norm, the formula will show the 

summation of the total with the mathematical symbol sigma, “∑.”

Example 223.a-2.

Credit for low density zoning (LZ) in Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) 

assumes that the community has several zoning districts, each with a

different allowed density (represented by “s” for lot size). The credit 

calculation formula for low density zoning is:

cLZ = ∑(LZ#s x rLZ#s)
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-9 Edition: 2017

223.b. Activity Calculation 

Each activity has a “Credit Calculation” section, in which the element credits are totaled. 

This is done by means of a formula that uses the prefix “c” to represent the total credit 

points for the activity. The total is rounded off to the nearest whole number.

Example 223.b-1.

The total credit for Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards):

c430 = cDL + cFRB + cFDN + . . .

 = 0 + 89.10 + 30.60+ . . . = 119.70, rounded to 120

This is the last step for activities in the 300, 500, and 600 series.

224 Step 4. County Growth Adjustment 

The credit points for the five activities in the 400 Series (Mapping and Regulations) are 

adjusted to reflect the county’s growth rate. The faster an area grows, the more important it 

is to regulate development to prevent flood losses. The county growth adjustment multiplier 

is included in the final calculations of the community’s credit in Section 720. The value to 

enter is determined in Section 710 (County Growth Adjustment).

Example 224-1. 

The county growth adjustment (CGA) for the community in the earlier 

examples is 1.18, i.e., it has an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. In 

Section 720, Community Total Points, CGA is multiplied by the value for 

each of the 400 Series activities.

c430 = c430 x CGA = 120 x 1.18 = 141.60

The credit for Activity 430 is increased by 18%, or 21.60 points. 

Note that the credit required for program prerequisites (Section 211) is considered before 

the calculation for the county growth adjustment.
Credit Calculation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 220-10 Edition: 2017

225 Step 5. Community Classification 

At Step 5, the points for all the activities are totaled to obtain the community’s total points 

(cT). The total points determine the community CRS classification, assuming all 

prerequisites have been met. The conversion of total points to a CRS class is shown in 

Table 110-1. An example of Step 5 is shown in Section 720.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 230-1 Edition: 2017

230 VERIFICATION—Summary 

231 Documentation Provided by the Community

a. Certifications and Checklists: Communities must certify that they have or 

are conducting certain credited activities and that they have complied with 

environmental and historic preservation requirements. Checklists are 

available to assist in carrying out and documenting activities.

b. Digital Documentation: Communities are encouraged to provide the 

needed documentation in digital form.

c. Ordinances: This section explains the criteria for submitting regulatory 

language.

d. State-based Credit: A community may receive credit for an activity that is 

implemented by a state or regional agency.

e. Maps: Several activities require a map as documentation and many 

activities need impact adjustment maps.

232 Verification Visit

a. Visit Scheduling: The ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a verification visit with 

the community.

b. Cycle Scheduling: Cycle verifications are conducted periodically after the 

original application date for most Community Rating System communities 

c. Conduct: A verification visit usually takes one or two days, depending on the 

number of activities for which the community is requesting credit.

d. Verification Thresholds: If the visit reveals that any credited activities are 

not being fully implemented, then the credit points are adjusted. 

233 Post-visit Actions

The materials collected during the visit are reviewed by the ISO/CRS Specialist, 

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewers, and the Insurance Services Office, Inc., (ISO)

Program Coordinator before they are submitted to FEMA for approval.
Verification

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 230-2 Edition: 2017

230 VERIFICATION 

The Community Rating System (CRS) application process is discussed in Section 212. 

Calculating the credit points is covered in Section 220. This section summarizes the other 

parts of the verification process. In order to receive credit points for its activities, a 

community’s program must be verified. This work is done by the ISO/CRS Specialist, who

• Reviews the community’s submitted documentation;

• Visits the community to review files, permit records, etc.;

• Visits field sites to review implementation on the ground;

• Determines if the class and activity prerequisites are met;

• Calculates the appropriate credit points; and

• Ensures that the community file is processed for FEMA’s decision.

The names and territories of the ISO/CRS Specialists can be found at

www.CRSresources.org/100.

231 Documentation Provided by the Community 

The verification of applications, recertifications, and modifications requires documentation. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist must collect materials on the credited activities. The materials ar e 

used to prepare a file that is available for internal review and for the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA). 

Each activity or element has a section titled “Documentation Provided by the Community,” 

which itemizes what is needed for verification or recertification. This section covers some 

standard documentation protocols.

231.a. Certifications, Checklists, and Examples

Most documents that are needed to verify CRS credits are copies of the ordinances, permit 

files, and records maintained by the community during its normal course of business. The 

CRS is designed to credit what the community is doing, so to the extent possible, locally 

developed documentation is preferred. However, there are a few documents that usually are 

not kept by a community, but are needed for the CRS or have proven useful in obtaining 

CRS credit.

Certifications

Certifications are statements signed by a community official, attesting that a certain thing 

was or will be done. An example is the Chief Executive Officer’s assurance that the 

community will continue to implement the activities for which it has requested credit. To 
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facilitate local documentation and to obtain national standardization, four “Community 

Certifications” are provided in Appendix E:

• CC-213 Recertification 

• CC-230 Verification

• CC-RL The Repetitive Loss List

• CC-530 Retrofitted Buildings.

Other certification forms document that a community’s programs comply with local, state, 

and federal environmental laws and regulations. They are provided in Appendix F. These 

environmental and historic preservation (EHP) certifications are needed if the community 

applies for credit under the activities listed below. These are activities that could have an 

adverse effect on the environment or on historic properties or areas.

• Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation)

• Activity 530 (Flood Protection)

• Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance)

• Activity 620 (Levees).

All Community Certifications have been reviewed and approved by the Office of 

Management and Budget, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Their use is 

required, although a community may prepare alternative language, subject to approval by 

FEMA. 

Checklists

The CRS has developed checklists to help the CRS Coordinator or other local official 

assemble all documentation needed for CRS credit. Use of these is voluntary, but they do 

help both the local official and the Insurance Services Office, Inc., (ISO) reviewers ensure 

that all needed materials are being provided. 

Checklists are not official FEMA publications and they may change over time. They are 

noted in the “Documentation Provided by the Community” sections and can be downloaded 

from the CRS website, www.CRSresources.org.

Examples

Many communities use the CRS to identify new floodplain management activities that they 

could be doing. These communities request guidance on how to implement the new 

programs. Accordingly, there are many examples provided in the CRS Coordinator’s

Manual. Cases in point are the example map information log and map information letter in 

Figures 320-1 and Figure 320-2. Communities are not required to use these examples. If 

they are used, communities are encouraged to tailor them to local conditions and 

circumstances.
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Examples are not official FEMA publications and may change over time. All of the 

examples in the Coordinator’s Manual can be found on the CRS website, 

www.CRSresources.org, in Microsoft Word®or Excel®. The website also has examples that 

have been or are being used by CRS communities.

231.b. Digital Documentation

Communities are encouraged to provide documentation in digital form. This can greatly 

reduce the paper files maintained by the community and the amount of paper documentation 

provided to the ISO/CRS Specialist for the community’s verification. 

There are two primary ways to provide digital documentation: 

(1) Ordinances, codes, regulations, plans, and other documents may be available on the 

community’s website. In this case, the only documentation required is the Universal 

Record Locator (URL) for the document and a note that states where within that 

document the specific language is located. For example, if a community has its 

floodplain management ordinance on its website and wants credit for freeboard for new 

buildings in the floodplain, it would provide the ISO/CRS Specialist with the URL for 

the ordinance and identify the section(s) of the ordinance containing the freeboard 

requirement(s).

(2) In other cases, the community may have a document in digital form, but not on its 

website. In that case, the document can be provided to the ISO/CRS Specialist on a USB 

drive, a compact disk (CD), via e-mail, or by posting it on a File Transfer Protocol 

(FTP) site. Again, there must be a note that explains where the appropriate language is 

within the digital document.

Digital documents not directly viewable on a website must be provided in common file 

formats. Acceptable file types include PDFs, normal graphic formats (jpg, gif, png, etc.), 

and those viewable in Microsoft Word and Excel. Files that require other software, such as 

GIS files, cannot be used. Therefore, due to map scales and viewing limitations, hard copy 

maps may still be necessary.

231.c. Ordinances

Ordinances, by-laws, and regulations are documented as follows.

(1) The regulatory language must have the force of law and be in a document adopted by the 

community’s governing body.

(2) The language must clearly explain what is required. The following are not acceptable: 

• Statements of purpose and other discussions that are not specific regulatory 

requirements;
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• Plans and other documents that do not have final regulatory authority over 

development; and

• Language that does not have a clear and consistent requirement, such as “to the extent 

practical,” “unless exempted by the City Engineer,” or “the building official may 

require . . .”

(3) In addition to the regulatory language submitted for credit, the submittal needs to 

include related sections on enforcement, such as where the regulation applies and any 

exemptions that may be allowed.

(4) If the legal authority for the regulatory language is not clear, the ISO/CRS Specialist 

may request a letter from the community’s legal counsel that confirms that he/she will 

defend the regulation in court should there be a challenge.

(5) For CRS credit, the regulatory language must be adopted and in full force at the time of 

the verification visit.

(6) Regulations adopted by a county, regional agency, or state that are enforced within the 

community can be credited. Their implementation is verified in the same manner as a 

community regulation and it is expected that the community will assist in that 

verification. See also Section 231.d on state-based credit.

(7) A photocopy of the appropriate page(s) of the ordinance is sufficient. It must be marked 

to show where the regulatory provision appears (e.g., with the credit’s acronym in the 

margin). An alternative to a photocopy is a digital copy (see Section 231.b). If a digital 

copy is submitted, the community must identify the specific section number(s) where the 

qualifying language appears.

(8) No separate certification of the ordinance copy is needed. The community’s chief 

executive officer’s (CEO’s) certification that the community is implementing the 

activities (Section 212.b(4)) is considered certification that the ordinance has been 

adopted and is being enforced.

231.d. State-based Credit

A community may receive credit for an activity that is implemented by a state or regional 

agency. For example, a state law may require the disclosure of a flood hazard before the 

sale of real estate. 

“State-based credit” can be provided to the affected communities. “State-based” means that 

all communities in the affected area receive the same credit (minimum credit), as verified 

by a state agency or through ISO, but if a community does additional work or has a higher 

regulatory standard in all or part of the affected area, the community can document that it 

deserves higher credit.
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A summary of state-based credits is published for each state and can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/200. The publication may include credits that are automatic for all 

communities (such as a state-enforced statute on real estate disclosure) or credits that need 

additional materials to document that the activity is being implemented in the community 

(such as a state required freeboard—the ISO/CRS Specialist would still need copies of 

Elevation Certificates to verify that it is being enforced locally). 

In some cases, the ISO/CRS Specialist can work with the state or regional agency to collect 

the needed documentation. In others, it is expected that the community will obtain the 

additional documentation that may be needed. 

231.e. Maps 

Several activities require a map as documentation and many activities need impact 

adjustment maps. Maps must meet the following criteria:

(1) They need to be drawn or printed to scale, have a “north” arrow, and include a legend.

(2) Areas affected by an activity or element need to be clearly labeled. The element’s 

acronym is acceptable labeling.

(3) Digital maps are encouraged, but they must be in a common graphic format (pdf, jpg, 

gif, etc.). Files that require other software, such as GIS files, cannot be used.

232 Verification Visit 

232.a. Visit Scheduling 

After the application review concludes that the community could receive at least a Class 9 

classification, and approval has been received from the FEMA Regional Office, the 

ISO/CRS Specialist schedules a verification visit with the community. After a date is 

agreed upon, the ISO/CRS Specialist sends correspondence confirming the date and 

describing what will happen during the visit. If a community is unable to participate in the 

verification visit, it will remain a Class 10.

Visits can also be conducted when FEMA learns of problems in a community that shed 

doubt on whether it is fully implementing its activities. For example, if there was a flood 

and it appeared that flood warnings were not disseminated or there are a large number of 

new “submit for rating” flood insurance policies on buildings that do not appear to be 

properly elevated.

Visits may also be conducted to verify a modification that will change the community’s 

class (see Section 214).
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232.b. Cycle Scheduling 

A community keeps its classification for three or five years after its effective date. Cycle 

verifications are conducted every five years after the original application date for most CRS 

communities. Communities with larger total premium discounts and/or better classes may 

be visited on a three-year cycle.

The year before its classification lapses, the ISO/CRS Specialist will contact the community 

to schedule a cycle verification visit. Cooperation by the community in scheduling and 

conducting the visit is vital in order to process the cycle verification in time. 

The cycle verification is based on the version of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual currently in 

effect, not the one used for the original application or the last cycle visit. 

The cycle verification visit may be scheduled before or after the three- or five-year cycle. 

Some reasons for variation from this cycle include

• If the community has a new CRS Coordinator,

• If there has been a major flood or other disaster,

• When there is reason to believe that the community is no longer implementing all of 

its credited activities, and

• If time and costs can be substantially saved by combining the cycle verification visit 

with visits to neighboring communities. 

232.c. Conduct of Verification Visit

A verification visit involves a detailed review of all credited activities and may be a multiday event. More time is spent with the communities that have very large flood insurance 

premium discounts or large numbers of credited activities. Representatives from the FEMA 

Regional Office and/or the State NFIP Coordinator’s office may also attend the verification 

visit.

During the visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist reviews changes in the Coordinator’s Manual

since the last visit. The community’s activities and the class prerequisites are reviewed and

documented. New activities and elements are explained and may be verified.

The CRS Coordinator needs to be present for the entire visit. The Coordinator and the 

ISO/CRS Specialist can agree on a schedule that minimizes the amount of time that other 

community staff need to be present. 

Preparation

The documentation that is needed for the verification visit is listed in the “Documentation 

Provided by the Community” section for each element or activity. The ISO/CRS Specialist 

will send a list of typical documentation with the meeting confirmation letter.
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Also before the visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will request copies of all Elevation Certificates (required for Activity 310 credit) collected since the last visit and other 

documentation that needs to be reviewed before the visit. These are reviewed before the 

visit and the findings are discussed at the visit. Other documentation is collected during the 

visit and either reviewed then or taken by the ISO/CRS Specialist to review later.

Office Review

The ISO/CRS Specialist will discuss office procedures and similar topics with the 

appropriate staff. Samples of records, such as permits, map information logs, and inspection 

papers are reviewed.

If the required documentation is missing or otherwise deficient, credit cannot be verified for 

that element. However, the community will be allowed time after the visit to assemble other 

material necessary to verify the activities for which credit was requested.

New Activities

A community can receive credit for any activity that is verified at the visit, even if it was

not included with the application or the activity was not implemented at the time of the last 

visit, provided that the credit criteria and documentation requirements are met. 

Credit cannot be provided for activities that were STARTED AFTER the verification visit. For 

example, credit is not provided for an ordinance provision that was not adopted or officially 

approved by the local governing body before the verification visit. 

Field Verification 

For some elements, the ISO/CRS Specialist verifies credit in the field. The CRS 

Coordinator and/or other community staff members are encouraged to accompany the 

ISO/CRS Specialist on the field verification. What might look like a problem to the 

ISO/CRS Specialist may be easy to explain by someone familiar with the situation.

Exit Interview

When the visit is completed, the ISO/CRS Specialist will offer to speak to the CEO, or the 

highest ranking person available, to discuss the results, the approximate points, the 

community’s expected CRS Class, and the need to keep implementing the credited 

activities. It is recommended that the CRS Coordinator take advantage of this opportunity 

to brief his or her superiors on the program.

The community’s CEO is asked to certify the community’s verified program by signing 

Community Certification CC-230. If the CEO cannot sign the CC-230 during the visit, a 

signed copy must be submitted to the ISO/CRS Specialist within 30 days of the visit. An

example of a completed CC-230 is in Figure 230-1. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 230-9 Edition: 2017

232.d. Verification Thresholds 

If the visit reveals that any credited activities are not being fully implemented, then the 

credit points are adjusted. 

If the ISO/CRS Specialist finds that implementation of an element has fallen below a 

certain threshold, credit is not provided for that element. Activities vital to good floodplain 

management and for National Flood Insurance Program compliance have higher thresholds. 

The thresholds are

• Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates): 90%;

• Floodplain and stormwater management regulations in the 400 series: 80%; and

• All others: 50%.

Example 232.d-1. 

In an office review of inspection records to verify channel debris 

removal (CDR) under Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance), the 

ISO/CRS Specialist finds that 72% of the sites appear to be inspected 

annually, but 28% are not. The community’s verified credit will be 72% 

of the credit for the element. If fewer than 50% of the sites had been 

properly maintained, the community would have received no credit for 

CDR.

Example 232.d-2. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist reviews a number of Elevation Certificates to 

verify freeboard and finds that only 72% of them show the building 

elevated to or above the freeboard level. Because the results are below 

the 80% threshold for floodplain management regulations in the 400 

series, the community will receive no credit for freeboard. 

Credit for any element is prorated if the sampling finds instances in which the element is 

not fully implemented. It does not matter why it is not fully implemented. For example, if 

the lack of freeboard in the previous example was due to legally-issued variances, the credit 

is still prorated (or denied if the verification threshold is not met).
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 230-10 Edition: 2017

Figure 230-1. An example of a completed verification cover page (CC-230).
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 230-11 Edition: 2017

233 Post-visit Actions 

Technical Reviews

For some activities, the verification reviews are performed by ISO/CRS Technical 

Reviewers other than the ISO/CRS Specialist. For example, the documentation for 

Activities 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping) and 450 (Stormwater Management) are sent to 

engineers for review. 

Technical review activities may have separate checklists for the community’s CRS 

Coordinator to give to the staff person responsible for that activity. The checklists include 

contact information for that person, so the ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer can talk directly to 

the local expert if more information is needed.

Verification Review

Once the ISO/CRS Specialist has all the materials from the community and the technical 

review findings, the community file is sent to an ISO Program Coordinator for a second 

review. Technical reviews may get a second review from another ISO/CRS Technical 

Reviewer at this time as well. 

When the ISO Program Coordinator confirms all credits for the community are correct, the 

ISO/CRS Specialist prepares a verification report. This report summarizes the findings, the 

status of class prerequisites, and the points for each activity. The report is then sent to the 

community with a note that it is a draft and still subject to FEMA approval. The community 

should be aware that the verification report may be revised later. 

Once all credits and the appropriate classification are confirmed, the information is given to 

FEMA. This is done twice per year. FEMA reviews the recommendations and sends the 

community the official notice of its verified CRS classification and a copy of the final 

verification report.

Reconsideration

If the community believes that something was missed or misinterpreted during the 

verification visit, it may request a reconsideration of its CRS classification. A request for 

reconsideration must be submitted to the FEMA Regional Office, Attn: Director, Mitigation 

Division, within 30 days of receipt of the final verification report from FEMA.

A request for reconsideration must be based upon the activities reviewed at the verification 

visit. The request must include a description of how the community would credit the 

activity and must reference the sections of the Coordinator’s Manual that support the 

community’s position. A request to change a community’s credit points that does not 

contain sufficient points to change its CRS classification will not be granted.

The 30-day deadline ensures that the classification is determined as quickly as possible. 

FEMA will review requests for reconsideration and discuss them with the ISO/CRS 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 230-12 Edition: 2017

Specialist. A meeting may be held, depending upon the need for additional communica tion. 

FEMA will provide a written response to the community.

Reconsideration does not include activities implemented after the verification visit or if the 

ISO/CRS Specialist was not made aware of them at the visit. Such activities may be 

included as a modification in a succeeding year. If the community feels that there is an error 

that does not result in a change in CRS classification, it should include its evidence with its 

next recertification. Corrections will be made during the next verification visit.

Recertification

A community must recertify each year that it is continuing to meet the prerequisites for its 

class and continuing to implement the activities for which it has earned credit. 

Recertification is discussed in Section 213.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 240-1 Edition: 2017

240 CRS COMMUNITY SELF ASSESSMENT 

The OBJECTIVE of this tool is to help communities better understand the risks and benefits

inherent in their floodplains. This information will help communities identify which 

Community Rating System (CRS) activities would most benefit them.

There are many ways to reduce flood losses and protect natural floodplain functions, so it 

can be difficult for communities to know where to begin. An ideal first step for many 

communities may be to do a detailed and thorough analysis of their flood risks and natural 

floodplain functions as part of creating a comprehensive floodplain management plan (see 

Activity 510).

Other communities, though, may not have the immediate option of such an involved

process. The CRS Community Self Assessment is designed to be a quick and simple way

for communities to (1) gain a basic understanding of their floodplains, and (2) determine

where to best direct their efforts to most effectively reduce their flood exposure. It should 

be especially helpful for new staff and communities new to the CRS program. It does NOT 

replace the benefits of preparing a more comprehensive floodplain management plan. But it 

may be a useful early component of that process.

The CRS Community Self Assessment is available online at www.CRSresources.org/200. 

To complete it, communities work their way through five steps.

Step 1: Take an inventory of the floodplain. This step asks a series of questions designed 

to help a community look at its flood risk holistically. It includes questions about what 

structures are in the floodplain and what natural functions the local floodplain offers.

Step 2: Describe and map the hazards. This step walks communities through the process, 

hazard by hazard, of creating a map of the flood exposure and natural floodplain

functions.

Step 3: Identify specific flood problem areas.

Here, the community uses the map it created 

in Step 2 to outline specific areas where it 

may want to reduce flood risk and/or protect 

natural functions. An example is in 

Figure 240-1.

Step 4: Analyze flood problem areas. In this 

step, the community analyzes each flood

problem area to determine its resources and

assets.

Step 5: Assess hazards, exposures, and

activities. In this final step, the community

returns to a broader, community-wide focus

to characterize its floodplain, assess its 

challenges, and explore possible means of reducing its flood risk.

Figure 240-1. An example of a flood 

problem area map.
CRS Community Self Assessment

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 240-2 Edition: 2017

The CRS Community Self Assessment is designed to take a person less than a day to

complete. The amount of time required will depend on a number factors, including the size 

of the community, the types and scope of its flood risks, the familiarity of the person

completing the assessment with the community’s problems and assets, and the general

availability of information. However, communities are encouraged to complete the five

steps at whatever pace they wish.

NOTE: The CRS Community Self Assessment is intended to help communities step back, and

take a big-picture look at the benefits and risks offered by their floodplain. Although the 

site may make suggestions on ways that communities can reduce their flood exposure, the

recommendations are designed to provoke thought, and do not replace the need for a more

thorough analysis.

The CRS Community Self Assessment is voluntary, and not a credited activity. However,

some activities and elements require an assessment be conducted for certain credit. If there 

is no more detailed assessment, such as in a floodplain management plan or other 

document, the CRS Community Self Assessment will satisfy this requirement for 

• Developing a Program for Public Information (PPI) under Activity 330 (Outreach

Projects),

• The flood insurance coverage assessment (FIA) under Activity 370 (Flood Insurance 

Promotion), and

• The documentation to meet the credit criteria for Activities 610 (Flood Warning and 

Response), 620 (Levees), and 630 (Dams).

The Self Assessment can also help with the hazard and problem assessments (steps 4 and 5) 

when developing a floodplain management plan, credited under Activity 510.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-1 Edition: 2017

300 PUBLIC INFORMATION ACTIVITIES 

The Community Rating System (CRS) credits local activities that advise people about the 

flood hazard, flood insurance, and flood protection measures. The activities can be directed 

toward floodplain residents, property owners, insurance agents, real estate agents, or other 

segments of the local populace. One activity, 310 (Elevation Certificates), is mandatory for 

CRS classification.

Contents of Series 300

Section Page

300 Public Information........................................................................300-1

301 Impact Adjustments for Buildings.........................................300-4

302 Impact Adjustment Ratio ......................................................300-5

310 Elevation Certificates ...................................................................310-1

311 Background ..........................................................................310-2

312 Elements ............................................................................310-12

313 Credit Calculation ..............................................................310-17

314 For More Information .........................................................310-18

315 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......310-18

320 Map Information Service ..............................................................320-1

321 Background ..........................................................................320-2

322 Elements ..............................................................................320-8

323 Impact Adjustment ............................................................320-15

324 Credit Calculation ..............................................................320-15

325 Documentation Provided by the Community .......................320-16

326 For More Information .........................................................320-17

327 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......320-17

330 Outreach Projects .........................................................................330-1

331 Background ..........................................................................330-2

332 Elements ..............................................................................330-6

333 Impact Adjustment ............................................................330-21

334 Credit Calculation ..............................................................330-22

335 For More Information .........................................................330-23

336 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......330-23

340 Hazard Disclosure ........................................................................340-1

341 Background ..........................................................................340-2

342 Elements ..............................................................................340-3

343 Impact Adjustment ............................................................340-11

344 Credit Calculation ..............................................................340-11

345 For More Information .........................................................340-11

346 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......340-12
Public Information Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-2 Edition: 2017

350 Flood Protection Information ........................................................350-1

351 Background ..........................................................................350-2

352 Elements ..............................................................................350-3

353 Impact Adjustment ............................................................350-10

354 Credit Calculation ..............................................................350-10

355 For More Information .........................................................350-11

356 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......350-11

360 Flood Protection Assistance ..........................................................360-1

361 Background ..........................................................................360-2

362 Elements ..............................................................................360-4

363 Impact Adjustment .............................................................360-11

364 Credit Calculation ..............................................................360-12

365 For More Information .........................................................360-12

366 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......360-13

370 Flood Insurance Promotion ...........................................................370-1

371 Background ..........................................................................370-2

372 Elements ..............................................................................370-3

373 Impact Adjustment .............................................................370-13

374 Credit Calculation ..............................................................370-13

375 For More Information .........................................................370-13

376 Related Activities under the Community Rating System......370-14

List of Figures

310-1. The V-Zone Design Certificate ....................................................310-4

310-2. CRS Checklist for the 2006, 2009, and 2012 FEMA 

Elevation Certificate Forms......................................................310-7

310-3. An example cover sheet for 

 a correction to an Elevation Certificate ....................................310-9

320-1. Sample log for a map information service .................................320-5

320-2. A sample map information record for MI1 ................................320-6

320-3. A handout about mandatory purchase of flood insurance...........320-9

320-4. A flood depth map ..................................................................320-12

330-1. Examples of FRP messages and projects.................................330-11

330-2. A sample spreadsheet for a Program for 

 Public Information .................................................................330-18

340-1. Example disclosure on a final subdivision plat..........................340-6

340-2. Template for a real estate agents’ brochure ......................................... 340-9
Public Information Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-3 Edition: 2017

350-1. Publications credited under element LIB ..................................350-3

350-2 An example of an explanation of gage data ...............................350-9

360-1 Typical property protection measures........................................360-2

360-2 A selection of potential sources of financial assistance 

 for property protection .............................................................360-8

List of Tables

302-1. Impact adjustments for buildings ..............................................300-6

330-1. CRS topics and example messages............................................330-4

330-2. Basic scoring of example outreach projects (without a PPI) ......330-8

330-3. Scoring of example FRP projects (without a PPI) ...................330-14

330-4. Scoring examples for PPI and STK .........................................330-22
Public Information Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-4 Edition: 2017

301 Impact Adjustments for Buildings 

Many Community Rating System (CRS) activities are not implemented the same way 

throughout the floodplain. Therefore, their credit points need to be adjusted to reflect how 

much of the floodplain they cover. In CRS credit calculations, this is called the “impact 

adjustment” (see Section 222).

Some activities are adjusted based on the number of buildings affected and some are 

adjusted based on the area of land that is affected. This section reviews how activity and 

element credits are adjusted to reflect their impact on the community’s flood-prone

buildings. Section 401 covers impact adjustments based on land areas.

Most elements in the activities listed in Table 302-1 do not affect all of the buildings that 

could benefit from them. Credit for these elements is adjusted according to the numbe r of 

buildings that are actually benefited. In order to measure the impact of these activities, the 

community must determine the portion of its flood-prone buildings that is affected by each 

element.

Some activities and elements do not have the impact adjustment step as part of calculating

the total credit points. These activities and elements are assumed to be effective throughout 

the community. In some cases, credit is provided only if they are implemented throughout 

the community. For example, under Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure), credit is provided for 

disclosing the hazards for all properties in the community. Because the information must be 

provided throughout the community, there is no impact adjustment for Activity 340.

301.a. Definition of “Building”

For CRS purposes, a structure qualifies as a building based on whether it is insurable. The 

structure must meet the following criteria, which are taken from the definition in the 

National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) Flood Insurance Manual for insurance 

agents. A “building” is

• A structure with two or more outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof and that is 

affixed to a permanent site; or

• A manufactured home (also known as a mobile home) is a structure built on a 

permanent chassis, transported to its site in one or more sections, and affixed to a 

permanent foundation; or

• A travel trailer without wheels, built on a chassis and affixed to a permanent 

foundation, that is regulated under the community’s floodplain management and 

building ordinances or laws.

“Building” does not mean a gas or liquid storage tank, a recreational vehicle, a park trailer, 

or other similar vehicle, except as described above.
Public Information Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-5 Edition: 2017

Examples of structures that are NOT counted as buildings include open pavilions for picnic 

tables, bleachers, carports with open sides, underground pumping stations, and sheds on 

skids that are moved to different construction sites.

301.b. Pre- and Post-FIRM buildings 

A “pre-FIRM building” is a building constructed or substantially improved on or before 

December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of the community’s initial Flood Insurance 

Rate Map (FIRM), whichever is later.

A “post-FIRM building” is a building constructed or substantially improved after 

December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of the community’s initial FIRM, whichever 

is later.

The date of the initial FIRM can be found in the FIRM’s legend under “Flood Insurance 

Rate Map Effective.” It usually is not the same as the “initial identification” date, which is 

the date of the community’s first Flood Hazard Boundary Map. Post-FIRM buildings are 

required to meet the minimum flood protection standards of the NFIP’s Regular Program.

302 Impact Adjustment Ratio 

Impact adjustments are calculated by multiplying the points for an element by a ratio that 

represents how much of the flood problem is being addressed by the element. Impact 

adjustment ratios are variables with a lower case “r” preceding the acronym for the element.

The value of an impact adjustment ratio is determined by dividing the number of buildings 

affected by an element (the numerator) by the appropriate denominator. The number of 

buildings is designated by a lower case “b.”

The denominator for the elements in each activity is specified in the Impact Adjustment 

section for the element. In most cases, it is the number of buildings in the Special Flood 

Hazard Area (SFHA), or “bSF.”

Example 302-1.

Under Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response), the credit for 

emergency warning dissemination is adjusted based on its impact, i.e., 

how much of the SFHA that is reached by the warning program. This is 

calculated by multiplying the credit by the impact adjustment. The 

acronym for emergency warning dissemination is “EWD.” The impact 

adjustment ratio for EWD is “rEWD.”
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-6 Edition: 2017

rEWD is the number of buildings that are reached by the warning 

program (bEWD) divided by the number of buildings in the SFHA

(bSF). The formula is

rEWD = bEWD 

 bSF

For example, a community has a coastal flood warning system that 

does not cover buildings subject to riverine flooding. The coastal 

warning system reaches 1,350 buildings. bEWD = 1,350

There are 1,890 buildings in the SFHA. bSF = 1,890

rEWD = 1,350 = 0.71

 1,890

The community receives 71% of the credit because 71% of the 

buildings in the SFHA are affected by the warning system.

Table 302-1. Impact adjustments for buildings.

Activity Element Denominator

310 (Elevation Certificates)

ECPO Number of post-FIRM buildings (bPO)

ECPR Number of pre-FIRM buildings (bPR)

510 (Floodplain Management Planning) RLAA Number of buildings in all repetitive 

loss areas

520 (Acquisition and Relocation) All bSF + number of credited buildings

530 (Flood Protection) All bSF 

610 (Flood Warning and Response) FTR, EWD, FRO, CFP bSF 

620 (Levees) All Number of buildings affected by levee 

failure (bLF)

630 (Dams) DFR, DFW, DFO, DCF Number of buildings inundated by a 

dam failure flood (bDF)

Elements not listed do not have an impact adjustment calculation

302.a. Counting Buildings

For each element with an impact adjustment ratio based on buildings, the numerator is the 

number of buildings affected by the element, and is designated by a lower case “b” followed 

by the acronym for that element. The denominator is the total number of buildings that 

could be affected by the element.

What is counted as a “building” is defined in Section 301.a.
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Accessory structures are not included when counting buildings for calculating impact 

adjustments. For example, a house with a detached garage and shed is counted as one 

building. The flood insurance policy is based on the elevation of the house. However, if a 

lot has several principal buildings, each is counted separately because each normally is 

insured under a separate policy. For example, a motel with three principal buildings counts 

as three buildings. If one of the three buildings is an unheated bathhouse for the swimming 

pool and houses only showers and supplies, then the motel would be counted as two 

buildings.

To determine building counts, communities may use any method that yields reasonably 

good estimates of the number of buildings. Building counts should be accurate so they will 

provide the most useful information for both CRS and community planning. Acceptable 

methods include

• Using geographic information system- (GIS-) based building footprints,

• Reviewing aerial photographs,

• Using U.S. Census tract data, and

• Using the number of utility connections in an area.

Communities are required to document how they obtained their building counts or estimated 

building counts.

302.b. bSF (buildings in the SFHA)

“bSF” is the acronym for the number of buildings within the Special Flood Hazard Area

(SFHA). This number is needed for the impact adjustment in several activities (see 

Table 302-1). Knowing the number of buildings in the SFHA is a requirement for 

participation in the CRS, as noted in Section 213.a. The only extra work for an impact 

adjustment is to determine how many of those buildings are affected by the credited 

element.

For CRS purposes, a community may determine bSF in one of two ways.

(1) bSF = the number of buildings in the community’s Special Flood Hazard Area as of the 

verification visit; or

(2) bSF = bPR + (0.60 x bPO), where

bPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, and

bPO = the number of post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA.

This approach more accurately reflects the activity’s influence on the pre-FIRM and 

post-FIRM flood insurance premium bases in the community.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 300-8 Edition: 2017

Communities with a small number of post-FIRM buildings will probably find it easier to 

use the first formula for bSF, i.e., all buildings in the SFHA are counted the same.

Communities with a lot of recent development and a high percentage of post-FIRM 

buildings will find that the second formula results in a smaller bSF. This will yield more 

points for the activities that use bSF in the impact adjustment.

bSF does not include buildings located outside of the SFHA as shown on the FIRM in effect 

on the date of the verification visit. It does not include buildings located in the B, C, D, or 

X Zones, even though the community may be regulating flood problem areas in those zones.

It does include buildings in A99 and AR Zones.

bSF is the number of buildings in the SFHA at the time of the verification visit, not the 

number on the original map. Therefore, the value for bSF is recalculated at each cycle visit. 

The value can change if there is a new map or if the community annexed land that includes 

more SFHA. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-1 Edition: 2017

310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES—Summary 

Maximum credit: 116 points

312 Elements

a. Maintaining Elevation Certificates (EC): Up to 38 points for maintaining 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Elevation Certificates on 

all buildings built in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) after the date 

of application to the Community Rating System (CRS). All communities 

applying to the CRS must apply for this element. The community must 

make copies of the certificates available to all inquirers.

b. Maintaining Elevation Certificates for post-FIRM buildings (ECPO): 

Up to 48 points for maintaining Elevation Certificates on buildings built 

before the date of application to the CRS but after the initial date of the 

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

c. Maintaining Elevation Certificates for pre-FIRM buildings (ECPR): Up to 

30 points for maintaining Elevation Certificates on buildings built before 

the initial date of the FIRM.

Credit Criteria

All three elements of this activity have the same credit criteria, described in 

Section 311.b.

a. The community must maintain completed Elevation Certificates showing 

the “finished construction” elevations for all buildings constructed or 

substantially improved in the SFHA during the period credited.

b. For floodproofed buildings, a FEMA Floodproofing Certificate is needed 

instead of an Elevation Certificate. Other certificates may be needed in 

coastal high hazard areas and for floodproofed residential basements.

c. The community must ensure that the certificates are complete and the 

information correct.

d. The community must make copies of Elevation Certificates readily 

available to anyone upon request. 

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for EC. The credit for ECPO and ECPR are adjusted 

based on the number of post-FIRM and pre-FIRM buildings in the community.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-2 Edition: 2017

310 ELEVATION CERTIFICATES 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to maintain correct Federal Emergency Management 

Agency (FEMA) Elevation Certificates and other needed certifications for new and 

substantially improved buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

311 Background

According to insurance agents, one of the greatest impediments to selling flood insurance is 

the difficulty of obtaining accurate data on the flood insurance rating zone and building 

elevation. All of the technical data an agent needs should be recorded on the FEMA 

Elevation Certificate. Communities are required to maintain a record of the elevation of the 

lowest floor of any new building or substantial improvement built in the SFHA (see the 

Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR §60.3(b)(5)(iii))). 

In 44 CFR §59.22(a)(9)(iii), the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) also requires 

that communities make their elevation and related building information available for public 

inspection and flood insurance rating. The NFIP requires insurance agents to use the FEMA 

Elevation Certificate form when processing an application for an insurance policy. The 

application data are usually more accurate when the FEMA Elevation Certificate form is 

prepared at the time of construction by someone who is familiar with the NFIP and when 

the form is readily available from the local building department. 

This activity requires communities to obtain and review Elevation Certificates and other 

certifications on new construction and to ensure that they are filled out completely and 

correctly. This should be done as soon as construction is complete and before the certificate 

of occupancy or certificate of use is issued. It is vital to get an accurate Elevation 

Certificate filed while the community still has some authority to get any needed corrections 

made. 

The CRS considers accurately completed Elevation Certificates to be evidence of a 

community’s full compliance with the minimum requirements of the NFIP. Therefore, 

Elevation Certificates that are not accurately completed are taken as an indication that the 

community may not be in full compliance, and continued participation in the CRS may 

become an issue.

311.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 310 is 116 points.

Credit is provided if the community maintains FEMA Elevation Certificates for new and 

substantially improved construction. To participate in the CRS, a community must maintain 

completed FEMA Elevation Certificates on all buildings constructed, substantially 

improved, or placed in the SFHA after the community’s initial date of application for the 

CRS. The community must review the certificates to ensure accuracy, and make copies 

available to any inquirer. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-3 Edition: 2017

Copies of all final certificates for new and substantially improved buildings must be made 

available to inquirers and provided to the CRS for review. It is recommended that the 

community establish a separate file and place a copy of each new certification in this file. If 

the community maintains digital copies of building permit records, digital copies of the 

certificates should be separated from the rest of the file so that they can easily be collected 

to meet this requirement. The community may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of 

copying the certificates for inquirers.

All discussions here in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual about Elevation Certificates also 

apply to the other specialized certifications described in the next section.

Required Certificates

Almost all buildings constructed to meet NFIP criteria are raised so that the lowest floor is 

at or above the base flood elevation. The appropriate record that shows that the building 

meets the code requirement is the FEMA Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33).

Because most building data are recorded on Elevation Certificates, this activity is called 

“Elevation Certificates.” However, full credit for this activity requires that the community 

also use the following where appropriate:

• Floodproofed non-residential buildings require FEMA’s Floodproofing Certificate for 

Non-Residential Structures (FEMA Form 086-0-34). A separate Elevation Certificate

is not needed for these buildings. The 2015 Floodproofing Certificate requires 

elevations based on finished construction.

• In addition to an Elevation Certificate, a V Zone Design Certificate is needed for new 

and substantially improved buildings in coastal high hazard areas (V Zones and 

coastal A Zones, where credited). These are required for buildings constructed or 

substantially improved after the community’s first verification visit under the 2013

Coordinator’s Manual. 

• The V Zone Design Certificate is found in FEMA’s Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal 

Construction, Technical Fact Sheet No. 1.5. It is shown in Figure 310-1 and can be 

found at http://www.fema.gov/residential-coastal-construction. Communities with 

alternative forms or certifications may submit them to their ISO/CRS Specialists to 

see if they meet this activity’s criteria.

• Communities that have received a residential basement floodproofing exception must 

use FEMA’s Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-24) 

where applicable. 

Copies of the FEMA Elevation Certificate and the FEMA Floodproofing Certificate are 

available free in quantity from FEMA and can be downloaded from FEMA’s website at

http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-2/elevation-certificate. Instructions 

are included with the forms.

For new construction, only the current FEMA forms are acceptable. A community may 

receive credit by transferring data from other forms onto a FEMA certificate.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-4 Edition: 2017

Figure 310-1. The V Zone Design Certificate (from FEMA’s Home Builder’s

Guide to Coastal Construction, Technical Fact Sheet No. 1.5).

V ZONE DESIGN CERTIFICATE

Name Policy Number (Insurance Co. Use) __ ______

Building Address of Other Description ______

Permit No. ______ ____City _State _____Zip Code ______

SECTION I: Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Information

Community No. Panel No. Suffix FIRM Date FIRM Zone(s) 

SECTION II: Elevation Information Used for Design 

[NOTE: This section documents the elevations/depths used or specified in the design – it does not document surveyed 

elevations and is not equivalent to the as-built elevations required to be submitted during or after construction.] 

1. FIRM Base Flood Elevation (BFE) ....................................................................................................................... ______ feet*

2. Community’s Design Flood Elevation (DFE) .........................................................................................................______ feet*

3. Elevation of the Bottom of Lowest Horizontal Structure Member...........................................................................______ feet*

4. Elevation of Lowest Adjacent Grade .....................................................................................................................______ feet*

5. Depth of Anticipated Scour/Erosion used for Foundation Design .......................................................................... ______ feet 

6. Embedment Depth of Pilings of Foundation Below Lowest Adjacent Grade.......................................................... ______ feet 

 * Indicate elevation datum used in 1-4:  NGVD29  NAVD88  Other ______

SECTION III: V Zone Design Certification Statement 

I certify that: (1) I have developed or reviewed the structural design, plans, and specifications for construction of the abovereferenced building and (2) that the design and methods of construction specified to be used are in accordance with accepted 

standards of practice** for meeting the following provisions: 

• The bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member of the lowest floor (excluding piles and columns) is elevated to or above 

the BFE. 

• The pile and column foundation and structure attached thereto is anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement

due to the effects of the wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components. Water loading values used are 

those associated with the base flood***. Wind loading values used are those required by the applicable State or local building 

code. The potential for scour and erosion at the foundation has been anticipated for conditions associated with the base flood, 

including wave action. 

SECTION IV: Breakaway Wall Design Certification Statement

[NOTE. This section must be certified by a registered engineer or architect when breakaway walls are designed to have a 

resistance of more than 20 psf (0.96 kN/m2) determined using allowable stress design] 

I certify that: (1) I have developed or reviewed the structural design, plans, and specifications for construction of breakaway walls to 

be constructed under the above-referenced building and (2) that the design and methods of construction specified to be used are in 

accordance with accepted standards of practice** for meeting the following provisions:

• Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water load less than that which would occur during the base flood***. 

• The elevated portion of the building and supporting foundation system shall not be subject to collapse, displacement, or other 

structural damage due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components (see Section III). 

SECTION V: Certification and Seal

This certification is to be signed and sealed by a registered professional engineer or architect authorized by law to certify 

structural designs. I certify the V Zone Design Certification Statement (Section III) and ________ the Breakaway Wall Design

Certification Statement (Section IV, check if applicable).

Certifier’s Name License Number

Title Company Name

Address

City State Zip Code

Signature Date Telephone 

Note: The V Zone design certificate is not a substitute for the NFIP Elevation Certificate (see Fact Sheet No. 1.4, Lowest Floor 

Elevation), which is required to certify as-built elevations needed for flood insurance rating.
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-5 Edition: 2017

Elevation Certificates 

Completed by the 

Community

Elevation Certificates can be 

completed by a local official who is 

authorized by law or ordinance to 

administer the community’s 

floodplain management program, 

provided that the original surveyed 

elevations in Section C were 

obtained by a registered design 

professional.

A community can transfer data 

from a surveying project to the 

FEMA Elevation Certificate form if 

it can demonstrate that the source 

of the data was appropriate and if 

the source is described in Section 

G of the certificate.

CRS Participation Requirement

As noted earlier, properly completed FEMA Elevation 

Certificates are a key indicator of community compliance 

with the requirements of the NFIP. Therefore, obtaining, 

reviewing, and maintaining elevation and the other 

certificates is a minimum requirement of participation in 

the CRS (see also Section 211.a).

The community is required to maintain certificates on all 

new SFHA buildings and substantial improvements 

permitted after the community applies for CRS credit, as 

credited under Section 312.a. Communities applying to the 

CRS may receive 38 points for EC under Section 312.a, 

provided that Elevation Certificates are provided with 

each annual recertification for new buildings and 

substantial improvements within the SFHA.

Those few NFIP communities that have no SFHA may not 

receive credit for this activity. However, if such a CRS 

community with no SFHA later receives a FIRM from 

FEMA that includes areas of SFHA or annexes an area 

with an SFHA, it must begin maintaining Elevation 

Certificates on the date of the FIRM or annexation or it 

will lose its credit.

Some communities require FEMA Elevation Certificates for new construction in floodprone areas that are outside of the SFHA but are regulated by the community. This is 

encouraged as a good floodplain management practice. However, because the certificates 

are not used in flood insurance rating, there is no requirement under this activity that they 

be maintained or submitted for review. The documentation requirement is limited to 

Elevation Certificates for new construction or substantial improvements in the SFHA. 

311.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

(1) The community must maintain completed FEMA Elevation Certificates showing the 

“finished construction” elevations for all buildings constructed or substantially improved 

in the SFHA during the period credited. “Buildings” are defined in Section 301.a.

(2) If the building was floodproofed, a FEMA Floodproofing Certificate is needed instead 

of an Elevation Certificate. Other certificates may be needed in coastal high hazard 

areas and for floodproofed residential basements (see “Required Certificates,” above).

(3) The community must review the certificates to ensure that they are complete and that 

the information is correct. This is described in more detail under “Elevation Certificate 

Checklist” and “Getting Correct Certificates,” below.

(4) The community must make copies of Elevation Certificates readily available to anyone 

upon request. If a community receives credit for having Elevation Certificates from 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-6 Edition: 2017

before it applied to the CRS, it must be able to retrieve those certificates, including 

those from projects whose permit files may have been archived or discarded.

Elevation Certificate Checklist

As noted in “Activity Credit Criteria,” above, the community must review the certificates to 

ensure that the information is correct. The ISO/CRS Specialist collects all Elevation 

Certificates for which the community requests credit and checks them for specific items. 

The CRS checklist for the 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015 Elevation Certificate forms is shown 

in Figure 310-2. There is also a form with the checklist items highlighted available at 

www.CRSresources.org/300. The ISO/CRS Specialist can provide similar checklists for 

earlier versions of the FEMA forms.

If any of the items on the checklist are not completed or are incorrect, the ISO/CRS 

Specialist will reduce the element’s credit points as explained in Section 311.c.

Note that, although Item A6. of the instructions to the Elevation Certificate form requires 

photos of the structure, the photos are only required for purchasing flood insurance. Photos 

are not required for the community’s permit records nor are they required for CRS credit.

However, photos are encouraged and credited as part of the three inspections under 

Regulations Administration (RA) in Section 432.o.

Checklists for the Floodproofing Certificate, V Zone Design Certificate, and the Residential 

Basement Floodproofing Certificate can be found at www.CRSresources.org/300.

Getting Correct Certificates

It is the community’s responsibility to ensure that the certificates it maintains have been 

completed correctly. Certificates provided by surveyors must be proofread and corrected if 

there are errors or omissions. Although the surveyed elevations are likely to be correct, it is 

not unusual for surveyors to enter the wrong FIRM date or diagram number or fail to 

complete all the entries in Section C of the Elevation Certificate form. 

If there are certificates that have items on the checklist omitted or incorrectly filled out, the 

community has the following options:

(1) For any inaccurate or incomplete information in Section C2, the local official should 

request a new certificate. 

(2) If incomplete or inaccurate information is found in the other sections, the local 

official can do the following. Note that in some states, the local official SHOULD NOT

mark up a signed and sealed form.

o The forms may be returned to the surveyor with instructions on what needs to 

be changed or corrected; 

o The local official can prepare a separate memo with the correct information 

and attach the memo to the form (see Figure 310-3). When the certificate is 

provided to an inquirer, the memo must be included with it; or 

o The local official can note the changes or corrections in Section G.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-7 Edition: 2017

SECTION A—PROPERTY INFORMATION

A2 and A3

Complete street address or property description. In either case, the city, state, and zip 

code must be listed.

A6 Photographs: Photographs are not required for CRS credit. However, they are required 

for writing a flood insurance policy and they can be very helpful for compliance records.

A7 Building diagram number.

A8 a), b), and c) Enclosure and crawl space information for buildings that are 

diagram 6, 7, 8, or 9.

A9 a), b), and c) Attached garage information. If there is no attached garage, enter “N/A” in 

all three spaces. If there is an attached garage and there are no openings, the correct 

entry is “zero,” even if the garage is above the BFE. 

A8 and 

 A9 If the square footage of the crawlspace or garage is larger than the square inches of 

the openings AND “(d) Engineered flood openings” is checked “yes,” then there must be 

a certification by a registered design professional or a copy of the ICC Evaluation Service 

report. 

SECTION B—FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) INFORMATION 

B1 NFIP community name/community number.

B4 Map AND panel number.

B5 Panel number and suffix.

B7 FIRM panel effective/revised date.

B8 Flood zone(s) in which the building is located.

B9 Base flood elevation(s).

B10 The source of the base flood elevation data or base flood depth entered in B9. 

B11 The elevation datum used for the base flood elevation in B9.

B12 Whether the building is located in a Coastal Barrier Resources System area or Otherwise 

Protected Area.

SECTION C—BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (when a survey is required)

C1 Basis for building elevations: Note: “Finished construction” must be checked unless the 

building is still under construction. The ISO/CRS Specialist will not review Elevation 

Certificates for buildings still under construction, unless requested to by the community.

C2 Elevations. The benchmark utilized and vertical datum entries must be completed. Items

a) through g) must have an entry.

Elevation items a), f), and g) must be recorded on every certificate. If an item does not 

apply, enter “N/A” in the fields where no data are being supplied. 

Items b) and c) must be completed with an elevation if they are applicable and if that 

letter appears on the diagram on pages 7−9 of the instructions. 

If there is an attached garage, an elevation must be entered for item d), otherwise the 

entry is “N/A.” If there is machinery and/or equipment that service the building, an 

elevation must be entered for item e), otherwise the entry is “N/A.”

Figure 310-2. CRS Checklist for the 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015

 FEMA Elevation Certificate forms.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-8 Edition: 2017

SECTION D—CERTIFICATION BY A REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

Certifier’s name and license number 

Certifier’s signature

Date

If there is a signature and/or date in the box, there does not have to be a separate signature or 

date on the line. 

SECTION E—BUILDING ELEVATION INFORMATION (when a survey is not required in a 

Zone AO or a Zone A without a base flood elevation) 

E1 a) and b) Enter the difference between the top of the bottom floor and the highest and 

lowest adjacent grade.

E2 For Building Diagrams 6–-9 with openings, enter the difference between the top of the 

next higher floor and the highest adjacent grade.

E3 Enter the difference between the top of the garage slab and the highest adjacent grade.

E4 Enter the difference between the top of the platform for machinery or equipment and the 

highest adjacent grade.

E5 Zone AO (only) Elevation of bottom floor complies with the ordinance (if there is no base 

flood depth provided).

Note: If Section E is used, then Sections F or G must be completed.

SECTION F—PROPERTY OWNER (OR OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE) 

CERTIFICATION

This section is used if Section E is completed by the owner or owner’s representative. If used, this 

section must include the property owner’s or representative’s name in the first line and the signature in 

the third line.

SECTION G—COMMUNITY INFORMATION

If G1 or G2 is checked, then the first and third lines after G10 (the local official’s name and signature) 

must be completed. 

NOTE: If a local official authorized by law to complete an Elevation Certificate fills out ALL the information 

(including elevation data), then G8, G9, and the signature block must be completed. 

Figure 310-2 (cont.). CRS Checklist for the 2006, 2009, and 2012

 FEMA Elevation Certificate forms.

One way communities have improved the quality of their Elevation Certificates is by

completing Sections A and B at the time of the permit application. The partially completed 

form then is given to the applicant or to the surveyor who then can focus on completing the 

surveyed information in Section C. This has been shown to reduce many of the mor e 

common errors.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-9 Edition: 2017

Figure 310-3. An example of a cover sheet for a correction to an Elevation Certificate.

Some communities use a “correction form” like this one when an error or omission 

is found that can be corrected by the local official. It is stapled to the certificate that is 

made available to inquirers. It should be noted that the community assumes responsibility 

for the accuracy of the changes it makes.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-10 Edition: 2017

311.c. Credit Verification

Two months before each verification visit, the community sends the ISO/CRS Specialist a

list of all new buildings and substantial improvements constructed in the SFHA since the 

last cycle verification visit. See the information that should be included on the list in 

Section 312.a, “Documentation for EC Provide by the Community.” The community also 

sends copies of the Elevation Certificates (and/or V Zone, Floodproofing Certificates, etc., 

as appropriate) for those buildings and substantial improvements. 

The Insurance Services Office, Inc., (ISO) reviews the certificates in accordance with the 

checklist and brings the findings to the visit. The community’s credit for the first element, 

EC, will be based on this review. For example, if the community has 20 certificates and 

only 12 have no problems listed on the checklist, the community’s credit will be

EC = 38 x 12 = 22.80 points

 20

The community is given feedback on all the certificates. To stay in the CRS, at least 90% of 

the community’s certificates must be correct, i.e., have no problems. If less than 90% of the 

certificates pass (as in the example above), the community must correct them in order to 

stay in the CRS.

The credit for EC is based on the review of certificates submitted for the verification visit. 

It will not change after the community makes the needed corrections, but EC will be 

rescored at the next visit based on a review of the next batch of certificates.

The certificates for ECPO and ECPR credit are reviewed in the same way and the 90% 

threshold applies to them as well. However, if the certificates with problems are corrected, 

they can be reviewed again and the community will receive a revised credit. The number of 

pre- and post-FIRM buildings is relatively static. Because EC reflects new construction, it 

needs to be rescored at every verification visit.

At each annual recertification, the community again provides the list of new buildings and 

substantial improvements constructed in the SFHA during the previous year and copies of 

the elevation and other certificates for those buildings. These are reviewed and feedback on 

the findings is given to the community. 

There is no change to the community’s credit based on the recertification findings, but 

those Elevation Certificates will be reviewed at the next cycle verification visit. Therefore, 

it is in the community’s best interest to correct the Elevation Certificates as soon as 

possible so the EC credit is not lowered at the community’s next verification visit.

At the next verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will review all certificates collected 

since the previous visit (or, at the community’s option, only those submitted at the annual 

recertification that had problems plus all certificates collected by the community since the 

last recertification). Credit for EC will be revised, based on this review. Because the 

community will have had most of the certificates reviewed and critiqued after each annual 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-11 Edition: 2017

recertification, the community should have had adequate time to assemble a corrected set of 

Elevation Certificates for the next verification visit.

Example 311.c-1.

A coastal county’s cycle verification visit was in 2014. Two months 

before the visit, the building department provided the ISO/CRS 

Specialist with a list of all new buildings and substantial improvements 

that were built in the SFHA since the last visit. There are 134 such 

projects. The department also provides 133 Elevation Certificates, one 

Floodproofing Certificate, and six V Zone Design Certificates, for a 

total of 140 forms.

ISO reviewed all of the forms and found 16 buildings with problem

forms and 118 buildings with correct forms. The verified credit for EC 

for the county was 38 x 118 ÷ 134 = 38 x 0.88 = 33.44. However, the 

county needed 121 forms with no problems to meet the 90% 

verification threshold (134 x 90% = 121). The ISO/CRS Specialist gave 

the county a deadline to correct at least three certificates. If this was 

not done, the county would have been converted to a CRS Class 10. 

The county staff made the corrections and submitted them to the 

ISO/CRS Specialist. The county met the verification threshold and the 

county’s credit for EC remained at 33.44 until the next cycle verification 

visit.

At each annual recertification, the county submits the list of permits 

and copies of all of the certificates collected during the previous year. 

They are reviewed and the county is advised of any problems that are 

found. At the next verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist collects the 

list of permits. The community has the option of providing copies of all 

the certificates collected by the county since the 2014 visit or just those 

that the ISO/CRS Specialist has not seen (i.e., since the last annual 

recertification submittal), plus the corrected certificates that had 

problems in the previous year or years.

This time, the list has 508 permits and the building department 

provides 483 Elevation Certificates, five Floodproofing Certificates, 22 

V Zone Design Certificates, and an explanation that 20 permitted 

projects are still under construction, for a total of 488 building with 

certificates. A technical review finds that 478 (98%) buildings have 

correct certificates and the county meets the verification threshold. The 

credit for EC is based on the latest visit’s findings, so EC = 38 x (478 ÷

488 = 37.24. The county is encouraged to correct the five certificates 

with problems, but the credit will remain at 37.24 until the next visit.
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-12 Edition: 2017

312 Elements 

312.a. Maintaining Elevation Certificates (EC)

The maximum credit for this element is 38 points.

EC credit is provided if the community maintains Elevation Certificates for all new 

buildings and substantial improvements constructed in the SFHA since the date of 

application to the CRS. 

EC is adjusted to less than 38 points if the verification findings warrant such a reduction. 

The credit points are reduced if incorrect or incomplete information appears on the 

Elevation Certificate forms checked during the verification process.

As described in the Section 311.c, the community must have at least 90% of its elevation 

and other certificates correct in order to meet one of the prerequisites to be in the CRS. This 

prerequisite only applies to element EC, i.e., certificates on buildings built or substantially 

improved after the community applied to join the CRS, not to ECPO or ECPR.

If no buildings have been built or substantially improved in the SFHA since the CRS 

application date, the community receives full credit for EC. The CRS prefers to see no 

buildings in the floodplain rather than provide credit for records on those that have been 

built. 

Credit Criteria for EC

The activity credit criteria in Section 311.b must be met.

Credit Points for EC

EC = a maximum of 38 points for maintaining Elevation Certificates, 

and

EC = 38 x reviewed and correct Elevation Certificates 

all reviewed Elevation Certificates

Impact Adjustment for EC

There is no impact adjustment because communities must require, review, and maintain 

copies of Elevation Certificates on ALL new construction. There is no credit under this 

activity for having Elevation Certificates on only some of the buildings constructed or 

substantially improved since the community’s CRS application.

Documentation for EC Provided by the Community

(1) At least two months before each verification visit,

(a) A list of all permits issued for new buildings and substantial improvements in the 

SFHA since the last cycle verification visit. The list needs to include the address of 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-13 Edition: 2017

each building; the type of building (e.g., residential, commercial, or other term used 

in Section A4 of the FEMA Elevation Certificate form); FIRM zone (AE, A, VE, 

etc.); whether it is a new building or substantial improvement; the date of the permit;

and whether the permit is final.

(b) Copies of Elevation Certificates (and/or V Zone and Floodproofing Certificates, as 

appropriate) for all new buildings and substantial improvements in the SFHA that 

have been collected since the last visit.

(c) If the community is applying for or receiving credit for regulating areas outside the 

SFHA, the ISO/CRS Specialist will advise whether the list of permits and copies of 

Elevation Certificates in (a) and (b) should include properties in those non-SFHA 

areas.

The list and certificates can be provided in paper or digital format. Certificates on 

detached garages, non-substantial improvements, and properties not in the SFHA are not 

needed for this activity’s credit. If they are needed to verify another activity, they 

should be submitted with the documentation for the other activity.

Note that it is acceptable that there are permits issued for buildings that do not yet have 

Elevation Certificates because construction has not been completed. Likewise, it is 

acceptable that there are Elevation Certificates on buildings not on the current permit 

list because the permits were issued before the last visit. 

If there have been no new buildings or substantial improvements in the SFHA since the 

last submittal, a letter or memo to that effect is needed, signed by the permit official.

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) A description of how the community maintains, stores, and provides copies of 

certificates to inquirers.

(3) With the annual recertification,

(a) A list of all permits issued for new buildings and substantial improvements in the 

SFHA since the last recertification submittal, and 

(b) Copies of all Elevation Certificates (and/or V Zone and Floodproofing Certificates, 

as appropriate) for new buildings and substantial improvements in the SFHA that 

have been collected since the last submittal.

The list and certificates can be provided in paper or digital format. If there have been no 

new buildings or substantial improvements in the SFHA since the last submittal, a letter 

or memo to that effect is needed, signed by the permit official.

312.b. Maintaining Elevation Certificates for post-FIRM buildings (ECPO) 

The maximum credit for this element is 48 points.

ECPO credit is provided if completed and correct certificates are maintained for all 

buildings built or substantially improved in the SFHA between the date of the effective

FIRM at the time of construction and the date of the community’s application to the CRS.
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-14 Edition: 2017

If there are no post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, the community receives full credit for 

ECPO because there are no post-FIRM buildings or substantial improvements without 

Elevation Certificates. The CRS would prefer to see no buildings in the floodplain rather 

than provide credit for records on those that have been built. However, if the community 

annexes lands that include buildings in the SFHA constructed since the date of its initial 

FIRM, the credit is based on how many of those buildings have Elevation Certificates.

Credit Criteria for ECPO

The activity credit criteria in Section 311.b must be met.

Credit Points for ECPO

ECPO = up to 48 points, for maintaining Elevation Certificates for 

post-FIRM buildings

Impact Adjustment for ECPO

If the community only has certificates for some of its post-FIRM buildings, then the value 

for ECPO is adjusted.

rECPO = bECPO , where

 bPO

bECPO = the number of post-FIRM buildings with Elevation 

Certificates, and

bPO = the number of buildings built or substantially improved in 

the community’s SFHA between the initial FIRM effective date 

and the date the community applied to the CRS

Section 301 describes how to count buildings for the impact adjustment and has an 

alternative way to calculate bPO that favors post-FIRM, i.e., compliant, buildings in the 

SFHA.

If no buildings have been built or substantially improved in the SFHA since the community 

entered the Regular Program of the NFIP, then bPO = 0. As noted above, the community 

would still receive full credit for this element because the CRS would prefer to see no 

buildings in the floodplain rather than provide credit for records on those that have been 

built. 

Example 312.b-1. 

A community’s CRS credit was verified by its ISO/CRS Specialist 

during the spring of 2004. Its initial FIRM effective date is May 15, 
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-15 Edition: 2017

1980. Between then and when it applied to the CRS in 2003, 22 

buildings were built or substantially improved. bPO = 22

The community began using FEMA’s Elevation Certificates after FEMA 

conducted a community assistance visit in 1986. It has completed 

certificates for all buildings built since then. There are 10 buildings with 

correct Elevation Certificates. bECPO = 10

rECPO = 10 = 0.45

 22

Documentation for ECPO Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Copies of Elevation Certificates (and/or V Zone and Floodproofing Certificates and 

other certificates, as appropriate) for new buildings and substantial improvements 

constructed between the date of the community’s initial FIRM and the date of 

application to the CRS. 

(b) Demonstration that the community still has access to all the credited certificates and 

provides them to inquirers.

(c) Documentation showing how bPO was determined. Note that this number can change 

if the community annexes areas in the SFHA or a FIRM revision changes the number 

of post-FIRM buildings in the SFHA.

312.c. Maintaining Elevation Certificates for pre-FIRM buildings (ECPR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points.

ECPR credit is provided if completed and correct certificates are maintained for buildings

that were constructed in the SFHA before the date of the initial FIRM of the community in 

which the building was constructed.

Although most communities did not keep elevation records before they joined the Regular 

Program of the NFIP (which is usually the same date as their initial FIRM), lowest floor 

elevations may have been determined for a flood protection study. If the data are transferred 

to the FEMA forms, credit can be provided under ECPR. ECPR is adjusted in the same 

manner as ECPO, as described in the Impact Adjustment section.

If there are no pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA, the community receives full credit for 

ECPR because there are no pre-FIRM buildings without Elevation Certificates. However, if 

the community annexes lands that include buildings that were constructed in the SFHA 

before the date of its initial FIRM, the credit will be based on how many of those buildi ngs 

have Elevation Certificates.

Credit Criteria for ECPR

The activity credit criteria in Section 311.b must be met.
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-16 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for ECPR

ECPR = up to 30 points, for Elevation Certificates for pre-FIRM 

buildings

Impact Adjustment for ECPR

If the community only has certificates for some of its pre-FIRM buildings, then the value 

for ECPR is adjusted.

rECPR = bECPR , where

 bPR

bECPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings with correct 

Elevation Certificates, and 

bPR = the number of pre-FIRM buildings in the community’s 

SFHA

Section 301 describes how to count buildings for the impact adjustment.

Example 312.c-1.

A community has 250 pre-FIRM buildings. bPR = 250

As part of a flood control study, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

surveyed the first-floor elevations of all buildings in one of the 

community’s floodplains. Because there are no basements in the 

community, the first floor is the same as the lowest floor. [NOTE: This 

is not always the case. Other sources of elevation data must be carefully checked to ensure that the records are for the lowest floor.] The 

study provided correct elevations for 122 of the community’s 250 preFIRM buildings, and the community subsequently recorded the data on 

FEMA’s Elevation Certificates. bECPR = 122

rECPR = 122 = 0.49

 250

Documentation for ECPR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Copies of Elevation Certificates (and/or V Zone and Floodproofing Certificates and

other certificates, as appropriate) for buildings and substantial improvements 

constructed before the date of the community’s initial FIRM. 
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-17 Edition: 2017

(b) Demonstration that the community has access to all the credited certificates and 

provides them to inquirers.

(c) Documentation showing how bPR was determined. Note that this number can change 

if the community annexes areas in the SFHA or a FIRM revision changes the number 

of pre-FIRM buildings in the SFHA.

313 Credit Calculation 

c310 = cEC + cECPO + cECPR, where

cEC = the verified credit for the element EC based on 

the number of correct certificates,

cECPO = ECPO x rECPO, and

cECPR = ECPR x rECPR

Example 313-1.

After the initial review of Elevation Certificates at a community’s cycle 

verification visit, only five of the seven new Elevation Certificates for 

new and substantial improvements are correct. 

cEC = 38 x (5 ÷ 7) = 38 x 0.71 = 26.98

Note that the community must correct the two Elevation Certificates 

with problems in order to meet the 90% requirement. If this is not done, 

the community will be reclassified as a CRS Class 10 community.

The community has correct Elevation Certificates for 10 of its 22 postFIRM buildings. As discussed above, rECPO = 0.45. 

cECPO = 48 x 0.45 = 21.60

The community has Elevation Certificates for 122 of its 250 pre-FIRM

buildings. As discussed above, rECPR = 0.49.

cECPR = 30 x 0.49 = 14.70

c310 = cEC + cECPO + cECPR

c310 = 26.98 + 21.60 + 14.70 = 63.28, which is rounded to 63
Elevation Certificates

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 310-18 Edition: 2017

314 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/300.

b. The FEMA Elevation and Floodproofing Certificates include detailed instructions for 

completing them. The latest version can be downloaded from FEMA’s website at 

http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-2/elevation-certificate. The FEMA 

Regional Office and State NFIP Coordinating Office can provide help in completing and 

maintaining the certificates. 

c. Elevation Certificate, FEMA’s Floodplain Management Bulletin 467-1, provides 

questions and answers on completing the form and using the Elevation Certificate to 

verify building compliance. The bulletin can be downloaded from 

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=1727.

d. Instructions on completing the V Zone Design Certificate can be found in FEMA’s Home 

Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheets 1.4, 1.5, and 8.1 at

http://www.fema.gov/residential-coastal-construction.

315 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• Elevation Certificate data can be very helpful when estimating flood depths under

Activity 320 (Map Information Service). The base flood elevation can be compared to 

the lowest floor or garage elevation to give the inquirer a good idea of how deep the 

base flood would be. Even if there is no Elevation Certificate on the property in 

question, describing the flood depth on a neighboring property can still be useful.

• If the community develops a Program for Public Information (credited under Activity 

330 (Outreach Projects)), the PPI committee should discuss how insurance agents and 

property owners can learn about the availability of Elevation Certificate data.

• Providing building elevation data on a website is credited under Activity 350 (Flood 

Protection Information) and having it in the community’s geographic information 

system (GIS) or other property data base is credited under Activity 440 (Flood Data 

Maintenance).

• Elevation Certificate data can also be helpful when advising an inquirer about flood 

protection alternatives, credited under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance) and 

flood insurance rating, credited under Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion).

• Elevation Certificates are used by the ISO/CRS Specialist to verify some regulatory 

credits, such as development of new base flood elevations (NS) under Activity 410 

(Flood Hazard Mapping) and freeboard (FRB) under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory 

Standards).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-1 Edition: 2017

320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE—Summary 

Maximum credit: 90 points

322 Elements

a. Basic FIRM information (MI1): 30 points for providing basic information 

found on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that is needed to write a 

flood insurance policy.

b. Additional FIRM information (MI2): 20 points for providing information 

that is shown on most FIRMs, such as protected coastal barriers, 

floodways, or lines demarcating wave action.

c. Problems not shown on the FIRM (MI3): Up to 20 points for providing 

information about flood problems other than those shown on the FIRM.

d. Flood depth data (MI4): Up to 20 points for providing information about 

flood depths.

e. Special flood-related hazards (MI5): Up to 20 points for providing 

information about special flood-related hazards, such as erosion, ice 

jams, or tsunamis.

f. Historical flood information (MI6): Up to 20 points for providing 

information about past flooding at or near the site in question.

g. Natural floodplain functions (MI7): Up to 20 points for providing 

information about areas that should be protected because of their 

natural floodplain functions.

Credit Criteria

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 321.b. Each element has 

additional criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

The documentation needed for this activity is described in Section 325.
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-2 Edition: 2017

320 MAP INFORMATION SERVICE 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to provide inquirers with information about the local flood 

hazard and about flood-prone areas that need special protection because of their natural 

functions.

321 Background

Maps are an effective method of communicating information about flood hazards. Residents 

and businesses that are aware of potential flood hazards can take steps to avoid problems 

and/or reduce their exposure to flooding. Communities are the best source of map 

information because they can often supplement and clarify the Flood Insurance Rate Map 

(FIRM) with complementary maps, and with information on additional hazards, flooding 

outside mapped areas, development regulations that affect floodplain properties, flood 

insurance, natural floodplain functions, and property protection measures. 

A map information service can greatly help a 

community’s residents as well as its banks, insurance 

agents, real estate agents, and anyone else who needs 

flood hazard information. This public service is 

particularly helpful to those who have trouble reading 

maps, people from out of town, and those who do not 

have access to the latest maps or all the hazard 

information available in the community.

This activity is also intended to bring other available 

community resources to bear on each individual 

situation. Such resources include local topographic, 

planning, road, and utility maps; geographic information systems (GISs); maps of special 

flood-related hazard areas; permit records; and subdivision plats. Where they are available, 

these other resources can complement the FIRM as sources of additional flood data or more 

detailed map information. 

 The FIRM and

 Mandatory Purchase of

 Flood Insurance

For compliance with the mandatory 

purchase requirements of the National 

Flood Insurance Program, the current 

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) (or 

Letter of Map Change) is the only legal 

document allowed to be used by lenders 

or third-party vendors.

321.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 320 is 90 points. 

Credit is provided for providing inquirers with information from the community’s FIRM and 

other sources of information about the local flood hazard and natural floodplain functions. 

There are seven elements. The first, providing basic information from the FIRM that is 

needed to write a flood insurance policy, is a prerequisite for the rest of the elements. 

Credit for the other elements is dependent upon what information the community has and 

what information it believes its residents and businesses need. If the community conducted 

the CRS Community Self Assessment described in Section 240, it would have a good list of 
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-3 Edition: 2017

 The Privacy Act 

Flood insurance data about 

private property, including repetitive 

loss properties, are protected under 

the Privacy Act. Personally 

identifiable Information such as the 

names or addresses of specific 

properties, whether they are covered 

by flood insurance or not, whether 

they have received flood insurance 

claims, or the amounts of such claims 

may not be released outside of local 

government agencies or to the public 

or used for solicitation or other 

purposes. Such information should 

be marked “For internal use only. 

Protected by the Privacy Act of 1974.”

General or aggregated 

information, such as total claims paid 

for a community or an area or data 

not connected to a particular property 

may be made public.

available map information. Note that certain information 

about private property may not be released to the public 

(see the box on flood insurance data and the Privacy Act).

The maximum points for each element are noted in 

Sections 322.a through 322.g. If only partial information 

is provided or only part of the community is covered by 

elements MI3 through MI7, the points can be prorated. 

There is no proration of MI1 or MI2, because for those 

elements the community must provide all the information 

needed from the entire FIRM. 

The information provided by the service should be 

located on a map or GIS layer so the person responding to 

the inquiries has an accurate source of information.

The community may provide the service via telephone, 

written or e-mailed inquiry, or a website or computer 

terminal. To avoid errors in property location, the 

community may request from the inquirer a street map 

locating the property.

To cover staff time and office overhead , the community 

may charge a reasonable fee for providing map information. This service should not include surveying or similar 

costs to collect new data, such as ground elevations. 

The community may enter into an agreement with another agency, such as a regional 

planning commission, to provide the map information service. To receive credit under the 

Community Rating System (CRS), there must be a written agreement that clarifies that the 

agency providing the service will respond to all inquirers and will allow the ISO/CRS 

Specialist to verify its work. The service must meet all the prerequisites and documentation 

requirements, including publicity and records of inquiries.

321.b. Activity Credit Criteria

(1) MI1, providing information from the FIRM needed to write a flood insurance policy, is a 

prerequisite to receiving other credit under this activity.

(2) The map information service must be able to locate a property based on a street address. 

There is no credit if an inquirer is given a map to read. One of the reasons for this credit 

is that some people have difficulty reading maps.

(3) All available information must be provided to the inquirer for each element (MI1 

through MI7) for which the community is requesting credit. For example, a person 

inquiring about a property that is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) needs 

to be told about the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement. If the community 
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-4 Edition: 2017

also requests credit for MI6, historical flood information, the same inquirer must also be 

told whether the area has been flooded in the past, even if he or she did not ask. 

(4) The service must include an opportunity for personal contact. One value of the map 

information service is that it gives the staff person responding to the inquiry a chance to 

determine whether all of the inquirer’s questions have been answered and to supply

additional information on related topics, such as permit requirements. 

If the service is provided remotely, such as through a website, contractor, or by taking 

written or faxed requests, the annual publicity and the response to the inquirer must 

include a telephone number that can be called so that the inquirer can pose further 

questions about map information and about the community’s floodplain management 

program.

(5) The inquiry must be responded to within a reasonable amount of time. 

(6) The service must be publicized at least once a year. There are three publicity options:

(a) An annual notice that reaches everyone in the community, such as an article in a 

newsletter or a stuffer in a utility bill that goes to all properties;

(b) An annual notice directed to the most common users of the service: lenders (banks, 

credit unions, etc.), insurance agents, and real estate agents. This can be a mailing 

directly to these offices or articles in the newsletters of professional associations that 

reach these offices (e.g., the newsletters of the Board of Realtors ®or the chamber of 

commerce); or

(c) An annual outreach project developed as part of a Program for Public Information 

(PPI) credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), provided that the PPI

document identifies the audience for the service and discusses the best way to reach 

that audience.

Whichever option the community selects, the publicity must

o Describe the service(s) provided with a few words on each of the topics in 

MI1 through MI7 that the community wants credited (e.g., the community will 

provide information about the flood hazard, flood insurance rating data, and 

areas with natural floodplain functions that should be protected);

o Be distributed at least once a year;

o Explain how to access the service, i.e., what telephone number to call, or what 

internet address to use to access the website; and

o Provide a telephone number for more information about flood maps and the 

community’s floodplain management program (if different from the number to 

call for the map information service).

(7) The maps used for MI1 and MI2 must be kept updated at least annually to reflect new 

studies, subdivisions, annexations, flood insurance restudies, map revisions, and map 

amendments (including Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs) and Letters of Map 
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-5 Edition: 2017

Revision (LOMRs)). This may mean plotting every LOMA and LOMR or noting on the 

paper FIRM that LOMAs and LOMRs have been issued.

(8) The community must maintain copies of earlier FIRMs that have been in effect since 1999. 

(9) Records of the service must be kept and provided for credit documentation (see 

Section 325).

The record must note

o The date of the inquiry, 

o The address or location of the property in question, 

o The FIRM zone, and

o Whether the inquirer was advised of the items to be credited. For example, for 

MI1, there must be a note for properties in the SFHA that the inquirer was told 

about the rules on mandatory flood insurance purchase.

A log is required if information is given orally or on the telephone. A sample log is 

shown in Figure 320-1. Copies of letters will suffice for documentation if the 

information was provided in writing. A sample of such a letter is shown in Figure 320-2.

Copies of the log or letters are also required if another agency or organization provides 

the map information.

Figure 320-1 A sample log for a map information service.
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-6 Edition: 2017

[Community Letterhead]

Date: ________________________

RE: Flood Hazard Information 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

The property located at: _______________________, also known as __________________ 

________________________ [legal description if needed] has been located on the city’s Flood 

Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The following information is provided:

Community ID or NFIP number: 123456

The property is located on panel number: ________________ , Suffix: _______

The date of the FIRM index: May 15, 2005.

The property is located in FIRM zone: ______ 

The main building on the property: 

____ IS located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. The base flood elevation at the property 

is , NAVD. Federal law requires that a flood zone determination be done as a 

condition of a federally backed grant or loan to determine if the structure is in an SFHA and if 

so, to require flood insurance. This letter is not to be considered a flood zone determination. It is 

up to the lender to determine whether flood insurance is required for a property. 

____ IS NOT located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. However, the property may still be subject to 

local drainage problems or other unmapped flood hazard. Flood insurance from the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available at non-floodplain rates. A flood insurance policy 

can still be required by a lender.

____ A decision about the building’s exact location cannot be made on the FIRM. A copy of the FIRM 

is attached for your information.

Flood insurance from the NFIP is available for any property in this city. More information on flood 

insurance is attached. This office has copies of FEMA Elevation Certificates for all buildings 

constructed in the SFHA since 1990. Questions about this letter or about the City’s floodplain 

management program are welcome at this office by calling 555-123-1234.

NOTE: This information is based on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for the City. This letter does not 

imply that the referenced property will or will not be free from flooding or damage. A property not in a 

Special Flood Hazard Area may be damaged by a flood greater than that predicted on the FIRM or 

from a local drainage problem not shown on the map.

___________________________________ 

 Building Official

Figure 320-2. A sample map information record for MI1.
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-7 Edition: 2017

Challenging the Lender’s Map Determination

Communities should be aware that the ultimate decision on whether flood insurance is required 

rests with the lender. Lenders are permitted to rely on third-party vendors for flood zone 

determinations provided that those vendors guarantee the accuracy of their determinations. 

Communities are not considered third-party vendors nor are they expected to assume the lender’s 

responsibility. See also Figure 320-3

However, if there is a flood zone discrepancy among the parties involved, community officials 

often are contacted to provide assistance and documentation to clarify the flood zone for the 

building in question. The CRS encourages communities to help their residents. The community 

staff that provides the map information service should be familiar with the mandatory purchase 

requirements and the following processes available to property owners to resolve a flood zone 

dispute.

1) Talk to the lender—The first step should always be to talk to the lender and demonstrate 

that the building is not in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The community can help, 

by supplying a printout of the FIRM showing the building’s location. If the lender’s decision 

is based on information from a flood zone determination company, the inquirer can ask the 

lender to request a manual determination. Often determinations are made by a computer, 

so a manual determination may result in a different finding.

2) Letter of Map Amendment—Out as Shown (LOMA—OAS) —Occasionally, a parcel or 

individual structure may be incorrectly determined to be located within the SFHA because 

of imprecise map delineations. A property owner may submit property and elevation 

materials to FEMA in support of a request for a LOMA. Where the FIRM is based on an 

aerial photograph and the building is clearly shown as outside the SFHA, this can be a 

relatively simple approach.

3) Letter of Determination Review (LODR)—This process is meant to be used to determine 

whether the FIRM was read correctly. The borrower and lender can jointly submit a review 

request to FEMA during the 45-day period after the borrower is notified that flood insurance 

is required. 

After reviewing the required supporting technical documentation, within 45 days after 

receiving the completed package, FEMA will issue a written determination, a LODR, 

indicating its concurrence or disagreement with the original determination made by the 

lender or third party, and stating whether the FIRM indicates that the subject building is in 

the SFHA. FEMA will assess a flat fee to cover the costs of this review.

4) Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA)—Sometimes the flood map will show a structure as 

clearly being within an SFHA, even though the building on the property is on ground that is 

above the base flood elevation. FIRMs may not reflect every rise in terrain, so there may be 

instances of “natural islands” of high ground that are advertently included in the SFHAs. A 

property owner may submit property and elevation materials in support of a request for a 

LOMA to remove the property from the SFHA. 

More details about these letters can be found at www.fema.gov/letter-map-amendment-letter-maprevision-based-fill-process.
Map Information Service

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 320-8 Edition: 2017

322 Elements 

322.a. Basic FIRM information (MI1)

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points.

MI1 credits providing basic information found on a FIRM that is needed to write a flood 

insurance policy.

Credit Criteria for MI1

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) The community must provide all of the following FIRM information to inquirers:

(a) Whether the property is in an SFHA,

(b) The community number,

(c) The panel number and suffix,

(d) The date of the FIRM’s index (cover panel),

(e) The FIRM zone, e.g., A, C, X, V, AE, A2, AO, etc., 

(f) The base flood elevation (the depth in AO Zones) where shown on the FIRM, and

(g) The elevation datum used on the FIRM, if other than NGVD.

These items provide what is needed to complete most of Section B of the FEMA 

Elevation Certificate form (see Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates)). A copy of the 

Elevation Certificate for the property, if available, can suffice for the minimum 

requirements of this element. There is no prorating for providing only some of the 

needed map information.

The community need only supply the insurance rating data requested. If the inquirer only 

wants to know if a building is in a floodplain, then advising whether it is in an SFHA as 

shown on the FIRM is sufficient. 

(3) If a property is too close to the SFHA boundary to determine the building’s FIRM zone, 

the community may give the inquirer a copy of the FIRM and advise that the FIRM zone 

cannot be determined based on the map information available.

(4) The community is not required to provide data that do not appear on the FIRM, such as 

base flood elevations in unnumbered A Zones, but providing additional information 

from other maps and sources of flood hazard and flood protection information is 

encouraged and may be credited under elements MI2 through MI7.

(5) If the property is in an SFHA, the community must inform the inquirer of the mandatory 

flood insurance purchase requirement, as appropriate. This may be done by advising the 

inquirer that flood insurance may be required because of the property’s location or by 

providing a written summary of the requirement (e.g., the example in Figure 320-3). 
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About the Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance

The NFIP: The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program enabling 

property owners in participating communities to purchase flood insurance on eligible buildings 

and contents, whether they are in or out of a floodplain. This community participates in the 

NFIP, making federally backed flood insurance available to its property owners. 

The NFIP insures most walled and roofed buildings that are principally above ground on a 

permanent foundation, including mobile homes, and buildings in the course of construction. 

Property owners can purchase building and contents coverage from any local property and 

casualty insurance agent. To find a local insurance agent that writes flood insurance in your 

area visit https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program. 

Mandatory Purchase Requirement: Pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 

and the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, the purchase of flood insurance is 

mandatory for all federal or federally related financial assistance for the acquisition and/or 

construction of buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). An SFHA is defined as any 

A or V flood zone on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance 

Rate Map (FIRM). 

The mandatory purchase requirement also applies to secured loans from such financial 

institutions as commercial lenders, savings and loan associations, savings banks, and credit 

unions that are regulated, supervised, or insured by federal agencies, such as the Federal 

Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of Currency, the Farm 

Credit Administration, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the National Credit Union 

Administration. It further applies to all loans purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in the 

secondary mortgage market.

Federal financial assistance programs affected by the laws include loans and grants from 

agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Farmers Home Administration, Federal 

Housing Administration, Small Business Administration, and FEMA disaster assistance. 

How it Works: When making, increasing, renewing, or extending any type of federally 

backed loan, lenders are required to conduct a flood zone determination using the most 

current FEMA FIRM to determine if any part of the building is located in an SFHA. If the 

building is in an SFHA, the federal agency or lender is required by law to provide written 

notification to the borrower that flood insurance is mandatory as a condition of the loan. Even 

though a portion of real property on which a building is located may lie within an SFHA, the 

purchase and notification requirements do not apply unless the building itself, or some part of 

the building, is in the SFHA. However, lenders, on their own initiative, may require the 

purchase of flood insurance even if a building is located outside an SFHA. Up to 25% of all

NFIP flood losses arise from outside SFHAs (B, C, and X Zones).

Under federal regulations, the required coverage must equal the amount of the loan 

(excluding appraised value of the land) or the maximum amount of insurance available from 

the NFIP, whichever is less. The maximum amount of coverage available for a single-family 

residence is $250,000 and for non-residential (commercial) buildings is $500,000. Federal

agencies and regulators, including government-sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac 

and Fannie Mae, may have stricter requirements.

Figure 320-3 A handout about the mandatory purchase of flood insurance.
Map Information Service

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Credit Points for MI1

MI1 = 30 points, for providing all the basic information found on a 

FIRM that is needed to write a flood insurance policy 

The community must provide all the information needed from the entire FIRM.

322.b. Additional FIRM information (MI2)

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

MI2 credit is for providing information that is shown on the community’s FIRM that is not 

needed for insurance rating. This can include information about protected coastal barriers, 

floodways, or lines demarcating wave action.

Credit Criteria for MI2

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) The additional information must include whether the property is in an “undeveloped 

coastal barrier” or “otherwise protected area” of the Coastal Barrier Resources System. 

If so, the community must advise the inquirer that flood insurance, federal disaster 

assistance, and other types of federal financial assistance are not available for buildings 

constructed or substantially improved after the effective date of designation, as shown 

on the FIRM. More information on the Coastal Barrier Resources System can be found 

at www.fws.gov/CBRA.

(3) The additional information must include whether the property is located seaward of the 

Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA), if shown on the FIRM. If it is, the inquirer 

must be advised that waves and velocity from coastal storms and hurricanes can cause 

significant damage to a structure that is not properly elevated on an open foundation and 

protected from erosion and scour.

(4) The additional information must include whether the property is located in a floodway. 

If it is, the community must explain the regulatory requirements for developing in a 

floodway.

If the community’s FIRM does not show any Coastal Barrier Resources System areas, 

LiMWAs, or floodways, there is no credit for MI2.
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Credit Points for MI2

MI2 = 20 points, for providing non-insurance rating information that 

appears on the community’s FIRM

322.c. Other flood problems not shown on the FIRM (MI3)

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

MI3 credit is for providing information about flood problems other than those shown on the 

FIRM. Note that providing information about historical flooding is credited under MI6.

Credit Criteria for MI3

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) The other flood problem information provided must be about a flood hazard not shown 

on the community’s FIRM. Examples include, but are not limited to

• Areas predicted to be flooded in the future because of climate change or sea 

level rise;

• Local drainage problems;

• Areas mapped and regulated outside the SFHA (e.g., in watersheds smaller

than FEMA’s mapping threshold) (note that such mapping can receive credit 

under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping); and

• A levee or dam failure inundation zone (note that such mapping is needed for

credit under Activities 620 (Levees) and 630 (Dams)). 

Credit Points for MI3

MI3 = 20 points, for providing information about flood problems 

other than those shown on the FIRM

322.d. Flood depth data (MI4)

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

MI4 credit is for providing information about how deep flood waters can be anticipated to 

be in given areas of the community. The depth of expected flooding gives the inquirer a 

better concept of the flood hazard than does the base flood elevation alone.
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Credit Criteria for MI4

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) Depth data must be conveyed to inquirers. There are usually two ways to provide flood 

depth data. Either one is acceptable for credit.

(a) Staff can provide information from a map that shows the depth of flooding at 

different flood recurrence levels. An example is shown in Figure 320-4.

(b) Staff can provide data on both the flood elevation and the ground or building 

elevation at a site. This could be obtained from the FIRM or flood elevation 

profile and a topographic base map or Elevation Certificate. Where there is no 

elevation data for the property in question, data from a neighboring building’s

Elevation Certificate are acceptable to convey the flood depth in the area.

Credit Points for MI4

MI4 = 20 points, for providing information about flood depths

Figure 320-4. A flood depth map, one of the 

Risk MAP products.
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322.e. Special flood-related hazards (MI5)

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

MI5 credit is for providing information about special flood-related hazards in the 

community. If the community is receiving CRS credit for regulating one of the special 

flood-related hazard areas described in Section 401 or credited elsewhere, inquirers should 

be advised whether the property falls within a special flood-related hazard area and of any 

additional regulatory requirements the community may have for developing properties in 

that area.

Creditable special flood-related hazards include, but are not limited to

• Uncertain flow paths—alluvial fans, moveable bed streams, and other 

floodplains where the channel moves during a flood.

• Closed basin lakes—lakes that have a small or no outlet that may stay above 

flood stage for weeks, months, or years.

• Ice jams—flooding caused when warm weather and rain break up a frozen 

river. The broken ice floats downriver until it is blocked by an obstruction, 

such as a bridge or shallow area, creating a dam.

• Land subsidence—lowering of the land surface caused by withdrawal of 

subsurface water or minerals or by compaction of organic soils.

• Mudflow hazards—a river, flow, or inundation of liquid mud down a 

hillside, usually as a result of the loss of brush cover and the subsequent 

accumulation of water on the ground, preceded by a period of unusually heavy 

or sustained rain.

• Coastal erosion—areas subject to the wearing away of land masses caused 

primarily by waves on the oceans, Gulf of Mexico, or the Great Lakes.

• Tsunamis—large ocean waves caused by an underwater earthquake or volcano.

• Coastal A Zones credited under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), 

Section 432.k.

Credit Criteria for MI5

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) The affected area must be mapped for this credit, but does not have to be regulated. If 

there are no regulations, the inquirer must be told what precautions should be taken 

when developing or improving the property. 
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Credit Points for MI5

MI5 = 20 points, for providing information about a special floodrelated hazard that does not appear on the FIRM

322.f. Historical flood information (MI6)

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

MI6 credits providing information about past floods that have occurred at or near the site in 

question. This can include, but is not limited to

• Whether and when the area has been flooded in the past,

• Historic flood levels or the location of a nearby high-water mark,

• Whether the property is in a mapped repetitive loss area, or

• Photographs of past flooding at sites around the community. 

Credit Criteria for MI6

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) Information on historical flooding must be provided.

Relevant available information should be provided, such as the dates of past flooding in 

the area, whether people were killed or injured, and the amount of warning time. Some 

of this information may be available from the community’s floodplain management or

hazard mitigation plan or the community’s CRS Self Assessment conducted under 

Section 240. 

Credit Points for MI6

MI6 = 20 points, for providing information about past flooding at or 

near the site in question
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322.g. Natural floodplain functions (MI7) 

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

MI7 credit is for providing information about areas that should be protected because of their 

natural floodplain functions. Many types of maps show such areas, including, but not 

limited to

• Areas mapped in the National Wetlands Inventory, available at 

www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html;

• Areas mapped as critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, available at 

http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov/crithab/;

• Areas identified in state or regional programs, such as the Colorado Natural Heritage 

Program maps of existing and potential conservation areas, available at 

www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/gis.asp;

• Areas receiving natural floodplain functions credit under Activity 420 (Open Space 

Preservation); and

• Areas identified in a natural floodplain functions plan credited under NFP in 

Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning).

Credit Criteria for MI7

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 321.b must be met.

(2) Information must be provided about any natural floodplain functions the area provides. 

Credit Points for MI7

MI7 = 20 points, for providing information about areas that should 

be protected because of their natural floodplain functions

323 Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for this activity. 

324 Credit Calculation 

c320 = MI1 + MI2 + MI3 + MI4 + MI5 + MI6 + MI7

up to the maximum of 90 points
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325 Documentation Provided by the Community 

a. At each verification visit,

(1) Documentation that shows how the community publicizes the service each year (see 

Section 321.b, activity credit criterion (6)).

If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project credited 

under Activity 330, the publicity materials may be included with the documentation 

for Activity 330. There must be a notation (e.g., “320”) in the margin of the portion 

of the outreach project where the map information service is addressed. 

If a Program for Public Information is used to determine the appropriate publicity 

mechanism, it must identify the audience(s) for the service and discuss the best way 

to publicize the map information service to the intended audience(s).

Example 325.a-1.

City gives Answers to Floodplain Questions

If you want to know if a property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area, 

check our website at www.__________.org/flood/mapinfo. You’ll find a 

wealth of information about the City’s Flood Insurance Rate Map, 

coastal high hazard areas, flood depths at your property, natural 

conservation areas and wetlands, flood insurance, special rules for 

building in the floodplain, and ideas for protecting your property from 

flood damage. Or you can call the Building Department with all of your 

floodplain questions at 555/123-4567. 

(2) An explanation of how the community keeps the FIRM updated (Section 321.b,

activity credit criterion (7)). This may be a verbal explanation at the time of the 

verification visit. 

(3) Copies of all FIRMs that have been in effect since 1999 (Section 321.b, activity 

credit criterion (8)).

(4) A record, copies of letters, or log of the service (Section 321.b, activity credit 

criterion (9)). 

(5) If another agency or organization provides map information, documentation that the 

agency has agreed to provide the service to all inquirers and will allow the ISO/CRS 

Specialist to verify its work.
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b. With the annual recertification,

(1) A copy of material showing how the community publicized the service during the 

year.

(2) A page from the log of the service or copies of three letters that were completed 

during the year (Section 321.b, activity credit criterion (9)).

326 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/300.

b. Copies of the following booklets are available free, singly and in quantity (see Appendix C). 

Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA-084. This is 

also available from FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/th/medialibrary/assets/documents/272.

See also FEMA’s flood hazard mapping website at www.fema.gov/national-floodinsurance-program-flood-hazard-mapping.

Information on FEMA’s FIRMs can be found at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insuranceprogram-2/flood-insurance-rate-map-firm.

c. Assistance in determining whether a “too-close-to-call” property is in the Coastal Barrier 

Resources System can be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More information 

on the CBRS can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website at

www.fws.gov/CBRA/

d. Communities may check on past FIRMs at www.msc.fema.gov.

e. The Compendium of Flood Map Changes is a list of all the changes made to the NFIP maps 

including Physical Map Revisions, Letters of Map Revision, and Letters of Map Amendment 

during a given six-month period. The list is updated every six months and published in the 

Federal Register. www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-hazardmapping/compendium-flood-map-changes.

327 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• Credit under Activity 320 is provided for explaining map information to the public. 

Credit for additional map data (AMD) under Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance) 

is provided for maintaining and updating the data. A community can get either credit 

without getting credit for the other.

• If an inquirer wants to know more about the flood hazard, flood insurance, and/or 

protecting natural floodplain functions, the community should have resources 

available to answer those questions. Such resources are credited by the CRS under 

Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information), Activity 360 (Flood Protection 

Assistance), and Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion).
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• If the community develops a Program for Public Information (credited under Activity 

330 (Outreach Projects)), the Program for Public Information committee should 

discuss what map information to provide and how the service would best be 

publicized. 

• Some communities’ map information services help real estate agents find out the 

flood hazard for a property. Having an objective source of this information can help 

overcome some agencies’ reluctance to disclose the flood hazard and can help the 

community receive credit under Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-1 Edition: 2017

330 OUTREACH PROJECTS—Summary 

Maximum credit: 350 points

Although the total of all elements in this activity exceeds 350 points, the 

maximum credit is 350 points.

332 Elements

a. Outreach projects (OP): Up to 200 points for designing and carrying out 

public outreach projects. Credits for individual projects may be increased 

if the community has a Program for Public Information credited in

element PPI.

b. Flood response preparations (FRP): Up to 50 points for having a preflood plan for public information activities ready for the next flood. 

Credits for individual projects may be increased by the PPI multiplier.

c. Program for Public Information (PPI): Up to 80 points added to OP

credits and up to 20 points added to FRP credits, for projects that are 

designed and implemented as part of an overall public information 

program.

NOTE: A Program for Public Information can help design an entire public 

information program, not just outreach projects. A Program for Public 

Information that covers other types of public information endeavors, such 

as a website and technical assistance, can result in increased credit under 

other activities.

d. Stakeholder delivery (STK): Up to 50 points added to OP credits for 

having information disseminated by people or groups from outside the 

local government. 

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section describing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Outreach Projects

330 OUTREACH PROJECTS

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-2 Edition: 2017

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to provide the public with information needed to increase 

flood hazard awareness and to motivate actions to reduce flood damage, encourage flood 

insurance coverage, and protect the natural functions of floodplains.

331 Background 

Research has shown that awareness of the flood hazard is not enough to motivate people to 

take action to protect themselves and their property. People need to be told repeatedly, 

through various means, what specific actions to take before they will change their behavior.

Research has also shown that a properly run local information program is more effective in 

bringing about change than are national advertising or publicity campaigns.

Based on these research findings, Activity 330 provides credit to communities that engage 

in thorough, critical thinking about their public information needs and about what they want 

people in their communities to know and do with regard to floodplain resources and flood 

hazards. The activity provides extra credit for communities that develop locally customized

strategies to increase awareness and motivate residents to take action.

331.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 330 is 350 points, including the extra credit available for 

communities that design and implement a Program for Public Information. The sum of the 

maximum credit for all the elements exceeds 350, but a community’s score is capped at 350 

points.

Two types of outreach projects are credited:

(1) Outreach projects (element OP) that are distributed every year, and

(2) Projects that will be distributed when a flood occurs, but are prepared in advance and 

reviewed and adjusted each year (element FRP).

The credits for these two types of projects are based on three factors:

(1) What and how many messages are conveyed;

(2) What type of projects they are (e.g., informational projects that people seek out and 

read, activities that reach out to people, or projects targeted to a specific audience);

and

(3) How often they are delivered. OP-credited projects must be delivered at least once 

each year. FRP-credited projects must be delivered at least once during or after a 

flood.

The credit points for OP and FRP projects can be increased by 40% if they are developed 

and implemented pursuant to a Program for Public Information credited in element PPI.
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The credit for Program for Public Information projects can be increased by an additional 

30% if they are delivered by stakeholders, i.e., organizations or agencies other than the 

community’s local government (element STK). 

Messages 

Messages are the heart of public outreach. Messages are specific statements or directions 

that the community considers important for its audiences. There are six general topics that 

are important to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Community 

Rating System (CRS). These are shown in Table 330-1 with some sample messages under 

each topic.

Activity 330 credits messages that either clearly state what the audience should do (e.g., 

“Turn around, don’t drown” or “Get a floodplain permit from . . .”) or that provide some 

basic information with a note on where to get more information (e.g., “You may live in a 

floodplain. Find out by calling 555-1234” or “Information on ways to protect your property 

from flooding can be found at www. . . .”).

The messages in Table 330-1 are examples. Several FEMA programs, such as Risk MAP, 

can provide additional guidance and examples that have been research-tested on several of 

the topics. 

Projects

The same message can and should be conveyed via different, multiple methods. Certain 

methods or projects are more effective than others at motivating change, so the credit for 

different types of projects is assigned accordingly. Credit is also based, in part, on the 

number of times the message is delivered each year. The CRS credits three types of 

methods or projects.

(a) Informational Projects. These are booklets, brochures, flyers, and similar 

documents that are made available upon request or are placed in a public location for 

people to pick up, such as a kiosk in the city hall lobby. Since they do not “reach 

out” to the public, informational projects do not receive as many points as the other 

types of projects. They are counted as conveying their messages only once each year. 

There is credit for a maximum of five informational projects that have the same 

documents included in them. A few examples follow.

• The building department has several one-page handouts about permit 

requirements and the substantial improvement/substantial damage rules and 

brochures on flood insurance. They are available to people who come in to the 

permit office. This would be counted as one informational project with 

materials that cover topic 2, Insure your property for your flood hazard and 

topic 5, Build responsibly.
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Table 330-1. CRS topics and example messages.

Six Priority Topics Example Messages

 1. Know your flood hazard Your property is subject to flooding by the Roaring River

You are in a repetitively flooded area

Call 555-1234 to find out the flood hazard for your property

 2. Insure your property for your flood hazard

 NOTE: At least one project must include 

 a message on this topic

Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for flood damage

Renters should buy flood insurance for their contents 

Take advantage of a low-cost Preferred Risk Policy

 3. Protect people from the hazard Turn around, don’t drown

Know the flood warning signals: one long blast of the siren 

means a flash flood along Silver Creek

Designate a place where your family can rendezvous after an 

evacuation order is issued

 4. Protect your property from the hazard Replace your flooded furnace with one elevated above the 

flood level

Store your valuables and insurance papers upstairs in a 

waterproof container

We can help you get a grant to elevate your home. Call us 

at _______________

 5. Build responsibly Get a permit from . . . before you build

Don’t build or grade within 10 feet from the property line so 

you don’t alter the drainage between homes

Use only licensed contractors who know the rules

 6. Protect natural floodplain functions Protect our turtle nesting areas: stay off the beach after 

sunset

Report broken silt fences: they help keep our streams clean

Don’t trash the river—that’s where we get our drinking water

* NOTE: All the messages are examples. Communities should develop messages that are pertinent to this 

flooding conditions.

• Information and links to resources on one or more of the six priority topics is 

posted on a website. Note that if the website qualifies for credit under Activity 

350 (Flood Protection Information), the community would receive more credit 

there and would not receive double credit under Activity 330.

(b) General Outreach Projects. These are newspaper articles, signs, and presentations 

that are designed to resonate with an identified general audience. These messages 

“reach out” to people in general, so they receive more points than informational

projects. A few examples follow.

• A regional newspaper has a flood preparedness supplement at the beginning of 

the flood season. 
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• A city employee gives a talk about floodplain construction rules to the annual 

meeting of the local homebuilders association. A handout on permit 

requirements is given to all attendees. 

(c) Targeted Outreach Projects. These are projects directed to a specified audience. 

Communities must demonstrate that the targeted outreach projects reach or are 

distributed to all of the members of the priority audience. The message must clearly 

explain that the recipient is receiving the message because he/she is part of the 

priority audience. Research has shown these types of projects to be the most 

effective way to reach people, provided that they address the audience and focus on 

the audience’s concerns. Targeted outreach projects that are repeated to the 

identified audience (e.g., more than one mailing to the same people each year) are 

counted as separate projects.

Here are two examples of targeted outreach projects:

• The mayor sends a letter to all residents of the floodplain. 

• A presentation is made to a neighborhood meeting attended by at least half of

the repetitive loss area’s residents. A face-to-face encounter that includes twoway communication and questions and answers is more effective than a 

mailing. Therefore, having at least 50% of the priority audience present at a 

meeting receives full credit as a targeted outreach project.

To be most effective, the same messages should be repeated in many projects. Sending out 

different messages in different projects often dilutes the most important message that 

should be disseminated. For example, instead of conveying 10 different ways to protect 

people from the hazard in 10 projects, the community should pick the one message that is 

most important to it, such as “Turn around, don’t drown,” or “Know your evacuation 

route,” and repeat that single message in all 10 projects. 

Other Credits

The community’s Program for Public Information is discussed in Section 332.c. 

Stakeholder participation is discussed in Section 332.d. See also Section 335 for ideas on 

how outreach projects and a Program for Public Information can support and receive extra 

credit under other CRS activities. For example, Activities 610 (Flood Warning and 

Response), 620 (Levees), and 630 (Dams) have requirements for outreach projects. Those 

projects can qualify for credit under Activity 330 and receive the extra PPI credit.

331.b. Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.
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332 Elements 

332.a. Outreach projects (OP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 200 points. If the community has a PPI that 

discusses preparation and implementation of the project, it can receive up to 80 extra 

points. If the project is delivered by a stakeholder (STK), it can receive up to 50 additional 

extra points.

OP credit is provided for disseminating one or more messages via one or more outreach 

projects one or more times each year (see Table 330-2). The credit is for projects that 

convey the messages identified by the community as being important to its residents, 

businesses, and others.

OP credit is provided for each outreach project that conveys a message under one or more 

of the six CRS priority topics. The credit is limited to one message per topic, i.e., a 

maximum of six messages per project. Examples of OP crediting are in Table 330-1. 

If the community has adopted a credited Program for Public Information, it can receive 

credit for up to four additional flood-related messages per project, regardless of the topic(s). 

Examples of crediting outreach projects under a Program for Public Information are in 

Table 330-4.

Communities should always develop messages that are most relevant for their flooding 

conditions and not limit the number or type of messages because of CRS credit.

Credit Criteria for OP

(1) To receive credit, projects must be disseminated at least annually to the audience.

(2) At least one project must convey a message on the topic of flood insurance. Note that, 

under Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion), there is additional credit for outreach 

projects that promote flood insurance.

(3) If a community does not have a credited Program for Public Information, only five 

priority audiences are recognized for outreach project (OP) credit.

• Floodplain residents and businesses;

• Repetitive loss area residents and businesses;

• Residents of areas protected by a levee;

• Residents of areas subject to flooding if an upstream dam fails; and

• Residents of areas subject to one of the credited special flood-related hazards 

described in Section 401.

If a community has a credited Program for Public Information, the community can 

identify additional priority audiences. These can be people in a specific geographical 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-7 Edition: 2017

area (e.g., downtown businesses, residents or tourists along the coast, residents in an 

area where most people speak only Spanish, etc.) or a functional group (e.g., insurance 

agents, building contractors, drivers etc.).

(4) Training or projects targeted to local government staff, elected officials, or members of 

advisory bodies are not credited public outreach projects under Activity 330.

Credit Points for OP

OP = ∑ OP#1 + OP#2 + OP#3 . . . , to the maximum of 200 points

The value for each outreach project (OP#1, OP#2, etc.) is the 

product of (A) x (B) x (C), where

A = the number of points for the type of project—

informational (1 point), general outreach (2 points), 

or targeted outreach (6 points),

B = the number of topics (see the six topics in Table 330-1) 

and up to four additional PPI messages covered by the 

project, and

C = the number of times the project is delivered each year or 

repeated. The maximum value for C is 5. For example, 

there is credit for a maximum of five informational 

projects that have the same documents included in 

them.

The values for each outreach project (OP#1, OP#2, etc.) are 

added to determine the total value for OP. A spreadsheet in 

Microsoft Excel® is available to help calculate the credit for OP.

General and targeted outreach projects can be repeated several times each year. Repeating a 

project twice a year is counted the same as two projects a year. For examples, see OP#3, 

OP#6, and OP#7 in Table 330-2. 

Informational projects are counted as conveying their messages only once each year. 

However, booklets and brochures set out at three different public locations are counted as 

three different projects or as repeating the same project three times each year.

Because repetition is more effective, the CRS provides more credit to a community that 

repeats outreach projects. However, to encourage repeating the message from different 

sources, the credit for repeating the same project from the same source is capped at five 

times per year. This applies to all projects that are at different locations, such as the 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-8 Edition: 2017

same brochure, evacuation signs, high water marks, storm drain stencils, etc. This also 

applies to other types of outreach projects, such as giving the same presentation more than 

five times (but giving different presentations to different audiences are counted as different 

projects).

Table 330-2. Basic scoring of example outreach projects (without a PPI).

Example Outreach Projects (OP)

A

Points 

for type 

of 

project

B

# of Topics 

and PPI 

Messages*

C

# of Times 

Delivered 

each Year

(A x B x C)

OP = Points 

per Project

OP#1. Three brochure on flood insurance produced by 

FEMA are set out in the city hall lobby

(informational project—1 point per topic, CRS 

topic 2).

1 1 1 1

OP#2. Local insurance agents have agreed to advise 

their clients that flood insurance is a good idea 

and give them one of the OP#1 brochures

(general outreach—2 points per topic, 

CRS topic 2).

2 1 1 2

OP#3. Presentations are made to five neighborhood 

associations each year with messages under CRS 

topics 1, 4, and 5. Two of the OP#1 brochures are

handed out to everyone present (topic 2) (general 

outreach—2 points per message). 

2 4 5 40

OP#4. The neighborhood association presentation is 

taped and shown on the public service cable TV 

channel. (general outreach—2 points per topic)

2 4 1 8

OP#5. A mailing is sent each year to all residents of the 

SFHA. It has messages under the first five CRS 

topics. (targeted outreach—6 points per topic) 

6 5 1 30

OP#6. “Do not dump—drains to the river where our fish 

live” stencils are sprayed next to storm drain 

inlets. (general outreach—2 points per topic, CRS 

topic 6, capped at five repetitions)

2 1 5 10

OP#7. The floodplain manager meets twice a year with 

the home builders association to discuss 

construction regulations and ways to incorporate 

flood mitigation into home improvement projects 

(general outreach—2 points per topic, CRS topics 

4 and 5)

2 2 2 8

Total OP = 99

*Not to exceed one message under each of the six CRS priority topics per project (without a PPI)
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NOTE: An outreach project is only credited for one message per topic. For example, a 

flood safety booklet will get credit for one message under the topic of “protecting people.” 

It will not get more credit for covering more “protecting people” messages (such as safety 

in cars, evacuation routes, or warning signals). If the outreach project also has qualifying 

messages on flood insurance and protecting property, it would be credited for three 

messages because these are different topics. If the community has a credited Program for 

Public Information, it can add up to four additional credited messages. The additional PPI 

messages are credited in the same way as the six CRS priority topics.

There is no limit to the number of projects a community can undertake, but there is a limit 

of 200 points for OP (not including the extra credit provided by PPI and STK).

Note that extra points are available under the PPI and STK extra credit elements. These are 

discussed in more detail in Sections 332.c and 332.d, respectively.

Documentation for OP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification and recertification,

(a) A copy of the flyers, presentations, brochures, etc., that have been produced and 

disseminated as outreach projects, marked to show where the credited messages

appear. At least one of the submittals must be a project that covers the topic of flood 

insurance. If an outreach project is a presentation to a group, it can be documented 

with a copy of the minutes or a memo to the file.

(b) Documentation that the targeted outreach projects were disseminated to the priority 

audience, such as a mailing list or a sign-in sheet where a presentation was given.

332.b. Flood response preparations (FRP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 50 points. If the community has a Program for 

Public Information that discusses preparation and implementation of the flood response 

preparations package, it can receive extra points under element PPI.

FRP credits developing a pre-flood plan for public information projects that will be 

implemented during and after a flood. A flood response preparations package is a collection 

of outreach projects prepared in advance, but not delivered until a flood occurs. These 

materials may include templates and masters of handouts, mailers, press releas es, etc. that 

cover key messages that need to be disseminated before, during, and after a flood. The 

package must include both the materials that will be needed and the procedures for how 

they will be used.

Flood response preparations projects are credited in element FRP the same way as outreach 

projects credited in element OP, so the activity credit criteria on messages and projects in 

Section 331 also apply to FRP. The same three components of scoring are used: the number 

of topics with flood response or recovery messages, the type of project delivering the 

messages, and the number of times the project is delivered. The topics that can be credited 

are listed in Table 330-1. Examples of FRP projects are shown in Figure 330-1.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-10 Edition: 2017

Using High Water Marks for Public Outreach

Floodville has posted five high water mark signs along Richland Creek, noting the height of the flood of 

record. The high water mark signs convey a creditable message under Topic 1, “Know your flood hazard” 

as it clearly shows the depth of a past flood at the site. 

The sign also states where to get more information on flood safety. This is a creditable message under 

Topic 3, “Protect people from the hazard.”

The credit for one of these high water mark signs is 2 points per topic 

for a general outreach project, times 2 topics, for a total of 4 points. 

Because there are five such signs along Richland Creek, the scoring is 

for five repetitions of the messages. This is recorded as five times per 

year. The resulting total is 2 x 2 x 5 = 20 points. These signs are 

designated as OP#1 in the City’s documentation for outreach project 

(OP) credit.

The credit criteria for OP encourages communities to repeat the 

message through different media and sources. Here are some examples 

of how Floodville does this and receives increased credit:

OP#2: The following message appears every quarter in the city’s 

newsletter to its residents: “The highest flood of record on Richland 

Creek occurred on May 2, 2010. Call the Building Department at 555-

1234 to see if your property was affected.” The newsletter is a 

general outreach project with 2 points per topic. Credit is for the one 

message under Topic 1, Know your flood hazard. The message is 

repeated four times each year. The credit is 2 points/ message x 1 

message x 4 times per year: 2 x 1 x 4 = 8 points. 

Floodville receives 20 points under MI6 in Activity 320 (Map Information Service) for providing callers 

with information about past flooding. It also had other articles in other editions of the newsletter that 

cover other topics and qualify for additional outreach projects. 

OP#3: The city issues a news release on May 2 each year that says: “Today is the anniversary of the 

record flood on Richland Creek. While many homes were damaged, those with flood insurance 

coverage were repaired and reoccupied within a few weeks. Call the Building Department at 555-1234 

to see if your property would be affected by a repeat of the 2010 flood. Call your insurance agent to see 

how much a flood insurance policy would cost.” Credit is for a general outreach project that conveys 

messages under Topics 1, Know your flood hazard and 2, Insure your property for your flood hazard. 2 

points/message x 2 messages x 1 time per year: 2 x 2 x 1 = 4 points.

OP#4: This city prepared a brochure on flooding and flood protection. On the cover is the photo of the 

high water mark sign. Accordingly, both messages on the sign are repeated via another medium. The 

brochure has messages on all six CRS priority topics. The brochures are set out at the City Hall, the 

visitor’s center, and Home Depot. The different locations are considered repetition of an informational 

project, so OP#4 qualifies for six points at each location x 3 locations = 1 x 6 x 3 = 18 points.

OP#5: The brochure is also given out at at least four events each year. As such, it is a general 

outreach project. 2 x 6 x 4 = 48.

The total OP credit for Floodville’s annual high water mark campaign is the sum of OP#1 through OP#5:

 OP = ∑ OP#1 + OP#2 + OP#3 + OP#4 + OP#5 = 20 + 8 + 4 + 18 + 48 = 98 points
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-11 Edition: 2017

Figure 330-1. Examples of messages and projects creditable in

Flood Response Preparations (FRP).

See also Table 330-3 for an example of how these projects are scored.

Flood response preparations should be closely coordinated with the community’s 

emergency manager. Note that there is also credit under Activity 610 (Flood Warning and 

Response) if the flood warning and response plan includes instructions that are similar to 

the FRP messages (FRO6 in Section 612.c).

Flood response preparations projects are credited in element FRP the same way as OP 

projects: credit is provided for each project that conveys a message under one or more of 

the six CRS priority topics. The credit is limited to one message per topic, i.e., a maximum 

of six messages per project. If the community has adopted a credited Program for Public 

Information, it can receive credit for up to four additional flood-related messages per 

project, regardless of the topic(s). 

Communities should always develop messages that are most relevant for their flooding 

conditions and not limit the number or type of messages because of CRS credit.

Flood Response Preparations

The first part of preparing an FRP package is determining the key messages. As with OP, only one 

message per topic is credited per project. If the community has a PPI, up to four additional

messages can be credited per project, regardless of the topic.

Communities should develop messages keyed to the flood and post-flood situation, which are not 

necessarily the same messages that are needed for OP projects in a pre-flood situation.

Examples of FRP Messages

CRS Topic 3: Protect people from the hazard—Message 3: “Don’t enter a flooded building 

until it’s been cleared by an inspector.”

CRS Topic 4: Protect your property from the hazard—Message 4: “If your water heater or 

furnace needs to be replaced, put the new one in a spot above the flood level, so you won’t 

have to replace it after the next flood.”

CRS Topic 5: Build responsibly—Message 5: “Get a building permit before you start your

repairs.”

PPI Message 8: “Use ICC to help pay to mitigate your substantially damaged building.”

PPI Message 9: “Want to avoid damage the next time it floods? Contact the Building 

Department for information on mitigation grants at 555-1234.”

Examples of FRP Projects

FRP#1: A media kit with background information for reporters on all five FRP messages

FRP#2: Radio public service announcements that cover FRP messages 3 and 5

FRP#3: Door hangers for flooded homes that explain all five FRP messages

FRP#4: Three handouts on grant programs at the disaster center.
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Credit Criteria for FRP

(1) OP credit is a prerequisite to receiving FRP credit. 

(2) To receive FRP credit each year, the community must either use the flood response 

preparations package in response to a flood or (if no flood occurs) review it and adjust it 

as needed. 

(3) The community will not lose OP credit during the year of the flood if implementing the 

FRP projects diverts resources that would have been used to implement other OP 

projects. However, the community will lose its FRP credit if it does not implement its 

FRP projects when there is a flood or if it does not evaluate the FRP projects every year.

(4) If a community does not have a Program for Public Information, the five priority 

audiences that are recognized for credit for outreach projects (OP) also apply to FRP. 

There is also a sixth priority audience for FRP: all properties that were flooded:

• Floodplain residents and businesses,

• Repetitive loss are residents and businesses,

• Residents of areas protected by a levee,

• Residents of areas subject to flooding if an upstream dam fails,

• Residents of areas subject to one of the credited special flood-related hazards 

described in Section 401, and

• 100% of the properties that were flooded. An example of this type of project 

would be door hangers placed on every door of the flooded area before or soon 

after people can go back.

(5) FRP projects must reach their audiences in a timely manner. Mailing a letter with safety 

and clean-up messages, for example, is not likely to reach people before they already reentered and started repairing their houses. Such a project would not be credited, but 

messages through social media would be effective and credited.

Examples of FRP messages include

• “Know your evacuation route,” with a map of evacuation routes,

• “Know where the evacuation shelters are,” with a map of shelter locations,

• “If the street is under water, turn Around Don’t Drown,”

• “Don’t go back to your flooded house until the emergency manager announces 

that it is safe to do so.”

• “Don’t enter a flooded building until it has been cleared by an inspector,”

• “Get a permit for repairs,” and

• “If your building is substantially damaged, you will need to elevate it above the 

flood level. Visit this website, www._____ for the substantial damage rules.”
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(6) FRP projects and procedures are prepared, reviewed, and adjusted each year. The 

projects do not have to be implemented until a flood is imminent—at that time, 

materials would be reproduced and distributed, messages disseminated, notices posted 

on doors, etc.. 

(7) If no flood occurs, credit is still provided, as long as an annual review is conducted to 

make sure that the information is still current. The review and adjustment could be 

carried out as a part of an annual flood response drill or exercise (required for credit 

under Activity 610 (Flood Warning)) or as part of the annual evaluation of the Program 

for Public Information.

Credit Points for FRP

FRP = ∑ FRP#1 + FRP#2 + FRP#3 . . . . , to the maximum of 50 

points

The value for each project, FRP1, FRP2, etc., is the product of 

(A) x (B) x (C), where

A = the number of points for the type of project—

informational (1 point), general outreach 

(2 points), or targeted outreach (6 points)

B = the number of topics (see the six topics in Table 330-1) 

and up to four additional PPI messages covered by 

the project, and

C = the number of times the project is delivered each year. 

The maximum value for C is 5.

The values for each outreach project (FRP#1, FRP#2, etc.) are 

summed to determine the total value for FRP. A spreadsheet in 

Microsoft Excel® is available to facilitate calculating the credit for 

FRP.

FRP can provide up to 50 points. FRP is credited the same as OP. The extra PPI credit can 

be applied to FRP projects, but STK credit does not apply to FRP. See Section 332.c for a 

discussion of the PPI. Scoring examples for FRP projects are shown in Table 330-3.
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Table 330-3. Scoring of example FRP projects (without a PPI).

Example Flood Response Projects (FRP)

(See Figure 330-1)

A

Points for 

Type of 

Project

B

# of Topics 

and PPI 

Messages

C

# of Times 

Delivered 

each Year

(A x B x C)

FRP = 

Points per 

Project

FRP#1. Media kit with background information for 

reporters 2 5 1 10

FRP#2. Eight different radio public service 

announcements*

2 2 5 20

FRP#3. Door hangers for flooded homes 6 5 1 30

FRP#4. Three handouts on grant programs at the disaster 

center 1 1 3 3

Total FRP = 50**

* Capped at five projects

** Although the points per project add up to 63, the 

maximum credit for FRP is 50

Documentation for FRP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the masters for the handouts, news releases, and other projects prepared as 

part of the FRP. 

(b) Written procedures that explain how the handouts, news releases, and other projects 

are to be copied and disseminated.

(c) Documentation that the FRP materials were reviewed to determine whether they are 

still current and appropriate. This may be done as part of the annual report on the 

evaluation of the Program for Public Information.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) Documentation that the FRP materials were reviewed to determine whether they are 

still current and appropriate. This may be done as part of the annual report on the 

evaluation of the Program for Public Information.

(b) Copies of any FRP materials that were revised during the annual review or 

distributed during or after a flood.

332.c. Program for Public Information (PPI) (extra credit points) 

This element is a 40% multiplier that increases the points for each OP and FRP project that 

is covered in the credited Program for Public Information. The maximum extra credit for 

this element is 80 points.

The Program for Public Information is an ongoing public information effort to design and 

transmit the messages that the community determines are most important to its flood safety 

and the protection of its floodplains’ natural functions.
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Note that a Program for Public Information should help design a community’s entire flood 

protection public information program, not just outreach projects. A Program for Public 

Information that covers other types of public information endeavors, such as a website or

technical assistance, can yield increased credit under other activities, as noted in Section 335.

Credit Criteria for PPI

For CRS credit, the Program for Public Information must be developed according to a 

seven-step planning and public involvement process, similar to the process credited under 

Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning). More guidance on the process can be 

found at www.CRSresources.org/300. Communities are also encouraged to ask questions 

and send draft documents to their ISO/CRS Specialist for review before the Program for 

Public Information is finalized.

There are seven steps to preparing a creditable Program for Public Information.

Step 1: Establish a Program for Public Information committee. The community’s 

Program for Public Information must be developed by a committee of people from both 

inside and outside local government. The number of participants and their identities is 

determined by the community, but the committee must

• Meet at least twice: once to review the assessment (step 2) and once to review the 

Program for Public Information document before it is sent to the governing body

(step 6). More meetings are recommended to ensure adequate input from the 

committee members;

• Comprise at least five people;

• Include one or more representatives from the community’s floodplain management 

office;

• Include one or more representatives from the community’s public information office,

if there is one; and 

• Have at least half of its members from outside the local government.

The criteria for the Program for Public Information committee is similar to the criteria for 

the planning committee credited under Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion) and 

Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning). It is possible for the same committee to 

meet the credit criteria for all three activities. There is additional guidance on these 

committees at www.CRSresources.org/300. 

A multi-jurisdictional committee can prepare a Program for Public Information for several 

communities that want to work together. To receive this credit,

• Each community wanting the credit must send at least two representatives to the 

regional committee, 

• At least half of the community’s representatives must be from outside the local 

government, and
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• At least half of the representatives must attend ALL the meetings of the regional 

committee. In effect, there must be a quorum from each community. Remote 

attendance via a webinar that allows for everyone to talk is permissible. It is 

recommended that communities use existing committees, such as the floodplain 

management planning committee credited under Activity 510, when such 

organizations meet the above criteria.

Step 2: Assess the community’s public information needs. There are four substeps to the 

needs assessment.

(a) Identify priority areas. The first substep is to

delineate different priority areas within the 

community, based on different flooding or 

development conditions. This may have been done 

as part of the community’s floodplain management 

planning. The Program for Public Information needs 

to include a description of the different areas.

The CRS Community Self 

Assessment, described in 

Section 240, is an online tool 

that can help identify priority 

areas.

(b) Assess flood insurance coverage. A flood insurance assessment is credited under 

Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion). It is optional for PPI credit, but if the 

community wants to incorporate it into the Program for Public Information, it would 

go here. More information about the flood insurance assessment is found under 

Activity 370.

(c) Determine priority audiences. Priority audiences are those people who need 

different types of flood hazard and flood protection information. They can be 

residents or businesses in the priority areas identified in the first substep, above, or 

they can be other groups of people with a similar flood exposure and need for the 

same information. Examples could be renters, non-English speakers, tourists or 

visitors, or driver’s education classes. A list of the priority audiences and their 

information needs must be included in the Program for Public Information

document.

(d) Inventory other pubic information efforts. The assessment must also inventory 

existing public information and outreach efforts being conducted in the community. 

These must include projects done by the community and projects done by other 

agencies and organizations, such as utility companies, a flood control district, 

newspapers, the Red Cross, or environmental organizations. A list of these efforts 

and the subjects they cover must be included in the Program for Public Information 

document.

Step 3: Formulate messages. The public information messages needed for each priority

audience are determined. The Program for Public Information committee identifies a 

desired outcome for each message.

The Program for Public Information committee is not limited to messages under the 

six CRS priority topics listed in Table 330-1. It can identify up to four additional 

messages for each priority audience.
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Example. 

The Program for Public Information assessment identifies the Roaring 

River as especially hazardous, so the committee selected the owners 

and residents of the Roaring River floodplain properties as a priority 

audience. It determines that more than one message about protecting 

lives are needed. The following four messages are decided on:

Message Outreach Topic Desired Outcome

“Your property is subject to a 

flash flood of the Roaring 

River.”

1. Know your flood 

hazard

Roaring River 

floodplain residents 

take steps to protect 

themselves.

“Do not drive in a flooded 

area. Remember: Turn 

around, don’t drown.”

3. Protect people 

from the hazard 

No cars (or their 

occupants) are lost 

in a flood.

“Flash floods can kill. As little 

as one foot of moving water 

can sweep people off their 

feet. Do not walk across a 

flooded area.”

PPI message #7

Roaring River 

floodplain residents 

take the safest route 

to escape

“A long continuous blast of 

the fire siren is the warning for 

a flash flood. When you hear 

it, immediately walk uphill to 

high ground.”

PPI message #8

Roaring River 

floodplain residents 

take the safest route 

to escape

The first two messages are credited under CRS priority topics 1 and 3. 

Because the next two messages are also messages about protecting 

people, they are identified as PPI messages #7 and #8. This provides 

additional credit for the additional messages. The community could 

receive credit for two more messages (#9 and #10) if it wanted to 

convey more messages under topics 1 or 3. 

Different additional PPI messages #7 through #10 can be identified for 

different priority audiences.

Step 4: Identify outreach projects to convey the messages. The committee considers 

what media to use to deliver the identified messages to the priority audiences. This may 

include continuing or revising existing public information and outreach efforts that are 

already being conducted in the community. Step 4 must produce a list of specific 

projects and identify who is responsible for them and when they will be implemented. A 

multi-jurisdictional Program for Public Information must identify which communities 

benefit from each project.

The Program for Public Information can identify priority audiences for targeted 

projects in addition to those listed for OP and FRP credit. These can be people in a 

specific geographical area (e.g., downtown businesses, residents or tourists along the 
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coast, residents in an area where most people speak only Spanish, etc.) or a 

functional group (e.g., insurance agents, building contractors, drivers, etc.). 

Step 5: Examine other public information initiatives. The Program for Public 

Information committee looks at other public information activities in addition to 

outreach projects. This could include how best to set up a website on flood protection

(Activity 350), what technical assistance is needed throughout the community (Activity 

360), or how to publicize flood protection services (Activities 320, 350, and 360).

Additional credit is available under Activities 340, 350, 360, and 540 if the element is 

described in the Program for Public Information document with specific 

recommendations on how it should be conducted.

Step 6: Prepare the Program for Public Information document and adopt the 

Program for Public Information. The committee’s work is recorded in a formal 

document. The Program for Public Information document and the annual report that 

evaluates the program can be stand-alone documents or they can be sections or chapters 

in a floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan. The document does not need to 

be a long, formal report. Much of the key information can be displayed in a spreadsheet, 

such as the example in Figure 330-2.

For multi-jurisdictional programs, the document must show which communities 

benefit from which projects. For example, an inland community would not benefit 

from a project oriented to beachfront property owners, but all communities would 

benefit from articles in a regional newspaper about flood insurance. This 

documentation may be in the form of a matrix or table included in, or attached to, 

the Program for Public Information document. 

The PPI must be adopted by the community, through either 

• Formal vote by the community’s governing body, or 

• Formal vote by another body that has the authority and funding to implement 

the Program for Public Information, such as a flood control district. If this 

option is used, the Program for Public Information document must still be 

provided to the community’s governing body for informational purposes.

Step 7: Implement, monitor, and evaluate the program. The Program for Public 

Information committee meets at least annually to monitor the implementation of the 

outreach projects. The committee assesses whether the desired outcomes were achieved 

and what, if anything, should be changed. This work is described in an evaluation report 

that is prepared each year, sent to the governing body, and included in the annual 

recertification.

The community must update its Program for Public Information at least every five years. 

This can be a new document or an addendum to the existing document that updates the 

needs assessment and all sections that should be changed based on evaluations of the 

projects. 
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The Program for Public Information update will be reviewed for CRS credit according 

to the Coordinator’s Manual currently in effect, not the version used when the 

community originally requested this credit. The update can qualify as the annual 

evaluation report for the year it was prepared. The updated Program for Public 

Information must be adopted following the same process as adoption of the original 

document.

Credit Points for PPI

PPI = OPi x 0.40

AND/OR

PPI = FRPi x 0.40

There is no credit for preparing and adopting a Program for Public Information. The credit 

is based on implementing the Program for Public Information’s projects. PPI credit is a 

multiplier added to each outreach project credited under OP (OP#1, OP#2, etc.) and FRP 

(FRP#1, FRP#2, etc.) that are described in the Program for Public Information document 

and evaluated and revised annually by the Program for Public Information committee. 

There is no PPI bonus for projects that are not included in the Program for Public 

Information or for messages that are not the same message described in the Program for 

Public Information. (Such projects and messages can be credited under OP and FRP, but 

they would not get the PPI bonus.)

The application of the PPI points can be seen in the scoring example in Table 330-4. To 

ensure that it receives all the credit that is deserved, the community should label each 

project using the same identification that is used in the Program for Public Information

(e.g., “OP#1,” “FRP#2,” etc.) and mark each project to indicate the credited messages.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-20 Edition: 2017

PPI Worksheet 

Priority

Audience Message Outcome Project(s) Assignment Schedule Stakeholder

Priority 

Audience 1. 

Coastal 

floodplain 

residents

Topic 1 

message: 

Find out 

about your 

flood 

hazard

Increase in the 

number of map 

information 

inquiries 

320 map info service to include info on 

flood depths, wave heights, and past floods 

(320)

Floodplain manager Start as soon as 

staff has the maps

OP 3. Presentations to five neighborhood 

associations Floodplain manager

Set up the five 

presentations by 

January 31

Neighborhood 

associations

OP 4. Cable TV to show the neighborhood 

association presentation

Floodplain manager and 

public information officer

Tape the first two 

presentations and 

use the best 

scenes

Neighborhood 

associations, 

cable TV 

company

OP 5. Mailing sent each year to residents of 

the SFHA

Floodplain manager and 

public information officer

Disseminate in 

May, before 

hurricane season

Increase in 

number of 

webpage hits

New website page will show flood depths 

and LiMWA boundary (350)

Floodplain manager and 

webmaster

Have on line by 

May 1 start of 

hurricane season

Increase in the 

number of 

people getting 

tech assistance

Floodplain manager to explain depths, 

waves, and past floods when providing 

assistance (360)

Floodplain manager Start as soon as 

staff has the maps

Topic 2 

message: 

Call your 

insurance 

agent to 

see if you 

have flood 

insurance

coverage

The total 

number of SFHA 

policies 

increases

OP 1. FEMA brochure on flood insurance Floodplain manager Printed and displayed by Feb. 28 FEMA 

OP 2. Local insurance agents advise their 

clients 

Insurance agency 

representative on the PPI 

committee 

Explain at March 

15 insurance 

assoc. meeting

Insurance 

agencies

OP 3. Presentations to neighborhood 

associations See OP 3 above See OP 3 above See OP 3 above 

OP 4. Presentation on cable TV See OP 4 above See OP 4 above See OP 4 above 

Website to summarize cost of typical policy 

and have link to the NFIP page (350)

Floodplain manager and 

webmaster

Have on line by 

May 1 start of 

hurricane season

Figure 330-2. Example spreadsheet for a Program for Public Information.
Outreach Projects

Priority

Audience 2.

Residents of

repetitive loss

areas 3–9 

(in X Zone)

Topic 2 

message:

Call your

insurance

agent to

see if you

have

contents

coverage

Increase in the

number of flood

insurance

policies with

contents

coverage

OP 2. Local insurance agents advise their

clients See OP 2 above See OP 2 above See OP 2 above

OP 3. Presentations See OP 3 above See OP 3 above See OP 3 

OP 4. Cable TV See OP 4 above See OP 4 above See OP 4

Website page stresses contents coverage

(350)

Floodplain manager and

webmaster

Have on line by

May 1

Floodplain manager to explain need for

contents coverage when providing tech

assistance (360)

Floodplain manager Start immediately

Topic 4 

message

4a: Protect

your

property

from 

shallow

flooding

Increase in the

number of

permits for

retrofitting

projects

OP 3. Presentations See OP 3 above See OP 3 above See OP 3

OP 4. Cable TV See OP 4 above See OP 4 above See OP 4

OP 7. Meetings with home builders

association to explain retrofitting projects Floodplain manager

Presentations at

the January and

April meetings

Home builders

association

Website page on how to protect from

shallow flooding (350)

Floodplain manager and

webmaster

Have on line by

May 1

Floodplain manager to explain projects

when providing advice (360) Floodplain manager Start immediately

PPI 

message

7: Don’t

dump in

your ditch

Drainage

inspectors

report fewer

calls and a 

decrease in the

amount of trash

removed

OP 3. Presentations See OP 3 above See OP 3 above See OP 3

OP 4. Cable TV See OP 4 above See OP 4 above See OP 4

OP 7. Meeting to explain the rules to home

builders See OP 7 above See OP 7 above See OP 7 

Website page on drainage maintenance

(350)

Floodplain manager and

webmaster

Have on line by

May 1 

Floodplain manager to explain owner’s

responsibilities when providing advice (360) Floodplain manager Start immediately

OP 3, 4 and 5 to cover dumping regs (540) See OP 3, 4, and 5 See OP 3, 4, and 5 See OP 3, 4, and

5 

Figure 330-2 (cont.). Example spreadsheet for a Program for Public Information.

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-21 Edition: 2017 
Outreach Projects

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-22 Edition: 2017

Documentation for PPI Provided by the Community

In addition to the materials provided for OP and FRP credit:

(1) At the initial verification visit,

(a) A copy of the Program for Public Information document.

(b) Minutes of the meetings, sign-in sheets, or other documentation of the committee 

members’ participation.

(c) Documentation that the Program for Public Information has been adopted by the 

community.

(2) At each annual recertification,

(a) Documentation that the Program for Public Information document has been reviewed 

and adjusted annually. This is in the form of a report, table, or spreadsheet that 

summarizes each outreach project, what was done, and the outcomes. 

(b) Minutes of the meetings, sign-in sheets, or other documentation of the committee 

members’ participation in the annual review.

(3) At subsequent verification visits when a Program for Public Information update is due, 

(a) Documentation that the Program for Public Information document has been updated. 

This can be a new document or an addendum to the existing document that updates 

the needs assessment and all sections that should be changed based on evaluations of 

the projects. The update must be adopted following the same process as approval of 

the original document.

(b) Minutes of the meetings, sign-in sheets, or other documentation of the committee 

members’ participation in the update.

(c) Documentation that the Program for Public Information update has been adopted by 

the community.

332.d. Stakeholder delivery (STK) (extra credit points) 

STK is a 30% multiplier that increases the points for each project credited in elements OP 

and PPI that is delivered or otherwise endorsed by one or more stakeholder organizations. 

The maximum extra credit for STK is 50 points for outreach projects (OP). STK points do 

not apply to FRP projects or to projects not included in the Program for Public Information.

Research has shown that the credibility and visibility of outreach messages are enhanced if 

they are sent by numerous sources. Since most messages tend to come from the local 

government, extra credit is provided for messages that are clearly from stakeholders—

someone or some group concerned with the community, but not a part of the local 

government. 
Outreach Projects

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-23 Edition: 2017

Credit Criteria for STK

(1) This credit is only available to communities with a Program for Public Information. The 

stakeholder organization or agency must be named in the Program for Public 

Information document and the associated projects, but the stakeholder does not need to 

be on the Program for Public Information committee.

(2) A stakeholder can be any agency, organization, or person (other than the community 

itself) that supports the message. Stakeholders could be

• An insurance company that publishes a brochure on flood insurance, even if it is set 

out at City Hall;

• A local newspaper that publishes a flood or hurricane season supplement each year;

• FEMA, if, for example, a FEMA brochure is used in a project;

• Schools that implement outreach activities; 

• A local newspaper that publishes articles and editorials (although advertisements paid 

for by the community do not qualify for STK credit, unless other sponsors or 

supporters are named in the advertisement);

• A neighborhood or civic association that sponsors and hosts a presentation by a 

community employee;

• A utility company that includes pertinent articles in its monthly bills; or

• Presentations made by state or FEMA staff at meetings held every year.

(3) It needs to be clear that the message is coming from someone other than the community 

or is sponsored by or supported by the stakeholder. For example, when stencils are 

displayed on city storm drains, they send a message that appears to come from the city, 

even if the stencils were applied by a volunteer group. If the volunteer organization’s 

name were in the message, however, then it would qualify for STK credit.

Credit Points for STK

STK = OPi x 0.30, if the outreach project is delivered, sponsored, or 

otherwise publicly supported by a stakeholder entity

The application of the STK points can be seen in the scoring example in Table 330-4.

Documentation for STK Provided by the Community

All documentation needed for this element is supplied with the OP and PPI documentation. 

It should be made clear which projects are delivered by stakeholders and therefore warrant 

STK credit.

333 Impact Adjustment 

There in no impact adjustment for this activity.
Outreach Projects

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-24 Edition: 2017

334 Credit Calculation 

Credit is based on the number of messages, the type of projects, the number of times the 

messages are repeated, and the extra PPI and STK credit. This makes for a complicated 

scoring system, best done on a spreadsheet. A sample spreadsheet is shown in Table 330-4.

c330 = cOP + cFRP , where 

cOP = ∑ (OP#1 + PPI#1 + STK#1) + (OP#2 + PPI#2 + STK#2)

 + (OP#3 + PPI#3 + STK#3) . . . 

and

cFRP = ∑ (FRP#1 + PPI#1) + (FRP#2 + PPI#2) . . . 

Table 330-4. Scoring examples for PPI and STK. 

Outreach Project

A

Points 

for 

Type 

of 

Project

B

# of

Topics 

and PPI 

Messagesa

C

# of times 

Project 

Delivered 

each Year

(A x B x C)

OP = 

Points per 

Message

PPI

OP x 

0.4

STK

OP x 

0.3 

Total

cOP = OP + 

 PPI + STK

OP#1. FEMA brochures on flood 

insurance 1 1 1 1 0.40 0.30 1.70

OP#2. Local insurance agents 

advise their clients 2 1 1 2 0.80 0.60 3.40

OP#3. Presentations to five 

neighborhood associations 2 5

b 5 50 20.00 15.00 85.00

OP#4. The neighborhood 

association presentation 

on cable TV

2 5

b 1 10 4.00 3.00 17.00

OP#5. Mailing sent each year to 

residents of the SFHA 6 6

b 1 36 14.40 50.40

OP#6. Stencils on storm drains

(over 40 locations) 2 1 5 10 4.00 14.00

OP#7. Meetings with home 

builders association 6

c 2 2 24 9.60 33.60

 

Total 133 50.00 53.20 205.10

a. Not to exceed one message under each of the six CRS priority topics

b. When the PPI added a 7th message, OP#3, OP#4, and OP#5 received more points for including the new message. 

c. The PPI also identified building contractors as a priority audience. Because at lest 50% of them attend the semiannual meetings, OP#7 is now considered a targeted outreach project. This is not a simple change of numbers. To 

continue to receive this higher credit, the PPI committee must track progress towards the desired outcomes, evaluate 

and revise the project each year as needed, and include its findings in the annual report.

d. A spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel® is available to facilitate calculating the credit for OP, FRP, PPI, STK, and c330.
Outreach Projects

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-25 Edition: 2017

A spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel® is available to facilitate calculating the credit for all the 

elements and for c330.

The credit for each element cannot exceed the element’s maximum points, and the total 

credit for Activity 330 cannot exceed 350 points.

335 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/300. 

b. A spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel® is available to facilitate calculating the credit for OP, FRP, 

PPI, STK, and c330. “Outreach Project Credit Worksheets.xls” can be downloaded from 

www.CRSresources.org/300.

c. d. Some state and local emergency management offices have training courses for public 

information officers. FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers public 

information officer courses. EMI courses are tuition free and travel stipends can often be 

obtained. For more information, contact your state emergency management agency’s training 

officer. 

e. NFIP flyers, stuffers, and toolkits can be ordered and/or downloaded from 

http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.

f. The American Red Cross has brochures that can be obtained in bulk, such as tear-sheet pads 

about flood preparedness and returning to a flooded building. “Preparedness Fast Facts” can be 

ordered from the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

336 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

Several activities have publicity requirements that may be met with an outreach project that 

is credited under this activity. These include Activities 320 (Map Information Service) and 

360 (Flood Protection Assistance); technical assistance (TA) under Activity 370 (Flood 

Insurance Promotion); and stream dumping regulations (SDR) under Activity 540 (Drainage 

System Maintenance). Outreach projects should be designed with these publicity needs in 

mind.

The three warning and response activities, Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response), 

Activity 620 (Levees), and Activity 630 (Dams), have requirements for outreach projects 

that can be credited under OP.

A PPI should not be limited to outreach projects. It should look at all the activities a 

community can pursue to inform people and motivate them to protect life and property, buy 

insurance, and protect natural floodplain functions. The CRS credits other public

information work in addition to that credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). The 
Outreach Projects

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 330-26 Edition: 2017

Coordinator’s Manual provides extra credit in some activities, if they are included in the 

Program for Public Information:

• Activity 320 (Map Information Service): The priority messages identified in the PPI

should be conveyed when inquiries are made. The PPI step 2, Needs Assessment,

may identify areas that should be mapped and included in the map information 

service.

• Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure): If real estate agencies are represented on the 

Program for Public Information committee and their disclosure practice(s) and 

informational brochures are reviewed in the Program for Public Information, then 

extra credit is provided.

• Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information): As with outreach projects, credit for the 

website (WEB) is based on the number of topics covered. If there is a Program for 

Public Information, the community can receive additional credit for covering up to 10

messages, instead of just six. 

• Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance): The credits for the first three elements,

property protection advice (PPA), advice after a site visit (PPV), and financial 

assistance advice (FAA), all can be increased if the services are reviewed and 

recommended in the Program for Public Information document.

• Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion): It is recommended that the plan to 

improve insurance coverage be part of the Program for Public Information and be 

prepared by the same committee, provided that the committee meets the prerequisites 

for Activity 370 credit. 

• Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning): Both element PPI and floodplain 

management planning (FMP) provide credit for having a committee. The same 

committee can fulfill both activities’ credit criteria. The Program for Public 

Information can be a part of a floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan.

• Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance): An additional five points are available 

under SDR if the community’s Program for Public Information reviewed and 

recommended how to publicize the regulations that prohibit dumping in streams and 

ditches.

NOTE: To receive the extra PPI credit, these activities would need to be based on 

appropriate messages, which have desired outcomes discussed in the PPI. The activities

would also need to be evaluated by the committee and reviewed in the annual report.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-1 Edition: 2017

340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE—Summary 

Maximum credit: 80 points

342 Elements

a. Disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH): Up to 25 points if real estate 

agents notify those interested in purchasing properties located in the 

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) about the flood hazard and the flood 

insurance purchase requirement. An additional 10 points are provided if 

the disclosure program is part of a Program for Public Information 

credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

b. Other disclosure requirements (ODR): Up to 5 points for each other 

method of flood hazard disclosure required by law, up to a maximum of 

25 points.

c. Real estate agents’ brochure (REB): Up to 8 points if real estate agents 

are providing brochures or handouts that advise potential buyers to 

investigate the flood hazard for a property. An additional 4 points are 

provided if the disclosure program is part of a Program for Public 

Information credited in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

d. Disclosure of other hazards (DOH): Up to 8 points if the notification to 

prospective buyers includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards, 

such as erosion, subsidence, or wetlands.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-2 Edition: 2017

340 HAZARD DISCLOSURE

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to disclose a property’s potential flood hazard to 

prospective buyers before the lender notifies them of the need for flood insurance. 

341 Background

Most prospective buyers do not take the time (or know how) to investigate whether a 

property is subject to a hazard. In many cases a property may not be near a stream or 

shoreline, past flooding may have been minor, or there may be no history of flooding since 

the area was developed. As a result, many people are caught by surprise when their 

properties are flooded. One of the best times to advise someone of a flood hazard is when 

he or she is considering the purchase of property.

Federal regulations enacted pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (as 

amended by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994) require only that a lender 

advise a person of the flood hazard before closing on the loan. This could be well after the 

buyer has put down earnest money, has lost interest in other properties, or has become 

committed to purchasing the property without knowing all the facts. In many states a buyer 

has recourse under consumer protection laws. 

Many real estate organizations have disclosure practices. A community should check with 

its ISO/CRS Specialist to see if neighboring communities are receiving this Community 

Rating System (CRS) credit. They may already have submitted the needed documentation 

for real estate agencies that serve the area. 

341.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 340 is 80 points.

Credit is provided if a community’s real estate agents advise prospective floodplain 

occupants about the flood hazard and the flood insurance purchase requirement. Other 

disclosure methods may also be credited.

This activity should

• Encourage the purchase of flood insurance,

• Encourage implementation of flood protection measures,

• Prevent victimization of unwary buyers,

• Encourage appropriate use of vacant land,

• Prevent the troubles that can arise from failing to advise potential purchasers of a 

flood hazard, and 

• Protect the real estate agents and sellers from lawsuits. 
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-3 Edition: 2017

341.b. Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for Activity 340. Each element must be implemented 

throughout the community.

342 Elements 

342.a. Disclosure of the flood hazard (DFH) 

The maximum credit for this element is 35 points. There are 25 points for DFH, and an 

additional 10 points are provided if the disclosure program is part of a Program for Public 

Information, credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

Credit for DFH relies on real estate agents to inform a potential purchaser whether a 

property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). A statutory or other legal mandate that 

real estate agents disclose the hazard is not needed to obtain credit for DFH. The credit is 

based on documentation that real estate agents ARE disclosing the hazard, not on WHY they 

are doing it. The best way to implement this activity is with a written notification to 

potential purchasers. This provides the purchaser with the correct information and provides 

documentation for the real estate agent and the ISO/CRS Specialist. Notations can be 

provided on property summary sheets, offer-to-purchase forms, Multiple Listing Service 

(MLS) forms, or other media. The most common approach is to have a box on the MLS 

form. 

This element can be implemented in conjunction with Activity 320 (Map Information 

Service). Real estate agents may request that the community assist them with a determination of the flood risk of properties being advertised for sale; however, the real estate 

agent must be informing people whether a property is in an SFHA. No credit is provided if 

prospective buyers are sent to the community to find out about a property’s potential flood 

risk.

Credit Criteria for DFH

(1) The notice must clearly state whether the property is in the floodplain and, if so, that 

flood insurance is required. If the notice states that a property is in a floodplain or in the 

SFHA, it must also tell the inquirer that federal law requires the purchase of flood 

insurance as a condition of acquiring a federally backed mortgage. If the notice states 

“Flood Insurance Required,” the notation that the property is in a floodplain is not 

needed. 

(2) A property notice that is difficult to interpret, such as “FP: Y/N,” or a general statement 

on all properties, such as “Flood insurance may be required,” or “Flood Zone,” is not 

acceptable. The form must clearly state, “Flood insurance is required.”
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-4 Edition: 2017

(3) If the property is in an area designated under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, the 

notice must advise that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance is not 

available.

(4) The disclosure must be volunteered by the real estate office. There is no DFH credit if 

the disclosure is made only in response to someone’s inquiry about whether the property 

is in a floodplain. 

(5) Credit for DFH cannot be based on real estate agents’ 

use of a seller’s statement or certificate. The information that is required is notification of whether the 

property is in an SFHA, not whether the sellers 

experienced a flood while they owned the property.

(6) Additional credit is provided if the disclosure program 

is described in the community’s Program for Public 

Information document credited in element PPI under 

Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). The document must 

include a discussion of the disclosure program and 

have recommendations on how it should be conducted. 

Continuing to receive this additional PPI-related credit 

is dependent upon receiving continued credit for the P

Program for Public Information under Activity 330. In lieu of PPI credit, the extra 

10 points can be provided if community staff worked with local real estate agents to 

develop the disclosure program and the staff meet with real estate agents annually to 

evaluate and improve the program.

Credit points are provided 

under ODR, below, for a state or 

local legal requirement that

potential purchasers be advised 

about the property’s known flood 

history. 

Credit is also available under 

Section 342.c (REB) if real estate 

agents provide a brochure that 

advises potential property 

purchasers to investigate the 

flood hazard.

Credit Points for DFH

DFH = EITHER

25 points, if real estate agents notify those interested in 

purchasing properties located in the SFHA about the flood 

hazard and the flood insurance purchase requirement,

OR

35 points, if the real estate agents disclosure program credited

above is described in the community’s PPI
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-5 Edition: 2017

Example 342.a-1.

On their property summaries, real estate agents include a notice of 

flood hazard and whether flood insurance is required. When a seller 

contracts with a real estate agent, the latter requests map information 

from the community. The cost is paid by the real estate agent. The 

Board of Realtors® has provided the community with a description of 

this procedure.

DFH = 25

Documentation for DFH Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) At least one copy of a disclosure notice from at least five real estate agencies that 

serve the community. If there are fewer than five agencies that serve the community, 

then at least one notice from each agency must be submitted. 

This documentation can be copies of the notations on property summary sheets, offerto-purchase forms, MLS forms, or other media. If the MLS form is used, a photocopy of 

a completed MLS form must be submitted as documentation.

Seller’s disclosure forms may be sufficient documentation if they clearly state that the 

property is or is not in the SFHA. Statements that “to the best of the seller’s 

knowledge,” or statements regarding whether the property has been flooded are not 

creditable. However, such statements may be eligible for credit under Section 342.b, 

(ODR) if they are required by law. Statements that advise the buyer to determine if the 

property is flood-prone are not creditable, although they may be eligible for credit 

under Section 342.c (REB).

Blank forms are not acceptable documentation. Copies of actual information shown to 

prospective buyers are required. Names may be blacked out to preserve confidentiality. 

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) [Required only for the extra PPI credit] A copy of the annual report prepared by the 

PPI committee or by the community after meeting with real estate agents. 

The report must identify how the credited element worked, how effective it was 

estimated to be, and what changes were recommended for improving its effectiveness. 

If the extra credit is based on a credited Program for Public Information, a separate 

submittal is not needed for this credit.

342.b. Other disclosure requirements (ODR)

The maximum credit for this element is 25 points (5 points per requirement).

The objective of the ODR credit is to provide information to people before they are 

committed to owning or occupying a piece of property that is subject to a flood hazard.
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-6 Edition: 2017

Credit Criteria for ODR

Credit can be requested for up to five state or local laws or ordinances that require 

disclosure of a property’s exposure to flooding, including but not limited to

(1) Requiring all sellers to disclose the flood hazard in those cases where a real estate agent 

is not involved.

(2) Requiring real estate agents and sellers to advise potential purchasers whether “to the 

best of their knowledge and belief” the property has ever been flooded.

(3) Requiring landlords to advise 

potential renters about the flood 

hazard.

(4) Requiring final recorded subdivision 

plats to display the flood hazard area

(see Figure 340-1).

(5) Requiring that the flood hazard area 

be shown on individual lot surveys 

prepared for deed records, property 

transactions, or mortgages.

(6) Requiring titles or deed records to 

show zoning or building permit 

conditions related to floodplain or 

drainage regulations, such as a notice 

about the substantial improvement or 

substantial damage requirement for 

floodplain properties.

(7) Requiring signs posted in 

subdivisions to advise visitors of the 

flood hazard.

(8) Requiring that deeds show the lot or 

building elevation in relation to sea 

level and the base or historical flood 

elevation.

(9) Requiring all sellers to disclose 

whether the property is subject to a special flood-related hazard.

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. 

Note: Requirements for identifying the floodplain 

or flood elevations on preliminary plats or permit 

applications are not disclosure requirements and 

are not credited. ODR credit is based on a legal 

requirement to disclose the flood hazard on a 

record or notice that will be seen by potential 

purchasers or occupants of a property.

Figure 340-1. An example of hazard disclosure on 

a final subdivision plat.
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-7 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for ODR

ODR = 5 points for each other method of disclosure required by law

or ordinance

Documentation for ODR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the law or ordinance language that requires one or more disclosure 

methods prior to the time of sale or rental of a property. See also Sections 231.b and 

231.c on documenting regulatory language.

Example 342.b-1.

A community can receive credit for a state law that requires that, before 

they are recorded, all subdivision plats are to “include an engineer’s or 

surveyor’s statement as to which lots, if any, are partially or completely 

located in an area of special flood hazard identified pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.” [5 points]

A community’s zoning and building codes require that property records 

show all special requirements that have been imposed as a condition 

of building in a floodplain: “A record of each variance, special use 

permit, and conditional use permit, and all conditions and stipulations 

attached thereto, shall be provided to the County Recorder of Deeds to 

be filed with the record of the property.” [5 points]

The community’s application includes a photocopy of these two quoted 

legal requirements with “ODR” marked in the margin.

ODR = 5 + 5 = 10

342.c. Real estate agents’ brochure (REB) 

The maximum credit for this element is 12 points. There are 8 points for REB, and an 

additional 4 points are provided if the brochure is described in the community’s Program 

for Public Information credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

REB credit is provided if real estate agents give a brochure to all clients that are looking to 

purchase a property. The brochure does not need to identify which properties are floodprone, but it must advise the reader to check to see if a property is in a floodplain or has a 

history of flooding.
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-8 Edition: 2017

Figure 340-2 has language that communities can use to 

develop their own locally tailored brochure. Sellers, in 

particular, may appreciate as complete a description as 

possible, especially if the flooding is shallow and slowmoving and retrofitting or other protective measures would be 

appropriate and inexpensive. Purchasers of vacant land should 

be well aware of factors such as the depth, velocity, and 

warning time of the base flood. 

It is recommended that real estate agents or communities 

provide the brochures to lenders, because they would be 

valuable to people seeking pre-approval for a mortgage before 

they start house hunting.

Credit Criteria for REB

(1) The real estate agents’ brochure must advise the reader to 

check to see if a property is in a floodplain or has a history 

of flooding. 

(2) Additional credit is provided if the brochure is described 

in the community’s Program for Public Information

document credited in element PPI under Activity 330 

(Outreach Projects. The PPI document must include a 

discussion of the brochure. Continued credit for the extra PPI points under this activity 

is dependent upon receiving continued credit for the Program for Public Information

under Activity 330. If the community does not have a credited Program for Public 

Information, the extra 4 points can be provided if community staff worked with local 

real estate agents to develop the brochure and the staff meet with real estate agents 

annually to evaluate and improve it.

(3) This credit is available even if the community receives no DFH credit in Section 342.a.

Credit Points for REB

REB = EITHER

8 points, if real estate agents are providing brochures or 

handouts that advise potential buyers to investigate the flood 

hazard for a property

OR

12 points, if the credited brochure or handout is described in the 

community’s PPI
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-9 Edition: 2017

Flood Hazard: Check Before You Buy

Most everyone knows that coastal properties are subject to flooding and wind damage from hurricanes. There are 

maps that show areas predicted to flood. To find out more about flood-prone area maps, check with 

___________________ [office that administers the map information service credited under Activity 320]

However, flooding and other surface drainage problems can occur well away from the coast. If you’re looking at 

a property, it’s a good idea to check out the possible flood hazard before you buy. Here’s why:

• The force of moving water or waves can destroy a building.

• Slow-moving floodwaters can knock people off their feet or float a car.

• Even standing water can float a building, collapse basement walls, or buckle a concrete floor.

• Water-soaked contents, such as carpeting, clothing, upholstered furniture, and mattresses, may have to be 

thrown away after a flood.

• Some items, such as photographs and heirlooms, may never be restored to their original condition.

• Floodwaters are not clean: floods carry mud, farm chemicals, road oil, and other noxious substances that 

cause health hazards.

• Flooded buildings breed mold and other problems if they are not repaired quickly and properly.

• The impact of a flood—cleaning up, making repairs, and the personal losses—can cause great stress to 

you, your family, and your finances.

Floodplain Regulations: _______________ [name of community] regulates construction and development in 

the floodplain to ensure that buildings will be protected from flood damage. Filling and similar projects are 

prohibited in certain areas. Houses substantially damaged by fire, flood, or any other cause must be elevated to 

or above the regulatory flood level when they are repaired. More information can be obtained from 

__________________ [name, phone number of permit office]

Check for a Flood Hazard: Before you commit yourself to buying property, do the following:

• Ask the __________________ [name, phone number of permit office] if the property is in a 

floodplain; if it has ever been flooded; what the flood depth, velocity, and warning time are; if it is 

subject to any other hazards; and what building or zoning regulations are in effect.

• Ask the real estate agent if the property is in a floodplain, if it has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any 

other hazards, such as sewer backup or subsidence.

• Ask the seller and the neighbors if the property is in a floodplain, how long they have lived there, if the 

property has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards.

Flood Protection: A building can be protected from most flood hazards, sometimes at a relatively low cost. 

New buildings and additions can be elevated above flood levels. Existing buildings can be protected from 

shallow floodwaters by regrading, berms, or floodwalls. There are other retrofitting techniques that can protect a 

building from surface or subsurface water.

Flood Insurance: Homeowners insurance usually does not include coverage for a flood. One of the best 

protection measures for a building with a flood problem is a flood insurance policy under the National Flood 

Insurance Program, which can be purchased through any licensed property insurance agent. If the building is 

located in a floodplain, flood insurance will be required by most federally backed mortgage lenders. Ask an 

insurance agent how much a flood insurance policy would cost.

Figure 340-2. A template for a real estate agents’ brochure
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-10 Edition: 2017

Documentation for REB Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the brochure or other document that real estate agents make available to 

interested parties.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) [Required only for the extra PPI credit] A copy of the annual report prepared by the 

Program for Public Information committee or by the community after meeting with 

real estate agents. The report must identify how the credited element worked, how 

effective it was estimated to be, and what changes were recommended for improving 

its effectiveness. If the extra credit is based on a credited Program for Public 

Information, a separate submittal is not needed.

Example 342.c-1.

The California Department of Water Resources has produced a model 

brochure for prospective purchasers of flood-prone property that 

provides them with information about flood hazards. California 

communities that adapt the brochure for their local flood conditions can 

receive 8 points, provided it is distributed by local real estate agents. It 

is available as a template at http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/

lrafmo/fmb/fas/nfip/crs/300series_publicinformation.cfm.

342.d. Disclosure of other hazards (DOH) 

The maximum credit for this element is 8 points.

DOH provides credit for providing information to inquirers about other flood-related 

hazards. Potential property purchasers should be advised of other hazards that have been 

identified for specific sites. These include

• Coastal wave hazards (as mapped as V Zones, Limit of Moderate Wave Action 

(LiMWA), or coastal A Zones);

• Coastal and channel erosion;

• Subsidence;

• Dam failure and levee failure;

• Areas subject to increased flooding due to climate change or sea level rise; and

• Tsunamis and the other special flood-related hazards listed in Section 401.

Disclosing areas subject to non-flood-related hazards, such as volcanoes, landslides, and 

wildfire, is encouraged, but not credited by the CRS.
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-11 Edition: 2017

Credit Criteria for DOH

DFH credit is a prerequisite to receiving DOH credit. The disclosure of other hazards must 

be included in the materials used for DFH credit.

Credit Points for DOH

DOH = 8 points, if the notification to prospective buyers credited in 

Section 342.a includes disclosure of other flood-related hazards

Documentation for DOH Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The documentation submitted for credit under Section 342.a (DFH), marked to show 

how the other flood-related hazards are disclosed.

343 Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

344 Credit Calculation 

c340 = DFH + ODR + REB + DOH

345 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/300.

b. Copies of the following booklet are available free, singly or in quantity (see Appendix C

or www.CRSresources.org). 

Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA F-084, Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (2011). This is also available from FEMA’s website at

www.fema.gov/th/media-library/assets/documents/272.
Hazard Disclosure

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 340-12 Edition: 2017

346 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• Some communities’ map information services (credited under Activity 320 (Map 

Information Service)) help real estate agents determine the flood hazard for a 

property. Having an objective source of this information can help overcome some 

agencies’ reluctance to disclose the flood hazard and can help the community receive 

credit under this activity.

• The Program for Public Information credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)

can be an effective way to start involving real estate staff in community public 

information activities. Their participation in the Program for Public Information can 

result in more points for DFH and REB under Activity 340.

• Some credited regulations require filing a provision with the property records. For 

example, subdivision plat limitations credited by open space incentives (OSI) in 

Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) and nonconversion agreements credited 

under ENL in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) are filed with the recorder 

of property records so future owners are made aware of the restrictions. Such 

regulations are also eligible for credit under ODR in this activity.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-1 Edition: 2017

350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION—Summary 

Maximum credit: 125 points

352 Elements

a. Flood protection library (LIB): 10 points for having nine Federal 

Emergency Management Agency publications on flood protection topics

housed in the public library.

b. Locally pertinent documents (LPD): Up to 10 points for having 

additional references on the community’s flood problem or local or state 

floodplain management programs housed in the public library.

c. Flood protection website (WEB): Up to 77 points for providing flood 

protection information via the community’s website. An additional 28

points are provided if the website is part of a Program for Public 

Information (credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)). There are 

three ways to receive credit under this element:

WEB1: for providing more information on the messages conveyed in the 

community’s outreach projects credited under Activity 330 (Outreach 

Projects).

WEB2: for posting or linking real-time gage information so users can see 

current water levels and, where available, flood height predictions.

WEB3: for posting Elevation Certificates or the data from Elevation 

Certificates.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-2 Edition: 2017

350 FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to provide the public with information about flood 

protection that is more detailed than that provided through outreach projects.

351 Background 

As noted in Activity 330, research has shown that people become interested in a subject 

when they receive repeated messages from different sources. When they do become 

interested, they need more information than what usually is covered in brief outreach 

projects. This activity credits providing that more detailed information. It also credits 

supplying additional information, such as real-time gage data, that can be disseminated 

effectively via websites. 

The community library and community websites are obvious places for residents to look for

detailed information about flooding and flood protection. These locations can contain a 

great deal of information and they offer alternatives for people who are hesitant to go to 

City Hall or talk to a local regulatory official about their flood problem or flood concerns.

Libraries are best for providing guidebooks and handbooks to the public since they are 

typically costly to mail or are often too lengthy to be presented on a website. They are also a 

good source of materials for people who do not use the internet.

Websites have become the primary source of detailed information for more and more 

people. For some types of information, such as maps and current information on flooding, a 

website can be the most effective and efficient source. A website also allows links to other, 

more detailed information that is kept current by the agency or organization that is most 

familiar with it.

351.a. Activity Description

The maximum credit for Activity 350 is 125 points. 

This activity credits providing the public with more detailed information about flood 

protection measures. The flood protection information provided in this activity supports the 

messages presented under Activity 330’s outreach projects. It also credits supplying 

community-specific documents and additional information, such as real-time gage data, that 

can be disseminated effectively via websites. The more detailed information is intended to 

help the public take steps to protect themselves and their property from the impact of 

flooding.

Two main sources of information are credited under this activity: libraries and websites.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-3 Edition: 2017

Library: Two elements give credit for having references in the community’s public library:

• Flood protection library (LIB) provides 10 points for the public library’s having all 

nine Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publications on flood 

protection topics that are listed in Figure 350-1.

• Locally pertinent documents (LPD) provides up to 10 more points for the library’s 

having additional references on the community’s flood problem or local or state 

floodplain management programs. 

Website: More points are provided under the flood protection website (WEB) element 

because more people use websites, more information can be provided quickly through that 

outlet, and the information can be accessed 24 hours a day. The maximum credit for WEB 

is 77 points. An additional 28 points are provided if the website is part of a Program for 

Public Information credited in element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

For both the library and the website, the material must be kept up to date. In both cases, the 

community can make use of other organizations’ programs, such as a county library system 

or links to other agencies’ websites, to provide the detailed information to its residents.

351.b. Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for Activity 350.

352 Elements 

352.a. Flood protection library (LIB) 

The maximum credit for this element is 10

points.

LIB credit is provided for having the latest 

versions of the nine FEMA publications listed 

in Figure 350-1 cataloged and available in the 

community’s library. If the state, region, 

community, or other entity has published 

documents that are more appropriate to the 

community’s situation, then those may be 

substituted. References that are not relevant 

(e.g., the community has no coastal floodplain 

or manufactured homes) do not have to be 

included.

All of the publications are available free, 

singly or in quantity (see Appendix C or 

www.CRSresources.org). Although only one 

1. Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone 

House, FEMA-347 (2000)

2. Answers to Questions About the National Flood 

Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)

3. Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55, 

(2011)

4. Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54

(1984)

5. Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods 

and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)

6. Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to 

Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA257 (1994)

7. Protecting Building Utilities From Flood 

Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)

8. Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 

(1996)

9. Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, 

FEMA 511 (2005)

Figure 350-1. Publications credited 

under element LIB.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-4 Edition: 2017

copy of each publication is required for credit, it is expected that the library will keep 

sufficient copies to meet the demand.

Note that there are many other appropriate and relevant national publications on flood 

protection from agencies and organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the 

American Red Cross. Communities are encouraged to include these references in their 

library for their citizens, but they are not required for LIB credit.

A library may receive credit for digital copies provided that they can be checked out or 

there is a computer terminal or other machine in the library that people may use to read 

them. Digital versions must be located in the library or the library’s system and not be

dependent on links to an outside source.

Credit Criteria for LIB

(1) The nine publications listed in Figure 350-1 must be cataloged and maintained in the 

public library that is most accessible and most widely used by residents of the 

community. 

• In a community with branch libraries or where there is a multi-community library 

system, the publications must be available to all branches, although it is not necessary 

for each branch to maintain a full set. 

• If a small community does not have a library, but an adjacent large community does, 

the small community may receive credit for this activity if it documents that its 

residents have ready access to the library in the adjacent community.

No credit is provided for documents kept in an office that is not a local public library.

(2) The documents must be entered into the library’s card catalog or similar system that 

allows patrons to find publications related to flooding and flood protection. Some 

libraries place these documents in a reference library that contains uncataloged items. In 

such cases, the card catalog still needs an entry under “flood,” which could read, “See 

Reference Librarian for materials on flooding and flood protection.”

Credit Points for LIB

LIB = 10 points, if the publications are cataloged and maintained in 

the community’s public library

Documentation for LIB Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of the publications that have been cataloged in the community’s library or 

library system. The list may be digital or hard copy. If the catalog is available for 

review on line, the URL may be provided in lieu of a list.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-5 Edition: 2017

352.b. Locally pertinent documents (LPD)

The maximum credit for this element is 10 points.

LPD credit is provided for having documents in the community’s local public library that 

cover flood hazards, flood protection, and natural floodplain functions and also are keyed to 

local conditions or to the topics credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). Examples 

of such documents are

• A city handbook on how to protect a building from flood damage,

• A state booklet on floodplain regulation requirements,

• The community’s floodplain management ordinance,

• An environmental organization’s guide to local aquatic and riparian habitats,

• The community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM),

• A reconnaissance report or flood control plan for a stream in the community, 

published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

• The community’s Flood Insurance Study,

• The county’s floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan, or

• Local resource management plans that are related to floodplains, such as a beach 

management plan or fish habitat restoration plan.

Credit Criteria for LPD

(1) The community must receive credit for LIB in Section 352.a.

(2) The documents must be entered into the library’s card catalog or similar system that 

allows patrons to find publications related to flooding and flood protection. Some 

libraries place these documents in a reference library that contains uncataloged items. In 

such cases, the card catalog still needs an entry under “flood,” with a reference to where 

the items can be found (e.g., “See Reference Librarian for local materials on flooding 

and flood protection”).

Credit Points for LPD

LPD = 1 point for each locally pertinent document that is cataloged 

in the community’s public library, up to a maximum of 10 points

Documentation for LPD Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of the publications that have been cataloged in the community’s library or 

library system. This may be digital or hard copy. If the catalog is available for 

review on line, the URL may be provided in lieu of a list.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-6 Edition: 2017

352.c. Flood protection website (WEB) 

The maximum credit for this element is 77 points. 

WEB credit is for providing flood protection information via the community’s website. An 

additional 28 points are provided if the website is part of a Program for Public Information 

credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

A community can receive credit for a county or regional website, provided that there is a 

link from the community’s website and that the information is locally pertinent (see 

Example 352.c-1).

There are three sub-elements for WEB:

(1) WEB1—Providing detailed information on the flood protection messages conveyed in 

outreach projects that are credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) (up to 47

points, and up to 75 points if the additional PPI messages are also covered in the 

website). 

(2) WEB2—Posting real-time gage information so users can see current water levels and, 

where available, flood height predictions (up to 10 points).

(3) WEB3—Posting Elevation Certificates or data from Elevation Certificates (up to 20 points).

Credit Criteria for WEB

To receive any WEB credit, the community’s website must meet the following criteria.

(1) There must be a flood information home page that is readily found by either (1) having 

it listed and linked on the community website’s home page, or (2) using the website’s 

search feature. When using the website’s search feature, the flood information home 

page must be the first or second item listed when “flood” or a similar term is entered. 

There is no credit if the search engine lists numerous possible sites and the user must 

wade through them to find the flood information home page.

(2) The flood information home page must have a directory of the flood protection 

information provided, along with links to the appropriate pages. There is no credit for 

items that are not connected to this flood information home page. Examples of 

creditable home pages can be found at www.CRSresources.org/300.

(3) The links to the flood protection information pages may be to pages on the community’s 

own website or on other websites. Other websites’ links may include sites operated by 

FEMA; the state; the regional flood, water resources, or sewer district; universities; or 

any agency or organization with information related to the credited topics. However, the 

other sites must have information pertinent to the community’s flood conditions (e.g., a 

riverine community should not refer users to a coastal website). 
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-7 Edition: 2017

Example 352.c-1.

One of the best sources of information about protecting a house from 

flooding is the Floods and Hurricanes site administered by the 

Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service

(www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/family_home). Communities with slab-ongrade foundations (even communities not in Louisiana) could refer web 

users to this site via a link. 

(4) There must be a link to FloodSmart (www.floodsmart.gov) or to FEMA’s flood 

insurance page at www.fema.gov/business/nfip. 

(5) The community must check the website’s links at least monthly, and fix those that are 

no longer accurate. (There is free or low-cost software that can identify broken links 

automatically.) At least annually, the community must review the content to ensure that 

it is still current and pertinent (e.g., make sure names, addresses, phone numbers, and 

other contact information are still correct; update any ordinance changes; etc.). For more 

information on how this can be done, see the Activity 350 website information at

www.CRSresources.org/300.

(6) Additional credit is provided for WEB1 if the website content is described in the 

community’s PPI credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

Credit Points for WEB

WEB = the total of the points for the three sub-elements:

WEB = WEB1 + WEB2 + WEB3

(a) WEB1 = 

up to 7 points per topic for detailed coverage of CRS priority

topics 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 credited under Activity 330 (Outreach 

Projects) and

up to 12 points for detailed coverage of CRS priority topic 3,

Protect people from the hazard, credited under Activity 330

(Outreach Projects), and

up to 7 points per topic for detailed coverage of up to four

additional messages in the community’s Program for Public

Information, credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

The maximum credit for WEB1 is 47 points for coverage of

 the six priority CRS topics, unless the community has 

additional messages in its Program for Public Information, 

in which case the maximum credit is 75 points.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-8 Edition: 2017

(a) The maximum credit for WEB1 is 47 points for coverage of the six priority CRS 

topics listed in Table 330-1, even if the community is not receiving credit under 

Activity 330. 

(b) If the community has a Program for Public Information, it may cover more than six 

topics, in which case it can receive up to an additional 7 points for more detailed 

information on each of those additional messages. The Program for Public 

Information document must include a discussion of the website and have 

recommendations on what should be included on the website. Continued credit for 

the additional topics is dependent upon receiving continued credit for the Program 

for Public Information in element PPI under Activity 330.

(c) To receive the full 7 or 12 points for a topic, there must be thorough coverage of the 

topic. This can be provided with a detailed discussion on the community’s website or 

via a link to a reference or other site that provides a detailed discussion. If the 

written portion of an outreach project is posted on the website without more detailed

information, then credit will be up to 2 points. The objective is to provide more indepth information than that provided in the outreach projects.

Example 352.c-2.

The University of New Orleans Center for Hazard Assessment, 

Reduction, and Technology maintains a website to help repetitive loss 

communities, http://floodhelp.uno.edu/Portal.aspx. Note that portions of 

the website are not relevant for some flooding situations, such as 

coastal V Zones and mountainous flash flooding. A community that 

finds the information relevant to its situation may link to the website or 

to selected pages. Credit can be provided for the six topics as noted in 

the table below.

Topic Coverage on UNO’s Site Points

1. Know your flood 

hazard

There is no credit because the University’s 

site does not discuss local hazards 0

2. Insure your property 

for your flood hazard Flood Insurance link on the home page 7

3. Protect people from 

the hazard Protecting Yourself link on the home page 12

4. Protect your property 

from the hazard Protecting Your Home link 7

5. Build responsibly Protecting Your Home, Construction Rules 7

6. Protect natural 

floodplain functions 

There is no credit because the site does not 

discuss local natural floodplain functions 0

WEB1 = 33
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-9 Edition: 2017

(b) WEB2 = up to 10 points, for posting real-time gage 

 information so users can observe current water levels and, 

 where available, flood height predictions

WEB2 credit is provided for linking to real-time reporting gages. They can be the 

community’s gages or gages managed by the National Weather Service, the U.S. Geological 

Survey, or a state or other agency. Full credit is dependent upon posting information for all 

available gages and an explanation of the site.

If a local gage-stage datum is used, the gage data must relate to sea level, NAVD, or

NGVD, as appropriate locally; to recent flooding; or a local landmark (e.g., “one foot below 

the 2006 flood,” “two feet over the Route 30 bridge,” or “four feet deep at the Pettaway 

Park parking lot”). See also the example in Figure 350-2.

Little Calumet River Flood Levels

Flood heights have been recorded since 1947 

on a river gage that is currently located at the 

Cottage Grove Avenue bridge over the Little 

Calumet River. Recorded flood heights can be 

shown in stage or in elevation. Stage is 

measured in feet above an arbitrary starting 

point that was set when the gage was first 

installed. Elevations are in feet above sea 

level. Stage of zero on this gage is the same 

as an elevation of 575.0 feet above sea level.

"Flood stage" is the elevation where the rising 

river starts to damage property. Yards and 

parks are flooded when the river reaches an 

elevation of approximately 590 feet above sea 

level. Buildings are affected at approximately 

593 feet.

In 2005, the National Weather Service issued 

a new "flood stage" level − 16.5 feet or an 

elevation of 591.5. The Weather Service also 

provides real-time stage data for the upstream river gauges on the Little Calumet 

River at South Holland, and on Thorn Creek at 

Thornton.

Figure 350-2. Example explanation of gage data.

From www.southholland.org/.
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-10 Edition: 2017

(c) WEB3 = up to 20 points, for posting Elevation Certificates or

 the data from Elevation Certificates on the website

Either the Elevation Certificates must be posted on the website, or the site may provide a 

list of addresses for which the community has Elevation Certificates. If the addresses are 

posted, then the website must include information on how to obtain a copy of the Elevation 

Certificate. 

Full credit is provided for WEB3 if all the Elevation Certificates maintained by the 

community are posted (or all the addresses are posted) on the website. For example , if the 

community has 100 Elevation Certificates, but only 50% are posted on the website, then 

WEB3 = 20 x 0.5 = 10 points. 

Documentation for WEB Provided by the Community

This element is verified by checking the community’s website online. If the reviewer cannot 

find the website or the flood protection home page, there is no credit. 

(1) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) A statement that the community has checked the website, fixed any broken links, and 

confirmed that the content is still current and pertinent (Section 352.c, credit 

criterion (6)).

(b) [Required only for the extra PPI credit] The annual report prepared by the Program 

for Public Information committee that evaluates the service. This is provided with 

the recertification documentation for Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

The report must identify how the credited element worked, how effective it was 

estimated to be, and what changes were recommended for improving its 

effectiveness.

353 Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

354 Credit Calculation 

c350 = LIB + LPD + WEB
Flood Protection Information

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 350-11 Edition: 2017

355 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/300.

356 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

This credit is closely related to Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). The objective of outreach 

projects is to pique the reader’s interest in a topic, such as flood insurance or property 

protection. Some readers will want to know more, so Activity 350 credits providing that 

additional information through the local library or the community’s website. WEB1 is 

directly tied to the messages that are disseminated in the projects credited under 

Activity 330, and those credit points can be increased to a maximum of 60 if the messages 

also are part of the community’s Program for Public Information (credited under Activity 

330).

The flood protection website can also advise users of other community services, such as

• Providing copies of Elevation Certificates (credited under Activity 310),

• Reading maps for people (Activity 320),

• Providing technical assistance on property protection (Activity 360),

• Providing technical assistance on flood insurance (Activity 370),

• Administering the permit requirements for construction and development in the 

floodplain (Activity 430 and Activity 450), and

• Maintaining the drainage system and carrying out related procedures and 

responsibilities (Activity 540).

It should be noted that posting information about these services using a website does not 

fulfill the publicity prerequisite for these activities, unless website-based publicity is 

discussed in the Program for Public Information document and demonstrated to be the best 

medium to use.

The real-time gage information and flood warning information should be coordinated 

closely with the flood warning and response planning in the 600 series of CRS activities 

and with the outreach project prerequisites for those activities. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-1 Edition: 2017

360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE—Summary 

Maximum credit: 110 points

362 Elements

a. Property protection advice (PPA): Up to 25 points for providing one-onone advice about property protection (such as retrofitting techniques 

and drainage improvements). An additional 15 points are provided if the 

assistance program is part of a Program for Public Information credited 

under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

b. Protection advice provided after a site visit (PPV): Up to 30 points if the 

property protection advisor makes a site visit before providing the 

advice. An additional 15 points are provided if the site visit procedures 

are part of a Program for Public Information credited under Activity 330 

(Outreach Projects).

c. Financial assistance advice (FAA): 10 points for providing advice on 

financial assistance programs that may be available. An additional 5 

points are provided if the financial assistance advisory service is part of a 

Program for Public Information credited under Activity 330 (Outreach 

Projects).

d. Advisor training (TNG): 10 points if the person providing the advice has 

graduated from the EMI courses on retrofitting or grants programs.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Flood Protection Assistance

360 FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-2 Edition: 2017

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to provide one-on-one help to people who are interested in 

protecting their property from flooding.

361 Background 

People can become informed most effectively through direct, one-on-one communication 

with an expert. Research has found that people are more likely to undertake activities to 

reduce the flood hazard to their property if they can get reliable information right in their 

own community. Localized information and advice could be for taking care of drainage 

problems, retrofitting existing structures, or properly locating and building new structures. 

Research has also found that property owners are much more likely to implement 

appropriate mitigation measures if they have financial support for doing so.

There are many ways to protect a property from flood damage, including, but not limited to, 

those listed in Figure 360-1. Note that the list does not include major structural flood 

control projects, such as building an upstream reservoir. 

Different measures are appropriate for different flood hazards, building types, and building 

conditions. The objective of this activity is to have a knowledgeable person directly advise 

a property owner about whether one or more of these measures would be appropriate for the 

owner’s situation. 

To protect property from flood damage . . .

 ● Demolish the building or relocate it out of harm’s way.

 ● Elevate the building above the flood level.

 ● Elevate damage-prone components, such as the furnace or air conditioning unit.

 ● Dry floodproof the building so water cannot get into it.

 ● Wet floodproof portions of the building so water won’t cause damage.

 ● Construct a berm or redirect drainage away from the building.

 ● Maintain nearby streams, ditches, and storm drains so debris does not obstruct them.

 ● Correct sewer backup problems.

Figure 360-1. Typical property protection measures.

361.a. Activity Description 

This activity credits telling individuals what they can do to protect their own properties 

from flood damage. For full credit, the advice must include the types of protection measures 

listed in Figure 360-1 and sources of financial assistance. The maximum credit for this 

activity is 110 points.
Flood Protection Assistance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-3 Edition: 2017

Under this activity, a qualified person must be willing and able to talk to inquirers about the 

flood hazard, flood protection measures, and/or possible financial assistance. The 

availability of this service must be publicized at least annually. As long as the service is 

publicized and provided to inquirers, credit is provided regardless of how many people take 

advantage of it.

The following should be considered when providing the advice:

• The advice should include specific recommendations, such as “elevate well above the 

base flood elevation,” or “don’t try to dry floodproof a basement,” but does not need 

to include detailed construction specifications.

• This credit is not intended to provide a public service that competes with local 

engineers, architects, or contractors. Where appropriate, the technical advisor would 

still recommend things like soils analyses, structural studies, engineering design, 

and/or competitive bids. 

• The advice can be a review of an existing problem 

or it can be providing advice to someone who is 

contemplating developing or improving a property. 

In the latter case, the advice should encourage the 

inquirer to exceed the community’s minimum

requirements, such as recommending not building in 

the floodplain in the first place.

• This activity does not give credit for floodplain 

ordinance enforcement activities that are routinely

conducted by a building department, such as making 

site visits and/or reviewing plans to ensure that they 

comply with the building code.

• Responding to stream dumping or drainage 

maintenance complaints is credited under 

Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance).

361.b. Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for Activity 360. 

This Corps of Engineers 

reference is a good resource for 

communities that are starting a flood 

protection assistance program. It 

can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/300.
Flood Protection Assistance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-4 Edition: 2017

362 Elements 

362.a. Property protection advice (PPA) 

The maximum credit for this element is 40 points. There are 25 points for PPA and an 

additional 15 points if the advisory program is part of a Program for Public Information

credited in element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

PPA credits ONE-ON-ONE advice and/or assistance about property protection, i.e., the types 

of projects listed in Figure 360-1.

Credit Criteria for PPA

(1) The community must identify at least one person to provide the flood protection advice 

and assistance. The person(s) could be the city engineer, building inspector, consultant, 

employee of a county or regional flood control district, Natural Resources Conservation 

Service District Conservationist, etc. It need not be local staff if other agencies have 

agreed to answer inquiries. 

(2) The person(s) providing the advice and assistance must be familiar with structural and 

non-structural flood protection and mitigation measures, including flood insurance. 

Assistance can be provided by a combination of offices to secure a range of expertise, 

such as a building official who knows retrofitting measures and a public works 

employee who understands drainage. 

(3) The advice must be provided one-on-one, i.e., by talking directly to the person making 

the inquiry, either face-to-face or over a telephone. There is no credit for simply handing 

an inquirer materials or references or referring people to a website.

(4) The service must be publicized at least once a year. There are three publicity options:

(a) An annual notice that reaches everyone in the community, such as an article in a 

newsletter or stuffer in a utility bill that goes to all properties. 

(b) An annual notice directed to the areas with flooding and drainage problems, such as 

a mailer to all properties in the floodplain. 

(c) An annual outreach project developed as part of a Program for Public Information,

credited as element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), provided that the 

program document identifies the audience for the service and discusses the best way 

to reach that audience.

(5) Records of the service must be kept and provided for credit documentation.

(6) Additional credit is provided if the flood protection assistance service is described in the 

community’s Program for Public Information Program credited under Activity 330 

(Outreach Projects). The Program for Public Information document must include a 

discussion of the service and have recommendations on how it should be conducted. 

Continued credit for the extra PPI points is dependent upon receiving continued credit 

for the Program for Public Information under Activity 330.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-5 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for PPA

PPA = EITHER:

Up to 25 points, if the community provides one-on-one advice

OR

Up to 40 points, if the property protection advisory service is

described in the PPI-credited document

Full credit is dependent upon providing the service to all properties with known flooding,

drainage, and sewer problems. If the community only addresses selected problems, such as

sewer backup, and does not assist property owners who are subject to other flood-related 

hazards, then the credit is prorated.

Documentation for PPA Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) If the person providing the advice is not a community employee, a letter stating that 

the person and/or agency has agreed to do the work (Section 362.a, credit 

criterion (1)). If the service provider covers several jurisdictions (e.g., a county flood 

control agency), a letter or memo stating that the service is provided throughout its 

jurisdiction is sufficient.

(b) A description of the technical qualifications of all persons who are providing the 

service (Section 362.a, credit criterion (2)). A resume that includes training or other 

qualifications that directly relate to the person’s knowledge of the topic will suffice. 

A job description is not creditable.

(c) Documentation that shows how the community publicizes the service each year 

(Section 362.a, credit criterion (4)). The publicity must

• Describe the service(s) provided;

• Be distributed at least once a year; and

• Explain how to access the service, e.g., what telephone number to call.

If the community publicizes this service through an annual outreach project credited 

under Activity 330, the publicity materials may be included with the documentation for 

Activity 330. There must be a notation (e.g., “360-PPA”) in the margin of the outreach 

project where the flood protection assistance service is addressed. 

If a Program for Public Information is used to determine the appropriate publicity 

mechanism, it must identify the audience(s) for the service and discuss the best way to 

publicize the service to the intended audience(s).

(d) Records of the service must be kept and provided for credit documentation (Section 

362.a, credit criterion (5)). These can be copies of written reports, memos, emails, 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-6 Edition: 2017

work orders, letters to the property owners, etc. The records must include the date 

and type of assistance given, the details of the findings, and the recommendations 

provided to the inquirer.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) A copy of how the community publicized the service during the year.

(b) Copies of three written reports or other material that documents providing the service 

(Section 362.a, credit criterion (5)). If there have been fewer than three requests for the 

service during the year, copies of documentation of all the requests are needed.

(c) [Required only for the extra PPI credit] The annual report prepared by the Program 

for Public Information committee that evaluates the service. This is provided with 

the recertification documentation for Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

The report must identify how the credited elements worked, how effective they were 

estimated to be, and what changes were recommended for improving their effectiveness

362.b. Protection advice provided after a site visit (PPV)

The maximum credit for this element is 45 points. There are 30 points for PPV and an

additional 15 points if the site visits are described in the community’s Program for Public 

Information credited in element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

If the community receives credit for PPA, additional PPV points are available for making 

SITE VISITS to review flooding, drainage, and sewer problems, and providing one-on-one 

advice to the property owner about protection of the property. 

This service must provide advice to the inquirer and must be more than a determination of 

whether the flood problem is a community responsibility or whether the community will 

construct a drainage improvement project. The site visit must include advice on how to 

protect the property from the flood hazard, as explained in the previous section on property 

protection advice (PPA).

Credit Criteria for PPV

(1) The community must receive credit for PPA. PPV credit for site visits is an additional 

credit as part of the community’s provision of property protection advice.

(2) The publicity for the service must include a note that a community representative will 

visit the site in question and review the problem with the inquirer.

(3) Additional credit is provided if the flood protection assistance service is described in the 

community’s Program for Public Information credited under Activity 330 (Outreach 

Projects). The Program for Public Information document must include a discussion of 

the site visits and have recommendations on how they should be conducted. Continued 

credit for the extra PPI points is dependent on receiving continued PPI credit under 

Activity 330.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-7 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for PPV

PPV = EITHER:

Up to 30 points, if the community includes site visits before

providing advice

OR

Up to 45 points, if the property protection visit service 

is described in the PPI-credited document

Full credit is dependent upon providing the service to all properties with known flooding, 

drainage, and sewer problems. If the community only addresses selected problems, such as 

sewer backup, and does not assist property owners subject to other flood-related hazards, 

then the credit is prorated.

Documentation for PPV Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Along with PPA documentation items (1)(a) and (1)(b), the names and titles of the

person(s) conducting the site visits.

(b) Along with the PPA publicity documentation (item (1)(c)), a note that a community 

representative will visit the site if requested.

(c) Records of the site visits and the advice provided must be kept (PPA documentation 

item (1)(d)).

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) The materials provided with the recertification for PPA, which must include the 

appropriate PPV references.

362.c. Financial assistance advice (FAA)

The maximum credit for this element is 15 points. There are 10 points for FAA, and an

additional 5 points if the financial assistance advice is part of a Program for Public 

Information credited in element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

Research has shown that property owners are more likely to implement mitigation measures 

if they have financial support. Telling people about both pre-flood and post-flood help is 

useful because they may not be fully motivated to act until they are flooded again.

This element credits providing advice and/or assistance about financial help for undertaking 

property protection measures, such as those sources listed in Figure 360-2.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-8 Edition: 2017

Credit Criteria for FAA

(1) The community must identify at least one person to provide the financial assistance 

advice. It need not be local staff if other agencies have agreed to answer inquiries. 

(2) The service must be publicized at least once a year. Although PPA credit is not a 

prerequisite, to receive credit for FAA the financial assistance advisory service must be 

publicized in the same manner described in PPA credit criterion (3). If the community 

provides PPA advice, then the publicity for FAA should be part of the PPA publicity.

(3) Full credit is dependent upon providing information on all available sources of financial 

assistance. There must be a documented check of the sources of assistance listed in

Figure 360-2 to determine which ones may be available and appropriate for the 

community. No credit is provided if the advice covers only flood insurance or Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation grants. Saying that there is no 

assistance is not credited. 

Financial Assistance for Property Protection Measures

Pre-flood Assistance

○ Projects fully or partially funded by a local agency. For example, some metropolitan sewer 

agencies fund part or all of a project to stop sewer backup and some communities have 

their own rebate, financial assistance, or construction programs;

○ FEMA mitigation grants;

○ State or local programs, such as grants, loans, and rebates;

○ Housing improvement assistance programs;

○ The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural development grants and loans for mitigation;

○ The potential to reduce flood insurance premiums for certain mitigation projects (e.g., 

elevating the building above the base flood elevation); and

○ Exempting the improvements from property tax increases.

Post-flood Assistance

○ Flood insurance;

○ Flood insurance’s Increased Cost of Compliance benefit for substantially damaged 

structures;

○ FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; and

○ The U.S. Small Business Administration’s post-flood mitigation loans. 

See www.CRSresources.org/300 for more information on these financial assistance programs.

Figure 360-2. A selection of potential sources of financial assistance 

for property protection.
Flood Protection Assistance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-9 Edition: 2017

(4) The advice must be provided one-on-one, i.e., by talking directly to the person making 

the inquiry, either face-to-face or over a telephone. Written materials may be used to 

help explain the programs, but there is no credit for simply handing an inquirer 

materials or references or referring people to a website.

(5) Records of the service must be kept and provided for credit documentation.

(6) Additional credit is provided if financial assistance advice is described in the 

community’s Program for Public Information credited in element PPI under Activity 330 

(Outreach Projects). The Program for Public Information document must include a 

discussion of the service and have recommendations on how it should be conducted. 

Continued credit for the extra PPI points is dependent upon receiving continued PPI 

credit under Activity 330.

Credit Points for FAA

FAA = one of the following:

10 points, if the information on financial assistance programs is

provided during one-on-one discussions with an inquirer, such 

as is credited under PPA

OR

15 points, if the information on financial assistance programs is 

provided during one-on-one discussions with an inquirer, such 

as is credited under PPA, and if the financial assistance 

advisory service is described in the Program for Public 

Information document credited under Activity 330

OR

5 points, if the community only covers the above-listed financial 

assistance programs on its website and the website meets the 

credit criteria for in Section 352.c of Activity 350 (Flood 

Protection Information)

Documentation for FAA Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) If the person providing the advice is not a community employee, a letter stating that 

the person and/or agency has agreed to do the work (Section 362.c, credit criterion

(1)). If the service provider covers several jurisdictions (e.g., a county flood control 

agency), a letter or memo stating that the service is provided throughout its 

jurisdiction is sufficient.

(b) A copy of how the service is publicized (Section 362.c, credit criterion (2)).
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-10 Edition: 2017

(c) A record or memo to the files that reviews the above list of sources of assistance (see 

Figure 360-2) to determine which ones may be available and appropriate for the 

community (Section 362.c, credit criterion (3)).

(d) Copies of the materials used to explain the financial assistance programs, if any are 

used (Section 362.c, credit criterion (4)). These may be digital, hard copy, or website 

references. 

(e) Records of the service provided (Section 362.c, credit criterion (5)). These can be 

copies of written reports, memos, emails, letters to the property owners, etc. 

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) A copy of how the community publicized the service during the year.

(b) Copies of three written reports or other documentation of providing the service 

(Section 362.c, credit criterion (5)). If there have been fewer than three requests for 

the service during the year, copies of documentation of all requests are needed.

(c) [Required only for the extra PPI credit] The annual report prepared by the Program 

for Public Information committee that evaluates the service. This is provided with 

the recertification documentation for Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

The report must identify how the credited element worked, how effective it was 

estimated to be, and what changes were recommended for improving its effectiveness.

362.d. Advisor training (TNG) 

The maximum credit for this element is 10 points.

One of the best ways to ensure a quality service is to send the advisors to the latest FEMA 

training on property protection and financial

assistance. TNG provides credit if the person(s) 

providing advice on flood protection and 

financial assistance attends those classes.

Credit Criteria for TNG

(1) Credit for property protection advice (PPA) 

and/or financial assistance advice (FAA) are 

prerequisites for TNG credit. The person 

credited for the training must be the one 

providing the relevant advice for PPA and/or 

FAA credit.

(2) This credit is related to classes that are 

provided by the Emergency Management 

Institute (EMI). A community may submit an 

equivalent field-deployed or home-study 

course for possible scoring.

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) 

is a FEMA training center located in 

Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a four-day 

course on retrofitting techniques oriented to 

engineers and experienced building 

professionals as well as courses on FEMA 

financial assistance programs, including 

application procedures and benefit/cost 

analyses. Stipends to cover travel, registration, 

and rooms are usually available from FEMA for 

federal, state, and local officials. For many of its 

topics, EMI also offers field-deployed and 

independent study versions, which are also free. 

For more information, see

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb.
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Credit Points for TNG

TNG = The sum of the following, up to 10 points:

(1) The sum of the following, not to exceed 5 points:

4 points, if the person providing property protection advice 

 (PPA) has graduated from EMI’s 4-day resident or field 

 deployed retrofitting class (E279 or L279)

1 point, for each person providing property protection advice 

(PPA) who has graduated from EMI’s independent study 

retrofitting class (IS-279)

(2) The sum of the following, not to exceed 5 points:

4 points, if the person providing financial assistance advice 

 has graduated from EMI’s 4-day resident or field-deployed 

 class on the Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance 

 Program (E212 or L212)

3 points, if the person providing financial assistance advice 

 has graduated from EMI’s 3-day resident or field-deployed 

 class on benefit/cost analysis (E276 or L276)

1 point, for each person providing financial assistance 

 advice who has graduated from either independent study 

 class (IS-212 or IS-30)

The different points for FAA are based on the length of the classes. The independent study 

classes take approximately one day.

NOTE: Periodically, EMI introduces new courses. Check www.CRSresources.org/300 for 

the latest list of creditable resident, field-deployed, and independent study classes on flood 

protection and financial assistance.

Documentation for TNG Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the certificate of course attendance.

363 Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-12 Edition: 2017

364 Credit Calculation 

c360 = PPA + PPV + FAA + TNG

365 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at

www.CRSresources.org/300.

b. The FEMA references on property protection in Figure 350-1 are good resources for the flood 

protection advisor. 

c. The following are U.S. Army Corps of Engineers references on property protection. They can 

be found at www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/ProjectPlanning/nfpc.aspx.

• Flood Proofing Performance—Successes & Failures, 1998

• Flood Proofing Techniques, Programs and References, 1996

• Raising and Moving The Slab-On-Grade House, 1990

• Local Flood Proofing Programs, 2005

• A Flood Proofing Success Story, 1993

• Flood Proofing: How to Evaluate Your Options, 1993

• Flood Proofing Technology in the Tug Fork Valley, 1994.

d. Information on financial assistance programs includes

• FEMA grants: www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance

• Flood insurance: www.fema.gov/business/nfip

• Increased Cost of Compliance: www.fema.gov/national-flood-insuranceprogram-2/increased-cost-compliance-coverage

• SBA mitigation loans: www.sba.gov/content/disaster-loan-program

• A good overall guide on state and local funding programs, such as rebates and 

tax exemptions, can be found in the Corps’ Local Flood Proofing Programs at

www.CRSresources.org/300.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 360-13 Edition: 2017

366 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• The credits for the first three elements, PPA, PPV, and FAA, can be increased if the 

services are described in the Program for Public Information credited in element PPI 

under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

• Activity 330 gives basic information on property protection and flood insurance. 

Outreach projects should publicize that the community can provide more advice and

assistance to interested people. The publicity requirement for PPA, PPV, and FAA 

should be coordinated with, and be part of, the outreach projects.

• Similarly, the website credited under Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information)

could advise users of this service. However, using a website does not fulfill the 

publicity prerequisite for these activities, unless the Program for Public Information 

document explains why a website is the best medium to use.

• Activity 360 credits encouraging property owners to build or install property 

protection measures, such as those listed in Figure 360-1. If an owner implements a 

recommended project, the community can receive additional credit under Activity 

530 (Flood Protection). If the owner relocates the building or obtains financial 

assistance to sell it to a public agency, credit could be provided under Activity 520 

(Acquisition and Relocation).

• One common source of a local drainage problem is a blocked drainageway. Advising 

property owners about good drainage maintenance can result in reduced work for the 

community’s drainage maintenance program. That program and regulations to 

prohibit dumping in drainageways are credited under Activity 540 (Drainage System 

Maintenance).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-1 Edition: 2017

370 FLOOD INSURANCE PROMOTION—Summary 

Maximum credit: 110 points

372 Elements

a. Flood insurance coverage assessment (FIA): Up to 15 points for

assessing the community’s current level of coverage and identifying 

shortcomings.

b. Coverage improvement plan (CP): Up to 15 points for a plan prepared by 

a committee that has representation from local insurance agents. 

c. Coverage improvement plan implementation (CPI): Up to 60 points for 

implementing the projects in the CP plan.

d. Technical assistance (TA): Up to 20 points for providing advice about 

flood insurance.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-2 Edition: 2017

370 FLOOD INSURANCE PROMOTION 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to improve flood insurance coverage in the community.

371 Background 

Flood insurance is a wise investment. Floods are the number-one natural disaster in the 

United States. Wherever rain falls, snow melts, or coastal storms rage, there can be 

flooding. Just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Flood 

damage is not covered by most standard homeowner or business insurance policies. Disaster 

assistance, if it is available, is typically a loan that must be repaid with interest. 

As noted by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), 

The simple truth is that residents and business owners with adequate flood insurance 

rebuild and recover faster and return to normal faster than people without. This means 

faster and more complete community recovery.... Experience has shown that an insured 

community is a better prepared community....

For communities, the lesson is clear: preparing for flooding and pursuing flood 

mitigation strategies are important, however, it is equally critical to prepare for the 

financial burdens which will be placed on the community and its residents and businesses 

when the next flood occurs.... Self-reliant communities know that flood insurance is the 

only guaranteed vehicle to assure a smooth and complete recovery for everyone affected. 

 —ASFPM News & Views, October 2010

Many people are not aware that flood insurance is available, and many of those who are

aware do not see a need to insure their property. As a method of protecting people from the 

consequences of flooding, promoting flood insurance should be as much a community 

responsibility as building flood control projects or regulating new development in the 

floodplain. Communities in the Community Rating System (CRS) have a special 

opportunity to promote the availability of flood insurance and its importance as a 

preparedness measure.

371.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for this activity is 110 points.

As noted in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), one of the most effective ways to get a 

message across is to have it tailored to local audiences and repeated by different sources. 

This activity credits a similar approach to improve flood insurance coverage in a 

community.

This activity provides credit for a three-step process that allows communities to assess their 

own needs and receive credit for improving their coverage:
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-3 Edition: 2017

Step 1: Flood insurance coverage assessment (FIA). This credit is provided for 

assessing the community’s current level of coverage and identifying shortcomings. The 

maximum credit for FIA is 15 points.

Step 2: Coverage improvement plan (CP). The plan is prepared by a committee that 

has representation from local insurance agents. The maximum credit for CP is 15 points.

Step 3: Implementation of the coverage improvement plan (CPI). The plan’s 

projects are implemented. The maximum credit for CPI is 60 points.

Credit for the three steps or elements is provided incrementally. That is, a community may 

prepare an assessment and circulate it for review (FIA) (Section 372.a) before it decides 

whether to proceed with a coverage improvement plan. Credit is next provided for the 

development of a coverage improvement plan (CP) that is submitted to the governing body 

(Section 372.b). Credit for implementing the projects described in the coverage 

improvement plan is provided in “coverage improvement plan implementation (CPI),” in 

Section 371.c.

Credit is also available in this activity for Technical Assistance (TA), i.e., providing 

advice about flood insurance similar to the flood protection assistance service credited 

under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance). The maximum credit for TA is 20 points.

371.b. Impact Adjustment 

There is no separate impact adjustment for Activity 370. It is expected that the community 

will evaluate flood insurance needs for all properties that are exposed to flooding. 

372 Elements 

372.a. Flood insurance coverage assessment (FIA) 

The maximum credit for this element is 15 points.

FIA credit is provided for the first step in the flood insurance promotion process—assessing 

the community’s current level of flood insurance coverage and identifying where coverage 

needs to be improved. Incorporating this element into the assessments needed for a Program 

for Public Information credited in element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) or 

floodplain management plan credited in Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) is 

recommended, but not required. 

Several separate documents are available to help communities with outreach projects, 

planning committees, the Program for Public Information, assessing flood insurance 

coverage, and other aspects of this activity. They include additional details, suggestions, 

and examples, and can be found at www.CRSresources.org/300.

Credit Criteria for FIA

For FIA credit, the flood insurance coverage assessment must follow these steps: 
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(1) Collect flood insurance information. Flood 

insurance policy information from the National Flood 

Insurance Program (NFIP) is available to local 

government agencies as general (or aggregate) data or 

as detailed (or property-specific) data.

The general data contain no specific policy holder 

name or address information and can be shared with 

the public. The detailed policy information that 

includes policy holder addresses and names is 

protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 and cannot be 

shared with the public. This means that detailed policy 

data can only be seen by local government staff and 

cannot be provided to individuals or organizations,

including a floodplain management planning

committee, Program for Public Information committee, 

governing bodies, the media, or the public.

(a) Use of general flood insurance data: For FIA, 

communities are required to, at a minimum, obtain

and use the “Insurance Zone” and “Insurance 

Occupancy” information from the NFIP Community 

Information System (CIS). The CIS data can be 

obtained through the ISO/CRS Specialists. Note 

that the FEMA Regional Offices and most State 

NFIP Coordinators also have access to the CIS and 

may be able to provide it to CRS communities.

(b) Use of detailed or property-specific flood insurance data: Detailed flood insurance 

policy information is made available to CRS repetitive loss communities with the 

condition that the community official accepting the data agrees to follow the 

requirements of the Privacy Act. Detailed flood insurance policy information can 

also be requested from the FEMA Regional Office. Using detailed policy data that is 

up to one year old is adequate for credit for this activity.

The detailed data include the address and amount of coverage for each policy listed 

under the community’s NFIP number. Such detailed data may only be used in the 

development of FIA and shared with the committee formed for the development of 

the coverage improvement plan (credited in the next section) if it is first modified 

into a generalized or aggregated form so that individual names and addresses are not 

provided and cannot be inferred. For example, the aggregated data could be 

presented in tabular format or on a map by block or neighborhood.

The Privacy Act of 1974

Flood insurance data about

private property, including repetitive loss properties, are protected 

under the Privacy Act. Personally 

identifiable Information such as the 

names or addresses of specific 

properties, whether they are

covered by flood insurance or not, 

whether they have received flood 

insurance claims, or the amounts 

of such claims MAY NOT be 

released outside of local 

government agencies or to the 

public or used for solicitation or 

other purposes. Such information 

should be marked “For internal use 

only. Protected by the Privacy Act 

of 1974.” 

General or aggregated 

information, such as total claims

paid for a community or an area or 

data not connected to a particular 

property MAY be made public.

(2) Determine level of flood insurance coverage. The level of flood insurance coverage is 

determined. Level of coverage is measured in two ways:

(a) The number of buildings with insurance coverage can be compared to the number of 

buildings exposed to the flood hazard. Note that the number of buildings in the 
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floodplain is tallied and updated each year for the community’s Program Data Table 

(Section 213.a). This comparison should be done by FIRM Zone, such as 

Unnumbered A Zone or V Zone, and by occupancy type (e.g., single family homes 

and non-residential). 

(b) The average amount of coverage (“insurance in force”) by FIRM zone and 

occupancy type can be compared to the amount of expected flood damage from a 

base flood. For example, many people may only have coverage equal to the 

remaining balance of their mortgage, which may not be sufficient to cover the 

amount of damage that could result from a 100-year flood. Many communities have 

used Hazus-MH, which is a tool that can help estimate expected flood damage (see

www.fema.gov/hazus).

For local government officials using detailed data to do this step:

• If the assessment identifies errors in the policy data, such as an inaccurate address or 

the wrong community identification number, the correct data should be submitted to 

the ISO/CRS Specialist. 

• If the assessment finds that a grandfathered X-Zone policy is actually in the SFHA, it 

should be counted as a policy in the SFHA for the purposes of this assessment.

Community staff are encouraged to examine the level of coverage in the priority

areas identified in a floodplain management plan (Activity 510), Program for Public 

Information (Activity 330), or CRS Community Self Assessment (Section 240).

(3) Prepare the document. An assessment document is prepared that

(a) Explains the process followed;

(b) Provides summary data, such as a table with the coverage numbers for each FIRM 

zone and occupancy type. If the community used detailed policy data, summary data 

by priority area would be useful; and

(c) Concludes with a narrative summary of the current coverage and recommendations 

about where improvements would help. Examples of improvements include, but are 

not limited to

o Increasing the number of buildings insured in one or more areas or FIRM 

zones,

o Increasing the number of buildings insured by occupancy type,

o Having higher levels of coverage where the expected amount of damage from 

a base flood is more than the average amount of coverage, or

o Increasing the number of Preferred Risk Policies in areas remapped from A 

Zones to an X Zone.

The assessment document may be a stand-alone document or it may be prepared and 

published as part of a flood insurance coverage improvement plan (credited in the next 

section), a Program for Public Information (credited in element PPI under Activity 330), 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-6 Edition: 2017

or a floodplain management plan (credited under Activity 510). A multi-jurisdictional 

plan must include this information for each of the participating communities.

(4) Submit to the governing body. The assessment document (containing only general or 

aggregated data or maps) is submitted to the community’s governing body. In the case 

of a multi-jurisdictional plan, each community seeking this credit must submit the 

document to its governing body. No action needs to be taken by the governing body for 

FIA credit.

(5) Reassess. Updated flood insurance data must be obtained five years after the 

assessment was done. The new information is used to update the level of coverage and 

the recommendations. The document is revised accordingly and submitted to the 

community’s governing body.

Communities are to keep track of their building counts as part of their annual 

recertification (see Section 213.a), so the data needed to update the assessment should 

be readily available.

An updated FIA can be a new document or an addendum to the existing document. The 

FIA update will be reviewed for CRS credit according to the Coordinator’s Manual 

currently in effect, not the version used when the community originally requested this 

credit. The updated FIA must be developed, reviewed, and submitted to the governing 

body following the same process used when the original document was submitted.

Credit Points for FIA

FIA = 15 points, for preparing the assessment document and submitting it to the 

community’s governing body.

Documentation for FIA Provided by the Community

If the flood insurance coverage assessment is part of the community’s Program for Public 

Information that receives PPI credit under Activity 330, no additional documentation is 

needed. The documentation listed below is needed only if the assessment is not part of a 

credited Program for Public Information.

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The current flood insurance coverage assessment document, and

(b) Documentation that the document was submitted to the community’s governing body

(e.g., a cover memo or a note in the governing body’s minutes).

372.b. Coverage improvement plan (CP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 15 points.

CP credit is provided for the second step in the flood insurance promotion process—

preparing a plan to improve the coverage needs found in the FIA assessment. As with the 

assessment, incorporating the coverage improvement plan into a Program for Public 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-7 Edition: 2017

Information credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) is recommended, but not 

required. 

Several separate documents are available to help communities with outreach projects, 

planning committees, the Program for Public Information, assessing flood insurance 

coverage, and other aspects of this activity. They include additional details, suggestions, 

and examples, and can be found at www.CRSresources.org/300.

Credit Criteria for CP

(1) The community must receive credit for the flood insurance coverage assessment (FIA). 

(2) The plan must be prepared by a committee of people from both inside and outside the 

local government. The number of participants and their identities is determined by the 

community, but the committee must

o Comprise at least five people;

o Include one or more representatives from the community’s floodplain 

management office;

o Include one or more representatives from the community’s public information 

office, if there is one;

o Have at least half of its members from outside the local government; and

o Include one or more representatives from a local insurance agency.

See Step 1 in Section 332.c. The community’s Program for Public Information

committee or floodplain management planning committee can suffice for this 

committee, provided it includes one or more representatives from a local insurance 

agency. 

Communities are encouraged to have a larger group of stakeholders, especially residents 

from floodprone areas on their committees. If there are no insurance agencies in town, 

the community can document participation by one or more out-of-town agencies that 

normally do business in the community.

If the committee is a multi-jurisdictional planning group, it must meet the same criteria 

as for a multi-jurisdictional Program for Public Information committee, found in Step 1 

in Section 332.b. Having one insurance agency represented on the multi-jurisdictional 

planning group is acceptable.

(3) The committee must prepare and recommend a coverage improvement plan. The plan 

document must include the following:

(a) A list of the members of the committee and their affiliations;

(b) The flood insurance coverage assessment credited under FIA, with aggregate 

insurance data, in accordance with the Privacy Act. A separate assessment does not 

have to be published and provided to the governing body if it is included in the 

coverage improvement plan or the Program for Public Information document;
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(c) Current activities being implemented within the community to promote flood 

insurance, including activities by state and local agencies and insurance companies. 

This could be prepared as part of Step 2 of the Program for Public Information 

process;

(d) Desired outcomes for coverage improvement. The community may want to set 

priorities and address one or two first. This could be prepared as part of Step 3 of the 

Program for Public Information process;

(e) A description of each project designed to increase coverage, who will do it, and 

when it will be done. Projects can encourage people to maintain their coverage. This 

could be prepared as part of Step 4 of the Program for Public Information process;

(f) At least one project must demonstrate that the community’s elected leadership 

encourages people to purchase or increase their flood insurance coverage. Examples 

of such a project include a public forum or event involving the community’s 

governing body or a document sent to all residents and signed by the mayor.

Statements at a regular meeting of the governing body are not sufficient;

(g) The process that will be followed to monitor and evaluate the projects, including a 

reporting procedure or other technique by which the committee will make sure the 

projects are done. This could be prepared as part of Step 7 of the Program for Public 

Information process; and

(h) A copy of the draft plan must be sent to the FEMA Regional Office’s flood 

insurance liaison. The liaison does not approve the plan. The purpose of the 

submittal is to see if the Regional Office can provide assistance or useful 

information.

The plan can be included in the community’s Program 

for Public Information or floodplain management plan, 

instead of being a separate document. If the community’s 

Program for Public Information or floodplain management plan is a multi-jurisdictional plan, it must include 

this information for each of the communities. 

 FEMA can provide information on national efforts to 

promote flood insurance and 

can provide materials to 

explain flood insurance. For 

more information see 

www.FloodSmart.gov.

(4) The plan document must be submitted to the 

community’s governing body. In the case of a multijurisdictional plan, each community seeking this credit must submit the document to its 

own governing body. No action needs to be taken by the governing body unless the 

community wants credit for implementing the plan (CPI). In that case, the plan would 

need to be adopted by following the same adoption criteria used for PPI credit under 

Activity 330.

(5) Continuation of this credit is dependent on preparation of an annual evaluation report, 

similar to the annual report needed for a Program for Public Information or floodplain 

management plan. As with those reports, the annual report evaluating the coverage 

improvement plan must be submitted to the governing body and included in the annual 

CRS recertification package. 
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(6) The plan must be updated on a five-year cycle, using data from the updated assessment 

(see step 5 in the FIA assessment in the previous section). Preparation of the updated 

plan follows the same process as the original plan, including sending a draft to the flood 

insurance liaison in the FEMA Regional Office. 

Credit Points for CP

CP = 15 points, for preparing the coverage improvement plan and

submitting it to the governing body

Documentation for CP Provided by the Community

If the flood insurance coverage improvement plan is part of the community’s Program for 

Public Information credited in element PPI under Activity 330, no additional documentation 

is needed. The documentation listed below is needed only if the plan is not part of a 

credited Program for Public Information.

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The current flood insurance coverage improvement plan (Section 372.b, credit 

criteria (3) and (7)).

(b) Documentation that the plan was submitted to the governing body (e.g., a cover 

memo or a note in the governing body’s minutes) (Section 372.b, credit 

criterion (4)).

(2) With each annual recertification,

(a) A copy of the annual evaluation report (Section 372.b, credit criterion (6)).

(b) Documentation that the annual evaluation report was submitted to the governing 

body (e.g., a cover memo or a note in the governing body’s minutes) (credit 

criterion (5)). 

372.c. Coverage improvement plan implementation (CPI)

The maximum credit for this element is 60 points.

CPI credit is provided for the third step in the flood insurance promotion process—

implementing the plan to improve coverage. As with the previous elements, including the 

coverage improvement projects in the Program for Public Information that is credited in

element PPI under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) is recommended, but not required. 

Several separate documents are available to help communities with outreach projects, 

planning committees, the Program for Public Information, assessing flood insurance 

coverage, and other aspects of this activity. They include additional details, suggestions, 

and examples, and can be found at www.CRSresources.org/300.

Each CPI project is scored the same way as are outreach projects (OP) in Activity 330 

(Outreach Projects) with two exceptions. First, only the topic of flood insurance is credited
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here. Second, because the community does a special evaluation of flood insurance coverage 

needs and of the appropriate public information projects dealing with flood insurance, it is 

expected that the Activity 370 outreach projects will be more effective. Therefore, they 

receive twice the credit as projects under Activity 330. Coverage of the topic of flood 

insurance in the same project cannot be credited under both activities. If a project 

implemented pursuant to the CPI covers several topics, the topic of flood insurance should 

be scored only under Activity 370, while the other topics can be scored under Activity 330.

Credit Criteria for CPI

(1) The community must receive credit for the flood insurance coverage assessment (FIA) 

and credit for the adopted coverage improvement plan (CP). The criteria for adoption of 

the plan is the same as the criteria for adopting a Program for Public Information (PPI) 

as stated in Step 6 in Section 332.c. If the coverage improvement plan is incorporated in 

a credited Program for Public Information, adoption of the Program for Public 

Information document is sufficient.

(2) The projects implemented for CPI credit must be listed in the coverage improvement 

plan (or the Program for Public Information document, if the coverage improvement 

plan is incorporated into the Program for Public Information).

(3) The community must implement at least one project each year that demonstrates that the 

community’s elected leadership encourages people to purchase or increase their flood 

insurance coverage (see CP credit criterion (3)(f) in Section 372.b.

Credit Points for CPI

A maximum of 60 points is available for this element.

CPI = ∑ CPI#1 + CPI#2 + CPI#3 . . . 

The value for each coverage project implemented, CPI#1, CPI#2, 

etc., is the product of (A) x (B), i.e., 

(A) The number of points per flood insurance message 

identified in the coverage improvement plan, which is based on 

the type of project: informational (2 point), general outreach (4

points), or targeted outreach (12 points)

multiplied by

(B) The number of times the project is delivered each year

A spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel®is available to help in 

calculating this credit.

The values for each coverage project implemented (CPI#1, CPI#2, etc.) are added to 

determine the total value for CPI.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-11 Edition: 2017

Each project that is implemented on the flood insurance topic receives twice the points that 

it would if it were scored as an outreach project (OP) under Activity 330 (Outreach 

Projects). If the community has a credited Program for Public Information that includes the 

CPI project, the 40% PPI bonus is added. The 30% stakeholder bonus (element STK under 

Activity 330) can also be added. However, the maximum credit for CPI is 60 points, 

including any PPI and STK bonuses.

Credit points for CPI are separate from the points for OP, PPI, and STK under Activity 330. 

If a community is implementing enough projects, it can obtain the maximum points 

available for Activity 330 and receive up to 60 more points for CPI. A community can 

receive credit for different projects that promote flood insurance under both Activity 330

and Activity 370. However, the topic of flood insurance cannot be credited under both 

activities for the same project. The part on flood insurance can receive higher points under 

CPI, while the other topics are scored as an Activity 330 project.

Example 372.c-1.

A community’s coverage improvement plan identifies two messages 

related to flood insurance overage. It recommends four presentations 

to neighborhood associations to discuss flood protection and convey 

the coverage improvement plan’s two flood insurance messages.

CPI#1 = 2 x 4 x 4 = 32 (2 messages at 4 points per message

delivered 4 times a year through general outreach). Messages on the 

other topics covered during the presentation are credited as outreach 

projects, OP, under Activity 330.

If the coverage improvement plan is part of a Program for Public 

Information, the presentations would also receive a 40% bonus for 

being part of the Program for Public Information. 

Because the presentations are sponsored by the neighborhood 

associations, they would receive an additional 30% bonus for 

stakeholder delivery. In that case, 

CPI#1 = 2 x 4 x 4 x 1.40 x 1.30 = 58.24

The coverage improvement plan also calls for the annual letter from 

the mayor to all floodplain residents to include the two messages. 

CPI#2 = 2 x 12 x 1 x 1.40 = 33.6 (two messages at 12 points per 

message for the targeted project to all floodplain properties, delivered 

once a year. The project is described in the PPI for the 40% PPI 

bonus. The project is delivered by the community, so there is no 

stakeholder (STK) bonus.)

CPI = CPI#1 + CPI#2 = 58.24 + 33.60 = 91.84.

The maximum points for this element are 60, so the community 

receives 60 points.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-12 Edition: 2017

Documentation for CPI Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification and recertification,

(a) Copies of flyers, presentations, brochures, etc. that have been produced and 

disseminated as outreach projects. If an outreach project is a presentation to a group, 

it can be documented with a copy of the meeting’s minutes or a memo to the file.

372.d. Technical assistance (TA) 

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

TA credit is provided for advising people who have questions about flood insurance. This 

credit is modeled on the credit criteria for providing financial assistance advice (FAA) 

under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance).

This credit is separate from FIA, CP, and CPI. The community does not need to prepare a

flood insurance assessment or coverage improvement plan for this credit. However, the 

coverage improvement plan should discuss providing this technical assistance as a way to 

encourage people to purchase, maintain, or improve their coverage. If the service is credited 

under TA, it cannot also be credited as a CI or OP project.

The advice and assistance on flood insurance provided for TA credit can be administered in 

the same way as advice and assistance on property protection credited in Activity 360. The 

community may have the same person(s) provide both types of assistance and may publicize 

and document them together. The community would still receive credit for the two different 

services under each activity.

Credit Criteria for TA

(1) The community must identify at least one person, office, or agency to provide flood 

insurance advice. The person(s) could be a city employee, consultant, employee of a 

county or regional flood control district, or an insurance agent. It need not be local staff 

if another agency or organization has agreed to answer inquiries. 

(2) The service must be publicized at least once a year. There are three publicity options:

(a) An annual notice that reaches everyone in the community, such as an article in a 

newsletter or stuffer in a utility bill that goes to all properties;

(b) An annual notice directed to the areas with flooding and drainage problems, such as 

a mailer to all properties in the floodplain; or

(c) An annual outreach project developed as part of a Program for Public Information 

credited in element PPI under Activity 330, provided that the program document 

identifies the audience for the service and discusses the best way to reach that 

audience. There are no credit points under Activity 330 for simply publicizing the 

service, but there is credit for explaining flood insurance (topic #2), and a notice of 

the service would be useful as a part of that explanation.

(3) Records of the service must be kept and provided for credit documentation.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 370-13 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for TA

TA = the total of the following:

15, for providing the technical assistance service,

plus

5, if the service is provided by an Associate in National 

Flood Insurance (ANFITM)

More information on the ANFI® certificate can be found at www.aicpcu.org/anfi. 

Documentation for TA Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) If the person is not a community employee, a letter stating that the person and/or 

agency has agreed to do the work (Section 372.d, credit criterion (1)). If the service 

provider covers several jurisdictions (e.g., a county flood control agency), a letter or 

memo stating that the service is provided throughout its jurisdiction is sufficient.

(b) A copy of how the service is publicized (Section 372.d, credit criterion (2)).

(c) Records of the service provided (Section 372.d, credit criterion (3)). These can be 

copies of written reports, memos, emails, letters to inquirers, etc.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) A copy of material showing how the community publicized the service during the 

year.

373 Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

374 Credit Calculation

c370 = FIA + CP + CPI + TA

375 For More Information 

a. Additional information and examples can be found at www.CRSresources.org/300, including a 

spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel® ("330-370 Spreadsheets.xls") to facilitate calculating the 

credit for this activity.

b. Details on flood insurance can be found in the manual for insurance agents, found at 

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=6393.
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c. Information on the Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI®) can be found at

www.aicpcu.org/anfi. One does not have to be a licensed insurance agent to take the tests and 

qualify for ANFI®.

d. National Flood Insurance training is available for all NFIP stakeholders nationwide . 

Check the following sources for online and classroom training:

• NFIP state coordinating agencies (for example, the Department of Water 

Resources);

• The Association of State Floodplain Managers at www.floods.org;

• State floodplain management associations;

• NFIP Insurance Agent, Lender, and Adjuster Training at

www.nfipiservice.com/training; and

• The Emergency Management Institute at http://training.fema.gov/EMI. The 

course, Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II (E282), has a full day 

module on flood insurance.

376 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) encourages the community to collect and 

maintain FEMA Elevation Certificates on properties in the SFHA and Activity 320 

(Map Information Service) encourages communities to provide data from the Flood 

Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to inquirers. Both of these services can provide the kind 

of data needed to help an advisor explain to an inquirer how flood insurance policies 

are rated. 

These two services can also help insurance agents write policies. Such assistance 

could encourage them to promote flood insurance among their customers.

• Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) credits messages about flood insurance. The 

coverage improvement plan should be part of the Program for Public Information 

credited in element PPI under Activity 330.

• Projects should publicize the community’s willingness to provide additional advice 

and assistance to interested people. The publicity requirement for technical assistance 

(TA) should be coordinated with, and be part of, the community’s Activity 330 

outreach projects. 

• Similarly, the website credited in Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information) could 

promote flood insurance, give links to more information about flood insurance, and 

advise users about the technical assistance (TA) service. 

• Activities 610 (Flood Warning and Response), 620 (Levees), and 630 (Dams) have 

outreach project prerequisites. The residents in areas threatened by floods, levee 

overtopping, and dam failures would benefit by having flood insurance. The project 

for Activity 620 (Levees) requires a discussion of insurance.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-1 Edition: 2017

400 MAPPING AND REGULATIONS 

The Community Rating System (CRS) provides credit to communities that enact and 

enforce regulations that exceed the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) minimum 

standards, so that more flood protection is provided for new and existing development.

The activities in this series affect only certain portions of the community and, in some 

cases, only portions of the delineated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Therefore, the 

credit points are adjusted to reflect the area affected. These activities are also adjusted to 

reflect the community’s growth rate as explained in Section 710.

Contents of Series 400

Section Page

400 Mapping and Regulations........................................................................ 400-1

 401 Special Flood-related Hazard Areas ................................................ 400-3

 402 Impact Adjustment for Areas........................................................... 400-4

 403 Impact Adjustment Map................................................................... 400-7

 404 Sea Level Rise................................................................................ 400-14

 

410 Flood Hazard Mapping ............................................................................ 410-1

 411 Background ...................................................................................... 410-2

 412 Elements........................................................................................... 410-8

 413 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 410-29

 414 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 410-31

 415 For More Information .................................................................... 410-32

 416 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 410-33

420 Open Space Preservation ......................................................................... 420-1

 421 Background ...................................................................................... 420-2

 422 Elements........................................................................................... 420-3

 423 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 420-32

 424 For More Information .................................................................... 420-33

 425 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 420-33

430 Higher Regulatory Standards................................................................... 430-1

 431 Background ...................................................................................... 430-2

 432 Elements........................................................................................... 430-6

 433 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 430-60

 434 For More Information .................................................................... 430-61

 435 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 430-62
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-2 Edition: 2017

440 Flood Data Maintenance .......................................................................... 440-1

 441 Background ...................................................................................... 440-2

 442 Elements........................................................................................... 440-3

 443 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 440-14

 444 For More Information .................................................................... 440-14

 445 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 440-15

450 Stormwater Management ......................................................................... 450-1

 451 Background ...................................................................................... 450-2

 452 Elements........................................................................................... 450-4

 453 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 450-22

 454 For More Information .................................................................... 450-22

 455 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 450-23

List of Figures

400-1. West Bay’s impact adjustment map ................................................. 400-11

410-1. FIRM terminology.............................................................................. 410-2

410-2. Example of a coastal DFIRM ............................................................. 410-3

410-3. FIRM terms for areas without base flood elevations.......................... 410-4

410-4. South Scottsdale’s DFIRM ................................................................ 410-5

410-5. South Scottsdale’s impact adjustment map for Activity 410 ........... 410-12

410-6 The standard approach to floodway determination .......................... 410-22

410-7 A low-lying area in Washington’s San Juan Islands, with 

tsunami warning sign ......................................................................... 410-26

420-1. South Scottsdale’s impact adjustment map for Activity 420 ........... 420-10

420-2 An example of a form to inventory natural floodplain functions....... 420-18

420-3 Alternative ways to develop a partially flood-prone property............ 420-23

430-1 South Scottsdale’s impact adjustment map for Activity 430 ........... 430-15

430-2 A schematic of coastal flood zones.................................................... 430-33

430-3 West Bay’s impact adjustment map................................................... 430-37

430-4 Credit for inspections under regulations administration .................. 430-57

List of Tables

403-1. Impact adjustment maps..................................................................... 400-7
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-3 Edition: 2017

401 Special Flood-related Hazard Areas 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and many communities in the United 

States have long recognized that the mapping and regulatory standards of the NFIP do not 

adequately address all of the flood problems in the country. There are many special 

localized situations in which flooding or flood-related problems do not fit the national norm

for riverine and coastal floodplain management. Therefore, there are situations in which the 

minimum NFIP requirements do not adequately protect property from flood damage.

To encourage communities to address these hazards, the CRS provides credit throughout the 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual for preserving open space and regulating new development in 

areas subject to seven special flood-related hazards:

1. Uncertain flow paths: alluvial fans, moveable bed streams, channel migration, and 

other floodplains where the channel shifts during a flood.

2. Closed basin lakes: lakes that have a small or no outlet that may stay above flood 

stage for weeks, months, or years.

3. Ice jams: flooding caused when warm weather and rain break up a frozen river. The 

broken ice floats down river until it is blocked by an obstruction, such as a bridge or 

shallow area, creating a dam.

4. Land subsidence: lowering of the land surface caused by withdrawal of subsurface 

water or minerals or by compaction of organic soils.

5. Mudflow hazards: a river, flow, or inundation of liquid mud down a hillside, usually 

as a result of a dual condition of loss of brush cover and the subsequent 

accumulation of water on the ground, preceded by a period of unusually heavy or 

sustained rain.

6. Coastal erosion: areas subject to the wearing away of land masses caused primarily 

by waves on the oceans, Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes.

7. Tsunamis: large ocean waves typically caused by an earthquake, landslide, or 

underwater volcano.

The credit points for preserving open space and regulating new development in areas 

affected by these special flood-related hazards are found under Activity 420 and Activity 

430. Credit points for mapping coastal erosion and/or tsunami hazards are found under 

Activity 410. 
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-4 Edition: 2017

402 Impact Adjustment for Areas 

Many CRS activities are not implemented the same way throughout the floodplain. 

Therefore, their credit points need to be adjusted to reflect how much of the floodplain they 

do cover. In CRS credit calculations, this is called the “impact adjustment” (see 

Section 222). 

Some activities are adjusted based on the number of buildings that are affected and some 

are adjusted based on the size of the area affected. This section reviews how the activity 

and element credits are adjusted to reflect their impact on the area affected. Section 301 

covers impact adjustments based on the number of buildings affected.

Most elements in the activities listed in Table 403-1 (see below) do not affect all of the 

buildings that could benefit from them. For example, freeboard is often enforced only in 

areas for which base flood elevations have been determined. A community’s credit for 

freeboard and other elements is adjusted based on how much of the SFHA is affected. In 

order to measure the impact of these activities, the community must determine the area 

affected by each element and the area of the SFHA.

Some activities and elements do not have the impact adjustment step as part of calculating 

the total credit points. These activities and elements are assumed to be effective throughout 

the community. In some cases, credit is provided ONLY if they are implemented everywhere 

within the community. For example, in Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) there is no 

credit for ESC (erosion and sediment control regulations), or WQ (water quality) unless 

those measures are enforced throughout the entire community. 

402.a. Impact Adjustment Ratio 

Impact adjustments are calculated by multiplying the points for an element by a ratio that 

represents how much of the flood problem within the community is being addressed by the 

element. Impact adjustment ratios are variables with a lower case “r” preceding the acronym 

for the element.

The value of an impact adjustment ratio is determined by dividing the number of buildings 

or the total area affected by an element (the numerator) by the appropriate denominator. The 

number of buildings is designated by a lower case “b,” and the area affected is designated 

by a lower case “a.”

The denominator for the elements in each activity is specified in the Impact Adjustment 

section for the element. In most cases, it is the area of the community’s Special Flood 

Hazard Area or “aSFHA.” 

NOTE: The community’s aSFHA should be reviewed and updated each year for the 

Program Data Table that is included in the annual recertification (see Section 213.a).
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-5 Edition: 2017

Example 402.a-1.

In Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation), the credit for preserving 

open space is adjusted based on its impact, i.e., how much of the 

SFHA is preserved as open space. This is calculated by multiplying the 

credit by the impact adjustment. The acronym for open space 

preservation is “OSP.” The impact adjustment ratio for OSP is rOSP.

rOSP is the total area of the parcels that qualify for OSP credit (aOSP) 

divided by the area of the community’s SFHA (aSFHA). The formula is

rOSP = aOSP 

 aSFHA

For example, in a community with several parks and other properties

that qualify as preserved open space:

 The total area of the qualifying parcels is 154 acres. aOSP = 154

 The total area of the SFHA is 598 acres. aSFHA = 598

rOSP = 154 = 0.26

 598

The community receives 26% of the maximum possible credit for OSP 

because 26% of its SFHA is preserved as open space.

In some elements in Activities 410, 420, and 430, it is possible to receive an impact 

adjustment ratio of up to 1.5. An example would be a community that enforces a higher 

regulatory standard throughout its “regulatory floodplain” (see Section 120 (Glossary)) that 

includes the SFHA and flood-prone areas outside the SFHA. Another example is the case in 

which a community enforces the freeboard requirement throughout the SFHA and on 

parcels that are partially within the SFHA. These communities may have numerators that 

are larger than the area of the SFHA, so their impact adjustment ratios would be greater 

than 1.0.

Although the impact adjustment for Activity 420 can be as much as 1.5 and the impact 

adjustment for Activity 430 can go up to 1.5, the sum of the impact adjustments for 

Activities 420 and 430 cannot exceed 1.5.
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-6 Edition: 2017

402.b. Optional Minimum Value

Some elements and activities have an optional minimum value that can be used in place of a 

calculated impact adjustment ratio. In most cases the value is 0.1 or 10% of the maximum 

possible. Using this minimum value is optional. It is normally used if

• The community does not want to develop the data needed to determine the numerator 

or denominator in the impact adjustment ratio, or

• The calculated impact adjustment ratio is less than 0.1. In this case, the community 

will receive more credit by using the optional minimum.

The activities that use areas for their impact adjustments and the optional minimum value 

that can be used are listed in Table 403-1, below.

402.c. Regulating Areas Preserved as Open Space 

If a community applies for credit for Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation), it means that 

certain areas are preserved from development. Higher regulatory standards have no impact 

in those open space areas. Therefore, the impact adjustment ratios for the elements in 

Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) cannot be 1.0 if the community regulates only 

the SFHA and receives credit for open space preservation in Activity 420.

In other words, a community that applies for credit in both Activities 420 and 430 cannot 

have the maximum impact adjustment ratio for either activity. The numerator in the impact 

adjustment ratio formula for Activity 430 elements must account for this by excluding the 

area of preserved open space (aOSP).

Example 402.c-1.

The community in Example 402.a-1 has a freeboard requirement (FRB) 

for development throughout its SFHA. It can only receive FRB credit for 

the areas where development may occur, i.e., areas that are not 

counted toward preserved open space (OSP). 

rFRB = aFRB = aSFHA – aOSP = 598 – 154 = 444 = 0.74

 aSFHA aSFHA 598 598

The community receives 74% of the maximum possible credit for 

freeboard because there will be no new buildings in the areas 

preserved as open space. The freeboard regulation has no impact in 

the 26% of the SFHA that is preserved as open space, which is 

reflected in the impact adjustment.
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-7 Edition: 2017

403 Impact Adjustment Map

An “impact adjustment map” is needed to document and calculate the numerators and 

denominators in the community’s impact adjustment ratios for certain CRS activities. All 

appropriate areas for numerators and denominators for impact adjustment ratios must be 

included with the impact adjustment map. The denominator is usually aSFHA 

(Table 403-1), and the numerator is the area where each element is effective. For the 600 

series of warning and response activities, impact adjustment maps delineate the areas 

affected by the elements, but the impact adjustments are based on the number of buildings 

in those areas.

Table 403-1. Impact adjustment maps.

Activity Affected Elements Denominator Optional 

Minimum

410 (Flood Hazard Mapping) NS, SR, HSS, FWS aSFT 0.10

420 (Open Space Preservation)

OSP, DR, NFOS, LZ aSFHA none

OSI aSFHA 0.10

NSP total length of 

shoreline 0.10

430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)

DL, FRB, FDN, CSI, LSI, 

ENL, OHS aSFHA 0.10

PCF a500 none

CAZ aSFHA 0.5 / 0.1

440 (Flood Data Maintenance) AMD aSFHA 0.10

450 (Stormwater Management) SMR, WMP area of the watershed 0.15

540 (Drainage System Maintenance)

CDR, PSM, CIP number of drainage 

components 0.10

SBM number of storage 

basins 0.10

610 (Flood Warning and Response) FTR, EWD, FRO number of buildings in 

the SFHA (bSF) none

620 (Levees) LM, LFR, LFW, LFO

number of buildings 

affected by a levee 

failure (bLF)

none

630 (Dams) DFR, DFW, DFO

number of buildings 

affected by a dam 

failure (bDF)

none

aSFT is the area of the SFHA for the community at the time of adoption of a study.

Elements not listed do not have an impact adjustment calculation.

There is no optional minimum value for an impact adjustment for preserved open spaces or for impact 

adjustments based on building counts.
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-8 Edition: 2017

An impact adjustment map may be prepared on any convenient base map or in a geographic 

information system (GIS), as long as the scale is suitable for the determination of the areas. 

If the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or other floodplain map is not used as the base 

map, the boundaries of the SFHA and the areas covered by each element must be drawn on 

the map with sufficient accuracy that the area calculations can be verified.

No new studies are required to produce an impact adjustment map. The areas are identified 

and marked on the map based upon the areas under the jurisdiction of the community’s 

regulatory programs. Many communities have produced maps that do this for 

their own management purposes. 

Some communities have found the impact adjustment map they developed for CRS credit 

helpful as a visual presentation of their floodplain management programs. It identifies 

where the problems are and where the community is dealing with those problems. If the 

community completed the CRS Community Self Assessment (see Section 240), the impact 

adjustment map should be compared to the map(s) developed during the Self Assessment.

403.a. Selecting a Base Map

Selection of an appropriate base map for an impact adjustment map depends on the size of 

the community and the elements for which it is requesting credit.

• If a community has a GIS that includes its flood data, it is encouraged to produce 

maps and calculate areas using that system. Many communities now use their GIS to 

store the data, perform the calculations, and prepare the maps necessary for credit 

calculation.

• If a community is relatively small, a copy of the FIRM may be the best base map. 

• If a community is large in geographic area and its FIRM includes many panels, it may 

use a base map that fits on one sheet. The SFHAs may already be drawn on the base 

map (e.g., a zoning map with the regulated areas shown), or they may have to be 

shown on the base map. 

• If the community is requesting credit for mapping or regulating areas outside the 

SFHA shown on its FIRM, these areas must be shown on the impact adjustment map.

• If a community is large and has different standards for urban and rural areas, maps of 

differing scales may be needed.

• A community applying for credit under a number of different elements may choose to 

use overlays or GIS layers to display the elements separately. 

If a GIS is not used, choosing base maps depends upon the detail required and the overall 

bulk of the maps. If maps other than the FIRM are used as bases, all appropriate NFIP zones 

should be transferred from the FIRM to the base maps.

All base maps must include the scale of the map and a legend for all information provided 

on the map. 
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-9 Edition: 2017

403.b. Mapping aSFHA 

The impact adjustment map must show the SFHA. If the FIRM or other floodplain map is 

not used as the base map, the boundaries of the SFHA must be drawn on the map 

with sufficient accuracy that the area calculations can be verified.

In general, it is to the community’s advantage to have a smaller denominator, or aSFHA, for 

the impact adjustment calculation (the impact adjustment ratio will be bigger if the 

denominator is smaller). Although the area of a community’s SFHA is a specific area (i.e., 

acres or square miles), some areas are not included in aSFHA. 

Three types of areas within the SFHA—open waters, federally owned lands, and areas 

beyond the community’s regulatory jurisdiction—need to be reviewed and adjustments 

made to calculate aSFHA.

1. Open water areas larger than 10 acres, such as lakes, bays, and large rivers, must be 

subtracted from the area of the SFHA. To determine the extent of large water bodies, 

the shoreline shown on the FIRM may be used. For large rivers, reaches where the 

average bank-to-bank width shown on the FIRM exceeds 500 feet must be excluded.

2. Areas larger than 10 acres that are either owned by the federal government (e.g., 

military installations or national parks), are Tribal lands, or are sites on which

development is prohibited by the federal government, must be subtracted from the 

area of the SFHA. Federal land leased to private property owners with the stipulation 

that the lessees obtain all required local permits are not excluded.

3. At the community’s option, areas beyond the regulatory jurisdiction may be subtracted. 

The community may include or exclude non-federal areas it does not have the authority 

to regulate, including land owned by the state or another community. These lands must 

be treated consistently. If they are included in the SFHA for open space credit, they 

must be included in the SFHA for all activities. If they are open space, the community 

usually will receive more credit if they are included.

The impact adjustment map must show the areas of the SFHA that the community has 

excluded from its impact adjustment calculations. These areas should be identified with a 

distinctive shading or color.

Excluding water bodies and land over which the community has no regulatory control 

usually will increase the community’s CRS credit because the denominator will be reduced. 

However, if a community can document that non-federal land over which it has no 

regulatory jurisdiction is eligible for CRS credit, it may include such areas. An example of 

this would be a state park eligible for credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation).

Large areas of federal lands and some Tribal lands are usually shown on a FIRM as “Areas 

Not Included.” If these areas are shown with mapped SFHAs, and if they are larger than 10 

acres, they may be excluded from the impact adjustment map. Smaller parcels need not be 

excluded—it is the community’s option, but the extra work probably will not significantly 

affect the measurements or the credits.
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-10 Edition: 2017

Example 403.b-1.

West Bay is a fictitious community used for CRS examples. It is a 

coastal town on the west side of Biloxi Bay. It is 100% flood-prone. The 

County GIS office provides each community with a digital map that 

shows streets and FIRM zones (see Figure 400-1).

West Bay’s corporate limits go to the middle of Biloxi Bay. Because 

that area is larger than 10 acres, the Bay shoreline is used as the 

eastern limit of the SFHA for impact adjustment purposes. A note to 

that effect is put on the impact adjustment map.

There is also a small state park with a beach in the town. The CRS 

Coordinator concluded that there would be more credit if the state park 

were counted as preserved open space than if it were excluded from 

the area calculated as SFHA. Therefore, it is considered in the SFHA 

for impact adjustment purposes.

403.c. Marking an Impact Adjustment Map

An impact adjustment map must show the areas affected by each element for which CRS 

credit is requested. These are areas to be included in the numerator of the impact adjustment 

calculations. Each area should be outlined or shaded, and labeled (e.g., with the acronym 

for that element). However, in some cases, a note on the map or in the legend may be 

simpler and clearer than shading. For example, if a community regulates all of its SFHA for 

freeboard (FRB), it could use the note “aFRB = aSFHA.”

For many communities, the SFHA is the regulatory floodplain. Communities that regulate 

other flood-prone areas outside the SFHA, in addition to the SFHA, should delineate the 

area of the regulatory floodplain on the impact adjustment map.

Example 403.c-1.

See Figure 400-1 for an example of an impact adjustment map that is 

marked to show areas of preserved open space (credited under Activity 

420 (Open Space Preservation)) and areas subject to coastal A-Zone 

regulations (credited under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory 

Standards)). It also has a note that the Biloxi Bay portion of the SFHA 

shown on the FIRM is not counted as part of the town’s SFHA for 

impact adjustment purposes.
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-11 Edition: 2017

Figure 400-1. West Bay’s impact adjustment map. 
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-12 Edition: 2017

403.d. Watershed Impact Adjustment Map 

For credit for stormwater management regulations (SMR) and watershed master plan 

(WMP), under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management), a watershed impact adjustment map

must be prepared. This map shows the area affected by the stormwater management 

program and the watersheds that affect the community. This map and the information 

needed to develop it are discussed in Section 452.a.

403.e. Calculating Areas

The size of areas delineated on the impact adjustment map(s) may be determined by any 

method that yields reasonably accurate measurements. The community must document the 

method or methods it used to determine the areas. 

The areas will be recalculated at each cycle verification visit because the numbers can 

change when there is a new map or if the community annexes land mapped as SFHA. This 

is done in conjunction with updating the floodplain data table (see Section 214.a).

Calculation Approaches: The community should not spend an inordinate amount of time 

measuring areas solely for determination of CRS impact adjustment ratios. The following 

approaches are acceptable:

• Geographic information systems;

• Mechanical or computerized planimetry;

• Areas computed by HEC-2 or other standardized step-backwater methods;

• Known property dimensions, such as those for a city park; or

• Use of a grid overlay. This is technique whereby a transparent grid is placed on the 

map, the grid squares within an area are counted, and the map scale is used to 

determine the actual area. Instructions on this approach can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

Units of Measure: All area calculations must use the same units, either acres or square 

miles.

Smaller communities will probably find it easier to measure in acres, while a larger 

community, such as a county, may prefer to use square miles. The following formulae may 

be helpful:

• To convert acres to square miles, divide the number of acres by 640.

• To convert square miles to acres, multiply the number of square miles by 640.

• To convert square feet to acres, divide the number of square feet by 43,560.

• To convert square feet to square miles, divide the number of square feet by 

27,878,400 (that is, 5,2802).
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-13 Edition: 2017

Example 403.e-1.

32 acres = 32 = 0.05 square miles

 640

2.20 square miles = 2.20 x 640 = 1,408 acres

2,500 feet x 3,600 feet = 9,000,000 square feet

9,000,000 = 206.61 acres

 43,560

1,000 feet x 2,142.50 feet = 2,142,500 square feet = 

 2,142,500 = 0.077 or 0.08 square miles

 27,878,400

403.f. Example Impact Adjustment Map

The following example discusses how the fictitious community of West Bay developed its 

impact adjustment map for Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). It shows

how the community selected a base map and used various methods to determine the areas 

affected by the activity.

Example 403.f-1.

West Bay is a fictitious community used for CRS examples. It is a coastal 

town on the west side of Biloxi Bay. The county GIS office provides each 

community with a digital map that shows streets and FIRM zones (see 

Figure 400-1).

The CRS Coordinator makes sure that the base map shows the corporate 

limits and the SFHA. Because the town is applying for credit for open space 

preservation and coastal A-Zone regulations, the impact adjustment map

shows the areas that qualify for preserved open space and the coastal A 

Zone. 

The CRS Coordinator used a grid overlay to calculate the area of SFHA 

within the city (aSFHA, excluding Biloxi Bay) and the area of the coastal A 

Zone, delineated by the slanted lines on the map in Figure 400-1.

aSFHA = 395.30 and area of the coastal A Zone = 116.60

The CRS Coordinator obtained the acreage of the four open space areas 

from the town parks department and the state park. Because they are all 

entirely in the SFHA, their areas all qualify for OSP. These figures are 

recorded in the table below.
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-14 Edition: 2017

Area Acreage

OSP#1: open area preserved by the developer 1.2

Nolan Park 6.9

Biloxi Bay State Park 33.1

Municipal Beach 11.4

 Total area of OSP (aOSP) 52.6

When the impact adjustment for open space preservation is calculated 

for Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation), the area of preserved open 

space (aOSP) is divided by the area of the SFHA (aSFHA). For West 

Bay, the formula would be

rOSP = aOSP = 52.60 = 0.13

 aSFHA 395.30

The resulting ratio (represented by the lower case “r”) means that 13% 

of West Bay’s SFHA is preserved as open space. This impact 

adjustment ratio is used in the final step of calculating the credit.

Coastal A Zone regulations (CAZ) have no impact in areas preserved as 

open space where no new buildings are allowed (see Section 402.c).

Therefore, the area where CAZ regulations have an impact is the area of 

the coastal A Zone minus the area of open space (OSP) in the coastal A 

Zone. A portion of Bay State Park (4.7 acres) is in the coastal A Zone, so for 

credit purposes, aCAZ = 116.60 – 4.70 = 111.90 acres.

When the impact adjustment for coastal A Zone regulations (CAZ) is 

calculated for credit under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), the 

regulated area (aCAZ) is divided by the area of the SFHA (aSFHA). For 

West Bay, the formula would be

rCAZ = aCAZ = 111.90 = 0.28

 aSFHA 395.30

404 Sea Level Rise Projections and the CRS

The CRS incorporates the consideration of sea level rise into a number of elements, 

including HSS, Higher study standards under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping); CAZ, 

Coastal A Zone (CAZ) credit under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards); and WMP, 

Watershed master plan under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management). Including sea level 

rise in WMP is required for coastal communities to meet the Class 4 prerequisite, and HSS 

credit for future-conditions hydrology is a Class 1 prerequisite. CRS prerequisites are 

described in Section 211. 

Recognizing that there is uncertainty inherent in estimating future sea levels, the CRS has 

adopted a base minimum projection for sea level rise for the purposes of CRS credit and 

meeting CRS prerequisites. The “intermediate-high” projection for 2100, as included in the 

report Global Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States National Climate Assessment
Mapping and Regulations

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 400-15 Edition: 2017

(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2012,

https://scenarios.globalchange.gov/sites/default/files/NOAA_SLR_r3_0.pdf), is the 

minimum projection that must be used for CRS purposes. Communities may use other 

projections provided that they are equal to or greater to NOAA’s “intermediate-high” 

projection for 2100.

Because sea levels are changing at different rates in different parts of the country, global 

projections must be adjusted to take local conditions into consideration. For this, the CRS 

uses and recommends the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “Sea-Level Change Curve 

Calculator,” an online-tool available at http://www.corpsclimate.us/ccaceslcurves.cfm. The 

CRS anticipates that updates to the National Climate Assessment report will be 

incorporated into the Sea-Level Change Curve Calculator. If not, then the CRS will provide 

further guidance to communities, as needed.

See www.CRSresources.org/200 for further details.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-1 Edition: 2017

410 Flood Hazard Mapping—Summary 

Maximum credit: 850 points

412 Elements

Flood hazard mapping (MAP) credit is based on

a. New study (NS): Up to 350 points for new flood studies that produce 

base flood elevations or floodways.

b. Leverage (LEV): The points for NS are multiplied by a ratio that reflects 

how much of the study was financed by non-Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) funds.

c. State review (SR): Up to 60 points for flood studies reviewed and 

approved by a state or regional agency.

d. Higher study standards (HSS): Up to 200 points if the new study was 

done to one or more standards that exceed the FEMA mapping criteria.

e. More restrictive floodway standard (FWS): Up to 140 points, based on 

the allowable floodway surcharge used in the study.

f. Mapping of special flood-related hazard areas (MAPSH): Up to 100 

points if the community maps and regulates coastal erosion or tsunami 

hazard areas.

Credit Criteria

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 411.b. Each element has 

additional criteria specific to that element.

a. The area to be credited must be displayed on a map.

b. The community must use the new flood hazard map or data in its 

floodplain development regulations.

c. The study must be based on a technique approved by FEMA or 

specifically approved by the ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer.

d. A study or data that affects a length of stream or shoreline must be 

submitted to FEMA so that the local FIRM may be revised. 

Impact Adjustment

The impact adjustment for this activity is described in Section 413.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-2 Edition: 2017

410 FLOOD HAZARD MAPPING 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to improve the quality of the mapping that is used to 

identify and regulate development at risk from flood hazards.

411 Background 

Development regulations need thorough and accurate mapping of Special Flood Hazard 

Areas (SFHAs) and related flood hazard data. Most communities in the National Flood 

Insurance Program (NFIP) have a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) provided by the 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Most FIRMs have detailed data but some

communities still have flood problem areas for which detailed data were not provided by 

FEMA. As a result, new development in those areas is often not well-protected from flood 

damage.

Other communities have data not shown on their FIRM, want to prepare new maps for

unmapped areas or to a higher standard, or want to replace maps that no longer show the 

current hazard. This activity encourages these communities to prepare new maps.

411.a. Activity Description 

This activity provides credit for developing 

regulatory maps and flood data for flood risk

management purposes, including coastal erosion 

and tsunamis, in areas where FEMA did not 

provide such data, or for mapping to a higher 

standard than that required by FEMA, as well as

credit for regulating areas based on flood data 

not provided with the community’s FIRM or for 

a flood study conducted to a higher standard 

than FEMA’s Flood Insurance Study criteria. 

Credit is also provided if the community shared 

in the cost of a Flood Insurance Study.

Three types of areas are shown on FIRMs: 

• Areas with detailed mapping of the SFHA 

(shown as AE, VE, etc., Zones)

• Areas with approximate mapping of the 

SFHA (shown as A, V, etc. Zones), and 

• Areas shown as being outside the SFHA 

(depicted as B, C, D and X Zones). 

A FIRM with a detailed flood study shows 

the SFHA as Zone AE or VE. The map 

includes base flood elevations and a 

floodway (shown with the slanted lines). 

X Zones designate areas outside the 

SFHA. 

Figure 410-1. FIRM terminology.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-3 Edition: 2017

Figure 410-2. An example of a coastal FIRM.

The difference between detailed mapping and approximate mapping for FIRMs is that 

detailed maps include the base flood elevations needed to set minimum protection levels for 

new buildings. In most riverine situations, NFIP detailed mapping also includes floodway 

delineations (Figure 410-1). In coastal areas, detailed mapping may include delineation of a 

velocity or VE Zone (Figure 410-2). The maps in Figures 410-2 and 410-4 provide 

examples of detailed, digital FIRMs (DFIRMs).

The NFIP’s regulations for areas with approximate mapping, also known as “A Zones” or 

“V Zones,” are not as effective in reducing flood damage as the regulations for areas with 

detailed map data (Figure 410-3). Because no base flood elevations have been developed for

areas with approximate mapping, many of the regulatory requirements are left to the 

judgment of community officials. Flood elevations are required only for large subdivisions 

or in areas for which a flood study has already been done. These areas are often on the 

urban fringe and therefore can be subject to development before FEMA can provide the 

needed data.

Flood hazard areas that were not mapped as SFHAs during the preparation of the 

community’s FIRM (i.e., B, C, D, and X Zones) have no floodplain management 

requirements under the NFIP. Additional mapping may have been prepared by or for the 

community for several reasons:
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-4 Edition: 2017

• New delineations were necessary because 

conditions changed since the Flood Insurance 

Study was done; or

• The community wanted to regulate areas that 

were not mapped by FEMA because they did 

not meet the NFIP mapping criteria (e.g., the 

drainage area was less than 1 square mile); or

• Areas that may or may not have been mapped 

as part of the Flood Insurance Study have 

hazards that were not adequately mapped 

(e.g., alluvial fans or areas subject to 

subsidence).

FIRMs do not provide base flood elevations 

in B, C, D, X and approximate or “unnumbered” A Zones. This CRS activity provides 

credit to encourage communities to obtain 

flood elevations in those areas and ensure 

that new development is protected from the 

base flood. 

This activity credits the adoption of new maps or 

flood hazard data that are not provided under the 

normal activities of the NFIP. These may include 

areas subject to land subsidence, riverine erosion, 

mudflows, or coastal hazards. This activity neither

credits nor supplants the minimum requirement of 

the NFIP that a participating community submit new 

or revised map information to FEMA when it becomes 

available (such as for a bridge replacement), as 

required by 44 CFR §65.3.

The regulation at 44 CFR §65.3 requires a community to submit a request for a Letter of 

Map Revision (LOMR) any time it undertakes or permits a project that changes the limits of 

the SFHA, the base flood elevations, or the floodway limits. Therefore, a LOMR or physical 

map revision submitted to comply with the above requirement (e.g., bridge replacements or 

channel modifications) is not credited under this activity.

All higher-standard mapping receives credit, even if it is 

included in the community’s FIRM. For example, several 

states require that floodway regulations be based on criteria 

more restrictive than the NFIP mapping standard. In those 

states, any Flood Insurance Study that meets the state 

requirements and the higher-standard mapping can be credited under this activity (see Section 411.d).

Credit is calculated for this activity based on the areas of 

the SFHA that are mapped and managed to higher 

standards than those required by the NFIP. Each flood

hazard mapping (MAP) area that receives Activity 410 

credit is marked on an impact adjustment map and 

designated “MAP#1,” “MAP#2,” etc. This is explained 

more fully in Sections 402 and 412.

Figure 410-3. FIRM terms for areas 

without base flood elevations.

The regulation at 44 CFR §65.3 states:

A community's base flood elevations 

may increase or decrease resulting 

from physical changes affecting 

flooding conditions. As soon as 

practicable, but not later than six 

months after the date such information 

becomes available, a community shall 

notify the Administrator of the changes 

by submitting technical or scientific 

data in accordance with this part. 

Such a submission is necessary so 

that upon confirmation of those 

physical changes affecting flooding 

conditions, risk premium rates and 

flood plain management requirements 

will be based upon current data.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-5 Edition: 2017

South Scottsdale is a fictitious community used for CRS examples. There are no mapped flood hazards

in the north, so this map only shows the southern part of the city. The DFIRM shows four different 

Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs):

AE Zone: Indian Bend Wash flows from the northwest to the south corporate limits

AE Zone: McCormick Creek flows from the northeast to Indian Bend Wash

A Zone: Tributary A flows from the southeast to Indian Bend Wash

A Zone: Tributary B flows from the south to Indian Bend Wash

The aerial photo base map is helpful for locating and counting buildings and other features. However, to 

simplify the presentation, the CRS Coordinator uses a GIS-based map that shows the SFHA and street 

layers for the rest of the South Scottsdale mapping examples (see Figure 410-5).

Figure 410-4. South Scottsdale’s DFIRM.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-6 Edition: 2017

Credit is provided as long as the community regulates based on the study’s data until the 

study is superceded by a more up-to-date analysis. If a new FEMA-funded study produces a 

lower base flood elevation, the community has the option of adopting it or keeping its 

higher regulatory flood elevations. If it adopts the new study, it loses its 410 credit. If it 

keeps enforcing its own higher elevations, it keeps the credit. 

Example 411.a-1.

Examples of areas that could be identified on the impact adjustment 

map and marked “MAP#1,” “MAP#2,” etc. include the following.

▫ Unnumbered A or V Zones for which the community has base flood 

elevations and regulates new construction using those elevations.

▫ A riverine SFHA where FEMA did not define a floodway, but the 

community has mapped and adopted one.

▫ Unnumbered A or V Zones within which the community calculates or 

requires all developers to calculate base flood elevations and/or 

floodways for their sites as a condition for all floodplain permit 

approvals.

▫ A special flood hazard area in a B, C, D, or X Zone that the 

community has mapped and regulates using base flood elevations.

▫ Areas covered by studies that have been reviewed and approved by 

the state. 

▫ A floodplain mapped on the FIRM with a technique that exceeds 

FEMA’s guidelines, e.g., using future-conditions hydrology.

▫ Any flood hazard data that are based on a technique that results in 

regulations more restrictive than FEMA’s minimum standards, e.g., 

a floodway based on a smaller surcharge than FEMA’s one-foot 

standard, or a regulatory flood elevation based on high-water marks 

from the flood of record where it is higher than the base flood 

elevation shown on the FIRM.

▫ An SFHA mapped on the FIRM, if the community helped pay for the 

mapping.

MAP is the sum of the points for the elements in Activity 410. The points are based on

• The scope of the new study (element NS, scored in Section 412.a),

• The original FIRM zone where the new study was conducted (element NS, scored in 

Section 412.a),

• Whether a riverine study included a floodway delineation or a coastal study included 

a velocity zone (element NS, scored in Section 412.a),
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-7 Edition: 2017

• How much of the study costs were provided by non-FEMA funding sources (element

LEV, scored in Section 412.b),

• Whether the study received an independent quality control review by a state agency 

(element SR, scored in Section 412.c), 

• Whether the study was conducted using a higher study standard than required by 

FEMA (element HSS, scored in Section 412.d),

• The floodway mapping standard used (element FWS, scored in Section 412.e), 

• Whether the study mapped coastal erosion or tsunami hazards (element MAPSH, 

scored in Section 412.f), and

• How much of the community’s SFHA is affected by the new study (scored in Section 

413, Impact Adjustment).

411.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

To receive any credit under this activity, the community must meet the credit criteria below. 

These criteria ensure that the Community Rating System (CRS) credits flood hazard maps 

and data that are properly prepared and are used in the community’s regulatory program. 

(1) All studies and data that the community requests for credit must be displayed on a map.

This map may be digital or paper. This criterion does not apply to studies done for a 

single site at the time of development.

(2) The community must use the flood hazard map and data for which credit is requested in 

its floodplain development regulations. The community either must have

(a) Amended its floodplain regulations to adopt the new flood hazard map or data, or 

(b) Authorized a local official, such as the community’s engineer, to approve new maps 

or data in unstudied areas. There must be a record showing that the new study has 

been approved and utilized by the official. 

A study that has no impact on floodplain development is not credited. The CRS does not 

credit studies conducted for drainage improvements or the design of a flood control 

project if they are not used for regulatory purposes.

(3) The study must be based on a FEMA-approved technique or specifically approved by the 

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer.

(4) If the study affects a length of stream or shoreline, it must be MADE AVAILABLE to 

FEMA to revise the community’s FIRM. This criterion can be met even if FEMA does 

not immediately publish the map revision.

The criterion does not apply to studies done for a single site at the time of development 

and similar small-scale studies. However, studies that would revise existing base flood 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-8 Edition: 2017

elevations, floodways, or FIRM zone boundaries must be submitted for a FIRM revision 

as required by 44 CFR §65.3.

412 Elements 

There are six elements in this activity. Some elements have impact adjustments, so each 

flood hazard mapping (MAP) area for which the community requests credit must be marked 

on an impact adjustment map and designated “MAP#1,” “MAP#2,” etc. MAP is the sum of 

the points for each designated MAP area. The points depend upon how the map was 

prepared and the community’s level of participation in the map preparation. 

412.a. New study (NS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 350 points.

The total NS credit varies according to two factors: the study scope and the previous flood

zone as shown on the community’s FIRM in effect at the time the new study was adopted

(see the table in the Credit Points section, below). Different levels of credit are provided for 

each of four levels of detail in a flood study.

(1) The first level is for delineating an approximate A or V Zone in a B, C, D, or X Zone. 

This would designate a regulatory floodplain where the FIRM does not show one. For 

approximate A and V Zones, base flood elevations are not provided. Credit is also 

provided if an approximate A or V Zone is remapped using better topography without 

the publication of base flood elevations.

(2) More points are provided if the community ensures that flood elevations are obtained for 

a single site at the time of development for all development. Many SFHAs without base 

flood elevations have low development potential and do not warrant extensive, detailed 

studies. Many communities regulate these areas by requiring developers to perform an 

engineering analysis to calculate a flood elevation for the site at the time of application 

for a development permit. Simplified techniques, such as contour interpolation as

described in FEMA-265, are not acceptable for credit in this activity.

Some communities will require a new regulatory flood elevation to be determined using 

higher standards for areas that already have a base flood elevation provided by FEMA. 

These requirements are also eligible for HSS credit, provided that the new flood 

elevations are higher than the elevations on the FIRM.

NS credit for flood elevations at the time of development is based upon the regulatory 

requirement. If the appropriate language is in the community’s ordinance, and is being 

enforced, the credit is provided, even if the areas have not yet been studied. What counts 

is that a regulatory flood elevation will be provided before the areas are developed.

Additional credit is available if the community’s ordinance requires a floodway analysis 

to be performed in addition to the determination of flood elevations at the time of 

development.
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The calculations may be done by the community, another agency, or the developer, as 

long as a regulatory flood elevation becomes available in time to have new buildings 

protected to a level at or above the base flood elevation. In some cases the community 

has the developer provide some data, such as a topographical survey, and then a 

municipal engineer or other person calculates the base flood elevation for the site. This 

is a creditable approach. 

There is no credit for meeting the minimum NFIP requirements to “. . . obtain, review 

and reasonably utilize available data . . .” or for requiring developers of subdivisions 

larger than 5 acres or 50 lots to provide flood elevation data. These are minimum 

requirements of the NFIP (44 CFR §60.3(b)(3) and (4)). To receive credit for NS, the 

ordinance must require the data for all development permits to build or substantially 

improve buildings in the regulated floodplain.

(3) More points are obtained if the elevations are provided for a large area in advance of 

development. This provision typically would be in the form of a profile prepared for a 

relatively long reach of a stream, elevations for a length of shoreline, depths for AO 

Zones, and elevations for AH Zones. For this credit, the area is studied before an 

application for a development permit and the study covers a larger area. 

To receive this higher credit, the community must adopt the study and regulate development to the same standards as in an SFHA for which FEMA provided base flood 

elevations (e.g., as if the area were an AE or VE Zone, or numbered A, V, or AO Zone)

and provide the data to FEMA.

(4) There is approximately a 30% increase in the credit for the development of a profile

when the study includes the delineation of a floodway. If the floodway delineation is 

based on a higher standard than the NFIP’s one-foot allowable surcharge, then 

additional credit is provided in Section 412.e. There is a similar increase in credit if a 

coastal study includes a coastal high hazard area, such as a V Zone.

Studies not credited. The following studies are not eligible for credit under NS:

• Studies done to meet the minimum requirements of the NFIP, even if they result in a 

LOMR or map revision, including

o When required for developments greater than 50 lots or 5 acres;

o When done in response to the requirement to “obtain, review and reasonably 

utilize” available base flood elevation and floodway data; or

o When done to prepare a certificate of no-rise or maximum one-foot cumulative 

rise.

• When the base flood elevations, mapping boundaries, or floodway are not adopted for 

regulatory purposes;
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-10 Edition: 2017

• When there is no engineering study or data to include an area as regulatory 

floodplain; and

• When a new study produces a base flood elevation lower than the base flood 

elevation shown on the FIRM (see credit criterion (3), below). 

Credit Criteria for NS

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 411.b must be met.

(2) If the credit is for a small-scale study (such as for a single lot) at the time of 

development, the study must be based on a FEMA-approved technique or specifically 

approved by the ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer and it must produce regulatory flood 

elevations where there are none, or elevations higher than those shown on the FIRM in 

effect at the time of the study. 

(3) In order to receive NS credit, studies must

(a) Produce a base flood elevation in a B, C, D, X, approximate A Zone, or approximate 

V Zone where there was no elevation shown on the FIRM at the time of the study; or

(b) In AE and VE Zones and numbered A and V Zones, produce a base flood elevation

higher than that shown on the FIRM in effect at the time of the study. 

Criterion (3)(b) prevents the duplication of flood insurance premium reductions that can 

result from new flood studies that lower the base flood elevation. Properties in areas that 

are remapped so the new FIRM shows them outside the SFHA benefit twice from the 

flood insurance rating system. First, they do not have a mandatory NFIP insurance 

purchase requirement. Further, if the owners choose to purchase NFIP insurance, the 

premiums are based on the lower X-Zone rates. Therefore, the CRS does not provide a 

duplicate premium reduction.

The new study must either provide flood elevations where there are none shown on the 

FIRM or provide higher regulatory flood elevations than shown on the FIRM. There may 

be cases in which a new profile is higher than the old base flood elevations in some 

areas and lower in others. In such cases, the reaches that qualify for credit must be 

identified on the impact adjustment map and scored accordingly. The reaches with new 

base flood elevations that are lower than the old ones are not credited under NS or SR.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-11 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for NS

NS = as shown in the following table, based on the study scope and 

the original FIRM zone, not to exceed the maximum of 350 

points for this element

Study Scope

Original FIRM Zone

B, C, D, or 

X

A or V AE, 

VE, A#

1. Delineation or redelineation of an 

approximate A or V Zone 70 60 −

2. a. Flood elevations for a site at time 

 of development 120 95 60

 b. Flood elevations and floodway for 

 a site at time of development 160 125 80

3. New profile or length of shoreline, 

base flood elevations/depths in AH 

and AO Zones.

260 205 130

4. New profile with floodway, length of 

shoreline with coastal velocity zone 

delineation, or converting coastal 

A Zones to V Zones

350 270 175

Example 412.a-1.

South Scottsdale is a fictitious community used for CRS examples (see 

Figure 410-5). The City received its first FIRM in 1978. At that time only 

the largest stream, Indian Bend Wash, had a detailed study, with base 

flood elevations and a floodway delineation. Because the Indian Bend 

Wash study was funded by FEMA, there is no CRS credit.

The City knew it had flood hazard problems along McCormick Creek. 

With funding from the state, it conducted a detailed study of that area. 

The resulting floodplain and floodway delineation were used by FEMA 

when the FIRM was revised in 2004. That study is marked as MAP#1 

in Figure 410-5 and is designated as New Study #1 for 410 credit.

NS#1: New study, with base flood elevations and floodway

delineation, when the original FIRM zone was an X Zone. 

NS#1 = 350

There are two approximate A-Zone areas known as Tributaries A and 

B. In these areas, the City requires applicants for permits to conduct a 

study to develop a base flood elevation. Since both tributary areas 

have the same study standard, they are both marked as MAP#2 in 

Figure 410-5. They are both designated NS#2 for 410 credit.

NS#2: Flood elevations for a site at time of development when the 

original FIRM zone was an approximate A Zone. NS#2 = 95
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-12 Edition: 2017

Figure 410-5. South Scottsdale’s impact adjustment map for Activity 410. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-13 Edition: 2017

Impact Adjustment for NS

The impact adjustment is calculated based on the size of the area to which the MAP study 

applies as a percentage of the area of the SFHA in the community at the time of adoption of 

the study. The impact adjustment for this activity is described in Section 413.

Documentation for NS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the study and the study’s flood hazard map. The ISO/CRS Specialist 

should be advised whether these are available online or in a published Flood 

Insurance Study or FIRM.

(b) The local law or ordinance that adopts the flood study for regulatory purposes or that 

requires site-specific flood elevation or floodway studies to be conducted at 

the time of the permit application.

(c) Permit records and/or Elevation Certificates showing how the new data are used

when the data have not been added to the FIRM or showing enforcement of the 

requirement for site-specific studies.

(d) The map showing the area covered by each NS study with the appropriate 

MAP acronym (“MAP#1,” “MAP#2,” etc.) marking the area affected by the new 

study. The impact adjustment map is explained in Section 413. Different areas 

mapped to the same standards may all be marked with the same acronym.

(e) [For Credit Points lines 1, 3, and 4] Evidence that the study, if done for a length of 

stream or shoreline, has been submitted to FEMA or FEMA is aware that the study is 

available. This may be a copy of the Flood Insurance Study, a LOMR, or a letter 

from FEMA.

(f) [For Credit Points line 2a and 2b, flood elevations and floodway delineation for a 

site at time of development] A statement that the technique used in the study or the 

ordinance language was listed as acceptable in Guidelines and Specifications for 

Flood Hazard Mapping Partners, or is currently referenced on FEMA’s “Guidance 

Documents & Other Published Resources” page (http://www.fema.gov/guidancedocuments-other-published-resources). As an alternative to this statement, the 

community may submit a description of the technique for the ISO/CRS Technical 

Reviewer to determine whether it is equivalent to an acceptable technique.

(g) Documentation showing how the area of the SFHA at the time of adoption of the 

study (aSFT) and the areas of NS were calculated.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may review a sample of permit records or Elevation Certificates 

and/or visit some new building sites to verify use of the new study data in the floodplain 

management regulations.
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412.b. Leverage (LEV)

To determine the community’s cost share or level of participation in the flood study, not 

counting the review done by FEMA, a multiplier known as “LEV” is used. 

LEV is a ratio with a range of 0 to 1.00. If the study was funded entirely by non-FEMA 

resources, LEV = 1.00. Non-FEMA resources include the community, the state, a regional 

agency, the property owner, a developer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service, or any agency or organization other than FEMA or a 

FEMA-funded program. 

If the community is a Cooperating Technical Partner, there should be readily available 

figures on what the study cost and what amounts were paid by FEMA, the community, and 

other involved agencies. If the Cooperating Technical Partner agreement is for the 

community to contribute 30% of the cost of a new study, then LEV = 0.3 for the new study 

if appropriate documentation is provided.

If the community, state, or other agency made an in-kind contribution, such as an old but 

still valid study, or base maps, it can be converted to a dollar value using the FEMA “Blue 

Book” values. If the effort cannot be converted to dollars, then LEV = 0.27 for providing 

the topography used in the study or 0.22 for other significant contributions, such as 

providing the digital base mapping. If the documented dollar value results in a ratio lower 

than the above, then the pertinent value above can be used. 

Flood Insurance Studies or restudies cost shared with a state agency, the Corps, the 

Tennessee Valley Authority, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or other federal 

agency are credited, provided that FEMA did not pay the agency for the work. However, 

many studies are conducted by a state or federal agency under contract to FEMA, and in 

such cases LEV = 0, and there is no credit for NS.

Credit Criteria for LEV

(1) To receive LEV, the community must receive NS credit.

Credit Points for LEV

This element is a multiplier of the new study credit (NS) to determine the community’s

share of the flood hazard mapping study.

LEV = EITHER

0, if the study was fully funded by FEMA

OR

LEV = Non-FEMA share of the study cost ,

 Total cost of the study
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-15 Edition: 2017

provided that the community has data on the study costs

OR

LEV = the total of the following:

(a) 0.27, if all the topographic data were contributed 

to the study effort

(b) 0.22, if other significant contributions were made to the 

study effort, if the community does not have financial 

data on the study costs

Communities do not receive NS or LEV credit for Flood Insurance Studies and FIRMs that 

are fully funded by FEMA.

Topographic mapping can be LiDAR mapping or contour maps with a smaller contour 

interval than used by FEMA in the previous study or other data that meet FEMA standards 

at the time of the new study. 

• If the study used the topographic mapping in the hydraulic analysis, then LEV credit 

is provided. 

• If the study used better topographic mapping than that provided by FEMA to plot

more accurate floodplain boundaries using flood elevations or a profile from an 

earlier study, then only HSS credit is provided. There is no new study (NS) for LEV 

to modify.

Example 412.b-1.

One-half of the cost of the McCormick Creek study was paid by South 

Scottsdale and one half was cost shared with the state. There were no 

FEMA funds involved in the study.

LEV#1 = 1.00 because there was no FEMA funding involved

Developers pay for calculating base flood elevations in the A Zones 

along Tributaries A and B. 

LEV#2 = 1.00

Example 412.b-2.

A community signed a Cooperating Technical Partner agreement with 

FEMA to restudy a river. The agreement states that the community is

funding $50,000 toward the study and contributing its GIS contour map. 
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These contributions are calculated to equal $300,000. The total cost of 

the study is $500,000. 

LEV = $ 300,000 = 0.60

 $ 500,000

The community’s efforts equate to 60% of the cost of the river restudy.

The values for NS for this study are multiplied by 0.60, resulting in 60% 

of the credit for those elements. Note that the community will not 

receive this credit for the restudy until it is completed and adopted in 

the community’s floodplain management regulations.

Impact Adjustment for LEV

The impact adjustment for this activity is described in Section 413.

Documentation for LEV Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the community’s determination of how LEV was determined. This may 

be a Cooperating Technical Partner agreement and documentation that the agreement 

has been completed. Note that many flood insurance studies and restudies were 

conducted by federal agencies and private consulting firms under contract to FEMA. 

LEV credits only the share of a study that FEMA did not fund.

412.c. State review (SR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 60 points.

Under SR, a study receives additional credit when 

an independent quality assurance review, typically 

by a state agency as required by a state law, has 

been completed. 

The types of reviews that qualify for SR credit 

include a review by a state or regional 

organization whose review program has been 

designated as qualifying for CRS credit. Note that 

the existence of an approved review program does 

not mean the community will automatically 

receive this credit. Each study credited must have 

been reviewed and approved by the review 

program, and the review must not be paid for by 

FEMA. There may be studies that were conducted 

before the program began and there may be some 

types of studies that the state or regional agency 

does not review. 

Some states already have review 

procedures that are eligible for SR credit.

New Jersey—Full credit for riverine 

studies, partial for coastal

Indiana —Full credit for riverine studies, 

partial for coastal

Michigan—Full credit for riverine studies, 

partial for coastal

Minnesota—Full credit for all studies

Wisconsin—Full credit for all studies 

Illinois—The northeast portion of the state 

receives full credit for river and partial for 

coastal, and the rest of the state receives 

partial credit.
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To obtain credit if elevations are provided for a single site at the time of development, 

either each study must be reviewed and approved or the study technique must have been 

reviewed and approved. 

There are three possible quality assurance/quality control reviews: hydrology, hydrauli cs, 

and mapping. As shown in the table below, the credit for a study that has passed all of these 

reviews is approximately 17% of the credit for a new study. If only part of the study process 

was reviewed (e.g., the state review only approves the hydrology), the credit for SR is 

prorated.

Credit Criteria for SR

The activity credit criteria in Section 411.b must be met. There are no additional credit 

criteria for this element.

Credit Points for SR

SR = as shown in the following table, based on the study scope and 

the original FIRM zone, not to exceed the maximum of 60 points 

for this element

Original FIRM Zone

Study Scope B, C, 

D, or X

A or V AE, VE, 

A#

1. Delineation of an approximate A Zone − − −

2. Flood elevations for a site at time of 

development

20 20 10

3. New profile or length of shoreline, base 

flood elevations/depths in AH and AO 

Zones.

45 35 20

4. New profile with floodway, length of 

shoreline with coastal velocity zone 

delineation, or converting coastal A 

Zones to V Zones

60 45 25

Impact Adjustment for SR

The impact adjustment for this activity is described in Section 413.

Documentation for SR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Documentation that the state or other agency reviewed and accepted the results of 

the study for which credit is being requested. This will usually be a letter from the 

responsible agency, stating that the review was done and/or that the data were 

approved.
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412.d Higher study standards (HSS)

The maximum credit for HSS is 200 points.

HSS credits the use of study standards higher than those required by FEMA at the time of 

the study. A community may receive credit for HSS in areas where it does not receive credit 

for NS. For example, credit can be provided if the FIRM (or a later map adopted for 

regulatory purposes) was based on future-conditions hydrology, provided that the 

community’s floodplain development regulations use base flood elevations based on future 

conditions.

HSS credit is provided for the following higher study standards.

(1) Using a factor of safety when calculating the 100-year discharge: Hydrologic

studies produce “estimates” of peak flows. The estimates used are the “best” estimates, 

meaning they are high 50% of the time and low 50% of the time. Using a factor of safety 

means that the estimates will be too high more often and too low less often. To receive 

this credit, the predicted 100-year discharge used in the study must be increased by a 

minimum factor of safety of 25%, or one standard error for a statistical analysis, 

sometimes called the 1% plus flow.

For example, the State of New Jersey requires riverine flood studies to use a factor of 

safety of 25%. Communities in New Jersey need to show that their studies were 

completed using that standard in order to receive this credit.

(2) Using future-conditions hydrology (land use changes): Future-conditions hydrology 

means that flood discharges associated with a fully developed watershed are used. These 

discharges are created without consideration of projected future construction of flood 

detention structures or hydraulic modifications within a stream or other waterway, such 

as bridge and culvert construction, fill, or excavation. When the hydrologic study is 

based on future land use conditions, creditable discharges will be higher than those from 

a study based on current development conditions.

(3) Using future-conditions hydrology (climate): To receive this credit for coastal 

studies, the community must use an estimate of the anticipated sea level rise that is at 

least as high as the NOAA “intermediate–high” projections for 2100. Guidance on sea 

level rise projections for CRS purposes can be found in Section 404.

(4) Mapping the base flood elevation plus freeboard: This credit is for providing a map 

that shows the area inundated by a flood that would reach the base flood elevation plus 

the community’s freeboard, when the freeboard requirement is at least one foot.

Additional higher study standards may be submitted by the community. The ISO/CRS 

Technical Reviewer will determine whether they warrant credit for HSS.

The use of unsteady or two-dimensional flow models is not credited because these are 

commonly used by FEMA when warranted.
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Credit Criteria for HSS

(1) HSS credit is provided for the following higher study standards:

(a) Using a factor of safety of at least 25% when calculating the 100-year discharge,

(b) Using future-conditions hydrology (land use changes);

(c) Using future-conditions hydrology (climate, including sea level rise and changing 

precipitation, as appropriate); and

(d) Mapping the area encompassed by the base flood elevation plus the community’s 

freeboard when freeboard is at least one foot.

Credit Points for HSS

HSS = as shown in the following table, based on the study scope 

and the original FIRM zone. Credit is cumulative for each 

applicable higher study standard (credit criterion (2)), not to 

exceed the maximum of 200 points for this element

Study scope

Original FIRM Zone Max 

per 

Study

B, C, 

D, or X

A or 

V

AE, VE, 

A#, V#

1. Delineation of an 

approximate A Zone 25 15 − 75 

2. Flood elevations for a site at

time of development 40 25 20 110 

3. New profile or length of 

shoreline 100 75 50 200

The points for HSS are cumulative for up to three higher study standards, provided that the 

maximum credit in the “Max per Study” column for the study scope is not exceeded.

For example, a new profile (line 3) in an X Zone that used future-conditions hydrology 

(land use) and future-conditions hydrology (climate) would receive 100 + 100 = 200 points 

for HSS. If the study also developed and mapped boundaries for the base flood elevation 

plus freeboard area, the total for HSS would exceed the maximum allowed per study and the 

points would be capped at 200. However, where flood elevations are currently provided, if a 

new profile were developed using future-conditions hydrology (land use) and futureconditions hydrology (climate), the community would receive 50 + 50 = 100 points, because

it performed two eligible activities and did not exceed the maximum credit allowed per 

study. 
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Example 412.d-1.

(See Figure 410-5.) Because South Scottsdale expected that a large 

proportion of its drainage areas would be urbanized, its McCormick 

Creek study (MAP#1) used a base flood discharge based on full 

watershed development (future-conditions hydrology). Credit is based 

on line 3 and the original FIRM zone was “X.” HSS#1 = 100 points.

The City’s floodplain management ordinance requires developers in 

approximate A Zones (MAP#2) to use future-conditions hydrology. 

Credit is based on line 2 and the original FIRM zone was “A.” 

HSS#2 = 25 points

Impact Adjustment for HSS

The impact adjustment for HSS is calculated in the same manner as the impact adjustment 

for NS. It is based on the size of the area to which the MAP study applies as a percentage of 

the area of the SFHA at the time of adoption of the study. The impact adjustment for this 

activity is described in Section 413.

Documentation for HSS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) EITHER a copy of the relevant text from the community’s Flood Insurance Study 

describing the higher study standard if the information was utilized by FEMA, OR 

the ordinance adopting the higher standard and examples of the data created by using 

the higher standard.

(b) The map showing the area covered by the HSS study with the appropriate MAP

acronyms marking the areas affected by the higher study standard. The impact 

adjustment map is explained in Section 413. Separate areas mapped to the same 

standards may all be marked with the same acronym.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-21 Edition: 2017

412.e. More restrictive floodway standard (FWS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 140 points.

Figure 410-6 shows the standard approach to

determining the mapping limits of a floodway. Many 

times a floodway study prepared according to the 

minimum NFIP guidelines produces a floodway 

surcharge of less than 1.0 foot at some cross sections. 

The fact that the average floodway surcharge is less 

than one foot does not qualify the community for FWS 

credit. The floodway surcharge must be reduced by a 

mapping standard that can be documented by the 

community. In most cases this will be a state-mandated 

standard.

NOTE: Credit for FWS should 

not be confused with the 

minimum NFIP requirement that 

new development in the floodway 

may not result in any increase in 

flood heights. The FWS credit is 

for using a more restrictive 

standard to delineate and map 

the floodway.

If the floodway was based on the FEMA surcharge standard of 1.0 foot, then there is no 

credit for this element no matter what increase is shown on the floodway data table. If a 

floodway map is based on some other standard (such as a limitation on velocity or a change 

in velocity) to determine more restrictive floodways, the community must determine the 

actual reduction in floodway surcharge that results. Since floodway analysis is almost 

always performed by the step-backwater method, the data provided for each cross section 

should be used to determine the actual average floodway surcharge.

Because the entire SFHA benefits from the implementation of a more restrictive floodway 

surcharge, aFWS includes the entire width of that reach of the SFHA, not just the area of 

the floodway. A higher floodway standard helps prevent development within the SFHA, 

thereby reducing increases in flood elevations on existing structures. FWS credit is only 

provided for a floodway that has been mapped and adopted.

“No rise” floodways: FWS credit is only provided for a floodway that has been mapped 

and adopted. If the mapping standard was zero rise, then FWS = 140. FWS credit is not 

provided for an ordinance requiring each development to conduct a no-rise floodway 

analysis as a condition of receiving a permit. 

Credit Criteria for FWS

The activity credit criteria in Section 411.b must be met.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-22 Edition: 2017

Figure 410-6. The standard approach to floodway determination.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-23 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for FWS

FWS = 140, if the floodway delineation was based on less than 0.11 

feet of rise in the base flood elevation, OR

FWS = 105, if the allowable rise was from 0.11 to 0.25 feet, OR

FWS = 60, if the allowable rise was from 0.26 to 0.50 feet, OR

FWS = 30, if the allowable rise was from 0.51 to 0.99 feet

FWS credit is based on the allowable floodway surcharge used to prepare the floodway 

map. Currently eight states have floodway standards more restrictive than those of the 

NFIP. In these states, riverine studies in which floodways were delineated to the state 

standards are eligible for this CRS credit:

Montana, New Jersey, and Colorado: 60 points

Indiana: 105 points

Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin: 140 points

Studies done in other states may be eligible for credit and should be submitted so that the

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer can assess them.

Example 412.e-1.

Wisconsin’s state law requires that all floodway delineations be based 

on a 0.01-foot allowable floodway surcharge. In areas with floodways 

delineated according to this standard, FWS = 140.

This standard was used in the study for the Rock River in Janesville 

(MAP#1). FWS#1 = 140

Example 412.e-2.

(See Figure 410-5.) South Scottsdale’s ordinance requires site-specific 

analyses to calculate base flood elevations in approximate A Zones 

(MAP#2). The permit applicant must also conduct an encroachment 

study to see if the applicant’s project (and all similar projects) will 

increase flood heights more than 0.10 foot. FWS#2 = 140
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-24 Edition: 2017

Impact Adjustment for FWS

The impact adjustment for this activity is described in Section 413.

Documentation for FWS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the appropriate floodway data table and text from the community’s current 

Flood Insurance Study or other regulatory floodplain study describing the standards 

used for delineating the floodway.

If the study and map used for regulation are not included in the current Flood 

Insurance Study, the community must provide the map, the standard, the ordinance 

establishing the standard, and the ordinance adopting the standard.

412.f. Mapping for special coastal flood-related hazards (MAPSH)

The maximum credit for MAPSH is 100 points. It has two sub-elements: MCE (mapping 

coastal erosion hazard areas) and MTS (mapping tsunami hazards).

Sub-elements

(1) Mapping coastal erosion hazard areas (MCE):

Up to 50 credit points are provided for mapping coastal erosion (MCE) hazard areas or 

conducting erosion rate analyses for management. Credit for the regulation of new 

development in mapped coastal erosion areas is provided in element CER in Section 

432.n. Areas for which coastal erosion hazards mapping credit is requested may extend 

outside of the SFHA.

Credit Criteria for MCE

(a) The activity credit criteria in Section 411.b must be met.

(b) The area mapped must be subject to regulations designed to minimize future exposure to 

erosion damage. The community must receive at least 20 points (before the impact 

adjustment) for regulations credited in Section 432.n.

The “coastal erosion hazard area” must be identified. The coastal erosion hazard area is 

the area between the current location of the community’s erosion reference feature and 

the projected location of that erosion reference feature 30 to 100 years into the future. 

Erosion reference features are generally set by states’ coastal management programs, 

and commonly include first lines of vegetation, crests or toes of dunes, edges of bluffs, 

or mean high water lines. See the example below.

(c) The coastal erosion hazard area must be identified based on mapping or erosion rates 

that meet FEMA’s minimum mapping standards. In the absence of FEMA standards, the 

mapping must be consistent with state coastal mapping standards. 
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-25 Edition: 2017

Credit Calculation for MCE

Up to 50 credit points are provided for mapping coastal erosion hazards (MCE). 

MCE = 

(1) 50 points, for mapping the annual erosion rates of the 

community’s entire shoreline subject to erosion

(2) 25 points, if the community requires a site-specific 

erosion rate analysis to be done at the time of 

application for development permits within 600 feet of a 

shoreline that is subject to erosion

(3) 10 points if the community adopts a regulatory map

delineating the areas expected to be affected by erosion

over the next 30 years but without showing specific 

erosion rates

(4) 25 points, if the community adopts a regulatory map 

delineating the areas expected to be affected by erosion 

over the next 100 years but without showing specific 

erosion rates
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-26 Edition: 2017

(2) Mapping tsunami hazard areas (MTS):

Local decision makers need to understand their risk in order to make informed planning

decisions. Tsunami waves generated from near-source or nearshore earthquakes or 

underwater landslides may vary in impact from those generated by distant subduction

zone earthquakes. Because they are intended for emergency and evacuation planning, 

inundation projections are typically based on worst-case scenarios so that conflict over 

tsunami origin is avoided.

Inundation maps save lives by providing information ahead of time about the potential

for tsunami impact in certain areas. They enable communities to better plan safe egress 

routes. The maps may also serve as a catalyst for thought about placing future 

development, especially critical facilities, in projected inundation areas.

Credit for mapping tsunami hazard areas for

management purposes is provided under this

sub-element. Credit for the regulation of new

development in mapped tsunami areas is

provided in element TSR in Section 432.m.

Areas subject to tsunami hazards for which 

credit is requested may be within the SFHA or 

outside of it. There is no mapping credit without 

relevant regulations and/or an appropriate 

tsunami warning and response program (see 

Figure 410-7). The impact adjustment is based 

on the amount of the community’s coastline 

that is mapped. Figure 410-7. A low-lying area in Washington’s 

San Juan Islands, with tsunami warning sign. 

[Photo courtesy Wesley Shaw.]

Credit Criteria for MTS

(a) The area mapped must be subject to tsunamirelated development regulations that receive a TOTAL of at least 20 points (before the

impact adjustment) for TSR in Section 432.m or have an appropriate tsunami warning

and response program.

(b) The map must have been prepared based on a scientific study to determine the level of

tsunami flooding. 
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-27 Edition: 2017

Tsunami Hazard Mapping in Oregon

The five Pacific states have undertaken tsunami mapping projects. The Oregon project was 

undertaken to help implement Senate Bill 379 passed in 1995. The statute limits construction of 

new essential facilities and special occupancy structures in tsunami flooding zones. A line marking 

inundation from the highest runup, which was also most consistent with the prehistoric tsunami 

data, was adopted to implement the statute. The regulatory maps are based on scientific 

knowledge available in 1995.

Since then, the state has since been working to augment these regulatory maps with more 

detailed and better-modeled inundation maps: this process is ongoing at the time of this 

publication, but current maps can be found at http://j.mp/Zn5bcO. The state encourages 

communities to use the newer maps for planning evacuation routes. 

This map is from Tsunami Hazard Map of the Depoe Bay Quadrangle, Lincoln County, Oregon,

by George R. Priest. 1995. Open File Report O-95-27. Portland, OR: Oregon Department of 

Geology and Mineral Industries.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-28 Edition: 2017

Credit Calculation for MTS

Up to 50 credit points are provided for mapping tsunami-prone areas (MTS).

MTS = EITHER:

50 points, for mapping tsunami runup areas outside of the SFHA,

OR

50 points, for mapping areas in the SFHA where the tsunami

regulatory elevation is higher than the base flood elevation on the

FIRM

Impact Adjustment for MAPSH

The impact adjustment for MAPSH is based on the percentage of the shoreline that has been 

mapped.

rMCE = length of coastline mapped 

 length of total coastline in the community

rMTS = length of coastline mapped 

 length of total coastline in the community

Credit Calculation for MAPSH

cMAPSH = cMCE + cMTS, not to exceed 100 points, where

cMCE = rMCE x MCE, and

cMTS = rMTS x MTS

Documentation for MAPSH Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A map that shows the areas subject to tsunami hazard and the other coastal SFHAs in 

the community. If only a small are of the community is mapped for special coastal 

flood-related hazards, only the SFHA in that area need by shown on the map.

(b) If the mapping was not prepared by a federal or state agency, a description of the 

method used for the mapping that shows that is reasonable delineates areas subject to 

tsunami or erosion hazards. The mapping technique must be approved by the 

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer.

(c) Credit for MCE in Section 412.f(1) is provided only if the mapping is used for land 

use regulation to prevent damage from coastal erosion hazards. The documentation 

required for CER in Section 432.n will meet this requirement. 
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-29 Edition: 2017

(d) If credit for mapping on a case-by-case approach for MCE is requested, a description 

of the local government’s enforcement procedures

(e) Credit for MTS in Section 412.f(2) is only provided if the mapping is used for land 

use regulation to prevent damage from the special flood-related hazard or have an 

appropriate tsunami warning and response program. The documentation required for 

Activity 420TS (open space preservation based on regulations) or Activity 430TS 

will suffice for this prerequisite

Example 412.f-1.

Appropriate adoption language could read:

The areas of coastal erosion subject to the management requirements of this ordinance shall be as shown on the Coastal Erosion 

Maps produced by the State Department of Coastal Zone 

Management and dated July 17, 2016.

413 Impact Adjustment 

Credit for flood hazard mapping (MAP) is adjusted according to the portion of the SFHA at 

the time of the adoption of the study covered by each element (aSFT).

rMAPi = aMAPi , where

 aSFT

aMAPi = the size of the area to which the MAPi study applies, 

and 

aSFT = the area of the SFHA for the community at the time of 

adoption of the study

The impact adjustment is the ratio of aMAP to the area of the SFHA (aSFT) before the 

development of the new data.

If the total calculated impact adjustment for all studies is less than 0.10, then 0.10 may be 

used to calculate the credit, but only for one new study area. If there is more than one set of 

standards for MAP, the community should choose the area with the highest value if it does 

not want to take the time to prepare an impact adjustment map or if it estimates that it 

would receive more points by using the optional minimum value of 0.10.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-30 Edition: 2017

Preparing an impact adjustment map is explained in Section 403. If there is more than one 

area, each done to a different mapping standard, each area is marked separately, i.e., 

MAP#1, MAP#2, etc. If several areas were mapped or studied to identical standards, they 

are marked with the same acronym and number (see Figures 410-4 and 410-5).

The area of the SFHA at the time of the adoption of the study (aSFT) is calculated based on 

the SFHA of the FIRM in effect at the time the study was adopted. aSFT may be different 

for different credits. For example, MAP#1 may be for a study conducted in 1995. aSFT#1

would be the area of the SFHA on the FIRM in effect in 1995. If FEMA used the new study 

in the next FIRM revision, the impact adjustment for next new study (e.g., MAP#2) would 

be based on the area of the SFHA in effect on the revised FIRM (aSFT#2).

The maximum value for the sum of all rMAPi = 1.5. rMAPi stands for the sum of all of 

the impact adjustment ratios for MAP (i.e., rMAP#1 + rMAP#2 + rMAP#3 + . . .). The sum 

of all rMAPi cannot be greater than 1.5. In this activity, an impact adjustment ratio greater 

than 1.0 reflects the fact that the community has mapped and is regulating floodplain 

development areas not identified on the original FIRM. It is presumed that this will provide

significant savings in future flood damage and NFIP claims, so the impact adjustment ratio 

for this activity may go up to 1.5.

NOTE: All areas marked MAPi must be mutually exclusive. If the community does not 

regulate outside of the SFHA in effect at the time of adoption of the study, then rMAPi 

cannot be greater than 1.0.

Example 413-1.

The SFHA for the McCormick Creek flood study is marked as “MAP#1” 

on the city’s impact adjustment map shown in Figure 410-5. 

The approximate A Zones for Tributaries A and B are marked as 

“MAP#2.”

South Scottsdale’s CRS Coordinator used the community’s GIS to 

determine the areas affected (in acres):

aMAP#1 = 129.60 aMAP#2 = 97.20

The denominator for the impact adjustment is based on the SFHA at 

the time of the study (aSFT). When the McCormick Creek flood study 

was conducted, the area was mapped as X Zone. The SFHA at the 

time consisted only of the floodplains of Tributary A, Tributary B, and 

Indian Bend Wash.

aSFT#1 = 97.20 + 277.60 = 374.80 acres

The studies for MAP#2 are conducted when a person applies for a 

permit. Therefore, the denominator, aSFT#2 is the current SFHA.

aSFT#2 = aSFHA = 504.40
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-31 Edition: 2017

The impact adjustment ratios are calculated by dividing the area 

affected (aMAP) by the area of the SFHA at the time of the study 

(aSFT).

rMAP#1 = aMAP#1 = 129.60 = 0.35

 aSFT#1 374.80

rMAP#2 = aMAP#2 = 97.20 = 0.19

 aSFT#2 504.40

The total of the impact adjustment ratios cannot exceed 1.50. 

rMAPi = rMAP#1 + rMAP#2 = 0.35 + 0.19 = 0.54

414 Credit Calculation 

c410 = MAPi + MAPSH, where

MAPi = ((NSi x LEVi) + SRi + HSSi + FWSi) x rMAPi, and

MAPSHi = (MAPCEi x rMAPCEi) + (MAPTSi x rMAPTSi), not to 

exceed 50 points

Example 414-1.

(See Figure 410-5.) As seen in earlier examples, South Scottsdale 

receives credit for the new study on McCormick Creek (MAP#1) and for 

requiring base flood elevations in the approximate A Zones of 

Tributaries A and B (MAP#2). The new studies are scored as NS#1 

and NS#2.

NS#1 = 350 NS#2 = 95

The NS#1 new study was funded by the City and the state and the 

NS#2 studies are funded by permit applicants. Because FEMA funds 

were not involved, LEV#1 = 1.00 LEV#2 = 1.00

Both new studies receive credit for future-conditions hydrology. The 

values are different because the study scope and original FIRM zones 

are different. HSS#1 = 100 HSS#2 = 25

The MAP#1 McCormick Creek study used FEMA’s floodway 

encroachment standard of 1.0 foot, so there is no FWS credit for 

MAP#1. The MAP#2 studies must use a higher encroachment 

standard, 0.10 foot. FWS#2 = 140

The impact adjustment ratios were calculated in Example 413-1.
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-32 Edition: 2017

rMAP#1 = 0.35 rMAP#2 = 0.19

Neither study receives credit for state review (SR). The first step in the 

final credit calculation is to compute the total value for each study.

MAP#1 

= ((NS#1 x LEV#1) + SR#1 + HSS#1 + FWS#1) x rMAP#1

= ((350 x 1.00) + 0 + 100 + 0) x 0.35

= 450 x 0.35 = 57.50

MAP#2 

= ((NS#2 x LEV#2) + SR#2 + HSS#2 + FWS#2) x rMAP#2

= ((95 x 1.00) + 0 + 25 + 140) x 0.19

= 260 x 0.19 = 49.4

The second step is to add the totals for each MAP and the remaining 

credited elements. South Scottsdale does not have credit for any 

special flood-related hazards (MAPSH).

c410 = MAPi + MAPSH

= MAP#1 + MAP#2 + MAPSH

= 157.50 + 49.40 + 0 + 0 = 206.90

415 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

b. More information on FEMA mapping criteria can be found on the FEMA website, 

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/resources-documents/collections/361.

c. The following publications may be obtained from the FEMA website:

Guidelines and Specifications for Flood Hazard Mapping Partners (current and previous 

versions), www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/13948).

Use of Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Data as Available Data, FEMA Floodplain 

Management Bulletin 1-98 (1998), www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2231.)

Estimating the Value of Partner Contributions to Flood Mapping Projects “Blue Book,”

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2473.

FEMA’s “Numerical Models Meeting the Minimum Requirement of the NFIP” can be 

found at www.fema.gov/guidance-documents-other-published-resources. 
Flood Hazard Mapping

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 410-33 Edition: 2017

The following can provide guidance on technical standards for studies in areas where base 

flood elevations were not provided with the FIRM:

Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas, FEMA-265 (1995). 

(Also available from FEMA’s website at 

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1526.)

d. Communities may check on past FIRMs and obtain background data by calling 1-877-FEMA 

MAP. They can also submit a written inquiry to FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at

https://msc.fema.gov.

e. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources 

Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water conservation 

district, which is usually located in the county seat.

416 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• If a community maps other flood-related special hazards and receives credit in 

Activity 410, it should also be receiving credit under Activity 420 (Open Space

Preservation) and/or Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards). The maps must be 

adopted and the area regulated in order for the community to get the MAPSH credits.

• If a community uses future-conditions flood flows to map its flood hazard, it may be 

eligible for credit under Activity 450 for managing stormwater if it prepared a 

watershed management plan, under Activity 420 if some of the area is preserved open 

space, or under Activity 430 for regulating areas outside of the adopted SFHA.

• Maps credited in this activity should be available for credit in Activity 440, and can 

be used for outreach in Activity 330. These maps are commonly used in Activity 510 

and Activity 610 for planning purposes. In addition, they can be useful for 

determining credit for the entire 600 series.

• If a flood control project results in lower base flood elevations in an AE or VE Zone, 

there is no Activity 410 credit. However, the community may be eligible for credit for 

reducing the flood hazard under Activity 530 (Flood Protection).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-1 Edition: 2017

420 Open Space Preservation—Summary 

Maximum credit: 2,870 points

Note that OSI and LZ are not counted toward the maximum credit because these

two elements and OSP are mutually exclusive.

422 Elements

a. Open space preservation (OSP): Up to 1,450 points for keeping land

vacant through ownership or regulations.

b. Deed restrictions (DR): Up to 50 points extra credit for legal restrictions 

that ensure that parcels credited for OSP will never be developed.

c. Natural functions open space (NFOS): Up to 350 points extra credit for 

OSP-credited parcels that are preserved in or restored to their natural 

state.

d. Special flood-related hazards open space (SHOS): Up to 150 points if the 

OSP-credited parcels are subject to one of the special flood-related 

hazards or if areas of special flood-related hazard are covered by lowdensity zoning regulations.

e. Coastal erosion open space (CEOS): Up to 750 points if the OSP-credited 

parcels are subject to coastal erosion.

f. Open space incentives (OSI): Up to 250 points for local requirements and 

incentives that keep flood-prone portions of new development open.

g. Low-density zoning (LZ): Up to 600 points for zoning districts that 

require lot sizes of 5 acres or larger.

h. Natural shoreline protection (NSP): Up to 120 points for programs that 

protect natural channels and shorelines.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

Each element has a separate section describing the impact adjustment.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Open Space Preservation

420 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-2 Edition: 2017

The OBJECTIVES of this activity are to

(1) Prevent flood damage by keeping flood-prone lands free of development, and

(2) Protect and enhance the natural functions of floodplains.

421 Background

Floods are natural processes and floodplains are necessary to every river and coastal

system. A floodplain has been defined as any land susceptible to being inundated by flood 

waters. Floodplains can also be regarded as the land needed by a river or stream to convey 

and store flood waters or the coastal areas subject to inundation during a storm.

Preserving the floodplain as open space allows it to serve these primary natural functions

and many other important functions. Keeping the floodplain free of development—free of 

buildings and infrastructure—means that there will be no flood insurance claims, no closed 

businesses, no homeless residents, no damaged infrastructure, and that the community can 

return to normal quickly after flooding occurs.

421.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 420 is 2,020 points.

Credit is given for areas in a regulated floodplain that are permanently preserved as open 

space. Additional credit is given for parcels of open space that are protected by deed 

restrictions or that have been preserved in or restored to their natural state. Credit is also 

given for measures that require or encourage less development in floodplains, and for the 

protection of natural channels and shorelines.

The first five elements provide credit for parcels that qualify as preserved open space. The 

credit can be based on development restrictions placed by the property owners or those 

found in local regulations.

(1) Open space preservation (OSP) provides credit for keeping vacant lands vacant through 

ownership by a public agency, non-profit organization (such as a church camp), or 

restrictive regulations. To qualify, a property must be open, meaning there are no 

buildings, filling, or storage of materials. 

(2) Deed restrictions (DR) provides extra credit for ensuring that parcels credited for OSP 

will never be developed. This is done via a legal restriction that prevents subsequent 

owners from changing the use of the property.

(3) Natural functions open space (NFOS) provides extra credit for parcels credited for OSP 

that are preserved in or restored to their natural state. There are bonus credits for 

additional attributes of the parcel. 
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-3 Edition: 2017

Two elements provide credit for the protection of areas subject to special flood-related 

hazards and coastal erosion.

(4) Special flood-related hazard open space (SHOS) provides extra credit for OSP-credited 

parcels that are in areas subject to a special flood-related hazard.

(5) Coastal erosion open space (CEOS) credits a community for protecting areas most at 

risk from coastal erosion.

The next two elements credit local regulations that encourage minimal floodplain 

development. 

(6) Open space incentives (OSI) credits a community for having requirements and/or 

incentives that keep flood-prone portions of new developments open through techniques 

such as density transfers. 

(7) Low-density zoning (LZ) provides credit for zoning districts that require lot sizes of 

5 acres or larger, resulting in fewer buildings constructed in the floodplain.

The eighth element credits programs that protect natural channels and shorelines. As with 

the first five elements, this credit can be based on shoreline protection practices put in place 

by public property owners or on protection requirements embodied in local regulations.

(8) Natural shoreline protection (NSP) credits programs that protect natural channels and 

shorelines, the areas most valuable for protecting the natural functions of floodplains. 

The programs can be local policies that are adhered to on public lands and/or regulations 

that govern development on private lands. 

At the time of the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will review the documentation 

and visit a sample of the parcels in the field. 

422 Elements 

422.a. Open space preservation (OSP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 1,450 points.

OSP credits preserved open space in the floodplain. 

The objective of open space preservation is to 

prevent or minimize development in the regulatory 

floodplain that obstructs floodwaters; exposes insurable buildings to damage; is subject to erosion or 

other flood-related hazards; or adversely affects 

water quality, water quantity, or other floodplain 

functions. 

Several different methods of preserving floodplain 

lands as open space (OSP) are recognized. To be 

NOTE: A community does not need to 

prohibit all use of private property to 

obtain CRS credit. Communities are 

advised to have their attorneys or 

corporation counsels ensure that their 

regulations that prevent construction of 

buildings or the placement of fill in 

hazardous areas do not constitute a 

taking of private property.
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-4 Edition: 2017

termed “open space,” the land must be free from buildings, filling, significant pavement, or 

other encroachment to flood flows. To be considered “preserved,” there must be a signed 

statement from a public or creditable private owner or regulations that prohibit buildings, 

filling, or other encroachments on flood flows. 

Each parcel that qualifies as preserved open space is plotted on a map. The area of the 

parcel within the regulatory floodplain portion is calculated. The total area of preserved 

open space is divided by the total area of the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in the 

impact adjustment step. The result is a ratio that is used to determine the total credit for 

OSP. 

Credit Criteria for OSP

(1) The parcel must be located in the community’s regulatory floodplain, which means that 

the parcel is located in either

(a) The SFHA as shown on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), or

(b) A floodplain outside the SFHA where the community enforces development 

regulations similar to those enforced for new development in the SFHA. The 

community must map the area and document its floodplain management regulations.

(2) The parcel must be “open space,” meaning there are no buildings, storage, filling, 

significant pavement, or other encroachment to flood flows. Simply having vacant land 

in the floodplain does not qualify for open space credit. Six types of properties in 

particular are NOT counted for this activity:

(a) Properties not counted in any calculations for the 400 series of Community Rating 

System (CRS) activities. This includes large bodies of water, federal lands, and other 

types of property as explained in Section 403. When plotting open space lands, these 

excluded areas should be marked on the impact adjustment map to ensure that they 

are not mistakenly included in the calculations. See Section 403 for more 

information.

(b) Areas with impervious surfaces. Parking lots and streets do not qualify. For example, 

if a parcel such as a park has a parking lot, a paved tennis court, and a paved road, 

those areas must be excluded from the area calculations in the impact adjustment. 

Minor areas, such as sidewalks, trails, or pervious pavements, do not need to be 

excluded. 

(c) Areas with buildings on them. See Section 301 for a discussion of “buildings.” 

Insurable buildings on parcels larger than 10 acres will not disqualify a lot, provided 

that the building is “a necessary appurtenance” of the open space use. Open 

pavilions and similar structures are not insurable buildings as defined in Section 301 

and they do not disqualify a parcel for this credit. However, their roofs are 

impervious surfaces and their area must be deducted from the parcel’s area 

calculations.
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-5 Edition: 2017

Example 422.a-1.

1. If a large city park has a swimming pool, the park can be counted 

as open space even though it may have a building with restrooms, 

lockers, and clothes-changing areas. If it has a paved parking lot, 

however, the area of that impervious surface must be deducted

from the credited area of open space.

2. A 12-acre park that includes the first settler’s home or other 

historical building that is an integral part of the park can still be 

considered OSP.

3. A ranger’s cabin will not disqualify a state forest for OSP credit.

4. A school playing field can be credited if there are no insurable 

buildings on it. Structures like bleachers or fences are not 

“buildings” as defined in Section 301. The areas of any impervious 

surfaces, such as a basketball court and parking lot, are deducted 

from the total area of creditable open space.

(d) Parcels on which fill or other encroachments may be placed. One of the objectives 

for preserving open space is to prevent increased flood damage from future 

development. Even though insurable buildings may not be allowed, filling, dumping, 

or storage on a lot can aggravate flood problems on other properties.

For example, an open area that is used for temporary storage of rock or construction 

materials does not qualify as open space. Plowing and other alterations of the ground 

are not counted as filling, provided that they do not create obstructions to the flow or 

loss of storage of flood waters. 

Certain types of fill related to flood protection can be allowed without losing the 

OSP credit. Examples include construction of sand dunes, beach nourishment, and

habitat restoration projects. However, with the exception of habitat restoration 

projects, the properties on which these activities take place would not be eligible for 

natural functions open space credit (NFOS).

(e) Streets, pavement, parkway, railroad, levee, canal, ditch, and channel rights of way. 

Such narrow, linear strips of utility easements or publicly owned property are 

excluded from consideration as open space because they are necessary to serve the 

development or use of an area.

Such properties with pervious surfaces may be included in the open space 

calculation if they are an integral part of a larger open space area or a designated 

public greenway. Narrow greenways that parallel a river or shoreline may be counted 

as open space provided that they allow public access, even if they are recorded or 
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considered as drainage easements or channel rights of way. The CRS encourages 

programs that bring people closer to the water so they learn to appreciate floodplains 

and their natural functions.

(f) Publicly owned property that is not intended for open space use, such as a vacant lot 

in an industrial park. One of the keys to the open space credit is the fact that the area 

will remain open space, not just that it is owned by a public agency. Therefore, areas 

set aside by a developer or a public agency only until future economic or other 

conditions allow it to be developed, are excluded.

(3) The parcel must be “preserved” as open space. This criterion may be met in one of 

three ways:

(a) Public land, such as state and local parks and easements, can qualify if the owning 

agency states in writing that the lands are intended to be kept as open space. As 

noted in Section 403, there is no open space credit for federal lands. Examples of 

such creditable open space parcels include, but are not limited to

o City and county parks and forest preserves,

o State parks and state forests,

o Publicly owned beaches or natural areas,

o School playing fields, and

o Floodplain easements dedicated to the community by developers.

(b) Private wildlife or nature preserves that are maintained for open space purposes can 

qualify if the owner states in writing that they are intended to be kept as open space. 

Examples of such creditable open space parcels include, but are not limited to

o Church retreats,

o Hunting club lands,

o Golf courses owned by nonprofit associations,

o Audubon Society preserves, and

o Boy Scout or Girl Scout camping areas.

A parcel set aside by a developer as a temporary “preserve” until the area develops is 

not considered preserved open space.

(c) Open space areas subject to land development regulations that prohibit buildings and 

filling can qualify for OSP. The credit criteria are the following:

o The regulations must prohibit construction of new buildings;

o The regulations must prohibit filling, grading, or other activities that obstruct 

flood flows or remove flood storage in areas subject to riverine flooding;

o The area where the regulations are in effect must be mapped or defined by lots 

or a legal description so it can be mapped. For example, a wetlands regulation 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-7 Edition: 2017

that is dependent upon site analysis to define whether a property is a wetland 

is not acceptable;

o The maintenance of existing levees and engineered dune and beach 

nourishment programs within the area is permissible;

o Credit is only given for such regulated lands that are vacant at the time of 

application for CRS credit; and

o If an ordinance prohibits residential development in the V Zone, floodway, or 

other portion of the regulatory floodplain, the community may request OSP 

credit for all areas that are zoned for residential use only.

Examples of such regulations include, but are not limited to

o State or local regulations that prohibit buildings and filling in the floodway,

o State or local regulations that prohibit buildings and filling in wetlands or 

other designated natural areas,

o Coastal construction setback lines that prohibit buildings, and

o Streamside buffers and setback regulations (provided that they prohibit 

buildings and filling).

Below are some examples of regulations that would NOT qualify for credit. This is not a 

comprehensive list.

o The Coastal Barrier Resources Act is not acceptable because it does not 

prevent construction of buildings; it only denies federal support for new 

development.

o Florida’s Coastal Construction Control Line does not qualify because it does 

not prohibit buildings, it only requires a state permit for buildings. However, 

more restrictive local regulations could qualify.

o Ordinance language prohibiting structures that may cause obstructions in the 

floodway is not credited because such a prohibition is a requirement of the 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Most floodway regulations allow 

buildings in the floodway if the applicants can show that they cause no 

obstruction or if a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) or Letter of 

Map Revision (LOMR) is obtained.

Open space subdivision design, cluster development, transfers of development rights, and 

planned unit developments are regulatory approaches that can require or encourage 

developers to set aside floodplains and other areas as dedicated open space. Unless the 

regulations specifically identify certain undeveloped floodplains and mandate that they be 

set aside, there is no OSP credit for these regulations because there is no assurance that the 

developer will set aside specific areas. However, such regulations are credited under 

Section 421.e, open space incentives (OSI). Once the parcel is set aside and preserved as 

open space, it may qualify for OSP credit as publicly owned land.
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Example 422.a-2.

In a strip of single-family lots along a stream, each lot has a house 

situated in the floodplain fringe. There are no buildings in the floodway, 

and the community’s regulations prohibit fill, paving, storage, and the 

placement of new buildings in the floodway. The open space area, the 

floodway, is currently vacant and the regulations will keep it open, so it 

can be credited.

Credit Points for OSP

OSP = 1,450 points, based on the amount of the SFHA that is 

preserved as open space

Impact Adjustment for OSP

OSP credit is adjusted based on the ratio of preserved open space areas in the regulatory 

floodplain to the area of the SFHA. Section 403 has additional information on impact 

adjustments for areas. The areas qualifying for OSP need to be marked on an impact 

adjustment map.

rOSP = aOSP , where

 aSFHA

aOSP = the size of the area(s) preserved as open space (OSP)

in the regulatory floodplain, and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA shown on its FIRM

Because OSP can include areas of the community’s regulatory floodplain that are outside 

the SFHA, it is possible that aOSP can be greater than aSFHA. In those cases, rOSP can be 

as large as 1.5. Note that studies done to delineate those regulated floodplains outside the 

SFHA can generally be credited under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping).

NOTE: The community’s aSFHA should be reviewed and updated each year for the 

Program Data Table that is included in the annual recertification (see Section 213.a).
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Example 422.a-3.

South Scottsdale is a fictitious community used for CRS examples 

(see Figure 420-1). The City has three areas that qualify for OSP: 

1. Much of the north part of the Indian Bend Wash floodplain has been

purchased and cleared to form a string of parks. The property 

boundaries of the park have been outlined in green and the areas in 

the floodway and flood fringe are shaded in green on the map in Figure 

420-1. 

2. The area along the south part of Indian Bend Wash was owned by a 

large development corporation. When the corporation wanted to 

develop a 640-acre tract in another part of the City, the City offered to 

allow a higher density of development on that tract if the corporation 

set aside its Indian Bend Wash holdings. The corporation agreed. It 

deeded the floodplain portion to the country club to which most of the 

board members belonged. There is a deed restriction that the area 

must forever remain as a golf course. The corporation then developed 

the areas to the east and west and received a higher price for the lots 

that backed up on the golf course than it could have received for lots if 

the floodplain had been developed.

3. Ten years ago, the City amended its floodplain management 

regulations to prohibit new buildings, critical facilities, filling, or storage 

of materials in the regulatory floodway. The areas that were not 

developed at the time of the amendment are shaded in green on the 

map in Figure 420-1. Most of these areas are along McCormick Creek. 

All three types of preserved open space qualify for OSP credit. The 

table shows South Scottsdale’s open space, and the spaces are 

shown in Figure 420-1.

Location Parcel

Owner

Land

Use

Total 

Open 

Space

(acres)

Acres in 

the 

Regulatory 

Floodplain 

(OSP)

Acres

Deed

Restricted

(DR)

Acres of

Natural

Functions

Open 

Space

(NFOS)

City Parks City Public 

parks 236 143.2 

Country Club

South 

Scottsdale

Country Club

Golf course 73 55.3 55.3 

Indian Bend 

Wash

Floodway

Private Residential/

commercial 29.1 29.1 

McCormick 

Creek

Floodway

Private Residential 15.3 15.3 

 TOTALS 242.9 55.3 

Tributary A OSI4 88.7

Tributary A OSI5 88.7
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-10 Edition: 2017

Figure 420-1. South Scottsdale’s impact adjustment map for Activity 420.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-11 Edition: 2017

OSP = 1,450 (before the impact adjustment)

aOSP = 143.20 + 55.30 + 44.40 = 242.90 acres

aSFHA = 504.40 acres (see Figure 410-5)

rOSP = aOSP = 242.90 = 0.48

 aSFHA 504.40

The formula in Section 423, Credit Calculation, calls for multiplying the 

value for preserving open space (1,450) by the ratio for rOSP, 0.48. 

The credit for South Scottsdale’s open space, cOSP, is 48% of 1,450.

Note that if South Scottsdale enforced floodplain management 

regulations throughout the SFHA and the shaded X Zone, then the 

area calculations for the parks would include the X-Zone portions. This 

would provide a larger numerator (aOSP), but the denominator 

(aSFHA), would not change. The result would be a larger ratio and, 

therefore, more points.

Documentation for OSP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A map (or set of maps) and a list of parcels that notes which parcels qualify for OSP, 

DR, NFOS, SHOS, or CEOS credit. The map(s) and list must correspond to each 

other. Each parcel or group of parcels must be labeled on the map. The list must 

include, at a minimum, parcel owner, land use designation, acreage of parcel, and 

acreage of the parcel within the SFHA. If a community regulates outside of the 

SFHA, the acreage of the parcel in the regulatory floodplain and the flood zone of 

the parcel must also be included. This means that parcels located in the X Zone 

should not be included unless the regulatory floodplain is greater than the SFHA. An 

Excel spreadsheet list is preferred.

(b) For each parcel that is preserved as open space because of ownership (Section 422.a, 

credit criterion (3)(a) or (b)), documentation that the owner will keep the parcel 

open. 

(c) For each parcel that is preserved as open space because of a regulatory requirement

(Section 422.a, credit criterion (3)(c)), the ordinance language that prohibits 

structures and fill in part or all of the regulatory floodplain. See also Sections 231.b

and c on documenting regulatory language.

(d) For each parcel that is preserved as open space outside the SFHA, documentation 

showing that floodplain regulations are in effect in the area. 

(e) An impact adjustment map.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of the sites to verify that they meet the 

element’s credit criteria.

Documentation can be digital or hard copy. 
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422.b. Deed restrictions (DR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 50 points.

Just because an open space parcel is a city park today, that does not necessarily mean that 

there is any legal restriction that keeps a city council from building on it or selling it for 

development. This element provides additional credit for areas of the regulatory floodplain 

that have the assurance that the parcel will always remain open: a deed restriction (DR). 

Credit Criteria for DR

(1) All areas to be credited for DR must first qualify for OSP credit. If only a portion of a 

parcel qualifies for OSP, only that portion can qualify for DR.

(2) There must be language attached to the deed for the parcel that prohibits new buildings. 

The exact language for a legal arrangement or deed restriction will vary from state to 

state and should be prepared by a local attorney. It should include three features:

(a) No new buildings may be allowed on the property;

(b) The restriction runs with the land; and 

(c) The restriction cannot be changed by a future owner; rather, it can only be 

amended by a court for just cause.

More common examples of deed restrictions include, but are not limited to

• Property donated by a person or family for park purposes often has the stipulation that it be used only for public recreation;

• Properties purchased with funds from the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency’s (FEMA’s) mitigation grant programs qualify for this credit because 

the titles have a deed restriction that prohibits construction of buildings on the 

parcel in the future;

• Public lands that were improved with assistance from a state or federal open 

space or recreational program often have a deed restriction requirement as a 

condition of funding; and

• A community, other agency, organization, or owner may attach such a 

restriction to its existing parks and other public open areas in order to receive 

the deed restriction credit.

Regulatory requirements for easements or other dedications do not qualify for DR credit. 

DR credit is for a requirement that is filed or recorded with the deed, and cannot be 

removed by ordinance or other action except by a court order. Although a subdivision 

ordinance requirement may qualify for OSI, to be eligible for DR credit, the par cel must 

have been platted and the restrictions on developing it recorded. 

After a subdivision is platted, some parcels may be set aside as a park, an easement, 

retention basin, or other open space purpose. This does not automatically receive DR credit. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-13 Edition: 2017

Documentation is needed that shows that the community or property owner (e.g., the 

homeowners association) is not free to sell or build on the property. 

Credit Points for DR

DR = 50 points

Up to 50 points are provided for this element, based on the amount of the SFHA that is 

preserved as open space with deed restrictions. Note that every parcel for DR credit must 

have already qualified for OSP credit.

Impact Adjustment for DR

DR credit is adjusted based on the ratio of preserved open space areas with deed restrictions 

to the area of the SFHA. The areas qualifying for DR need to be marked on the impact 

adjustment map prepared for OSP. Note that every parcel for DR credit must already 

qualify for OSP credit. 

rDR = aDR , where

aSFHA

aDR = the size of the area(s) that qualify for deed restriction 

credit (DR), and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA shown on its FIRM

rDR cannot be greater than rOSP

Example 422.b-1.

The South Scottsdale Country Club was deeded floodplain property 

owned by a large development corporation. There is a deed restriction 

specifying that the area must forever remain as a golf course. The area 

qualifies for both OSP and DR.

DR = 50 (before the impact adjustment)

The area of the floodplain portion of the South Scottsdale 

Country Club is 

aDR = 55.3 acres

aSFHA = 504.4 acres (see Figure 410-5)

rDR = aDR = 55.30 = 11.00

 aSFHA 504.40

According to Section 423, Credit Calculation, the value for deed 

restrictions (50) is multiplied by the ratio for rDR, 0.11. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-14 Edition: 2017

Documentation for DR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of the parcels that have qualifying deed restrictions, and copies of the deeds

that are requested for review. The language that qualifies must be marked. DR credit 

can only be documented with a copy of the actual deed restriction. An ordinance 

requiring deed restrictions or dedication of easements is not adequate documentation 

that there is a permanent legal restriction that prevents future owners from

developing that property.

(b) The impact adjustment map used for OSP credit, with “DR” marked on the 

qualifying areas.

422.c. Natural functions open 

 space (NFOS) 

Some Natural Functions of Floodplains

WATER RESOURCES

 Natural Flood and Erosion Control

- Provide flood storage and conveyance

- Reduce flood velocities

- Reduce peak flows

- Reduce sedimentation

 Water Quality Maintenance

- Filter nutrients and impurities from runoff

- Process organic wastes

- Moderate temperature fluctuations

 Groundwater Recharge

- Promote infiltration and aquifer recharge

- Reduce frequency and duration of low surface flows

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

 Biological Productivity

- Promote vegetative growth through rich alluvial soils

- Maintain biodiversity

- Maintain integrity of ecosystems

 Fish and Wildlife Habitats

- Provide breeding and feeding grounds

- Create and enhance waterfowl habitat

- Protect habitats for rare and endangered species

− A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management 

FEMA-248 (1994)

The maximum credit for this element is 350 points.

The more commonly considered natural 

floodplain functions are listed in the 

box. There are three reasons why 

preserving open spaces that support 

these functions warrant the additional 

credit available under this element.

(1) More and more studies are showing 

that natural open space can be more 

effective at controlling or 

attenuating flooding and is less 

expensive over the long run than 

traditional manmade flood control 

structures. 

(2) Local officials and their constituents who are aware of the benefits 

that naturally functioning floodplains provide to their communities 

want to protect them. This can 

generate a continuous level of 

interest to protect floodplains in 

order to support local economies or 

improve recreational opportunities. 

This interest level persists between 

infrequent floods, adding to the 

attention and resources available for 

flood loss reduction efforts.

(3) Disrupting natural features has 

adverse impacts on the flooding regime.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-15 Edition: 2017

Accordingly, NFOS credits areas preserved as open space (OSP) where the natural 

floodplain functions are also preserved or restored. NFOS credit is in addition to OSP. Note 

that other programs to support natural floodplain functions in the watershed (outside the 

floodplain), such as low impact development and preserving natural flood storage ar eas, 

such as wetlands, can be credited under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management).

Credit Criteria for NFOS

(1) For all NFOS credit:

(a) All areas to be credited for NFOS must first qualify for OSP credit; If only a portion 

of a parcel qualifies for OSP, only that portion can qualify for NFOS.

(b) Credit for NFOS1 is a prerequisite for the rest of the credits;

(c) The property must be managed to stay in the natural state or otherwise managed to 

keep its designation; and

(d) The areas qualifying for each credit need to be marked on the impact adjustment map

prepared for Activity 420 .

(2) NFOS1: Credit is provided if parcels with OSP credit are in an undeveloped natural 

state or have been restored to a natural state. 

The following types of open space in a community’s regulatory floodplain can receive 

NFOS1 credit.

• Areas in their undeveloped natural state (i.e., areas that have not been built on, 

graded, or farmed).

• Areas that have been farmed or otherwise developed but have been restored to a state 

approximating their natural, pre-development conditions. This includes restoration 

work, such as bioengineered channel stabilization, removal of seawalls to allow 

beach erosion, living shorelines, wetland or riparian habitat restoration, and moving 

levees back to allow channel 

meandering.

• Areas designated as worthy of 

preservation for their natural 

functions by a federal, state, or 

nationally recognized private 

program. Examples of such programs 

include, but are not limited to

o State sensitive-areas programs 

that place development 

restrictions on designated 

properties;

o The Nature Conservancy’s 

Heritage Program Inventory; 

and

Surface waters, their floodplains, and 

watersheds are parts of a broader, single system. 

This interaction of land and water exists in a state 

of dynamic equilibrium. If a component of the 

natural system is disturbed, the entire system 

works to readjust towards a new equilibrium. This 

is true of riverine and coastal systems alike. The 

effects of a system's readjustment are often felt far 

from the original site of the disturbance and can 

last for decades. 

—The Natural and Beneficial Functions of 

Floodplains: Reducing Flood Losses by Protecting and 

Restoring the Floodplain Environment, 

FEMA-409 (2002)
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-16 Edition: 2017

o The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Threatened and Endangered Species’ 

Critical Habitat Designations (some designations may also qualify the parcel 

for credit under NFOS3).

The following types of open space usually would NOT receive NFOS1 credit, unless 

additional information was supplied that showed that the above criteria are met.

o Areas designated only as “scenic,” as historically significant, or as outstanding 

canoeing or boating streams.

o Areas developed and maintained for recreational uses, such as golf courses, 

groomed beaches, and zoos.

o Forests where unrestricted commercial clear cutting is allowed (sustainable 

forestry practices that preserve natural functions may be recognized).

o Dune and beach nourishment projects that involve filling, snow fences, or

other artificial constraints on natural dune migration or beach erosion.

(3) NFOS2: Credit is provided if parcels credited as NFOS1 are also designated in a plan to 

protect natural functions. The plan must meet the criteria for a natural floodplain 

functions plan (NFP) credited in Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning).

(4) NFOS3: Credit is provided if parcels credited as NFOS1 are designated as critical 

habitat for threatened or endangered species or if the species is present. “Threatened or 

endangered species” include those already on a federal or state list and those on an 

official federal or state list of “species of concern.”

(5) NFOS4: Credit is provided if parcels credited as NFOS1 are also in a designated open 

space corridor or connected network. This credits a designated open space corridor or 

connected network of wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, wilderness, and other 

areas that support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, and sustain air 

and water resources. “Designated open space corridor” means the property has been 

identified for its corridor or network value in an approved plan. Such a network 

sometimes is called “green infrastructure.”

Credit Calculation for NFOS

NFOS = the sum of the following

NFOS1 = 190 points, for having parcels that qualify as OSP in 

or restored to their undeveloped natural state

NFOS2 = 50 points, for having parcels that qualify as NFOS1 

designated in a natural floodplain functions protection plan

NFOS3 = 50 points, for having parcels that qualify as NFOS1 

designated as critical habitat for threatened or endangered 

species
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-17 Edition: 2017

NFOS4 = 60 points, for having parcels that qualify as NFOS1 

also in a designated open space corridor

Impact Adjustment for NFOS

NFOS credit is adjusted based on the ratio of preserved open space areas that qualify for 

each sub-element (NFOS1, NFOS2, etc.) to the area of the SFHA. 

rNFOS# = aNFOS# , where

 aSFHA

aNFOS# = the size of the area(s) that qualifies for NFOS 

 credit (aNFOS1 is the area of all parcels that qualify for 

 NFOS1 credit, etc.) and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA shown on 

 its FIRM

rNFOS# cannot be greater than rOSP

Documentation for NFOS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) For each parcel, documentation that supports credit under NFOS1 and any additional 

credit requested. The document must describe the natural floodplain functions of the 

parcel. The document can be

(i) A report or plan prepared by a qualified agency, such as a habitat conservation 

plan, a natural areas inventory, green infrastructure plan, etc., that includes the 

property to be credited, or

(ii) A memo or letter signed by a professional in a natural science such as botany, 

biology, forestry, or landscape architecture. The sample natural floodplain 

functions form shown in Figure 420-2 can also be used.

(b) [For NFOS2] A copy of the plan and the resolution or other formal adoption action. 

This is not needed if the plan is submitted for NFP credit under Activity 510 

(Floodplain Management Planning).

(c) [For NFOS3] Documentation of which endangered or threatened species are present 

and documentation from a federal or state wildlife agency that the species has been 

listed.

(d) [For NFOS4] A copy of the appropriate open space corridor plan.

(e) The impact adjustment map and inventory used for OSP credit, with “NFOS#” 

marked on the qualifying areas.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of the sites to verify that they meet the 

element’s credit criteria.
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-18 Edition: 2017

Natural Floodplain Functions Form

Property name Pettaway County Park

Property location 1 mile northeast of Frenchford, on the Pettaway River

Summary of the habitat 

or natural benefits 

provided at this 

property

Pettaway Park was created in 1954 in order to protect the area 

from the booming logging industry. The area has never been 

developed or farmed.

It lies at the headwaters of the Pettaway River and consists of 

bottomlands, ravines, white-oak forest interspersed with marsh 

and meadows. It is a stop on the Mississippi Flyway for migrating 

birds, including sandhill cranes. In 2002, a white winged wood 

duck (Cairina scutulata), an endangered species, was spotted in 

the park.

The park’s Nature Center houses a variety of exhibits, nature 

displays, maps, photographic studies, and a research library. The 

Nature Center also offers a variety of nature-oriented programs 

for families and adults such as owl prowls and astronomy 

programs.

Name of person 

completing this form

Jonathon Richards, ASLA

Signature Jonathon Richards

Degree or other 

qualifications

Bachelor of arts from Wall State University in landscape 

architecture, 1990.

Registered landscape architect.

Planner and then Director of natural area programs for Delaware 

County since 1994.

Figure 420-2. An example of a form to inventory natural floodplain functions.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-19 Edition: 2017

422.d. Special flood-related hazards open space (SHOS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 150 points. 

The CRS offers credit for open space preservation and low-density zoning in areas subject 

to the following special flood-related hazards:

1. Uncertain flow paths (alluvial fans and channel migration);

2. Closed basin lakes;

3. Ice jams:

4. Land subsidence;

5. Mudflows; and

6. Tsunamis.

Credit Criteria for SHOS

(1) The area must qualify for OSP credit.

(2) The area must be included in a special hazard area map.

(3) The area must be subject to special hazard-specific regulations credited under Activity 

430 of at least 20 points before the impact adjustment.

Credit Calculation for SHOS

cSHOS = aSHOS x 150, where

 aSFHA

aSHOS = the area of special hazards-prone open space, and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA shown on its FIRM

Note that aSHOS may be extended into areas outside the aSFHA, therefore aSHOS divided 

by aSFHA may exceed 1.0. However aSHOS plus aSHR (under Activity 430) divided by 

aSFHA may not exceed 1.5.

Documentation for SHOS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Documentation that shows that the area meets OSP requirements;

(b) Documentation that the area for which open space credit is requested lies within the 

mapped special hazard.

(c) A copy of the special hazards regulations that would apply to the area if it were not 

open space.
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422.e. Coastal erosion open space (CEOS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 750 points.

The CRS offers credit for open space preservation of areas subject to coastal erosion.

Up to 750 points are provided for the preservation of open space within a community’s 

mapped coastal erosion hazard area. Qualifying areas must be landward of a coastline 

eroding at a rate greater than or equal to 1.5 feet per year and qualify for OSP credit. 

Designated open space may include areas protected by coastal construction setbacks, but 

creditable setbacks must prohibit all buildings or other encroachments. Regulations merely 

requiring permits for construction in certain areas are not sufficient for CEOS credit. 

Dune and beach areas preserved in their natural undeveloped state may also qualify for 

natural functions open space (NFOS) and natural shoreline protection (NSP) credit.

Credit Criteria for CEOS

(1) The area must be seaward of an area that is eroding at a rate greater than or equal to 1.5 

feet per year.

(2) The area must qualify for OSP credit.

(3) The community must earn at least 25 points for mapping coastal erosion hazard areas

(MCE) in Section 412.f.

(4) The community must receive at least 10 points for keeping maps updated (EDM) in 

Section 442.d.

(5) The community must receive at least 20 points for its coastal erosion regulations (CER) 

in Section 432.n.

Credit Calculation for CEOS

cCEOS = aCEOS x LCE x (year (projected) – year (current)) x CFSL x 500,

aCE LC 100

where

 aCEOS = the size of the area(s) that qualifies for CEOS,

 aCE = the size of the community’s coastal erosion hazard area,

 LCE = the length of coastline eroding at ≥ 1.5 feet per year, 

 LC = the total length of the coastline,

 year (projected) = the year to which the location of the erosion

 reference feature is projected, 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-21 Edition: 2017

 year (current) = the year the credit is requested or verified, and

 CFSL = the multiplier for consideration of future sea level 

The multiplier CFSL is:

 1.2, for using the NOAA “intermediate-high” projection for 

 the year 2100 and

 1.5, for using the NOAA “high” projection for 2100

See Section 404 for guidance on using sea level rise projections for CRS purposes.

Documentation for CEOS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A map identifying the coastal erosion hazard areas.

(b) A map showing open space with the coastal erosion hazard areas and the size of 

each.

(c) Documentation that the area meets OSP requirements.

(d) Documentation that the community received at least 25 points for MCE in 

Section 412.f, 20 points for CER under Section 432.n, and 10 points for EDM in 

Section 442.d.

422.f. Open space incentives (OSI) 

The maximum credit for this element is 250 points.

Most communities have undeveloped areas that are not preserved as open space through one 

of the means recognized under OSP. The CRS recognizes that there are many tools that can 

encourage the owners to keep the floodplain open when a site is developed. These can 

include

• Density transfers,

• Transfers of development rights (TDRs),

• Bonuses for avoiding the floodplain or other sensitive areas,

• Planned unit developments (PUDs),

• Cluster development,

• Greenway and setback rules, and

• Open space ratio credits for open space in the floodplain.

The end results of these different approaches are similar. Examples are shown in 

Figure 420-3.
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-22 Edition: 2017

A community can receive OSI credit for regulations that encourage developers to set aside 

flood-prone areas as flowage easements and then, once a parcel is appropriately deeded, the 

community can receive credit under OSP (and possibly DR and/or NFOS) for that site. 

These regulations do not have to be enacted for floodplain management purposes. Many 

communities have adopted them for farmland preservation, protection of sensitive areas, 

and even for economic reasons. For example, developments such as the example cluster 

plan in Figure 420-3 have shorter streets, resulting in lower maintenance, cleaning, and 

snow plowing costs for the community.

If a community’s program uses an approach to minimize development or disturbance in the 

floodplain that is not described here, it should be submitted for scoring in accordance with 

Section 113.d. 

Most of the regulations credited for OSI address subdivisions and larger developments, 

where the developer has the option of leaving some of the land vacant. If a community’s 

regulatory program effectively prohibits all new buildings from the floodplain, the 

community should apply for open space preservation credit under OSP.

Credit Criteria for OSI

(1) For full credit for OSI, regulations must clearly apply to both new development and redevelopment, and there must be undeveloped areas within the community’s regulatory 

floodplain. OSI credit is prorated if the regulations do not apply to redevelopment.

(2) If a community has no vacant land suitable for a subdivision or other large development, 

OSI credit will be prorated. If the regulations do not clearly state that they apply to 

redevelopment projects, then the community must provide a statement from its attorney 

that the regulations apply to redevelopment projects in order to receive OSI credit.

(3) OSI1: Credit is provided if the regulations set aside all of the regulatory floodplain in a 

subdivision as open space (such as drainage or flowage easements or back yards) or

otherwise keep them free from development. Regulations that meet OSI1 criteria do not 

qualify for OSP credit. However, after a subdivision’s final plat is recorded, the areas 

set aside could qualify for OSP credit.

Some variations to this credit include

• The credit can be prorated if smaller areas are set aside;

• If the community requires that 50% of the floodplain be kept open, then 50% of 

the area is credited; and

• If the requirement is limited to one or two zoning districts, the credit can be 

prorated accordingly. 
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-23 Edition: 2017

Traditional approach: Some new lots and 

house sites are within the regulatory floodplain.

Building protection: All buildings are on high 

ground, outside of the regulatory floodplain. 

Portions of some lots are within the floodplain 

and therefore still may be subject to development, filling, and grading that reduce natural 

floodplain functions and increase flood risk. 

Clustering: All buildings and lots are clustered 

outside of the regulatory floodplain. The development has the same density as the first two 

graphics, but with smaller lot sizes. All of the 

land in the regulatory floodplain is preserved as 

open space. 

Transfer of development rights: The community provides the developer an incentive to dedicate the entire parcel for open space, such as 

allowing a higher density development at another location, well away from the flood hazard 

area.

Figure 420-3. Alternative ways to develop a property that is partially flood-prone.
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-24 Edition: 2017

(4) OSI2: Credit is provided if the regulations require that each lot in a new subdivision 

provide a building site that is on natural high ground, out of the regulatory floodplain. 

This credit is not provided if filling the floodplain (or cutting and filling) is allowed to 

meet the building site requirement or if a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMRF) is required.

Example 422.f-1.

Ordinance language might read:

If a parcel has a buildable site outside the Regulatory Floodplain, it 

shall not be subdivided to create a new lot, tract, or parcel with a 

building site plan that does not have a buildable site outside the 

Regulatory Floodplain. This provision does not apply to lots set aside 

from development and preserved as open space.

(5) OSI3: Credit is provided if the regulations state that TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, each lot 

in a new subdivision must provide a building site that is on natural high ground, out of 

the regulatory floodplain. If a lot does not have a buildable site out of the regulatory 

floodplain, all new structures, pavement, and other development must be sited where 

they have the least impact on habitat. This can be done by locating the structures as far 

from the water body as possible or placing the structures on the highest land on the lot.

(6) OSI4: Credit is provided if the regulations include transfer of development rights 

language or a density bonus to encourage staying away from the floodplain. Fewer 

points are provided for transfer of development rights or a density bonus within the 

same development. 

Example 422.f-2.

Ordinance language might read:

The proposed subdivision should have one or more new lots in the 

Regulatory Floodplain set aside for open space use through deed 

restriction, easement, subdivision covenant, or donation to a public 

agency. The density of the development in the portion of the 

development outside the Regulatory Floodplain may be increased to 

compensate for the amount of land in the Regulatory Floodplain 

preserved as open space in accordance with _______( section of the 

community’s zoning or other development ordinance that allows PUDs 

and/or transfers of development rights). 
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-25 Edition: 2017

(7) OSI5: Credit is provided for regulations that allow cluster development through a

planned unit development (PUD) or otherwise.

(8) OSI6: Credit is provided for a program that provides tax incentives to keep land open, 

such as keeping farmland tax rates low when the owner signs an agreement to not 

develop it or not to sell it for development. If the program results in permanent 

preservation of open space, each qualifying parcel should be credited under OSP and, if 

appropriate, DR.

(9) OSI7: Credit is provided if the community’s land use plan recommends open space use 

or low-density development of flood-prone areas.

Credit Points for OSI

OSI1 = 250 points, for regulations that set aside all of the regulatory

floodplain in a subdivision as open space

OSI2 = 150 points, for regulations that REQUIRE each lot in a new 

subdivision to provide a building site that is on natural high 

ground, out of the regulatory floodplain 

OSI3 = 65 points, for regulations that require that, TO THE EXTENT 

POSSIBLE, each lot in a new subdivision provide a building site 

that is on natural high ground, out of the regulatory floodplain,

or that otherwise does not adversely affect natural floodplain 

functions

OSI4 = 70 points, for having regulations that provide for transfers of 

development rights or density bonuses to encourage staying out 

of the regulatory floodplain. This credit can be up to 50 points if 

the bonus allows increased density within the same 

development

OSI5 = 25 points, for regulations that allow cluster development 

through PUDs or other means

OSI6 = 25 points, for a program that provides tax incentives to keep 

land open

OSI7 = 10 points, if the community’s land use plan recommends 

open space use or low-density development of flood-prone

areas

Impact Adjustment for OSI

OSI credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the OSI regulation to the 

area of the SFHA. 
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-26 Edition: 2017

(1) The areas covered by the regulation(s) need to be marked on the impact adjustment map

prepared for OSP. 

(2) The first four sub-elements (OSI1, OSI2, OSI3, and OSI4) are mutually exclusive. That 

is, a community can only receive one of these credits for an area. However, a 

community could receive credit for one of these four plus OSI5, OSI6, and/or OSI7 in 

the same area. 

(3) There is no impact adjustment for OSI7.

rOSI# = aOSI# , where

 aSFHA

aOSI# = the size of the area(s) that qualify for OSI# credit 

(aOSI1 is the size of the area that qualifies for OSI1 credit, 

etc.), and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA shown on its 

FIRM

Note that aOSI cannot include areas that are credited under OSP.

Example 422.f-3. 

A coastal county’s OSI4 regulations allowing the transfer of 

development rights only affect inland riverine floodplains. This area is 

calculated to be 14.64 square miles. The total area of the County’s 

SFHA is 17.42 square miles.

rOSI4 = aOSI4 = 14.64 = 0.84

 aSFHA 17.42

If the county receives credit for a provision under OSI5 or OSI6, the 

impact adjustment is calculated separately.

Example 422.f-4.

South Scottsdale has a provision to transfer development rights in 

order to preserve natural, sensitive, and flood-prone areas. This 

provision proved very successful when developable land was set aside 

as the South Scottsdale Country Club (see Examples 422.a-3 and 

422.b-1).

OSI4 = 70
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-27 Edition: 2017

The City’s code also authorizes cluster development.

OSI5 = 25

The city’s comprehensive plan calls for preserving all flood-prone 

areas as open space, to the extent possible with a minimum of City 

funding.

OSI7 = 10

The application of OSI4 and OSI5 is limited to undeveloped lands that 

are not already preserved as open space. There are only two such 

areas left in South Scottsdale—the floodplain for Tributary A and the 

southern portion of Tributary B’s floodplain. They are so marked on the 

impact adjustment map in Figure 420-1.

Area of Tributary A floodplain: 68.90 acres

Area of south part of Tributary B floodplain: 19.80 acres

aOSI4 = aOSI5 = 68.90 + 19.8 = 88.70 acres

aSFHA = 504.40 acres (see Figure 410-5)

rOSI4 = aOSI4 = 88.70 = 0.18

 aSFHA 504.40

rOSI5 = aOSI5 = 88.70 = 0.18

 aSFHA 504.40

According to Section 423, Credit Calculation, the values for OSI4 and 

OSI5 are multiplied by their ratios, 0.18. 

There is no impact adjustment for OSI7.

Documentation for OSI Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) For each regulatory requirement, the ordinance language (see also Section 231.c on 

submitting ordinance language as documentation), and letters from the community’s 

attorney as required under credit criterion (2).

(b) The impact adjustment map used for OSP credit, with “OSI” marked on the 

qualifying areas. It must show areas that are currently vacant and areas that are 

credited for open space preservation (OSP).

(c) For extra credit for regulating flood-prone areas outside the SFHA, documentation 

showing that floodplain regulations are in effect in these areas. 

(d) During the verification visit, the ISO/CRS Specialist will need to see site plans and 

final plats that will document how the regulation has been applied. 
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-28 Edition: 2017

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of new developments to verify that they 

have been constructed in accordance with the approved plans.

422.g. Low-density zoning (LZ) 

The maximum credit for this element is 600 points. There is additional credit for lowdensity zoning in areas subject to special flood-related hazards.

Credit is provided for zoning areas of the regulatory floodplain to keep them substantially 

open. Zoning an area for agriculture, conservation, or large residential lots preserves more 

open space than allowing more intensive development. 

LZ credit is available for undeveloped land within low-density zoning districts, as well as 

for areas developed in accordance with the density requirements within the regulatory 

floodplain. “Low-density” means that that size of the lots is at least 5 acres. For this 

element, it does not matter why an area is zoned for low density; what counts is the 

minimum lot size and lot coverage allowed in the zoning district.

The credit for low-density zoning is based upon the traditional zoning approach of setting 

minimum lot sizes for different zoning districts. The bigger the lot size, the less dense the 

floodplain development and the more credit provided. The credit also factors in lot 

coverage for non-residential zones.

Credit Criteria for LZ

(1) The community must have a zoning ordinance that identifies different development 

criteria and densities for different areas. Other types of regulations are not credited. For 

example, a health ordinance that requires a minimum lot size to accommodate a septic 

field is not credited. The area may be developed to a higher density if a sanitary sewer is 

installed in the future.

(2) The lands to be credited for LZ must not qualify for OSP credit.

Credit Points for LZ

LZ = up to 600 points, for zoning regulations 

LZ#s = 60 points x s, where

s = the minimum lot size in acres

(1) For the credit calculation, density is measured in terms of acres per building. A zoning 

district with a minimum lot size of 5 acres allows a density of 5 acres per building. For 

this area, s = 5, and the area would be designated “LZ#5” on the impact adjustment map

used for OSP credit.
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-29 Edition: 2017

“s” may have any value from 5.00 to 10.00. The highest allowable density is a five-acre 

lot (s = 5.0), and minimum lot sizes larger than 10 acres are credited as 10 acres (s = 

10.00).

Example 422.f-1.

In a “rural estates” zoning district, the density is one unit per 5 acres. 

s = 5, LZ#5 = 60 x 5 = 300 points (before the impact adjustment)

(2) For residential zones, density is based on the minimum lot size for one unit. Where 

multi-family residential buildings are allowed, “s” is based on the number of units 

allowed per parcel. For example, if duplexes are allowed in a district with a minimum 

lot size of 10 acres, the density is credited as one unit per 5 acres, or s = 5.00.

(3) For non-residential zones, density is also based on the lot coverage allowed. For fiveacre lots, the maximum allowable lot coverage credited is 10%. For 10-acre or larger 

lots, the maximum allowable lot coverage credited is 5%. Credited lot coverage is 

prorated for other lot sizes.

(4) Different zoning districts with the same density requirement can be counted together as 

one LZ#s. 

(5) Where minimum lot sizes are in units other than acres, they must be converted to acres 

to calculate the credit for this element. 

Impact Adjustment for LZ

LZ credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the zoning district within the 

regulatory floodplain to the area of the SFHA. The areas covered by each low-density 

zoning district need to be marked on the impact adjustment map prepared for OSP. Note 

that all areas for which LZ credit is requested must not qualify for OSP credit.

rLZ # = aLZ# , where

aSFHA

aLZ# = the size of the area(s) that qualify for LZ# credit within

the regulatory floodplain (aLZ#5 is the size of the area that 

qualifies for LZ#5 credit, etc.), and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA shown on its FIRM 

Note that aLZ cannot include areas credited under OSP
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-30 Edition: 2017

Documentation for LZ Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) For each LZ value, the zoning ordinance language that explains the density 

requirement. 

(b) The impact adjustment map used for OSP credit, with “LZ#” marked on the 

qualifying areas. It must show the areas to be credited for LZ, areas that are credited 

for open space preservation (OSP), and the SFHA. Only the portion that covers the 

SFHA is needed.

(c) For extra credit for low-density zoning in flood-prone areas outside the SFHA, 

documentation showing that floodplain regulations are in effect in these areas. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of new developments to verify that they 

have been developed in accordance with the required density.

422.h. Natural shoreline protection (NSP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 120 points.

Natural channels and shorelines are the areas most valuable for protecting natural floodplain functions. They are important places for aquatic and riparian habitat. NSP credit is for 

allowing these areas to follow their natural processes, such as channel meandering and 

beach erosion, and to encourage natural shorelines that provide water quality benefits for 

runoff.

Note that a setback or buffer that prohibits buildings and filling can qualify as OSP but are

not sufficient for NSP.

Programs to protect channels and shorelines in their natural state are credited in NSP. These 

include

• Regulations that govern development and construction, such as an ordinance or 

regulation that governs public and private construction activities; and

• Local policies followed on public lands, such as a written community policy that 

covers shorelines in city parks.

Protection credit is only available for channels or shorelines that are currently in their 

approximate natural state, i.e., there is no concrete, rip rap, levees, armoring, beach 

nourishment, dams, or other human intervention that constrains the natural processes of the

shoreline of the river, stream, lake, or ocean. 

Credit Criteria for NSP

(1) The regulation or program to protect natural shorelines must prohibit 

• In channels and channel banks in riverine areas: Rip rap or armoring, channel 

alterations, dredging, filling, grubbing, and removal of vegetation; and
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-31 Edition: 2017

• On shorelines of lakes or oceans: The filling of or other alterations to a beach, 

including beach nourishment projects; alterations to sand dunes; and construction of 

seawalls, bulkheads, armoring, or other shoreline stabilization structures.

(2) The regulation or program may allow human alterations that benefit natural floodplain 

functions, such as removing a levee, restoring habitat, or planting to preserve sand 

dunes, provided that the projects do not prevent channel or shoreline movement or 

reduce other natural floodplain functions. 

Credit Points for NSP

NSP = up to 120 points, based on the length of the community’s 

shorelines that are affected by the natural shoreline protection 

regulations or programs

Impact Adjustment for NSP

(1) The impact adjustment is not related to the areas of the SFHA or channels in the SFHA. 

It is based on the length of protected shorelines divided by the total length of all the 

shorelines in the community. Each channel has two shorelines, one on each side. It is 

possible that only one side would qualify for NSP credit, so they are measured and 

counted separately.

(2) Credit is provided in developed areas, undeveloped areas, and areas credited as 

preserved open space (OSP). Communities are encouraged to take steps to protect 

shorelines in parks and other public lands. Credit is provided even if the only creditable 

activity is a community policy for parks and other public lands.

(3) The community must prepare an impact adjustment map showing all streams, ditches, 

and ocean or lake shorelines in the community. The length of these features is the value 

for aSL. Armored or concrete channels, manmade ditches, hardened shorelines, etc., are 

counted toward aSL, but not toward aNSP. 

The map must be consistent with the impact adjustment map used for channel debris 

removal (CDR) under Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance). Unlike the map for 

CDR, however, the impact adjustment map prepared for NSP must show all streams in 

both developed and undeveloped areas. 

rNSP = aNSP , where

 aSL

aNSP = the length of shoreline affected by the program, and

aSL = the total length of shoreline in the community 
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-32 Edition: 2017

If less than 10% of all the community’s shorelines are affected by the regulations or 

programs or the community does not prepare an impact adjustment map, the value of 

rNSP = 0.1 can be used.

Documentation for NSP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) [For credit for protection of natural shorelines] A copy of the regulations or policy 

on which the credit is based.

(b) An impact adjustment map (not needed if the community is using the optional 

minimum impact adjustment value of 0.1). 

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of shoreline sites to verify that they qualify 

for the credit. 

423 Credit Calculation 

c420 = (OSP x rOSP) + (DR x rDR) + cNFOS + 

cSHOS + cCEOS + cOSI + cLZ + (NSP x rNSP), where 

cNFOS = (NFOS1 x rNFOS1) + (NFOS2 x rNFOS2) + 

 (NFOS3 x rNFOS3) + (NFOS4 x rNFOS4), and

cOSI = (OSI1 x rOSI1) + (OSI2 x rOSI2) + (OSI3 x rOSI3) +

 (OSI4 x rOSI4) + (OSI5 x rOSI5) + 

 (OSI6 x rOSI6) + OSI7, and

cLZ = LZ#s x rLZ#s

Example 423-1.

South Scottsdale calculates its credit for Activity 420.

OSP = 1,540 rOSP = 0.48

DR = 50 rDR = 0. 11

OSI4 = 70 rOSI4 = 0.18

OSI5 = 25 rOSI5 = 0.18

OSI7 = 10
Open Space Preservation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 420-33 Edition: 2017

cOSI = (OSI4 x rOSI4) + (OSI5 x rOSI5) + OSI7

 = (70 x 0.18) + (25 x 0.18) + 10 = 12.60 + 4.50 + 10 

 = 27.10

cSHOS = 0, cLZ = 0, cNSP = 0

c420 = (OSP x rOSP) + (DR x rDR) + cNFOS + cSHOS + cOSI + 

cLZ (NSP x rNSP)

c420 = (1,450 x 0.48) + (50 x 0.11) + 0 + 0 + 27.10 + 0 + 0 

= 696.00 + 5.50 + 27.10 = 728.60

This is rounded to the nearest whole number. c420 = 729

424 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

b. More information on planning and regulatory techniques to preserve floodplain open space can 

be found in Subdivision Design and Flood Hazard Areas,(2015), Planning Advisory Service 

Report #584. It can be downloaded from the American Planning Association’s website at 

https://www.planning.org/nationalcenters/hazards/subdivisiondesign/. 

425 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• Activity 320 (Map Information Service) credits providing information about natural 

and sensitive areas (MI7) and Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance) credits having 

a data base or GIS layer of such areas. These should include the areas credited for 

NFOS.

• Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping) provides credit for mapping and regulating 

areas outside the SFHA. If such areas include parks or other qualifying preserved 

open space, those areas can be credited in this activity.

• The first element under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), development 

limitations (DL), provides credit for regulations that prohibit filling, buildings, and/or 

storage of materials. If a community’s regulations do not qualify for OSP, they may 

qualify for DL credit. 

• A prerequisite for Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) credit is that the 

property that has been cleared must meet the OSP criteria for preserved open space. 

All such properties should receive OSP credit. If the properties were cleared with 

FEMA mitigation funds, they should also qualify for deed restriction (DR) credit. 

Many other federal and state funding programs have similar deed restriction 

requirements.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 430-1 Edition: 2017

430 Higher Regulatory Standards—Summary 

Maximum credit: 2,462 points

Credit for FRB, FDN, ENL, and CAZ are not counted toward this total because those 

elements and DL credit are mutually exclusive.

432 Elements

a. Development limitations (DL): Up to 1,330 points for prohibiting fill, buildings, 

and/or storage of materials in the SFHA.

b. Freeboard (FRB): Up to 500 points for a freeboard requirement.

c. Foundation protection (FDN): Up to 80 points for engineered foundations.

d. Cumulative substantial improvements (CSI): Up to 90 points for counting 

improvements cumulatively.

e. Lower substantial improvements (LSI): Up to 20 points for a substantial 

improvement threshold lower than 50%.

f. Protection of critical facilities (PCF): Up to 80 points for protecting facilities that are 

critical to the community.

g. Enclosure limits (ENL): Up to 390 points for limiting enclosures below the base flood 

elevation.

h. Building code (BC): Up to 100 points for adopting and enforcing the International 

Code Series.

i. Local drainage protection (LDP): Up to 120 points for ensuring that new buildings 

are protected from shallow flooding.

j. Manufactured home parks (MHP): Up to 15 points for removing the elevation 

exemption for manufactured homes placed in existing manufactured home parks.

k. Coastal A Zones (CAZ): Up to 500 points for enforcing V-Zone rules inland from the 

V-Zone boundary.

l. Special flood-related hazards regulations (SHR): Up to 100 points for enforcing 

appropriate construction standards in areas subject to a special flood-related hazard.

m. Tsunami hazard regulations (TSR): Up to 50 points for enforcing appropriate 

construction standards in areas subject to a tsunami.

n. Coastal erosion hazard regulations (CER): Up to 370 points for enforcing appropriate 

construction standards and setbacks in areas subject to significant coastal erosion.

o. Other higher standard (OHS): Up to 100 points for other regulations.

p. State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS): Up to 20 bonus points if a regulatory 

standard is required by the state.

q. Regulations administration (RA): Up to 67 points for having trained staff and 

administrative procedures that meet specified standards.

Credit Criteria

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 431.b. Each element has additional 

criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for BC, LDP, MHP, SMS, or RA. The credit for all other 

elements is adjusted and explained in Section 431.c. For some elements, additional 

details are described in separate sections.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 430-2 Edition: 2017

430 HIGHER REGULATORY STANDARDS 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to credit regulations to protect existing and future 

development and natural floodplain functions that exceed the minimum criteria of the 

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

431 Background

Although the NFIP minimum standards provide a great 

deal of flood protection, damage can still result for many 

reasons:

• Estimates of flood heights are subject to various 

errors;

• Changes in weather patterns may alter floodheights;

• Buildings may be damaged by floods that exceed 

the predicted 100-year flood;

• Urbanization and other changes in the watershed 

can increase the flood hazard and flood frequency; 

• Filling and other development in the floodplain 

can reduce storage and conveyance capacity, 

increasing flood hazards; and

• Filling and construction practices can damage or 

destroy valuable natural floodplain functions.

For these reasons, and the fact that local situations vary, 

many communities adopt development standards that are 

higher than or supplement the minimum NFIP criteria. 

This activity provides credit for those regulatory standards.

Current NFIP standards for 

regulation of development in 

riverine areas require that new 

residential buildings in the Special 

Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) have 

their lowest floor at or above the 

base flood elevation. Nonresidential buildings may be 

floodproofed to the base flood 

elevation. NFIP coastal rules 

require that new buildings be 

above the base flood elevation 

and, in V (velocity) Zones, be built 

on engineered piles or columns. If 

an existing building is improved or 

reconstructed and the value of the 

project exceeds 50% of the 

building’s value, the building must 

be brought up to the same 

standards applied to new 

construction.

431.a. Activity Description 

Under this activity, numerous higher regulatory approaches are credited that provide more 

protection to new development, redevelopment, and existing development. Examples of 

higher standards and the benefits that they can provide include

• Prohibiting fill and other ground-altering measures can protect existing development

and habitat, improve water quality, and maintain the flood attenuating benefits of 

natural areas (credited under DL1a);

• Requiring compensatory storage preserves areas of the floodplain that can store flood 

water and minimizes increases in flood heights due to development (credited under 

DL1b);

• Requiring the lowest floors of residences to be higher than the base flood elevation 

protects buildings from higher floods (credited under FRB);

• Protecting foundations reduces damage that results from scour and settling (credited 

under FDN);
Higher Regulatory Standards

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 430-3 Edition: 2017

• Requiring full compliance with floodplain management regulations when proposed 

improvements or repairs are less than 50% of a building’s value brings more 

nonconforming buildings up to current flood 

protection standards (credited under CSI and LSI);

• Protecting critical facilities to higher levels reduces 

damage to those facilities and improves the 

community’s ability to respond to the needs of 

citizens during a disaster (credited under PCF);

• Adopting and enforcing a building code improves 

the quality of construction of new buildings and 

provides more staff support for floodplain 

management regulations (credited under BC);

• Standards for protecting buildings from local 

drainage problems reduce flood losses and flood 

insurance claims, especially outside the floodplain

(credited under LDP);

• Requiring new manufactured housing in existing 

manufactured housing parks to meet the same level 

of protection as is required for other new buildings reduces flood losses and flood 

insurance claims (credited under MHP);

• Requiring new construction in the coastal A Zone to meet the same standards as VZone buildings protects it from a known breaking wave hazard (credited under CAZ);

• Adopting and enforcing construction rules tailored to special flood-related hazards, 

such as riverine erosion and alluvial fan flooding, provides protection in ways that 

the NFIP’s national minimum criteria do not (credited under SHR); 

• Adopting and enforcing regulations addressing tsunami hazards protects people and 

structures from the impacts of a tsunami (credited under TSR);

• Adopting and enforcing regulations addressing long-term coastal erosion can reduce 

the loss of structures caused by the erosion of beaches, dunes, and bluffs (credited 

under CER); and

• Having Certified Floodplain Managers (CFM®) and high-quality administrative 

procedures and inspections can reduce errors and minimize problems during 

construction (credited under RA).

A community should not 

amend its ordinances solely to 

earn Community Rating System 

(CRS) credit points, nor should it 

necessarily adopt the examples 

used in the CRS Coordinator’s 

Manual. Ordinance language 

should be carefully written to 

support the community’s own 

goals and the purposes of its 

regulatory program. All such 

language should be reviewed by 

the community’s legal counsel 

before it is adopted.

The element OHS (other higher standards), provides credit for regulations not listed in this 

or other activities. As noted in Section 113.d, communities are invited and encouraged to 

submit other regulatory provisions that are not part of the NFIP’s minimum crite ria and/or 

alternative approaches to the credits listed here.
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431.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

For all the elements except RA (regulations administration, Section 431.q), the community 

must provide a legally enforceable regulation. In most cases, this will be in the form of an 

ordinance adopted by the community’s governing body and incorporated into its municipal 

code. 

(1) Regulations adopted by a county, regional agency, or state that are enforced within the 

community can be credited. Their implementation is verified in the same manner as a 

community regulation and it is expected that the community will assist in the

verification. 

(2) Regulations must have the force of law and meet the requirements of Section 231.b.

(3) If the legal authority for the regulatory language is not clear, the ISO/CRS Specialist 

may request a letter from the community’s legal counsel that confirms that he/she will 

defend the regulation in court if it is challenged.

(4) For CRS credit, the regulatory language must be adopted and in full force at the time 

CRS credit is requested, e.g., at the verification visit.

(5) If the community approves Conditional Letters or Letters of Map Revision based on Fill 

(CLOMR-Fs or LOMR-Fs) by signing a “Community Acknowledgment Form” (MT-1 

Form 3), the credit will be adjusted or prorated.

(6) Credit for any element is prorated if the sampling done during verification finds 

instances in which the element is not fully implemented. It does not matter why it is not 

fully implemented. For example, if a review of Elevation Certificates finds that some 

new buildings did not have the required freeboard because of legally issued variances, 

the credit is prorated.

See also Section 231 on documentation of regulations for CRS credit.

431.c. Activity Impact Adjustment 

Impact adjustment ratios are part of the calculations for all elements in Activity 430 except 

BC, LDP, MHP, SMS, and RA. They are explained in Sections 402–403.

Impact Adjustment Maps

An impact adjustment map must be prepared when

(1) The areas qualifying for Activity 430 credit need to be determined for the impact 

adjustment ratio, or

(2) The regulations are enforced outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) (so that

the impact adjustment ratio can be greater than 1.0).

When preparing an impact adjustment map, note that
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(1) The areas affected by the regulation(s) must be marked on an impact adjustment 

map. Marking each area with the appropriate acronym is a convenient shorthand. 

Section 402 has additional information about determining impact adjustments for 

areas.

(2) Areas to be credited for a higher regulatory standard must not include areas 

preserved as open space (OSP) in Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). 

Therefore, OSP credited areas must be shown on the impact adjustment map used for 

Activity 430. There is no Activity 430 credit for higher standards for fill or buildings 

in areas where fill and buildings are not allowed (i.e., areas preserved as open 

space). This is explained in Section 402.c.

(3) An impact adjustment map does not need to be prepared when a regulatory standard 

is enforced throughout the entire SFHA and there is no creditable open space. The 

impact adjustment ratio in that case is 1.0. However, the community must be certain 

that a regulation is enforced throughout the regulatory floodplain. For example, the 

ordinance may say that all new buildings must be built to a freeboard level, but that 

rule may only apply in flood zones where a base flood elevation is provided. In such 

cases, an impact adjustment map would be needed to delineate and calculate the 

areas affected by the freeboard standard. 

(4) An impact adjustment map does not need to be prepared when a regulatory standard 

is enforced throughout the entire SFHA, but the map must show those areas for 

which the community is requesting or receiving credit for preserving open space 

(OSP) under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). If the only adjustment to the 

impact of an element is for OSP, the impact adjustment ratio for the 430 element is 

the complement of the impact adjustment for OSP.

Example 431.c-1.

A community has 22% of its SFHA preserved as open space.

rOSP = 0.22. The community enforces its freeboard requirement 

throughout the rest of the SFHA. 

rFRB = 1 – rOSP = 1 – 0.22 = 0.78

There is no need for a separate impact adjustment map for Activity 430 

in this instance. 

(5) If less than 10% of the community’s SFHA is affected by the regulations or if the 

community does not prepare an impact adjustment map, an impact adjustment ratio 

of 0.1 can be used (up to 0.5 for CAZ).

(6) When regulations are enforced outside the SFHA, the impact adjustment ratio can be 

greater than 1.0, the community will receive more points than the maximum listed 

for the element. The maximum ratio for this is 1.5 (i.e., the area regulated is 50% (or 

more) larger than the SFHA) less the impact adjustment in Activity 420 for OSP. 
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The maximum total impact adjustment for any element in 430 combined with the 

impact adjustment for 420 OSP cannot exceed 1.5.

Sections 402–403 provide guidance on impact adjustments and impact adjustment maps. 

Additional criteria and clarifications may be included under each activity’s impact 

adjustment section. 

431.d. Activity Documentation Provided by the Community 

Most elements in this activity have the same documentation needs at the verification visit:

(1) The state or local law or ordinance language that adopts the regulatory standard that is 

being enforced in the community. See also Sections 231.b and 231.c on documenting 

regulatory language.

(2) The impact adjustment map. See Section 431.c.

(3) [For credit for regulating flood-prone areas outside the SFHA] Documentation that 

shows that regulations are in effect outside the SFHA (i.e., the regulatory floodplain). 

(4) Development plans and/or permit records that document how the regulation has been 

applied. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of sites in the field to verify that the land has 

been developed and/or buildings have been constructed in accordance with the approved 

plans.

Some elements have additional or different documentation requirements, as noted in the 

separate documentation sections, below.

432 Elements 

432.a. Development limitations (DL) 

The maximum credit for this element is 1,330 points.

This element has three parts, crediting different aspects of the regulation of floodplain 

development:

(1) Prohibition of fill (DL1) (maximum credit: 280 points). The use of fill to elevate 

buildings has advantages that make it desirable for developers and homeowners. 

However, there are problems with using fill: it reduces floodplain storage capacity, can 

deflect waves onto neighboring property, and it has an adverse impact on native 

vegetation, wetlands, drainage, and water quality.

The benefits of using fill accrue to the developer and to the property owner. Conversely, 

the problems accrue to neighbors, taxpayers, the community, the NFIP, or the 

environment. Because filling is not a desirable floodplain management activity, this 

element credits communities that prohibit fill. 
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One method to offset the impacts of the use of fill is to require compensatory storage, 

but compensatory storage does not compensate for the adverse impact on other natural 

floodplain functions. Therefore, it is worth approximately half the credit. This credit is 

for regulations that require new developments to provide compensatory storage at 

hydrologically equivalent sites up to a ratio of 1.5 to 1.

(2) Prohibition of buildings (DL2) (maximum credit: 1,000 points). If the regulations 

prohibit only certain types of buildings, such as residences, the points can be prorated.

(a) Prohibition of all buildings (DL2a): Full credit for DL2 is for prohibiting all 

buildings and LOMR-Fs.

(b) Prohibition of all buildings (DL2b): Partial credit is provided if the community 

allows LOMR-Fs.

(3) Prohibition of outdoor storage of materials (DL3) (maximum credit: 50 points). Credit 

can be received under three sub-elements:

(a) Prohibition of all materials (DL3a): Full credit for DL3 is for prohibiting outdoor 

storage of all materials in the SFHA. 

(b) Prohibition of hazardous materials (DL3b): Partial credit is provided if only 

hazardous materials are prohibited (indoors or outdoors).

(c) Storage of hazardous materials (DL3c): Credit is provided if hazardous materials are 

allowed to be stored indoors in the floodplain, but must be elevated above the base 

flood elevation.

If all three items (DL1, DL2, and DL3) are included in the community’s regulations and 

there are still vacant areas in the regulatory floodplain, those areas would be effectively 

preserved as open space. The community should submit those areas for the higher credit for 

OSP in Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). See Section 422.a(3)(c). 

These regulations have their full impact in undeveloped areas. Therefore, the impact 

adjustment map must identify areas credited for open space preservation (OSP) and areas 

that are undeveloped, i.e., where there are no buildings on the parcels or the area is zoned 

for conservation or agriculture with a minimum lot size of 10 acres or larger.

Credit Criteria for DL

(1) Prohibition of fill (DL1):

(a) Prohibition of all fill (DL1a): This credit is for prohibiting all filling in the 

regulatory floodplain. 

This includes the community’s NOT approving Conditional Letters or Letters of Map 

Revision based on Fill (CLOMR-F or LOMR-F). If a CLOMR-F or LOMR-F is 

issued for a property in the community, then DL1 credit will be denied. This applies 

to CLOMRs and LOMRs that include filling as part of the reason for requesting a 

map change.
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Minor filling may be allowed where needed to protect or restore natural floodplain 

functions, such as a part of a channel restoration project.

The following regulatory approaches do not warrant credit for DL1:

• Regulations that prohibit loss of storage only if it adversely affects flood 

heights on other properties. This credit is for prohibiting all filling, 

particularly because of its adverse effect on natural floodplain functions.

• Subdivision regulations that do not apply to all new development.

• Regulations that apply to buildings or private development, but not to 

bridges, highways, parking lots, and other floodplain uses.

• The standard NFIP language that prohibits increases in flood heights in 

floodways. That standard does not prohibit fill—it allows filling that can be 

shown by an engineering study not to increase flood levels. It reads

Prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial 

improvements and other developments unless certification (with 

supporting technical data) by a registered professional engineer is 

provided demonstrating that encroachments shall not result in any 

increase in flood levels during occurrence of the base flood discharge; . . .

(b) Compensatory storage (DL1b): This credit is for regulations that require new 

development to provide compensatory storage at hydraulically equivalent sites up to 

a ratio of 1.5:1. Credit is not provided for

• Compensatory storage requirements in floodways only or in V Zones only, or

• Stormwater management regulations that require a developer to compensate 

for any increase in runoff created by the development. This is credited under 

Activity 450.

(2) Prohibition of buildings (DL2): Full credit for DL2 is for prohibiting all new buildings 

in the SFHA. 

This includes not approving CLOMR-Fs or LOMR-Fs. When a CLOMR-F or LOMR-F is 

applied for, the community is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) to sign a Community Acknowledgment Form that states, in part, “the 

completed or proposed project meets or is designed to meet all of the community 

floodplain management requirements ...” If a CLOMR-F or LOMR-F is issued for a 

property in the community, then DL2 credit will be adjusted. This applies to CLOMRs 

and LOMRs that include filling as part of the reason for requesting a map change.

If the regulations only prohibit certain types of buildings, such as residences, the points 

will be prorated. If buildings are prohibited in parts of the SFHA, such as the floodway, 

the impact adjustment will adjust the points. Prohibiting critical facilities is credited in 

Section 432.f, Protection of critical facilities, not under DL2.

(3) Prohibitions on storage of materials (DL3) has no additional criteria.
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Credit Points for DL

(1) DL1 = EITHER:

(a) 280 points, for regulations that prohibit fill within floodplains, 

including construction of buildings on fill, 

OR

(b) 130 points x the ratio of compensation, for regulations that

require new development to provide compensatory 

storage at hydraulically equivalent sites up to a maximum of 

195 for a ratio of 1.5:1 or greater

Example 432.a-1.

A community requires that for each cubic foot of fill placed in the 

regulatory floodplain, the builder must remove a cubic foot of fill from a 

hydraulically equivalent location. The compensation ratio is 1:1, so 

DL1b = 130 x 1 = 130.

Gulf Beach County requires that for each cubic foot of fill placed in the 

regulatory floodplain, the builder must remove 1.25 cubic feet of fill 

from a hydraulically equivalent location. The compensation ratio is 

1.25:1, so DL1b = 130 x 1.25 = 162.50.

(2) DL2 = 1,000 points, for regulations that prohibit buildings within

the regulatory floodplain and when CLOMR-Fs and LOMR-Fs 

are neither recognized nor approved by the community,

OR

DL2 = 100 points, for regulations that prohibit buildings within 

the regulatory floodplain and when the community approves 

CLOMR-Fs and LOMR-Fs

If the regulations only prohibit certain types of buildings, such as residences, the points will 

be prorated.

(3) DL3 = one of the following:

(a) 50 points, for regulations that prohibit outdoor storage of 

materials within the regulatory floodplain,

OR
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(b) 20 points, for regulations that prohibit storage of hazardous 

materials anywhere in the floodplain,

OR

(c) 10 points, for regulations that require hazardous materials to 

be stored indoors, above the base flood elevation

DL3 credit is not cumulative. If the regulations govern storage of only certain kinds of 

materials, the points will be prorated.

Impact Adjustment for DL

DL credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the DL regulation to the area 

of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact adjustment. The following 

additional criteria apply:

(1) The areas affected by the DL regulation(s) must be marked on an impact adjustment 

map that meets the criteria in Section 431.c. In addition to showing areas credited under 

OSP, the impact adjustment map must also show developed and undeveloped areas. 

“Undeveloped” means that there are no buildings on the parcels or that the area is zoned 

for conservation or agriculture with a minimum lot size of 10 acres (these areas may 

also qualify for LZ credit).

(2) Areas credited for DL credit must exclude areas credited for OSP. However, if the DL 

regulations are sufficient, vacant areas may qualify for OSP and the community should 

receive the higher points under OSP (see Section 422.a(3)(c)).

(3) Only undeveloped areas are eligible for DL1a and DL2 credit, unless the regulations 

clearly state that they apply to developed areas. For example, if DL2 regulations are 

enforced in areas already developed and a building is substantially damaged, it cannot 

be replaced and the site must be cleared and kept vacant. Note that if a DL2 regulation 

prohibits all new buildings except farm structures, the value for DL2 can be prorated 

and the credit can be applied to areas with farm structures.

(4) DL1b, compensatory storage, and DL3, prohibitions on storage of materials, can be 

credited in developed areas.

rDL# = aDL# , where

aSFHA

aDL# = the size of the area(s) that qualify for DL# credit 

(aDL1a is the size of the area that qualifies for 

 DL1a credit, etc.), and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

cDL = (DL1 x rDL1) + (DL2 x rDL2) + (DL3 x rDL3)
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Documentation for DL Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements listed in Section 431.d must be met.

432.b. Freeboard (FRB) 

The maximum credit for this element is 500 points.

The NFIP requires that the lowest floor of residential structures be elevated to or above the 

base flood elevation and that non-residential structures be elevated or floodproofed to or 

above the base flood elevation. Attached garages and utilities (including electrical, heating, 

ductwork, ventilating, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment) must also be protected to 

the base flood elevation (44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §60.3(a)(3)). This can be 

done by elevating them or using flood-resistant materials during construction.

A freeboard requirement adds height above the base flood elevation to provide an extra 

margin of protection to account for waves, debris, miscalculations, changing weather 

patterns, or lack of data. A freeboard requirement of one foot means that the level of 

protection for the lowest floor (or lowest horizontal structural member in V Zones), 

machinery and equipment, etc. is one foot above the base flood elevation. 

Credit Criteria for FRB

(1) Lowest floor, utilities, and garages: For FRB credit, freeboard must be applied to the 

elevation of the lowest floor (or lowest horizontal structural member in V Zones) of the 

building or to the elevation to which a non-residential building is dry floodproofed, and 

to all components of the building, including all utilities, ductwork, and attached garages. 

All portions of the building below the freeboard level must be constructed using flooddamage-resistant materials. If the garage floor is below the freeboard level, the garage 

must meet the opening and wet floodproofing requirements for enclosures. 

Two references on these requirements are Protecting Building Utilities from Flood 

Damage, FEMA-348, and Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements, Technical 

Bulletin 2 (2008).

(2) The amount of freeboard is measured according to the following criteria:

(a) In A Zones, freeboard is measured from the top of the lowest floor. In V Zones, it is 

measured from the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member. If the 

ordinance uses “lowest horizontal structural member” or similar language instead of 

“lowest floor” in areas outside of the V Zone or coastal A Zones where CAZ credit 

applies, 1 foot is added to the amount of freeboard credited. For example, if the 

community’s ordinance requires that buildings in the A Zones be elevated so the 

bottom of the floor joists is at least 1.0 feet above the base flood elevation, the 

ordinance is scored as requiring 2.0 feet of freeboard.

(b) For the purpose of calculating CRS credit for freeboard, the 500-year flood elevation 

is considered to be one foot higher than the base flood elevation, unless the 

community demonstrates that it is higher. For example, if the community’s 

ordinance requires that the building be protected to at least the 500-year flood 

elevation, the ordinance is scored as requiring 1.0 feet of freeboard.
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(c) In AO Zones, base flood depths are provided instead of base flood elevations. Where 

depths are not provided, the NFIP regulations require new buildings to be elevated 

2 feet above the highest adjacent grade. Some communities misinterpret this 

requirement as two feet of freeboard. Elevating 2 feet above the highest adjacent 

grade in an AO Zone where no base flood depth is provided is a minimum 

requirement of the NFIP and is not eligible for credit.

However, in AO Zones with depth numbers, the NFIP requires elevation above that 

depth. Going higher than the specified depth warrants FRB credit, which is scored

the same as in an AE Zone.

(d) “Stem wall” construction involves constructing the foundation walls above grade, 

filling the interior area, and pouring a slab over the fill. From the outside, the 

building looks as though it is elevated on a crawlspace, but openings are not 

required. Such buildings are categorized as Diagram 1.b in the FEMA Elevation 

Certificate. This construction practice does not prohibit fill, but it limits the amount 

of fill to the building footprint. If the regulations prohibit fill for new buildings, but 

allow for stem wall construction, the credit is the average of the values in the “No 

filling restrictions” and “Compensatory storage required” columns in the table in the 

Credit Points section, below.

(e) If the ordinance uses the encroached elevation using FEMA’s standard allowable 

maximum rise of one foot, add 0.5 feet to the amount of freeboard. Detailed riverine 

flood studies that produce a floodway provide a flood elevation based upon the 

floodway encroachment. In a Flood Insurance Study, these elevations are listed in 

the “With Floodway” column in the Floodway Data Table. They are generally higher 

than the “Without Floodway” or “Regulatory” flood elevations. For example, if the 

community’s ordinance requires that the building be protected to at least one foot 

above this encroached elevation, the ordinance is scored as requiring 1.5 feet of 

freeboard.

(f) Many communities have focused on elevating the top of the lowest floor, but have 

allowed utilities (especially ductwork) to hang below the floor joists, where it can be 

flooded. Flooded ductwork can add thousands of dollars to an insurance claim. This 

is primarily a concern for buildings on crawlspaces. Buildings on slab foundations, 

on pilings, and in V Zones typically have the utility facilities waterproofed or 

elevated to a sufficient height. 

To receive full credit for this element, electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and 

air conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork) must be 

elevated or waterproofed to the base flood elevation plus freeboard. If the 

community requires that electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air 

conditioning equipment and other service facilities (including ductwork) be elevated 

or made of flood-resistant materials above the base flood elevation, but does not 

require these facilities to be elevated or protected to the freeboard level, then the 

value for freeboard in the table is considered to be 75% of the elevation requirement.

If utilities and ductwork are not required to be elevated, floodproofed, or otherwise 

protected to the base flood elevation, there is no credit for FRB. 
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Credit Points for FRB

FRB = as shown below, based on the required freeboard

Freeboard No filling 

restrictions

Compensatory

storage required Fill prohibited

1 foot 100 110 120

2 feet 225 250 280

3 feet 375 440 500

(1) More points are provided if the community prohibits buildings on fill (e.g., they must be 

constructed on piers, pilings, or flow-through crawlspaces) or requires compensatory 

storage if filling is used.

(2) The values for freeboard levels not shown are interpolated from the credit points table. 

For example, the value for 1.5 feet of freeboard where compensatory storage is required 

is the average of the values for 1.0 foot and 2.0 feet: (110 + 250) ÷ 2 = 180 points.

(3) If a community has more than three feet of freeboard, the regulations will be reviewed 

for special credit higher than the points shown in the credit points table, above. The 

community will need to provide additional information to warrant the higher credit, such 

as a demonstrated expectation of new growth in the area.

(4) Other adjustments to the scoring are explained in the section on credit criteria, above.

Impact Adjustment for FRB

FRB credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the freeboard requirement 

to the area of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact adjustment. The 

following additional criteria apply.

(1) Areas requested for FRB credit must exclude areas credited for OSP or DL2.

(2) There are instances in which a community may have different freeboard requirements in 

different areas, such as

• The community does not require freeboard where there are no base flood elevations, 

such as in approximate A Zones and AO Zones;

• Freeboard is only required for elevated buildings (non-residential buildings may be 

floodproofed to the base flood elevation without freeboard);

• Manufactured homes have a different elevation requirement; or

• There is higher freeboard in a V Zone or a floodplain subject to deeper flooding.

In these cases, the formulae should use FRB#1, FRB#2, etc. to calculate the appropriate 

values for the different areas.
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rFRB = aFRB , where

 aSFHA

aFRB = the size of the area(s) that qualifies for FRB credit, and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

Example 432.b-1.

South Scottsdale is a fictitious community used for CRS examples 

(see Figure 430-1). The City requires that all new buildings and 

substantial improvements be elevated two feet above the base flood 

elevation. To minimize floodplain encroachments, the City also 

requires that all new buildings be constructed either (1) without fill on 

flow-through foundations, such as piers or crawlspaces with sufficient 

openings, or (2) on slab foundations with compensatory storage 

required for any filling.

FRB = 250

These regulations apply throughout the SFHA. In the approximate 

A Zones of Tributaries A and B, buildings must be elevated two feet 

above the base flood elevation calculated by the permit applicant 

(which is credited in Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping)). 

These regulations only have an impact where new buildings and 

substantial improvements can be constructed. As noted in Section 

431.c(4), areas set aside from development as preserved open space 

are excluded from the impact adjustment calculations.

aFRB = the size of the area(s) that qualify for FRB credit, i.e., the 

 SFHA not credited for OSP under Activity 420 (Open Space 

 Preservation)

aSFHA = 504.40

aOSP = 242.90

aFRB = aSFHA – aOSP = 504.40 – 242.90 = 261.50

rFRB = aFRB = 261.50 = 0.52

aSFHA 504.40
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Figure 430-1. South Scottsdale’s impact adjustment map for Activity 430.
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According to Section 433, Credit Calculation, the value for two feet of 

freeboard with compensatory storage (250) is multiplied by the ratio for 

rFRB, 0.52. The total credit for South Scottsdale’s freeboard 

requirement, cFRB, is 52% of 250.

Documentation for FRB Provided by the Community 

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

432.c. Foundation protection (FDN)

The maximum credit for this element is 80 points.

The element FDN credits protection against differential settling as well as scour and 

erosion. 

See also Ensuring that Structures Built on Fill in or near Flood Hazard Areas are 

Reasonably Safe from Flooding, FIA-TB-10, 2001 (also available at

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1723).

Credit Criteria for FDN

(1) For FDN1 credit, ALL new buildings in the 

regulatory floodplain

(a) Must be constructed on foundations that 

are designed and sealed by a registered 

design professional as complying with 

the requirements of the International 

Building Code, the International 

Residential Code, or ASCE 24, and 

(b) Must not be constructed on fill.

(2) For FDN2 credit, ALL new buildings

constructed on fill in the regulatory 

floodplain

(a) Must be constructed on properly 

designed and compacted fill (e.g., fill 

that meets the criteria of (1) Section 

1803.5.8 and Section 1804.4 of the 

International Building Code, (2) Section 

2.4 of ASCE 24, or (3) their equivalent);

(b) Must be on fill that has appropriate 

protection from erosion and scour; and

(c) Must meet a compensatory storage requirement (for the building and fill) that meets 

the credit criteria of Section 432.a., Development Limitations (DL1b).

FDN1 requires foundations to be “designed and 

sealed by a registered design professional.” 

This is a higher standard than that specified in 

the minimum NFIP criteria.

Many ordinances have language like the 

following, which are minimum NFIP criteria and 

DO NOT qualify for FDN credit:

“Certificate from a registered design 

professional that the non-residential 

floodproofed building will meet the 

ordinance’s floodproofing criteria”

“Requirements for an engineering 

certificate for foundations in V Zones”

“Having an engineer certify opening 

standards that differ from the one square 

inch per one square foot of floor area.”
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(3) For FDN3 credit, all new buildings built on fill in the regulatory floodplain

(a) Must be constructed on properly designed and compacted fill (e.g., fill that meets the 

criteria of (1) Section 1803.5.8 and Section 1804.4 of the International Building 

Code, (2) Section 2.4 of ASCE 24, or (3) their equivalent), and

(b) Must be on fill that has appropriate protection from erosion and scour.

Credit Points for FDN

FDN = one of the following. These points are not cumulative.

(a) FDN1 = 80 points, for engineered foundations and

no buildings on fill

OR

(b) FDN2 = 60 points, for buildings on compacted fill,

protected from erosion and scour, with compensatory 

storage

OR

(c) FDN3 = 35 points, for buildings on compacted fill,

protected from erosion and scour, but no compensatory 

storage

Impact Adjustment for FDN

FDN credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the foundation protection 

regulation to the area of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact adjustment. 

The following additional criteria apply:

(1) Areas delineated for FDN credit must exclude areas credited for OSP or DL2.

(2) There is no credit for FDN in V Zones because the NFIP requires all new buildings in

V Zones to have engineered foundations (44 CFR §60.3(e)(4)) and prohibits fill from 

being used for structural support (see §60.3(e)(6)). Therefore, V Zones must be 

excluded from aFDN unless the community has higher foundation protection standards 

than those in §60.3(e).

rFDN = aFDN , where

aSFHA

 aFDN = the size of the area(s) that qualify for FDN credit, and

 aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA
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Documentation for FDN Provided by the Community 

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

432.d. Cumulative substantial improvements (CSI) 

The maximum credit for this element is 90 points.

The NFIP allows improvements valued at up to 50% of the building’s pre-improvement 

value to be permitted without meeting the flood protection requirements for buildings 

located in the SFHA. Over the years, a community may issue a succession of permits for 

different repairs or improvements to the same structure. This can greatly increase the 

overall flood damage potential to that building as well as the insurance liability to FEMA.

CSI provides credit to a community that ensures that the total value of all improvements or 

repairs permitted OVER TIME does not exceed 50% of the value of the structure. When the 

total value does exceed 50%, the original building must be protected according to the 

ordinance requirements for new buildings.

Under some circumstances the NFIP flood insurance policy may pay a portion of the cost of 

bringing a substantially flood-damaged building into compliance with the community’s 

floodplain management ordinance. If the community has a more restrictive definition of 

substantial damage, the provision may still apply. More information on Increased Cost of 

Compliance coverage can be found at www.CRSresources.org/400.

If a community does not regulate for cumulative substantial improvements, it may still 

receive credit for regulation of additions. Additions within the footprint of the original 

building would have to be to a floor above the base flood elevation. Additions outside the 

footprint of the original building would have to be elevated (non-residential structures

could be floodproofed) above the base flood elevation.

Credit Points for CSI

Up to 90 points are provided for tracking improvements cumulatively. 

CSI = the total of the following points, not to exceed 90 points

(1) EITHER:

 (a) 40 points, if the regulations require that improvements, 

 modifications, and additions to existing buildings are 

 counted cumulatively for at least 10 years

OR

 (b) 20 points, if the regulations require that improvements, 

 modifications, and additions to existing buildings are 

 counted cumulatively for at least 5 years

(2) EITHER:

(a) 40 points, if the regulations require that reconstruction 

and repairs to damaged buildings are counted 
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cumulatively for at least 10 years

OR 

(b) 20 points, if the regulations require that reconstruction 

and repairs to damaged buildings are counted 

cumulatively for at least five years

(3) 20 points, if the community adopts regulatory language that 

qualifies properties for Increased Cost of Compliance 

insurance coverage for repetitive losses

(4) 20 points, if the regulations require that any addition to a 

building be protected from damage from the base flood

Impact Adjustment for CSI

CSI credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the cumulative substantial 

improvement regulation to the area of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an 

impact adjustment. 

rCSI = aCSI , where 

aSFHA

aCSI = the size of the area(s) that qualify for CSI credit, and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

Documentation for CSI Provided by the Community 

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of all permits for building improvements or repairs in the regulatory floodplain 

that have been issued since the last visit. The list must include both substantial 

improvements and permitted projects that were not substantial improvements. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist will review permit records that document how the 

regulation has been applied. The records need to track permits by parcel number or 

address, so that the history of improvements or repairs to a particular structure is 

checked before the next permit is issued.

432.e. Lower substantial improvements threshold (LSI) 

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

The NFIP allows improvements valued at up to 50% of the building’s pre-improvement 

value to be permitted without meeting the flood protection requirements for buildings 

located in the SFHA. LSI credits having a threshold that is lower than 50%. 
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LSI has the effect of requiring more structures to come into compliance if the owners want 

to improve them or if they are damaged. Since any community that participates in the NFIP 

already has a threshold (50%), it is only necessary for the community to change the number 

specified in its ordinance or regulations. A community must be sure that a minimum 

threshold is not set by state law before it adopts a different standard.

There are alternative ways to receive credit under item (2) in Credit Points, below:

(a) Instead of basing the substantial improvement determination on the value of the 

building and the cost of the project, half credit is provided for limiting expansions of 

the building to no more than 25% of the square footage of the lowest floor.

(b) Half credit is provided if the lower threshold applies to either improvements or to 

repairs to damaged buildings, but not both. Full credit is provided under (1) for both.

Under some circumstances the NFIP flood insurance policy may pay a portion of the cost of 

bringing a substantially flood-damaged building into compliance with the community’s 

floodplain management ordinance. If the community has a more restrictive definition of 

substantial damage, the provision may still apply. More information on Increased Cost of 

Compliance coverage can be found at http://www.fema.gov/increased-cost-compliancecoverage.

Credit Points for LSI

LSI = EITHER:

(1) 20 points, if the regulatory threshold for determining if a 

 building is substantially improved or substantially damaged is 

 less than 50%

OR

(2) 10 points, if EITHER 

(a) The regulatory threshold is no more than 25% of the 

square footage of the building’s lowest floor, OR 

(b) The regulatory threshold applies to either improvements, 

modifications, and additions or reconstruction and 

repairs, but not both

Impact Adjustment for LSI

LSI credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the lower substantial 

improvement threshold to the area of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact 

adjustment. 

rLSI = aLSI , where

 aSFHA

 aLSI = the size of the area(s) that qualify for LSI credit, and
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 aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

Documentation for LSI Provided by the Community 

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met.

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of all permits for building improvements or repairs in the regulatory floodplain 

that have been issued since the last visit. The list must include both substantial 

improvements and permitted projects that were not substantial improvements. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist will review permit records that document how the 

regulation has been applied. 

432.f. Protection of critical facilities (PCF)

The maximum credit for this element is 80 points.

For CRS credit purposes, critical facilities are defined in Section 120. There are usually two 

kinds of critical facilities that a community should address:

• Facilities that are vital to flood response activities or critical to the health and safety 

of the public before, during, and after a flood, such as a hospital, emergency 

operations center, electric substation, police station, fire station, nursing home, 

school, public works, vehicle and equipment storage facility, or shelter.

• Facilities that, if flooded, would make the flood problem and its impacts much worse, 

such as a hazardous materials facility, power generation facility, water utility, or 

wastewater treatment plant.

PCF credit is provided for regulations that either prohibit critical facilities in the 500-year 

floodplain or set higher standards for protecting them from flood damage. Full credit is for 

a prohibition on new critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain.

It may not be feasible for some communities to locate critical facilities outside the 500-year 

floodplain, but they may be able to take some steps towards reducing future risk to these 

facilities, so partial credit is provided for regulations that allow new facilities in the 500-

year floodplain, but set higher protection standards for them. If the standards only apply to 

some facilities or some parts of facilities, the credit will be prorated. For example, partial 

credit would be provided if the regulations addressed only one type of critical facility, such 

as hazardous materials sites or critical facilities owned and managed by the community.

Credit Criteria for PCF

(1) Credit is provided only if there is regulatory language that protects critical facilities. 

The fact that there are currently no critical facilities in the regulated floodplain may 

indicate community policy, but adopted regulations are required for PCF credit.
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(2) To receive full credit for this element, the regulations must be enforced in the 500-year 

floodplain (note that the 500-year floodplain includes the entire SFHA plus other land 

that is lower than the 500-flood elevation). On newer Flood Insurance Rate Maps 

(FIRMs) with AE and X Zones, the 500-year floodplain is shown as the SFHA plus the 

shaded X Zone. 

(3) The impact adjustment is based on the area of 500-year floodplain rather than aSFHA, 

the area of the SFHA.

Credit Points for PCF

(1) PCF = 80 points, where new critical facilities are prohibited 

from the 500-year floodplain

OR

(2) PCF = 40 points, where new critical facilities are protected to 

at least one foot above the 500-year flood level

Partial credit for PCF is provided for regulations that allow new facilities in the 500-year 

floodplain, but set higher protection standards. If the standards only apply to some facilities 

or some parts of facilities, the credit will be prorated.

Impact Adjustment for PCF

PCF credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the PCF regulation to the 

area of the 500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact adjustment. 

rPCF = aPCF , where

 a500

aPCF = the size of the area(s) that qualifies for PCF credit, 

 and

a500 = the size of the community’s 500-year floodplain

If there is no available map that shows the 500-year floodplain, the SFHA is considered to 

be 70% of the 500-year floodplain. Therefore, if the regulation credited under PCF is 

enforced throughout the SFHA, rPCF = 0.7.

Example 432.f-1.

South Scottsdale prohibits new buildings, critical facilities, and 

substantial improvements in the floodway. The ordinance specifically 

includes critical facilities so facilities other than buildings, like pumping 

stations, cell towers, and electrical substations, are also prohibited.
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PCF = 80

Full credit for PCF is dependent on enforcement throughout the 500-

year floodplain. South Scottsdale’s regulation is only enforced in the 

floodway. Credit is limited to those portions of the floodway that are not 

credited as preserved open space (OSP) (see Section 431.c(4)).

The area affected by the critical facilities prohibition, aPCF, is the area 

of the floodway minus the areas credited as OSP. The City’s GIS office 

provided the area calculations. The area of the floodway is 287.20

acres, of which 208.30 are credited as OSP. Therefore

aPCF = 287.20 – 208.30 = 78.90

The area of the 500-year floodplain is the area of the SFHA (504.4 

acres) plus the area of the shaded X Zone (440.3 acres).

a500 = 504.40 + 440.30 = 944.70

rPCF = aPCF = 78.90 = 0.080

 a500 944.70

According to Section 433, Credit Calculation, the value for prohibiting 

critical facilities (80) is multiplied by the ratio for rPCF, 0.08. The total 

credit for South Scottsdale’s requirement, cPCF, is 8% of 80. In other 

words, only 8% of the 500-year floodplain is affected by this regulation. 

The regulation is limited to the mapped floodway and most of that is 

already preserved as open space.

Documentation for PCF Provided by the Community 

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met.

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) An impact adjustment map, showing the 500-year floodplain.

(b) [For extra credit for regulating floodprone areas outside the 500-year floodplain] 

Documentation that shows that floodplain regulations are in effect in these areas. 

432.g. Enclosure limits (ENL) 

The maximum credit for this element is 390 points.

Regulations to limit enclosures below the base flood elevation have two objectives. First, 

they protect the structural integrity of the building from wave action or hydrostatic 

pressure. Second, they discourage property owners from finishing the area below the base 

flood elevation and storing valuable or hazardous items in that area.

These regulations are particularly useful in V Zones and other coastal areas subject to wave 

damage and in places where projected flood depths result in lowest floors constructed 8 feet 

or more above grade. For the second objective, over time there is a tendency on the part of 
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property owners to enclose the lower areas and convert them to bedrooms, family rooms, or 

other finished areas, in violation of floodplain management regulations. 

ENL credits regulatory standards that prohibit the enclosure of the building’s area that lies

below the base flood elevation. Credit is also available for communities that execute

nonconversion agreements, whereby owners agree not to modify the enclosed area to make 

it more susceptible to flood damage.

Credit Criteria for ENL

(1) Breakaway walls are enclosures and must be prohibited in order to receive full credit. 

Screening and open lattice-work are not considered enclosures. Some communities have 

language to require that there be “no obstruction” in the lower level of a building. Such 

language might allow breakaway walls or slanted louvers. This does not qualify for ENL 

credit. What counts for ENL credit is whether one can SEE THROUGH the lower part of 

the structure from the street. Lattice-work and insect screening are permitted, as long as 

the line of sight is not blocked.

(2) The community may opt to enforce these enclosure limits only where the lowest floor is 

more than four feet high. Where the lowest floor is less than four feet high, a crawlspace 

with the proper openings may be more appropriate than an open area elevated on 

columns or piles. With less than four feet of height, the lower area is not likely to be 

improved or modified into a livable space, so the enclosure limits are not needed.

(3) Partial credit is provided for a nonconversion agreement whereby the owner agrees not 

to modify the enclosed area in a way that would make it more susceptible to flood 

damage. Because this area is not visible from the street, the full credit of 90 points 

(under credit points (3), below) is provided only if the agreement allows the community 

the right to enter the property and inspect the inside of the enclosure periodically. 

The nonconversion agreement must be filed with the deed and other property records, so 

that it will be effective as ownership of the property changes in the future. A sample 

nonconversion agreement is posted at www.CRSresources.org/400. As with all legal 

documents, the community should have such an agreement approved by its attorney 

before it is used. 

Credit Points for ENL

ENL = EITHER (1) OR the total of (2) + (3)

(1) 240 points, if regulations prohibit any building enclosures, 

including breakaway walls, below the base flood elevation, 

OR

(2) 100 points, if regulations prohibit breakaway walls and 

enclosures of areas of greater than 299 square feet below 

the base flood elevation, and/or

(3) If regulations require that the owner of a building sign a 
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nonconversion agreement that is filed with the deed and 

other property records, then

(a) 90 points, if the community will inspect the enclosed 

area at least once a year, OR

(b) 60 points, if the community is granted the right to inspect 

the enclosed area at any time, OR

(c) 30 points, if the agreement does not mention 

inspections

CAZ and V-Zone ENL Bonus Credit (ENLCAZ)

If a community receives CAZ credit under this activity and enforces creditable ENL 

regulations in the area that received CAZ credit, the community may earn additional credit 

as follows.

ENLCAZ = EITHER:

(1) 150 points, if regulations prohibit any building enclosures, 

including breakaway walls, below the base flood elevation

 throughout the community’s credited coastal A Zone

OR

(2) 50 points, if regulations prohibit breakaway walls and 

enclosures of areas of greater than 299 square feet below 

the base flood elevation throughout the community’s

 credited coastal A Zone

Impact Adjustment for ENL and ENLCAZ

ENL credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the enclosure limitation to 

the area of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact adjustment. The 

following additional criterion applies:

(1) Areas requested for ENL credit must exclude areas credited for OSP or DL2.

rENL = aENL , where 

aSFHA

aENL = the size of the area(s) that qualify for ENL credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA
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ENLCAZ credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the enclosure limitation 

to the area of the community’s credited coastal A Zone. 

rENLCAZ = aENLCAZ , where 

 aCAZ

aENLCAZ = the size of the area(s) that qualify for ENLCAZ

 credit, and

aCAZ = the size of the community’s credited coastal A Zone 

Documentation for ENL Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met.

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) Elevation certificates, copies of nonconversion agreements, and other permit records 

that document how the regulation has been applied.

(b) [For credit for (3)(a) and (3)(b)] Copies of inspection records.

432.h. Building code (BC)

The maximum credit for this element is 100 points.

Many communities meet their NFIP obligations through a stand-alone floodplain 

management ordinance that may be administered by the zoning, planning, engineering, or 

other office, separate from the building department and the building code. A floodplain 

management program can work without a building code, but implementation of the 

construction requirements may not be as effective. 

The International Code Series (I-Codes) includes provisions that incorporate all NFIP 

minimum floodplain construction requirements and a number of provisions that exceed the 

NFIP minimum requirements. The NFIP requirements related to the actual construction of 

buildings are contained in the bodies of the International Building Code and International 

Residential Code. Requirements related to building utilities are contained in these codes 

and in the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel 

Gas Code, and International Private Sewage Disposal Code. 

The other NFIP requirements, such as administrative provisions and requirements that apply 

to floodways, subdivisions, and manufactured homes, are contained in Appendix G of the 

International Building Code. Communities that adopt the I-Codes have the option of either 

adopting Appendix G or addressing these other requirements through a companion ordinance or regulation. Note that floodplain land use regulations (e.g., avoiding construction in 

the regulatory floodplain) are not included in the I-Codes, therefore it is important that 

community floodplain managers and the building officials coordinate their efforts.
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Coordinating floodplain management with a local building code has several advantages. 

Some, but not all, of those are listed below.

• There is better coordination with permitting the construction of new buildings and 

repairs and improvements to existing buildings;

• More staff and more knowledgeable staff can better enforce floodplain building 

construction standards, such as foundation protection and placement of mechanical 

equipment;

• Experienced inspectors can check compliance in the field; and

• There is more frequent observation of construction progress and quality of 

construction.

Building codes help reduce losses from other natural hazards, which is one of FEMA’s

prime objectives. For more information on the links between the I-Codes, the NFIP, other 

natural hazards, and CRS credit, see Reducing Flood Losses Through the International 

Code Series at www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2094.

Because of these advantages, the CRS provides credit for building codes in two ways: 

• BC1 recognizes those communities that have adopted the current editions of the 

appropriate codes, and

• BC2 credits the community’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule 

(BCEGS) classification.

BCEGS was initiated by the insurance industry after determining that the catastrophic 

losses from Hurricane Andrew were compounded by poor building code enforcement. It 

was developed by the Institute for Building and Home Safety, the three legacy code groups, 

the insurance industry, and the Insurance Services Offices, Inc. (ISO). The program 

is administered by ISO. 

BCEGS assesses the building codes in effect in a community and how a community 

enforces them, with special emphasis on mitigation of losses from natural disasters. The 

insurance goal is that the prospect of lessening catastrophe-related damage (and ultimately 

lower insurance costs) provides an incentive for communities to enforce their building 

codes more rigorously.

In BCEGS, each community is assigned a grade of 1 (best) to 10. A class of 99 indicates 

that the community does not qualify for the BCEGS program. Ratings are based on 

community answers to an extensive mailed questionnaire and a follow-up community 

verification visit with the building department by an ISO-trained field representative.

More information on BCEGS can be obtained from the ISO/CRS Specialists.
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Credit Criteria for BC

(1) The building code must be enforced throughout the community, not just the SFHA.

(2) I-Codes (BC1):

(a) To receive full credit, the entire I-Code must be adopted by the community. If the 

following sections are not adopted or are adopted with amendments, the language 

will be reviewed to determine the credit:

o International Building Code: Chapters 3−7, 14−18, and 21−24.

o International Residential Code: Chapters 3−6, 8, and 9.

In some states, communities are required to adopt state codes or state versions of the 

I-Codes. In those cases, the provisions of the mandated code will be compared to the 

I-Codes and scored appropriately. The same provisions apply to the National Fire 

Protection Association (NFPA) codes. If they are adopted with amendments, the 

language will be reviewed to determine the credit.

(3) BCEGS (BC2): The credit for BC2 is based on the community’s BCEGS classification.

There are two BCEGS ratings for each jurisdiction: personal (residential) and 

commercial. If they are different, the CRS prerequisite and this element’s credit are 

based on the higher number of the two ratings. For example, if a community has a class 

6 residential BCEGS rating and a class 5 commercial rating, the CRS considers it a 

class 6 BCEGS community.

BCEGS ratings are provided for all communities that do code enforcement, whether it 

be for themselves or for smaller jurisdictions. When a community’s code enforcement 

program is administered by another jurisdiction or a third-party agency, the serviced

community will receive the provider’s classification.

If a community is in a state that has does not have a formal BCEGS program, a courtesy 

review may be conducted to obtain an equivalent BCEGS class for CRS purposes. 

Note that a community must have a BCEGS classification of 5/5 or better to qualify for 

a CRS class 6 or better (see Sections 211.b and c). 

Credit Points for BC

BC = BC1 + BC2

(1) BC1 = the sum of the following:

(a) 20 points, for adoption and enforcement of the 

International Building Code or its equivalent

(b) 20 points, for adoption and enforcement of the 

International Residential Code or its equivalent

(c) 3 points, for adoption and enforcement of the 
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International Plumbing Code or its equivalent

(d) 3 points, for adoption and enforcement of the 

International Mechanical Code or its equivalent

(e) 2 points, for adoption and enforcement of the 

International Fuel Gas Code or its equivalent

(f) 2 points, for adoption and enforcement of the 

International Private Sewage Disposal Code or its 

equivalent. If the community is fully sewered, it can still 

receive this credit because a sewered community is 

healthier than one dependent on septic systems.

(2) BC2 = one of the following. These points are not cumulative.

(a) 10 points, for a BCEGS classification of 5/5, OR

(b) 20 points, for a BCEGS classification of 4/4, OR

(c) 30 points, for a BCEGS classification of 3/3, OR

(d) 40 points, for a BCEGS classification of 2/2, OR

(e) 50 points, for a BCEGS classification of 1/1

If a community has two different BCEGS classes, the higher number is used to calculate

the CRS credit.

Example 432.h-1.

South Scottsdale has adopted of all the International Codes 

(BC1 = 50) and has a BCEGS class of 3/3 (BC2 = 30).

BC = 50 + 30 = 80

Impact Adjustment for BC

There is no impact adjustment for BC. The building codes must be enforced throughout the 

community. 

Documentation for BC Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met.

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) [For BC1 credit] 
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(i) The state or local law or ordinance language that adopts the building code. See 

also Sections 231.b and c on documenting regulatory language.

(ii) Permit records that will document that the code is being enforced. 

(b) [For BC2 credit] No documentation is required. The ISO/CRS Specialist will obtain 

the community’s BCEGS classification directly from the ISO BCEGS office.

432.i. Local drainage protection (LDP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 120 points.

Approximately 20% of NFIP claims are for properties located outside the SFHA. Some of 

these claims are from flooding caused by local drainage problems. LDP credit is for 

ensuring that new buildings are well above the street level or otherwise protected from 

shallow drainage flooding. 

The regulatory language is usually found in the building code or land development code, 

rather than in the floodplain or stormwater management regulations. Sections 1803.3 and 

1805 of the International Building Code, for example, have a positive-drainage requirement 

that would receive some credit. 

Credit Criteria for LDP

(1) Credit is for regulations that ensure that every new building will be built so that it is 

protected from local drainage flooding.

(2) A regulation that only addresses drainage plans in new subdivisions is not credited. The 

key to this credit is that every building will meet some drainage protection standard at 

the time of construction.

Credit Points for LDP

LDP = (LDP1 or LDP2 or LDP3) + LDP4, up to the maximum of

120 points

Items 1, 2, and 3 are not cumulative. Item 4 can be credited alone or added to the points for 

items 1, 2, or 3, not to exceed the maximum points.

(1) LDP1 = 40 x the number of feet that the lowest floor (including 

basement) must be above the crown of the nearest street or the 

highest grade adjacent to the building

For example, if the community requires the lowest floor to be 18 inches above the crown 

of the street, LDP = 40 x 1.5 = 60. The highest adjacent grade or other datum may be 

used as an alternative to the crown of the nearest street. If the street gutter is used, 0.5 

feet is subtracted from the elevation requirement.
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(2) LDP2 = 40 points, if the regulations require that, as a condition 

of receiving a building permit, the applicant must prepare a site 

plan that (a) accounts for street flooding and local drainage from 

and onto adjoining properties, and (b) protects the building 

from local drainage flows

(3) LDP3 = EITHER:

20 points, if the regulations require the applicant to provide 

 positive drainage away from the building site to an 

 approved point of collection that does not create a 

 hazard or problem on neighboring properties

OR

10 points, if the regulations require that the applicant provide 

positive drainage away from the building site

The 10-point credit noted above is provided for enforcing the positive drainage 

provisions of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code 

(I-Codes), provided that the community can document of its enforcement.

(4) LDP4 = 20 points, if the regulations require that the increased

volume of runoff due to the development (from the 100-year 

storm) is kept on site, such as via a low-impact development 

measure

LDP4 credit is prorated if the regulations are limited to smaller storms.

Impact Adjustment for LDP

There is no impact adjustment for LDP because it must be enforced throughout either the 

entire community or throughout all the B, C, D, and X Zones.

Documentation for LDP Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

432.j. Manufactured home parks (MHP)

The maximum credit for this element is 15 points.

An “existing manufactured home park or subdivision” is a park or subdivision that was 

established before the community adopted floodplain management regulations. The NFIP 

regulations (44 CFR §60.3(c)(12)) allow communities to site manufactured homes in 

existing manufactured home parks or subdivisions on reinforced piers or other foundation 

elements that are not less than 36 inches above grade. In some cases this results in 

manufactured homes’ being elevated above the base flood elevation, but where flooding is 

deeper than three feet, it exposes them to substantial damage.
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MHP credits regulations that do not differentiate between manufactured homes and 

conventional “stick built” buildings or between existing and new manufactured home parks 

and subdivisions. However, this credit is limited to those communities that have existing 

manufactured home parks where the base flood is GREATER than three feet deep. In other 

words, the credit is limited to those communities where these regulations will have an 

impact. Because of this, there is no impact adjustment for this element.

This ordinance language was a requirement of the NFIP before 1989. When communities 

were given the option of the 36-inch standard, many kept the higher standard and did not 

revise their regulations. The creditable language is also included in the new I-Codes. 

Therefore, it is possible that a community’s current ordinance already has the language that 

is credited by this element.

Credit Criteria for MHP

(1) The community must have regulatory language that is enforced in manufactured home 

parks or subdivisions.

(2) The community must have one or more existing manufactured home parks or

subdivisions in its regulatory floodplain where the base flood elevation is more than 

three feet above grade. 

Credit Points for MHP

MHP = 15 points, for mobile home park regulations

Impact Adjustment for MHP

There is no impact adjustment for MHP.

Documentation for MHP Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) Elevation certificates and anchoring records that document how the regulation has 

been applied. 

(b) Documentation that shows that at least one manufactured home park has a regulatory 

flood depth greater than three feet above grade (Section 432.j, credit criterion (2)).

432.k. Coastal A Zones (CAZ) 

The maximum credit for this element is 500 points.

FEMA has concluded that its criteria for construction in A Zones do not provide adequate 

protection in coastal A Zones, which are subject to wave effects, velocity flows, erosion, 

scour, or combinations of these forces. Wave tank studies have shown that breaking waves 

lower than the three-foot criterion used to designate VE Zones can cause considerable 
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Figure 430-2. A schematic of coastal flood zones 

(from “Importance of the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA),” FEMA Fact Sheet, 

https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/96413). 

damage. Post-disaster evaluations and insurance claims data also support this conclusion, 

particularly for those buildings with enclosures below the elevated floor. 

The term “Coastal A Zone” refers to that portion of the SFHA that is subject to waves with 

heights of between 1.5 and 3 feet during a 1% annual chance storm (see Figure 430-2). On 

newer FIRMs, this is the area landward of the V Zone and seaward of the line known as the 

Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA). A community may map its own coastal A Zones 

as long as FEMA’s mapping standards are met. There is extra credit available if the 

community maps based on models that consider future conditions, including sea level rise. 

Additional technical guidance on mapping coastal A Zones can be found in Design and 

Construction in Coastal A Zones, at www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/mat/coastal_a_zones.pdf.

CAZ credit is provided to coastal communities that enforce V-Zone regulations in their 

coastal A Zones. 

Credit Criteria for CAZ

(1) The community must have a coastal floodplain on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, 

Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, or Great Lakes.

(2) To receive CAZ1 credit a community must have either a FEMA-mapped LiMWA or an 

equivalent created with the same mapping criteria. 

(3) CAZ credit is not available in V Zones because they are minimum NFIP requirements in 

V Zones.

(4) Credit is only available in areas with buildable lots. If the CAZ is too narrow to be 

developed, this section of the coast must be removed from the credited area.
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Credit Points for CAZ

CAZ = 500 points, if all new buildings in the FEMA-mapped Coastal 

A Zone must meet the requirements for buildings in V Zones

and for openings in A Zones (44 CFR §60.3(e) and 

§60.3(c)(5)) 

If all new buildings in the community’s coastal A Zone must meet the requirements for 

buildings in V Zones and for openings in A Zones (44 CFR §60.3(e) and §60.3(c)(5)), then 

CAZ = 500. If only some of the V-Zone regulations are enforced in the coastal A Zone, the 

points are prorated as follows: 

(a) 225 points, if all of the following V-Zone foundation

standards (44 CFR §60.3(e)) are required by the community: 

○ New construction and substantial improvements are 

elevated on piles and columns (§60.3(e)(4));

○ The pile or column foundation and the structure attached 

thereto are anchored to resist floatation, collapse, and 

lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water 

loads (§60.3(e)(4)(ii));

○ New construction and substantial improvements have 

the space below the lowest floor free of obstruction or 

enclosed with non-supporting breakaway walls, open 

wood lattice-work, or insect screening (§60.3(e)(5)), and 

have openings (§60.3(c)(5)); and

○ Use of fill for structural support is prohibited

(§60.3(e)(6)).

(b) 100 points, if the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural 

member and the electrical and mechanical equipment 

servicing the building must be elevated to or above the

base flood elevation (§60.3(e)(4)(i))

(c) 125 points, if a registered design professional must develop 

or review the structural design, specifications, and plans and

certify that the designs and methods of construction to be

used meet accepted standards of practice for meeting the

provisions of §60.3(e)(4)(ii) and breakaway walls 

(§60.3(e)(5))

(d) 25 points, provided all new construction is located landward 

of the reach of mean high tide (§60.3(e)(3)). These

points are available only if the designated area includes

shoreline.
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(e) 25 points, if the community prohibits human alteration of any

sand dunes or mangroves that would increase flood

damage (§60.3(e)(7)). These points are available only 

if the designated areas include sand dunes or mangroves

Impact Adjustment for CAZ

CAZ credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the CAZ regulations 

enforced and the portion of the SFHA where they’re applied. See Section 431.c on 

calculating an impact adjustment. There is an additional bonus available for considering 

future sea levels when calculating the area of a community-defined CAZ. The following 

additional criteria apply: 

(1) Areas requested for CAZ credit must exclude areas credited for OSP or DL2.

(2) The credit criteria for CAZ1 are minimum NFIP requirements in V Zones. Therefore, 

these credits are not available in a V Zone. 

(3) If the regulations apply to a community-defined coastal A Zone that extends beyond

FEMA’s mapped LiMWA, credit is calculated as follows:

cCAZ = (cCAZfema + cCAZcommunity) x CFSL (750 points max),

where

cCAZfema = 0.50 x CAZ (250 points maximum), and

cCAZcommunity = CAZ x (aCAZcommunity – aCAZfema – aVZ)

 aSFHA – aCAZfema - aVZ

(250 points maximum), 

and

aCAZfema = the area of FEMA’s mapped Coastal A Zone

 (between V Zone and LiMWA), and

aCAZcommunity = the area of the community’s mapped 

 coastal A Zone, and

aVZ = the area of the community’s V Zone(s), and

CFSL = consideration of future sea level multiplier, as follows. 

1.00, for no consideration of future sea levels, or

1.20, for using at least the NOAA “intermediate–high”

 projection for 2100, or

1.50, for using at least the NOAA “high” projection

 for 2100
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See Section 404 for guidance on using sea level rise projections for CRS purposes.

Example 432.k-1.

West Bay is a fictitious coastal community used for CRS examples. Its 

DFIRM has a LiMWA delineated and the GIS map in Figure 430-3

shows the coastal A Zone, i.e., the area between the LiMWA and the 

V Zone. In addition, the community has mapped the area expected to 

become coastal A Zone by 2100 (using NOAA’s “intermediate–high” 

sea level rise projections) and added this to the community’s 

regulatory coastal A Zone, too.

West Bay has opted to enforce all V-Zone regulatory standards (and 

the A-Zone opening requirement) in the delineated coastal A Zone.

CAZ = 500

West Bay’s CRS Coordinator calculates the area of the coastal 

A Zone, minus the portion that is in the Biloxi Bay State Park (there is 

no credit for CAZ standards for new construction in areas preserved as 

open space, i.e., where new construction is prohibited). This area is 

calculated to be 111.9 acres. Their future conditions mapping adds 

another 40.6 acres after subtracting OSP-credited areas. The 

community has 5.3 acres of V Zone.

cCAZ = (cCAZfema + cCAZcommunity) x CFSL

cCAZfema = 0.50 x CAZ = 250

cCAZcommunity = CAZ x (aCAZcommunity – aCAZfema – aVZ ) 

 (aSFHA – aCAZfema – aVZ)

= 500 x 40.60 

395.30 – 111.90 – 5.30

= 73

cCAZ = (250 + 73) x 1.20 = 387.60 points
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Figure 430-3. West Bay’s impact adjustment map.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 430-38 Edition: 2017

Documentation for CAZ Provided by the Community 

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

(2) At each verification visit,

(a) An impact adjustment map. The map is not needed if the community uses the impact 

adjustment approach listed under Impact Adjustment items (4) or (5), above. If a 

community-derived LiMWA is used, the data supporting the delineation must be 

supplied to the ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer for approval.

(b) A copy of the relevant regulations.

432.l. Special flood-related hazards regulations (SHR) 

The maximum credit for this element depends on the hazard. The maximum SHR credit for 

higher regulatory standards in areas subject to riverine hazards is 100 points.

SHR credit for higher regulatory standards in areas subject to special flood-related hazards 

is described below.

In areas where it is not feasible to restrict land to open space uses, other land use planning 

measures can be used to minimize flood damage. These include strategically controlling the 

type of development and uses allowed in hazard areas, and avoiding high-value and highoccupancy uses as much as possible. 

Credit is provided for regulating special flood-related hazard areas in a manner that

recognizes those elements of the hazard not addressed by the NFIP minimum standards for 

floodplain management. This credit is in addition to credit provided for other regulatory 

standards under Activity 430.

Credit Criteria for SHR

(1) The community must have a map of the area to be regulated using standards approved 

by FEMA, or if FEMA has no approved standards then standards approved by the 

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer. 

(2) The community must adopt and enforce regulatory standards that address the special

flood-related risks associated with these hazards.

Credit Points for SHR

(1) Prohibition of buildings (SHDL2)

SHDL2 = 100 points for prohibition of buildings within the special 

flood-related hazard area

(2) Ice jam regulations (IJR) (Maximum credit: 80 points)
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IJR = the sum of the following:

(a) 50 points, for requiring new structures to be constructed on

engineered fill or engineered pilings at or above the ice jam 

regulatory flood elevation

(b) 10 points x freeboard above the ice jam regulatory flood 

elevation (in feet) (maximum credit = 30 points for 3 feet of 

freeboard)

Regulation of areas subject to ice jam flood hazards should include protecting buildings 

from both the hazard from higher flood elevations and the hazard associated with moving

ice floes. These regulations may include higher minimum floor elevations and structural 

requirements for buildings so that they are not damaged or destroyed by moving ice. There 

may also be special requirements for infrastructure in areas subject to ice j am hazards.

Example 432.l-1. 

North County prohibits development in the reach of the floodway 

affected by ice jam flooding. IJR1 = 50 + 14 = 64. In the reaches 

regulated for ice jam hazards outside the floodway, IJR2 = 50.

(3) Closed basin lake hazard regulations (CBR) (Maximum credit: 80 points)

CBR = the sum of the following: 

(a) 40 points, if new structures are required to be built on fill

 at or above the regulatory flood elevation for closed 

 basin lakes

(b) 10 points, if access is required at the regulatory flood 

elevation

(c) 10 points, if all utilities are required to be protected to the 

regulatory flood elevation and functional during the 

regulatory event

(d) 15 points, if all utilities and basements within 1,000 feet of 

the shoreline established by the regulatory flood elevation 

 are required to be floodproofed to the regulatory flood 

 elevation unless it can be demonstrated that the water table 

 under the proposed development will not be affected by lake

 elevations
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(e) 5 points, if new wells constructed within the hazard area are

required to be floodproofed to the regulatory flood elevation, 

and all existing wells that are to be abandoned are required 

to be sealed to eliminate the mixing of groundwater and lake 

water

CRS credit for regulation of areas subject to closed basin lake flood hazards should 

anticipate both the flood elevation and the long duration of high water surface elevations. It 

is important to protect utilities and infrastructure from long periods of inundation and to 

ensure access to buildings at the highest anticipated lake level. There is credit for land 

development criteria that reduce development adjacent to closed basin lakes, such as 

density trades, and for low density zoning in these areas.

Example 431.l-2 

Lake City requires buildings on land between 1,010 feet and 1,012 feet 

(above mean sea level) to be elevated on fill to 1,012 feet. No septic 

tanks or wells are allowed in areas where the land elevation is below

1,012. CBR = 45

(4) Mudflow hazard regulations (MFR) (Maximum credit: 35 points)

MFR = the sum of the following: 

(a) 25 points, if a study by a soils engineer and/or an 

engineering geologist is required for any hillside grading 

where stability will be lessened by the grading, and at 

historic or prehistoric mudflow and landslide sites

(b) 5 points, if where buildings are to be supported on stilts over

a fill slope with a slope greater than two horizontal to one 

vertical, footings must extend at least 3 feet into the 

underlying bedrock, but not less than the depth required to 

resist the lateral load

(c) 5 points, if drainage from impervious surfaces must be 

collected and conducted to the street in a non-erosive 

manner

Maps of mudflow hazard areas are usually based on relatively large-scale map analysis, so 

most regulations require an engineering study, a geologic study, or both. The intent is that 

some of the area mapped as mudflow hazard may actually not have such a hazard, but it is

the developer’s responsibility to determine the true hazard.
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(5) Land subsidence regulations (SUR) (Maximum credit: 80 points)

SUR = the sum of the following: 

(a) Credit is provided for regulating development in the 

floodprone areas subject to land subsidence based upon the 

regulatory flood elevation, considering projected 

subsidence. Credit for SUR is the sum of (1) and (2):

(1) 60 points, if all new buildings must be built on 

engineered foundations with pilings that will prevent the 

building from sinking as subsidence continues;

(2) 20 points, if all new public facilities and utilities are 

required to be designed for the subsidence hazard

(b) If the community does not apply for regulation of 

development (SUR1) under the above section, credit is 

provided for activities intended to reduce future land 

subsidence. If the community has mapped current 

subsidence, and if that subsidence is greater than 1.0 foot, 

and if the community is implementing a scientific plan to 

reduce future subsidence, SUR2 = 40

Regulation of the activities that cause subsidence is the most direct approach to mitigating 

it. Techniques for preventing or controlling subsidence vary according to the type of 

subsidence. In the case of resource extraction, they range from banning extraction to 

controlling how materials are removed. For land development that causes subsidence, they 

range from banning development to regulating construction practices.

(6) Uncertain flow path regulations (UFR). A community may receive credit for 

regulation of areas subject to two types of uncertain flow path hazards: alluvial fans, 

and migrating stream channels. However, at any given area or stream reach, credit will 

be allowed for only one type of uncertain flow path hazard. For each stream reach or 

area, the community should seek credit for the one that gives the highest credit for UFR. 

(a) Regulating development in areas subject to alluvial fan hazards (UFR1) (Maximum 

credit: 80 points)

UFR1 = the sum of the following:

(1) 60 points, if all new structures are required to be engineered 

to be protected from alluvial fan hazards

(2) 10 points, if all utilities are required to be designed to 

function and minimize damage during the 100-year event

(3) 10 points, if access is required during the 100-year event
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Example.

Maricopa County, Arizona, has separate management schemes for 

“High Hazard,” “Uncertain Flow Distribution Area,” and “Approximate” 

alluvial fan areas. Development is required to be elevated two feet

above grade. Alluvial fan areas are designated as “Administrative 

Floodways,” with management similar to that required by the NFIP for 

floodways.

From the “Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County” as amended 

November 2011:

Section 611. Zone A Alluvial Fan High Hazard Area 

Administrative Floodway.

Development within an Alluvial Fan High Hazard Area, as 

determined using the Piedmont Assessment Manual shall be 

regulated in a manner similar to a floodway as described in 

Article Six, Sections 602 of these Regulations. Additional 

Development Standards for Zone A Alluvial Fan High Hazard 

Area Administrative Floodway are:

Only major engineering measures as outlined in the Piedmont 

Manual may be used to mitigate the alluvial fan flood hazard in 

these areas.

Example.

Whatcom County, Washington, has mapped alluvial fans as one of 

several geologic hazards. The ordinance states, “No critical facilities 

shall be constructed or located in geologically hazard areas without 

fully mitigating the hazard.” Also, “All projects on an alluvial fan must 

be engineered and constructed to withstand alluvial fan hazards and/or 

flooding equivalent to the largest known event evident on the fan as 

determined by professional assessment” (Whatcom County, 1997).

(b) Regulating development in areas subject to moveable bed stream hazards (UFR2) 

(Maximum credit: 80 points).

For stream reaches where there is a history or geologic evidence of channel 

migration, floodplain management to reduce future flood damage must consider the 

possibility of future channel migration. The State of Washington has published 

guidelines on the determination of channel migration zones (Rapp and Abbe, 2003). 

Zones determined with these methods have been declared critical habitat for 

endangered salmon by the National Marine Fisheries Service (2008) and now receive 

additional protection. Mapping completed using this guidance is eligible for CRS 

credit.

Credit for moveable bed streams is exclusive of alluvial fan areas.
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UFR2 = one of the following:

(1) 80 points, if a detailed study of the migration potential has 

been mapped, and if all public and private developments are 

prohibited within the zone; OR

(2) 65 points, if all public and private developments are required 

to be located and designed to be safe from channel 

migration; OR

(3) 40 points, if a standard setback is mapped, and all public 

and private development is permitted only after a detailed 

study of the channel migration hazard

Example.

King, County, Washington, has established setback lines along several

rivers based on a study of historic and potential channel migration. 

Recent studies have been based upon the Framework published in 

2003 by the Department of Ecology.

Example.

In 2008 the State of Vermont published the Municipal Guide to Fluvial 

Erosion Hazard Mitigation (Dolan, et al., 2008) which details risk 

assessment and mapping methods for risk due to unstable channels. 

Standards for construction within those areas also have been 

developed. These standards were used during the reconstruction of 

state highways after the floods of 2011.

Example.

Pima County and Tucson, Arizona, have established setback lines 

along all watercourses based on recent experience and an 

examination of selected floodplains. In Pima County, a developer must 

provide a detailed study, including a sediment transport analysis, in 

order to develop inside the setbacks. Setbacks range from 50 feet on 

minor washes to as much as 500 feet. The setback is from the channel 

bank or the 100-year floodplain, whichever is wider (Pima County, 

2010).
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Example.

In San Diego County, California, a Resource Protection Ordinance 

requires a setback of 100 feet or 15% of the floodway width, whichever 

is less, from the floodway boundary. Where erosion/sedimentation 

hazards are identified, no development is allowed. Also, the floodway 

is established using a maximum increase in flood elevation of 0.2 feet, 

and floodways are limited to velocities of 6 feet per second, which 

increases the floodway width in many steep floodplains. Although it is 

not quantifiable, these floodway restrictions should provide more 

protection than floodways delineated using the standard FEMA criteria 

of an allowable 1.0 foot rise with no consideration of velocity.

Impact Adjustment for SHR

The area affected by the special regulations must exclude areas designated as open space 

that are receiving Open Space (OS) credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation), 

areas that receive credit for TSR and areas receiving credit for CER.

The impact adjustment for each sub-element of SHR is calculated separately. No subelement’s impact adjustment, when combined with the impact adjustment for 420 OSP, may 

exceed 1.5 (see Section 431.c(6)). 

(a) rSHDL2 = aSHDL2 , where

 aSFHA

aSHDL2 = the size of the area(s) that qualify for 

SHDL2 credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

(b) rIJR = aIJR , where

 aSFHA

aIJR = the size of the area(s) that qualify for 

IJR credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

(c) rCBR = aCBR , where

 aSFHA

aCBR = the size of the area(s) that qualify for 

 CBR credit, 
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and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

(d) rCIJ = aCIJ , where

 aSFHA

aCIJ = the size of the area(s) that qualify for 

CIJ credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

(e) rSUR = aSUR , where

 aSFHA

aSUR = the size of the area(s) that qualify for 

SUR credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

(f) rUFR = aUFR , where

 aSFHA

aUFR = the size of the area(s) that qualify for 

UFR credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

In all cases, if rXXX < 0.10, use 0.10

Credit Calculation for SHR

cSHR =cSHDL2 + cIJR + cCBR + cMFR + cSUR + cUFR, up to a

maximum of 100 points

where 

cSHDL2 = SHDL2 x rSHDL2, and

cIJR = IJR x rIJR, and
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cCBR = CBR x rCBR, and 

cMFR = MFR x rMFR, and

cSUR = SUR x rSUR, and

cUFR = (UFR1 x rUFR1) + (UFR2 x rUFR2)

If cSHR ≥100, then cSHR = 100

Documentation for SHR Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

432.m. Tsunami special hazards regulations (TSR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 50 points.

Credit is provided for regulating tsunami flood-related hazard areas in a manner that 

recognizes those elements of the hazard not addressed by the NFIP minimum standards for

floodplain management. This credit is in addition to credit provided for other regulatory 

standards under Activity 430.

When possible, critical facilities should be kept out of tsunami hazard areas. When critical 

facilities must be located in tsunami hazard areas, they should be designed or retrofitted to

survive tsunami damage.

Design and construction of new buildings in tsunami hazard areas should address forces 

associated with water pressure, buoyancy, currents and waves, debris impact, scour, and

fire. Guidance for architects and engineers in the design for tsunami forces is included in

FEMA’s Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical Evacuation from Tsunami

(FEMA, 2008). Community officials may also want to read Vertical Evacuation from 

Tsunamis: A Guide for Community Officials (FEMA, 2009). The links for both publications 

are given in Section 434, below.

Credit Criteria for TSR

(1) Creditable regulations must be based on an approved tsunami hazard map credited in 

Section 412.f(2).

Credit Calculation for TSR

Up to 50 points are provided for regulations for tsunami hazard areas (TSR).

cTS = TSR x rTSR

The credit points and impact adjustment are calculated as follows.

TSR = the total of the following, not to exceed 50 points
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(1) 50 points, if new structures are required to be built on natural 

ground at or above the tsunami flood elevation, provided that

the tsunami flood elevation is higher than the base flood

elevation

(2) 15 points, if regulations prohibit new critical facilities in

tsunami hazard areas, unless

(a) the design can mitigate the vulnerability to such an extent

that the resulting facility will perform as needed; and

(b) the risk is reduced through emergency response

measures;

(3) 30 points, for adopting tsunami construction requirements

from Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical 

Evacuation from Tsunamis for new buildings in tsunami 

hazard areas;

(4) 15 points, if regulations require buildings in tsunami areas to 

be inspected by a licensed professional engineer for 

compliance with tsunami construction standards;

(5) 15 points, if regulations require substantially improved 

buildings and additions to existing buildings in the tsunami 

area to meet tsunami construction codes;

(6) 15 points, if storage of hazardous materials are prohibited.

The credit points must be adjusted to exclude areas that are receiving open space (OS) 

credit under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) and Coastal Erosion Regulations 

(CEOS), according to the following formula:

rTSR = 1.00 – rOSP – rCER, if new development within the entire

area of the tsunami hazard is subject to the regulations, and

credit was requested for OS under Activity 420

If the tsunami regulations cover less than 10% of the tsunami hazard area, the community 

may elect to use an impact adjustment ratio of 0.1, except where rTSR + r0S + rLZ > 1.0. 

rTSR = aTSR 

 aTS
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Documentation for TSR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The regulatory standard. The acronym TSR must be marked in the margin of the

sections of the ordinance that apply to this activity.

A digital copy or photocopy of the appropriate pages of the ordinance and all 

exemptions is sufficient and should be attached. The community’s CEO’s CRS 

application certification is considered to certify as well that the ordinance or statute

has been enacted into law and is being enforced (see Section 212.a in the 

Coordinator’s Manual).

(2) The community must have the following documentation available to verify 

implementation of this activity:

(a) An impact adjustment map prepared in accordance with Section 403 must be

provided.

(b) An explanation of the procedures followed for enforcement.

The ISO/CRS Specialist will ask to see permit records for development in the tsunami 

hazard area to verify that the regulations are enforced.

432.n. Coastal erosion hazard regulations (CER) 

The maximum credit for this element is 370 points.

Local governments have used a variety of ordinances to reduce the risk of damage from 

coastal erosion. Credit is provided for regulatory standards that mitigate the effects of 

erosion within coastal erosion hazard areas beyond what is required by the NFIP. Up to 370 

points are provided for coastal erosion management regulations (CER1) and dune and beach 

regulations (CER2) that prohibit construction within mapped erosion, dune, and beach 

areas. Credit is based on the erosion protection level, in years. This credit is in addition to 

credit provided for other regulatory standards under Activity 430.

Setback Regulations

Coastal construction standards of the NFIP emphasize the elevation of structures rather than 

horizontal displacement of them. The NFIP only requires horizontal displacement in 

V Zones to the extent that buildings must be “located landward of the reach of mean high 

tide” and must not alter frontal dunes or mangrove stands (44 CFR §60.3(e)). These 

requirements do not apply in coastal A Zones, despite the possibility that such areas may be 

experiencing erosion.

Setbacks based on maximizing the distance between the shoreline and the oceanfront side of 

a structure can be extremely effective in delaying damage from erosion. The safest 

approach in eroding areas is to site the structures in a way that will avoid erosion risks over 

the anticipated life of the structure. 

Some states use a calculated “average annual erosion rate” to establish the minimum 

setback for new construction. Recognizing that larger structures usually pose a greater 
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economic risk and are more difficult to move, these calculations may include consideration 

of the size of the proposed building, with larger buildings required to be set back farther 

than smaller ones. North Carolina, for example, requires a minimum setback of 60 feet or 

30 times the annual shoreline erosion rate (whichever is greater) for buildings of less than 

5,000 square feet, but 180 feet or 90 times the shoreline erosion rate for structures larger 

than 100,000 square feet.

Credit Criteria for CER

(1) The regulations must be based on coastal erosion mapping developed in accordance with 

the criteria of element MCE in Section 412.f(2), and

(2) At a minimum, the regulations must prohibit all parts of all new buildings—including 

attached porches and similar structures—in the 30-year erosion-prone area. Setback 

calculations must NOT incorporate beach nourishment projects. 

Impact Adjustment for CER

There are three options for calculating the impact adjustment for CER.

Option 1

If development along the entire shoreline is regulated for coastal

erosion protection, rCER = 1.00 

Option 2

If development along only a portion of the shoreline is regulated 

as an erosion hazard, a default value of 0.25 may be used for 

the impact adjustment ratio (rCER = 0.25).

If Option 2 is used, credit for more than one special hazard will 

be granted only if the hazards cover different geographic areas.

Option 3

rCER: The size of the area subject to coastal erosion 

regulations must be determined in order for the credit points to 

reflect the impact of the regulations. This impact adjustment is 

the ratio of the shoreline regulated for coastal erosion protection 

to the length of the entire shoreline.

rCER = Length of shoreline subject to erosion regulation 

 Length of the community’s entire shoreline

Credit Calculation for CER

Credit is provided for coastal erosion regulations (CER1) and dune and beach regulations 

(CER2) that prohibit new building within mapped erosion, dune, and beach areas. Credit is 

based on the type of regulations and on the erosion protection level, in years.
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cCER = (CER1 x rCER) + CER2, where

CER1 = the total of the following points:

(a) The erosion protection level, in years, where new 

buildings are prohibited. CER has a range of from 30 to 

100. The minimum value for CER is 30, i.e., the 

regulations meet the prerequisites listed above. The

maximum value for CER is 100, i.e., the regulations 

prohibit all new buildings in at least the 100-year 

erosion-prone area.

(b) 0.50 x the number of years of erosion protection 

required by the setback regulations for structures that 

are substantially improved

(c) 0.50 x the number of years of erosion protection 

required by the setback regulations for structures that 

are substantially damaged

(d) 20 points, if large buildings are required to meet a 60-

year setback standard (credit available only when the 

community setback is 50 years or less)

(e) 1 x the number of feet that the community adds as a buffer 

beyond the calculated erosion setback. If a community 

requires a 20-foot buffer landward of the 30-year setback, 

credit would be 20 points to a maximum of 50 points.

(f) 75 points, if erosion-threatened structures must be 

removed within two years of such designation by the 

state or local government. The regulation must

(i) require the structure to be moved within two years

of receiving the erosion-threatened designation; 

(ii) identify erosion-threatened structures as those where 

any portion of the foundation sits within a zone of 

imminent collapse measured from a reference feature 

such as the first line of natural vegetation, or the normal 

high tide; and

(iii) define the landward boundary of the zone as being 

measured from the reference feature a distance of at 

least five times the average annual long-term erosion 

rate for the site, plus 10 feet. 

Credit will only be awarded where a state or local 

government can show that the regulation has been 

upheld in court. 

(h) 25 points, if all new structures must be set back at least 
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60 feet for the entire shoreline, including areas with 

accretion.

To receive credit for CER, the regulations must prohibit all new buildings from the area 

expected to erode over the next 30 years. If that is the only coastal erosion regulation 

enforced in the community, then CER = 30. Credit is provided for either local or state 

erosion management regulations as long as they are enforced within the community.

Additional credit is provided where regulations require substantially improved and/or 

substantially damaged structures to be set back at least 30 times the average annual erosion 

rate at the building site. The amount of credit is based on the number of years of erosion 

protection identified in the setback regulation. Credit is calculated by multiplying the 

number of years of protection by 0.5.

There is additional credit if a community requires all new and substantially improved large 

buildings (i.e., over 5,000 square feet) to be set back beyond the 60-year erosion protection 

line.

Communities that require the removal of erosion-threatened structures from the shoreline 

may receive 75 points. This regulation must specify how erosion-threatened structures will 

be designated and that upon such designation the property owner must move or demolish 

the structure within two years. Structures with any portion of the foundation in a zone of 

imminent collapse are considered to be erosion-threatened structures. The zone of imminent 

collapse extends landward from a reference feature identified in the regulation, usually the 

first line of natural vegetation, line of escarpment, or normal high tide line. At a minimum, 

the landward boundary of the zone must extend from the reference feature a distance of five 

times the average annual long-term erosion rate for the site plus 10 feet. For example, if the 

erosion rate is 2 feet per year, the building must be moved if it is located closer to the 

reference feature than 20 feet [(5 x 2 feet) + 10 feet = 20 feet]. Credit will be awarded only 

if a state or local government can show that the regulation has been upheld in court.

Permanent shoreline stabilization projects, such as groins, jetties, bulkheads, seawalls, 

revetments, and large sandbags, may cause the loss of the public beach by increasing erosion 

of the seaward beach. They may also increase erosion at adjacent properties by interrupting 

natural sand migration patterns. Communities that prohibit these types of hardened structures 

receive up to 120 points for NSP under Activity 420.

(2) CER2 = the total of the following:

(a) 20 points, for regulations that prohibit vehicular and 

pedestrian traffic on sand dunes except on appropriate 

access structures

(b) 10 points, for regulations that prohibit development 

seaward (or lakeward) of existing buildings on 

waterfront properties. This includes new buildings,

additions, decks, swimming pools, pavilions, septic tanks, 
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bulkheads, seawalls, and similar structures that can 

become debris in a storm and damage buildings.

Sand dunes are important in providing protection to buildings along the coast. They act as 

natural barriers to dissipate waves and protect back-lying areas from flooding and erosion. 

Pedestrian access between a coastal building and the shoreline is often overlooked when 

siting decisions and plans are made. Experience shows, however, that uncontrolled 

pedestrian access can damage coastal vegetation and landforms, providing weak points 

upon which storm forces act. Dune blowouts and breaches during storms often result, and 

buildings landward of the weak points can be subject to increased flood, wave, erosion, or 

overwash effects. 

Documentation for CER Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Application for credit for Section 410MCE for the coastal erosion hazard.

(b)A copy of the adopted regulatory standard. The appropriate acronym (CER1 or 

CER2) must be marked in the margin of the sections of the ordinance that apply to 

this activity. 

(c) An explanation of the procedures followed for enforcement of the regulatory 

standard. 

(d) An impact adjustment map showing the erosion rates or areas and the regulations 

applicable to the shoreline.

(e) Development plans and/or permit records that document how the regulation has been 

applied. This will vary from state to state. The ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer can

clarify precisely what is needed for each state.

A photocopy of the appropriate pages of the ordinance is sufficient and should be attached 

to the activity worksheet. The Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) application certification is 

considered to include a certification that the ordinance or statute has been enacted into law 

and is being enforced (see Section 212.a in the Coordinator’s Manual). 

If the regulations are enforced throughout the area mapped and credited under 

Section 410MCE, the map for Section 410MCE can be used as the impact adjustment map.

432.o. Other higher standards (OHS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 100 points.

OHS provides CRS credit for regulatory approaches and standards that are not addressed in 

the other elements of this or other activities. Each submittal for credit is individually 

reviewed and scored. Examples of past credits include, but are not limited to
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• Prohibiting floodproofing as a flood protection measure for any new building (i.e., 

requiring all new buildings, including non-residential buildings, to be elevated);

• Prohibiting installation of new septic systems in the floodplain;

• Requiring new streets in the floodplain to be at or above the base flood elevation to 

provide access for emergency vehicles during a flood;

• Requiring all new multi-family and commercial buildings to provide access to dry 

land; and

• Requiring an evacuation plan for new residential subdivisions that exceed a certain 

number of units.

Credit Criteria for OHS

Each regulation that has a higher standard than the NFIP criteria and that is not credited 

elsewhere is submitted for review. The actual determination of the credit provided is made 

by FEMA.

Credit Points for OHS

OHS = up to 100 points for higher regulatory standards that prevent flood losses or protect 

natural and beneficial floodplain functions that are not otherwise credited in another 

element. Communities have received from 5 points to 100 points.

Impact Adjustment for OHS

OHS credit is adjusted based on the ratio of the area affected by the OHS regulation to the 

area of the SFHA. See Section 431.c on calculating an impact adjustment. 

rOHS = aOHS , where

 aSFHA

aOHS = the size of the area(s) that qualify for OHS credit, 

and

aSFHA = the size of the community’s SFHA

Documentation for OHS Provided by the Community

(1) The activity documentation requirements in Section 431.d must be met. 

432.p. State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

This element recognizes the benefit received by the NFIP for a state-required measure that 

is implemented in both CRS and non-CRS communities in that state. State-mandated 

regulations also benefit from better staff training and state oversight than other regulatory 

provisions.
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A community should contact the ISO/CRS Specialist to obtain its SMS credit. The credit 

may apply differently to different communities within a state, depending on the 

requirement. For example, only coastal communities receive SMS credit for a state 

requirement for a coastal setback line. See also Section 231.d on state-based credit. 

Examples of past credits include, but are not limited to

• State floodway mapping standards (additional credit for FWS under Activity 410 

(Flood Hazard Mapping));

• State coastal setback regulations (additional credit for OSP under Activity 420 (Open 

Space Preservation));

• State-mandated freeboard (additional credit for FRB);

• State-mandated building code (additional credit for BC1); and

• State-mandated erosion and sedimentation control regulations (additional credit for 

ESC under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)). 

Credit Criteria for SMS

(1) Credit is added to the community’s credit for a regulation credited in the 400 series.

(2) The community’s credited element is verified locally and the community must receive 

credit for the element before it gets the SMS bonus points. For example, if there is statemandated freeboard, but a review of the community’s Elevation Certificates shows that

the community does not get freeboard credit, then it does not receive the 10% SMS 

bonus for the state-mandated freeboard.

(3) SMS credit for state-mandated erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) or 

water quality regulations (WQ) under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) is 

provided only if the state mandate exceeds the requirements for a NPDES permit.

Credit Points for SMS

The credit is 10% of the credit for an element credited in the 400 series, up to a maximum 

of 20 points.

SMS = 0.10 x the equivalent credit for each state-mandated 

regulation credited in the 400 series of CRS activities. The 

credit is calculated after the impact and growth

adjustments. The maximum value for SMS is 20 points.

Impact Adjustment for SMS

There is no impact adjustment for SMS.

Documentation for SMS Provided by the Community

No documentation is needed from the community. The ISO/CRS Specialist works with the 

State NFIP Coordinator to identify credited standards. Once they are confirmed and the 

community’s credit for the element is verified, the SMS bonus credit is provided. 
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432.q. Regulations administration (RA) 

The maximum credit for this element is 67 points.

This element provides credit for the community’s procedures for administering its 

floodplain management regulations. Credit can be provided even if the community receives 

no other credit under Activity 430. There are five elements.

Credit Criteria for RA

(1) Staff training (RA1) provides credit for trained regulatory staff members. 

(a) Credit for training is provided for each 

o Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM);

o Graduate of an approved four-day class conducted at, or field deployed by, 

FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI). The credited classes are 

listed in the box; and

o Graduate of a home study version of these classes or other equivalent training.

(b) Regulatory staff members may be employees or contract permit officials who 

administer the community’s floodplain management permits. An exception is that

credit for graduating from the CRS class (E278) is provided for any community 

employee, regardless of the office in which he or she works.

(c) The credit for training is based on the number of 

courses taken. If two people take the “Managing 

Floodplain Development” course, it is counted 

two times. The same credit is provided if one 

person took both the “Managing Floodplain 

Development” and “Coastal Construction” 

courses. If a CFM took the Coastal Construction 

course, it is counted two times. 

(d) There is no double credit for being both a CFM

and a graduate from the basic NFIP course 

(E273). This is counted once.

(e) This credit is removed if the staff person leaves 

the community or does not maintain his or her 

certification.

(2) IAS accreditation (RA2): IAS is the International 

Accreditation Service, an arm of the International 

Code Council. It has a program that reviews and 

accredits building departments. The program is 

explained at 

www.iasonline.org/Building_Department_Program.

EMI Classes Credited 

for RA1 Credit

E273—Managing 

Floodplain Development through 

the NFIP 

E194—Advanced 

Floodplain Management

Concepts I

E282—Advanced Floodplain 

Management Concepts II 

E284—Advanced 

Floodplain Management 

Concepts III 

E278—The Community Rating System

E386—Residential Coastal Construction 

 For more information, see 

 http://www.training.fema.gov/emi
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A BCEGS classification of 5/5 or better is a prerequisite for RA2 credit. This ensures that 

the community’s building department has a program that addresses natural hazards.

(3) Detailed inspections (RA3): Credit is for conducting three detailed inspections for each 

new building in the regulatory floodplain. Figure 430-4 explains what is needed for this 

credit. There is no partial credit for two inspections or for doing less than what is listed. 

(4) Reinspections (RA4), i.e., inspecting buildings when they are sold or rented to a new 

tenant or application is made for a home improvement permit. For CRS credit, the 

regulations must clearly state that the community’s inspector has the right to enter the 

building at the designated occurrences (e.g., sale of the property) and will inspect for 

compliance with the floodplain management permit that was previously issued. 

Documentation of the inspections is needed at verification.

(5) Off-site record storage (RA5): In the past, hurricanes, fires, floods, and other disasters 

have destroyed local permit offices and their files. This credit encourages communities 

to safeguard their floodplain management permit records. Credit is given if copies of 

such documents (in digital, scanned, or paper format) are stored at a site out of the 

floodplain and at least one mile away. The records must be transferred or copied to the 

off-site storage location at least once each year.

A “secure location” means a site protected from fire, theft, and natural hazards 

(including a category 5 hurricane). The site must not be subject to a flood hazard, i.e., it 

cannot be in a mapped SFHA, an X-Zone location subject to local drainage problems, or 

a basement with a known sewer backup problem. The community may submit a site that 

does not meet all of these criteria (e.g., it is less than one mile away) if it can 

demonstrate that the site is secure from fire, theft, flood, and other natural hazards.

Credit Points for RA

RA = the total of the following:

(1) RA1 = EITHER 

(a) 5 points, for each CFM or graduate of an approved EMI 

class (up to 25 points for each CFM and/or class graduate), OR

(b) 25 points, if all proposed development projects in the 

floodplain and all final inspections and project approvals are 

reviewed and approved by a CFM. The credit is provided as 

long as no new floodplain development project is used or 

occupied without the review and approval of a CFM

(2) RA2 = 5 points, if the community’s building department has

been accredited by the IAS

(3) RA3 = 16 points, if the community conducts inspections in

accordance with the criteria in Figure 430-4.
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Credit for Inspections under Regulations Administration (RA3)

There is no partial credit for two inspections or for doing less than what is listed here.

For credit, the community must conduct at least three inspections for each permitted development 

project in the regulatory floodplain according to the following criteria:

1. The permit application records must include a site plan that shows

a. The site plan’s scale and north orientation arrow;

b. The parcel boundaries and the location and names of adjacent streets;

c. All watercourses on the parcel;

d. All floodplain, V-Zone, Coastal A-Zone, and floodway boundaries that run through the 

parcel;

e. All required buffer or setback lines from shorelines or channel banks;

f. All drainage and utility easements;

g. All areas to be cleared, cut, graded, or filled; and

h. The location of all existing and proposed fences, walls, and other structures.

2. If the permit includes a new building or an expansion of an existing building,

a. The site plan must show the footprint of all existing and proposed buildings and building 

additions.

b. The permit application papers must include

○ The elevation of the lowest floor of the building (or addition) and of an attached 

garage, including the elevation of the interior grade or floor of a crawlspace;

○ The location and elevation of all mechanical and utility equipment servicing the 

building; and 

○ For buildings with solid foundation walls and buildings with enclosures below the base 

flood elevation, the total area of each enclosed area (in square feet) measured on the 

outside, the location and specifications of all flood openings, and either the total net 

open area (in square inches) of flood openings below the base flood elevation, 

accounting for screens, louvers, faceplates, and grilles; or a statement of certification 

if engineered openings are specified (see NFIP Technical Bulletin #1). 

3. The first inspection is conducted when the site is staked out or otherwise marked. The 

inspector checks that areas subject to special requirements are clearly marked on the ground. 

For example, if the floodway, Coastal A-Zone, or V-Zone line goes through the parcel or there 

is a natural area that is not to be disturbed, it could be staked out. If there are no such areas, 

then this inspection does not need to be conducted for CRS credit (however, it is still a good 

idea to place stakes or other markings to show the building footprint in order to verify 

setbacks and other code requirements).

4. The second inspection is conducted when the lowest floor is built for a building or building 

addition. The builder provides the community with documentation of the surveyed lowest floor 

elevation. The inspector checks that

a. The foundation or forms for the structure are correctly located on the site;

[continued on next page]

Figure 430-4. Credit for inspections under regulations administration (RA3).
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b. Where buildings have foundation walls or other enclosures below the base flood 

elevation, the location and size of the openings are as specified on the approved 

plans; and

c. In coastal high hazard areas (V Zones) and coastal A Zones, slabs placed under the 

building are not connected to the foundation.

The inspection records must include a record that the elevation of the lowest floor was 

surveyed and found to be compliant. This could be, but does not have to be, a FEMA 

Elevation Certificate. At this point the inspector verifies that the lowest floor will be at or 

above the required elevation. This inspection is not needed if the project does not involve 

construction of a new building or a substantial improvement. 

5. The third inspection is conducted when the project is finished, the Elevation Certificate is 

submitted, and before or during the final building inspection. The inspector checks that

a. The foundation and floor elevation have not been altered since the second inspection;

b. All areas below the required elevation are constructed with materials resistant to flood 

damage;

c. All required manufactured home tie downs are in place;

d. Where buildings have foundation walls or other enclosures below the base flood 

elevation, the location and size of the openings are as specified on the approved plans 

and recorded on the Elevation Certificate;

e. All electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning, ductwork, and other 

equipment is located, elevated, or protected as specified on the approved plans and 

recorded on the Elevation Certificate;

f. There has been no alteration of the ground since the second inspection OR the ground 

has been graded according to the approved plans (e.g., the lowest floor is at the 

correct height above the highest adjacent grade);

g. V-Zone and breakaway wall certificates have been obtained, as appropriate, for new 

and substantially improved buildings in V-Zone and coastal A Zone areas; and

h. Buildings with enclosures in coastal A Zones meet the A-Zone vent requirements.

6. The inspection records must include

a. A completed FEMA Elevation or Floodproofing Certificate, as appropriate, that has 

been checked by the community for completeness and accuracy;

b. Photographs of all sides of the structure;

c. Close-up photographs of typical openings; and

d. Photographs of all mechanical and utility equipment located outside the building

showing (1) its relation to the building and ground and (2) its required anchoring.

Figure 430-4 (cont.). Credit for inspections under RA3.
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(4) RA4 = 16 points, if the community conducts reinspections of 

buildings to ensure that they still comply with the floodplain 

management requirements of their earlier permits

(5) RA5 = 5 points, for storing key floodplain management 

permit records at a safe and secure site

Example 431.n-1.

A small town has one person handling all floodplain management 

activities. That person becomes and stays certified. RA1 = 25

Example 431.n-2.

A coastal county has five people involved in building and development 

permitting. Two are certified. One CFM has been to the EMI coastal 

construction course. A third employee has been to the EMI Managing 

Floodplain Development class. Any of the five people can issue 

floodplain permits. RA1 = 5 x 4 = 20

Example 431.n-3.

All floodplain permits in South Scottsdale are reviewed, inspected, and 

permitted by a CFM. (RA1 = 25), the City conducts all the inspections 

needed for RA3 credit (RA3 = 16), and the City scans all permit 

records and backs them up weekly (RA5 = 5). RA = 25 + 16 + 5 = 46

Impact Adjustment for RA

There is no impact adjustment for RA.

Documentation for RA Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) [For RA1 credit for having a graduate from an EMI class] A copy of the certificate 

of course attendance. 

(b) [For credit for RA3 or RA4] Inspection records that show how each item was 

checked. For RA3, the records must include copies of the photographs and elevation 

surveys.
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(c) [For CFM and IAS accreditation] No documentation is needed from the 

community. The status is verified by checking the names on the websites of the 

Association of State Floodplain Managers and of the IAS.

433 Credit Calculation 

c430 = cDL + (FRB x rFRB) + (FDN x rFDN) + (CSI x rCSI) 

+ (LSI x rLSI) + (PCF x rPCF) + (ENL x rENL)

+ BC + LDP + MHP + (CAZ x rCAZ) + SHR

+ (TSR x rTSR) + (CER x rCER) + (OHS x rOHS) + SMS 

+ RA, where

cDL = (DL1 x rDL1) + (DL2 x rDL2) + (DL3 x rDL3) 

NOTE: The total points for FRB, FDN, ENL, and CAZ (after the impact adjustment) cannot 

exceed 1,000 points, the value for DL2. The CRS does not provide more points for applying 

higher standards to new buildings than it does for prohibiting buildings in the floodplain.

Example 433-1.

South Scottsdale has the following credits:

Two feet of freeboard: 

FRB = 250, rFRB = 0.52

Prohibition of critical facilities in the floodway:

PCF = 80, rPCF = 0.08

Adoption of all the I-Codes (BC1 = 50) and a BCEGS 

class of 3/3 (BC2 = 30) 

BC = 50 + 30 = 80

All floodplain permits are reviewed, inspected, and permitted by a 

CFM (RA1 = 25), the City conducts all the inspections needed for 

 RA3 credit (RA3 = 16), and the City scans all permit records and 

 backs them up weekly (RA5 = 5).

RA = 25 + 16 + 5 = 46
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c430 = cDL + (FRB x rFRB) + (FDN x rFDN) + (CSI x rCSI) 

+ (LSI x rLSI) + (PCF x rPCF) + (ENL x rENL)

+ BC + LDP + MHP + (CAZ x rCAZ) + SHR

+ (OHS x rOHS) + SMS + RA

= 0 + (250 x 0.52) + 0 + 0 + 0 + (80 x 0.08) + 0 + 80 + 0 + 0 

+ 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 46 

 = 130.00 + 6.40 + 80 + 46 = 262.40

This value is rounded to the nearest whole number, so c430 = 262

434 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

b. Most state NFIP coordinating offices have prepared model ordinances with provisions that 

exceed the minimum NFIP standards. Additional help on regulatory provisions may be 

available from state planning or community affairs agencies and regional planning 

commissions.

c. FEMA has numerous publications on regulatory standards and administering floodplain 

management regulations. See http://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management.

Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical Evacuation from Tsunami, 2008, 

FEMA P646. See https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1641-20490-

9063/femap646.pdf. 

Vertical Evacuation from Tsunamis: A Guide for Community Officials, 2009, 

FEMA P646A. See https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1719-25045-

1822/fema_p646a.pdf.

d. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in 

Emmitsburg, Maryland. Stipends to cover local officials’ travel, registration, and rooms are 

usually available from FEMA. EMI also sponsors field-deployed and home-study or 

“independent study” courses. For more information, contact the state emergency management 

agency’s training office or visit the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov/emi/.

e. More information on the I-Codes can be obtained from the International Code Council at 

www.iccsafe.org.

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Code Series (2006 I-Codes with 2007 

Supplement), 2000, was published jointly by the model code organizations, FEMA, the 

Association of State Floodplain Managers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

See www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2094.

f. For more information on floodplain manager certification, contact the Association of State 

Floodplain Managers at (608) 828-3000 or see www.floods.org.
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e. National Marine Fisheries Service, 2008. 2008 Status of U.S. Fisheries. U.S. Department of 

Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Available at

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/2008/StatusFisheries_2008.pdf.

f. Rapp, Cygnia F. and Timothy B. Abbe, 2003. A Framework for Delineating Channel 

Migration Zones. Ecology Publication #03-06-027. Washington State Department of Ecology. 

Available at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/0306027.pdf.

435 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• If certain areas are subject to special regulations (such as the coastal A Zone), people 

should be advised of the regulations when they make map information inquiries 

(Activity 320 (Map Information Service)).

• Explaining permit requirements and regulatory standards is a credited topic for 

outreach projects (OP and FRP) under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) and for 

website pages (Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information)).

• Requirements that are filed with a property’s records, such as a nonconversion 

agreement (ENL), are eligible for credit as other disclosure requirements (ODR) in 

Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure).

• Regulatory requirements should be part of any discussion of property protection 

measures (Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance)). For example, the community’s substantial improvement rules should be explained, especially when Increased 

Cost of Compliance is discussed.

• If regulations are enforced in the regulatory floodplain outside the SFHA, there may

be some credit available under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping).

• If the standards for development limitations (DL) are restrictive enough, the areas 

affected could qualify for preserved open space (OSP) under Activity 420 (Open 

Space Preservation).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 440-1 Edition: 2017

440 FLOOD DATA MAINTENANCE—Summary 

Maximum credit: 222 points

442 Elements

a. Additional map data (AMD): Up to 160 points for implementing digital 

or paper systems that improve access, quality, and/or ease of updating 

flood data within the community. 

b. FIRM maintenance (FM): Up to 15 points for maintaining copies of all 

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that have been issued for the 

community. 

c. Benchmark maintenance (BMM): Up to 27 points for a program that 

maintains benchmarks so surveyors can find them and can depend on 

them to be accurate.

d. Erosion data maintenance (EDM): Up to 20 points for maintaining 

coastal erosion data.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

The impact adjustment for AMD is discussed in Section 442.a, and the impact 

adjustment for BMM is discussed in Section 442.c. There are no impact 

adjustments for FM or EDM.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Flood Data Maintenance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 440-2 Edition: 2017

440 FLOOD DATA MAINTENANCE 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to make community floodplain data more accessible, 

current, useful, and/or accurate so that the information contributes to the improvement of 

local regulations, insurance rating, planning, disclosure, and property appraisals.

441 Background 

Outdated mapping hinders sound floodplain management. The map a community uses for 

floodplain management can and should be updated frequently to account for annexations, 

new subdivisions, site-by-site analyses, better ground elevation data, and incorporation of 

new hazard data. To make the map more useful and easier to use, it should include detailed 

topography, building footprints, natural features, and other data that can help relate the 

floodplain information to conditions on the ground and to other programs.

The most important map to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the Flood 

Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Many communities dispose of old FIRMs when new ones are 

issued. However, old FIRMs, if they are made available, can enable some communities and 

floodplain residents to review the history of the property (e.g., whether it was identified as 

floodprone when it was purchased) and to verify whether a building had to meet flood 

protection criteria when it was built.

Maintenance of benchmarks and support of global positioning system (GPS) surveying 

techniques makes it easier and less expensive for developers and property owners to 

determine ground, floor, and base flood elevations for construction and flood insurance 

purposes. Maintenance of erosion data helps property owners and the potential buyers of 

coastal property better understand their risk and improves coastal floodplain management.

441.a. Activity Description

Under this activity, credit is provided for putting the FIRM and Flood Boundary and 

Floodway Map delineations on a digitized mapping 

system or other method that allows for quick revision, 

review, and reprinting of a flood map (Section 442.a, 

AMD). This activity also includes credit for adding or 

overlaying additional data, such as sensitive areas, 

zoning districts, assessor data, and other map layers 

used regularly by the community’s staff. 

A computerized parcel system or geographic 

information system (GIS) is often easier to use than a 

paper map. With a computerized system, a building 

official, real estate agent, or anyone interested in the 

flood hazard can quickly find information such as the

Note that this activity only credits 

maintenance of the community’s 

special flood hazard data. The FIRM 

published by the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) is still 

the document used for flood 

insurance rates and the mandatory 

purchase requirement. However, if 

the community’s flood data 

maintenance program finds an error 

in the FIRM, it should be reported to 

FEMA so it can be included in the 

next map revision
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flood zone, flood elevations, or the lowest floor elevation for parcels or buildings within or 

near the floodplain.

Credit is also provided in this activity for 

• Keeping old FIRMs and making them available (Section 442.b, FM),

• Maintaining accurate ground elevation data (Section 442.c, BMM),

• Replacing damaged or moved benchmarks (Section 442.c, BMM),

• Supporting GPS surveying systems (Section 442.c, BMM), and

• Erosion data maintenance in coastal areas (Section 442.d, EDM). 

442 Elements 

442.a. Additional map data (AMD) 

The maximum credit for this element is 160 points.

AMD credits digital or other systems that improve access, quality, and/or ease of updating 

flood and FIRM data.

Three different types of flood data maintenance systems are usually eligible for credit:

• A GIS or other digitized system that updates information electronically and can 

display or print a current map.

• A data base management program for parcel records that maintains the appropriate 

flood data for each property. Some communities have master parcel record systems 

that can be accessed for building permit records, property tax information, FIRM 

data, and other purposes. Sometimes these systems are tied into a GIS. Credit is given 

if parcels in this system are designated as “in” or “out” of the floodplain.

• Map overlays, such as overlaying the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) on the 

zoning map, aerial photograph, or more detailed street map; or using clear plastic 

sheets over the FIRM to record map changes. 

Data available from any of these three systems improve the community’s administration of 

its floodplain management program. Note that certain information about private property 

may not be released to the public (see the box on flood insurance data and the Privacy Act).

Most of the credited items are important to provide the regulatory staff with the latest flood 

hazard data and other information for a property. Users of the community’s system, 

including tax assessors and property appraisers, should be encouraged to access the data to 

be more aware of the flood hazard.
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Credit Criteria for AMD

(1) AMD1 credit is a prerequisite for any other AMD

credit.

(2) The map or data base must be used regularly by the 

community’s regulatory staff. There is no credit for a 

map system that is used only for planning drainage 

projects or other non-regulatory purposes. Using the 

system to provide map determinations for the permit 

office is considered a regulatory purpose.

(3) New data, including annexations, new subdivision 

maps, flood insurance restudies, Letters of Map 

Revision, Letters of Map Amendment, and studies 

performed for site-specific analyses must be added at 

least annually to the data base or overlay map.

(4) Data from a digitized mapping or parcel system must 

be made available annually to the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) at no cost (if

requested). A fee may be charged to other requestors 

based on the actual cost of retrieval or reproduction.

The Privacy Act 

Flood insurance data about 

private property, including repetitive 

loss properties, are protected under 

the Privacy Act. Personally 

identifiable information such as the 

names or addresses of specific 

properties, whether they are covered 

by flood insurance or not, whether 

they have received flood insurance 

claims, or the amounts of such 

claims MAY NOT be released outside 

of local government agencies or to 

the public or used for solicitation or 

other purposes. Such information 

should be marked “For internal use 

only. Protected by the Privacy Act of 

1974.” 

General or aggregated 

information, such as total claims paid 

for a community or an area or data 

not connected to a particular property 

may be made public. Credit Points for AMD

AMD = the total of the 

following, based on the types of data included in the data 

maintenance system

AMD1 = 20 points, for showing the SFHA boundaries, corporate 

limits, streets, and parcel or lot boundaries (a data base 

management program must show whether a parcel is in the 

SFHA)

AMD2 = 26 points, for a GIS layer that shows buildings, building 

outlines, or building footprints (a data base management

program must show whether the primary building on the lot 

is in the SFHA), and the building information is kept up to

date to reflect new construction

AMD3 = 12 points, for showing floodways or coastal high 

hazard areas (a data base management program must 

show whether either the parcel or the primary building is in 

the floodway or coastal high hazard area)

AMD4 = 12 points, for showing base flood elevations
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AMD5 = 10 points, for including FIRM zone attributes

(e.g., A3, VE, etc.)

AMD6 = 10 points, for showing the 500-year floodplain 

elevations or boundaries (a data base management program 

must show whether the parcel is in the 500-year floodplain) 

AMD7 = 12 points, for showing areas of the community subject

to other natural hazards, such as landslides, subsidence,

stream migration, and soils unsuitable for septic fields (a 

data base management program would show whether the 

parcel is subject to another hazard) 

AMD8 = EITHER:

(a) 8 points, if the community’s GIS includes topographic 

contour lines,

OR

(b) 10 points, if the system includes topographic contour 

lines at a smaller contour interval than that provided on 

available U.S. Geological Survey digital orthophoto 

quarter quads (DOQQ). In those areas where there are 

no DOQQs, the credit is provided if the contour interval 

is smaller than that on the area’s USGS quadrangle 

maps

AMD9 = 6 points, for including updated floodplain data in the tax 

assessment data base

AMD10 = 6 points, for including overlays or layers for all FIRMs 

in effect after the date of the community’s application to the 

Community Rating System (CRS)

AMD11 = 8 points, for other overlays or data bases used for

regulation or mitigation programs, including incorporating

and maintaining layers from Hazus-MH (see Figure 510-2) 

and the community’s repetitive loss areas (see Section 503)

AMD12 = 14 points, for areas with natural floodplain functions

(e.g., wetlands, designated riparian habitat)

AMD13 = 14 points, for including building elevation data. The

data must be in digital format, not scanned pictures of 

Elevation Certificates. The points are prorated in the same 

manner as Elevation Certificates are prorated in WEB4 

(Section 352.c)
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Example 442.a-1.

Pierce County, Washington, has a GIS that is used for regulatory,

development, and building permit purposes. The GIS contains

numerous layers for land development, zoning, critical areas, shoreline 

review, and other data sets. They include the following information,

which can be credited:

(1) The SFHA boundaries, corporate limits, streets, and parcel 

boundaries (AMD1);

(2) Building footprints (AMD2);

(3) Floodways and coastal high hazard areas (AMD3);

(4) Base flood elevations (AMD4);

(5) FIRM zone attributes (e.g., A3, VE, etc.) (AMD5);

(6) The 500-year floodplain elevations and boundaries (AMD6); 

(7) Channel migration zones, landslides, and lahars (AMD7);

(8) Contour lines created from a LiDAR data base (AMD8);

(10) All FIRMs in effect after the date of the community’s application to 

the CRS (AMD10); and

(12) Fish and wildlife areas and wetlands (AMD12).

All of the above items are used by the County for various floodplain 

management and other community development programs. 

AMD = 20 + 26 + 12 + 12 + 10 + 10 + 12 + 10 + 0 + 6 + 0 + 14 + 0 

 = 132

Impact Adjustment for AMD

The impact adjustment is calculated by dividing the area of the community’s SFHA for 

which data have been entered into the computer (or added to the overlay map) by the total

area of the community’s SFHA (aSFHA):

rAMD = aAMD , where

 aSFHA 

aAMD = the area within the SFHA that is covered by the 

additional map data, and 

aSFHA = the area of the community’s SFHA 
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The areas for aAMD and aSFHA must be in the same measurement—acres or square miles. 

If the calculated value of rAMD is less than 0.10, then 0.10 may be used for rAMD.

NOTE: The community’s aSFHA should be reviewed and updated each year for the 

Program Data Table that is included in the annual recertification (see Section 213.a).

Example 442.a-2.

Pierce County’s GIS covers the entire county and all its floodplains. 

rAMD = 1.00

If a community has different digital mapping or data base systems for different areas of the 

community, it should designate and score each one separately and the total credit points

will be corrected through the impact adjustment. 

Example 442.a-3.

Gulf Beach County has a GIS for the developed area along the coast. 

For inland rural areas, the staff refers to map overlays. The GIS would 

be designated “AMD1” and the area not covered by the GIS would be 

“AMD2.” The two systems would be scored and, if together they 

covered the entire county, rAMD1 plus rAMD2 would equal 1.00.

Documentation for AMD Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Copies of the maps or examples from the data base that clearly show the items to be 

credited. For example, printouts of some GIS screens could show all the attributes to 

be credited.

(b) [If the community calculates impact adjustment ratios for element AMD] The 

impact adjustment map discussed in Section 403. Each area listed in Section 442.a

for which credit is being requested must be shown on the impact adjustment map.
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442.b. FIRM maintenance (FM) 

The maximum credit for this element is 15 points.

Having old FIRMs on hand can help with tracking substantial improvement requirements, 

compliance, and eligibility for grandfathered flood insurance premiums. Old maps can be 

hard to obtain, so a community that keeps them provides a valuable service to its residents. 

FM credit is provided for maintaining earlier editions of flood insurance maps. The maps 

must be readily available and the community must allow inquirers access to them. Copies of 

old FIRMs and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps may be available from the FEMA Map 

Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/).

Credit Criteria for FM

(1) Copies of the maps produced by the NFIP must be maintained. Under this element, 

credit is provided for maintaining copies of ALL FIRMs, Flood Insurance Studies, and 

Flood Boundary Floodway Maps. “All FIRMs” means every panel for every FIRM that 

appears on the list of FIRM revisions in the legend of the current FIRM. If the 

community has only been issued one FIRM, no credit is available under this element, 

because keeping the community’s current FIRM is a minimum requirement of the NFIP. 

Note also that maintaining copies of old FIRMs that have been in effect since 1999 is a 

prerequisite for credit under Activity 320 (Map Information Service). The FM credit is 

for maintaining ALL FIRMs, not just those issued since 1999.

(2) Additional credit is provided for maintaining copies of the Flood Hazard Boundary 

Maps, i.e., the FEMA maps published before the community received its first FIRM.

(3) The maps and documents can be maintained in paper, microfilm, or electronic format. 

They do not have to be part of the system credited under Section 442.a (AMD), but they 

must be in the possession of the community and made available to the public when 

asked.

Credit Points for FM

FM = the total of the following:

(1) 12 points, for maintaining copies of all FIRMs, Flood

Insurance Studies, and Flood Boundary Floodway Maps 

that have been issued for the community

(2) 3 points, for maintaining copies of all Flood Hazard

Boundary Maps that were issued for the community 

There is no credit if the FIRM has never been revised.
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Impact Adjustment for FM

There is no impact adjustment for FM.

Documentation for FM Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The indexes from all past FIRMs and Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps, and the 

cover of each past Flood Insurance Study.

442.c. Benchmark maintenance (BMM) 

The maximum credit for this element is 27 points.

BMM1 credits a program that maintains benchmarks so surveyors can find them and can 

depend on them to be accurate. BMM2 credits a program that maintains a network of 

stations that support GPS surveying.

Benchmarks: Accurate benchmarks are critical to surveyors when they are completing 

Elevation Certificates or performing land surveys before a new structure is built. If the 

benchmarks are not accurate, structures can be built too low, or perhaps even in the wrong 

location.

The National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) is maintained by the National Geodetic 

Survey (NGS) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is a compendium of vertical and 

horizontal benchmarks for the country. This element provides credit if the community has a 

sufficient number and density of benchmarks to meet the NSRS prerequisites. If the 

community does not, it is encouraged to either survey new ones or submit the data 

necessary to add qualifying existing benchmarks to the national system.

Any surveyor can create a NSRS benchmark. Surveyors must follow the guidelines of the 

NGS for the type of monument set and the accuracy of the survey that establishes the 

monument. After review by the NGS, these benchmarks are added to the NSRS data base,

which is available to surveyors and the public at http://geodesy.noaa.gov/.

GPS support: The NGS manages a network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations 

(CORS) that provide Global Navigation Satellite System data in support of threedimensional positioning and geophysical applications throughout the United States. 

Surveyors, GIS users, engineers, scientists, and others who collect GPS data can use CORS 

data to improve the precision of their positions. CORS-enhanced, post-processed coordinates 

are accurate to within a few centimeters relative to NSRS coordinates, both horizontally and 

vertically.

The CORS sites are independently owned and operated. Each agency shares its data with the 

NGS, and the NGS in turn analyzes and distributes the data free of charge. As of 

August 2015, the CORS network contained almost 2,000 stations, contributed by over 200 

different organizations, and the network continues to expand. 
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Having at least three CORS within 30 miles enables surveyors with portable GPS stations to 

obtain elevations accurate enough for FEMA Elevation Certificates in near-real time. The 

NGS provides a current map of CORS on its website (http://geodesy.noaa.gov/CORS/). This 

map provides the distance to the three nearest CORS from any point on the map. A 

community can use this map to see if it qualifies for BMM2 credit.

Credit Criteria for BMM

(1) There must be a list of the benchmarks and/or CORS and a description of the benchmark 

and/or CORS locations.

(2) To receive credit, each benchmark must meet all of the following criteria:

(a) It must be a benchmark that is either in the NSRS data base, or a permanent 

monument with key data posted in a reference system readily available to local 

surveyors, such as a published book or the community’s website. The local system 

must include key data, such as the location and 

description of the benchmark, the elevation 

and datum, and when the benchmark was last 

recovered.

Some areas may not have any NSRS benchmarks. If the community has a network of 

quality benchmarks that are permanent

monuments but are not entered into the NSRS, 

it must provide a statement, signed by a 

licensed surveyor, that each benchmark for 

which credit is requested is a monument that 

would qualify for addition to the NSRS if it 

were submitted to the NGS.

(b) There must be a note that the benchmark has 

been recovered within the last five years. “Recovered” means that the benchmark has 

been located and that it appears to be undisturbed. If a benchmark has not been 

recovered in the last five years, a local official or surveyor can locate the monument 

and report that it has been recovered. A recovery note must be filed in the NSRS or 

where it can be accessed by local surveyors. 

In some cases, the community or local surveyors may need to recover all credited 

benchmarks to maintain this credit at each cycle verification visit. Recovery can be 

reported by any local official—it does not have to be a licensed surveyor. Recovery 

can also be reported by surveyors in the private sector if the community maintains 

the recovery notes. The NSRS website explains the process to report recovery.

(c) The benchmark must be a first- or second-order vertical control benchmark. The 

“order” tells how close the results were when the surveyor who set the benchmark

completed a circuit back to the starting point. Lower-order vertical benchmarks are 

not as precise in elevation.

Permanent Monuments 

“Permanent monuments” are 

engraved metal discs at least 2 inches 

in diameter or similar markers that are 

recognizable, durable, and immovable,

and set in concrete or on steel rods 

driven to resistance. Chiseled squares 

in sidewalks, parts of fire hydrants, 

nails in telephone poles, “PK nails” in 

pavement, etc., are NOT “permanent 

monuments.”
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(d) It must have a stability rating of A or B. The NSRS describes whether a benchmark

is likely to move over time with the following system:

A = most reliable and expected to hold an elevation (e.g., bedrock);

B = probably will hold an elevation well (e.g., a massive bridge pier);

C = may hold, but of a type commonly subject to ground movement (e.g., a 

building foundation); and

D = mark of questionable or unknown stability.

Some areas may not have any benchmarks rated A or B. If the community has an 

alternative way to provide dependable elevation data, it may submit a description of 

its alternative. An example would be a program that resurveys benchmarks every few 

years. The community must demonstrate that its alternative method achieves

consistently accurate elevations over time.

(e) It must be within one mile of some part of the community’s SFHA. The community 

must submit a map showing the location of the qualifying benchmarks and the 

portion of the SFHA within one mile of a qualifying benchmark. Areas mapped as 

approximate A Zones without elevations do not need to be included as part of the 

SFHA unless the community is asking for credit under Activity 410 for flood 

elevations for a site at the time of development.

(3) Credit can be provided for CORS as an alternative or in addition to the benchmarks that 

meet credit criterion (2). There must be at least three free CORS within 30 miles of the 

credited portion of the SFHA. There is no credit for areas covered by only one or two 

CORS.

(4) An impact adjustment map is required that shows the community’s SFHA, the locations 

of the listed benchmarks or CORS, and the portion of the SFHA that is within one mile 

of a qualifying benchmark or within 30 miles of a qualifying CORS.

Credit Points for BMM

BMM = BMM1 + BMM2, provided that the areas covered do not 

overlap

BMM1 = 27 points, if the community has one or more

benchmarks that meet credit criterion (2)

BMM2 = 27 points, if there are three CORS within 30 miles 

(50 km) of the credited portion of the SFHA

If a community has benchmarks for some areas of the community and CORS for others, it 

should designate and score each one separately and the total credit points will be calculated

through the impact adjustment and credit calculation formula (Section 443).
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Impact Adjustment for BMM

The impact adjustment for BMM1 is based on the area of the community’s SFHA that is 

within one mile of the benchmarks and the total area of the community’s SFHA.

rBMM1 = aBMM1 , where 

aSFHA

aBMM1 = the area of the SFHA within one mile of a qualifying

benchmark and not counted as a part of aBMM2, and 

aSFHA = the area of the community’s SFHA, in square miles

The impact adjustment for BMM2 is based on the area of the community’s SFHA that is 

within 30 miles of at least three CORS and the total area of the community’s SFHA. 

rBMM2 = aBMM2 , where 

aSFHA

aBMM2 = the area of the SFHA within 30 miles of at least 

three CORS and not counted as a part of aBMM1, and 

aSFHA = the area of the community’s SFHA, in square miles

Documentation for BMM Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The list of the benchmarks and/or CORS.

(b) The data for the creditable benchmarks that are in the NSRS or the community’s 

publicly accessible data base. This must include key data, such as the location and 

description of the benchmarks, their order and stability, the elevation and datum, and 

when the benchmarks were last recovered.

The documentation can be in the form of either 

(i) A printout of the NSRS datasheets, a photocopy of the relevant pages of the 

community’s benchmark book, or the URL for the website data base, or

(ii) For those benchmarks that are not in the NSRS, a statement signed by a licensed 

surveyor that states that they meet all five of this element’s prerequisites. The 

surveyor’s statement does not need to be certified or sealed, but does need to 

include the signatory’s license number.

(c) An impact adjustment map (see credit criterion (4)). See Section 403 on impact 

adjustment maps. The BMM impact adjustment must show those SFHAs where base 

flood elevations are available, the locations of the benchmarks (for BMM1 credit), or 
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the locations of the CORS (for BMM2 credit). The NSRS retrieval maps do not 

qualify because they do not show or name a sufficient number of features.

Example 442.b-1.

A small community has two vertical control benchmarks that meet the 

prerequisites. One is listed in the NSRS and the other is posted on the 

city engineering department’s website. All parts of the SFHA are within 

one mile of one or the other benchmark. 

The area of its SFHA is 396 acres or 0.62 square miles. 

rBMM 1 = aBMM = 0.62 = 1.0

 aSFHA 0.62

442.d. Erosion data maintenance (EDM) 

The maximum credit for element EDM is 20 points.

EDM credit is for updating the rate of coastal erosion and the rates used for regulating 

building setbacks.

NOTE: Related CRS credit is provided separately under element AMD3 in Section 442.a.

That credit is for including coastal erosion-related hazard areas in a geographic 

information system (GIS), in a digitized parcel system, or on an overlay map. 

Credit Criteria for EDM

(1) The community must update the erosion data on at least a five-year cycle.

(2) The community must receive credit for regulating development in erosion-prone areas

under Section 430CER.

Credit Points for EDM

The credit points for EDM are calculated as shown below.

Erosion data maintenance (EDM) (Maximum credit: 20 points)

EDM = 20, if a state or local agency maintains reference 

marks spaced no more than 1⁄2 mile apart and records 

shoreline erosion in relation to those reference marks at 

least every five years, OR

EDM = 10, if a state or local agency takes new aerial 
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photographs at least every five years to update its 

shoreline erosion rates.

Impact Adjustment for EDM

All of the shoreline must be included in the erosion study. Therefore, there is no impact 

adjustment for this element.

Documentation for EDM Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A description of the method used to update mapped erosion rates or regulatory maps.

(b) A certification that the rates or maps are updated and adopted on at least a five-year 

cycle.

443 Credit Calculation 

c440 = cAMD + FM + cBMM + EDM, where

cAMD = AMD x rAMD, and 

cBMM = (BMM1 x rBMM1) + (BMM2 x rBMM2) 

444 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

b. FEMA’s guidelines and standards for flood risk analysis and mapping to meet NFIP 

requirements, along with accompanying technical references (current and previous), are 

available at FEMA’s webpage, Guidelines and Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and 

Mapping, at https://www.fema.gov/guidelines-and-standards-flood-risk-analysis-and-mapping.

c. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources 

Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water conservation 

district, which usually is located in the county seat.

d. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide assistance with benchmarks and mapping 

issues. Requests for assistance should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services 

Coordinator at the appropriate District Office of the Corps.

e. Communities may check on past FIRMs and obtain background data by calling 1-877-FEMA 

MAP. They can also find many of their old maps through https://msc.fema.gov, under Product 

Catalog and Historic Flood Maps.
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f. Information on the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) can be found at 

www.ngs.noaa.gov. Benchmarks entered into the system are recorded on data sheets at 

http://geodesy.noaa.gov/datasheets/.

445 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

This activity directly supports floodplain management to comply with the minimum NFIP 

requirements, but it also supports a number of CRS activities.

• Activity 320 (Map Information Service)—Having copies of existing and old FIRMs

in an easily accessible format can facilitate credit under this activity. If more layers 

are available, then information can also be provided for additional hazards.

• Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)—Maps of the existing SFHA, showing all the 

additional detail credited in Activity 440, allow for a higher-quality outreach program

that addresses the specific issues in each neighborhood. Additional hazard data and 

information on natural functions also help inform the outreach process and help 

educate the public. If the community has a GIS or a data base management program 

for parcel records, it should be able to prepare a printout or a disk with the addresses 

of all the properties in the floodplain. This will facilitate mailing an outreach project 

to floodplain residents.

• Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure)—Provision of good map data to insurance agents 

and others allows them to better and more easily inform their clients about existing 

hazards and natural resources and functions.

• Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance)—The more information the community 

has in its system, the more support the community can offer quickly and easily.

• Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion)—Digital copies of maps, particularly 

containing parcel and structure data, can help the community target its program to 

promote the purchase of flood insurance by its residents. Structures for which

insurance is required can be identified and, if first-floor information is available, 

estimates of the cost of flood insurance can be developed for the owners. If repetitive 

loss areas are included, then they can be targeted by additional outreach or prioritized 

within the program.
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• Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping)—Integration of floodplain map information 

provided by the community with FIRM map information and LOMRs can be 

facilitated by having all of the information in a single data system, like a GIS.

• Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation)—Creating all the overlays or data bases for a 

GIS can provide the information necessary to identify and calculate credit for open 

space, including the bonus credit for natural functions.

• Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)—Having map and parcel data in one 

system can facilitate rapid and accurate decisions about many community regulations, 

including freeboard, enclosure limits, and coastal A-Zone standards. Having firstfloor elevations available and mapped for credit can help verify that the community is 

properly implementing its freeboard requirements. The maps also can be used to 

determine the impact adjustment required for each element within this activity and 

Activity 420. Benchmarks are needed to ensure that structures are properly elevated 

and having the benchmarks easily located is important.

• Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)—Having accurate topography available is 

important for determining watershed boundaries and flow paths to ensure that new 

developments are properly implementing stormwater management requirements. 

Mapping of other sensitive areas can be credited under watershed master planning 

and additional credit can be obtained if the maps are part of the system used for 

regulation under this activity.

• Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning)—Planning requires good data. 

Having all the data in an easily visible format is critical to good planning. Data 

credited in 440 should be used during development of a community’s flood hazard 

management plan, and any additional data developed during the process could add to 

the credit in 440 if the layer was not previously available.

• Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation)—Having older maps showing parcel and 

structure data can help target structures for acquisition or relocation and also 

contribute to documenting completion of the project.

• Activity 530 (Flood Protection)—Having first-floor data available is important for 

grant opportunities. When a community has all or most of the information credited in 

this activity, it can identify which structures are of highest priority for retrofitting or 

elevation. Once a project is completed, the maps can be used to verify the activity.

• Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance)—Mapping of natural functions and 

structures can help a community decide where to target its channel maintenance 

activities. Having all drainage facilities incorporated as part of its data base allows 

for better planning for new development, better maintenance, and a way to determine 

what maintenance standards should be required.

• Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response)—Maps of the SFHA, structures, 

evacuation routes, other natural hazards, building elevations, and ground elevations 

help the community determine how it will respond during a flood.
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• Activity 620 (Levees)—Maps of areas that can be inundated after a levee fails are 

crucial to planning how to respond. Maps of the SFHA, the 500-year inundation 

boundaries, buildings and their first floors, and topography help with this planning.

• Activity 630 (Dams)—A community needs maps of areas that can be inundated after 

a dam fails in order to plan how to respond. Maps of the SFHA, the 500-year 

inundation boundaries, structures and their first floors, and topography help with this 

planning.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-1 Edition: 2017

450 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT—Summary 

Maximum credit: 755 points

452 Elements

a. Stormwater management regulations (SMR): Up to 380 points for 

regulating development on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the peak 

flow of stormwater runoff from each site will not exceed the predevelopment runoff. SMR credit is the sum of four sub-elements:

(1) Size of development regulated (SZ): Up to 110 points.

(2) Design storms used in regulations (DS): Up to 225 points.

(3) Low-impact development (LID): Up to 25 points.

(4) Public maintenance of required facilities (PUB): Up to 20 points.

b. Watershed master plan (WMP): Up to 315 points for regulating 

development and redevelopment according to a watershed management 

master plan. WMP is the total of eight sub-elements.

c. Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC): Up to 40 points for 

regulations to minimize erosion from land disturbed due to construction.

d. Water quality regulations (WQ): 20 points for regulations that improve 

the quality of stormwater runoff.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

The credit points for SMR and WMP are adjusted by ratios reflecting the 

proportion of the watersheds affected by the regulations or the plan. There is no 

impact adjustment for elements ESC or WQ.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Stormwater Management

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-2 Edition: 2017

450 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to prevent future development from increasing flood 

hazards to existing development, to protecting existing hydrologic functions within the 

watershed, and to maintain and improve water quality. 

451 Background 

When unmanaged, stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment throughout 

a watershed increases flood hazards by causing more frequent flooding, greater flood 

depths, and longer-lasting floods. As forests, fields, and farms are covered by impermeable 

surfaces, such as streets, rooftops, and parking lots, more of the rain runs off and it runs off 

at a faster rate. When an area is urbanized, the rate of runoff and the volume of runoff can 

increase five-fold or more.

This problem is compounded by

• Changes in the surface drainage system. Stormwater runoff travels faster on streets 

and in storm drains than it did under pre-development conditions;

• Armoring of channels, which increases the velocity of flows and remove habitat that 

is essential to many riparian species; and

• Sediment from disturbed ground, which can reduce the capacity of the drainage 

system, adversely affect water quality, and destroy habitat for many species of insects 

and the fish that depend on them.

People, buildings, and infrastructure are affected by these changed conditions. Communities 

are affected by development that takes place in communities upstream in their watershed, 

and the community’s own development in turn can have an impact on downstream

communities. Consequently, watershed-based agencies have been created around the 

country to address these issues on a broader scale. Communities are encouraged to 

cooperate with adjacent communities to manage stormwater. 

It is very important to regulate new development to ensure that the peak flow and volume of 

stormwater runoff that leaves a development site will be no greater than the runoff from the 

site before it was developed. Restrictions on individual developments can address many 

watershed development problems, but to prevent unwanted consequences from development 

as a whole, communities should plan on a watershed-wide basis. 

By completing watershed master plans, communities can examine the potential impact of 

unmitigated development on streams and structures throughout the watershed. Once these 

impacts are known, a comprehensive program, including more specific development 

regulations, can be created to prevent adverse impacts. This will prevent an increase in 

flood damage or stream erosion, reductions in groundwater recharge or water quality, and 

loss of habitat.
Stormwater Management

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-3 Edition: 2017

451.a. Activity Description 

This activity credits four approaches to managing new development in the watershed.

(1) Stormwater management regulations (SMR): Regulating development on a case-bycase basis to ensure that the peak flow and volume of stormwater runoff from each site 

will be no greater than the runoff from the site before it was developed or redeveloped.

Other development regulations requiring developers to maximize a site’s ability to 

absorb site runoff can be credited.

(2) Watershed master planning (WMP): Developing and implementing a watershed 

management master plan that analyzes the combined effects of existing and expected 

development and redevelopment on drainage throughout the watershed and also includes 

a plan of action to address current and expected problems. A stormwater management 

regulation credited under Section 452.a (SMR) helps to manage increased runoff from a 

developing watershed, but it does not solve the problem entirely. The flood peak at a 

point downstream in a watershed is a result of both the quantity of upstream runoff and 

the time it takes for water to travel down the watershed. Development within the 

watershed usually has an impact on both of these characteristics. 

The objective of watershed master planning under Section 452.b (WMP) is to provide 

the community with a tool it can use to make decisions that will reduce the increased 

flooding from development on a watershed-wide basis and address existing flood 

problems. Most communities have some way of dealing with drainage problems, 

through a capital improvement plan, planned flood control structures, or perhaps just by 

responding to complaints as they arise. A watershed master plan, like other community 

plans, allows communities within the watershed to consider future development as they 

work on current problems and ensure that future development does not aggravate 

existing problems.

(3) Erosion and sediment control (ESC): Regulating activities throughout the watershed 

to minimize erosion on construction sites that result could in sedimentation and water 

pollution.

(4) Water quality (WQ): Requiring new developments’ stormwater management facilities

to improve the quality of stormwater runoff.
Stormwater Management

452 Elements 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-4 Edition: 2017

452.a. Stormwater management regulations (SMR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 380 points.

SMR credits the regulations used by the community and its neighbors in the watershed to 

manage runoff from future development onsite. SMR credit is provided if new development 

is required to prevent or reduce the increase in runoff that results from urbanization. SMR 

credit is only provided for regulation of runoff from a 10-year storm or larger. Additional 

credit is available if the community addresses larger storms, and controls the total volume 

of runoff from new development.

Because development typically results in an increase in the amount of runoff, stormwater 

management usually requires that a volume of flood water be stored onsite during the storm 

to prevent increased frequency and severity of flooding. It is released after the runoff 

subsides (stormwater DETENTION). A developer may store this excess runoff for a short time 

so that it may be used for irrigation or groundwater recharge or to reduce pollution 

(stormwater RETENTION). When retention is used for stormwater management, the retained 

runoff is not discharged to the stream system. 

Detention does not reduce the amount of water flowing downstream; rather, it simply lets it 

out over a longer period of time to reduce the peak flow immediately downstream of the 

site. This can still cause flooding problems farther downstream and the additional volume 

of water can destabilize channel banks and cause other problems. Therefore, stormwater 

retention or extended detention is preferable to simple detention for peak flows. If 

stormwater retention is used, the community must ensure that adequate storage is again 

available within a reasonable time in case another storm occurs.

Other approaches, such as low-impact development regulations, can be used to reduce the 

total runoff that leaves a site as well as peak flows. These techniques help preserve a site’s 

ability to absorb its runoff. Credit may be provided for other approaches to managing the 

impact of development on runoff, if the community can show that there is no increase in 

flood risk or erosion downstream. 

Maintenance of these required facilities is vital—if they silt in or become clogged, they 

provide no flood protection benefits. Therefore, there are separate credits under 

Activity 540 for maintaining storage facilities.

SMR credit is the sum of the credit for four sub-elements:

• Size of development (Section 452.a(1), SZ), 

• Design storm used (Section 452.a(2), DS), 

• Low-impact development regulations (Section 452.a(3), LID), and 

• Public agency authority to inspect and maintain, at the owner’s expense, private

facilities constructed to comply with the ordinance (Section 452.a(4), PUB).
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-5 Edition: 2017

Communities are encouraged to check with their regional stormwater management agency 

to see if they can apply for credit based on the stormwater management program 

implemented by the regional agency.

Credit Criteria for SMR

(1) A portion of the watershed must be subject to a regulation that requires the peak runoff 

from new development to be no greater than the runoff from the site in its predevelopment condition. 

(2) A community must have credit for size of development (SZ) and design storm (DS) in 

order to receive credit for SMR.

(3) For SZ credit, the community must, at a minimum, regulate developoment of 5 acres or 

more or increases in impervious area of 20,000 square feet or more.

(4) For DS credit, the community must require onsite management of at least a 10-year 

storm. A regulation designed to retain or detain only the “first flush,” the first inch of 

rainfall, or less than a 10-year storm, is not credited under SMR. However, it may 

qualify as a water quality regulation (WQ) and be credited under Section 452.d. Design 

standards for channels, culverts, and bridges are not credited.

(5) For DS credit, the community’s regulations must require pre- and post-development 

hydrology calculations and post-development runoff from the development or 

redevelopment site must be limited to pre-development levels. 

Sub-elements

(1) Size of development (SZ): 

The maximum credit for this sub-element is 110 points.

Maximum credit for SZ is provided if the regulations clearly state that all development, 

including single-family residences, is subject to the regulations. However, some SZ 

credit can be provided for different types of development; for example, if the 

community regulates commercial developments that are larger than one-half acre 

(SZ1 = 90 points) and residential developments larger than 5 acres (SZ2 = 15 points). 

An impact adjustment must be used to reflect the percentage of land in each category.

Credit Points for SZ

(1) SZ = one of the following, based upon the minimum size

of areas regulated: 

(a) SZ = 110 points, if all development is regulated, or

(b) SZ = 90 points, if all development is regulated except for 

single-family residences, parcels of one-half acre or less, or 

increases in impervious area of 5,000 square feet or less, or 
Stormwater Management

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-6 Edition: 2017

(c) SZ = 60 points, if all development is regulated except for 

parcels of 1 acre or less or increases in impervious area of 

10,000 square feet or less, or

(d) SZ = 15 points, if all development is regulated except for

parcels of 5 acres or less or increases in impervious area of 

20,000 square feet or less

If the regulations only affect development of parcels LARGER than 5 acres (e.g., 10-acre 

developments) or increases in impervious area of more than 20,000 square feet, there is no 

credit for SZ or credit for SMR.

Credit may be provided for requiring developers to pay fees in lieu of constructing 

facilities, if the fees collected go toward construction of the necessary facilities and the 

facilities are constructed before development.

Example 452.a-1.

As a condition of subdivision, planned-unit development, or other 

permit approval, the community requires that all land disturbances

larger than 1 acre ensure that the post-development stormwater 

discharge from the site will not exceed the amount of runoff under predevelopment conditions. 

SZ = 60

(2) Design storms used in regulations (DS): 

The maximum credit for this sub-element is 225 points, including the bonus for 

controlling the total volume of runoff.

Although the 100-year flood is the typical basis for floodplain management, many 

communities use a lesser standard for stormwater management. A lower standard may 

meet many community needs, but management of smaller storms does not necessarily 

result in reduced peak flows or volume from a major storm. DS credit is based on the 

size of the storm that is managed onsite by the community’s program—more points are

provided for managing larger storms.

The maximum DS credit is provided if the regulation clearly states that all discharges up 

to and including that from the 100-year storm must be released at rates not exceeding 

the pre-development peak discharge. Bonus credit for controlling the volume of runoff 

is provided (up to 75 more points) when the regulations require retention of all runoff. 

The additional credit is also provided if the total volume of water released, measured 

above half of the 2-year flow rate is no more than the pre-development volume.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-7 Edition: 2017

As an alternative to such a performance standard, the language may be based on criteria 

designed to produce the same result on a regional basis (e.g., a standard allowable 

discharge per acre based on a regional study). If such language is used, the community 

must provide an estimate of the design storm controlled and a comparison of the pre -

development runoff and the permitted discharge. Note that if this is based on a regional 

study, this may already have been documented by the regional agency or another

Community Rating System (CRS) community in the region.

Example 452.a-2.

Language for a volume control ordinance could read: 

All new development within the Little River watershed shall be 

designed to prevent any increase in peak flow, velocity, or 

total runoff volume during the 5-year and 100-year rainfall 

events. Before development, the developer must submit 

hydrologic and hydraulic studies showing the nature and 

extent of runoff under present conditions and with the 

proposed development for those two rainfall events.

Credit Points for DS

(2) DS = the total of the following for the storms used to measure 

the impact of new development:

(a) DS1 = EITHER 14 points, if detention is designed for a 

10-year storm, OR

21 points, if the volume is also controlled

(b) DS2 = EITHER 36 points, if detention is designed for a storm 

larger than the 10-year but smaller than the 100-year 

storm, OR

54 points, if the volume is also controlled

(c) DS3 = EITHER 100 points, if detention is designed for the 

peak flow of the 100-year storm, OR

 150 points, if the volume is also controlled
Stormwater Management

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-8 Edition: 2017

The regulations must require pre- and post-development hydrology calculations and postdevelopment runoff must be limited to pre-development levels at the site boundary (credit 

criterion (5)). The standard used may be peak flow, volume, or a combination of the two. If 

the volume of runoff is controlled by retaining the runoff on site, infiltrating the runoff, or 

ensuring that the volume of runoff during all storms greater than half of the 2-year event 

remains constant, the credit is increased by 50%.

Example 452.a-3.

A community’s stormwater management ordinance requires control of 

the 2- and 10-year storms onsite to prevent increases in runoff. Under 

that ordinance, DS1 = 14, DS2 = 0, and DS3 = 0. Similarly, if the 

ordinance had been based on the 25- and 50-year storms, DS1 would 

be 0, DS2 = 36 and DS3 = 0.

The community adopted an ordinance that requires determination of a 

proposed development’s effects on the 10- and the 100-year storms to 

ensure that peak flows leaving the site or within two miles downstream 

are not increased. Now, DS1 = 14, DS2 = 0 and DS3 = 100.

DS = DS1 + DS2 + DS3 = 14 + 0 + 100 = 114

Example 452.a-4. 

A Florida county has sandy soils and requires all new development

within closed basins of concern (watersheds that do not drain to the 

ocean) to retain on site the runoff from all storms up to and including 

the 100-year storm.

DS = DS1 + DS2 + DS3 = 21 + 54 + 150 = 225

(3) Low-impact development (LID): 

The maximum credit for this sub-element is 25 points.

LID credits the community’s regulatory language that requires the implementation of 

LID techniques to the maximum extent feasible to control peak runoff when new

development occurs. LID techniques can significantly reduce or eliminate the increase 

in stormwater runoff created by traditional development, encourage aquifer recharge, 

and promote better water quality. Communities are encouraged to use these techniques 

to minimize the need for more traditional stormwater management.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-9 Edition: 2017

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) defines LID as 

. . . an approach to land development (or redevelopment) that works with nature to manage 

stormwater as close to its source as possible. 

LID employs principles such as preserving and 

recreating natural landscape features and minimizing effective imperviousness to create 

functional and appealing site drainage that 

treats stormwater as a resource rather than a 

waste product. 

Many practices have been used to adhere to 

these principles, such as bioretention facilities, 

rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, rain barrels, 

and permeable pavements. By implementing 

LID principles and practices, water can be 

managed in a way that reduces the impact of 

built areas and promotes the natural movement 

of water within an ecosystem or watershed. 

Applied on a broad scale, LID can maintain or 

restore a watershed’s hydrologic and ecological 

functions.

Communities that require new development and 

redevelopment to implement LID techniques in 

all cases can receive up to 25 points.

Credit for LID is also provided if the 

community’s stormwater management ordinance 

requires the use of “soft” techniques to reduce 

runoff to the maximum extent possible before using detention. This can be thought of as 

a requirement to mimic natural hydrologic runoff and minimize the impact of land 

development on water resources to the maximum extent possible. The developers are 

required to control the runoff, but detention ponds are discouraged in favor of on-site 

infiltration.

A community can receive partial LID credit for a stormwater management ordinance 

that requires that development of a certain size (e.g., all development except a singlefamily residence) minimize runoff using these techniques.

Low-impact Development 

(LID)

The term low impact development 

(LID) refers to systems and practices 

that use or mimic natural processes 

that result in the infiltration, 

evapotranspiration, or use of 

stormwater in order to protect water 

qualify and associated aquatic 

habitat. The EPA currently uses the 

term “green infrastructure” to refer to 

the management of wet weather 

flows using these processes, and to 

refer to the patchwork of natural 

areas that provide habitat, flood 

protection, cleaner air, and cleaner 

water.

At the both the site and regional 

scale, LID and green infrastructure 

practices aim to preserve, restore, 

and create green space using soils, 

vegetation, and rainwater harvest 

techniques.

(http://www.epa.gov/pollutedrunoff-nonpoint-sourcepollution/urban-runoff-low-impactdevelopment )
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-10 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for LID

(3) LID = one of the following:

(a) LID = 25 points, if all development (SZ = 110) is 

required to use low-impact development techniques 

(instead of pipes, channels, or detention) to control the 

impacts of development on runoff to the maximum extent 

feasible; OR

(b) LID = 20 points if SZ = 90; OR

(c) LID = 15 points if SZ = 60; OR

(d) LID = 10 points if SZ = 15.

Example 452.a-5.

The following language is from Section 4.2 of the Stormwater 

Management and Sediment and Erosion Control Ordinance for 

Berkeley County, West Virginia, and would receive LID credit. 

Small scale stormwater management practices, non-structural

techniques, and better site planning to mimic natural 

hydrologic runoff characteristics and minimize the impact of 

land development on water resources must be implemented.

Only when it is absolutely necessary is the use of a structural 

BMP warranted.

LID = 25

The full ordinance can be found at 

www.berkeleycountycomm.org/pdf/planning/swmdraft.pdf.

(4) Public maintenance of required facilities (PUB): 

The maximum credit for this sub-element is 20 points.

PUB credit is provided for establishing maintenance procedures, for requiring that 

owners of the new facilities abide by them, and for the community’s having the 

authority to inspect and perform maintenance should the owners not comply with their 

responsibilities. A community can receive PUB credit in one of two ways.

(a) If the community requires the owners of all new facilities to allow the community to 

inspect their facilities. If problems are found, the owners must perform the necessary 

maintenance. If the owner fails to perform the required maintenance, the community 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-11 Edition: 2017

(or agency) must have the authority to perform the maintenance and bill the owner 

for the work performed.

(b) All stormwater management facilities constructed after the date of adoption of the 

regulation (including basins built by private developers) are required to be deeded to 

the community (or other stormwater management agency). 

Whichever approach is used, it must be supported by an ordinance or other regulatory 

authority. For example, holding the owner responsible for maintenance must be based 

on clear legal authority, such as the subdivision ordinance, that was known to the 

developer at the time of construction of the stormwater facility. Credit is not provided 

for a policy or a statement that the community “has been able to get compliance in the 

past” if there is no clear legal authority.

Credit Points for PUB

(4) PUB = 20 points, for requiring the inspection and 

maintenance of stormwater management facilities

Impact Adjustment for SMR

The impact adjustment for SMR is based on the area of the watershed that is regulated by 

the SMR regulations (aSMR) and the total area of the watershed (aW). See Sections 402 

and 403 on calculating an impact adjustment. 

In order to determine aSMR the community must prepare a watershed impact adjustment 

map (see Section 403.d) and calculate the area of the watershed and the area subject to the 

regulations. The base map for the watershed impact adjustment map should be a small-scale 

map that shows all of the watersheds affecting the community. The entire watershed for 

each watercourse draining into or through the community should be shown on the map 

(except those with drainage areas over 50 square miles at the point at which they enter the 

community, because they are excluded from the calculations). The total area of these 

watersheds is represented by aW. 

Many communities are part of very large watersheds, which can mean they account for only

a tiny portion of it. With appropriate documentation, aW may be reduced in three ways.

(1) If the area of a watershed exceeds 50 square miles at the point where it enters the 

community, the community should exclude the upstream portion. If such large 

watersheds are outside the community’s jurisdiction, or are not regulated, the 

community will receive more credit by excluding them. If they are regulated, the 

community may receive more credit by including them. The extent of the applicability 

of each set of regulations enforced within each watershed, if there is more than one, 

must be shown and the area calculated.

(2) If upstream watersheds are effectively reduced by flood control structures that control 

the base flood, the size of aW is reduced accordingly. Only structures designed to 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-12 Edition: 2017

control the base flood and credited as such by the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency (FEMA) can be used for this type of adjustment to aW.

(3) If, because of their ownership, portions of the watersheds are unlikely to be developed, 

those portions may be excluded from aW. Areas that could be excluded are national 

forests, state parks, or privately owned land dedicated to open space use.

Communities are encouraged to cooperate with adjacent communities to manage 

stormwater. If a community only has regulatory jurisdiction over a portion of its 

watersheds, it cannot ensure that properties will be safe from increased runoff in the future , 

because of upstream development. However, if upstream communities also manage future 

development, either independently or through county-wide or watershed regulations, all 

communities can benefit. Therefore, if a community can demonstrate that upstream 

communities have similar watershed management programs for the upper portions of their 

watersheds, it can include those areas in aSMR and receive credit.

If the community does not regulate development within all of the watersheds that affect it

and wants an impact adjustment ratio greater than 0.15, it needs to develop a watershed 

impact adjustment map to determine the areas required to calculate rSMR for each area with 

creditable regulations.

rSMR = aSMR, where

 aW

aSMR = the area subject to stormwater management regulation, 

and

aW = the area of all watersheds affecting the community

If the total calculated impact adjustment is less than 0.15, or the community does not 

prepare a watershed impact adjustment map, then rSMR = 0.15.

Example 452.a-6.

A community regulates all watersheds within its corporate limits. 

However, areas outside the corporate limits are not regulated. The 

staff calculates that the area of the community’s jurisdiction is 13% of 

all the land within the watersheds that drain to the community.

Therefore, 0.15 is used for rSMR, since it is greater than the value 

calculated by the community.
Stormwater Management

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-13 Edition: 2017

Documentation for SMR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist and provided to 

the technical reviewer for this activity. There is a checklist to help the stormwater 

manager identify all the needed documentation, available at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

(b) A copy of the regulation requiring management of surface water runoff from new 

development in the watershed. For SMR credit, the language must require that peak 

runoff from new development be no greater than the runoff from the site in its pre -

development condition. The point at which this appears in the ordinance must be 

marked, e.g., “SMR.”

The language submitted must include those factors that are credited: size of 

development regulated, design storms to be used, low impact development criteria, 

and how the maintenance of required facilities is handled. 

For CRS credit, the regulations must be legally enforceable. Policies and guidelines 

are not acceptable unless the community’s legal counsel provides a letter stating that 

the policies or guidelines are enforceable.

(c) Drainage reports that demonstrate enforcement of the regulations. The ISO/CRS 

Specialist determines how many records are needed to obtain a representative 

sample.

(d) [If the community determines the area covered by stormwater management 

regulations (aSMR) to include watershed areas regulated by other communities] 

Documentation that watersheds outside the jurisdiction of the community are 

regulated to standards similar to those within the community. 

(e) An impact adjustment map showing watershed boundaries and stormwater 

management jurisdictions and calculated areas.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of sites in the field to verify that stormwater 

management facilities have been constructed in accordance with the approved plans.

Credit Calculation for SMR

SMR = SZ + DS + LID + PUB

cSMR = SMR x rSMR
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-14 Edition: 2017

452.b. Watershed master plan (WMP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 315 points.

WMP credit is provided if the community implements stormwater management regulations 

through an adopted watershed master plan. Credit is also provided for watershed master 

plans that

• Evaluate future conditions and long-duration storms,

• Evaluate the impact of sea level rise and climate change

• Identify wetlands and natural areas,

• Address the protection of natural channels, and

• Provide a dedicated funding source for implementing the plan.

The objective of watershed master planning is to provide the community with a tool it can 

use to make decisions that will reduce the increased flooding from future conditions that 

include new development, redevelopment, and the impact of climate change and sea level 

rise, throughout a watershed or community. Although there is no doubt that stormwater 

management regulations reduce the future flood threat from a developing area, a watershed 

master plan goes much further in locating and dealing with existing problems and 

identifying potential future problems. An understanding of the watershed’s behavior is 

necessary to ensure that established or enhanced stormwater management regulations

requiring onsite control will prevent flood damage due to future development.

The only way to completely understand watershed behavior (how a watershed responds to 

rainfall) is to do a relatively detailed study of runoff under both present and future (fully 

developed) conditions. Hydrologic models simulate various rainstorms over a watershed 

and, based on the nature of the watershed’s land cover, soils, and topography, determine the 

timing and total volume of peak flows. Hydrologic studies can be used to determine the 

appropriate amount of detention or retention necessary to prevent an increase in runoff as 

development occurs.

In addition to the present- and future-conditions hydrology studies, a watershed master plan 

should include mitigation recommendations that are appropriate for the community. These 

recommendations should include the entire range of mitigation activities—regulations, 

public information, structural control of runoff, non-structural programs (including 

stormwater management regulations), protection of sensitive natural areas, and acquisition 

of flood-prone properties.

For CRS credit, a watershed master plan must, at a minimum, address future development 

(new development and/or redevelopment) within the watershed and the impact of 

development on flows during a 100-year event. The modeling may show that different 

standards are needed for different watersheds, or for different parts of the watershed. 

Communities may also find as a result of their modeling that their existing stormwater 

management regulations are adequate or they may decide to make them more stringent to 

prevent development from increasing the frequency and severity of existing problems.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-15 Edition: 2017

One of the prerequisites for a CRS Class 4 (see Section 211.c) is that the community 

receive credit for managing the impacts of a 100-year storm and/or sea level rise, where 

applicable, based on a watershed master plan. Most communities use various return 

frequencies for different design and management purposes, including onsite controls. 

Development of a watershed master plan does not have to change that, but it is important to 

understand the impact of development on runoff from the 100-year storm.

For CRS credit, development of a watershed master plan does not imply that a community 

must immediately address its future problems through capital drainage projects. The plan

should be considered a tool to help the community identify opportunities to address 

problems before and as they arise.

Credit Criteria for WMP

(1) The community must have adopted a watershed master plan that

(a) Evaluates the impact of future conditions for at least one watershed that drains into 

the community for multiple storm events, including the 100-year storm. The plan 

must identify the natural drainage system and constructed channels; or

(b) Evaluates the future conditions, including the impacts of a median projected sea 

level rise (based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 

(NOAA’s) “intermediate-high” projection for the year 2100) on the local drainage 

system during multiple rainfall events, including the 100-year rainfall event. This 

option is for coastal communities with no natural or constructed channels. Guidance 

on sea level rise projections for CRS purposes can be found in Section 404.

(2) The community must have adopted regulatory standards that require onsite management 

of runoff from all storms up to and including the 25-year event that receive credit under 

SMR in Section 452.a. The adopted regulatory standards must manage future peak flows 

so that they do not increase over present values. “All storms” includes at a minimum the 

10-year storm in addition to the 25-year event. Management of a 2-year storm is also

recommended.

(3) For any plan that is more than five years old, the community must evaluate the plan to 

ensure that it remains applicable to current conditions. The evaluation must address 

whether the data used for the plan are still appropriate and whether the plan effectivel y 

manages stormwater runoff. The community must update a watershed master plan that 

become obsolete, or the WMP credit will be revised accordingly.

(4) WMP1 credit must be received in order to receive credit for any of the other items.
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Credit Points for WMP

WMP = the total of the following:

WMP1 = 90 points, if the watershed master plan meets all of 

the criteria listed in Section 452.b

WMP2 = 30 points, for managing the runoff from all storms up to 

and including the 100-year event to ensure that flood flows 

downstream of new development do not increase due to the 

development

“All storms” includes at a minimum the 10-year storm, the 25-year or the 50-year storm,

and the 100-year storm.

WMP3 = 55 points, if the plan provides onsite management of 

future peak flows and volumes so that they do not increase over 

present values

If the community’s onsite development standards prevent all increases in downstream flood 

peaks AND VOLUMES, regardless of their location within the watershed, it will receive this 

credit. A community can receive the maximum credit if it requires retention of runoff from 

a 100-year or larger storm and discharges it to groundwater or irrigation or if it detains the 

runoff long enough to discharge it after the peak flow in the receiving body has subsided, so 

that the discharge will not increase downstream peak flows anywhere in the receiving 

stream.

WMP4 = 35 points, if the plan manages the runoff from all 

storms up to and including the 5-day event

If a community can demonstrate that an event shorter than five days is the locally 

appropriate “worst-case” runoff event for stormwater management, it may receive this

credit if it uses that event for its regulatory standard. In some areas this may require 

continuous-simulation modeling. If a community, regional, state, or federal agency can 

demonstrate that, for example, the 72-hour event provides the “worst case” runoff for a 

watershed, the 72-hour event would be credited for communities in that area.

The following three credits recognize communities that preserve their remaining “natural” 

channels, floodplains, or upland wetlands for stormwater conveyance or storage. “Soft” or 

“green” approaches are encouraged, rather then “hard” or concrete measures. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-17 Edition: 2017

WMP5 = 30 points, if the plan identifies existing wetlands or

other natural open space areas to be preserved from 

development so that natural attenuation, retention, or 

detention of runoff is provided

WMP6 = 25 points, if the plan recommends prohibiting

development, alteration, or modification of existing natural 

channels and the community has adopted a qualifying 

ordinance

WMP7 = 25 points, if the plan recommends that channel 

improvement projects use natural or “soft” approaches rather 

than gabions, rip rap, concrete, or other “hard” techniques, and 

the community has adopted appropriate design standards or 

ordinances

WMP8 = 25 points, if the community has a funding 

source dedicated to implementing the plan’s recommendations.

A community with a local funding source dedicated to implementation of the adopted 

watershed master plan is more likely to complete the projects and can receive additional 

credit. Common sources of funding include a real estate excise tax, stormwater utilities, 

drainage district fees, or other dedicated taxes. Developer impact fees are an uncertain 

source of funding and are not credited here.

Impact Adjustment for WMP

The watershed impact adjustment map for WMP is prepared, and the affected areas are 

calculated, in the same manner as for SMR in Section 452.a. The area covered by the 

credited watershed master plan (aWMP) must be the same or smaller than the area covered 

by the SMR regulations (aSMR).

rWMP = aWMP , where

 aW

aWMP = the area covered by a watershed master plan

If the total calculated impact adjustment is less than 0.15 or the community does not 

prepare a watershed impact adjustment map, then rWMP = 0.15. 
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Documentation for WMP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist and provided to 

the technical reviewer for this activity. There is a checklist is to help the community

identify all the needed documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/400.

(i) Documentation that the plan has been adopted by the community. “Adopted by 

the community” means either formal approval by the community’s governing 

body or formal approval by another body or office of the community that has 

the authority and funding to implement the plan, such as a flood control district.

(ii) A copy of the watershed master plan(s) that shows where it meets the minimum 

criteria and the items to be credited. This should be an electronic copy of the 

plan with a description of the items to be credited and where they can be found 

in the plan.

(iii) The regulations credited under SMR in Section 452.a, (Section 452.b, credit 

criterion (2)).

(iv) [For WMP8] A copy of the ordinance adopting the dedicated funding source 

and a budget describing how the money was spent during the past fiscal year. 

(v) If the plan(s) is more than five years old, an evaluation report that addresses 

whether the plan(s) is still based on appropriate data and effectively manages

stormwater runoff. In lieu of a formal report, the community may submit a letter 

signed by a licensed professional engineer that addresses the following issues:

o The “future conditions” at the time the plan was completed: Do these 

conditions still reasonably reflect the actual watershed conditions today?

o The precipitation data used for the plan’s hydrology: Does the community 

or agency still use the same precipitation data that were used in the report?

o Method used for the plan(s): Is the method used to develop the plan(s) 

considered appropriate by the agency today? 

o Construction: Has construction of stormwater infrastructure altered actual 

conditions in ways that make the plan(s) obsolete? 

o Other factors: Are there other aspects of the plan(s) that make it obsolete 

or otherwise of questionable applicability?

(vi) The watershed impact adjustment map.

(vii)[If the community determines the area covered by the watershed master plan 

(aWMP) to include watershed areas regulated by other communities]

Documentation that watersheds outside the jurisdiction of the community are 

regulated to similar standards or are subject to the same plan as those within the 

community.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-19 Edition: 2017

452.c. Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) 

The maximum credit for this element is 40 points.

ESC credit is provided if the community requires that erosion and sediment control 

measures be taken on land that is disturbed during development. ESC credit is based upon 

the size of the areas subject to the regulation. Drainage systems cannot perform to their 

design standards if they are choked with eroded soil that has been captured in stormwater. 

Sediment control is especially important in watersheds where land is being disturbed by 

construction. Sedimentation has been called the largest source of water pollution in the 

country.

Credit Criteria for ESC

(1) To receive ESC credit, the community’s regulations must apply to all construction sites 

within the community. An erosion and sedimentation control regulation that is part of a 

floodplain ordinance or a building code and does not affect ALL construction sites in the 

community does not receive credit under this element.

“All construction sites” in the subsections below means all sites in the community 

subject to construction of buildings, roads, etc., regrading, or other non-agricultural 

land-disturbing activity.

Credit Points for ESC

ESC = one of the following:

(1) 40 points, if regulations control erosion and soil loss from 

any disturbed land greater than 1,000 square feet; OR

(2) 30 points, if regulations control erosion and soil loss from

any disturbed land greater than 0.5 acre; OR

(3) 10 points, if regulations control erosion and soil loss from 

any disturbed land greater than 1 acre.

Impact Adjustment for ESC

There is no impact adjustment for element ESC. These rules must be enforced throughout 

the entire community.

Documentation for ESC Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist. There is a 

checklist to help the stormwater manager identify all the needed documentation, 

available at www.CRSresources.org/400.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-20 Edition: 2017

(i) The regulation that requires developers or property owners to use techniques that 

prevent erosion and soil loss from exposed land. The ordinance(s) or law must 

designate an office or official responsible for receiving complaints and 

monitoring compliance and it must include enforcement and abatement 

provisions. 

(ii) Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement of the 

regulation. The ISO/CRS Specialist determines how many records are needed to 

obtain a representative sample.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of sites in the field to verify that stormwater 

management facilities have been constructed in accordance with the approved plans.

Example 452.c-1.

An appropriate regulation might read: 

Before any grading or other earthwork that affects a land area 

larger than 500 square feet, the person performing such 

earthwork shall submit an erosion control plan. The plan shall 

be designed to prevent sediment from leaving the site during 

storms up to and including the 100-year storm and recover the 

ground after construction or other work to prevent or minimize 

erosion. ESC = 40

or

Application for any grading and/or building permit (except for 

single-family dwellings on existing platted lots) must include an 

erosion control plan designed to prevent sediment from 

leaving the site during all storms up to and including the 100-

year storm and recover the ground after construction to 

prevent or minimize erosion. ESC = 30

452.d. Water quality regulations (WQ) 

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

WQ credit is provided for implementing best management practices to protect water quality 

within the community. Stormwater runoff picks up dirt, road oil, salt, farm chemicals, and 

other substances. Unlike sewage, stormwater is not treated before it enters rivers, lakes, 

estuaries, and other receiving bodies of water. Regulations that require developers to install 

or implement measures that improve the quality of stormwater are credited.

Most states’ environmental protection or pollution control offices have recommended best 

management practices (BMPs) appropriate for that state. Best management practices may 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-21 Edition: 2017

include grass filter strips at retention basin inlets or outlets, velocity dissipators and baffles, 

basin dimensions that encourage settling of suspended solids, aeration, infiltration trenches, 

skimmers, vegetated swales, and other techniques that clean stormwater. It should be noted 

that this credit is not for BMPs required during the course of construction, but rather for 

measures that are permanently incorporated in the development’s stormwater management 

facilities.

Credit Criteria for WQ

(1) To receive WQ credit, the community’s stormwater management regulations must either 

specify one or more measures or refer to BMPs as published in an official government 

reference. A mention of water quality or reduction of nonpoint sources of pollution in 

the “purpose” section of the regulations is not sufficient for credit.

Credit Points for WQ

WQ = 20 points, if regulations require new developments of one 

acre or more to include in the design of their stormwater 

management facilities appropriate “best management practices”

that will improve the quality of surface water

Example 452.d-1.

Falls Church, Virginia, lies within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

Because of its location within the watershed, the city requires all 

development to provide permanent water quality facilities. WQ = 20

Impact Adjustment for WQ

There is no impact adjustment for element WQ. The requirements must be enforced 

throughout the entire community.

Documentation for WQ Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist and provided to 

the technical reviewer for this activity. There is a checklist is to help the stormwater 

manager identify all the needed documentation, available at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

(i) The regulation that requires new development to implement appropriate best 

management practices to improve water quality. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-22 Edition: 2017

(ii) Development and building permit records that demonstrate enforcement of the 

regulation. The ISO/CRS Specialist determines how many records are needed to 

obtain a representative sample.

453 Credit Calculation 

c450 = cSMR + cWMP + ESC + WQ , where 

 cWMP = WMP x rWMP 

454 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/400.

b. Rural communities can request help on this activity from the U.S. Natural Resources 

Conservation Service. Requests should be submitted to the local soil and water conservation 

district, which usually is located in the county seat.

c. Most states’ environmental protection or pollution control offices have recommended best 

management practices (BMPs) appropriate for that state. The U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency has developed BMPs for coastal areas that are appropriate throughout the country.

Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal 

Waters, 840-B-92-002, 1993, can be found at

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/czara/index.cfm.

d. References on low-impact development are available from EPA and many states. One example 

is listed below.

“Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound,” Puget Sound 

Action Team and Washington State University Pierce County Extension (2005). Available 

at www.psp.wa.gov/downloads/LID/LID_manual2005.pdf.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 450-23 Edition: 2017

455 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) can be used to promote the benefits of WQ and ESC 

for both flood protection and preservation of water quality and habitat.

• The element MAP under Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping) credits the provision 

of maps that identify future-conditions floodplains. SMR and WMP can reduce the 

need for these kinds of maps.

• Activity 420 (Open Space) reduces the need for channel hardening. In addition, 

watershed master plans can identify those areas within the watershed that provide 

benefits to the drainage system in their natural state and therefore should be 

preserved. Additional credit may be granted in Activity 420 if they are preserved.

• Having Activity 440 (Additional Map Data) mapping of sensitive areas and 

maintaining them on the community’s data base can result in credit and be useful in 

both watershed and floodplain planning.

• Activity 540, element SBM, is dependent upon receiving credit in Activity 450 for 

PUB.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-1 Edition: 2017

500 FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES 

This series of activities focuses on reducing flood damage to existing buildings. It 

complements the previous series, which dealt with preventing damage to new development. 

Damage reduction measures that are recognized under this series include acquiring, 

relocating, or retrofitting existing buildings; maintaining and improving natural channels 

and storage basins; and planning for the best ways to implement these and other loss 

prevention and reduction activities. 

Credit points for Activities 510, 520, and 530 are adjusted according to the number of

buildings affected by the damage reduction measure. See Sections 301 through 302 for a 

discussion of impact adjustment ratios based on building counts.

Sections 501 through 503 and Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) are 

mandatory for some or all repetitive loss communities. See Sections 501 and 502 for a 

discussion of the applicability of these requirements. 

Section 507 discusses community compliance with applicable environmental and historic 

preservation laws and executive orders before implementation of a project or activity. 

Contents of Series 500

Section Page

500 Flood Damage Reduction Activities........................................................ 500-1

 501 The Repetitive Loss List .................................................................. 500-3

 502 Repetitive Loss Category................................................................. 500-8

 503 Repetitive Loss Areas...................................................................... 500-9

 504 Repetitive Loss Area Outreach Project.......................................... 500-11

 505 Repetitive Loss Mitigation Activities............................................ 500-13

 506 National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994.............................. 500-15

 507 Compliance with Provisions for Environmental and 

 Historic Preservation...................................................................... 500-14

510 Floodplain Management Planning ........................................................... 510-1

 511 Background...................................................................................... 510-2

 512 Elements........................................................................................... 510-4

 513 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 510-37

 514 For More Information .................................................................... 510-37

 515 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 510-38

520 Acquisition and Relocation...................................................................... 520-1

 521 Background...................................................................................... 520-2

 522 Elements........................................................................................... 520-4

 523 Credit Calculation ............................................................................ 520-8

 524 Documentation Provided by the Community ................................ 520-12

525 For More Information .................................................................... 520-13

 526 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 520-13
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-2 Edition: 2017

530 Flood Protection....................................................................................... 530-1

 531 Background...................................................................................... 530-2

 532 Elements........................................................................................... 530-6

 533 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 530-14

 534 Documentation Provided by the Community ................................ 530-16

 535 For More Information .................................................................... 530-17

 536 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 530-18

540 Drainage System Maintenance ................................................................ 540-1

 541 Background...................................................................................... 540-2

 542 Elements........................................................................................... 540-5

 543 Credit Calculation .......................................................................... 540-22

 544 For More Information .................................................................... 540-22

545 Related Activities under the Community Rating System .............. 540-22

List of Figures

500-1. An example of an AW-501 ................................................................ 500-5

500-2. The Repetitive Loss List certification (CC-RL)................................. 500-7

500-3. An example of an outreach project to a repetitive flood loss area. .. 500-12

500-4. Summary of FEMA’s policy on environmental and 

historic preservation ......................................................................... 500-17

500-5. Federal environmental laws and executive orders that may apply

to CRS-credited activities................................................................. 500-18

510-1. Excerpt from a floodplain management planning checklist............... 510-5

510-2. About Hazus-MH ............................................................................. 510-17

510-3. Two examples of communities’ statements of their goals............... 510-19

510-4. Categories of floodplain management activities.............................. 510-20

510-5. An excerpt from Gretna’s Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan............... 510-24

530-1. Flood protection techniques credited under Activity 530.................... 530-2

540-1. Step 4 of a sample inventory of a conveyance system......................... 540-9

540-2. Step 5 of a sample inventory of a conveyance system......................... 540-9

540-3. An example of a “no dumping” sign.................................................. 540-16

540-4. A sample inventory for storage basin maintenance ........................... 540-19

List of Tables

510-1. Planning steps for mitigation and for the CRS .................................... 510-5

530-1. Flood protection techniques used......................................................... 530-6

530-2. Values for FPP and FPB .................................................................... 530-10
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-3 Edition: 2017

501 The Repetitive Loss List 

501.a. Repetitive losses 

Repetitive loss properties are those properties for which two or more claims of more than 

$1,000 have been paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) within any 10-year 

period since 1978 (e.g., two claims during the periods 1978–1987, 1979–1988, etc.). 

Over $9 billion have been paid to repetitive 

loss properties, about one-fourth of all NFIP 

payments since 1978. Although the NFIP 

has resulted in almost 50 years of successful 

floodplain management, and many of these 

structures are no longer insured, repetitive 

loss properties are still a drain on the NFIP. 

Currently, 1.3% of all policies cover 

repetitive loss properties, but those 

properties are expected to account for 15% 

to 20% of future losses. NFIP actuaries have 

reported that repetitive loss is the single 

most important factor that affects the 

stability of the National Flood Insurance 

Fund.

Repetitive Flood Loss Properties

In the United States there are over 195,000 

repetitive loss properties, i.e., properties that 

have had two or more claims of more than 

$1,000 paid by the NFIP within any 10-year 

period since 1978. Although some of these 

properties have had mitigation measures applied 

to them, most remain at risk of flooding.

To focus resources on those properties that 

represent the best opportunities for mitigation, 

Congress defined a subset called “Severe 

Repetitive Loss Properties” when it passed the 

Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. Severe 

Repetitive Loss Properties are those 1–4 family 

properties that have had four or more claims of 

more than $5,000 or two to three claims that 

cumulatively exceed the building’s value. 

FEMA is directed by the Act to define Severe 

Repetitive Loss Property for multi-family buildings. For the purposes of the CRS, the Severe 

Repetitive Loss Property subset also includes 

non-residential buildings that meet the same 

criteria as for 1–4 family properties. The flood 

insurance policies on these properties are serviced by a separate Special Direct Facility and not 

by individual Write Your Own insurance 

companies.

501.b. The Repetitive Loss List 

Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains a list of 

repetitive loss properties for communities in 

or interested in the Community Rating 

System (CRS). Before applying for the CRS 

and at each verification cycle, a community 

must determine its repetitive loss category 

(see next section).

The list includes the property address, the 

dates of the claims, and, usually, the current 

insured’s and/or previous owner’s name.

The list and the individual worksheet pages

(Repetitive Loss Update Worksheet (AW-501)) can be ordered through the ISO/CRS 

Specialist. 

Each year, communities can obtain updated data that reflects the community’s previously 

submitted changes, new properties that have been added as a result of recent floods, and 

changes resulting from other communities’ updates. Except during cycle verification and as 

specified in Section 502.b, a community is not required under the CRS to respond to each 

year’s new list. However, the list can be a valuable planning tool and source of information 
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-4 Edition: 2017

about the location and extent of flooding within the community. Communities are 

encouraged to submit any known updates every year.

501.c. Updating the List 

As part of its application and cycle verification obligations, the community must review the 

list for accuracy, for correct addresses, to determine whether the properties are actually in 

the community’s corporate limits, and to determine whether the insured buildings have been 

removed, retrofitted, or otherwise protected from the cause of the repetitive flooding. The 

result of this review is recorded on a Repetitive Loss Update Worksheet (AW-501). See the 

example in Figure 500-1. 

A community with repetitive losses must sign the Repetitive Loss List Community 

Certification, CC-RL, certifying that each address has been checked (see the example in 

Figure 500-2). If there are updates, the submittal must include corrected Repetitive Loss 

Update Worksheets (AW-501) with any required supporting documentation. If no updates 

are needed, only the CC-RL is submitted. The CC-RL can be found in Appendix E.

This review is a minimum requirement for participation in the CRS. If the community does 

not conduct the review of the list at cycle verification, it will lose its CRS credit for 

addressing its repetitive loss properties, which can result in a reversion to a Class 10.

The community must note the following situations in which the form should be updated:

• The property is not located in the community’s jurisdiction. The property may be 

outside the community’s corporate limits, it may be in another city, or it may have 

been annexed by another community. If it can be determined in which community the 

property belongs, the property will be reassigned to the correct community. If a 

property is not in the community, it will not be reassigned unless the community in 

which the property does belong can be definitely identified.

• There was an error in the repetitive loss data base, such as a duplicate listing or an 

incorrect address.

• The property has subsequently been protected from the types of events that caused 

the losses. Buildings that have been acquired, relocated, retrofitted, or otherwise 

protected from the types of frequent floods that caused the past damage are not 

counted in determining the community’s CRS requirements.

• The property is protected from damage by the base flood shown on the current Flood 

Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). For example, the community may demonstrate that the 

building is elevated or floodproofed above the base flood elevation but was flooded 

by a higher level. If the property is outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), 

the community may show that all of the repetitive losses were caused by events with 

recurrence intervals of over 100 years (e.g., two 200-year storms).
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-5 Edition: 2017

Figure 500-1. An example of an AW-501, first page.

[NOTE: This address is fictitious. The Privacy Act prohibits publication of a real AW-501.]
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-6 Edition: 2017

Figure 500-1 (cont.). An example of an AW-501, second page.

[NOTE: This address is fictitious. The Privacy Act prohibits publication of a real AW-501.]
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-7 Edition: 2017

Figure 500-2. The Repetitive Loss List Community Certification (CC-RL).
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

502 Repetitive Loss Category

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-8 Edition: 2017

Every CRS community with one or more unmitigated repetitive loss property on FEMA’s 

current list must keep the list updated and submit a Repetitive Loss List Community 

Certification (CC-RL) at each verification visit. 

Additional requirements depend on the community’s repetitive loss category, which is 

determined by the number of repetitive loss properties without mitigation measures AFTER

the community has updated the repetitive loss property information and submitted it for 

approval. Properties that have been mitigated or that are shown to be in another community 

are not counted when determining the repetitive loss category.

502.a. The Categories 

For CRS purposes, there are three categories of repetitive loss communities based on the 

number of properties on the community’s UPDATED repetitive loss list (i.e., after AW-501s 

have been completed (see Section 501).

(1) Category A: A community that has no repetitive loss properties, or whose repetitive 

loss properties all have been mitigated. A Category A community has no special 

requirements except to submit information to update its repetitive loss list, as needed.

(2) Category B: A community with at least one, but fewer than 50, repetitive loss properties that have not been mitigated. At each verification visit, a Category B community 

must

(a) Prepare a map of the repetitive loss area(s) (see Section 503), 

(b) Review and describe its repetitive loss problem, 

(c) Prepare a list of the addresses of all properties with insurable buildings in those 

areas, and 

(d) Undertake an annual outreach project to those addresses (see Section 504). A copy 

of the outreach project is submitted with each year’s recertification.

(3) Category C: A community with 50 or more repetitive loss properties that have not been 

mitigated. A Category C community must

(a) Do the same things as a Category B community, AND

(b) Prepare and adopt a repetitive loss area analysis for all repetitive loss areas, or 

prepare and adopt a floodplain management plan that includes full credit for 

planning Step 5(c). Repetitive loss area analyses and floodplain management plans 

are described under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning).
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502.b. Effective Dates 

A community’s repetitive loss category may change over time as a result of flood damage 

reduction measures implemented by the community, floods that add new insurance losses to 

the FEMA list, or data updates. A CRS community has no immediate need to take action as 

a result of a change in its repetitive loss category except as follows: 

(1) When it applies for or modifies its credit for Activity 510 (Floodplain Management 

Planning);

(2) When it submits a modification that will result in an increase in its CRS classification; 

and

(3) When it is slated for a complete cycle verification of its program. 

The last two situations are explained in more detail in Sections 214 and 232. They require 

that a community submit documentation for all of its activities, including Activity 510.

If a community becomes a Category B community during the year of its cycle verification 

(see Section 232), it must begin the required outreach project during the following year. 

If a community becomes a Category C community during the year of its cycle verification, 

it has until October 1 of the following year to prepare to adopt the required floodplain 

management plan or area analyses for its repetitive loss areas. (However, all updates to its 

repetitive loss list must be submitted with the rest of the cycle verification materials.)

503 Repetitive Loss Areas 

At each verification visit, a Category B or C community must submit

(1) AW-501s (if needed);

(2) A signed CC-RL;

(3) A map of its repetitive loss areas. The repetitive loss areas must include the properties 

on the repetitive loss list obtained from FEMA and all nearby properties with the same 

or similar flooding conditions. The map is needed for the outreach project described in 

the next section and for planning purposes in Activity 510 (Floodplain Management 

Planning);

(4) A description of the cause(s) of the repetitive flooding; and

(5) A list of the addresses of all properties with insurable buildings in the repetitive loss 

area(s) and the number of buildings in the repetitive loss area(s), bRLA.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

503.a. The Map 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-10 Edition: 2017

The community must plot all the properties on FEMA’s repetitive loss list and define all 

repetitive loss areas. In some cases, such as those in which the address consists of a rural 

route or box number, a property will be unplottable. However, local officials can often 

identify a property by the name of the insured, especially if the last flood was recent. All 

that is needed is for the general area of the property to be located, e.g., the 400 block of a 

street. 

NOTE: All information on individual flood insurance 

policies and flood insurance claims is subject to the 

Privacy Act (see box.)

The community then defines its repetitive loss AREAS. 

The repetitive loss areas include buildings on FEMA’s 

list and nearby buildings that are subject to the same 

flood hazard. It is important to note that the only reason 

a property appears on FEMA’s list is because the 

structure had flood insurance and received two or more 

claims of at least $1,000 during any given 10-year 

period. These properties are merely representative of 

the community’s overall repetitive flooding problem.

Other structures near the ones listed by FEMA may 

have been uninsured during the floods, may have had 

single flood insurance claims, or may have had multiple 

claims under different policies that the system did not 

recognize as being the same repetitively flooded 

address. From a community perspective, it is not fair to 

single out those properties that happen to be on 

FEMA’s list. All properties with the same exposure to 

repeated flood damage should be addressed.

A separate CRS handout gives further instructions on 

how to map a repetitive loss area that includes both the 

properties on FEMA’s list and neighboring properties 

with the same exposure to repetitive flooding. See 

www.CRSresources.org/500.

 The Privacy Act 

Flood insurance data about 

private property, including repetitive 

loss properties, are protected under 

the Privacy Act. Personally 

identifiable Information such as the 

names or addresses of specific 

properties, whether they are 

covered by flood insurance or not, 

whether they have received flood 

insurance claims, or the amounts of 

such claims may not be released 

outside of local government 

agencies or to the public or used for 

solicitation or other purposes. Such 

information should be marked “For 

internal use only. Protected by the 

Privacy Act of 1974.”

General or aggregated 

information, such as total claims 

paid for a community or an area or 

data not connected to a particular 

property may be made public.

For example, a community may 

publish a map showing a repetitive 

loss area or a list of addresses in 

that area, provided that it does not 

show which individual addresses or 

parcels received flood insurance 

claim payments.

503.b. Causes of Repetitive Flooding 

Once the areas are determined, the community can 

summarize what caused the repetitive flooding. This can be one or two sentences, such as 

“overbank flooding in May 1994 and June 2001” or “The drainage ditch was built to carry 

smaller flows. Upstream development has increased runoff and heavy storms overload the 

ditch roughly every other year.” See also Chapter 7 of FEMA-511, Reducing Damage from 

Localized Flooding.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

503.c. Address List and Building Count 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-11 Edition: 2017

From the repetitive loss area map, the community must prepare an address list of all parcels 

with insurable buildings in those areas. For CRS purposes, an “insurable building” is 

defined in Section 301. This list has two purposes: it will be used for the outreach project 

and it will determine the number of buildings in the community’s repetitive loss areas. Note 

that the address list includes all properties in each area, including those not on FEMA’s list. 

Under the Privacy Act, the address list cannot identify which properties are on FEMA’s list 

or had insurance claims in the past.

The number of buildings currently in the community’s repetitive loss areas is represented 

by the variable bRLA. This variable is also used in the impact adjustment for repetitive loss 

area analyses in Section 512. It should not be confused with bRL (number of properties on 

the FEMA repetitive loss list) in Activity 520, Acquisition and Relocation.

504 Repetitive Loss Area Outreach Project 

A Category B or C community must implement an annual outreach project to the properties 

in the mapped repetitive loss areas that have insurable buildings, and include a copy of the 

project with its application and annual recertification.

The outreach project must advise the recipient of four things:

(1) That the property is in or near an area subject to flooding;

(2) What property protection measures are appropriate for the flood situation;

(3) What sources of financial assistance may be available for property protection 

measures; and

(4) Basic facts about flood insurance.

The outreach project must be delivered to all properties in the repetitive loss AREAS, not just 

the properties on the FEMA list. This may be done in one of two ways: 

(1) An outreach project that is distributed each year to the properties in the repetitive 

loss areas that have insurable buildings. This project may also be submitted for 

credit as a targeted outreach project under Activity 330.

(2) An annual outreach project developed as part of a Program for Public 

Information (PPI) credited under Activity 330. The PPI Committee may conclude 

that there are more effective ways to inform repetitive loss area residents than 

mailing a notice once a year. The PPI may use a different approach, such as 

neighborhood meetings, provided the PPI document identifies the priority

audience for the service and discusses the best way to reach that audience. For 

continued PPI credit, the committee must annually evaluate the effectiveness of 

the outreach projects and revise them as needed.

An example project appears in Figure 500-3. More information on outreach projects can be 

found in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). More information on sources of financial 

assistance can be found in Section 505.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-12 Edition: 2017

Dear Resident:

You have received this letter because your property is in an area that has been flooded 

several times. Our community is concerned about repetitive flooding and has an active 

program to help you protect yourself and your property from future flooding, but here are 

some things you can do:

1. Check with the Building Department on the extent of past flooding in your area. Department 

staff can tell you about the causes of repetitive flooding, what the City is doing about it, and 

what would be an appropriate flood protection level. The staff can visit your property to discuss 

flood protection alternatives.

2. Prepare for flooding by doing the following:

− Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when a flood comes.

− Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go.

− Make a household inventory, especially of basement contents.

− Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc., in a safe place.

− Collect and put cleaning supplies, camera, waterproof boots, etc., in a handy place.

− Develop a disaster response plan. See the Red Cross’ website at www.redcross.org for 

information about preparing your home and family for a disaster.

− Get a copy of Repairing Your Flooded Home. We have copies at the Public Works 

Department or it can be found on the Red Cross’ website, too.

3. Consider some permanent flood protection measures.

− Mark your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the 

power to the basement before a flood can reduce property damage and save lives. 

− Consider elevating your house above flood levels. 

− Check your building for water entry points, such as basement windows, the basement 

stairwell, doors, and dryer vents. These can be protected with low walls or temporary 

shields. 

− Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, overhead sewer, or sewer backup valve to prevent 

sewer backup flooding.

− More information can be found at FEMA’s website, www.ready.gov/floods.

− Note that some flood protection measures may need a building permit and others may 

not be safe for your type of building, so be sure to talk to the Building Department.

Figure 500-3. An example of an outreach project to a repetitive flood loss area.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-13 Edition: 2017

4. Talk to the Building Department for information on financial assistance.

− The City administers a flood protection rebate program that will pay 25% of approved 

projects, up to a total of $2,500. This program has funded low floodwalls, overhead 

sewers, sewer backup valves, and relocation of utilities to higher levels.

− If you are interested in elevating your building above the flood level or selling it to the 

City, we may apply for a Federal grant to cover 75% of the cost.

− Get a flood insurance policy – it will help pay for repairs after a flood and, in some cases, 

it will help pay the costs of elevating a substantially damaged building.

5. Get a flood insurance policy.

− Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, because 

our community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, you can purchase 

a separate flood insurance policy. This insurance is backed by the Federal government 

and is available to everyone, even properties that have been flooded. Because our 

community participates in the Community Rating System, you will receive a reduction in 

the insurance premium.

− Because your area is not mapped as a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may qualify for a 

lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy.

− Some people have purchased flood insurance because it was required by the bank when 

they got a mortgage or home improvement loan. Usually these policies just cover the 

building’s structure and not the contents. During the kind of flooding that happens in your 

area, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the 

structure. Be sure you have contents coverage.

− Don’t wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. In most cases, there is a 30-day 

waiting period before National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect. 

− Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.

Figure 500-3. (cont.) An example of an outreach project to a repetitive flood loss area

505 Repetitive Loss Mitigation Activities 

Sections 501–504 describe the minimum CRS participation requirements for repetitive loss 

communities. The requirements focus on updating repetitive loss records, identifying the 

extent of the problem, and providing basic information to owners of properties in the 

repetitive loss area(s). 

The CRS encourages communities to do more to reduce their repetitive flooding problems. 

Additional credit points are provided in the following activities for actions that address 

repetitive loss properties or repetitive loss areas:

• Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance)—Credit is provided for technical 

assistance on property protection. Many shallow repetitive flooding problems can be 

mitigated with a low-cost project paid for by the owner, so technical assistance can 

sometimes go far to reduce repetitive losses.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-14 Edition: 2017

• Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning)—Credit is given for conducting an 

analysis of the repetitive loss areas and determining appropriate mitigation measures 

for these areas (Section 512.b).

• Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation)—Bonus points are provided for acquiring 

or otherwise removing repetitive loss properties, with larger bonuses for Severe 

Repetitive Loss Properties (Section 522.b and 522.c).

• Activity 530 (Flood Protection)—Bonus points are provided for retrofitting or 

otherwise protecting repetitive loss properties, with larger bonuses for Severe 

Repetitive Loss Properties (Section 532.c).

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program can help communities implement 

some of these activities. The HMA program can fund a floodplain management plan under 

Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) and fund mitigation projects such as 

acquisition, retrofitting, and other flood protection measures that would qualify for credit 

under Activities 520 and 530. HMA-funded mitigation projects require that an applicant 

community have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan, as described in Activity 510 

(Floodplain Management Planning). 

The HMA program is managed by the state, usually by the emergency management agency. 

The state may set additional priorities for use of the funds. The latest information on FEMA 

grant programs can be found at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.

There are other sources of financial assistance:

• Community Development Block Grants are provided to larger cities and counties; 

smaller communities can apply to the state community development agency.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will support elevation and flood control projects 

as part of a larger flood protection program. 

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service can 

help fund retrofitting and local flood control projects in smaller watersheds.

• Flood insurance claims can include Increased Cost of Compliance funding. This 

provision provides additional coverage to help underwrite a flood protection project 

that is required by code as a condition to rebuild the flooded building. It can also be 

used to help pay the non-federal portion of a cost-shared retrofitting project. 

• Many states and regional or county flood control districts have their own funding 

programs or will help with the non-federal cost share of a federal program.

• Many communities have developed financial assistance programs, especially for 

sewer backup and local drainage problems, where mitigation projects may be 

relatively inexpensive.

More information on financial assistance programs to protect individual buildings can be 

found in Local Flood Proofing Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2005, available at

www.CRSresources.org/300.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

506 National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-15 Edition: 2017

This Act requires that, “if a community has received mitigation assistance under Section 

1366 [the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program], the credits shall be phased in a manner, 

determined by the Director, to recover the amount of such assistance provided for the 

community.”

In general, this is limited to Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) and Activity 530 

(Flood Protection), the two activities most likely to be funded. Because the Flood 

Mitigation Assistance Program provides a 75% grant, a community will receive 25% of the 

credit for protecting a building under Activities 520 and 530.

NOTE: This is a statutory requirement that only applies to the Flood Mitigation Assistance 

program, not to other FEMA-funded financial assistance programs.

Example 506-1.

A community applies for credit under Activity 520 (Acquisition and 

Relocation) for having removed 20 buildings from the floodplain. Five 

of those buildings were acquired with a 75% grant from the Flood 

Mitigation Assistance Program. 

The ISO/CRS Specialist will calculate the credit based on 25% credit 

for the five buildings and full credit for the other 15. If the community 

can demonstrate that there was a higher local cost-share, the points 

will be adjusted accordingly.

507 Compliance with Provisions for 

 Environmental and Historic Preservation 

Federal actions and undertakings, including ongoing programs, must comply with 

applicable federal environmental and historic preservation laws, implementing regulations, 

and executive orders. The CRS is a federal program and FEMA has identified certain 

building or land-altering activities that must meet this requirement if they are to be 

considered for CRS credit. These include projects undertaken under Activity 520 

(Acquisition and Relocation), Activity 530 (Flood Protection), Activity 540 (Drainage 

System Maintenance), and Activity 620 (Levees).

The level of environmental and historic preservation compliance and documentation 

required for each project is determined by the type of project and the source of its funding. 

For CRS purposes, a project falls into one of these two categories:

• Projects funded (in whole or in part) by a federal agency, and
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-16 Edition: 2017

• Projects funded by a state and/or local government.

NOTE: Using any amount of federal or FEMA funding (including using it as a match for a 

locally sponsored project) has the effect of bringing that project into the “federally funded”

category. For any such project, therefore, all of the federal environmental and historic 

preservation requirements must be met.

Self certification is provided through the completion of Community Certifications of 

Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements (CC-EHPs). The 

CC-EHP forms can be found in Appendix F, downloaded from www.CRSresources.org/500, 

or requested from the ISO/CRS Specialist.

• Certifications are required for all projects in Activity 520 (Acquisition and 

Relocation) and Activity 530 (Flood Protection) that were permitted or initiated after 

the implementation of the 2013 Coordinator’s Manual.

• Certifications are required at each verification visit for the ongoing maintenance 

programs credited under Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) and Activity 

620 (Levee Maintenance).

• Projects funded by FEMA are considered to meet FEMA’s environmental and historic 

preservation compliance requirements. A summary of such projects needs to be 

included in the Community Certifications.

If a community is not able to provide the information needed to certify that compliance 

occurred before implementation of the project or activity, then CRS credit will not be 

provided for that project or for that element of a CRS Activity. 

507.a. Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation) and

 Activity 530 (Flood Protection) 

The CC-EHPs, certifying compliance with the appropriate requirements, are required for all 

projects credited under Activity 520 or Activity 530 that were implemented AFTER the 

effective date of the 2013 Coordinator’s Manual (April 1, 2013). They are not required for 

projects that were implemented before the 2013 Coordinator’s Manual became effective,

including projects that received CRS credit under an earlier Coordinator’s Manual.

Projects funded in whole or in part by FEMA are considered to have already complied with

FEMA’s environmental and historic preservation requirements. A summary description of 

these projects needs to be documented in the CC-EHPs.

507.b. Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) and 

 Activity 620 (Levees) 

The CC-EHPs certifying compliance with the appropriate requirements must be submitted 

at the time that CRS credit is requested for projects under Activities 540 or 620. This 

includes the first time that Activity 540 or Activity 620 credit is requested as well as each 

subsequent verification visit at which continued credit is requested. 
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

507.c. More Information on Environmental Compliance 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-17 Edition: 2017

The CC-EHPs consist of CC-520EHP, CC-530EHP, CC-540EHP, and CC-620EHP. They 

can be found in Appendix F, downloaded from www.CRSresources.org/500 and 

www.CRSresources.org/600, or requested from the ISO/CRS Specialist.

A matrix of the various requirements for environmental and historic preservation

compliance as they relate to CRS-credited projects is posted at www.CRSresources.org/500. 

Figure 500-4 summarizes the applicable federal requirements for environmental and historic 

preservation. For more information about FEMA’s preservation policies, visit 

www.fema.gov/environmental-planning-and-historic-preservation-program.

Figure 500-5 gives brief descriptions of applicable federal environmental laws and 

executive orders, along with links to websites that offer more information.

Communities are encouraged to learn more about federal, state, and other programs for the 

protection of environmental, cultural, and historic resources. Many of the principles and 

techniques used by such programs can be incorporated into the community’s floodplain 

management efforts, and thereby help to reduce flood losses and sustain the natural 

functions of floodprone areas. 

Figure 500-4. Summary of FEMA’s policy on environmental and historic preservation.

It is FEMA's policy to act with care to ensure that its disaster response and recovery, mitigation and 

preparedness responsibilities are carried out in a manner that is consistent with all Federal environmental and 

historic preservation policies and laws. FEMA uses all practical means and measures to protect, restore and 

enhance the quality of the environment, to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to the environment, and to attain 

the objectives of

○ Achieving use of the environment without degradation or undesirable and unintended consequences;

○ Preserving historic, cultural, and natural aspects of national heritage and maintaining, wherever 

possible, an environment that supports diversity and variety of individual choice;

○ Achieving a balance between resource use and development within the sustained carrying capacity of 

the ecosystem involved; and

○ Enhancing the quality of renewable resources and working toward the maximum attainable recycling of 

depletable resources.

Source: www.fema.gov/environmental-planning-and-historic-preservation-program
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-18 Edition: 2017

Archeological & Historic Preservation Act

Requires federal agencies to take into account the preservation of cultural resources that may be 

damaged by federal or federally authorized construction activities. Requires that the U.S. Secretary 

of Interior be notified when unanticipated archeological materials are discovered during construction 

of a federal undertaking.

Administered by: State Historic Preservation Officer, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, 

National Park Service

For more information: www.nps.gov/archeology/tools/Laws/ahpa.htm

www.achp.gov/nhpa.html

Clean Water Act, Section 402

Limits the quantity of pollutants that may be discharged into surface waters. Includes permits for 

municipal separate storm sewer discharges. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System 

(NPDES) discharge permits may be required from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

or the state.

Administered by: State agency for water quality in states with delegated regulatory responsibility; 

otherwise, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

For more information: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/wetlands/section402.cfm

Clean Water Act, Section 404 (Nationwide Permit 13)

Requires a permit for bank stabilization projects less than 500 feet long and being implemented 

solely for erosion protection.

Administered by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

For more information: www.usace.army.mil/ (see “Regulatory permits—Obtain a permit”)

 https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/section-404-permit-program

Clean Water Act, Section 404 (Section 404 permit)

Establishes permit requirements for actions to discharge dredge or fill material into waters of the 

United States, including wetlands. Includes fill for development and for water resources projects 

such as dams and levees.

Administered by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

For more information: www.usace.army.mil/ (see “Regulatory permits—Obtain a permit”), 

https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/section-404-permit-program

www.fws.gov/wetlands

Coastal Barrier Resources Act

Prohibits new federal expenditures or financial assistance for development within an established 

unit or zone of the Coastal Barrier Resources System. Protects ecologically sensitive coastal barriers 

along the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf, and Great Lakes coasts.

Administered by: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service field offices

For more information: www.fws.gov/CBRA

(continued on next page)

Figure 500-5. Federal environmental laws and executive orders that may apply 

to some CRS-credited activities.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-19 Edition: 2017

Coastal Zone Management Act

Requires federal agencies conducting or supporting projects affecting the coastal zone to conduct 

and support those activities to the maximum extent possible in a manner consistent with the state’s 

approved coastal management plan. Requires a “consistency determination” for federal actions. 

Action-taking entities are required to obtain a permit from the state’s lead coastal resources 

management agency or office.

Administered by: State’s lead coastal management agency, National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration

For more information: https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/about/

Endangered Species Act

Prevents or requires modification of a project that could jeopardize endangered or threatened 

species and/or their habitat. Section 7 requires consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

and/or National Marine Fisheries Service, as applicable.

Administered by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, 

applicable state agencies for state-protected species and their habitat

For more information: www.fws.gov/endangered/

www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits

Executive Order 11988—Floodplain Management

Requires federal agencies to avoid, to the extent possible, the long- and short-term adverse impacts 

associated with the occupance and modification of floodplains. Requires federal agencies to avoid 

the direct and indirect support of floodplain development where there is a practicable alternative.

Administered by: Federal Emergency Management Agency

For more information: https://www.fema.gov/executive-order-11988-floodplain-management

Executive Order 11990—Protection of Wetlands

Requires federal agencies to minimize, to the fullest extent possible, the destruction, loss, or 

degradation of wetlands. Requires federal agencies to preserve and enhance the natural and 

beneficial values of wetlands.

Administered by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

For more information: www.fws.gov/wetlands

Executive Order 12898—Environmental Justice for Low Income 

and Minority Populations

Requires fair treatment of all ethnic and income groups regarding public health and environmental 

effects from federal agency laws, regulations, policies, programs, and projects. Requires federal 

agencies to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on 

minority populations and low-income populations.

Administered by: All federal agencies

(continued on next page)

Figure 500-5 (cont.). Federal environmental laws and executive orders that may apply 

to some CRS-credited activities.
Flood Damage Reduction Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 500-20 Edition: 2017

Farmlands Protection Policy Act

Requires federal agencies to minimize the extent to which federal programs contribute to the 

unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses.

Administered by: Natural Resources Conservation Service state office, state agencies for soils 

(soil and water conservation districts)

For more information: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/fppa/

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act

Requires federal agencies to consider the effects that projects may have on fish and wildlife 

resources, take action to prevent loss or damage to these resources, and support the development 

or improvement of these resources. Protects fish and wildlife when federal actions result in the 

control or modification of natural streams, waterways, water bodies, or associated wetlands.

Administered by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service

For more information: www.fws.gov/Landscape-Conservation/index.html 

www.habitat.noaa.gov/index.html

National Historic Preservation Act 

Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to take into account the impact of their actions 

on historic properties listed (or eligible for listing) on the National Register of Historic Places.

Administered by: State Historic Preservation Officer, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation, National Park Service

For more information: www.achp.gov/overview.html

 www.achp.gov/nhpa.html 

 www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservation/index.htm

Rivers and Harbors Act,-Section 10

Requires a permit for building any structure in the channel or along the banks of navigable waters of 

the United States that changes the course, conditions, location, or capacity of those waters.

Administered by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

For more information: www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Section408/

www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg551/

Figure 500-5 (cont.). Federal environmental laws and executive orders that may apply 

to some CRS-credited activities.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-1 Edition: 2017

510 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING—Summary

Maximum credit: 622 points

512 Elements

a. Floodplain management planning (FMP): 382 points for a communitywide floodplain management plan that follows a 10-step planning 

process:

Step 1. Organize

Step 2. Involve the public

Step 3. Coordinate

Step 4. Assess the hazard

Step 5. Assess the problem

Step 6. Set goals

Step 7. Review possible activities

Step 8. Draft an action plan

Step 9. Adopt the plan

Step 10. Implement, evaluate, revise.

b. Repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA): 140 points for a detailed mitigation 

plan for a repetitive loss area.

c. Natural floodplain functions plan (NFP): 100 points for adopting plans 

that protect one or more natural functions within the community’s 

Special Flood Hazard Area.

Credit Criteria

Each element has a separate section discussing credit criteria.

Impact Adjustment

The impact adjustments for FMP and RLAA are described in separate sections. 

There is no impact adjustment for NFP.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-2 Edition: 2017

510 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to credit the production of an overall strategy of programs, 

projects, and measures that will reduce the adverse impact of the hazard on the community 

and help meet other community needs.

511 Background 

Too often flood protection decisions are made quickly, with inadequate or outdated 

information or without considering all possible mitigation alternatives or the consequences 

of those alternatives. As a result, the community’s resources are not allocated most 

appropriately, flood problems may not be fully addressed, and natural floodplain functions 

may suffer. 

To remedy this situation, a careful, systematic process of planning is recommended, and 

may be credited by this activity. The Community Rating System (CRS) does not specify 

what activities a plan must recommend; rather, it recognizes plans that have been prepared 

according to the standard planning process explained in this activity.

Benefits: A well-prepared plan will

• Identify existing and future flood-related hazards and their causes;

• Ensure that a comprehensive review of all possible activities and mitigation measures 

is conducted so that the most appropriate solutions will be implemented to address 

the hazard;

• Ensure that the recommended activities meet the goals and objectives of the 

community, are in coordination with land use and comprehensive planning, do not 

create conflicts with other activities, and are coordinated so that the costs of 

implementing individual activities are reduced;

• Ensure that the criteria used in community land use and development programs 

account for the hazards faced by existing and new development;

• Educate residents and property owners about the hazards, loss reduction measures, 

and the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains;

• Build public and political support for activities and projects that prevent new 

problems, reduce losses, and protect the natural and beneficial functions of 

floodplains; and

• Build a constituency that wants to see the plan’s recommendations implemented.

Types of plans: This activity credits three kinds of plans:

• Floodplain management planning (FMP): The most credit is for the first element, a 

community-wide floodplain management plan, but the element can also credit multihazard mitigation plans, multi-jurisdictional floodplain management and hazard 

mitigation plans, and floodplain management plans prepared for the U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers. Only one plan may receive credit under this element, and plans may not 
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-3 Edition: 2017

be combined as appendices or credited by virtue of internal reference to another plan, 

because this element credits the process as well as the content of the planning 

document.

• Repetitive loss area analyses (RLAA): The second element credits more detailed, 

site-specific plans to reduce flood losses in repetitively flooded areas. It has a 

narrower scope than a floodplain management plan, and receives fewer credit points. 

• Natural floodplain functions plan (NFP): The third element provides credit for plans 

that address natural floodplain functions in the community. 

A Category C repetitive loss community (defined in Section 502) must prepare either a 

FMP or RLAA area analysis that covers at least all of its repetitive loss areas. 

Implementation: Credit is not provided for simply preparing a plan. Continued credit is 

dependent upon plan implementation. To maintain the credit for Activity 510, every year 

the community must evaluate its progress toward implementing the projects and programs 

in the plan, area analysis, or natural floodplain functions plan, and submit a report of that

evaluation with its annual CRS recertification. It must update the background information 

and the recommendations in its floodplain management plans and repetitive loss area 

analyses at least every five years and in its natural floodplain functions plan(s) every 10

years.

By their very nature as overall guidance for a community’s program, plans should be 

coordinated with other plans and programs as well as the activities of other agencies or 

offices that have authority over the same area. It is recommended that communities also 

contact state and regional offices and agencies to review their plans and planning criteria. 

For example, state planning agencies have requirements for some kinds of plans and state 

emergency management agencies may have additional elements they would like to see 

included in a mitigation plan. 

NOTE: An ordinance is NOT a plan. An ordinance sets standards for land development and 

other activities. Planning may include a review of land development standards and 

procedures, but it should also cover a much broader range of activities, as noted in 

Figure 510-4.

Class 9 Prerequisite: A Category C repetitive loss community (see Section 502) must 

receive credit under EITHER Section 512.a, floodplain management planning (FMP), with 

full credit in planning Step 5(c) OR Section 512.b, repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA),

with a plan that covers its repetitive loss areas.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-4 Edition: 2017

512 Elements 

512.a. Floodplain management planning (FMP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 382 points.

FMP credit is provided for a community-wide floodplain management plan that was 

prepared by following a standard planning process. To receive any credit under this 

activity, the planning process must receive some credit under each of the 10 steps listed

below. If the plan was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

as a multi-hazard mitigation plan and one step is missing, the mitigation plan may receive 

credit, but FMP credit will be limited to 50 points. If two steps are missing, there is no 

credit for a multi-hazard mitigation plan.

For some steps, such as Step 1, the community may show that it implemented at least one of 

the listed credit items. For other steps, specific items are required as a minimum. Required 

items are noted with “(REQUIRED)” after them.

FEMA’s multi-hazard mitigation planning regulations pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation 

Act of 2000 are explained at www.fema.gov/plan/mitplanning. The 10-step CRS planning 

process is consistent with those regulations, which identify four phases of hazard mitigation 

planning. The 10 CRS steps are aligned with the four phases of mitigation planning 

requirements in Table 510-1.

The CRS-credited planning process must follow the 10 steps. Although the plan document 

must discuss and document all 10 steps, the written plan does not need to be organized by 

these 10 steps. To document CRS credit, the community must identify where these steps 

were covered in its plan, using the CRS planning credit activity checklist (see 

Figure 510-1). 

Documentation or discussion of all but Steps 3 and 9 

must be presented in the plan document. Steps 3 and 9 

may be in the plan document or they may be explained 

in a separate memo from the community or the plan’s 

author as explained in the documentation section at the 

end of each step. The community must update the plan 

at least every five years and document the update by

October 1, five years after the plan was adopted.

 Note: It is recommended that 

the planner review all state and 

FEMA planning program guidelines, 

including the CRS planning credit 

checklist for Activity 510. Doing so 

will ensure that the planning effort 

will meet all state, FEMA, and CRS 

criteria. It is the community’s option, 

but with proper planning, one plan 

document can fulfill the planning 

criteria of several FEMA and state 

programs.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-5 Edition: 2017

Table 510-1. Planning steps for mitigation and for the CRS.

Multi-hazard Mitigation Planning 

Regulations (44 CFR §201.6)

CRS

Planning Steps

Maximum

Points

Phase I − Planning process

 §201.6(c)(1) 1. Organize 15

 §201.6(b)(1) 2. Involve the public 120

 §201.6(b)(2) & (3) 3. Coordinate 35

Phase II − Risk assessment

 §201.6(c)(2)(i) 4. Assess the hazard 35

 §201.6(c)(2)(ii) & (iii) 5. Assess the problem 52

Phase III − Mitigation strategy

 §201.6(c)(3)(i) 6. Set goals 2

 §201.6(c)(3)(ii) 7. Review possible activities 35

 §201.6(c)(3)(iii) 8. Draft an action plan 60

Phase IV − Plan maintenance

 §201.6(c)(5) 9. Adopt the plan 2

 §201.6(c)(4) 10. Implement, evaluate, revise 26

Total 382

Figure 510-1. An excerpt from a floodplain management planning credit checklist.
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Credit Points for FMP

FMP = the total of points credited for Step 1 through Step 10, up to 

the maximum of 382 points

There are no credit formulae for this activity. The credits for each step are simply added

together.

Note that the points listed (Step 1 to Step 10) are maximum possible points. The ISO/CRS 

Technical Reviewer may determine that one or more items do not warrant full credit.

Step 1. Organize to prepare the plan

The credit for this step is based on how the community organizes to prepare its floodplain 

management plan. 

Credit Points for FMP Step 1

Credit for Step 1 is the total of the following points. (Maximum credit: 15 points)

(a) 4 points, if the office responsible for the community’s land use and comprehensive 

planning is actively involved in the floodplain management planning process. The 

“office” may be the community’s planning or community development department, a 

consulting firm, or a regional planning agency, provided that it performs regular land 

use or comprehensive planning duties for the community. This office is usually not the 

floodplain management or mitigation planner or consultant, because the intention of this 

credit is to incorporate the floodplain management or mitigation plan into the rest of the 

community’s planning activities. “Actively involved” means that staff regularly attend 

meetings, assist in the coordination (Step 3), and either write or review draft sections of 

the plan. 

(b) 9 points, if the planning process is conducted through a committee composed of staff 

from those community departments that implement or have expertise in the activities 

that will be reviewed in Step 7. One point is provided for each office represented. 

Divisions of departments can be counted as 

separate offices. For smaller communities with 

fewer departments, full credit is provided if 

the committee has representation from all 

offices with expertise in all six categories of 

activities credited in Step 7.

A planning committee is strongly 

recommended. By involving those who can 

contribute and will be most affected when the

recommendations are carried out, the 

community will get a more realistic product 

that will have a much better chance of being 

Step 7 Categories 

 ○ Preventive measures (e.g., codes)

 ○ Property protection (e.g., elevation)

 ○ Natural resource protection 

 ○ Emergency services

 ○ Structural flood control projects

 ○ Public Information

Also see Figure 510-4.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-7 Edition: 2017

adopted and implemented. Community departments that could be represented on the 

committee include, but are not limited to

• Building department/code enforcement,

• Engineering,

• Land use planning/zoning,

• Public works,

• Emergency management/public safety,

• Public information,

• Environmental protection/public health,

• Parks/recreation,

• A city manager or council member, and

• Housing/community development.

If the planning committee includes representatives from the public and other 

stakeholders (with no attachment to local government), additional credit is provided in 

Step 2. Note that there is extra credit in Step 10 if the committee continues to meet after 

the plan is adopted in order to evaluate progress and recommend changes.

No credit is provided for the creation of a planning committee if the committee only 

meets once or twice. It must meet a sufficient number of times to involve the members 

in the following key steps of the planning process (e.g., at least one meeting on each 

step): 

Step 4. Assess the hazard,

Step 5. Assess the problem,

Step 6. Set goals,

Step 7. Review possible activities, and

Step 8. Draft an action plan.

If the community wants credit for participating in a multi-jurisdictional floodplain 

management or hazard mitigation planning committee,

• The community must send at least two representatives to the planning 

committee;

• At least half of the community’s representatives must attend all the meetings of 

the planning committee. In effect, there must be a quorum from each 

community. Remote attendance, e.g., via a webinar that allows for everyone to 

talk, is permissible; and

• CRS credit for the multi-jurisdictional planning committee will be based on the 

representation from offices that implement the activities in Step 7.
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Examples

a. A community has a planning committee with representatives from 

its planning, zoning, building, emergency management, code 

enforcement, and public works departments, as well as the city 

manager’s public information person. There is no one at the 

community level that deals with natural floodplain functions. The 

community’s committee would receive six points, one for each 

representative.

b. A county is preparing a multi-jurisdictional plan for the county and

10 participating cities. This planning committee has 30 members, 

including two from each city. Among the members are 

representatives of all six Step 7 categories, e.g., a city engineer, a 

city public works person, the county planner, and the county soil 

and water conservation district. The county’s committee would 

receive the full nine points, provided there was a quorum from 

each community seeking credit.

(c) 2 points, if the planning process and/or the committee are formally created or recognized 

by action of the community’s governing body. 

Two points are provided if the community’s governing body (e.g., the city council) 

formally recognizes the planning process. The preferred method is a formal resolution 

that designates who is responsible for preparing the plan and specifies a completion 

deadline. If a committee credited under Step 1(b) or 2(a) is used, the resolution should 

identify the members and the chair (or how the chair is selected) and how staff support 

is provided.

If a community participates in a multi-jurisdictional committee, its governing body must 

act in order for the community to receive this credit. A city will not receive this credit 

for a county council resolution. Conversely, a city can receive this credit even if there is 

no county credit.

Step 2. Involve the public 

The planning process must include an opportunity for the public to comment on the plan 

during its development and before its approval. Members of the public may be part of the 

planning committee created under Step 1 or they may be organized as a separate committee.

For this credit, the term “public” includes residents, businesses, property owners, and 

tenants in the floodplain and other known hazard areas as well as other stakeholders in the 
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community, such as developers and contractors, civic 

groups, environmental organizations, academia, nonprofit organizations, major employers, and staff from 

other governmental agencies, such as a levee district, 

housing authority, Natural Resources Conservation 

Service, or the National Weather Service.

Members of an advisory body to the community that does 

not have any regulatory authority, such as a stormwater 

advisory board, can be counted as representatives of the 

public. Community employees and members of a 

regulatory body, such as a zoning board of appeals that 

makes final decisions, are not considered “public” or 

stakeholders and are counted as representatives of the 

community departments credited under Step 1(b).

The most important partners to 

assist in the plan development are 

already within your community: local 

government officials, community 

planning and design professionals, 

business leaders, civic and volunteer 

groups, emergency services personnel, and interested residents. 

. . . .Ensuring that your team has 

an equitable and diverse 

representation will enhance your 

planning efforts and help build 

support for mitigation.

 —Planning for a

 Sustainable Future, FEMA-364

As with staff, involving the public and stakeholders 

brings them fully into the planning process, provides 

input on the viability of options being considered, and 

helps them to become concerned about the outcome. The largest number of points is 

provided for Step 2(a) because a planning committee with public membership has the 

following advantages:

• The committee can be a forum to both educate the public and also provide a means 

for public input into the plan.

• The participants recognize that they are involved and will be more willing to commit 

themselves to the process.

• The participants can do some of the work, especially data gathering, thereby reducing 

the overall cost of preparing the plan.

• A committee can be an effective forum for discussing alternatives, debating goals and 

objectives, and matching the technical requirements of a program to local situations.

• The committee members will provide information on the plan and process to their 

respective constituencies.

• The participants gain a feeling of “ownership” of the plan and its recommendations, 

which helps build public support for it.

• Committee members form a constituency that will have a stake in ensuring that the 

plan is implemented.

Note that 50% of the maximum credit for this planning step is a prerequisite for Class 4 or 

better communities.
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Credit Points for FMP Step 2

The credit for this step is the total of the following points based on how the community 

involves the public during the planning process. (Maximum credit: 120 points)

(a) Up to 60 points, if the planning process is conducted through a planning committee that 

includes members of the public and meets the following criteria:

(1) If the committee includes community staff (e.g., the planning committee credited 

under Step 1(b)), then at least one-half of the members must be representatives of the 

public or stakeholders for full credit. The credit is prorated for lower levels of public 

or stakeholder representation. Note that receiving 50% of the maximum credit for 

this planning step is a prerequisite for Class 4 or better communities and item (a) is 

one-half of the credit for Step 2.

(2) It must meet a sufficient number of times to involve the members in the key steps of 

the planning process, i.e., it must meet the same meeting criteria specified in 

Step 1(b).

(3) All meetings must be open to the public and the meeting schedule must be publicly 

posted (e.g., on a website).

(4) If the community wants credit for participating in a multi-jurisdictional floodplain 

management or hazard mitigation planning committee, it must meet the criteria 

specified in Step 1(b). 

(5) The formalities of organizing and naming the committee are not as important as the 

membership and the ability of all members to participate. For example, a community 

may augment an existing committee with an advisory body of stakeholders. Such an 

arrangement would be credited, provided the stakeholders were treated as full 

committee members during the meetings, i.e., they can speak up, vote, and receive 

all the materials that regular members do.

Note that this planning committee can be (and it is recommended that it be) the same 

committee that prepares a Program for Public Information under Activity 330 

(Outreach Projects). The floodplain management plan document can also be or 

include the Program for Public Information document and/or the flood insurance 

coverage improvement plan credited under Activity 370 (Flood Insurance 

Promotion).

There is extra credit in Step 10 if the committee continues to meet after the plan is 

adopted in order to evaluate progress and recommend changes, provided that the 

committee continues to meet the above criteria. Such annual evaluations by a 

committee are required for some of the credits under Activities 330 and 370.

(b) 15 points, if one or more public information meetings is held in the affected area(s) 

within the first two months of the planning process to obtain public input on the natural 

hazards, problems, and possible solutions. The meetings must be held separately from 

the planning committee meetings credited in item (1). 

The intent of the public meeting(s) is to go out to the people to gather input. At a 

minimum, it must be separate from regular meetings of the planning committee or the 
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community’s governing body. It is recommended that at least one of these public 

meetings be held in the affected neighborhoods.

(c) 15 points, for holding one or more public meetings to obtain input on the recommended 

plan. The meeting(s) must be at the end of the planning process, at least two weeks 

before submittal of the recommended plan to the community’s governing body. 

Simply discussing the plan at a regular public meeting of the governing body, just 

before it is voted on, is not sufficient public input for CRS credit. To receive credit for 

this item, there must be at least one public meeting at the end of the planning process, at 

which the plan and its findings and recommendations are explained and people can ask 

questions and submit their comments for review, consideration, and potential 

modification of the plan. The CRS does not require public hearings. State and local laws 

take precedence, however. The community’s legal counsel should determine if a public 

hearing is required.

(d) 5 points, for each additional public information activity implemented to explain the 

planning process and encourage input to the planner or planning committee, up to a 

maximum of 30 points. Examples include, but are not limited to

• A website that explains the planning process and posts the time and place for 

its meetings, meeting agendas, status reports, and the draft plan, when it is 

ready for review.

• Conducting a public webcast that explains the planning process and solicits 

input.

• Questionnaires asking the public for information on their natural hazards, 

problems, and possible solutions. A questionnaire or survey that is sent to 

everyone in the floodplain or everyone in the community will receive double 

credit (10 points).

• Outreach projects, such as those credited in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), 

which explain the planning effort and seek comments. These could include 

brochures, mailers, booths at shopping malls, presentations at civic or 

neighborhood organizations, etc.

Step 3. Coordinate 

Most communities’ flood problems have been studied already. There are likely to be 

existing plans, studies, and reports on flooding that need to be reviewed. There also may be 

flood protection activities being considered or implemented by other agencies. 

This planning step credits incorporating other plans and other agencies’ efforts into the 

floodplain management plan. Other agencies and organizations must be contacted to 

determine if they have studies, plans, or information pertinent to the floodplain 

management plan; to determine if their programs or initiatives may affect the community’s 

program; and to see if they could support the community’s efforts. 
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Examples of “other agencies and organizations” include neighboring communities; local, 

regional, state, and federal agencies; and businesses, colleges, and other private and nonprofit organizations affected by the hazards or involved in hazard mitigation or floodplain 

management. 

This credit is for coordinating with other agencies and organizations, particularly those that 

are not represented on the planning committee credited under Step 1(b) or Step 2(a). No 

special additional coordination measures are needed for the agencies and organizations on 

the planning committee, but the planners may want to formally contact the directors and 

others for the record.

Note that community needs and goals typically are developed during comprehensive 

planning activities. These goals should be identified in this step, reviewed, and considered 

during the development of the floodplain management plan. They should be taken into 

account when the goals for the floodplain management plan are developed in Step 6.

Credit Points for FMP Step 3

The credit for this step is the total of the following points. To receive credit for this step, 

the coordination must include item (a). (Maximum credit: 35 points)

(a) 5 points, if the planning includes a review of existing studies, reports, and technical 

information and of the community’s needs, goals, and plans for the area. (REQUIRED) 

Where the information from the existing studies and reports is used in the plan, the 

source(s) should be referenced.

This review needs to include a review of community needs and goals, past flood studies, 

disaster damage reports, natural areas plans, and other documents that will provide 

information for the planning process.

(b) 30 points, for coordinating with agencies and organizations outside the community’s 

governmental structure. There is no credit for talking to other departments within the 

city or county government. For this credit, “coordinate” means to

• Contact the agency or organization and keep a record of the contact (a generic 

announcement or notice on a website is not sufficient);

• Ask for data or information related to the hazard;

• Ask if the agency or organization is doing anything that might affect flooding 

or properties in flood-prone areas; and 

• Offer the agency or organization an opportunity to be involved in the planning 

effort, such as by attending a committee meeting or commenting on the draft 

plan.

One point is provided for each agency or organization that is contacted. 

Two points are provided for meeting or having a telephone conversation with the agency 

or organization. Such a coordination meeting or conversation must be separate from 

attendance at a planning committee meeting.
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Coordination with an agency can only be counted once. For example, if a letter to an 

agency results in a follow-up meeting or telephone conversation, the community 

receives two points.

Examples of such agencies and organizations include, but are not limited to

o Neighboring communities;

o Local and regional agencies involved in hazard mitigation activities;

o Stakeholder-type organizations that are not represented on the planning 

committee;

o Local drainage, levee, sanitary, and soil and water conservation districts;

o Regional and metropolitan planning agencies;

o State National Flood Insurance 

Program (NFIP) Coordinator;

o State water resources agency;

o State coastal zone management 

agency;

o State emergency management agency;

o FEMA Regional Office;

o National Weather Service;

o U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;

o Natural Resources Conservation 

Service;

o U.S. Bureau of Reclamation;

o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;

o National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration;

o Native American tribes;

o American Red Cross;

o Local homebuilders association; and

o Local environmental groups.

If the community wants the plan to 

qualify as a multi-hazard mitigation plan, 

the plan must identify all stakeholders that 

are involved or given an opportunity to be 

involved in the planning process. At a 

minimum, stakeholders must include

1) Local and regional agencies 

involved in hazard mitigation 

activities,

2) Agencies that have the authority 

to regulate development, and

3) Neighboring communities.

An “opportunity to be involved in the 

planning process” means that the stakeholders are engaged or invited as participants and given the chance to provide 

input to affect the plan’s content.

—Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide, FEMA

Step 4. Assess the hazard 

At this step in the planning process, the planner or committee reviews, analyzes, and 

summarizes data collected about the natural hazard(s) that the community faces. This step 

focuses on the sources, frequency, extent, and causes of flooding while Step 5 will address 

the impact of flooding on people, property, infrastructure, the local economy, and natural 

floodplain functions.

Under Step 3(a), the community gathers data about the flood hazard. This step involves 

reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing the data from existing flood studies, including the 

Flood Insurance Study, drainage problem studies, historical records, and the knowledge and 

experiences of the planning committee members. 
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For CRS credit, the community does not need to conduct studies to develop new flood data. 

However, if this process determines that new maps or data are needed, they should be 

described for credit under item (d).

The hazard assessment needs to describe the local flood hazard and not be a broad or 

generic discussion of flooding in general. It needs to discuss how often it floods, the 

locations of areas that flood, the depth of flooding, and the source or cause of the flooding. 

Because the most important readers are elected officials and flood-prone residents, the 

descriptions of the hazards should be in lay terms.

The CRS Community Self Assessment described in Section 240 can help with this step. 

Credit Points for FMP Step 4

The credit for this step is the total of the following points based on what the community 

includes in its assessment of the hazard. (Maximum credit: 35 points)

• To receive CRS credit for this step, the plan must include a flood hazard assessment 

credited under item (1). 

• If the community is a Category B or C repetitive loss community (see Sections 502–

503), this step must cover all of its repetitive loss areas. 

(a) 15 points, for including an assessment of the flood hazard in the plan. (REQUIRED) Flood 

hazard areas that require assessment include

• The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shown on the Flood Insurance Rate 

Map (FIRM),

• Repetitive loss areas,

• Areas not mapped on the FIRM that have flooded in the past, and

• Other surface flooding identified in other studies.

(1) 5 points, for a map of the flood hazard areas. Area maps are acceptable for multijurisdictional plans.

(2) 5 points, for a description of the known flood hazards, including source of water, 

depth of flooding, velocities, and warning time. 

(3) 5 points, for a discussion of past floods. 

(b) 10 points, for including an assessment of less-frequent flood hazards in the plan. For 

this credit, the community must

(1) Identify the hazard, including

a. Preparing an inventory of levees that would result in a flood of developed areas if 

they failed or were overtopped during a flood, and/or

b. Preparing an inventory of dams that would result in a flood of developed areas if 

they failed, and/or
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c. Identifying any of the flood-related special hazards listed in Section 401 of the 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual that may affect the community, and/or

d. Identifying the coastal A Zone, i.e., the area where wave heights during the 100-

year flood are between 1.5 and 3 feet;

(2) Map the area(s) affected. (For planning purposes, an approximate affected area is 

sufficient. No new engineering studies are needed. Area maps are acceptable for 

multi-jurisdictional plans.) If an engineering study is conducted, it may receive 

credit under Activity 410; and

(3) Summarize the hazard(s) in lay terms.

Note that, under Activities 620 (Levees) and 630 (Dams), items (b)(1)a and (b)(1)b are 

prerequisites for reaching Class 4 or better. Additional guidance on inventorying and 

mapping the areas affected by levee and dam failures can be found in Section 621.b and 

Section 631.b, respectively. It is recommended that communities incorporate these 

inventories into their floodplain management plans.

Item (a) is prorated if part of the “flood hazard” is missing, where applicable. For 

example, if the community is downstream of a dam, has a levee, and has a coastal A 

Zone, and the assessment includes only the dam failure hazard, the credit will be less 

than the full 10 points. If the community does not have a levee, it is reflected in the 

proration.

Two points are provided if the inventory is conducted and concludes that there are 

no levees, dams, or special flood-related hazards that threaten the community. 

(c) 5 points, if the assessment identifies areas likely to be flooded and flood problems that 

are likely to get worse in the future as a result of (1) changes in floodplain development 

and demographics, (2) development in the watershed, and (3) climate change or sea 

level rise. The credit is prorated if the assessment does not include all three types of 

changes.

(d) 5 points, if the plan includes a description of the magnitude or severity, history, and 

probability of future events for other natural hazards, such as earthquakes, wildfires, or

tornados. The plan should include all natural hazards that affect the community. At a 

minimum, it should include hazards identified by the state’s hazard mitigation plan. 

NOTE: To qualify as a multi-hazard mitigation plan, the plan must address ALL of the 

community’s flood and other natural hazards identified in the hazard assessment. Not only 

does an all-hazards plan help qualify for mitigation funds, but also it will better prepare 

the community for hazards other than flooding. It is common for communities to focus only 

on mitigation of flood problems because they occur more often. However, assessing the 

other hazards when preparing a flood plan can help address what can be done for all 

hazards, some of which may occur less frequently, but have a greater impact on the 

community.
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Step 5. Assess the problem 

Flooding can be a natural and beneficial occurrence. A floodplain is only a problem area if 

human development (the built environment) gets in the way of, or exacerbates, the natural 

flooding process. 

The previous step assessed the hazards facing the community. In this step, the community 

planners or planning committee members collect and summarize data on what is at risk. 

This step looks at the impact of those hazards on the community.

Note that 50% of the maximum credit for this planning step is a prerequisite for Class 4 or 

better communities.

Credit Points for FMP Step 5

The credit for this step is the total of the following points, based on what is included in the 

assessment of the vulnerability of the community to the hazards identified in the previous,

hazard assessment, step. (Maximum credit: 52 points)

• To receive credit for this step, the assessment must include items (a) and (c). A plan 

for a Category B or a Category C repetitive loss community that does not include 

item (c) may still receive up to 50 points for the plan, provided that no other step is 

missed.

• Each credited item must cover all relevant flood-related hazards identified in Step 4. 

• Each credited item must include a description and summary of the problem(s). 

Simply listing data, such as the names of the critical facilities or the number of flood 

insurance claims, does not suffice for credit—there must be description of the impact 

of flooding and what kinds of problems arise, not just raw data.

• For a multi-jurisdictional plan, each item needs to be described for each community. 

Tables are acceptable to show the data by community, but there still needs to be a 

narrative description and summary of the problem(s).

(a) 2 points, if the plan includes an overall summary of the jurisdiction’s vulnerability to 

each hazard identified in the hazard assessment (Step 4) and the impact on the 

community. (REQUIRED)

(b) 25 points, if the plan includes a description of the impact that the hazards identified in 

the hazard assessment (Step 4) have on the features listed below:

(1) 5 points, for life safety and the need for warning and evacuating residents and 

visitors. 

(2) 5 points, for public health, including health hazards to individuals from flood waters 

and mold. 

(3) 5 points, for critical facilities and infrastructure.

(4) 5 points, for the community’s economy and major employers.

(5) 5 points, for the number and types of affected buildings (e.g., residential, 

commercial, industrial, with or without basements, etc.). For this credit, the 
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assessment must include an inventory of all 

buildings owned by the community that are

located in flood-prone areas and that identifies 

which buildings are insured for flood damage.

The Privacy Act 

Flood insurance data about 

private property, including repetitive 

loss properties, are protected under 

the Privacy Act. Personally 

identifiable Information such as the 

names or addresses of specific 

properties, whether they are 

covered by flood insurance or not, 

whether they have received flood 

insurance claims, or the amounts of 

such claims may not be released 

outside of local government 

agencies or to the public or used for 

solicitation or other purposes. Such 

information should be marked “For 

internal use only. Protected by the 

Privacy Act of 1974.”

General or aggregated 

information, such as total claims 

paid for a community or an area or 

data not connected to a particular 

property may be made public.

(c) 5 points, if the assessment includes a review of 

historical damage to buildings, including all 

repetitive loss properties and all properties that have 

received flood insurance claims payments, and/or an 

estimate of the potential damage and dollar losses to 

vulnerable structures, including damage from mold 

and other flood-related hazards. Vulnerable 

structures must include all buildings within the 

community’s defined repetitive loss area(s).

Communities must include repetitive loss areas in 

their problem assessment. (REQUIRED of Category B 

and C repetitive loss communities (see Sections 

502–503))

In order to receive the full credit under item (c), the 

community reviews ALL the addresses of properties 

that have received flood insurance claims, not just 

the repetitive loss properties. Such a list is sent 

annually to all Category B and C repetitive loss 

CRS communities. Communities can request more 

recent lists through their FEMA Regional Office.

Data on building damage usually can be obtained from post-disaster damage assessment 

reports, flood insurance claims or disaster assistance data, and flood control studies. 

Particularly in areas that have experienced little or no serious flooding in recent history, 

a Hazus-MH flood analysis can yield valuable information about the potential for flood 

damage and loss (Figure 510-2). For best results, the building/structure inventory data 

bases in Hazus-MH should be augmented with local input.

Hazus-MH is a software program that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, 

floods, and hurricane winds. It can be a great help in the Step 5 vulnerability assessment. 

Hazus-MH uses geographic information system (GIS) software to map and display hazard data and the 

results of damage and economic loss estimates for buildings and infrastructure. It also allows users to 

estimate the impacts of hurricane winds, floods, and earthquakes on populations. 

Copies of Hazus-MH are available at no charge from the FEMA Distribution Center. Users can request 

that a 60-day trial/evaluation copy of ESRI’s ArcGIS software be sent with Hazus-MH. Users should be 

familiar with GIS software. Hazus training is available at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute and 

elsewhere. Information is at http://www.fema.gov/hazus/.

Figure 510-2. About Hazus-MH.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-18 Edition: 2017

(d) 5 points, if the assessment describes areas within the floodplain that provide natural 

functions, such as wetlands, riparian areas, sensitive areas, and habitat for rare or 

endangered species.

Along with flood protection, comprehensive floodplain management planning should 

review the unique natural features, natural areas, and other environmental and aesthetic

attributes that may be present in the floodplain. Protecting and preserving these natural 

and beneficial floodplain functions yield flood protection benefits and also help 

integrate floodplain management efforts with other community goals and objectives. 

This section should also review existing natural floodplain functions plans, such as 

those credited under Section 511.c.

(e) 7 points, if the assessment includes a description of development, redevelopment, and 

population trends and a discussion of what the future brings for development and 

redevelopment in the community, the watershed, and natural resource areas. 

(f) 8 points, if the assessment includes a description of the impact of the future flooding 

conditions described in Step 4(c) on people, property, and natural floodplain functions. 

Step 6. Set goals 

The goals should set the context for the subsequent review of floodplain management 

activities and drafting of the action plan (Figure 510-3). They should incorporate or be 

consistent with other community goals for the affected areas. A multi-hazard mitigation 

plan should have goals that address all the major hazards that face the community.

Credit Points for FMP Step 6

The points for this step are provided if the plan includes a statement of the goals of the 

community’s floodplain management or hazard mitigation program. The goals must address 

all flood-related problems identified in Step 5. (Maximum credit: 2 points)

Step 7. Review possible activities 

At this step, the plan reviews different activities that could prevent or reduce the severity of 

the problems described in Step 5. This is a systematic review of a wide range of activities to 

ensure that all possible measures are explored, not just the traditional approache s of flood 

control, acquisition, and regulation of land use. The review, including the pros and cons of 

each activity, must be included in the plan document. Figure 510-4 lists some of the types 

of activities that could be reviewed under each of the six credited categories. 

NOTE: This review is separate from Step 8, the selection of projects and activities to 

pursue. It includes activities that may not be selected and explains why some activities may 

be appropriate for the community and its flooding conditions and why some may not be 

appropriate. 

The range of activities should be evaluated for each area affected. While some of them may 

be quickly eliminated as inappropriate, most deserve careful consideration, especially to 

ensure full understanding of their costs and benefits. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-19 Edition: 2017

St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan

1. Protect the lives and health of the Parish’s residents from the dangers of natural hazards.

2. Ensure that public services and critical facilities operate during and after a disaster.

3. Ensure that adequate evacuation routes, streets, utilities and public and emergency 

communications are maintained and available during and after a disaster.

4. Protect homes and businesses from damage.

5. Use new infrastructure and development planning to reduce the impact of natural hazards.

6. Give special attention to repetitively flooded areas.

_________________________________________

Gurnee, Illinois, Flood Mitigation Plan

1. Protect existing properties

a. Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from flooding, including acquisition 

or relocation where warranted.

b. Enact and enforce regulatory measures that ensure that new development will not increase 

flood threats to existing properties.

c. Use appropriate measures to mitigate against the danger and damage posed by other 

natural hazards.

2. Protect health and safety

a. Advise everyone of the safety and health precautions to take against flooding and other 

natural hazards.

b. Improve traffic circulation, during floods and at other times.

c. Improve water quality and habitat.

d. Do something about the mosquitoes.

3. Improve the quality of life in Gurnee.

a. Preserve and improve the downtown core of businesses and services.

b. Ensure that current owners can maintain and improve their properties.

c. Use acquisition programs to expand open space and recreational opportunities.

d. Maintain an attractive riverfront and other public open spaces.

4. Ensure that public funds are used in the most efficient manner.

a. Prioritize mitigation projects, starting with those sites facing the greatest threat to life, 

health, and property.

b. Utilize public funding to protect public services and critical facilities.

c. Utilize public funding for those projects on private property where the benefits exceed the costs.

d. Maximize the use of outside sources of funding.

e. Maximize owner participation in mitigation efforts to protect their own properties.

 f. Encourage property-owner self-protection measures.

Figure 510-3. Two examples of communities’ statements of their goals.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-20 Edition: 2017

1. Preventive activities keep flood problems from getting worse. The use and development of 

flood-prone areas is limited through planning, land acquisition, or regulation. They are usually 

administered by building, zoning, planning, and/or code enforcement offices.

 • Floodplain mapping and data • Planning and zoning

 • Open space preservation • Stormwater management

 • Floodplain regulations • Drainage system maintenance

 • Erosion setbacks • Building codes

2. Property protection activities are usually undertaken by property owners on a building-bybuilding or parcel basis. 

 • Relocation • Retrofitting

 • Acquisition • Sewer backup protection

 • Building elevation • Insurance

3. Natural resource protection activities preserve or restore natural areas or the natural 

functions of floodplain and watershed areas. They are implemented by a variety of agencies, 

primarily parks, recreation, or conservation agencies or organizations. 

 • Wetlands protection • Water quality improvement

 • Erosion and sediment control • Coastal barrier protection

 • Natural area preservation • Environmental corridors

 • Natural area restoration • Natural functions protection

4. Emergency services measures are taken during an emergency to minimize its impact. 

These measures are usually the responsibility of city or county emergency management staff 

and the owners or operators of major or critical facilities. 

 • Hazard threat recognition • Critical facilities protection

 • Hazard warning • Health and safety maintenance

 • Hazard response operations • Post-disaster mitigation actions

5. Structural projects keep flood waters away from an area with a levee, reservoir, or other 

flood control measure. They are usually designed by engineers and managed or maintained 

by public works staff.

 • Reservoirs • Channel modifications

 • Levees/floodwalls • Storm drain improvements

 • Diversions

6. Public information activities advise property owners, potential property owners, and visitors 

about the hazards, ways to protect people and property from the hazards, and the natural 

and beneficial functions of local floodplains. They are usually implemented by a public 

information office.

 • Map information • Library

 • Outreach projects • Technical assistance

 • Real estate disclosure • Environmental education

Figure 510-4. Categories of floodplain management activities.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-21 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for FMP Step 7

The credit for this step is the total of the following points based on which floodplain 

management or hazard mitigation activities are reviewed in the plan. (Maximum credit: 35 

points)

This step must describe those activities that were considered. There is no credit for simply 

listing the various types of projects under each credited category. For each activity, there 

must be a discussion of why the activity is or is not appropriate for the community and its 

flood problems. 

For an activity that is determined to be appropriate,

• The discussion must also include community’s capability to fund and implement the 

activity.

• If an activity is currently being implemented, the plan must note if it is achieving 

expectations and, if not, whether it should be modified.

• If the plan is an update of a previously credited plan, each activity recommended by 

the previous plan must be discussed, along with the status of implementation.

The discussion of each activity needs to be detailed enough to be useful to the lay 

reader.

Section (a) is required for any credit under this step.

(a) 5 points, if the plan reviews preventive activities, such as zoning, stormwater 

management regulations, building codes, subdivision ordinances, and preservation of 

open space, and the effectiveness of current regulatory and preventive standards and 

programs. (REQUIRED) For this credit, the review must include a discussion of the 

community’s 

o Comprehensive or land use plan,

o Building code,

o Zoning ordinance,

o Floodplain management regulations,

o Subdivision ordinance, and

o Stormwater management regulations.

The discussion must review

o How these tools can reduce future flood losses, 

o The current standards in the community’s plans and regulations, and 

o Whether the community should adopt or revise such plans and regulations in 

light of the Step 5 problem assessment and the goals set in Step 6.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-22 Edition: 2017

(b) 5 points, if the plan reviews whether the community’s floodplain management 

regulatory standards are sufficient for current and future conditions, as discussed under 

Steps 4(c) and 5(f).

(c) 5 points, if the plan reviews property protection activities, such as acquisition, 

retrofitting, and flood insurance;

(d) 5 points, if the plan reviews activities to protect the natural and beneficial functions of 

the floodplain, such as wetlands protection;

(e) 5 points, if the plan reviews emergency services activities, such as warning and 

sandbagging;

(f) 5 points, if the plan reviews structural projects, such as levees, reservoirs, and channel 

modifications; and

(g) 5 points, if the plan reviews public information activities, such as outreach projects and 

environmental education programs.

Step 8. Draft an action plan 

After the review of alternatives during Step 7, an action plan is drafted (Step 8) that selects 

and specifies those activities appropriate to the community’s resources, hazards, and 

vulnerable properties. The community should strive for a balanced program, selecting 

measures from more than one category of floodplain management activity. In every case, 

the community should implement preventive activities both to keep its flood problems from 

getting worse and also to protect new construction from the effects of natural hazards.

There is no requirement that a floodplain management plan identify expensive or massive 

structural flood control projects. The plan must include activities that the community can be 

assured will be implemented through its own resources. If outside funding support is needed 

for some projects, the funding sources should be identified and researched to ensure that the 

projects are eligible and the community has a chance of receiving the funds. Many of the 

activities could receive CRS credit once they are implemented.

Note that 50% of the maximum credit for this planning step is a prerequisite for Class 4 or 

better communities.

Credit Points for FMP Step 8

The credit points are based on the range of actions that are recommended in the plan, 

subject to the criteria listed below. (Maximum credit: 60 points)

• For each recommendation, the action plan must identify

o Who is responsible for implementing the action, 

o When it will be done, and 

o How it will be funded. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-23 Edition: 2017

“When it will be done” can be specified in terms of a date, a set period of time after 

another action is complete, after the next flood, etc. “How it will be funded” could 

state that funding will be dependent on a grant, provided the project is eligible for 

the grant program. 

• The actions must be prioritized. When prioritizing mitigation actions, the planners 

need to consider the benefits that would result from the mitigation actions and 

projects versus the cost of those actions. Note that this is not a requirement for a costbenefit analysis for every action item. However, an economic evaluation is essential 

for selecting one or more actions from among many competing ones.

• There must be an action item for each goal in Step 6. An example of this is in 

Figure 510-5.

• Credit is provided for a recommendation on floodplain regulations, provided it 

recommends adopting or continuing a regulatory standard that exceeds the minimum 

requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Simply continuing to 

meet the minimum criteria of the NFIP is not credited as an action item to improve 

the community’s floodplain management program.

• If the plan calls for acquiring properties, there must be a discussion of how the 

project(s) will be managed and how the land will be used after it is acquired.

• When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, it must have action items from at least 

two of the six categories that directly benefit each community seeking CRS credit. 

• To qualify as a multi-hazard mitigation plan, the plan must include a “process by 

which local governments incorporate the requirements of the mitigation plan into 

other planning mechanisms such as comprehensive or capital improvement plans, 

when appropriate” (44 CFR §201.6(c)(4)(ii)). The action items that relate to 

preventive activities should clarify how this is done. For example, an action item 

could recommend that the next time the zoning ordinance is revised, flood and 

landslide hazard areas be considered when determining allowable uses.

(a) 45 points, depending on how many categories are covered by the action items:

(1) 10 points, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities 

from two of the six categories credited in Step 7; OR

(2) 20 points, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities 

from three of the six categories credited in Step 7; OR

(3) 30 points, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities 

from four of the six categories credited in Step 7; OR

(4) 45 points, if the action plan includes flood-related recommendations for activities 

from five of the six categories credited in Step 7.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-24 Edition: 2017

Figure 510-5. An excerpt from the City of Gretna, Louisiana’s

Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-25 Edition: 2017

(b) 10 additional points are provided if the action plan establishes or revises post-disaster 

redevelopment and mitigation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures 

should account for the expected damage from a base flood or other disaster. For 

example, the action plan should identify the areas likely to be worst hit and the policies 

should determine whether they will be rebuilt if substantially damaged. Post-disaster 

mitigation procedures should assign responsibilities for public information, code 

enforcement, planning, and other efforts that encourage, mandate, and/or fund loss 

reduction activities. 

Note that Activity 330 (Outreach Projects) provides credit for public information 

materials developed for use during and after a flood (Flood Response Preparations 

(FRP)). Preparation of those materials should be done when the other post-disaster 

policies and procedures are prepared. 

(c) 5 additional points are provided if the plan includes action items (other than public 

information activities) to mitigate the effects of the other natural hazards identified in 

the hazard assessment (Step 4, item (d)).

Step 9. Adopt the plan 

The points for this step are provided if the plan and later amendments are officially adopted 

by the community’s governing body. The plan must be an official plan of the community, 

not an internal staff proposal. “Adopted” means that there is a resolution or other formal 

document that is voted on by the community’s governing body. A note in the minutes or 

passage via a consent agenda is not credited.

When a multi-jurisdictional plan is prepared, it must be adopted by the governing body of 

each community seeking CRS or multi-hazard mitigation plan credit. 

Step 10. Implement, evaluate, and revise 

To be useful, planning must be ongoing and plans must be dynamic. The plan should not sit 

on a shelf gathering dust once it is completed. Therefore, the community must have an 

evaluation and update process. 

For CRS credit, plans must be implemented. No plan is perfect. As implementation 

proceeds, flaws will be discovered and changes will be needed. Not only can hazard 

conditions change but also goals and objectives may change. If a community is hit by a 

tornado, for example, the short-term action items may be changed to focus attention on the 

newly damaged areas in the SFHA. 

Changes should be made in the action plan when opportunities arise to add new activities or 

complete some items ahead of schedule. The plan should also be revised if it is found that 

some activities cannot be completed on the original timetable. At a minimum, these types of 

changes must be made at the required 5-year update.

The key to this step is the annual evaluation report on progress in implementing the plan. 

Not only are annual evaluations required with the community’s annual recertification, but

also the process of conducting an annual evaluation gives the community a framework for 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-26 Edition: 2017

monitoring the plan’s effectiveness and the community’s progress in implementing it.

Failure to submit the evaluation report with the community’s annual recertification will 

result in loss of the planning credit (i.e., FMP = 0). This can cause a Category C repetitive 

loss community to revert to a Class 10.

Credit Points for FMP Step 10

The credit for this step is the total of the following points, based on how the community 

monitors and evaluates its plan. (Maximum credit: 26 points) 

• The plan document must describe how, when, and by whom the plan will be 

monitored, evaluated, and revised. It is recommended that these items be included in 

the adoption resolution as well.

• An annual evaluation report on progress towards plan implementation must be 

prepared at least once each year and submitted with the community’s annual CRS 

recertification. The report must be submitted to the governing body, released to the 

media, and made available to the public. 

• If a community receives credit as a result of participation in a multi-jurisdictional 

plan that includes action items for each community, the annual evaluation report must 

cover those action items. This can be done either by a multi-jurisdictional planning 

committee or through separate submittals by each community. However, a

community will not receive credit if it did not participate in the meeting at which the

annual report was prepared. Therefore, the submittal needs to show who participated 

in the preparation of the report.

• The community must update the plan at least every five years. The update is due by 

October 1, five years after the plan was adopted (see next section).

• Step 10(b) provides credit if the planning committee does the evaluation and revision. 

If the committee does not continue to meet and report or if the committee 

membership no longer meets the credit criteria in Step 2(a), the community will not 

keep the committee credits under Steps 1(b) or 2(a).

(a) 2 points, if the community has procedures for monitoring implementation, reviewing 

progress, and recommending revisions to the plan in an annual evaluation report. The 

report must be submitted to the governing body, released to the media, and made 

available to the public. (REQUIRED)

(b) 24 points, if the annual evaluation report is prepared by the same planning committee 

that prepared the plan that is credited in Step 2(a) or by a successor committee with a 

similar membership that was created to replace the planning committee and charged 

with monitoring and evaluating implementation of the plan. The points are based on 

how frequently the committee meets, since more frequent meetings yield more progress 

toward implementing the plan. The committee must continue to meet the representation, 

quorum, and other criteria that determined the credit points under Step 2(a).

(1) 6 points, if the committee meets only once a year.

(2) 12 points, if the committee meets twice a year.

(3) 24 points, if the committee meets at least quarterly.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-27 Edition: 2017

Five-year Update

The community must submit a copy of its plan update at least every five years. The plan 

update will be reviewed for CRS credit according to the Coordinator’s Manual currently in 

effect, not the version used when the community originally requested this credit. The update 

must include the following steps:

(a) Steps 1 and 2: If the original planning process included a committee, then in order 

to keep the credit provided under Step 1(b) or Step 2(a), the update must be 

conducted by a committee that meets the criteria identified in those steps.

(b) Step 2: If the original planning process received credit for a public meeting credited 

under Step 2, item (c), then to keep this credit the community must also conduct a 

public meeting that reviews and receives comments on the draft update. 

(c) Step 3, item (a): The update must include a review of new studies, reports, and 

technical information and of the community’s needs, goals, and plans for the area 

that have been published since the plan was prepared.

(d) Steps 4 and 5: The hazard and problem assessments must be reviewed and brought 

up to date. The assessments must account for

o New floodplain or hazard mapping,

o Annexation of flood-prone areas,

o Additional repetitive loss properties,

o Completed mitigation projects,

o Increased development in the floodplain or watershed,

o New flood control projects, 

o Lack of maintenance of flood control projects,

o Major floods or other disasters that occurred since the plan was adopted, and

o Any other change in flooding conditions and/or development exposed to 

flooding or the other hazards covered in the plan.

(e) Step 6: The original plan’s goals must be reviewed to determine if they are still 

appropriate, given the revisions to Steps 4 and 5.

(f) Step 8: The action plan must be revised to account for projects that have been 

completed, dropped, or changed and for changes in the hazard and problem 

assessments, as appropriate.

(g) Step 9: The update must be adopted by the community’s governing body.

An annual evaluation report that includes these steps may qualify as the five-year update

(but may not qualify as an update for a multi-hazard mitigation plan).
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-28 Edition: 2017

Impact Adjustment for FMP

rFMP is a ratio that reflects how much of the community’s flood hazard areas are covered

by the floodplain management plan. Note that for a hazard mitigation plan to qualify, all of 

the community’s flood hazards must be covered. 

rFMP = EITHER

1.0, if the plan covers all of the community’s known flood hazard 

areas. “Known flood hazard areas” means the SFHA shown on 

the FIRM, repetitive loss areas, areas not mapped on the FIRM 

that have been flooded in the past, and surface flooding 

identified in existing studies (see Step 4) 

OR

0.25, if the planning covers either all of the community’s 

repetitive loss areas or at least 25% of the community’s known 

flood hazard areas.

Documentation for FMP Provided by the Community

(1) With the submittal of the plan or the five-year update to the plan,

(a) A copy of the plan or updated plan to be credited. This can be digital, a hard copy, or 

a link to a website with the full document. Either the plan is marked, or a separate 

document is provided, to show where each credited step and sub-step appears. There 

is a checklist that can be used to do this, available at www.CRSresources.org/500.

(b) [For Step 1(b) credit for a committee of staff from different departments] The plan 

or a separate document must show which department representatives implement, or 

have expertise in, which of the six categories of mitigation measures.

(c) [For Step 1(c) credit] A copy of the resolution or other official action taken by the 

governing body to create or recognize the planning process as specified in Step 1.

For Step 2(a) credit for a planning committee, the resolution or action must identify 

the committee’s membership.

(d) [For Step 2(a) credit for a planning committee] The names of the committee 

members, their titles, and their represented organizations must be listed in the plan. 

The community may submit separate materials, such as meeting minutes and sign-in 

sheets, to document meeting attendance.

(e) For Step 2(b), (c), or (d) credit for public meetings] Copies of the publicity for the 

public meetings. The notices of the meetings should be in the form of letters to 

floodplain residents, a notice sent to all residents, or a newspaper article or 

advertisement. An inconspicuous legal notice appearing in the classified section of 

the newspaper is not sufficient for CRS credit. If very few residents are affected, as 

may be the case for a plan that addresses only a repetitive loss area, a written record 

that the residents were called would be sufficient documentation.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-29 Edition: 2017

(f) [For Step 3(a) credit for reviewing existing studies, reports, and technical 

information] The plan must note where the information from the studies and reports 

was used, e.g., with quotations or footnotes. The plan also needs to include a list of 

all the documents reviewed. This is usually done in a reference section or at the end 

of each chapter.

(g) [For Step 3(b) credit for coordination with other agencies and organizations] 

A record of the contacts and meetings. Acceptable records include letters that cover 

the items needed for coordination, copies of any responses that were received, 

follow-up memos from the meetings, notes from telephone conversations, and emails. These items are usually not included as a part of the plan document.

(h) A copy of the resolution or other formal adoption action by the governing body as 

specified in Step 9. The resolution should identify the implementation 

responsibilities, describe the evaluation and revision procedures, and call for the 

five-year update (or adopt by reference such language that may be in the plan 

document).

(2) With each annual recertification,

(a) A copy of the annual evaluation report as specified in Step 10. The report must 

review each action item, describe what was implemented (or not implemented), and 

recommend changes to the action plan as appropriate. If not in the evaluation report 

document, the recertification submittal must also include the minutes of the 

committee meeting(s) (if getting credit for Step 10(b)) and a description of how the 

report was submitted to the governing body, released to the media, and made 

available to the public. 

NOTE: Failure to submit the floodplain management plan’s evaluation report with the 

annual recertification or the five-year update will result in loss of the planning credit (i.e., 

FMP = 0). Loss of credit for this activity may cause a repetitive loss Category C community 

to revert to a Class 10.

512.b. Repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA) 

The maximum credit for this element is 140 points.

A repetitive loss area analysis is a detailed mitigation plan for a repetitive loss area. It 

provides more specific guidance on how to reduce damage from repetitive flooding than a 

community-wide floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan. Before beginning the 

RLAA process, the community must review its repetitive loss list to determine if any 

properties have been mitigated or incorrectly assigned to the community. Once the list is 

reviewed and the necessary updates approved as per Section 502, the remaining unmitigated 

repetitive loss properties will form the basis for the RLAA. Mapping repetitive loss areas is 

discussed in Section 503. 

As with a floodplain management plan, CRS credit is dependent upon the community’s 

following an appropriate process. The five steps for an area analysis are less involved than 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-30 Edition: 2017

the 10-step floodplain management planning process, but the analysis must evaluate each 

building in the repetitive loss area(s). 

A community may receive credit for both a floodplain management plan and repetitive loss 

area analyses. Area analyses may be conducted during floodplain management planning or a 

floodplain management plan may identify areas needing analyses, which are conducted after 

the plan is adopted. For CRS credit, a separate analysis must be prepared for each repetitive 

loss area and made available to residents of those areas.

Additional guidance and suggestions for conducting an area analysis can be found in 

Chapter 7 of Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA-511.

Credit Criteria for RLAA

(1) Communities with one or more repetitive loss properties on FEMA’s list must have at 

least one repetitive loss area delineated in accordance with the criteria in Section 503. 

The area(s) must include at least one of the properties on FEMA’s repetitive loss list.

An exception to this criterion is made for communities that have no historic repetitive

flood claims, but are nevertheless working to reduce repetitive flooding. These 

communities may prepare area analyses for areas that have been repetitively flooded. 

The analyses must describe and map the repetitive flooding problem (including all past 

flood insurance claims, if any) and meet all the following credit criteria. If there are 

multiple areas, they must not be contiguous. Communities using this approach may 

receive 20 credit points per area.

(2) An area analyses must have been prepared and adopted for each repetitive loss area in 

the community. The analyses must meet the following criteria:

(a) The repetitive loss areas must be mapped as described in Section 503.a. 

(b) If the community does not conduct an analysis of all the areas, it will be reflected 

through the impact adjustment. A Category C community must prepare analyses for 

all of its repetitive loss areas if it wants to use RLAA to meet its repetitive loss 

planning prerequisite (see Section 502).

(c) A five-step process must be followed. Although all five steps must be completed, 

steps 2–4 do not have to be done in the order listed. For example, the planners may 

want to contact agencies and organizations to see if they have useful data (Step 2) 

after the site visit is conducted (Step 3). 

Step 1. Advise all the properties in the repetitive loss areas that the analysis will be 

conducted and request their input on the hazard and recommended actions. The 

notice (or any public document) cannot identify which properties are on FEMA’s 

repetitive loss list (see the box on flood insurance data and the Privacy Act). There 

are no restrictions on publicizing what properties are in repetitive loss AREAS that

have more than one property and there are no restrictions on publishing aggregate 

data, such as how many properties received claims or the average value of those 

claims. Community planning staff may share insurance claims information with the 

owner of the property, but may not make it available to anyone else.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-31 Edition: 2017

The Privacy Act 

Flood insurance data about private property, including repetitive loss properties, are protected 

under the Privacy Act. Personally identifiable Information such as the names or addresses of specific 

properties, whether they are covered by flood insurance or not, whether they have received flood 

insurance claims, or the amounts of such claims may not be released outside of local government 

agencies or to the public or used for solicitation or other purposes. Such information should be marked 

“For internal use only. Protected by the Privacy Act of 1974.”

General or aggregated information, such as total claims paid for a community or an area or data not 

connected to a particular property may be made public.

o The notice can be sent to owners OR residents at the community’s discretion, 

as long as a representative of each property is notified.

o The notice cannot be done via a newspaper or newsletter notice or article. 

o The notice must advise the recipients when and how copies of the draft report 

can be obtained and ask for their comments on the draft.

Step 2. Contact agencies or organizations that may have plans or studies that could 

affect the cause or impacts of the flooding. The agencies or organizations must be 

identified in the analysis report.

Step 3. Visit each building in the repetitive loss area and collect basic data. 

o The site visit must collect data sufficient to do a preliminary determination of 

the cause of the repetitive flooding and of the mitigation measures that would 

be appropriate. This usually includes a review of drainage patterns around the 

building, the condition of the structure, and the condition and type of 

foundation.

o The person conducting the visit should not have to enter the property—

adequate information should be collected from observations from the street.

o Floor elevations or historical flood levels are not required, but can be very 

helpful where available. 

o The date for each building’s insurance claim can help identify the cause of 

flooding (e.g., rainfall or overbank flooding) and the amount of the claim can 

help determine the amount of damage. Note that, every year, each repetitive 

loss community is provided with a list of its historic insurance claims. This 

includes single-claim properties. Non-repetitive-loss communities that elect to 

do an RLAA may request these data from their ISO/CRS Specialist.

o More information on appropriate data can be found in Selecting Appropriate 

Mitigation Measures for Floodprone Structures, FEMA-551.
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Step 4. Review alternative approaches and determine whether any property 

protection measures or drainage improvements are feasible. The review must look at 

all of the property protection measures listed in Figures 360-1 and 510-4 that are 

appropriate for the types of buildings affected. A review that looks only at drainage 

or structural flood control project alternatives is not sufficient.

Step 5. Document the findings. A separate analysis must be conducted for each 

area. In general, separate reports are preferred for each area, but in cases in which 

several areas have similar building and flooding characteristics and similar 

mitigation measures are appropriate, the analyses can be assembled into a single 

report. Each report must include

o A summary of the process that was followed, including how the property 

owners were involved;

o The problem statement with a map of the area affected. The statement and map 

may show individual properties or parcels, but cannot show which ones are on 

FEMA’s repetitive loss list;

o A list or table showing basic information for each building, such as address, 

foundation type, condition, and appropriate mitigation measures. This list 

cannot include insurance data, such as how many claims have been paid for 

that property. If the property owners responded to a survey, the survey 

responses may be included (unless the community promised confidentiality);

o The alternative approaches that were reviewed; and

o Action items that include 

• Who is responsible for implementing the action, 

• When it will be done, and 

• How it will be funded. 

“When it will be done” can be expressed in terms of a date, a set period of 

time after another action is complete, after the next flood, etc. “How it will be 

funded” could state that funding will be dependent upon receiving a grant, 

provided that one or more suitable grant programs are specified to which 

application(s) for funding will be made.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-33 Edition: 2017

(3) The repetitive loss area analysis report(s) must be submitted to the community’s 

governing body and made available to the media and the public. If private or sensitive 

information (such as names or street addresses) is included in the report, then a 

summary report(s) must be prepared for the governing body, committees, media, and the 

public. The complete repetitive loss area analysis report(s) must be adopted by the 

community’s governing body or by an office that has been delegated approval authority 

by the community’s governing body.

(4) The community must prepare an annual evaluation report for its area analyses. 

• The report must review each action item, describe what was implemented (or not 

implemented), and recommend changes to the action items as appropriate. 

• One annual report can cover some or all of the area analyses that were prepared. 

• The report must be made available to the media and the public (including the 

property owners and residents of the repetitive loss areas).

• The report is submitted with the community’s annual recertification.

(5) The community must update its repetitive loss area analyses in time for each CRS cycle 

verification visit.

• The update must review the flooding and building 

conditions as well as any changes to FEMA’s 

repetitive loss list, to determine whether the number 

of buildings on the list or other circumstances have 

changed, and revise the mapping and action items 

accordingly. 

• The update can be a new report or an addendum to 

the existing report. 

If, during the area analysis or 

annual reviews, the community 

finds that the flood risk to one or 

more repetitive loss properties has 

been mitigated, FEMA must be 

notified by submitting an AW-501, 

as described in Section 501.

• An annual evaluation report that reviews and updates the 5-step process may qualify 

as the area analysis update.

• The update can qualify as the annual evaluation report for the year it was prepared.

• The update must be made available to the media and the public (including the 

property owners and residents of the repetitive loss areas).

• If the repetitive flooding problem has been mitigated, the appropriate documentation 

must be submitted in order to remove the properties from FEMA’s repetitive loss list 

(see Section 501).

• Any changes to an adopted area analysis must be approved following the same 

process as approval of the original analysis.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-34 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for RLAA

RLAA = 140

The maximum credit for this element is 140 points. A community can obtain the maximum 

only if it prepares and adopts repetitive loss area analyses for all its repetitive loss areas. 

This is factored in through the impact adjustment.

Impact Adjustment for RLAA

rRLAA is the ratio of the number of buildings covered by credited area analyses to the total 

number of buildings in the community’s repetitive loss areas. See Sections 301–303 on 

calculating an impact adjustment. 

rRLAA = bAA , where

bRLA

bAA = the number of buildings addressed in 

credited area analyses, and

bRLA = the number of buildings in the community’s 

repetitive loss areas 

Documentation for RLAA Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of each repetitive loss area analysis report or update of an earlier report that 

the community wants credited (see Step 5). 

(b) Documentation showing how the owners or residents of the areas were notified (see 

Step 1).

(c) Documentation showing how the analysis was made available to the media and the 

public.

(d) A copy of the resolution or other formal action by the governing body that adopts the 

area analysis or accepts changes in subsequent updates.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) A copy of the annual evaluation report (Section 512.b, credit criterion (4)). If not in 

the evaluation report, the recertification submittal must also document how the 

evaluation report and update were made available to the media and the public.

NOTE: Failure to submit the area analysis’ evaluation report with the annual 

recertification or the update at the next cycle verification visit will result in loss of the 

credit (i.e., RLAA = 0). Loss of credit for this activity may cause a repetitive loss 

Category C community to revert to a Class 10.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-35 Edition: 2017

512.c. Natural floodplain functions plan (NFP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 100 points.

NFP credit is provided for adopting plans that protect one or more natural functions within

the community’s floodplain. Examples include

• A habitat conservation plan that explains and recommends actions to protect rare, 

threatened, or endangered aquatic or riparian species.

• A habitat protection or restoration plan that identifies critical habitat within the 

floodplain, actions to protect remaining habitat, and/or actions to restore fully 

functioning habitat. Frequently this will result in the preservation and/or restoration 

of riparian habitat that is necessary for water-dependent species.

• A “green infrastructure plan” that identifies open space corridors or connected 

networks of wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, wilderness, and other areas that 

support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, and/or sustain air and 

water resources (for credit, the corridors or networks must include some floodplains).

• A plan or section of a comprehensive or other community plan that includes an 

inventory of the ecological attributes of the watershed and/or the floodplain and 

recommends appropriate actions for protecting them, provided that the 

recommendations are implemented through a mechanism such as a development 

regulation, development order, grant program, or capital improvement plan. 

NOTE: Element NFOS2, (section 2 of the natural floodplain functions open space credit 

under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation)), provides bonus credit for open space 

parcels that are designated in a plan to protect natural functions. A plan that receives NFP 

credit qualifies parcels for this extra open space credit.

Credit Criteria for NFP

(1) For all plans:

(a) The plan may cover more than one community, but it must identify the natural 

floodplain functions present within the community and have an impact on those

functions within the community seeking credit.

(b) The plan must be adopted. If the plan is not a community plan adopted by the 

community’s governing body, it must be adopted by the appropriate regional agency. 

(c) The plan must be updated at least once every 10 years. The update must include a 

review of any changes to conditions as well as progress made since the original plan 

was prepared. Any changes to the adopted plan must be approved by the original 

adopting agency.

(d) The plan must include an inventory of the species and/or habitat present within the 

floodplain and action items for protecting one or more identified species of interest 

and natural floodplain functions. The action items must describe who is responsible 

for implementing the action, how it will be funded, and when it will be done. 
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-36 Edition: 2017

General policy statements with no means of implementation are not considered 

action items.

(e) There is no credit for a plan that addresses water quality issues prepared pursuant to 

a requirement for an NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) 

permit. Plans to improve drainage, stormwater storage, or channel bank erosion may 

be credited under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) or Activity 540 (Drainage 

System Maintenance). Plans that are produced as a requirement for a development 

permit are not credited.

(2) For NFP1: A plan for NFP1 credit must include a comprehensive inventory of the 

natural floodplain habitat within the community. It must identify areas that warrant 

protection or preservation in order to maintain fully functioning habitat for the species 

of interest. Where threatened or endangered species are present, each species must be 

addressed and a restoration plan must be included. 

(3) For NFP2: This sub-element credits other plans that meet the credit criteria listed in (1), 

but that do not address the entire SFHA or all of the species present. These could be 

single-issue or single-species plans or plans that cover only one area of the community’s 

floodplain.

Credit Points for NFP

NFP = EITHER

NFP1 = 100 points, for a plan, or combination of plans, that 

meets credit criteria (1) and (2) and covers the entire SFHA 

within a community

OR

NFP2 = 15 x the number of plans that meet credit criterion (1), 

up to four plans (60 points maximum)

Impact Adjustment for NFP

There is no impact adjustment for this element. The NFP1 plan must cover the entire 

community or all of the community’s SFHA. Each NFP2 plan receives 15 points regardless 

of the extent of the area covered.

Documentation for NFP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of each natural floodplain functions plan or update to a plan that the 

community wants credited. 

(b) A copy of the resolution or other formal adoption action.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-37 Edition: 2017

513 Credit Calculation 

c510 = (FMP x rFMP) + (RLAA x rRLAA) + NFP, where

FMP = the total of the credit points for the 10 steps in 

Section 512.a

514 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at 

www.CRSresources.org/500. 

b. Hazus-MH is a risk assessment software program that is described in Figure 510-2. Copies are 

available free from FEMA. Users need to be familiar with operating GIS software. Training is 

also available. More information is available at www.fema.gov/hazus/.

c. Contact state or regional planning, water resources, natural resources, environmental 

protection, state hazard mitigation, or NFIP coordinating agencies for information on state and 

federal agencies that can help prepare a floodplain management plan.

d. The following publications discuss the floodplain management planning process and the 

variety of measures that should be examined. They can be found on the websites noted.

FEMA has a series of “how-to guides” on planning, to help communities meet the multihazard mitigation planning criteria. They can be found at www.fema.gov/vi/medialibrary/collections/6.

Getting Started: Building Support for Mitigation Planning (FEMA-386-1) covers planning 

Phase I and CRS planning Steps 1–3.

Understanding Your Risks: Identifying Hazards and Estimating Losses (FEMA-386-2)

covers planning Phase II and CRS planning Steps 4–5.

Developing the Mitigation Plan: Identifying Mitigation Actions and Implementation 

Strategies (FEMA-386-3) covers planning Phase III and CRS planning Steps 6–8.

Bringing the Plan to Life: Implementing the Hazard Mitigation Plan (FEMA-386-4)

covers planning Phase IV and CRS planning Steps 9–10.

Integrating Manmade Hazards into Mitigation Planning, FEMA-386-7.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-38 Edition: 2017

Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding: A Guide for Communities, FEMA-511 

(2005). Also available at www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1448.

Planning for Post Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction, American Planning Association 

(APA) Planning Advisory Service, 346 pages, APA Report # 483/484, FEMA-421 (1998).

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1558.

Planning for a Sustainable Future: The Link Between Hazard Mitigation and Livability, 

43 pages, FEMA-364, 2000. Also available for downloading at 

http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2110?id=1541. 

Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas—A Guidebook for Local Officials, 

FEMA-116, 1987. Also available for downloading at 

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1508.

“Mitigation Benefit Cost (BCA) Toolkit.” This is FEMA’s BCA software, used to perform 

benefit-cost analyses for applications to FEMA’s mitigation grant programs. It and its 

supporting documentation are available for download from www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/92923. More information can be obtained by calling FEMA’s 

toll-free BC Hotline at 1-855-540-6744 or emailing bchelpline@dhs.gov.

e. Hazard Mitigation: Integrating Best Practices into Planning, James C. Schwab (ed.) (2010) is 

published by the American Planning Association as Planning Advisory Service No. 560. 

Available for $60 from https://www.planning.org/research/hazards/. 

f. The Corps of Engineers can also provide technical information and advice to communities 

interested in preparing a comprehensive floodplain management plan. Requests for assistance 

should be submitted to the Flood Plain Management Services Coordinator at the appropriate 

District Office of the Corps. Corps offices can be found at 

http://www.usace.army.mil/Locations.aspx. 

g. The following publications can help with a repetitive loss area analysis. 

Selecting Appropriate Mitigation Measures for Floodprone Structures, FEMA-551.

Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding: A Guide for Communities, FEMA-511

(2005). 

Flood Proofing: How to Evaluate Your Options, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1994). 

Download at http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/ProjectPlanning/nfpc.aspx. 

Click on “NFPC Publications” and scroll down to find the title.
Floodplain Management Planning

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 510-39 Edition: 2017

515 Related Activities under the Community Rating System

• A floodplain management plan should be a blueprint for ALL of a community’s public 

information and floodplain management activities. Planning Step 7 should review all 

ongoing and possible activities and Step 8 should identify which should continue, 

which should change, and what new ones should be initiated.

• The CRS Community Self Assessment in Section 240 can help with the hazard and 

problem analyses in FMP Steps 4 and 5.

• Activities 330 (Outreach Projects) and 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion) provide 

credit for having a committee that meets criteria very similar to those of the 

committee in FMP Step 2. The same committee can fulfill all activities’ credit 

criteria.

• The credit for natural floodplain functions open space (NFOS) under Activity 420 

(Open Space Preservation) can be increased if the open space parcels are identified in 

a natural floodplain functions plan (NFP).

• A repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA) can identify projects and priorities for 

mitigation activities that can receive bonus credit under Activities 520 (Acquisition 

and Relocation) and 530 (Flood Protection).

• A multi-hazard mitigation plan that meets FEMA planning criteria is a prerequisite 

for FEMA funding for projects that can be credited under Activities 520 (Acquisition 

and Relocation) and 530 (Flood Protection). 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-1 Edition: 2017

520 ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION—Summary 

Maximum credit: 2,250 points

522 Elements

A community can obtain credit under one or a combination of elements. The 

elements reflect the different scoring that is applied to different types of 

buildings. A given building can only be credited under one element.

a. Buildings acquired or relocated (bAR) from the regulatory floodplain.

b. Buildings on the repetitive loss list (bRL) that have been acquired or 

relocated.

c. Severe Repetitive Loss properties (bSRL) that have been acquired or 

relocated.

d. Critical facilities (bCF) that have been acquired or relocated.

e. Buildings located in the V Zone or coastal A Zone (bVZ) that have been 

acquired or relocated.

Credit Criteria

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 521.b. Each element has 

additional criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity. 

Documentation Provided by the Community

The documentation needed for this activity is described in Section 524.
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-2 Edition: 2017

520 ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to encourage communities to acquire, relocate, or 

otherwise clear existing buildings out of the flood hazard area.

521 Background 

Acquisition and relocation projects remove people and property from harm’s way and 

reduce the community’s costs for disaster response, recovery, and repair. The Federal 

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes that the acquisition of buildings in the 

floodplain is especially effective at reducing flood losses because it is a permanent form of 

mitigation. Other government agencies also have found acquisition projects to be more cost 

effective than major flood control projects. 

Acquisition and relocation (or demolition) of buildings also creates additional open space in 

the floodplain and allows those lands to return to their natural functions. Acquisition is the 

most effective mitigation alternative for addressing repetitive loss properties (see 

Sections 501–503).

521.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 520 is 2,250 points. A community can obtain credit with 

one or a combination of the five elements, provided that the total credit does not exceed 

1,900 points. Up to 350 additional points are provided in Section 523.b if more than 30% of 

the buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) have been acquired or relocated.

The credit points for each element are not listed because any element alone could be worth 

up to 1,900 points, depending on the circumstances in the community.

This activity credits the acquisition of a property and either the demolition of the building,

or the relocation of the building outside the regulatory floodplain. Credit is provided as 

long as an insurable building is removed from the regulatory floodplain and the community 

can document that the property (or that portion of the property that lies within the 

regulatory floodplain) will remain vacant. The credit points are based on the number of 

buildings cleared in proportion to the total number of buildings in the community’s SFHA.

Different types of buildings are credited differently under the five elements:

• Buildings acquired or relocated away from the regulatory floodplain (bAR),

• Buildings on the repetitive loss list that have been acquired or relocated (bRL),

• Severe Repetitive Loss properties that have been acquired or relocated (bSRL),

• Critical facilities that have been acquired or relocated (bCF), and

• Buildings located in the V Zone or coastal A Zone that have been acquired or 

relocated (bVZ).

No Community Rating System (CRS) credit is provided for acquisition or relocation 

projects undertaken before the community joined the Regular Phase of the National Flood 

Insurance Program (NFIP). No credit is provided for removing a building if another 
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-3 Edition: 2017

building has since been built on the same site, even if the new building was built to flood 

protection standards (although such a project may qualify for credit under Activity 530 

(Flood Protection). 

521.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

To be counted toward any of the elements in this activity, an acquired or relocated building 

must meet all of the following requirements.

(1) It must have been an insurable building. A description of the kinds of buildings that can 

be counted toward this activity appears in Section 301 and 302. Note that when 

buildings are counted toward this and other CRS activities, only the primary structure on 

a lot is counted. There is no credit for removing accessory structures, such as detached 

garages and storage sheds.

(2) It must have been acquired or relocated after the date of the community’s initial FIRM.

(3) The building site will remain preserved as open 

space. This is documented in the same way as 

crediting a property for open space preservation 

(OSP) in Activity 420. There is, in effect, the 

potential for duplicate credit for purchasing a 

property and maintaining it as public open 

space under Activities 520 and 420. There may 

also be additional credit if the property is 

preserved as open space under a deed restriction 

(DR) or restored to its natural condition 

(NFOS). 

These extra credits are encouraged because of 

the benefits of maintaining the floodplain as 

open space. However, this criterion does not 

mandate that the community apply for Activity 

420 credit, only that it provide the same 

documentation that is needed for OSP under 

Activity 420. The documentation is also needed for areas outside the regulatory 

floodplain where there is no Activity 420 credit, such as for repetitive loss properties 

(bRL).

(4) If the building was relocated, there is no credit if it was moved to a site in the regulatory 

floodplain or a mapped repetitive loss area.

(5) A building is counted toward only one of the five elements. 

(6) If a building was acquired or cleared with funding support from FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program, then the credit is 25% of the points listed for the 

element. This is explained in Section 506.

Environmental Protection and 

Historic Preservation

Because it is a FEMA program, the 

CRS must ensure that activities for which 

it provides credit are compliant with 

applicable federal environmental and 

historic preservation laws and executive 

orders. Section 507 expands on this 

requirement and presents a summary of 

FEMA’s policy. Figure 500-5 lists the 

federal programs that should be 

considered during project development.
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-4 Edition: 2017

(7) Acquisition or relocation projects must have been compliant with applicable federal 

environmental and historic preservation laws and executive orders (see Section 507). 

The Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation 

Requirements for Acquisition and Relocation Projects, CC-520EHP, must be completed 

for projects that are permitted or initiated after the effective date of the 2013 CRS

Coordinator’s Manual (April 1, 2013). The certification form can be found in 

Appendix F, on www.CRSresources.org/200, or requested from the ISO/CRS Specialist. 

Credit is not provided if the project was not in compliance with applicable federal laws 

and executive orders.

(8) There is no credit for a project initiated to meet the minimum criteria of the NFIP. 

522 Elements 

522.a. Buildings acquired or relocated (bAR) 

The credit for this element is based on the number of buildings in the regulatory floodplain 

that have been acquired or relocated. 

NOTE: The “regulatory floodplain” is defined in Section 120, Glossary. It includes the 

SFHA and areas outside the SFHA that are subject to the community’s floodplain 

management regulations. bAR credit is for clearing buildings out of the regulatory 

floodplain. The extra bonus points in Section 523.a are based on the number of buildings 

cleared out of the SFHA.

bAR = the number of buildings acquired, relocated, or otherwise 

cleared from the regulatory floodplain since the effective date of 

the FIRM

Credit Criteria for bAR

(1) For bAR credit, buildings must have been acquired or relocated since the effective date 

of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). 

(2) The building must have been located in the regulatory floodplain as shown on the 

impact adjustment map prepared in accordance with Section 403.

If the community did not prepare an impact adjustment map, credit is provided for 

buildings that were in the SFHA as shown on the community’s current FIRM or a 

published preliminary FIRM, whichever shows the larger floodplain. If areas outside the 

SFHA are included in the community’s regulatory program and credit is requested for 

buildings acquired or relocated in these areas, the community must demonstrate that 

these buildings were in areas currently regulated to at least the minimum standards of 

the NFIP.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-5 Edition: 2017

(3) A building that lies outside the regulatory floodplain because of remapping, completion 

of a flood control structure, or other activity is not eligible for this credit. Such a 

building has already benefited twice: first, it is not subject to the mandatory NFIP 

insurance purchase requirement; and second, if the owner chooses to purchase NFIP 

insurance, the premium will be based on the lower X-Zone rate.

522.b. Buildings on the repetitive loss list (bRL) 

bRL = the number of buildings that are listed on FEMA’s repetitive 

loss list that have been acquired, relocated, or otherwise 

removed from the flood problem site they occupied

Element bRL credits those repetitive loss properties that have been acquired, relocated, or 

otherwise removed from the site where they suffered flooding. A repetitive loss building

receives twice the credit of a non-repetitive loss property. Section 501 explains the FEMA 

repetitive loss list. Communities with one or more properties on the repetitive loss list must 

review and update the list at each verification visit.

Credit Criteria for bRL

(1) Credited buildings must be on FEMA’s updated repetitive loss list for the community 

(see Section 501). Properties in mapped repetitive loss areas that are not on the list do 

not qualify for bRL (but may qualify for bAR if they are in the regulatory floodplain). 

(2) The FEMA repetitive loss data base must be updated to reflect the mitigation project, as 

explained in Section 501.

(3) Buildings counted toward one of the other elements in Activity 520 are not counted 

toward bRL. For example, if the community acquired and cleared 32 buildings from the 

SFHA and 5 of them were repetitive loss properties, bAR = 27 and bRL = 5. 

(4) To be credited toward bRL, the building may be located anywhere in the community, 

including outside the regulatory floodplain.

(5) A community with no properties on the FEMA repetitive loss list is not eligible for this

credit. 

522.c. Severe Repetitive Loss properties (bSRL) 

bSRL = the number of Severe Repetitive Loss properties that have 

been acquired, relocated, or otherwise removed from the flood 

problem site they occupied

bSRL credits those Severe Repetitive Loss properties that have been acquired, relocated, or 

otherwise removed from the site where they suffered flooding. A Severe Repetitive Loss

building receives three times the credit of a non-repetitive loss property.
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-6 Edition: 2017

Severe Repetitive Loss properties are a subset of the community’s repetitive loss properties.

They are explained in Figure 500-1 in Section 501 and have a special identifier in the

community’s repetitive loss list. Because they have been particularly hard hit by repetitive 

flooding, they receive more credit under this element if they are acquired or relocated.

Credit Criteria for bSRL

(1) Credited buildings must be designated as Severe Repetitive Loss properties on FEMA’s 

updated repetitive loss list for the community (see Section 501). 

(2) The FEMA repetitive loss data base must be updated to reflect the mitigation project, as 

explained in Section 501.

(3) Buildings counted toward one of the other elements are not counted toward bSRL. For 

example, if the community acquired and cleared 32 buildings from the SFHA and 3 of 

them were repetitive loss properties and 2 of them were Severe Repetitive Loss

properties, bAR = 27, bRL = 3, and bSRL = 2. 

(4) To be credited toward bSRL, the building may be located anywhere in the community, 

including outside the regulatory floodplain.

(5) A community with no Severe Repetitive Loss properties on the FEMA repetitive loss list

is not eligible for this credit.

Example 522.a-1. 

A check of building permit records since the community’s initial FIRM 

date has shown that 36 buildings were acquired or relocated out of the 

SFHA. Three properties were acquired with funding support from 

FEMA’s former Section 1362 buyout program and three with funds 

from the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program. Eighteen homes in the 

regulatory floodplain were bought and cleared as part of a community 

flood mitigation project. Eight buildings were demolished to make way 

for a ballfield expansion. Three people have moved their homes to 

higher ground on their lots outside the regulatory floodplain and above 

the base flood elevation, and the community purchased easements to 

keep the flood-prone portions of the lots open. One elementary school 

was relocated outside the 500-year floodplain and the land was sold to 

the local park district.

Of the 35 homes, 15 are on the repetitive loss list. Three of the 15 

were Severe Repetitive Loss properties. The community used a copy 

of the tax assessor’s map to show the location of each of the 35 

properties.

bAR = 20

bRL = 12 

bSRL = 3

bCF = 1 (because the school is a critical facility)
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-7 Edition: 2017

The community supplied the necessary documentation to show that all 

36 acquired properties qualify for OSP credit under Activity 420 (Open 

Space Preservation).

522.d. Critical facilities (bCF) 

The credit for this element is based on the number of critical facilities acquired or 

relocated. 

bCF = number of critical facilities that have been acquired, 

relocated, or otherwise cleared from the regulatory floodplain 

since the effective date of the FIRM

A critical facility building receives twice the credit of a bAR building.

Credit Criteria for bCF

(1) For bCF credit, critical facilities must have been acquired or relocated, since the 

effective date of the FIRM. “Critical facilities” are defined in Section 120, Glossary.

(2) The critical facility must have been located in either the regulatory floodplain or the 

500-year floodplain mapped on the current FIRM or on a published preliminary FIRM, 

whichever shows the larger 500-year floodplain. Critical facility buildings must have

been relocated outside the 500-year floodplain.

522.e. Buildings located in the V Zone or Coastal A Zone (bVZ)

The credit for this element is based on the number of buildings from the V Zone or coastal 

A Zones that have been acquired or relocated.

bVZ = number of buildings that have been acquired, relocated, or 

otherwise cleared from the V Zone, regulated coastal A Zones, 

or regulated land included within the Limit of Moderate Wave 

Action (LiMWA) since the effective date of the FIRM

These buildings receive 50% more credit than a building in an A Zone (bAR). 

Credit Criteria for bVZ

(1) For bVZ credit, buildings must have been acquired, relocated, or otherwise cleared from

the V Zone as shown on the current FIRM or on a published preliminary FIRM if 

adopted by the community. bVZ can also include buildings cleared from the area 

designated as a coastal A Zone or LiMWA, provided the community is receiving credit 

for regulating that area under CAZ in Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards). 
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-8 Edition: 2017

(2) Acquired, relocated, or otherwise cleared buildings located in the V Zone or coastal A 

Zone are counted under bVZ, not under bAR. 

523 Credit Calculation 

There are two options for calculating the total value for this activity. The first, Option 1, is 

easier to use, but is limited to 190 points. Option 2 allows for higher credit, but it favors 

communities that have cleared more than a small percentage of the buildings in their SFHA. 

Option 1 produces more credit for large communities or for a community that has cleared a 

small percentage of properties within the regulatory floodplain. 

A community may use whichever option provides the most credit. The maximum credit for 

c520 using Option 1 is 190 and using Option 2 is 2,250 (including the bonus credit).

523.a. Option 1

c520 = (bAR x 3) + (bRL x 6) + (bSRL x 9) + (bCF x 6) + (bVZ x 4.5)

The maximum credit under Option 1 is 190 points.

Example 523.a-1.

Using the buildings in Example 522.a-1:

bAR = 20

bRL = 12

bSRL = 3

bCF = 1

bVZ = 0

The community has 2,000 buildings in the SFHA, so it uses Option 1. 

c520 = (bAR x 3) + (bRL x 6) + (bSRL x 9) + (bCF x 6) + (bVZ x 4.50)

 = (20 x 3) + (12 x 6) + (3 x 9) + (1 x 6) + (0 x 4.50)

 = 60 + 72 + 27 + 6 + 0 = 165 

523.b. Option 2 

The maximum credit under Option 2 is 2,250 points.

The credit calculation under Option 2 is based on the credit for all the buildings that have 

been acquired or relocated expressed as a percentage of all the buildings in the SFHA
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-9 Edition: 2017

(bSF). If the SFHA is cleared out, c520 = the maximum of 2,250 points. This is done in two 

steps: 

Step 1 calculates the credit based on 1,900 points. Step 1 cannot exceed 1,900. 

Step 2 adds bonus points based on how much of the SFHA has been cleared out. 

Step 2 only applies if more than 30% of the buildings in the SFHA have been 

removed. 

c520 = the credit for Step 1 + the credit for Step 2

(1) Option 2, Step 1.

Step 1 = 

1,900 x (bAR + (bRL x 2) + (bSRL x 3) + (bCF x 2) + (bVZ x 1.5))

 bSF + bAR + bRL+ bSRL+ bCF+ bVZ

where bSF = the number of buildings in the SFHA 

(a) The value for bSF is the number of buildings CURRENTLY in the SFHA. bSF does not 

include buildings that have been removed from the SFHA (e.g., buildings that are 

counted in bAR, bRL, etc.). bSF does include buildings that have been constructed in 

or annexed into the SFHA since the projects were completed. Note that communities 

are required to calculate and keep track of bSF as part of their annual recertification

(see Section 213.a). 

There is a separate formula for calculating bSF in communities with a large number of 

post-FIRM buildings. It can be found in Section 302.b.

(b) The denominator includes bSF PLUS all buildings that have been acquired or 

relocated (bAR, bRL, etc.). As more buildings are removed, the credit increases 

because numbers are added to bAR, bRL, etc. This means that the ratio gets larger,

and so does the credit for 520.

However, communities should note that if development is allowed in the SFHA, 

even if it is in compliance with the NFIP requirements, credit for this activity may 

decrease over time as bSF in the denominator increases.

(c) It should be noted that bAR buildings are in the regulatory floodplain while bSF 

buildings are only in the SFHA as shown on the FIRM. If a community maps and 

regulates non-SFHA flood problem areas, it can also count buildings acquired or 

relocated from those areas towards bAR. This will result in a higher credit.
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-10 Edition: 2017

Example 523.b-1.

This example uses the same numbers as the Option 1 example. The 

difference is that the total number of buildings currently in the SFHA is 

smaller, bSF = 400.

bAR = 20

bRL = 12

bSRL = 3

bCF = 1

bVZ = 0

c520 (Step 1) = 1,900 x 20 + (12 x 2) + (3 x 3) + (1 x 2) + (0 x 1.5)

 400 + 20 + 12 + 3 + 1 + 0

 = 1,900 x 20 + 24 + 9 + 2 + 0

 436

= 1,900 x 55 = 1,900 x 0.13 = 247

436

Example 523.b-2.

After a severe hurricane, a coastal community cleared 160 damaged 

buildings from its regulatory floodplain. There are 75 buildings left in 

the SFHA.

bAR = 110; 10 of these were outside the SFHA, but within the 

regulatory floodplain

bRL = 15; all of these were in the SFHA

bSRL = 0

bCF = 0

bVZ = 35

bSF = 75

c520 (Step 1) = 1,900 x 110 + (15 x 2) + (0 x 3) + (0 x 2) + (35 x 1.50)

75 + 110 + 15 + 0 + 0 + 35

 = 1,900 x 110 + 30 + 0 + 0 + 52.50

235

 = 1,900 x 192.50 = 1,900 x 0.82 = 1,558

 235

(2) Option 2, Step 2 applies if the community has acquired or relocated more than 30% of 

the buildings in its current SFHA. Some of the buildings counted toward bAR, bRL, 
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-11 Edition: 2017

bSRL, bCF, and bVZ may not have been in the SFHA. For example, some could be in 

the regulatory floodplain outside the SFHA, and repetitive loss buildings could be in the 

X Zone. Step 2 only considers buildings in the SFHA, so the community needs to count 

the number of buildings acquired or relocated out of the SFHA (bARSF). Each building 

is counted once. There is no extra credit for repetitive loss properties, critical facilities, 

or buildings in the V Zone.

Step 2 = ((bARSF x 100) – 30) x 5, where

 bSF + bARSF

 bARSF = the number of buildings acquired or relocated 

 out of the SFHA 

Example 523.b-3.

Of 436 buildings in the SFHA, the community in Example 523.b-1 

cleared 36 buildings. Since it cleared only 8% of its SFHA buildings, 

Step 2 = 0.

c520 = the credit for Step 1 + the credit for Step 2 = 247 + 0 = 247

Example 523.b-4.

The coastal community that cleared 160 buildings counted those that 

had been in the SFHA:

100 of the 110 buildings that were counted toward bAR

All 15 of the buildings that were counted toward bRL

All 35 of the buildings in the V Zone

Therefore, 150 buildings were removed from the SFHA.

bARSF = 150

bSF = 75

Step 2 = ((bARSF x 100) – 30) x 5 = ((150 x 100) – 30) x 5 

 bSF + bARSF 75 + 150

= (15,000 – 30) x 5 = (66.67 – 30) x 5 = 36.67 x 5 = 183.35

 225

c520 = the credit for Step 1 + the credit for Step 2 

 = 1,556.38 + 183.35 = 1,739.73 = 1,740
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-12 Edition: 2017

524 Documentation Provided by the Community 

a. At each verification visit,

(1) A map showing the location of parcels where buildings have been demolished or 

relocated since the effective date of the FIRM and the total number of such buildings 

(bAR, bRL, bSRL, bCF and bVZ). 

The map must show the community’s regulatory floodplain boundaries, which 

include the SFHA, any LiMWA regulated areas, and any additional floodplain 

subject to the community’s regulations. The SFHA is as shown on the current FIRM 

or on a published preliminary FIRM, whichever shows the larger floodplain.

This map may be the same one used for documentation of open space credit under 

Section 424.d under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation). It need only show the 

part of the community from which buildings have been cleared. It should show lot 

boundaries. The map will also be used by the ISO/CRS Specialist to check the sites 

during the verification visit.

(2) Documentation that shows that each site credited under this activity can also qualify 

for credit in Activity 420. For properties in the regulatory floodplain, this may be 

done by applying for open space preservation (OSP) credit. For repetitive loss or 

Severe Repetitive Loss properties outside the regulatory floodplain, separate 

documentation is needed.

(3) Calculations showing the total number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF). The variable 

bSF represents the number of buildings in the SFHA at the time of verification of 

this credit. It is discussed in detail in Section 302.

(4) [For each parcel counted toward bAR or bCF that is located in the regulatory 

floodplain, but outside the SFHA] Documentation showing that floodplain 

regulations are in effect in the area. 

(5) [For each parcel that is credited toward bRL or bSRL] Documentation and a 

marked-up form AW-501 to update the repetitive loss data base, as explained in 

Section 501.

(6) [For each parcel counted toward bCF] A description of the demolished or relocated 

critical facility to demonstrate that the facility meets the critical facility definition 

for CRS purposes. [For each parcel counted toward bCF that had the building 

relocated] Documentation that demonstrates that it has been relocated outside the 

500-year floodplain.

(7) Documentation of the implementation date for each project for which new credit is 

requested. A project is the building or group of buildings acquired or relocated 

within the same grant award, contract, or scope of work. A completed CC-520EHP, 

Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation 

Requirements for Acquisition and Relocation Projects, is needed for projects 
Acquisition and Relocation

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 520-13 Edition: 2017

implemented after the implementation date of the 2013 Coordinator’s Manual (see 

Section 507) The certification form can be found in Appendix F.

(8) Identification of which properties if any, were cleared with support from FEMA’s 

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program.

525 For More Information

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at

www.CRSresources.org/500.

b. There are several possible sources of financial assistance for acquiring and relocating floodprone properties, which are mentioned in Section 505.

c. Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities, FEMA-317, 2007, is a “how-to” 

guide to help communities work through property acquisition. This handbook also contains a 

toolkit with tools and forms, including checklists, fact sheets, and briefing notes, to aid the 

process. It can be found at

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=1654.

526 Related Activities under the Community Rating System

• A first step to working with a property owner is to provide property protection advice 

that includes a discussion of alternatives and sources of financial assistance. This is 

credited under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance). 

• A prerequisite for Activity 520 credit is that the property that has been cleared must 

meet the OSP criteria for preserved open space under Activity 420 (Open Space 

Preservation). All such properties should receive OSP credit. If the properties were 

cleared with FEMA mitigation funds, they should also qualify for deed restriction 

(DR) credit. 

• A floodplain management plan (FMP) or a repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA) 

credited under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) can identify projects 

for acquisition or relocation. The RLAA can identify properties that receive bonus 

credit in Activity 520.

• A multi-hazard mitigation plan credited under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management 

Planning) is a prerequisite for FEMA funding for creditable acquisition or relocation 

projects. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-1 Edition: 2017

530 FLOOD PROTECTION—Summary 

Maximum credit: 1,600 points

Of the 1,600 points, credit for sewer backup protection projects is limited to 200 

points and flood control techniques are limited to 1,000 points.

532 Elements

a. Flood protection project technique used (TU_): Credit is provided for 

retrofitting techniques or flood control techniques.

 • Retrofitting technique used: Points are provided for the use of

elevation (TUE), dry floodproofing (TUD), wet floodproofing (TUW), 

protection from sewer backup (TUS), and barriers (TUB)

 • Structural flood control technique used: Points are provided for the use of

channel modifications (TUC), and storage facilities (TUF).

b. Flood protection improvement (FPI): Credit points are determined for 

the difference between the level of flood protection provided before and 

after the project.

c. Protected buildings (PB): The value of TU is multiplied by the value of FPI

for each building and used in the credit calculation.

Credit Calculation

There are two options for calculating the total points. Option 1 is used if the 

number of buildings eligible for credit is a small percentage of the total number 

of buildings in the floodplain. The maximum credit for Option 1 is 160 points. 

Option 2 is used if the number of buildings eligible for credit is a larger 

percentage of the total number of buildings in the floodplain. The maximum 

credit for Option 2 is 1,600 points. 

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for this activity.

Documentation Provided by the Community

The documentation needed for this activity is described in Section 534.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-2 Edition: 2017

530 FLOOD PROTECTION 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to protect buildings from flood damage by

• Retrofitting the buildings so that they suffer no or minimal damage when flooded, 

and/or

• Constructing small flood control projects that reduce the risk of flood waters’

reaching the buildings.

531 Background

Acquisition and relocation of flood-prone buildings is the surest method of both reducing 

flood damage and keeping people out of harm’s way. It is credited under Activity 520 

(Acquisition and Relocation). However, existing buildings can be protected on site, 

especially from shallow, slow-moving flood waters, by implementing one or more flood 

protection techniques. 

This activity provides credit for buildings located in the floodplain that have been protected 

from flood damage by being retrofitted or by the placement of certain types of flood control

structures that protect building(s) to at least the 25-year flood level.

531.a. Activity Description

This credit is based on the number of insurable 

buildings in the regulatory floodplain that have 

been retrofitted since the date of the 

community’s original Flood Insurance Rate Map 

(FIRM). For the purposes of this activity, an 

accessory structure such as a garage or shed is 

not counted as an insurable building. Extra 

credit is given for protecting buildings on 

Federal Emergency Management Agency’s

(FEMA’s) repetitive loss list (see Section 501)

and for protecting buildings that are critical 

facilities.

Flood protection techniques used (TU) that are 

recognized by this activity include retrofitting 

projects and structural flood control projects

(see Figure 530-1). The credit points are based 

on the effectiveness of the technique in 

preventing flood damage. The most effective 

techniques are elevation and those measures 

designed by a registered design professional.

Retrofitting projects, such as

o Elevating buildings above predicted 

flood levels,

o Dry floodproofing,

o Wet floodproofing, 

o Protecting basements from sewer 

backup, and

o Barriers (for individual structures only), 

including levees, berms, and floodwalls.

Structural flood control projects, such as

o Channel modifications, including 

enlarging bridges and culverts;

o Storm drain improvements, including 

enclosing open channels; 

o Diversions and other structural projects; 

and

o Small reservoirs, including retention and 

detention basins. 

Figure 530-1. Flood protection techniques

credited under Activity 530.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-3 Edition: 2017

531.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

The following criteria must be met to receive credit for this activity.

(1) All projects: Each flood protection project (retrofitting technique or structural flood 

control technique) must meet the following criteria:

(a) The protected building(s) must be an insurable building(s) (see Section 301);

(b) The project must have been completed after the effective date of the initial FIRM;

(c) The project must protect the building(s) from at least the 25-year flood;

(d) All required permits must have been issued for the project or the local permit officer 

must state in writing that the project complies with all federal, state, and local codes 

and regulations; 

(e) For critical facilities, to receive the bonus credit the buildings must be protected to at 

least the 500-year flood level;

(f) If the project requires human intervention, there must be at least one hour of flood 

warning time plus the time it takes to install the measure. “Human intervention” means 

that a person is needed at the site to close an opening or install or operate a protection 

device before flood waters reach the building; and

(g) Credit is not provided for a retrofitted building or flood control project that is in 

disrepair or does not appear to be maintained.

(2) Retrofitting projects: In addition to the criteria in Section 531.b(1), the design of 

retrofitting projects for buildings located in the following high hazard areas must be 

signed and sealed by a registered design professional:

(a) V Zones, coastal A Zones, and areas seaward of the Limit of Moderate Wave Action 

(LiMWA);

(b) Areas with velocities greater than 5 feet per second during the 100-year event; and

(c) Areas subject to any of the special flood-related hazards listed in Section 401.

(3) Flood control projects: In addition to the criteria in Section 531.b(1), structural flood 

control projects must meet the following:

(a) The design and construction of the project must have been certified by a licensed 

professional engineer;

(b) The responsible agency must be implementing an operations and maintenance plan that 

was prepared for the project by a licensed professional engineer;

(c) If the flood control project lowers the base flood elevation shown on the FIRM, a 

request for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) must be submitted to FEMA, as required 

by the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 44 CFR §65.3.

(d) The community must ensure that the impact of future development will not adversely 

affect the project’s flood protection level. This can be done by either

(i) Enforcing watershed-wide regulations that prevent increases in stormwater 

runoff. This can be documented by receipt of credit for stormwater management 
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-4 Edition: 2017

regulations under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) (i.e., credit for SMR or 

WMP with an impact adjustment of 1.0 for the watershed upstream of the project). 

The design storm (DS) must be at least as large as the flood protection level for the 

project; or

(ii) Designing the project so that it will perform to its design protection level based 

on a watershed that is fully built out or developed in accord with an adopted longrange land use plan. The community must document that the protection level is still 

valid at each cycle verification; and

(e) Additional documentation may be required for 

the review of flood control projects that are 

unique to a community or region.

Environmental Protection and 

Historic Preservation

Because it is a FEMA program, the 

CRS must ensure that activities for which 

it provides credit are compliant with 

applicable federal environmental and 

historic preservation laws and executive 

orders. Section 507 expands on this 

requirement and presents a summary of 

FEMA’s policy. Figure 500-5 lists the 

federal programs that should be 

considered during project development.

(4) Environmental compliance: Flood protection 

projects must adhere to applicable federal 

environmental and historic preservation laws and 

executive orders (see Section 507). CC-530EHP, 

Flood Protection, is a form on which the 

community certifies its compliance. The 

appropriate portions of the certification must be 

completed for all projects permitted or 

implemented after the effective date of the 2013

CRS Coordinator’s Manual (April 1, 2013). 

CC-530EHP can be found in Appendix F or at

www.CRSresources.org/500. Credit is not provided if the project was not in compliance 

with applicable federal laws and executive orders.

(5) Projects not credited: The following projects are NOT credited under this activity:

(a) Projects that protect to less than the 25-year flood level;

(b) Projects that protect buildings outside of the regulatory floodplain (except repetitive 

loss buildings);

(c) Post-FIRM buildings. Credit is not provided for post-FIRM buildings because the NFIP 

already requires that they be protected. However, if a post-FIRM building was 

retrofitted to protect it from a flood hazard not covered by the FIRM or NFIP 

regulations, credit is provided under this activity. For example, a post-FIRM building 

may have been constructed to the base flood elevation shown on an old FIRM, but the 

current base flood elevation is higher because of a recent restudy. If the building is 

elevated again to protect to the new base flood elevation, then the community could 

receive Activity 530 credit. However, constructing a new building to meet the 

community’s flood protection requirements is not retrofitting;

(d) Projects implemented due to a requirement of the NFIP, such as elevating a 

substantially damaged or substantially improved residential building. The following are 

examples of how this rule is applied:
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-5 Edition: 2017

(i) Although elevating a building solely to meet the NFIP rules is not credited, 

credit is provided for bringing a noncompliant building into compliance if the 

project was implemented voluntarily or pursuant to a community action, such as 

providing financial assistance or declaring a dilapidated structure to be unsafe 

and uninhabitable.

(ii) Projects constructed to mitigate the adverse effect of not properly regulating 

new construction in accordance with a court order or an agreement with FEMA 

are not credited. Such an action would be considered one taken to meet the 

minimum requirements of the NFIP;

(e) If a building is removed but not replaced, and the parcel is preserved as open space, it 

can be counted toward credit under Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation). If a 

building is removed but not replaced, and the parcel is not preserved as open space, it 

can be counted toward TU1 because local codes will ensure that if anything is 

constructed, it will meet post-FIRM standards;

(f) Coastal structural projects, including seawalls, groins, and beach nourishment;

(g) Levees or floodwalls that protect more than one property. Levees are covered under 

Activity 620 (Levees);

(h) Dams that are not in compliance with the state’s dam safety regulations; and

(i) Structural flood control projects owned AND operated by a federal agency. Credit is not 

provided for the major flood control works owned and operated by agencies such as the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Bureau of 

Reclamation. However, credit is provided for locally owned and operated projects that 

were partially funded by a federal agency.

(6) Regulatory floodplain: Credit is provided for buildings in the Special Flood Hazard 

Area (SFHA) shown on the current FIRM or preliminary FIRM, whichever is larger. 

If the community has prepared an Impact Adjustment Map in accordance with Section 

403 that shows flood-prone areas subject to regulation outside of the SFHA, then 

buildings in that regulatory floodplain may be counted for this credit. The community 

must demonstrate that these areas are currently regulated to at least the minimum 

standards of the NFIP.

A building that lies outside the regulatory floodplain because of remapping, completion 

of a flood control structure, or other activity is not eligible for this credit. Such a 

building has already benefited twice: it does not have a mandatory NFIP insurance 

purchase requirement; and if the owner chooses to purchase NFIP insurance, the 

premium will be based on the lower X-Zone rate.
Flood Protection

532 Elements 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-6 Edition: 2017

The credit for Activity 530 is based on the combination of flood protection techniques used

and the level of flood protection provided. Points are calculated for each protected building. 

Bonus points are provided for the protection of repetitive loss buildings and critical 

facilities. Credit is based on the elements described below.

532.a. Flood protection project technique used (TU) 

Credit is provided for each building that has been protected by a retrofitting technique or a 

flood control project technique. It is symbolized as TU or, when a specific technique is 

being discussed, as TU plus another letter, such as TUE. Each building protected by a 

project will have a TU value. The value of TU is based on the technique used for each 

building and varies based on factors such as whether the project was designed by a

registered design professional. The credited techniques (and the acronyms used for them) 

are shown in the Table 530-1.

Table 530-1. Flood protection techniques used.

Acronym 

(TU )

Technique Used

TUE Elevation

TUD Dry floodproofing

TUW Wet floodproofing

TUS Sewer backup

TUB Barrier, levee, or floodwall

TUC Channel modification, storm sewer improvements, diversions 

TUF Storage facilities

The variation in the value for the technique used is based on the reliability of the project to 

prevent flood damage. For example, dry floodproofing is a less reliable retrofitting 

approach than elevation, so it is not worth as many points. Other methods and variations on 

these methods can be submitted for review to determine the credit points.

TU #i = the type of technique used for building i

(1) Retrofitting technique used:

The value of the technique used is based on the retrofitting technique used. Credit criteria in 

Section 531.b must be met.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-7 Edition: 2017

(a) TUE: Technique used for elevated buildings:

TUE = 1.0, if the building is elevated

(b) TUD: Technique used for buildings that are dry floodproofed (i.e., the walls and floor 

are made watertight so flood water does not enter the building):

TUD = 0.6, if the project was designed by a registered design 

professional and the design accounts for openings, internal 

drainage, seepage, and underdrainage

TUD = 0.4, if the project does not depend on human intervention to 

close openings; the project protects to a level less than 3 feet 

above the first floor; the design accounts for internal drainage, 

seepage, and underdrainage; and the building has no basement 

(i.e., any floor below grade on all sides)

TUD= 0.2, for all other cases, including those for which there is no 

documentation of how openings, interior drainage, seepage, or 

underdrainage are handled

(c) TUW: Technique used for buildings that are wet floodproofed (i.e., flood water is 

allowed into the building, but measures are taken to minimize damage):

TUW = 0.5, if the project was designed by a registered design 

professional

TUW = 0.3, if the project was not designed by a registered design 

professional

TUW = 0.2, if the furnace, water heater, electrical breaker box, and 

other utilities are relocated above flood level
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-8 Edition: 2017

(d) TUS: Technique used for buildings that are protected from sewer or sump backup:

TUS = 0.2, if the building is located in the SFHA

TUS = 0.1, for sewer backup prevention measures if the building is 

located outside of the SFHA and the community has a building 

code or other regulations that require positive drain sewers or 

other measures that prevent sewer backup into new buildings

A maximum of 200 points is provided under this activity for sewer backup 

prevention measures outside of the SFHA.

(e) TUB: Technique used for buildings protected by a barrier, including a levee, berm, or 

floodwall:

The following conditions must be met.

(i) The barrier must be located entirely on the property of the owner of the protected 

building(s). 

This requirement ensures that those who are protected will maintain the levee or 

floodwall. When a barrier protects several neighbors but one of them neglects 

maintenance, all the properties are placed in jeopardy.

A barrier entirely on property owned by a condominium association would meet 

this requirement, but one on property owned by a homeowner’s association that 

protects several privately owned homes would not. 

(ii) The barrier must either have no openings (e.g., access is gained by going over the 

wall), have openings that close without human intervention, or have a written 

plan and adequate warning time so that available personnel are able to close the 

openings.

TUB = 0.8, if the barrier was designed, and the construction 

approved by, a registered design professional, and the design 

accounts for interior drainage, seepage, and underdrainage

TUB = 0.4, if the barrier was not designed by a registered design 

professional, but the design accounts for interior drainage, 

seepage, and underdrainage

(2) Structural flood control technique used (Maximum credit: 1,000 points):

The value of the technique used is based on the structural flood control technique. If more 

than one technique is used to protect a building, then TU = the lower of the techniques’ 

values. Credit criteria in Section 531.b must be met.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-9 Edition: 2017

(a) TUC: Technique used for buildings protected by a channel modification project, 

including diversions, enlarging bridges and culverts, and storm drain improvements: 

A registered design professional must design the project and certify that no buildings 

are located in areas that would be affected by any increases in flood elevations caused 

by the project.

TUC = 0.8, if the project design provides at least one foot of 

clearance between the flood protection level and bridge decks, 

top of pipe, and other obstructions

TUC = 0.7, for pump systems and all other cases

(b) TUF: Technique used for buildings protected by a reservoir, detention basin, retention 

pond, or other flood water storage facility

TUF = 0.8, for all flood water storage facilities

If the flood water is stored behind a dam or other above-ground containment 

structure, then the community must document that the structure meets all state dam 

safety requirements. If the state does not have a dam safety program, then a 

registered design professional must certify that the structure meets the Corps of 

Engineers’ dam safety criteria.

532.b. Flood protection improvement (FPI) 

Flood protection improvement is a measure of the enhanced flood protection that a given 

project provides for a given building. It is symbolized as FPI#i.

Credit Calculation for FPI

For buildings on which any other flood protection measure was used, the credit is adjusted 

for the flood protection improvement provided to each building.

FPI#i = FPP#i – FPB#i, where 

FPI#i = flood protection improvement for building i,

FPP = flood protection provided by the project, and

FPB = flood protection level before the project was constructed

The values for FPP and FPB are shown in Table 530-2.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-10 Edition: 2017

Table 530-2. Values for FPP and FPB

Flood Protection Level FPP or FPB

Less than the 10-year flood 0.0

10-year flood, but less than the 25-year flood 0.3

25-year flood, but less than the 50-year flood 0.5

50-year flood, but less than the 100-year flood 0.7

100-year flood 0.8

100-year flood plus one foot of freeboard 0.9

100-year flood plus two or more feet of freeboard 1.0

500-year flood 1.0

The minimum value for FPP is 0.5. There is no credit for flood protection measures that 

protect to less than the 25-year flood level. For a repetitive loss property, it is assumed that 

the property was subject to flooding more frequent than every 10 years (less than the 10-

year event), so FPB = 0. If the value of FPB cannot be determined (e.g., from Elevation 

Certificates or flood profiles), then it will be assumed that a 25-year flood protection level 

existed before the project (FPB = 0.5).

The flood protection level of a barrier is one foot below the top of the barrier.

If a basement is protected from sewer backup by an overhead sewer or backup valve, then

FPP = 1.0.

Example 532.b-1. 

(a) A building on a crawlspace was elevated from the 10-year flood 

elevation to two feet above the 100-year flood elevation.

FPP = 1.0, FPB = 0

FPI = FPP – FPB = 1.0 – 0 = 1.0 

(b) A building has been protected by a 25-year berm (changing its 

protection level from 0 to the 25-year flood level).

FPP = 0.05, FPB = 0

FPI = FPP – FPB = 0.50 – 0 = 0.50
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-11 Edition: 2017

(c) A channel improvement lowers the 100-year flood by two feet. The 

buildings are now protected from the 100-year flood. Before the 

project the buildings were subject to flooding during the 50-year 

flood. The community applied to FEMA for a LOMR. Because the 

LOMR will result in the removal of the buildings from the SFHA 

there is no credit under this activity for the project. The community 

receives a lower base flood elevation and a smaller SFHA as the 

benefit. 

Buildings that were in the community’s regulatory floodplain will be

in the X Zone and benefit from X-Zone insurance premiums.

Buildings that remain in the SFHA are credited for the flood 

protection provided (see (d), below).

(d) Another building closer to the stream is affected by the same 

channel improvement. The two-foot drop in flood levels means that 

this building is now subject only to the 60-year flood instead of the 

35-year flood. For that building,

FPP = 0.7, FPB = 0.5

FPI = FPP – FPB = 0.7 – 0.5 = 0.2

532.c. Protected buildings (PB) 

A PB value is calculated for each protected building. It is the product of the TU value for 

each building multiplied by the FPI value for that building. 

PBi = TU x FPI#i for each building protected using one or more 

of the techniques described in Section 531.a

PB = the sum of all PB#i

In the formula above, the letter “i” represents a given building. TU #i is the credit for the 

flood protection technique used to protect building “i.” The “ ” stands for the letter for the 

technique used in Section 532.a (TUE, for example). When the formulae are completed, 

TU #1 and FPI#1 will be the credits for building number 1. For example, if building 

number 24 were elevated, its credits would be TUE#24 and FPI#24. Their product is 

PB#24. If there are 52 protected buildings to be credited, then PB = ∑ PB#1 through PB#52

or the sum of the values for buildings #1 through #52.

The values for some protected buildings are modified by multipliers as follows.

(1) Repetitive loss property multiplier: If a protected building in the regulatory floodplain 

is also on the FEMA repetitive loss list, it is counted twice toward PB. If a protected 

building outside of the regulatory floodplain is also on the FEMA repetitive loss list, it 

is counted once toward PB.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-12 Edition: 2017

Section 501 explains the FEMA repetitive loss list. It is a list of properties that have 

received multiple flood insurance claims. Communities with one or more properties on 

the repetitive loss list must review and update the list at each verification visit (see 

Section 211). 

(2) Severe Repetitive Loss property multiplier: If a protected building is a Severe 

Repetitive Loss property and lies within the regulatory floodplain, it is counted three 

times toward PB. If a protected building lying outside the regulatory floodplain is also a 

Severe Repetitive Loss property, it is counted twice toward PB. 

Multipliers (1) and (2) are provided only if the flood protection measure was sufficient to 

remove the property from the repetitive loss list. The repetitive loss data base must be 

updated to reflect the mitigation project, as explained in Section 501. 

A community with no properties on the FEMA repetitive loss list is not eligible for these

extra credits.

(3) Critical facilities multiplier: If a protected building is a critical facility it will receive 

credit based on the level of protection provided. If the flood protection provided (FPP) 

is the 500-year flood level or higher, critical facilities buildings are counted twice 

toward PB (bonus credit). The critical facility must be located in either the regulatory 

floodplain or the 500-year floodplain on the current FIRM or published preliminary 

FIRM, whichever shows a larger 500-year floodplain. For CRS credit purposes, “critical 

facilities” are defined in Section 120 (Glossary).

(4) Flood Mitigation Assistance grant multiplier: If a building was protected with funding 

support from FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program, then the credit is 0.25 

times the value of PB. This is explained in Section 506.

A worksheet is available at www.CRSresources.org/500 to help track retrofitted properties 

and their multipliers.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-13 Edition: 2017

Example 532.c-1.

A community has protected 29 buildings from varying levels of 

flooding. Twenty buildings are protected from the 50-year flood with a 

channel improvement, and eight buildings subject to flooding every 10 

years have been elevated above the 100-year flood level. 

The public works garage is on the edge of the SFHA, above the 10-

year flood level, but subject to shallow flooding during a 100-year 

flood. The department constructed a barrier around it to protect it from 

the 500-year flood. All buildings and projects meet the credit criteria of 

Sections 531.b and 532 for the technique used. 

Three of the elevated buildings are on FEMA’s repetitive loss list and a 

fourth is a Severe Repetitive Loss property. The public works garage is 

considered a critical facility because it is needed during a flood fighting 

operation.

For the 20 buildings protected from the 50-year flood by the channel 

improvement,

TUC#1–#20 = 0.80; FPP#1–#20 = 0.70; FPB#1–#20 = 0

FPI#1–#20 = FPP#1–#20 – FPB#1–#20 = 0.70 – 0 = 0.70 

PB#1–#20 = TUC#1–#20 x FPI#1–#20 = 0.80 x 0.70 = 0.56

∑PB for 20 buildings = ∑PB#1–#20 = 20 x 0.56 = 11.20

Eight buildings are elevated to the 100-year flood level. Since there are 

three repetitive loss and one Severe Repetitive Loss buildings, they 

are counted as 8 + 3 + 2 = 13 buildings, and numbered as buildings 

#21 through #33.

TUE#21–#33 = 1.00, FPP#21–#33 = 0.80, FPB#21–#33 = 0, 

FPI#21–#33 = FPP#21–#33 – FPB#21–#33 = 0.80 – 0 = 0.80

PB#21–#33 = TUE#21–#33 x FPI#21–#33 = 1.0 x 0.80 = 0.80

∑PB for 13 buildings = ∑PB#21 through PB#33 = 13 x 0.80 = 10.40

The public works garage is protected by a 500-year barrier. Because it 

is a critical facility, it is counted as two buildings, numbered 34 and 35.

TUB#34–#35 = 0.80, FPP#34–#35 = 1.00, FPB#34–#35 = 0.30, 

FPI#34–#35 = FPP#34–#35 – FPB#34–#35 = 1.0 – 0.30 = 0.70

PB#34–#35 = TUB#34–#35 x FPI#34–#35 = 0.80 x 0.70 = 0.56

∑PB#34 through PB#35 = 2 x 0.56 = 1.12

PB = ∑PB#1–#35 = 11.20 + 10.40 + 1.12 = 22.72
Flood Protection

533 Credit Calculation 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-14 Edition: 2017

There are two options for calculating the total credit for this activity. Option 1 is simplest 

but is limited to 160 points. It produces more credit in communities that have protected a 

small percentage of the buildings in their SFHAs. As long as a project meets the credit 

criteria, and the lowest-floor elevations of buildings protected before the project (flood 

protection level before the project (FPB)) were below the community’s current effective 

base flood elevation, then Option 1 can be used.

Option 2 allows for higher credit in communities that have protected a large percentage of 

the buildings in their SFHAs. Option 2 must be used for projects in which the lowest-floor 

elevations of buildings protected before the project (flood protection level before the 

project (FPB)) were at or above the community’s current effective base flood elevation.

A checklist is available at www.CRSresources.org/500 that can help when there are 

multipliers that increase the credit for certain buildings and with the impact adjustment 

calculations.

A community may use whichever option provides the larger credit, provided that the flood 

protection level before the project (FPB) is below the community’s current effective base 

flood elevation. The maximum credit for Activity 530 using Option 1 is 160 and using 

Option 2 is 1,600.

533.a. Option 1 

c530 = 2.4 x (the number of buildings that qualify for 

 Activity 530 credit x the TU_ for the flood protection 

 implemented for those buildings (Section 542.a))

The maximum credit under Option 1 is 160 points.

Example 533.a-1.

Using the same community as in Example 532.c-1, 29 buildings have 

been protected from varying levels of flooding. Twenty-eight buildings 

were elevated above the base flood elevation and to the freeboard 

elevation required by the community. Three of the elevated buildings 

are on FEMA’s repetitive loss list and a fourth is a Severe Repetitive 

Loss property. The public works garage was wet floodproofed and is 

considered a critical facility because it is needed during a flood fighting 

operation.

Although 28 buildings were elevated, the three repetitive loss buildings 

are counted twice and the Severe Repetitive Loss building is counted 
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-15 Edition: 2017

three times. The other 24 elevated buildings are counted once. This 

total gives the number of buildings that qualify for Activity 530 credit.

24 + (3 x 2) + (1 x 3) = 33 buildings that qualify for 530 credit 

The public works garage is counted twice (because it was protected to 

the 500-year flood level).

c530 = (2.40 x 33 x TUE) + (2.40 x 2.00 x TUE)

c530 = (2.40 x 33 x 1.0) + (2.40 x 2.00 x 0.50) = 79.20 + 2.40 = 81.60

c530 = 82

533.b. Option 2 

The credit calculation under Option 2 is based on the credit for all the buildings that have 

been protected as a percentage of all the buildings in the SFHA (bSF). 

c530 = 16 x PB x 100 , where

 bSF 

PB is the sum of all PBi, and 

bSF = the number of buildings in the SFHA 

(1) The value for bSF is the number of buildings currently in the SFHA. bSF includes 

buildings that have been constructed in or annexed into the SFHA since the projects 

were completed. Note that communities are required to calculate and keep track of bSF 

as part of their annual recertification. Note also that if development is allowed in the 

SFHA, even if it is in compliance with the NFIP requirements, credit for this activity 

may decrease over time as bSF in the denominator increases.

There is a separate formula for calculating bSF in communities with a large number of 

post-FIRM buildings. It can be found in Section 303.

(2) The maximum credit for Option 2 is 1,600.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-16 Edition: 2017

Example 533.b-1.

Using the same 29 buildings in Example 532.c-1, in a community with 

a relatively small number of buildings in the SFHA, 125.

PB = 22.72, bSF = 125

c530 = 16 x PB x 100

bSF

 = 16 x 22.72 x 100 = 16 x 2,272 = 16 x 18.18 = 290.82

 125 125

534 Documentation Provided by the Community 

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) [For elevation projects] Copies of the Elevation Certificate for each elevated building.

(b) [For retrofitting projects other than elevation] A list of all buildings for which credit is 

requested and a signed Community Certification for Retrofitted Buildings (CC-530).

(c) [For structural flood control projects]

(i) The level of flood protection for each building to be credited, both before and 

after the project was installed or constructed. 

(ii) [For buildings protected by a reservoir, detention basin, retention pond, or other 

facility that stores water above ground] A letter from the state dam safety office 

stating that the structure meets all state dam safety requirements. If there is no 

state dam safety office, then a registered design professional must certify that the 

project meets all appropriate dam safety criteria.

(d) A map showing the location of all protected buildings for which credit is being 

requested. This map is not necessarily the same as the Impact Adjustment Map 

prepared pursuant to Section 403. It need only show the part of the community in 

which buildings have been protected. The map for this activity does not need to 

show lot boundaries, unless the same map is used for Activity 520 (Acquisition and 

Relocation).

(e) Documentation of the implementation date for each project for which new credit is 

requested. A project is the building or group of buildings acquired or relocated within 

the same grant award, contract, or scope of work. A completed CC-530EHP,

Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation for Flood 

Protection Projects, is needed for projects implemented after the implementation date of 

the 2013 Coordinator’s Manual (see Section 507). The form can be found in Appendix 

F or at www.CRSresources.org/200.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-17 Edition: 2017

(f) [If the community is using Option 2 under Section 532.b] Calculations showing the 

total number of buildings in the SFHA (bSF).

NOTE: The variable bSF must have the same value as bSF in Activities 510, 520, 

and 610.

(g) [For credit for protecting non-repetitive loss buildings located outside the SFHA] 

Documentation that shows that floodplain regulations are in effect in the area outside 

the SFHA. 

(h) [If the flood control project revised the base flood elevation] A copy of the request for 

a CLOMR submitted to FEMA.

535 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at

www.CRSresources.org/500.

b. FEMA and the Corps of Engineers have many references on elevating and retrofitting

buildings. FEMA’s references can be found at www.fema.gov/building-science/buildingscience-publications-flood/wind. For a list of the Corps documents, go to 

www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/ProjectPlanning/nfpc.aspx then scroll down to 

“NFPC Publications.”

c. Several states have published their own floodproofing or retrofitting manuals and some have 

programs to help fund or otherwise assist property owners. State NFIP Coordinators are 

listed at www.floods.org/index.asp?menuID=274.

d. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is a FEMA training center located in 

Emmitsburg, Maryland. It offers a four-day course on retrofitting techniques oriented to 

engineers and experienced building professionals as well as courses on FEMA financial 

assistance programs, including application procedures and benefit/cost analyses. Stipends to 

cover travel, registration, and rooms are usually available from FEMA for federal, state, and 

local officials. EMI also offers field-deployed and independent study versions of many of its 

subjects, which are also free. For more information, see the EMI website at

https://training.fema.gov/emi.aspx.
Flood Protection

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 530-18 Edition: 2017

536 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• A first step to working with a property owner is to provide property protection 

advice that includes a discussion of alternatives and sources of financial assistance. 

This is credited under Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance). 

• Flood control projects that change the base flood elevation may result in revisions to 

the community’s FIRM. Such revisions may or may not receive credit under Activity 

410 (Flood Hazard Mapping). Activity 410 lists criteria for credit due to changes in 

the base flood elevation.

• A floodplain management plan (FMP) or a repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA) 

credited under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) can identify projects 

for flood protection. The RLAA can identify properties that receive bonus credit 

under Activity 530.

• A multi-hazard mitigation plan credited under Activity 510 (Floodplain Management 

Planning) is a prerequisite for FEMA funding for creditable retrofitting projects. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-1 Edition: 2017

540 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE—Summary 

Maximum credit: 470 points

542 Elements

a. Channel debris removal (CDR): Up to 200 points for inspecting natural 

channels on public and private property and removing debris as 

appropriate.

b. Problem site maintenance (PSM): Up to 50 points for paying special 

attention to known problem flooding sites, such as those needing more 

frequent inspections.

c. Capital improvement program (CIP): Up to 70 points for having a capital 

improvement program that corrects drainage problems.

d. Stream dumping regulations (SDR): Up to 30 points if the community 

has and publicizes regulations prohibiting dumping in streams, canals,

and ditches.

e. Storage basin maintenance (SBM): Up to 120 points for annually 

inspecting public and private storage basins and performing the required 

maintenance.

Credit Criteria

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 541.b. They include

drainage system inspections and maintenance requirements, no reliance on 

unsecured outside funding for maintenance, and compliance with federal and 

state laws and executive orders for environmental and historic preservation.

Each element has additional criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

The credit for CDR is adjusted based on the percentage of the community’s 

natural drainage system that is inspected annually and properly maintained. 

There is no impact adjustment for PSM or SDR. The credit for SBM is adjusted 

based on the percentage of all the public and private storage basins within the 

community that are inspected and maintained.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Drainage System Maintenance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-2 Edition: 2017

540 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to ensure that the community keeps its streams, channels,

and storage basins clear of debris so that their flood carrying and storage capacity are 

maintained.

541 Background 

A community’s drainage system consists of natural watercourses or channels; constructed 

storm drains, canals, and ditches; and detention/retention basins built to store high flows. In 

most cases, the actual channel of a natural stream will carry only the two-year flood, with

larger flows being carried in the overbank area. Constructed channels are typically designed 

to carry larger floods than natural channels do, and communities usually have an active 

maintenance program for their constructed facilities. When a channel loses a portion of its 

conveyance capacity, overbank flooding occurs more frequently and flows reach higher 

elevations, potentially damaging nearby structures or causing increased channel erosion.

Even where floodplain regulations prevent construction from encroaching, streams can lose 

their carrying capacities as a result of the accumulation of debris, sedimentation, and the 

growth of unwanted vegetation. Detention and retention basins can lose their ability to store 

water if upstream sediment controls do not function properly or if there are highly erosive 

lands upstream.

One proven approach to preventing this reduction of capacity is a community program that

routinely inspects and clears debris from the channels and basins. This work can be as 

simple as cleaning out culverts and removing trash, shopping carts, and similar debris that 

can dam a stream and cause flooding, even during small storms.

541.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 540 is 570 points.

Credit is provided for keeping the channel and 

storage basin (detention or retention) portion of a 

community’s drainage system clear of debris in order 

to maintain its flood-carrying and storage capacity 

during floods, and to protect water quality.

A community can receive credit for five drainage 

system maintenance activities: 

• Inspecting and maintaining natural channels 

(CDR),

• Paying attention to problem sites (PSM),

• Having a capital improvements program that 

benefits the drainage system (CIP),

Activity 540 

If a community can answer “yes” to 

the following questions, it should be 

able to receive credit for this activity.

• Does the drainage maintenance 

program have written procedures

and written records?

• Is there an annual inspection for at 

least some of the channel system? 

• Are inspections also conducted 

after major storms and in response 

to citizens’ complaints?

• Are debris and other obstructions 

to flow or storage removed when 

they are found? 
Drainage System Maintenance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-3 Edition: 2017

• Implementing and publicizing “no dumping” regulations (SDR), and

• Inspecting and maintaining storage basins (SBM).

NFIP Requirement 

The NFIP requires 

communities to “assure [that] the 

carrying capacity within the altered 

or relocated portion of any 

watercourse is maintained” (44 

CFR §60.3(b)(7)). 

This maintenance provision 

applies to any watercourse altered 

or relocated after the date of 

adoption of the community’s 

floodplain management ordinance. 

Any natural growth or manmade 

debris that reduces the carrying 

capacity of these artificial 

channels may be a violation of 

that ordinance. 

In addition, these areas may 

be remapped by the Federal 

Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA) to reflect the current 

carrying capacity and potential 

increased risk to existing 

development.

The drainage system—A drainage system consists of 

all natural and manmade watercourses, conduits, and 

storage basins that collect rainfall and convey flood 

flows. It includes both open systems and those that are 

underground.

The natural conveyance system—For purposes of this 

activity, the natural conveyance system includes the 

channels that need to be maintained in order to prevent 

damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure

from small, frequent storms.

The defined conveyance system varies in each 

community. In some communities, it may be vital to 

maintain the channels, bridges, and culverts in order to 

avoid flooding. For other communities, streams that 

have been converted into large roadside ditches are 

significant conveyors of surface water and must be kept 

clean

This activity is concerned primarily with the parts of 

the natural conveyance system that lie within the 

developed areas of the community. However, streams in 

undeveloped areas of the community also need to be 

included if there is a culvert or bridge crossing that is a 

critical access route or if there are insurable buildings 

that could be affected if the stream is not able to 

convey flows.

The areas or locations of flood insurance claims and disaster assistance should be 

considered when determining the extent of the conveyance system that deserves regular 

maintenance. In communities with repetitive losses (Category B and C communities as 

noted in Section 502), the drainage system MUST cover those areas having repetitive loss 

properties if the cause of the losses was local drainage problems or small, frequent storms.

In general, all channels with a drainage area of 40 acres or more should be included in the 

conveyance system and on the map (see below).

Storage basins—For the purposes of this activity, storage basins include all constructed 

stormwater runoff detention or retention facilities located on public and private property. 

These include onsite detention or retention as well as infiltration facilities that are required 

for new development. The community must include all facilities constructed pursuant to

stormwater management regulations credited as SMR under Activity 450 (Stormwater 

Management) and all publicly owned facilities. These do not include facilities constructed 

solely to manage water quality.
Drainage System Maintenance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-4 Edition: 2017

Maps and inventories—For this activity, a map of the community’s conveyance system is 

required for CDR credit and a map of all storage basins within the community is required 

for SBM credit. Depending on the scale of the map, the map of the conveyance system and 

the map of the storage basins may be combined if the community is requesting both CDR 

and SBM credit. 

The conveyance system map must show each item (stream segment, bridge, culvert, 

channel, etc.) that is listed in the community’s inventory. An inventory of the entire natural 

conveyance system, including areas the community does not inspect or maintain, is needed 

to document the annual inspections. Similarly, an inventory of all storage basins, public and 

private, is needed for SBM credit.

541.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

(1) Drainage system inspections—Credit for this activity is dependent upon annual

inspection of the natural conveyance system and/or storage basins, and proper 

documentation of those inspections. The community (or other non-federal agency) must 

have a program to inspect its drainage facilities annually, upon receiving a complaint, 

and after each major storm. If all parts of the natural system cannot be inspected 

annually (for example, because there is no legal access to those parts of the streams that 

lie on private property or for budgetary reasons), then credit will be adjusted by the 

impact adjustment. Written records of inspections correlated to specific parts of the 

inventory are required for CRS credit.

(2) Inspection and maintenance—The inspection and maintenance of the streams and 

storage basins can be provided by the community, another non-federal agency, or 

private property owners. Many communities are in flood control or drainage districts 

that perform this work. Whether the inspections and maintenance are performed by the 

community; a county, regional or state agency; or a private property owner, the 

Community Rating System (CRS) community is responsible for providing all the 

documentation needed to verify credit. An inventory and map of the system as well as 

written procedures and inspection records are required for CRS credit.

(3) No credit is provided for projects that rely on unsecured outside funding, such as a 

special appropriation from the state legislature or approval of a U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers clearing-and-snagging project. Secure outside funding, such as an annual 

state distribution of gasoline tax receipts, is acceptable.

(4) Environmental compliance—The community’s program for drainage system 

maintenance must be compliant with applicable federal environmental and historic 

preservation laws and executive orders (see Section 507). The community and other 

local, regional, and state agencies responsible for portions of the drainage system must 

complete a CC-540EHP, Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic 

Preservation Requirements for Drainage System Maintenance. This form can be
Drainage System Maintenance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-5 Edition: 2017

found in Appendix F and at

www.CRSresources.org/200. Credit is not provided 

if local drainage system maintenance procedures 

are not compliant with applicable federal laws and 

executive orders.

Environmental Protection and 

Historic Preservation

The CRS is a FEMA program and 

therefore must ensure that activities 

credited by the CRS are compliant with 

applicable federal environmental and 

historic preservation laws and 

executive orders. Section 507 expands 

on this requirement and presents a 

summary of FEMA’s policy.

Figure 500-5 lists the federal programs 

that should be considered during 

project development.

(5) There may be special restrictions or requirements

to obtain a federal or state permit before certain 

maintenance work can proceed. Often, a “general” 

or “statewide” permit or other permission can be 

granted in advance for projects that are specifically 

described in the permit. Such laws and regulations 

usually do not preclude all maintenance work, but 

they may place restrictions on activities that 

disturb natural or protected areas. These 

restrictions must be included in the community’s 

procedures. 

542 Elements 

542.a. Channel debris removal (CDR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 200 points.

Credit for this element is dependent upon annual inspection and regular maintenance of the 

natural channels within the community. There is no credit in this element for the inspection 

or maintenance of catch basins, canals, ditches, pipes, roadways, road drainage, or similar 

infrastructure. The community (or other non-federal agency) must have a program to

inspect its natural channels annually, upon receiving a complaint, and after each major 

storm, and the community must record such inspections. The community (or other nonfederal agency) must remove debris as needed after each inspection in accordance with a 

written maintenance plan. Neither the cost of the work nor the amount of debris removed 

affects the credit. While responding to complaints and performing inspections after storm 

events are required to obtain credit, a program that only responds to complaints or inspects 

after storms is not eligible for this credit.

To receive full credit for this activity, the community must document that it annually 

inspects, and maintains as required, all public and private channels in the developed portion 

of the community, not just natural channels in the floodplain. The impact adjustment 

determines the final credit, based on the percentage of the conveyance system that is 

covered by the inspection and maintenance program and proper documentation of the 

annual inspections. Note that CDR credit is provided for the natural channels that are 

inspected every year, and not for programs that inspect a portion of the system in one year 

and another portion in another year.

The maintenance work is normally done by a public works crew, frequently without heavy 

equipment. The objective of this activity is to remove accumulated debris, yard waste, 

trash, shopping carts, and the like that obstruct flows that can cause flooding to adjacent 
Drainage System Maintenance

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-6 Edition: 2017

properties. It is important that the community’s procedures spell out what can and cannot be 

removed. In areas with natural streams, for example, a certain amount of woody debris may 

remain in the channel area without causing a flooding problem. Concrete-lined ditches, by 

contrast, may need to have all debris removed in order to maintain their carrying capacity.

Credit Criteria for CDR

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 541.b must be met.

(2) The community (or other non-federal agency) must have a program to inspect and 

maintain its natural channels, and inspections must be conducted

(a) At least once each year for each portion of the system credited,

(b) Upon receiving a complaint, and

(c) After each major storm.

Inspections must be recorded and action must be taken after an inspection identifies a 

need for maintenance or cleaning. 

(3) Procedures for annual inspection and maintenance for natural channels must be in the 

form of written procedures or guidelines. These are explained in Inspection and 

Maintenance Procedures for the Conveyance System, below.

(4) The community must provide a map of the conveyance system with each item in the 

inventory of the drainage system labeled.

(5) The community must provide a complete inventory of its natural conveyance system.

(6) All the inspection and maintenance activities must be recorded and the records must be 

maintained until the next verification visit. All inspection records must be correlated 

with the inventory and must designate which section of the system was inspected, when 

it was inspected, and what the results of the inspection were, even when no work is 

required.

Inspection and Maintenance Procedures for the Conveyance System

The community must provide written procedures, instructions, or other documents that 

explain the community’s inspection and maintenance program. The document(s) need not 

exceed several pages. In some cases, the description will be in various documents, such as a 

field procedures manual, memorandum of agreement with another agency, contract for 

ongoing maintenance work, drainage system map, or forms used for records.

The following must be included in the document(s):

(1) Designation of the person, entity, or position responsible for the program. This may be 

an agency other than the community’s public works department, such as a drainage 

district, the state highway department (responsible for highway bridges and culverts), or 

even a private property owner. 

(2) An explanation of the procedures for inspection, including when regular inspections are 

conducted, how soon inspections are conducted after a complaint or a storm, and 

whether the procedures are different for manmade and natural channels.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-7 Edition: 2017

(3) The debris removal procedures, i.e., how soon after an inspection an area must be 

cleared, and what can and cannot be removed. These procedures may be different for 

different streams. For example, they may call for the public works department to remove 

downed trees and underbrush from channels near homes, but to leave them in parks or 

natural areas. Simply stating that “problems are corrected” or “debris is removed” is not 

an adequate description of what actions are to be taken for the different types of 

materials that may be found.

(4) A description of the records that are kept to document both the inspections and the 

removal projects. These records must show which portions of the conveyance system 

were inspected and whether maintenance was required and performed (as needed). 

Records showing that “staff worked for eight hours each week last year inspecting 

channels,” for example, are not adequate if there is no record of which channels were 

inspected or whether any problems were found.

Even if an entity other than the community performs the inspection and/or debris removal, 

it is the community’s responsibility to document the activity for credit. In the case of a 

drainage district or county-wide maintenance program, the community may find it 

advantageous to work with other affected communities and with the larger agency to 

develop consistent documentation that can be used by all communities.

Map and Inventory of the Natural Conveyance System

The community must provide a detailed map of the developed areas of the community and 

the natural channels in those areas and an inventory of the system. The map and inventory 

should include a description of which portions of the natural drainage system are in the 

community’s inspection and maintenance program, in another agency’s program or 

privately inspected, and qualify for credit. The five-step process described below can be 

used to develop the map and the inventory for CDR credit. A sixth step is provided for 

problem site maintenance credit (PSM) and a similar process is followed for storage basin 

maintenance (SBM).

Step 1. Identify the developed area of the community. Select a map of the community 

and identify the developed areas. Undeveloped or sparsely developed areas (e.g., those 

with minimum lot sizes of five acres or more), or areas in which no buildings would be 

affected by a lack of maintenance (e.g., steep ravines), may be excluded. However, 

undeveloped or sparsely developed areas with insurable buildings or critical facilities

that could be affected by a lack of maintenance must be included.

Step 2. Map the natural conveyance system. Within the developed area of the 

community identified in Step 1, delineate all the rivers, streams, and other natural 

channels on the map. Note:

(a) Both public and private areas must be included in the delineation, regardless of the 

community’s authority to inspect those areas. 

(b) The delineation must include all channels in developed Special Flood Hazard Areas 

(SFHAs) shown on the community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). 
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(c) All natural channels shown as blue lines on a U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle 

and draining more than 40 contributing acres must be shown. 

(d) Although credit is provided only for maintenance of the natural conveyance system, 

the entire system that drains 40 acres or more must be shown on the map.

(e) Large underground segments of the surface conveyance system need to be shown on 

the conveyance system map if they convey flow from a natural channel.

Step 3. Label the segments, portions, or components of the natural conveyance system.

On the map, identify and label the segments of the natural conveyance system within the 

drainage maintenance area. There are no requirements for how the components, 

segments, or portions of the system are labeled except that they must correspond to the 

inventory prepared in Step 4 (below).

When labeling the components or portions of the conveyance system, the community 

should consider the owner (e.g., the community, the state, or private owner) or whoever

inspects and maintains the segment of the system. Inventory labels may be as simple as 

numbers or numbers with prefixes to identify the stream or channel name. Communities 

may choose to label their inventory with an identifier for a channel segment (“CH001”) 

or a bridge crossing (“BR001”). 

Step 4. Develop an inventory of the system. Develop an inventory or list of all

components, portions, or segments of the natural conveyance system. Each listed 

channel segment or item in the inventory should correspond to the labels on the 

conveyance system map. The community may determine the format for the inventory 

that best fits its needs. However, the inventory should include a column to indicate 

whether the portion of the system is included in the community’s inspection and 

maintenance program. A column for the most recent inspection date is recommended. 

Figure 540-1 shows a sample inventory table. In this example channels, bridges, and 

culverts are shown separately. A community may, instead, provide an inventory of only 

channel segments if that is how they are designated in the community’s record keeping 

system.

All natural portions of the conveyance system within the community’s developed area 

must be listed in the inventory. The inventory is used for determining the community’s 

impact adjustment for this activity.

Step 5. Show the portions of the natural conveyance system that are included in the 

community’s annual inspection and maintenance program. The natural conveyance 

components included in the community’s annual inspection and maintenance program 

must be highlighted on the conveyance system map or marked in some other method, 

and they must be noted on the inventory (Figure 540-2). 
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Component Type Description Owned 

By

Included in 

Inspection/

Maintenance 

Program

CH0001 Channel Between 1st Street and Central City

CU0001 Culvert Jones Creek at Central City

CH0002 Channel Between Central and Main City

BR0001 Bridge Jones Creek at Main County

CH0003 Channel Between Main and Grand Avenue Private

CU0002 Culvert Jones Creek at Grand Avenue City 

Figure 540-1. Step 4 of a sample inventory of a conveyance system.

The community may also note the portions of the system that are not part of their 

program for various reasons. For example, there may be no right of access on private 

property or there may be areas that the community does not cover for budgetary or other 

reasons.

Step 6. Show the problem site maintenance locations on the map and list locations in 

the inventory. If the community is requesting credit for problem site maintenance 

(PSM) (see Section 542.b), the list should identify the problem sites, as shown in 

Figure 540-2, and any problem sites not included in the inventory of the natural 

drainage system. 

Identifier

(nCDC)

Type Description Owned 

By

Included 

in 

Program

(Credited)

(nCDR)

Problem 

Site?

CH0001 Channel Between 1st St. and Central City Yes

CU0001 Culvert Jones Creek at Central City Yes Yes

CH0002 Channel Between Central and Main City Yes

BR001 Bridge Jones Creek at Main County Yes Yes

CH003 Channel Between Main and Grand 

Avenue

Private No

CU001 Culvert Jones Creek at Grand 

Avenue

City Yes

Figure 540-2. Step 5 of a sample inventory of a conveyance system.
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Credit Points for CDR

CDR = 200 points, for channel debris removal within the 

community’s natural drainage system in accordance with the 

credit criteria

The action taken must be in accord with the community’s inspection and maintenance 

procedures, which must be consistent with federal and state environmental protection laws 

and regulations.

Impact Adjustment for CDR

rCDR = nCDR , where

 nCDC

nCDR = EITHER the number of items in the inventory that are

inspected and maintained, OR the length of the system that is 

inspected annually (every year) and maintained, and

nCDC = EITHER the total number of items in the developed 

portion of the community’s drainage system, OR

the total length of the system

Items can be components or segments. If rCDR is less than 0.10, then 0.10 is used.

If the community, other agency, or private inspection program does not include all of the 

natural conveyance system in all developed areas of the community, then the impact 

adjustment measurements (nCDR) must exclude those areas (components, segments, or 

portions). The most common reason for not maintaining portions of the system in a 

developed area is that the streams or channels lie on private property.

Note that the CRS is not intended to encourage communities to look at flood protection in 

isolation from other equally important local concerns, such as habitat preservation. 

However, if a stream or channel is not maintained in compliance with the community’s 

procedures for any reason, and damage to buildings could result, the lack of drainage 

system maintenance must be reflected in the impact adjustment.

Example 542.a-2. 

A public works department for a community in Georgia inspects all of 

the publicly owned channels, bridges, and culverts within the city, but 

not the streams on private property. City crews remove critical 

accumulations of debris that are found during the annual inspection 

and when problems are reported by neighboring residents. The crews 

record the inspections and the removals on forms maintained in the 

public works department. This work is done every winter. From the 
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community’s conveyance system map and inventory, the community

has identified a total of 125 conveyance system segments within the 

city, and 80 of those segments are inspected and maintained by the 

community.

rCDR = nCDR = 80 = 0.64

 nCDC 125

Documentation for CDR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A dated copy of the written procedures, instructions, or other documents that explain 

the community’s routine inspection and debris removal program. 

(b) The map of the community’s drainage maintenance area with the natural conveyance 

system delineated and labeled.

(c) A complete inventory of the community’s conveyance system, corresponding to the 

map.

(d) Copies of the records that show when and where inspections were conducted and the 

results of those inspections. Copies of records that show that maintenance was 

performed in instances in which inspections revealed problems.

(e) Completed Certifications of Compliance with Environmental and Historic 

Preservation Requirements for Drainage System Maintenance (CC-540EHP) from 

the community and any other relevant local, regional, or state agencies, which can be 

found in Appendix F.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of sites in the field to verify that 

maintenance has been performed in accordance with the procedures.

(2) With the annual recertification, 

(a) Examples of the records that show that inspections were conducted during the year 

and maintenance was performed when the inspections revealed problems. 

542.b. Problem site maintenance (PSM) 

The maximum credit for this element is 50 points.

PSM credit is provided if the community’s drainage system maintenance program identifies 

locations within its conveyance system, natural or constructed, that are “choke points,” 

chronic dumping sites, obstructions to flows, or sites with erosion or sedimentation 

problems, that are inspected and maintained differently or more frequently than other parts 

of the system. Such inspections are in addition to those credited under CDR. Communities 

with no natural drainage system can receive this credit if portions of their constructed 

conveyance system are chronic problem maintenance sites that need and receive attention 

more often than annually. 
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Credit Criteria for PSM

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 541.b. must be met.

(2) The community must have written procedures or guidelines that identify each problem 

site, what the issues are, and what special inspection and/or maintenance is needed at 

each site. These are explained in “Maintenance Procedures for Problem Sites,” below.

(3) The problem sites must be identified on the community conveyance system map 

developed for CDR credit, or a map of the constructed system if the community is not 

eligible for CDR credit.

(4) The community’s problem site maintenance program must require that 

(a) An inspection be conducted more than once each year,

(b) An inspection of each problem site be conducted after each major storm, and

(c) Action must be taken after an inspection identifies a need for maintenance 

or cleaning. 

Maintenance Procedures for Problem Sites

The written procedures or guidelines for problem site maintenance may be a part of the 

community’s CDR procedures or a separate document. It needs the following additional 

information:

(1) A list of each problem site, including

• What makes the site different from the rest of the drainage system,

• The procedure for increased inspection and maintenance, and

• Who is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the site. 

(2) The records that are kept to document both the inspections and the maintenance, if 

different from the CDR records.

Credit Points for PSM

PSM = 50, if the community’s program for problem site 

maintenance is in accord with the credit criteria

Example 542.b-1.

Over the years the City of Pullman’s crews have identified spots that 

are chronic drainage problems, such as the culvert under the railroad 

on the South Fork Palouse River and places on Missouri Flat Creek 

where ice jams usually form in late winter. The drainage maintenance 

procedures list these spots and require the crews to visit them first and 
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more frequently during rains or ice breakup. The culvert under the 

railroad is inspected weekly and cleaned out as soon as debris is 

found. PSM = 50

Impact Adjustment for PSM

There is no impact adjustment for PSM.

Documentation for PSM Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the procedures, instructions, or other documents that explain the 

community’s problem site inspection and maintenance. These are likely to be part of 

the procedures submitted for CDR credit. The special problem site inspection and 

maintenance procedures need to be identified, e.g., marked in the margin as “PSM.”

(b) A list of the problem sites and a map showing their locations.

(c) Copies of the records for specific sites as requested by the ISO/CRS Specialist, 

showing that inspections were conducted and that maintenance was performed when

inspections revealed problems.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of sites in the field to verify that 

maintenance has been performed in accordance with the procedures.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) Examples of the records showing that the required inspections were conducted 

during the year and that maintenance was performed when inspections revealed 

problems. 

542.c. Capital improvement program (CIP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 70 points.

CIP credit recognizes the implementation of a capital improvement plan and a capital 

improvement program that make permanent, structural changes within the drainage system 

to reduce flood problems or maintenance problems. This credit is not for a program of 

continuous maintenance, such as cleaning or repairing inlets and culverts. Creditable 

examples would be ongoing programs to

• Enlarge culvert and bridge openings to eliminate bottlenecks,

• Install permanent hard or soft bank protection measures,

• Install grates to catch debris during high flows,
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• Build new retention basins to reduce flows into existing channels, 

• Convert problem channels into “low-maintenance” channels, or

• Improvements to the underground system.

The capital improvements program should address the “choke points and other obstructions 

to flows” that warrant the special attention that is credited in PSM.

Credit Criteria for CIP

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 541.b. must be met.

(2) The community must also be receiving credit for PSM.

(3) Sites that are improved through the program must be in either the community’s natural 

or constructed conveyance system.

(4) There must be a “master list” of sites that are planned for improvement projects. The list 

can be prepared from master watershed plans, complaints, or reports from maintenance 

crews. Projects do not have to be prioritized or listed in any order. For example, the 

community may determine which projects will be funded at the beginning of each fiscal 

year. 

The master list could be of sites submitted in relation to PSM credit, provided that the 

community intends to “eliminate or correct the problem sites.” In other words, the list 

must be related to the capital improvement program. It cannot just be a list of problems 

that are not slated for correction.

The recommended correction measures for the problem sites do not need to be the result 

of detailed plans or studies. They may be one-sentence statements on the most likely 

approach (e.g., “enlarge culvert,” “bank stabilization,” etc.).

If the program is administered by a county or multi-community district (i.e., an 

organization outside the community’s jurisdiction), then the list must be prepared from 

master watershed plans and not based solely on 

complaints or other ad hoc methods. 

(5) The community must spend money on a regular basis 

on such improvement projects (a one-time-only project 

would not be credited). This can be documented by a 

multi-year capital improvements budget or line items in 

several years’ budgets that fund drainage improvement 

projects. 

All the needed documentation can usually be found in three 

documents: a watershed or stormwater management master 

plan identifying problems and likely projects, a written capital improvement plan for public 

works or a drainage plan that has a master list of proposed projects, and the community’s 

annual budget that shows how funds are spent each year.

CIP and Credit for Activity 530

Once a capital improvement 

project is completed, it may qualify 

for CRS credit under Activity 530 

(Flood Protection). Projects that 

protect repetitive loss properties and 

critical facilities receive higher credit 

under Activity 530.
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The analyses done for WMP credit under Activity 450 (Stormwater Management) may 

include a list of projects that may qualify for CIP credit.

Credit Points for CIP

CIP = CIP1 + CIP2

CIP1 = 30, if the community has an ongoing program, such as a 

capital improvement plan, that meets the credit criteria 

CIP2 = 40, if the community has an acceptable engineering analysis 

of the drainage system that includes an evaluation of the 1% 

annual chance (100-year) flood at the problem site

For CIP2 (40 points), a watershed-based hydrologic and hydraulic analysis (sometimes 

called a stormwater master plan) must have been completed that identifies the problem and 

provides a solution. It must include an estimate of the 1% annual chance (100-year) flood at 

the problem site and the resulting flood elevations. The design of the “solution” may use a 

lower design standard, but the community needs to recognize the impact of the 1% flood.

Example 542.c-1.

King County, Washington, has a county-wide Flood Control Zone 

District that is funded by property taxes. It funds a variety of programs, 

including a six-year Capital Improvement Program, which is updated 

annually. The Capital Improvement Program was developed through 

an engineering analysis of each watershed within the community.

Currently over 50 projects are completed each year. CIP = 70

Impact Adjustment for CIP

There is no impact adjustment for CIP1.

rCIP2 = aCIP2

 aC , where

aCIP2 = the area of the community covered by the watershedbased analysis and

aC = the area of the community
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Documentation for CIP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) Excerpts from the capital improvement plan or other documentation that shows that 

the community (or other drainage maintenance agency) has an ongoing program to

reduce drainage maintenance or flooding problems. The submittal must include

(i) A master list of the community’s drainage and flooding problem sites that need 

to be corrected or eliminated;

(ii) Recommended correction measures for the problem sites; 

(iii) Documentation that funds are spent on capital improvement projects each year, 

and

(iv) [If full credit is requested] Documentation of the engineering analysis done for 

each watershed.

542.d. Stream dumping regulations (SDR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points.

SDR credit is provided for adopting and enforcing 

regulations that prohibit the dumping or disposal of debris 

throughout the community’s drainage system. Many local 

urban flood problems are caused when shopping carts, 

yard waste, trash, or other debris is dumped into channels.

This debris can clog culverts, divert flows, and reduce the 

conveyance capacity of channels. Regulations that

prohibit the disposal of all debris within a channel help 

reduce this problem. 

Credit is not provided for an ordinance that prohibits 

littering or similar general nuisances, for ordinance 

language directed solely at water quality problems, or for 

language limited to activities in the floodplain. The 

regulations must specifically address the problem of 

keeping channels clear of materials such as brush, fill, and 

items normally not covered in littering ordinances. 

Figure 540-3. An example of 

a “no dumping” sign.

Credit Criteria for SDR

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 541.b. must be met.

(2) The community must also be receiving credit for CDR. 

(3) The regulations that prohibit disposal of debris in the community’s drainage system 

must be enforced throughout the entire community. The regulation must designate an 

office or official responsible for receiving complaints and monitoring compliance and it 

also must include enforcement and abatement provisions.
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(4) Additional credit is provided if the community publicizes the regulatory requirements 

that prohibit stream dumping. This may be done through the following outreach 

projects:

(a) A notice sent to all property owners in the community (which may or may not be 

credited under OP in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)); or 

(b) Posting “no dumping in the stream” signs at key locations in the drainage system, 

such as frequent problem spots, schools, or public parks. An example of a sign that 

has been used by several CRS communities is shown in Figure 540-3; or

(c) An outreach project identified in the community’s Program for Public Information 

(PPI) credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), provided that the PPI

specifies the message and recommends the best way to disseminate it.

Credit Points for SDR

SDR = EITHER:

SDR = 15, if regulations prohibit dumping in the community’s 

drainage system,

OR

SDR = 25, if regulations prohibit dumping in the community’s 

drainage system and the community publicizes the regulatory 

requirements (see credit criterion (4)(a) or (b)), 

OR

SDR = 30, if regulations prohibit dumping in the community’s 

drainage system and the publicity is covered in the community’s 

PPI (see credit criterion (4)(c))

Example 542.d-1. 

A community’s code of ordinances deals with nuisances and 

misdemeanors. The article states that the police department is 

responsible for enforcement of listed violations. It also prescribes 

penalties.

The code states:

It shall be unlawful to dump, deposit, or otherwise cause any 

trash, landscape debris, or other material to be placed in 

any stream, channel, ditch, pond, or basin that regularly or 

periodically carries or stores water.
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The community’s documentation includes all appropriate sections of 

the municipal code with “SDR” marked in the margins. One of the 

City’s outreach projects in Activity 330 discusses the need for drainage 

system maintenance and what to do if dumping is seen. SDR = 25

Impact Adjustment for SDR

There is no impact adjustment for this element. The regulation must be enforced throughout 

the entire community.

Documentation for SDR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the stream dumping regulation prohibiting the disposal of debris in the 

affected drainage system. The acronym SDR must be marked in the margin of the 

ordinance sections that pertain to this element, including the responsible office or 

official.

(b) [If the community is requesting the extra credit for publicizing the regulation] A 

copy of how the community publicized the regulations during the year. If the 

publicity was in a document credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), a 

separate submittal is not needed, provided that the other document (including a PPI, 

if credited) is annotated to show where SDR is publicized.

(2) At each recertification,

(a) [If the community is requesting the extra credit for publicizing the regulations] A 

copy of how the community publicized the regulations during the year.

542.e. Storage basin maintenance (SBM) 

The maximum credit for this element is 120 points.

SBM credit is dependent upon annual inspections and regular maintenance of retention, 

detention, infiltration, and other types of storage basins. The community (or other nonfederal agency) must have a program to regularly inspect, at least annually, public and 

private storage basins and remove debris as needed. Neither the cost of the work nor the 

amount of debris removed affects the credit. A program that responds to complaints and 

conducts inspections after storms is required, but such a program alone is not enough to 

obtain this credit. 

After each inspection, appropriate maintenance must be completed where it has been

determined that it is needed. 

The maintenance work is normally done by a public works crew, usually without 

specialized equipment, but backhoes and trucks are frequently required. The objective of 

this activity is to remove accumulated sediment or debris that prevents the storage or 

infiltration of excess stormwater. It is important that the community’s procedures spell out 
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what can and cannot be removed. In some areas detention facilities also provide wate r 

quality treatment. In those situations, special care must be taken when removing sediment 

and debris to ensure that the facility still provides all its design functions. 

Inspection and maintenance may also be performed by the owner of the basin if it is not 

owned by the community. The community’s ordinance (credited under PUB in Activity 

450) must require inspections by a registered design professional at least annually, with the 

reports submitted to the community if the owner is responsible for inspection and 

maintenance. 

Credit Criteria for SBM

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 541.b. must be met.

(2) The community must be receiving credit for PUB within element SMR under 

Activity 450.

(3) The community must have a program to inspect and maintain its storage basins and any 

storage basins constructed to comply with the standards credited in SMR (Activity 450), 

and inspections must be conducted

(a) At least once each year,

(b) Upon receiving a complaint, and

(c) After each storm that could adversely affect the drainage system.

Action must be taken when an inspection reveals a need for maintenance or cleaning. 

Procedures for inspection and maintenance must be in the form of written procedures or 

guidelines. These are explained in “SBM Procedures,” below

(4) Procedures for annual inspection and maintenance of storage basins must be in the form 

of written procedures or guidelines. These are explained in SBM Procedures, below.

(5) The location of all public 

and private storage basins 

must be mapped. 

(6) The community must have a 

complete inventory of 

storage basins within its 

jurisdiction.

(7) All the maintenance and 

inspection activities must 

be recorded and the 

records must be 

maintained until the next 

verification visit.

Figure 540-4. A sample of an inventory included as part 

of a community’s storage basin maintenance procedures.
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SBM Procedures

The written SBM procedures or guidelines, which may be included in the same document as

the community’s CDR procedures, must include the following information:

(1) Designation of the person, entity, or position responsible for the program.

(2) An explanation of the procedures for inspection, including when regul ar inspections are 

conducted and how soon inspections are conducted after a complaint or a storm. The 

explanation should include procedures that are different based on

(a) The type of each facility (detention, infiltration, retention, below-ground),

(b) Whether it is publicly or privately owned, and

(c) Whether it is subject to the maintenance program;

(3) The maintenance procedures, i.e., how soon after an inspection an area must be cleared, 

what can and cannot be removed, and who is responsible (based on public or private 

ownership); and

(4) A description of the records that are kept to document both the inspections and the 

maintenance activities.

Credit Points for SBM

SBM = 120 points for maintenance of storage basins within the 

community in accordance with the credit criteria

Impact Adjustment for SBM

The impact adjustment for SBM is based on all storage basins in the community, rather than 

only those that are in developments approved since the community started receiving CRS 

credit. The community’s SBM procedures must include a list of all public and private 

storage or retention basins and note those that are covered by the procedures (nSBM).

rSBM = nSBM , where

nSBC

nSBM = number of storage basins, public and private, inspected 

annually and maintained as needed, and

nSBC = total number of storage basins, public and private, 

within the community

If rSBM is less than 0.10, then 0.10 is used.
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Example 542.d-1. 

A city’s public works department inspects all of the city’s public storage 

basins and requires the owners of private storage basins to submit an 

annual inspection report to the city. City crews remove critical 

accumulations of debris that are found during the annual inspection 

and when problems are reported by neighboring residents. In addition, 

the city frequently performs maintenance on private facilities and then 

bills the owner for the work when the owners do not perform the 

required annual inspection or maintenance. 

The program inspects and maintains 10 publicly owned basins and 54 

of the 102 private basins. The 54 basins were constructed after 

passage of an ordinance that requires public maintenance. 

nSBM = 10 + 54 = 64

nSBC = 10 + 102 = 112

rSBM = nSBM = 64 = 0.57

 nSBC 112

Documentation for SBM Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the procedures, instructions, or other documents that explain the 

community’s storage basin inspection and maintenance program.

(b) The map showing the location of all storage basins in the community.

(c) The inventory of the storage basins located in the community.

(d) Copies of the records that show that annual inspections were conducted and 

maintenance was performed when the inspections revealed problems.

(e) A completed Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic 

Preservation Requirements for Drainage System Maintenance (CC-540EHP), which 

can be found in Appendix F.

The ISO/CRS Specialist may visit a sample of sites in the field to verify that 

maintenance has been performed in accordance with the procedures.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) Examples of the records showing that inspections were conducted during the year 

and maintenance was performed when the inspections revealed problems.
Drainage System Maintenance

543 Credit Calculation 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 540-22 Edition: 2017

c540 = cCDR + PSM + cCIP + SDR + cSBM, where 

cCDR = CDR x rCDR, and

cCIP = CIP1 + CIP2 x rCIP2, and

cSBM = SBM x rSBM

544 For More Information 

a. Additional information, reference materials, checklists, and examples can be found at

www.CRSresources.org/500.

b. Stream Obstruction Removal Guidelines, C. McConnell et al., eds., American Fisheries 

Society, 1983. Copies are available for $8 plus shipping from the American Fisheries Society, 

5410 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814 or from the online bookstore at 

http://afsbooks.org/x55010xm.

545 Related Activities under the Community Rating System 

• The publicity needed for stream dumping regulations credit (SDR) can be an outreach 

project credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). More credit can be received 

if the outreach project was part of a Program for Public Information, which is also 

credited under Activity 330.

• Element OSP (open space preservation) under Activity 420 (Open Space 

Preservation) reduces the need for channel maintenance.

• Activity 420’s natural shoreline protection element (NSP) encourages communities to 

let their shorelines and stream banks go natural, reducing the need for maintenance in 

these areas. However, if the natural shorelines are in developed areas, they would still 

need to be inspected for debris to receive full credit for CDR. The impact adjustment 

map for NSP should be the same as the conveyance system map needed for CDR.

• Stormwater management regulations (SMR) in Activity 450 (Stormwater 

Management) establish the criteria and design standards for storage basins within a 

community.

• Public maintenance of required facilities (PUB) in Activity 450 (Stormwater 

Management) provides the authority for public inspection and maintenance of private 

drainage facilities.

• Once a capital improvements project (CIP) is completed, it may qualify for CRS 

credit under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). Projects that protect repetitive loss 

properties and critical facilities receive higher credit under Activity 530.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 600-1 Edition: 2017

600 WARNING AND RESPONSE 

The activities in this series focus on emergency warnings and response, because adequate 

notification combined with a plan for how to respond can save lives and prevent and/or 

minimize property damage. The activities emphasize coordinating emergency management 

functions with a community’s other floodplain management efforts, such as providing

public information and implementing a regulatory program. Separate, parallel activities are 

included for levees (Activity 620) and dams (Activity 630). Credit points are based on 

threat recognition, planning for a subsequent emergency response, and ongoing testing and 

maintenance.

Contents of Series 600

Section Page

610 Flood Warning and Response .................................................................. 610-1

611 Background...................................................................................... 610-2

612 Elements .......................................................................................... 610-8

613 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 610-23

614 Credit Calculation.......................................................................... 610-25

615 For More Information .................................................................... 610-25

616 Related Activities under the Community Rating System.............. 610-26

620 Levees...................................................................................................... 620-1

621 Background...................................................................................... 620-2

622 Elements .......................................................................................... 620-8

623 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 620-19

624 Credit Calculation.......................................................................... 620-20

625 For More Information .................................................................... 620-20

626 Related Activities under the Community Rating System.............. 620-20

630 Dams........................................................................................................ 630-1

631 Background...................................................................................... 630-2

632 Elements .......................................................................................... 630-5

633 Impact Adjustment......................................................................... 630-14

634 Credit Calculation.......................................................................... 630-15

635 For More Information .................................................................... 630-15

636 Related Activities under the Community Rating System.............. 630-16

List of Figures

610-1. An example of a riverine flood inundation map................................ 610-4

610-1. An example of a flash flood inundation map. ................................... 610-5

610-1. An example of a coastal inundation map. ......................................... 610-6

620-1. Delineating the area affected by levee overtopping .......................... 620-6
Flood Warning and Response Activities

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 600-2 Edition: 2017

The Community Rating System (CRS) recognizes the importance not only of effective flood 

warning and response in a comprehensive floodplain management program, but also of

coordinating public information, regulatory programs, and flood protection with the efforts 

of emergency management. Emergency management is included in a number of CRS 

activities, but especially the three in the 600 series, which focuses specifically on 

emergency warning and response.

• Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response) is based on the principle that an ample 

warning combined with a flood response plan can prevent loss of life and damage to 

property.

• Activity 620 (Levees) credits the locally coordinated maintenance of levees combined 

with a flood response plan that recognizes the hazards of levee failure.

• Activity 630 (Dams) recognizes not only that state dam safety programs benefit 

communities downstream from dams but also that a flood response plan that 

anticipates possible dam failures can prevent loss of life and damage to property.

Outreach Projects for Flood 

Warning and Response

Credit for the public outreach 

that is required for the activities in 

the 600 series can be credited 

under Activity 330.

The elements and requirements of these three CRS 

activities have many similarities. They require a positive 

means of recognizing an imminent threat to the 

community, an emergency response plan that provides 

for warning the affected populations, the activation of 

community emergency response efforts, and giving

special attention to critical facilities. Each of the 

activities also requires public outreach pertaining to 

flood warning and response, and an annual exercise of 

the warning and response plan.

There are differences among these activities, but they should be bound together under the 

community’s emergency response plan. All three have similar credits, organized in the 

following flood preparedness order:

• Advance notification of an impending flood (threat recognition),

• Issuing warnings to the threatened population (warning),

• Taking steps to protect life and reduce losses during the flood (operations), and

• Coordinating with critical facilities (critical facilities planning).

In all three activities, most of the CRS credit provided is for threat recognition and 

emergency response planning. In Activities 620 and 630, there is also credit for locally 

coordinated maintenance of levees and recognition of coordination between communities 

and state dam safety programs. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-1 Edition: 2017 

610 FLOOD WARNING AND RESPONSE—Summary 

Maximum credit: 395 points

612 Elements

a. Flood threat recognition system (FTR): Up to 75 points for a system that 

predicts flood elevations and arrival times at specific locations within the 

community. 

b. Emergency warning dissemination (EWD): Up to 75 points for 

disseminating flood warnings to the public. 

c. Flood response operations (FRO): Up to 115 points for implementation of 

specific tasks to reduce or prevent threats to health, safety, and property. 

d. Critical facilities planning (CFP): Up to 75 points for coordinating flood 

warning and response activities with operators of critical facilities. 

e. StormReady community (SRC): 25 points for designation by the National 

Weather Service as a StormReady community. 

f. TsunamiReady community (TRC): 30 points for designation by the National 

Weather Service as a TsunamiReady community. 

Credit Criteria

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 611.b.

a. The community must receive some credit in each of the elements FTR, EWD, 

FRO, and CFP in order to receive credit (including SRC or TRC credit) under 

this Activity. 

b. The community must have a description of its flood hazard.

c. There must be a multi-level flood inundation map or series of related maps 

(e.g., surge and evacuation zones) that are tied to different levels of 

response as designated in the community’s plan. 

d. There must be an adopted flood warning and response plan that is 

associated with the maps in credit criterion (c).. 

e. There must be one or more annual outreach projects on the flood warning 

and safety precautions.

f. There must be an annual exercise of the plan or an emergency operations 

center activation, with a lessons-learned report.

Each element has additional criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

The credits for FTR, EWD, and FRO are adjusted based on the number of 

buildings within the Special Flood Hazard Area affected by each element. There 

is no impact adjustment for CFP, SRC, or TRC. 

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Flood Warning and Response 

610 FLOOD WARNING AND RESPONSE

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-2 Edition: 2017 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to encourage communities to ensure timely identification 

of impending flood threats, disseminate warnings to appropriate floodplain occupants, and 

coordinate flood response activities to reduce the threat to life and property. This activity 

focuses on the community’s emergency management actions and plans, and efforts 

coordinated through the community’s emergency manager. Therefore, the emergency 

manager should be the point of contact.

611 Background 

With sufficient warning of a flood, a community and its 

floodplain occupants can take protective measures to mitigate 

potential damage. A flood threat recognition system integrated

with an emergency response plan and a multi-level flood 

inundation map(s) enables emergency warning dissemination 

to the public and critical facilities. This is the basis of flood 

warning and response and is part of the emergency 

management preparedness cycle. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues specific flood 

warnings for many locations along major rivers and coastlines. 

A community’s ability to receive notifications 24 hours a day, 

seven days a week, and 365 days a year is crucial to utilization of such warnings. Many 

communities have their own flood threat recognition systems, which enable advance 

identification of floods on smaller rivers and streams. The full benefit of early flood 

warning is only realized if the community disseminates the warning to the general public 

and to critical facilities and has a flood warning and response plan that includes appropriate 

tasks, such as directing evacuation, sandbagging, and/or moving building contents above 

flood levels. 

611.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 610 is 395 points. 

Credit is provided for a community that, at a minimum, has adopted a flood warning and 

response program that includes 

• A flood threat recognition system that identifies an impending flood (credited under 

FTR), 

• Methods to warn the public of the impending flood (credited under EWD), 

• A plan for flood response operations (credited under FRO), and 

• Coordination with critical facility operators (credited under CFP).

In addition to these four basic components of a local flood warning and response program, 

this activity credits two programs operated by the NWS that recognize communities that are 
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-3 Edition: 2017 

better prepared for flooding caused by storms: SRC—StormReady communities and 

TRC—TsunamiReady communities. 

This activity is not intended to be a model for developing a flood warning or flood response 

program. Its objective is to credit a local program’s potential impact on life, safety, and

property damage. An effective emergency management flood warning or response program 

must be carefully prepared and tailored to the local flood hazards and the specific needs of 

the community.

611.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

(1) The community must obtain some credit in the first four flood warning and response 

elements (FTR, EWD, FRO, and CFP) to receive any credit under this activity. 

(2) The community must have a description of its flood hazard that includes information 

about

(a) The nature of the community’s flood hazard, such as flood depths, velocities, 

warning times, historical flood problems, and special flood-related hazards;

(b) An inventory of the types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc.) exposed to 

flooding including an estimated number of the buildings, and an inventory of the 

land use (residential, agricultural, open space, etc.) of both developed and 

undeveloped places within the area(s) affected; and

(c) An inventory of critical facilities and the expected impacts of flooding on health 

and safety, community functions, such as police and utility services, and the 

potential for secondary hazards. 

Local governments may have completed a risk assessment that meets this criterion as 

part of their floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan credited under Activity 

510. If not, the community can complete the CRS Community Self Assessment 

described in Section 240 of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. The products from either of 

these efforts should provide the basis for the flood hazard description.

(3) The community must have a flood inundation map(s), also known as a flood stage 

forecast map. The map must show areas that are inundated by at least three different 

flood levels in riverine areas and/or two storm surge levels in coastal areas. If a 

community is only inundated by flash flooding, impact area maps based on cubic feet 

per second (cfs) alert levels, rainstorm thresholds, or flow depths are acceptable. Such 

maps must be used in planning the community’s flood response when different flood 

levels or rainfall amounts are predicted. Examples of riverine, flash flood, and coastal

maps are shown in Figure 610-1, Figure 610-2, and Figure 610-3, respectively. A 

community may show that only one flood level is appropriate for some areas of the 

community, such as for an area subject to shallow flooding. 
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-4 Edition: 2017 

Figure 610-1. An example of a riverine flood inundation map.
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-5 Edition: 2017 

Figure 610-2. An example of a flash flood impact area map.

In large counties, there may not be detailed mapping and flood warning planning for the 

entire floodplain. In such cases, some counties designate the entire 100-year flood level 

as the initial area to be notified by the Emergency Alert System and other flood alerts 

and have detailed, multi-layered flood levels only in the populated areas. If the flood 

threat recognition system and flood response plan utilize such a scenario, they can be 

considered a creditable flood warning and response system.

(4) The community must have a flood warning and response plan that has been adopted by 

the community’s governing body. A “flood warning and response plan” may have 

different names in different communities, such as “flood warning plan,” “flood 

preparedness plan,” or “flood annex” to a comprehensive emergency management plan.

To qualify as a flood warning and response plan, the plan must 

(a) Describe the methods and warning devices used to disseminate emergency warnings 

to the general public that are credited under EWD, 

(b) Include specific flood response actions that are taken at the different flood levels or 

flash flood impact areas that are credited under FRO, and 

(c) Be adopted by the community’s governing body or by an office that has been 

delegated approval authority by the community’s governing body. 
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-6 Edition: 2017 

Figure 610-3. An example of a coastal flood inundation map.

(d) If the plan is prepared at the borough, county, or parish level, it must include or be 

adopted by the individual communities seeking CRS credit for it. Annexes, standard 

operating procedures (SOPs), standard operating guidance (SOGs), and other 

documents developed pursuant to the flood warning and response plan do not require 

formal adoption by the governing body. If the borough, county, or parish plan has 

been reviewed and the signatory community applies for credit under that previously 

reviewed flood warning program, then the following applies:

(i) If the “parent plan” has provided the required inundation mapping that covers 

the community’s jurisdiction adequately, no additional map is needed.

(ii) The community must provide the number of structures used in calculating the 

sums in bSFHA, bFTR, bEWD and bFRO

(iii) The community must provide a list of all public and private critical facilities 

affected by flooding (or that are needed to be operational during a flood), 

including contact names and current phone numbers and other pertinent 

information, and the list must be updated annually. 

(iv) The community must provide the adopted definition of critical facilities.
Flood Warning and Response

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-7 Edition: 2017

Annual Warning and 

Response Exercise

Activities 610 (Flood Warning and 

Response), 620 (Levees), and 630 

(Dams) require an annual exercise of 

the warning and response plan. A 

flood, levee failure, dam failure, or 

hurricane exercise qualifies as an 

exercise for all three activities. 

An after-action report/improvement 

plan for the warning and response 

plan must include

• A description of the exercise;

• An evaluation of the

○ Threat recognition procedures,

○ Warning dissemination,

○ Response operations; and

• Recommended changes to the 

plan.

The exercise requirement can also 

be met if the community responds to 

an actual flood or threat of a levee or 

dam failure, provided that the items 

listed above are discussed in an afteraction (or similar) report. 

(v) The community must provide verification 

that the community participated in a 

drill/exercise or an actual activation of the 

plan within the past 12 months.

(vi) If credit was provided in EWD for a 

warning system or systems, then the 

community must provide verification that 

the community tested those systems within 

the past 12 months.

(5) The community must implement one or more 

outreach projects that tells its residents and 

businesses how they will be warned about a 

potential flood and the safety measures they should 

take during a flood. This outreach is for the purpose 

of shaping public actions, and can be done by using 

one or more of the following approaches:

(a) Sending an outreach project (e.g., a brochure, 

letter, or newsletter) each year to all residents 

and businesses in the community;

(b) Sending an outreach project each year to all 

residents and businesses in the floodplain where 

the warning program is in effect;

(c) Developing an appropriate approach as part of a 

Program for Public Information (PPI) credited 

under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects);

(d) If the community has at least three days of 

advance flood notification, such as coastal areas 

subject only to tropical storms and hurricanes or communities on large rivers, it may

document that it provides repeated watch, warning, and safety information to all 

residents and businesses, beginning at least 72 hours in advance of the predicted 

flooding; or

(e) A community with more than one source of flooding (e.g., coastal and riverine) may 

need to use different types of projects to reach different audiences.

(6) There must be at least one exercise and evaluation of the flood warning and response 

plan each year that is compliant with the National Incident Management System 

(NIMS). This process is described in the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation 

Program. The exercise can be for a flood, levee failure, dam failure, or hurricane. This 

criterion can be met if the plan is implemented in response to an actual flood-related 

event, or threat of a levee failure. In either case, there must be an evaluation of the 

performance of the plan and recommended changes that may be needed, as is usually 

documented in an after-action report. This criterion is part of the national emergency 

preparedness cycle
Flood Warning and Response 

612 Elements 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-8 Edition: 2017 

612.a. Flood threat recognition system (FTR) 

The maximum credit for this element is 75 points.

FTR credit is based on the level of service provided by the community’s flood threat 

recognition system. Level 1 is a manual flood threat recognition system, Level 2 is an 

automated flood alarm threat recognition, and Level 3 is an automated flood threat warning 

system. Devices such as ALERT (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) and ALERT 2 

precipitation gages, river gages, and tidal gages are used to provide data that can range from 

flash flood warning to the timing of potential flood level crests, areal impacts, and storm 

surge heights. From these data, maps can be developed and response actions identified. The 

data allow the flood threat recognition system credited in FTR to be linked to the flood 

response operation, credited in FRO.

A flood threat recognition system provides the community with the notification that a flood 

is imminent. The amount of lead time needed between the recognition of a flood, the ability 

to forward a timely alert to the public and to critical facilities and with special-needs 

registrants, and the successful response to a flood warning are factors in determining the 

level of flood threat recognition system that is necessary. This serves to tie FTR and 

emergency warning dissemination (EWD) together.

Designing an effective flood threat recognition system also depends on knowing what areas 

of the community are the most vulnerable; what sensor locations will best serve the 

vulnerable areas; the type and frequency of measurements that are needed; budgetary 

constraints; and operational costs. These systems will vary in their level of sophistication.

The flood threat recognition system’s level of service is a function of the distribution of 

gages, population density, and other factors. 

(a) Level 1: Manual flood threat recognition systems. A manual system relies on a 

person to interpret the data received from river and/or tide gages, often using paper 

tables or graphs. In many cases, the gage data are collected and reported manually, 

usually by volunteers. 

(b) Level 2: Automated flood alarm systems. These systems issue a signal when a flood 

threatens. When water reaches a certain height on a river or tide gage, an alarm is sent 

to the monitoring location. Unlike automated flood warning systems (credited as 

Level 3), Level 2 systems do not predict flood heights or provide any data other than the 

current water level.

(c) Level 3: Automated flood warning systems. These systems provide information such 

as the timing and potential crest of an oncoming flood. On larger rivers, they may be 

operated by the NWS and the U.S. Geological Survey. Where there are flash floods on 

smaller rivers, a local ALERT system or IFLOWS (Integrated Flood Observing and 

Warning System) may be established.
Flood Warning and Response

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-9 Edition: 2017

In coastal areas, the systems use models like the Sea, Lake, and Overland Surge from 

Hurricanes (SLOSH) model. These models determine surge heights and delineate the 

areas of the community that are subject to inundation during a particular category of 

storm in real time.

A community may determine that different levels of service are appropriate for different 

sources of flooding in the community (e.g., riverine, flash flood, and coastal) and may 

receive FTR credit for more than one system. The credit calculation is based on the levels 

of service and the number of buildings that benefit from the service.

Credit Criteria for FTR

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 611.b must be met.

(2) The community must have a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 flood threat recognition system 

that provides early notice of a flood for at least one location within the community. The 

system must be able to receive or provide flood warnings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 

and 365 days a year. A community may have different levels of service for different 

sources of flooding, and in different locations in the community.

(3) Each flood threat recognition system must be correlated to a flood inundation or 

evacuation map, so that the emergency manager can see what areas will be affected by 

the predicted flood. Generally, this is done by showing areas affected by different flood 

levels on a map using the same terminology as the flood threat recognition system. An 

example of this is the riverine map shown in Figure 610-1, which is keyed to the river 

stages reported by the river gage.

Credit Points for FTR

FTR = EITHER:

(1) 25 points, for a Level 1 manual system, OR

(2) 50 points, for a Level 2 automated flood alarm system, 

OR

(3) 75 points, for a Level 3 automated flood warning system

Example 612.a-1. 

A community has a NWS river gage at a bridge in the center of town. 

Data from the gage are automatically transmitted to the NWS Weather 

Forecast Office and River Forecast Center. The NWS offices process 

the data and issue notices that include predicted flood crest levels and 

times. The police department monitors the notices 24 hours a day, 

seven days a week. FTR = 75
Flood Warning and Response

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-10 Edition: 2017

Impact Adjustment for FTR

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 613.

Documentation for FTR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist and provided to 

the technical reviewer for this activity. There is a checklist to help the emergency

manager identify all the needed documentation (available at 

www.CRSresources.org/600).

(i) A copy of the community’s flood hazard description (credit criterion (2) in 

Section 611.b). 

(ii) A copy of the flood inundation or evacuation map or maps (credit criterion (3)

in Section 611.b).

(iii) A copy of the flood warning and response plan and documentation that it has 

been adopted. If the plan was approved by an office that has been delegated 

approval authority by the community’s governing body, a copy of the 

delegation authorization. The plan must be marked to show where the credited 

items appear (credit criterion (4) in Section 611.b). 

(iv) A description of the flood threat recognition system. The description must 

identify the rivers, streams, and coastal floodplains where flood stage forecasts

are prepared and each forecast point. If the community has its own gage 

system, such as an ALERT system, the description must include the locations 

of the stream and precipitation gages. 

(v) If the community has its own gage system, such as an ALERT system, a copy 

of the maintenance procedures for the system and records showing that the 

system is being maintained. 

(vi) An impact adjustment map showing the area(s) affected by each element and 

documentation showing how the numbers of buildings used in the calculations

were determined. 

(2) At the verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) A copy of the outreach material used to tell people how they will be warned and the 

safety measures they should take (credit criterion (5) in Section 611.b). If the 

outreach material is also credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), a separate 

submittal is not needed, provided that the other document (including a PPI, if used) 

is annotated to show where the Activity 610 outreach topics are covered.

(b) A description of the flood exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or 

disaster response conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (6) in Section 

611.b). The description must include a list of who participated, lessons learned, and 

any recommendations for changes to the system. A copy of the after-action report or 

any similar report for any actual response is required.

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600.
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-11 Edition: 2017 

612.b. Emergency warning dissemination (EWD) 

The maximum credit for this element is 75 points.

EWD credit is provided for emergency warning alerts and messages that are disseminated to 

the public when a flood is imminent. The public is most influenced by the multiple alerts 

and notifications produced by the emergency manager. Therefore, emergency warning 

procedures and messages must be planned in order to reduce time of issuance and increase 

public protective actions. The message content and frequency of issuance greatly influence 

desired behavior. Multiple channels of alerts and notifications must be employed to reach 

the maximum number of people and facilities.

Flood warning dissemination provides a critical linkage between the recognition of an 

impending flood and the community’s response to the emergency. New message 

distribution technology includes the third-generation Emergency Alert System, which 

includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Integrated Public Alert 

Warning System (known as IPAWS); the NWS’s InteractiveNWS (known as iNWS), Wireless 

Emergency Alerts (known as WEAs); and various vendor-developed Short Message Service 

(known as SMS) systems to subscribers. 

Once the flood threat recognition system alerts local emergency managers to which areas 

will be flooded and when, warnings should be issued to the affected populations. The 

response gap or time delay that takes place between an individual’s receiving an alert and 

taking action can be reduced by pre-scripted messages. The messages that need to be 

conveyed and the appropriate times to deliver them should be thought out in advance, as 

part of the flood warning and response plan. Anticipating and targeting potentially impacted 

people is vital to any alert notification system, pre-planning prevents poor performance.

A community that has created a comprehensive emergency plan will likely receive credit 

for multiple sub-elements in EWD when it has made the arrangements to execute the plan. 

For example, a community may have a reverse telephonic notification system (EWD6) that 

uses pre-scripted messaging templates for a variety of possible flooding events (EWD1) that 

inform the public of the pending threat and actions to be taken (EWD2). In the planning 

process the community recognized that some of the population would not receive the landline phone call, so a geocoded cell phone registry of those located in community (EWD8)

was established. At public gathering locations or areas with poor cell coverage, the 

community installed outdoor public address systems (EWD3). The community also worked

with the NWS to ensure that flood threats for the community are accurately represented on 

the NWS/AHPS web site and in EAS announcements (EWD5).

The warning messages should state when flooding is predicted to occur, its expected 

severity, and appropriate response actions (e.g., evacuation routes, safe shelters, protective

actions). As noted earlier, these messages should be predetermined (use of templates or prescripted messages) in order to shorten the time between the agency’s awareness of the 

threat and the issuance of the first alert to the public. Good messages not only consider 

those in immediate danger, but also those in adjacent areas who might be subject to related 

impacts from the threat.
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-12 Edition: 2017 

Credit Criteria for EWD

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 611.b must be met. 

(2) The warning must reach people in a timely manner. For 

example, television or radio announcements are not 

credited in areas subject to flash flooding during the 

night. 

More than one notification channel should be used to 

reach desired populations and facilities in a timely 

manner. Some examples are shown in the box.

(3) For those warning systems requiring specialized 

equipment, such as sirens and SMS-related products, the 

equipment and procedures must be tested at least 

annually. Equipment that is used routinely throughout 

the year, such as television notices and message boards, 

do not need testing records for CRS credit.

Examples of Warning 

Notification Channels

 Broadcast sirens or fixedsiren system 

 Route Alerting

 Loudspeakers and public 

address systems

 Reverse telephone 

distribution systems

 Television (broadcast and 

message scrolls)

 Dedicated tone alert 

radios and NOAA 

weather radios

 Text and telephone alerts

 Radio

 Message boards

 Social media

Credit Points for EWD

EWD = the total of the following, 

up to the maximum of 75 points

EWD1 = 10 points, if the flood warning and response plan 

includes pre-scripted messages or message templates and

guidance for staff to quickly issue appropriate flood warnings

EWD2 = 10 points, if the public messages include information 

and instruction on the expected elevation of the flood 

waters or storm surge, or the impact of flash flooding, and 

instructions on when to evacuate

EWD3 = 10 points, if an outdoor voice-sound system or fixedsiren system is used that covers the community’s jurisdiction

EWD4 = EITHER:

 (a) 5 points, if the plan identifies the primary and support 

 agencies responsible for door-to-door or mobile public 

 address warning; OR

 (b) 15 points, if the plan identifies the routes, procedures, 

 responsible staff, and equipment necessary for door-to- 

 door or mobile public address warning

EWD5 = 10 points, if the Emergency Alert System through all 

channels/stations with pre-scripted draft messages is used
Flood Warning and Response

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-13 Edition: 2017

EWD6 = 15 points, if telephone warning/enhanced telephone 

notification is used

EWD7 = 10 points, if television broadcast or message scroll 

notifications are implemented by the community

EWD8 = 15 points, if the community uses other forms of public 

notification for emergency warnings, such as geocoded alert 

notification products and social media coordination of 

emergency-related topics 

EWD9 = 10 points, if tone alert radios or NOAA Weather Radios 

either provide a system of notification to or are physically 

located within the schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons,

and similar facilities that need flood warning 

EWD10 = 10 points, if the flood inundation or evacuation map or 

series of maps used to meet the credit criteria in Section 611.a 

are posted online. 

The procedures and messages should be coordinated with the public information activities 

credited under flood response preparation (FRP) under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

Example 612.b-1.

A community’s emergency response plan describes its warning

dissemination system. The city receives credit under the following 

sections under EWD.

EWD1: The plan includes pre-scripted messages and guidance on 

what warnings to issue, and to whom, when the river is predicted to 

reach different stages. [10 points]

EWD3: When the flood threat recognition system shows that the river 

is expected to exceed a flood stage of 30 feet, the police 

dispatcher sounds the sirens, which are located throughout the 

community. [10 points]

EWD4: The Police Department sends squad cars along streets in 

accordance with its plan to warn residents with its public address 

system. [15 points]

EWD5: The police dispatcher also activates the Emergency Alert 

System and advises area radio stations about the hazard, and prescripted messages are used. [10 points]

EWD6: The guidance authorizes the police dispatcher to initiate the 

enhanced telephone notification system. [15 points]

EWD7: The local cable television system programming is overridden 

with scripted warning messages developed for different flood 
Flood Warning and Response

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-14 Edition: 2017

stages identified in the plan. The messages identify evacuation 

routes. [10 points]

EWD8: The community uses a geocoded alert subscriber system as 

an additional public notification for its emergency warnings and the 

EOC administers the social media coordination of emergency 

related topics. [15 points]

EWD9: All schools are notified by the school district after the district 

office receives a flood warning via NOAA Weather Radio receivers. 

Identified hospitals, nursing homes, and other group facilities for 

the care of the elderly that need flood warning have NOAA 

Weather Radio receivers. [10 points]

Different messages are used based on the predicted flood stage. 

Flood stage messages are evaluated each year based on changes in 

local conditions such as new construction and lessons learned from 

the annual exercises. 

Sirens are tested on the first Monday of each month. The Emergency 

Alert System is tested every six months. Maintenance of the sirens and 

communications equipment is provided for by contracts with the 

manufacturers. Community-operated SMS products are tested 

annually. The squad cars are used daily, so there is no special testing 

or maintenance documentation needed for them.

EWD = 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 15 + 10 + 15 + 10 = 90

Because the maximum value for EWD is 75, EWD = 75.

Impact Adjustment for EWD

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 613.

Documentation for EWD Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the flood warning and response plan, marked to show where the EWDcredited items appear in the plan. 

(b) Copies of any written warning materials, such as handouts or the flood inundation 

map credited under EWD 10.

(c) [For EWD1, 2, 5, 6, or 7] A copy of the pre-scripted messages.

(d) [For EWD3] The impact adjustment map, showing the siren locations and their 

effective coverage areas. 

(e) [For EWD6] A copy of the description of a publicly owned call warning system or a 

copy of the contract with a private provider.

(f) [For EWD7] A copy of the documentation concerning the community-operated 

television channel or cable television agreement and override procedures.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-15 Edition: 2017 

(g) [For EWD8] A description of the capability and use of other forms of public 

notification. 

(2) At the verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) The description of the flood exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or 

disaster response conducted during the previous year that notes experiences and 

lessons learned about the warning dissemination measures. If the community is 

covered by a borough, county, or parish emergency management agency exercise, 

drill or response, then documentation of its participation must be included. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

612.c. Flood response operations (FRO) 

The maximum credit for this element is 115 points.

FRO credit is based on the extent of coverage and level of detail that the community’s flood 

warning and response plan provides for the flood response operations.

The NIMS requires local governments to validate the inventory of response assets using 

FEMA’s Resources Typing Standards. Department heads and other emergency response 

team members should know what kinds of resources they have available. This should be 

compared with the resources needed. Shortfalls may require negotiating agreements with 

private suppliers or other jurisdictions.

Flood warning and response planning must identify every opportunity to prevent loss of life 

and property damage during a flood. Using information from the flood inundation maps, the 

planning team should think about how flooding would occur—what areas will be affected 

and when. Through this brainstorming, the team can decide what actions and resources will 

become necessary. 

Developing scenarios can assist this process by helping the community determine what 

actions it must plan for, and what resources it is likely to need. Scenarios are produced by 

thinking through what will happen in the community during a flood (e.g., where will the 

water go, who will get flooded, who will lose access because of high water, what critical 

facilities will be affected). By accounting for the local geography, the specific 

characteristics of the community’s residents, and other factors, scenarios help with the 

design of the response operations so that the threats to life and property at identified flood 

levels or flood impact areas can be minimized. 

The flood warning and response plan must include appropriate actions to be implemented at 

the different flood levels shown on the flood inundation map or series of maps. For each 

action that needs to be taken, the plan must assign a person or office. See the examples 

below.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-16 Edition: 2017

Examples.

■ River at elevation 733 feet: notification phase

 ○ Activate the emergency operations center (emergency

manager),

○ Monitor water levels (engineering), 

 ○ Etc.

■ River at elevation 736 feet: 25 homes and businesses affected

 ○ Close [list the names] streets or bridges (police),

 ○ Shut off power to threatened areas (utility company),

 ○ Etc.

■ River at elevation 738 feet: 350 homes and businesses affected

 ○ Close [list the names] streets or bridges (police),

 ○ Pass out sand and sandbags at [list the locations] (public 

works),

 ○ Relocate equipment in Fire Station #4 to high ground (fire 

department),

 ○ Release children from [name] school (school superintendent),

Open evacuation shelters (Red Cross),

 ○ Establish security and other protection measures 

(police/sheriff).

○ Etc.

Credit Criteria for FRO

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 611.b must be met.

(2) For full credit for flood response operations, the plan needs to 

(a) Describe the actions to be taken,

(b) Identify the office or official responsible for the action,

(c) Define the time needed to carry out the activity, and

(d) Contain other critical information that designated agencies and organizations will 

need in order to perform their assigned responsibilities.

General statements or an assignment of responsibilities with no specifics about what is 

to be done are not credited.

(3) Bonus credit is provided under FRO5 if there is a list of the personnel, equipment, 

facilities, supplies, and other resources needed to complete each task. For full credit the 

list must identify what is available within the community and what is needed from 

private suppliers or other jurisdictions.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-17 Edition: 2017

(4) FRO5 also provides bonus credit for preparing for mitigation opportunities that may 

arise in the aftermath of a disaster—a time when hazard awareness is high, funds are 

more likely to be available, and disruption of the status quo makes it possible to rethink 

the design and location of facilities and infrastructure. This should be coordinated with 

the public information activities credited under flood response preparations (FRP) under

Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), which encourages owners to take mitigation measures 

during repairs.

(5) FRO6 provides bonus credits for identifying response and recovery measures to take

that support property protection, such as providing a high-ground site for relocated 

vehicles, helping move building contents, and distributing sandbags.

Credit Points for FRO

FRO = the sum of the following, up to the maximum of 115 points:

FRO1 = 15 points, if the community has developed scenarios 

that review how flood incidents might develop at the different 

levels shown on the flood inundation map

FRO2 = Up to 35 points, if the plan identifies flood response 

tasks and responsible community staff and other public and 

private organizations with responsibilities related to the flood 

tasks in the plan, the estimated equipment, supplies, and time 

required for each response task and the sources of necessary 

resources

FRO2 = the sum of the following:

(a) 5 points, for identified flood response tasks and

responsible staff,

(b) 10 points, for an estimate of the number of personnel

needed for each task, 

(c) 5 points, for an estimate of the time required for each

response task, and

(d) 15 points, for a list of equipment and supplies expected 

to be needed and how they will be obtained

FRO3 = 25 points, if specific actions are keyed to the different 

flood levels shown on the flood inundation map or maps used 

for credit under Section 611.b(3)

FRO4 = 10 points, for maintaining a data base of people with 

special needs who require evacuation assistance when a flood 

warning is issued and for having a plan to provide transportation 

to secure locations
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-18 Edition: 2017

FRO5 = Up to 15 points, if the plan includes instructions for

○ When and how returning evacuees can reoccupy their 

damaged homes and businesses, 

○ Permit requirements during the recovery phase,

○ Implementing the community hazard mitigation plan’s

identified flood loss mitigation measures on 

community properties, and

○ Promoting flood loss mitigation measures for private 

property

FRO6 = 20 points, if the plan identifies actions that support 

property protection measures that could be carried out during 

response and recovery phases

Example 612.c-1.

A community’s emergency response plan includes the following flood 

response information. The city receives credit under the following 

sections under FRO:

FRO1 The plan includes various scenarios based upon different 

inundation levels on the flood inundation map. [15 points]

FRO2 Various public and private organizations are listed, along with 

their flood response assignments. The plan lists the staff, 

equipment, and supplies needed for each response task and the 

time required for each task. Assets are identified by departments 

using NIMS resource typing standards. [35 points]

FRO3 The tasks are tied to specified flood levels or gage heights of 

the river. [25 points]

FRO5 Instructions for the return of evacuees to affected areas are 

also in the plan, including credential instructions and area security 

assignments. Substantial damage assessments are prescribed 

before repair permits can be issued [10 points, partial credit 

under FRO5]

FRO = 15 + 35 + 25 + 10 = 85

Impact Adjustment for FRO

The impact adjustment for FRO is described in Section 613.
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-19 Edition: 2017 

Documentation for FRO Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A copy of the flood warning and response plan, marked to show where the FROcredited items appear. 

(b) Copies of the appropriate documents, for the credited items that are not in the flood 

warning and response plan. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) The description of the flood exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or 

disaster response conducted during the previous year, which notes experiences with, 

and lessons learned from, the flood response operations portion of the plan. If the 

community is covered by a borough, county, or parish emergency management 

agency exercise, drill, or response, then documentation of its participation must be 

included. 

612.d. Critical facilities planning (CFP) 

The maximum credit for this element is 75 points.

CFP credit is provided for coordinating the community’s warning and response program 

with its critical facilities. 

By definition, “critical facilities” are critical to the community. For CRS credit purposes, 

critical facilities are defined in Section 120. There are usually two kinds of critical facilities 

that a community should address with regard to flooding:

• Facilities that are vital to flood response activities or crucial to the health and safety 

of the public before, during, and after a flood, such as a hospital, emergency 

operations center, electric substation, police station, fire station, nursing home, 

school, vehicle and equipment storage facility, or shelter; and

• Facilities that, if flooded, would make the flood problem and its impacts much worse, 

such as a hazardous materials facility, power generation facility, water utility, or 

wastewater treatment plant.

Coordinating the flood warning and response planning with these facilities will allow more 

timely and effective protection of them and more rapid response and community recovery. 

Critical facilities may need special early warning. Every facility should have its own 

individual flood warning and response plan. Not only will this make them better prepared, 

but also it will reduce the workload on emergency response teams because the critical 

facilities will be performing some or all of the response themselves. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-20 Edition: 2017

Credit Criteria for CFP

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 611.b must be met.

(2) CFP1 is a prerequisite for any CFP credit.

(3) For CFP1, the community’s flood warning and response plan must list the facilities 

considered critical in a flood. This can be in a separate document or SOP. In general, 

facilities not subject to flooding do not need to be addressed, although in some cases 

loss of access can cause a critical situation. There may also be facilities in flood-free 

sites that are needed to support the flood response effort (e.g., sandbag suppliers and 

shelters for evacuees). The list must be updated at least annually.

The community must also contact the facilities to determine if they need any special 

warning arrangements. For example, a factory where there is a lot of noise may need a 

direct telephone call because no one would hear a siren. Another facility may need an 

earlier notice because it needs more time to get ready. 

The community does not need to provide a special warning to all critical facilities, only 

those that need one.

(4) For CFP2, additional credit is provided if flood warning and response plans have been 

developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community for individual critical facilities.

(5) If there are no critical facilities that can be affected by flooding, the community must 

provide documentation stating this and provide a copy of the community’s adopted 

definition of critical facilities.

Credit Points for CFP

CFP = the sum of the following, up to 75 points:

CFP1 = up to 25 points, if the flood warning and response plan 

includes 

(a) contact information, including the names and phone

 numbers of the operators of all public and private critical

 facilities affected by flooding, and

(b) arrangements for special warnings or early notifications 

directly to those critical facilities that need advanced 

warning

CFP2 = up to 50 points, if critical facilities listed under CFP1 

have their own flood warning and response plans that have 

been developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community. The 

credit is prorated based on the percentage of affected critical 

facilities that have creditable plans
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-21 Edition: 2017

Example 612.d-1.

A community’s multi-hazard plan lists all critical facilities in the

community, their operators, and their telephone numbers. The list is 

updated by the emergency manager every six months. There are three 

critical facilities affected by flooding: the public works garage, a 

church, and a school. The first is in the floodplain and the last two are 

adjacent to the floodplain but are needed as shelters as described in

the flood warning and response plan. The community’s plan includes 

providing special warnings to these three facilities. CFP1 = 25 points

CFP = 25 + 0 = 25

Impact Adjustment for CFP

There is no impact adjustment for CFP.

Documentation for CFP Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of all public and private critical facilities affected by flooding or needed to be 

operational during a flood, with the contact information and agreed-upon warning 

needs.

(b) [For CFP2] The list of critical facilities marked to identify those that have

developed their own flood warning and response plans that have been reviewed and 

accepted by the community. The ISO/CRS Specialist will ask for samples of the 

plans for review.

(c) If there are no critical facilities that can be affected by flooding, the community must 

provide a letter on community letterhead stating that information, and a copy of the 

community’s adopted definition of critical facilities.

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600.

(2) With the annual recertification,

(a) A page from the latest list of the critical facilities provided for CFP1 that must be 

updated at least annually. 

612.e. StormReady community (SRC)

The maximum credit for this element is 25 points.

SRC credit is provided to communities that have received a 

StormReady designation from the NWS.

StormReady is a nationwide community preparedness program that uses a grassroots 

approach to help communities develop plans to handle all types of severe weather—from 

tornadoes to tsunamis. The program encourages communities to take a new, proactive 
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-22 Edition: 2017 

approach to improving local hazardous weather operations by providing emergency 

managers with clear-cut guidelines on how to improve their hazardous weather operations.

To be officially StormReady, a community must

• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center; 

• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to 

alert the public; 

• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally; 

• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars; and

• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather 

spotters and holding emergency exercises (see www.weather.gov/stormready/). 

There are more than 2,000 StormReady communities in the United States. StormReady 

credits communications and educational requirements that go beyond the elements credited 

by the CRS. Because of the advantages of being a StormReady community, this element 

provides credit to encourage communities to qualify. 

Credit Criteria for SRC

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 611.b must be met. 

(2) The community must be designated as a StormReady community by the NWS, either by 

the inclusion of its name on the StormReady website or by being named in the award 

letter from the regional NWS office.

Credit Points for SRC

SRC = 25, for being designated by the NWS as a StormReady 

community and meeting all credit criteria

Impact Adjustment for SRC

There is no impact adjustment for SRC. 

Documentation for SRC Provided by the Community

No documentation is required from the community. Credit is based on the list of 

StormReady communities posted on the NWS website, www.weather.gov/stormready/. 

612.f. TsunamiReady community (TRC)

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points.

TRC credit is provided to communities that have received a 

TsunamiReady designation from the NWS.

The TsunamiReady program is the NWS’s counterpart to StormReady for communities that 

are exposed to a tsunami hazard. There are over 100 TsunamiReady communities in the 
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-23 Edition: 2017 

country. A community can participate in both programs and receive credit for both

elements, SRC and TRC. 

Credit Criteria for TRC

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 611.b must be met. 

(2) The community must be designated as a TsunamiReady community by the NWS either 

by the inclusion of its name on the TsunamiReady website or by being named in the 

award letter from the regional NWS office.

(3) The community must meet the CRS tsunami hazards mapping requirements of element 

MTS, Mapping tsunami hazards, in Section 412.f(2) of the Coordinator’s Manual. 

(4) The community must have adopted a tsunami hazards operations plan that describes the 

actions the community is to take upon receiving a tsunami warning. 

Credit Points for TRC

TRC = 30, for being designated by the NWS as a TsunamiReady 

community and meeting all credit criteria

Impact Adjustment for TRC

There is no impact adjustment for TRC. 

Documentation for TRC Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit, 

(a) A copy of the tsunami hazards map and a description of how it was prepared; and

(b) A copy of the tsunami emergency operations plan. 

No documentation is required of communities to demonstrate their TsunamiReady credit. 

Credit is confirmed based on the list of TsunamiReady communities posted on the NWS

website, www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov. 

613 Impact Adjustment

The credit points for FTR, EWD, and FRO are adjusted based on the number of buildings 

affected by the element. Determining these adjustments usually will require identifying the 

area affected and then counting the buildings within that area. 

(1) rFTR = bFTR 

 bSF 

(2) rEWD = bEWD 

 bSF
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-24 Edition: 2017

(3) rFRO = bFRO , where

 bSF 

bFTR = the number of buildings that benefit from the level of the 

flood threat recognition system, 

bEWD = the number of buildings that benefit from the flood 

emergency warnings, 

bFRO = the number of buildings in the area covered by the 

flood response operations, and

bSF = the number of buildings in the Special Flood Hazard 

Area, and

bFRO cannot be greater than bEWD

bEWD cannot be greater than bFTR 

rFTR cannot be greater than 1.00

See Section 301 for more information on counting buildings for impact adjustments. Note 

that bSF includes all buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), but bFTR, 

bEWD, and bFRO can include buildings outside the SFHA that benefit from the flood 

warning and response plan. The maximum impact adjustment is 1.0. For example, a 

community with a plan for up to a category 5 hurricane may be providing a safety benefit 

for many buildings on ground higher than that flooded by the base flood.

In general, bFTR = bEWD = bFRO, because the flood warning and response plan will 

provide the same level of services to the same areas. There may be cases in which the flood 

threat recognition system covers a larger area than a detailed flood warning and response 

plan, so their impact adjustments are calculated separately.

Example 613-1.

The community in the previous examples has a warning and response 

program for its major river. It does not have a program for three small 

streams that affect a portion of its SFHA. There are 452 buildings 

within the community’s SFHA. Its flood warning and response plan 

covers the 410 buildings that are in the major river’s floodplain.

bFTR, bEWD, and bFRO = 410 bSF = 452

rFTR = bFTR = 410 = 0.91 rEWD = bEWD = 410 = 0.91

 bSF 452 bSF 452

rFRO = bFRO = 410 = 0.91

 bSF 452
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-25 Edition: 2017 

614 Credit Calculation 

The credit points for each element are multiplied by the impact adjustment ratios and the 

products are totaled. 

c610 = (FTR x rFTR) + (EWD x rEWD) + (FRO x rFRO) + CFP1 + 

 CFP2 + SRC + TRC

Example 614-1. 

The community’s flood warning and response program is described in 

the previous sections’ examples. 

FTR = 75 rFTR = 0.91

EWD = 75 rEWD = 0.91

FRO = 65 rFRO = 0.91

CFP1 = 25 CFP2 = 0

SRC = 25 

TRC = 0 

c610 = (FTR x rFTR) + (EWD x rEWD) + (FRO x rFRO) 

 + CFP1 + CFP2 + SRC + TRC

c610 = (75 x 0.91) + (75 x 0.91) + (65 x 0.91) + 25 + 0 + 25 + 0 

 = 68.25 + 68.25 + 59.15 + 25 + 25 + 0 

 = 245.65 = 246 (rounded)

615 For More Information

a. Additional information, documentation checklists, reference materials, and examples can be 

found at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

b. Flood Warning Systems Manual. National Weather Service Manual 10-942. Operations and 

Services Hydrologic Services Program, NWSPD 10-9. 2010. Silver Spring, MD: Department 

of Commerce, NOAA,

www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/ahps/resources/Flood_Warning_Systems_Manual.pdf. 

c. CPG 101: Developing and Maintaining State, Territorial, Tribal and Local Government 

Emergency Plans. March 2009. Washington, D.C.: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

www.fema.gov/pdf/about/divisions/npd/CPG_101_V2.pdf. 
Flood Warning and Response 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 610-26 Edition: 2017 

616 Related Activities under the Community Rating System

• Developing an appropriate outreach approach to the residents as required in Section 

611.b(5) as part of a Program for Public Information can be credited under Activity 

330 (Outreach Projects). 

• FTR is similar to element LFR under Activity 620 and element DFR under Activity 

630. It credits a system that provides the community with the earliest possible 

notification that a flood is imminent. The three threat recognition systems should be 

closely coordinated.

• EWD is similar to element LFW under Activity 620 and element DFW under Activity 

630. It credits a flood warning dissemination system that provides a critical link 

between the recognition of an impending flood and the community’s response to the 

emergency. The three warning dissemination systems should be closely coordinated.

• FRO is similar to element LFO under Activity 620 and DFO under Activity 630. It 

identifies opportunities to prevent loss of life and property damage during a flood.

The three response operations plans should be closely coordinated.

• FRO6 credit should be coordinated with the public information activities credited as 

flood response preparations (FRP) under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), 

regulations under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards), and mitigation 

measures under Activity 530 (Flood Protection). 

• Documentation of the annual exercise is a prerequisite for Activities 610, 620, and 

630. One exercise can meet all three activities’ requirement.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-1 Edition: 2017 

620 LEVEES—Summary 

Maximum credit: 235 points

622 Elements

a. Levee maintenance (LM): Up to 95 points if the levee system is maintained 

and operated according to a written maintenance plan. There are no credit 

points for levees that are recognized on the community’s adopted Flood 

Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), although documentation of annual inspection 

and maintenance is a prerequisite for any credit under this activity. 

b. Levee failure threat recognition system (LFR): Up to 30 points for having a 

system to advise the emergency manager when there is a threat of a levee’s 

failure or overtopping.

c. Levee failure warning (LFW): Up to 50 points for disseminating the warning 

to the public.

d. Levee failure response operations (LFO): Up to 30 points for response actions to 

be undertaken to reduce or prevent threats to health, safety, and property.

e. Levee failure critical facilities planning (LCF): Up to 30 points for 

coordination of actions with operators of critical facilities.

Credit Criteria 

Credit criteria for this activity are described in Section 621.b. 

a. Credit is limited to levee systems that were designed and constructed as 

levee systems and are operated and maintained by a public agency.

b. The community must submit a map showing the location of each levee and the 

areas that would be flooded if the levee were to fail or be overtopped.

c. Annual inspections of the levee system must be conducted according to a 

written maintenance plan.

d. The community must implement an annual outreach project to the residents and 

businesses in the area(s) that would be inundated if a levee were overtopped.

e. To receive Activity 620 credit for LFR, LFW, LFO, and LCF, the community 

must receive some LM credit. 

f. To receive Activity 620 credit other than LM credit, the community must 

receive some credit in all four levee warning and response elements (LFR, 

LFW, LFO, and LCR), and 

(1) There must be a levee failure flood warning and response plan that has 

been adopted by the community’s governing body; and

(2) There must be an annual exercise of the plan and a lessons-learned report.

Each element has additional criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

The credits for LM, LFR, LFW, and LFO are adjusted based on the number of 

buildings affected by each element. There is no impact adjustment for LCF.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Levees

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-2 Edition: 2017 

620 LEVEES 

The OBJECTIVE of this activity is to encourage communities to properly inspect and maintain

levees and to identify impending levee failures in a timely manner, disseminate warnings to 

appropriate floodplain occupants, and coordinate emergency response activities to reduce the 

threat to life and property. This activity focuses on the community’s emergency management 

actions and plans. Therefore, the emergency manager should be the point of contact, and he or 

she should coordinate with the agency responsible for the levee.

621 Background 

Definition of a Levee 

A levee is a structure, 

usually an earthen 

embankment, designed and 

constructed using sound 

engineering practices, to 

contain, control, or divert flood 

waters in accordance with a 

designated risk reduction level.

See Section 120 (Glossary).

The failure or overtopping of a levee poses extreme hazards 

to buildings, infrastructure, and people on the landward side 

of the levee. 

Flood waters near a levee breach usually move at a much 

greater velocity than the water within the channel. The 

combination of high-velocity flows and rapidly rising water 

makes evacuation and other responses difficult or 

impossible. Sound emergency response plans for levee

failures are critical, especially if evacuation routes would 

be restricted or severed.

Up to a certain point, a levee usually will prevent flooding 

to properties on its landward side. However, regardless of 

the design standard used, levees can and do fail. Someday there will be a flood that exceeds 

the levee’s ability to hold flood waters, and when a levee is overtopped it is far more likely

that it will suffer a catastrophic breach or failure as well. Even well-maintained levees can fail 

for a variety of reasons. 

By doing everything possible to reduce the chance of levee failure and by being prepared for 

an event that could lead to a levee failure, a community can reduce the potential hazards to 

life, health, and property. 

621.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 620 is 235 points. 

The items credited by this activity include

• Proper maintenance of the levees (credited under LM), 

• A system to advise local emergency managers of a potential levee failure or 

overtopping (credited under LFR),

• A warning system for people on the landward side of the levee (credited under LFW),
Levees

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-3 Edition: 2017 

• A plan of action to minimize the threat to life and 

property during the flood (credited under LFO), and

• Coordination with critical facility operators (credited 

under LCF).

Emergency Action Plans

and

Levee Failure Warning and 

Response Plans

A levee EMERGENCY ACTION 

PLAN is prepared and implemented by the LEVEE OWNER OR 

OPERATOR. It includes actions 

such as closing openings and 

patrolling for problems along the 

levee. It may have another 

name, such as a levee operations plan.

A LEVEE FAILURE WARNING AND 

RESPONSE PLAN is prepared and 

implemented by the LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY. It 

specifies actions to take to 

protect people and property in 

the flood-prone area, such as 

ordering an evacuation.

For levee maintenance credit, a community must implement a 

levee maintenance plan, create and maintain an inventory of 

levees, identify the vulnerable population and at-risk 

structures, and conduct an annual outreach project to advise 

the vulnerable population.

Levee maintenance (LM) credit is a prerequisite for the four 

emergency preparedness and response elements (LFR, LFW, 

LFO, and LCF), which are based on the community’s adopted 

levee failure warning and response plan. This activity is not 

intended to be a model for developing a levee failure warning 

and response plan or program. As with the rest of the 

Community Rating System (CRS) activities, its objective is 

to provide a way to measure a local program’s potential 

impact on life safety, health, and property damage. An 

effective program needs to be carefully prepared and tailored 

to the local hazards and the specific needs of the community.

621.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

Credit for this activity is based on levee systems, i.e., the levee structure plus all appurtenant 

facilities, such as pump stations and flood walls, that are needed to control flood waters. To 

receive credit under this activity, 

(1) The levee system(s) for which the community requests credit (or qualification for credit)

must have been designed and constructed as a levee

(see Section 120, Glossary). Structures such as road 

and railroad embankments that divert flood waters are 

not considered “levees” for the purposes of this 

activity unless it can be documented that they were 

intended to be levees and were designed and 

constructed accordingly.

(2) The levee system(s) for which the community 

requests credit (or qualification for credit) must be 

operated and maintained by a public agency. This 

could be a federal or state agency, a levee district, an 

office or department of the community, or other 

public entity.

(3) The community must submit a map showing the location of each levee or levee system and 

the areas that would be flooded if the levee or levee system were to be overtopped or fail 

Non-Levee Structures

Non-levee structures, such as 

roads and railroad embankments, 

pose the same hazards as levees and 

are more likely to fail. Communities 

are urged to mitigate these hazards by 

paying special attention to emergency 

preparedness and response for 

buildings on the landward side of 

these structures. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-4 Edition: 2017 

and an inventory of the buildings and critical facilities that would be flooded upon 

overtopping or failure. For each levee or levee system, the following information must be 

submitted:

(a) The elevation at which the levee is expected to be overtopped or the expected breach 

elevation. Newer levee systems may include extra levee height to ensure overtopping at 

a predefined location. Older designs often use freeboard, which may vary along the 

system;

(b) A map of the levee or levee system and the area(s) affected should the levee(s) fail or 

be overtopped. If there are no detailed levee breach maps or levee failure studies, then 

the map would show the area below the expected overtopping elevation. Guidance for 

this mapping can be found in Section 621.c; 

(c) An inventory of the types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc.) exposed to 

flooding should the levee(s) be overtopped or fail, with an approximate count of the 

number of buildings and an inventory of the land use (residential, agricultural, open 

space, etc.) of developed and undeveloped areas in the area(s) affected should the 

levee(s) fail or be overtopped; and

(d) A list of the critical facilities that would be flooded or otherwise affected by a failure or

by the overtopping of the levee (see Section 622.e, LCF1). 

This credit criterion is a prerequisite for Class 4 communities. 

(4) The community must have a levee

maintenance plan that includes annual 

inspections and an emergency action plan 

for the levee system(s), and the plans 

must meet the credit criteria for LM. 

There are no LM CREDIT POINTS for 

levees shown on the effective FIRM as 

providing protection (e.g., accredited 

levees), or levees owned and operated by 

a federal agency, but all levees must 

qualify for LM credit in order for the 

community to receive credit for the rest 

of the elements in this activity. 

Excerpt from the annual outreach project sent by the California 

Department of Water Resources

to residents of leveed areas.
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-5 Edition: 2017 

(5) The community must implement one or more 

annual outreach projects to the residents and businesses in the area(s) expected to be inundated by a

flood that overtops a levee. The project(s) must tell 

people about their risk of flooding, how they will 

be warned of a levee-failure flood, the safety 

measures they should take during a flood (e.g., 

evacuation procedures and routes), and the benefits 

of purchasing flood insurance. This can be done by 

using one or more of the following approaches:

(a) Sending an outreach project (e.g., a letter, 

brochure, or newsletter) each year to all 

properties with insurable buildings in the

area(s) subject to a flood that overtops the 

levee, or

(b) Developing an appropriate approach as part of 

a Program for Public Information credited 

Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). 

(6) To receive credit beyond LM credit, the

community must obtain some credit in all four 

levee failure warning and response elements (LFR, 

LFW, LFO, and LCF).

(7) The community must have a levee failure flood 

warning and response plan that has been adopted 

by the community’s governing body to receive 

LFR, LFW, LFO and LCF credit. The levee failure 

flood warning and response plan should be part of, 

and must meet the same criteria as, the 

community’s flood warning and response plan described in Section 611.b(4).

(8) There must be at least one exercise or drill of the levee failure warning and response plan 

each year. This can be an exercise for a flood, levee failure, dam failure, or hurricane. This 

criterion can be met if the plan is implemented in response to an actual flood or threat of a 

levee failure. In either case, there must be an evaluation of the performance of the plan and 

recommended changes that may be needed, as is usually done in an after-action report.

Annual Warning and 

Response Exercise

Activities 610 (Flood Warning and 

Response), 620 (Levees), and 630 

(Dams) require an annual exercise or 

drill of the warning and response plan. 

A flood, levee failure, dam failure, or 

hurricane exercise qualifies as an 

exercise for all three activities. 

An evaluation of the performance 

of the warning and response plan 

must include

• A description of the exercise;

• An evaluation of the

 ○ Threat recognition procedures,

 ○ Warning dissemination, and

 ○ Response operations; and

• Recommended changes to the 

plan.

The exercise requirement can also 

be met if the community responds to 

an actual flood or an actual threat of a 

levee or dam failure, provided that the 

items listed above are discussed in an 

after-action (or similar) report. 

621.c. Map of the Affected Area 

Credit criterion Section 621.(b)(3)(b) calls for a map that is used to identify the area affected 

should the levee fail, be breached, or be overtopped. This map is central to CRS credit for this 

activity. It can help determine the building inventory (Section 621.(b)(3)(c)), the addresses that 

get the outreach project (Section 621.b(5)), and the impact adjustment factors (Section 623). 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-6 Edition: 2017 

Figure 620-1. Delineating the area affected when a levee is overtopped.

This map is not necessarily the map (or series of maps) the community uses in its flood 

warning and response plan, which is credited in Sections 622(b)–(d). A community should 

develop a warning and response plan based on different flood level scenarios, including levee 

breaks at elevations lower than the overtopping level.

The criteria for an affected area map is the same for levees that have been accredited and those 

that have not been recognized on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). There are two ways the 

map can be prepared:

(1) If the community or levee agency has an engineering study that identified the area 

affected by a levee breach or overtopping, that map can be used. Note that such studies 

often have more than one scenario. The total area flooded by all the scenarios should be 

used for the affected-area map.

(2) In the absence of an engineering study on areas that would be flooded by a levee failure 

or levee overtopping, the affected area is all land below the elevation of the top of the 

levee. Figure 620-1 identifies such an area where the top of the levee is lower than the 

base flood elevation. Where the top of the levee is higher than the base flood elevation, 

the same approach is used and the affected area would be larger than the Special Flood 

Hazard Area.

Communities that have levee breach analyses are encouraged to use the larger levee 

overtopping area to determine the addresses for the outreach project. It is a safer standard for 

identifying the properties potentially affected by a worst case/deepest flooding situation.
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622 Elements

622.a. Levee maintenance (LM) 

The maximum credit for this element is 95 points.

LM credit is provided for the levee system’s maintenance program and emergency action 

plans. 

A levee system (the levee structure plus all appurtenant facilities) is only as good as its 

weakest part. An operations and maintenance plan needs to include an inspection process that 

identifies openings or potential weak points in the levee. Equipment to close these openings

needs to be checked and tested and instructions that define roles and responsibilities need to be 

put in place before the levee is threatened by a flood. All of these items are vital to good 

maintenance and are credited in this element. 

LM credit is provided in two ways: 

(1) LM1 credit is provided for the annual inspection and maintenance of the levee system to 

identify and correct problems as required in a maintenance plan; and 

(2) LM2 credit is provided for the levee agency’s emergency action plan. This credit is for 

having a written operations plan or manual that describes what must be done when a flood 

occurs by the agency that owns the levee. The plan may be in the same document as the 

LM1 maintenance plan. 

Levees that are shown by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the 

effective FIRM as providing protection to the base flood (e.g., accredited levees) are not 

eligible for CREDIT POINTS under LM, because they are already required to have an adequate 

maintenance program as a condition of being shown on the FIRM as providing protection.

There are no LM credit points for a levee owned or operated by a federal agency. However, 

communities can receive credit points for their levee failure warning and response plans (LFR, 

LFW, LFO, and LCF credit) for the areas protected by accredited or federally owned or 

operated levees. 

To receive credit points for a levee failure warning and response plan, the levee must be shown 

to “qualify” for LM credit. All levees must “qualify,” but the credit points for LM are limited 

to non-accredited and non-federal levees.

Credit Criteria for LM

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 621.b must be met.

(2) The community must receive some credit for both LM1 and LM2 to receive any LM credit. 

(3) To qualify for LM1 credit, the levee system maintenance must 

(a) Ensure that the levee system’s stability, height, and overall integrity are maintained. 

Encroachments must be controlled to ensure that they do not compromise the levee’s
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integrity, hinder operations and maintenance, and/or diminish the ability to engage in 

flood fighting activities. Maintenance programs must correct problems posed by

existing encroachments.

(b) Provide written operations and maintenance procedures that include

(i) Annual inspections of the condition of the levee system (i.e., the levee structure, 

pump stations, closure devices, etc.);

(ii) The maintenance activities to be performed;

(iii) The frequency of their performance; and

(iv) The person responsible for their performance (by name or title). 

(c) Perform and document annual inspections and needed maintenance of levees and 

floodwalls, as well as pumps, interior drainage systems, closures, penetrations, and 

transitions that provide for system integrity.

(4) To qualify for LM2 credit, the emergency action plan must have a written operations plan 

or manual that describes what must be done by the agency that owns the levee when a flood 

occurs. It must include 

(a) A list of all actions that need to be taken at different flood levels, including

(1) Procedures to notify the local emergency managers of a potential problem,

(2) All openings and closures that need to be closed and the location of the equipment 

and materials to effect the closure, and

(3) Periodic patrols of the levee to detect problems such as erosion and seepage;

(b) The person or office responsible for their performance (by name or title);

(c) Annual inspections of all equipment and material needed for the plan, such as vehicles 

and stockpiled sandbags; and

(d) Annual tests of all closures, pumps, and 

other equipment needed to implement the 

emergency action plan. Any equipment that 

is used routinely throughout the year, such 

as vehicles and drainage pumps, do not need 

testing records for CRS credit.

The plan may be in the same document as the

LM1 maintenance plan. 

(5) The community’s levee maintenance program 

must be compliant with applicable federal 

environmental and historic preservation laws 

and executive orders (see Section 507). The 

community and/or levee owners must complete

CC-620EHP, Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation

Requirements for Levee Maintenance, which can be found in Appendix F of downloaded 

Environmental Protection and 

Historic Preservation

Because it is a FEMA program, the 

CRS must ensure that activities for which 

it provides credit are compliant with 

applicable federal environmental and 

historic preservation laws and executive 

orders. Section 507 expands on this 

requirement and presents a summary of 

FEMA’s policy. Figure 500-5 lists the 

federal programs that should be 

considered during project development.
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from www.CRSresources.org/200. Credit is not provided if levee maintenance procedures 

are not compliant with applicable federal laws and executive orders.

Credit Points for LM

LM = LM1 + LM2

LM1 = up to 50 points, for the levee system maintenance;

LM2 = up to 45 points, for the levee system emergency action

plans.

Impact Adjustment for LM

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 623.

Documentation for LM Provided by the Community 

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation for this activity is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist and 

provided to the technical reviewer. There is a checklist to help the emergency manager 

identify all needed documentation available at www.CRSresources.org/600.

(b) The map and inventory of buildings described in credit criterion (3) in Section 621.b.

(c) The LM1 maintenance procedures described in credit criterion (3)(b) in Section 622.a,

or documentation that the procedures have been approved by FEMA as meeting PM 63 

requirements or approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

(d) The LM2 emergency action plan described in credit criterion (4) in Section 622.a, or 

documentation the plan has been approved by FEMA as meeting PM 63 requirements or 

approved by the Corps of Engineers.

(e) Completed Community Certifications of Compliance with Environmental and Historic 

Preservation Requirements for Levee Maintenance (CC-620EHP) from all levee 

owners, which can be found in Appendix F.

(2) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) Documentation that all levees to be credited have been inspected during the previous 

year and are being maintained in accordance with the procedures and standards of the 

LM1 maintenance plan (credit criterion (3)(c) in Section 622.a).

(b) Records showing the most recent annual inspection of all equipment and material 

needed for the LM2 emergency action plan (credit criterion (4)(c) in Section 622.a).

(c) Records showing the most recent annual test of all closures, pumps, and other 

equipment needed to implement the LM2 emergency action plan (credit criterion (4)(d) 

in Section 622.a). 
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(d) A copy of the outreach materials used to advise people of the levee failure hazard and 

ways to protect themselves from flooding (credit criterion (5) in Section 621.b). If the 

outreach material is also credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), a separate 

submittal is not needed, provided that the other document (including a PPI, if used) is 

annotated to show where the Activity 620 outreach topics are covered.

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed documentation, 

available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

622.b. Levee failure threat recognition system (LFR)

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points.

LFR credit is provided for monitoring flood conditions near the levee. LFR credit is separate 

from flood threat recognition credit in Activity 610 (FTR), but the levee failure threat 

recognition system should be closely coordinated with the FTR system.

The more lead time that a community has, the more that can be done to reduce hazards 

associated with a flood. Although a levee may fail suddenly, overtopping is more predictable. 

There may be some advance indications of a potential levee failure, such as seepage and sand 

boils. Therefore, there are two key aspects of a levee failure threat recognition system that 

would provide the early notification needed by emergency managers to issue timely warnings

and implement their flood response operations.

(1) Monitoring flood conditions (LFR1): When flood levels reach (or are predicted to 

reach) certain heights, specific actions should be initiated, such as mobilizing patrols or 

opening the emergency operations center.

(2) Monitoring levee conditions (LFR2): This is done with patrols (on the ground or from 

the air) and checking known problem sites during a flood.

Credit Criteria for LFR

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 621.b must be met.

(2) The threat recognition procedures must be in the levee failure warning and response plan or 

a related document (credit criterion (7) in Section 621.b).

(3) To receive LFR credit, some credit points must be obtained under both LFR1 and LFR2.

(4) For monitoring flood conditions and LFR1 credit:

(a) The community and the levee owner must have a flood threat recognition system that 

monitors conditions. This would be a system that provides early notification of rising 

waters that may threaten the levee’s integrity. The system must meet the credit criteria 

of FTR in Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response). A National Weather Service

flood potential outlook or flood watch would also be sufficient. 

(b) Additional credit is provided for redundant or backup monitoring systems along a levee

that send a signal to the emergency manager if water is rising on the landward side of 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-11 Edition: 2017

the levee. This system could use automated flood alarms or automated flood warning 

systems, or it could rely on trained spotters. 

(c) The equipment used for the flood monitoring must be tested at least annually. For CRS 

credit, testing records are not needed for equipment that is used routinely throughout 

the year, such as radios and vehicles.

(5) For LFR2 credit, the community and/or the levee owner must initiate the monitoring of 

levee conditions when certain, pre-defined flood conditions are present, and

(a) The monitoring procedures must cover

o Levee patrol staffing and assigned sections of the levee system,

o How and when the patrol teams are activated,

o What the patrols are to look for in the different sections,

o Methods and frequency for reporting, and

o How the community’s emergency managers are kept posted on the situation.

(b) The procedures for monitoring levee conditions must be exercised at least once each 

year, in accordance with credit criterion (8) in Section 621.b.

Credit Points for LFR

LFR = the total of LFR1 and LFR2, up to the maximum of 30 points

LFR1 = the sum of

(a) 10 points, for monitoring flood conditions, and

(b) 5 points, for monitoring flood conditions along the levee

LFR2 = up to 15 points, for monitoring levee conditions

Impact Adjustment for LFR

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 623.

Documentation for LFR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The levee failure warning and response plan or related document that describes the 

threat recognition procedures (credit criterion (2) in Section 622.b) and credit 

criterion (7) in Section 621.b. The plan or related document must be marked to show 

where the credited items appear.

(b) An impact adjustment map showing the area(s) affected by each element and 

documentation showing how the numbers of buildings used in the calculations were 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-12 Edition: 2017 

determined (credit criteria (3)(b) and (3)(c) in Section 621.b and Section 623 impact 

adjustment). 

(2) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) Records showing the most recent annual test of all equipment and material needed for 

the system (credit criterion (4)(c) in Section 622.b).

(b) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (8) in Section 621.b). The exercise 

must include the procedures for monitoring levee conditions, if they are credited. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed documentation, 

available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

622.c. Levee failure warning (LFW) 

The maximum credit for this element is 50 points. 

LFW credit is provided for disseminating warnings of a potential levee failure to the public. 

The warning program for LFW credit should be closely coordinated with the flood warning 

dissemination activities credited in Section 612.b (EWD).

Once the levee failure flood threat recognition system tells local emergency managers what 

will be flooded and when, warnings should be issued to the affected populations. The messages 

that need to be conveyed and the timing for delivering them should be thought out in advance, 

as part of the levee failure warning and response plan. 

The messages should state when flooding is predicted to occur, its expected severity, and 

appropriate response actions (e.g., evacuation routes, safe shelters, protective actions). The 

messages should be drafted in coordination with the messages and projects credited under 

flood response preparations (FRP) under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

Special warning arrangements for schools, nursing homes, and other critical facilities are also 

credited under LCF.

In general, this warning and protective action notification process (using pre-scripted message 

templates) falls into three time periods:

(a) Warning delay time is the period between the time at which a threat is first detected or 

an emergency manager is first notified of the threat and the time at which the first 

alert/warning is issued.

(b) Warning diffusion time is the period between the issuance of the first alert/warning 

and the time at which people receive the alert/warning.

(c) Protective action initiation time is the period after people receive the first 

alert/warning up to the point at which they begin protective action. During this period, 

most people take a range of actions to prepare to implement a protective action and may 

receive subsequent warning messages. 
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Credit Criteria for LFW

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 621.b must be met.

(2) The warning procedures must be included the levee failure warning and response plan or a 

related document (credit criterion (7) in Section 621.b).

(3) The warning must reach people in a timely manner, especially because there may not be 

much lead time between a sudden levee failure and the moment when water reaches homes 

and businesses. For example, television or radio announcements are not credited if they are 

the only approach used because the failure may occur during the night. 

(4) For those warning systems requiring specialized equipment, such as sirens, the equipment 

and procedures must be tested at least annually. Equipment that is used routinely 

throughout the year, such as television notices and message boards, does not need testing 

records for CRS credit.

Credit Points for LFW

LFW = the total of the following, up to the maximum of 50 points

LFW1 = 5 points, if the plan includes pre-scripted messages 

and guidance for staff to quickly issue appropriate warnings 

keyed to specific triggers, such as when the river reaches a 

certain level, or when sand boils appear

LFW2 = 5 points, if the public messages include information on 

the expected elevation of the flood waters and instructions 

on when to evacuate

LFW3 = 10 points if an outdoor voice-sound system or fixed 

siren system is used

LFW 4 = EITHER

(a) 2 points if the plan identifies the primary and support 

agencies responsible for door-to-door or mobile public 

address warning, OR

(b) 10 points, if the plan identifies the routes, procedures, 

staff, and equipment necessary for door-to-door or 

mobile public address warning

LFW 5 = 10 points, if the Emergency Alert System through all 

channels/stations with pre-scripted draft messages is used

LFW 6 = 10 points, if telephone warnings to residents and 

businesses are used

LFW 7 = 10 points, if all schools, hospitals, nursing homes, 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-14 Edition: 2017 

prisons, and similar facilities that need flood warning have 

NOAA Weather Radio receivers and at least one other 

automated backup system for receiving flood warnings, 

provided that the community has coordinated with NOAA 

and there are arrangements for issuing warnings about 

levee failures

Impact Adjustment for LFW

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 623.

Documentation for LFW Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The levee failure warning and response plan or related document that describes the 

emergency warning procedures (credit criterion (2) in Section 622.c and credit 

criterion (7) in Section 621.b). The plan or related document must be marked to show 

where the credited items appear. 

(2) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) Records showing the most recent annual test of all equipment and material needed for 

the system (credit criterion (4) in Section 622.c).

(b) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (8) in Section 621.b). The exercise 

must include the procedures for warning people credited under this element. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed documentation, 

available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

622.d. Levee failure response operations (LFO)

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points. 

LFO credit is provided for the development of levee failure response operations that identify 

flood response scenarios, responsibilities, special need populations, and necessary resources. 

The operations should be closely coordinated with the flood response operations credited in 

Section 611.c (FRO).

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) requires local governments to validate the 

inventory of response assets using FEMA Resources Typing Standards. Department heads and 

other emergency response team members should know what kinds of resources they have 

available. This should be compared with the resources needed. Shortfalls may require 

negotiating agreements with private suppliers or other jurisdictions.

Levee failure response operations need to be spelled out in the levee failure warning and 

response plan. They include appropriate actions to be implemented when flooding due to the 
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levee failure threatens or actually occurs. The actions are conducted by the community and 

other cooperating agencies and organizations. 

Developing scenarios can help this process. Scenarios are produced by thinking through what 

will happen in the community if a levee fails or is overtopped. For example, where will the 

water go? who will get flooded? who will lose access because of high water? and which

critical facilities will be affected? These sorts of questions, and the scenarios developed by 

thinking about them, help with the design of the response operations to minimize the threats to 

life and property at those flood levels.

Two types of operations should be in the plan.

(1) Levee protection operations: These are actions taken to prevent or limit a levee’s failure

due to flood waters and/or from overtopping. The levee agency is usually the lead on levee

protection operations, but the community likely will need to provide resources and support. 

These actions are often called “flood fighting” and can include

• Sandbagging the top of the levee,

• Sandbagging and other measures to restrict sand boils, and

• Measures taken to limit erosion on the toe of the levee.

(2) Community protection operations: These are actions to minimize the loss of life and 

property damage in the area flooded when the levee fails or is overtopped. They should be 

similar to, and even a part of, the flood response operations credited in Section 612.c

(FRO). They can include

• Ordering an evacuation of the threatened area,

• Controlling traffic in and out of the flooded area, and

• Opening evacuation shelters.

Credit Criteria for LFO

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 621.b must be met.

(2) The levee failure response operations actions must be in the levee failure warning and 

response plan or a related document (credit criterion (7) in Section 621.b).

(3) Levee protection operations actions must be closely coordinated with the levee emergency 

action plan credited under Section 622.a (LM2).

(4) Credit is based on the extent and level of detail that the levee failure warning and response 

plan provides for the response operations. General statements or an assignment of 

responsibilities with no specifics about what is done are not credited. For full credit for 

LFO, the plan needs to 

(a) Describe the actions to be taken, 

(b) Identify the office or official responsible for the action,
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(c) Define the time needed to carry out the activity, and

(d) Contain other critical information that designated agencies and organizations need in 

order to perform their assigned responsibilities.

(5) LFO4 credit is provided if there is a list of the personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, 

and other resources needed to complete each task. For full credit, the list must identify 

what is available within the community and what is needed from private suppliers or other 

jurisdictions.

Credit Points for LFO

LFO = the total of the following, up to the maximum of 30 points

LFO1 = 10 points, if the community has developed scenarios

that review what could happen if the levee were to fail or be 

overtopped by a flood

LFO2 = 10 points, if the plan identifies response tasks and 

responsible community staff and other public and private 

organizations with responsibilities related to the response

tasks in the plan

LFO3 = 5 points, for maintaining a data base of people with 

special needs who require evacuation assistance when a 

levee failure warning is issued and for having a plan to 

provide transportation to secure locations

LFO4 = the sum of the following:

(a) 5 points, if the plan includes a summary of

estimated staff, equipment, supplies, and time required 

for each response task, and 

(b) 5 points, for identification of the sources of necessary 

resources

Impact Adjustment for LFO

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 623.

Documentation for LFO Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The levee failure warning and response plan or related document that describes the 

operations and actions credited above (credit criterion (2) in Section 622.d) and credit 

criterion (7) in Section 621.b). The plan or related document must be marked to show 

where the credited items appear.
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(2) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (8) in Section 621.b). The exercise 

must include the actions credited under this element. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed documentation, 

available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

622.e. Levee failure critical facilities planning (LCF) 

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points.

LCF credit and planning should be closely tied to the critical facilities coordination done under 

Section 612.d (CFP). 

LCF1 credit is provided for having information in the community’s levee failure response plan 

about all critical facilities that could be affected by a levee failure. In general, facilities not 

subject to flooding during a levee failure do not need to be addressed, although in some cases 

loss of access can cause a critical situation. There may also be facilities in flood-free sites that 

are needed to support the flood response effort.

Additional credit is provided in LCF2 if levee failure warning and response plans for 

individual critical facilities have been developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community. 

Credit Criteria for LCF

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 621.b must be met.

(2) LCF1 is a prerequisite for any LCF credit.

(3) For LCF1 credit, the community’s levee failure response plan must list the facilities 

considered critical in a levee failure emergency. The community must contact the facilities 

to determine whether they need any special warning arrangements. The community does 

not need to provide a special warning to all critical facilities, only to those identified in the 

levee warning and response plan as needing one.

There is no impact adjustment for LCF1. The community must include all critical facilities 

affected by a levee failure on its list.

(4) For LCF2 credit, levee failure warning and response plans must have been developed, 

reviewed, or accepted by the community for individual critical facilities. 

Credit Points for LCF

LCF = the total of the following

LCF1 = up to 15 points, if the adopted plan includes 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-18 Edition: 2017

(a) a list of the facilities considered critical in a levee failure 

emergency (5 points)

(b) contact information, including the names and phone numbers 

 of the operators of all public and private critical facilities affected 

 by levee failure (5 points)

(c) arrangements for issuing special warnings or early 

notifications directly to those critical facilities that need 

advance warning (5 points)

LCF2 = up to 15 points, if critical facilities listed under LCF1

have their own levee failure response plans that have been 

developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community. The 

credit is prorated based on the percentage of affected critical 

facilities that have creditable plans

Impact Adjustment for LCF

There is no impact adjustment for LCF.

Documentation for LCF Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) A list of all public and private critical facilities that would be affected by levee failure 

or that would need to be operational during a levee-failure flood.

(b) Contact information (names and phone numbers) of the operators of the facilities on the 

above ((1)(a)) list.

(c) The above ((1)(a)) list of critical facilities, marked to identify those needing special 

warning or advance notification.

(d) [For LCF2 credit] The above ((1)(a)) list of critical facilities, marked to identify those 

that have developed their own flood warning and response plans that have been 

reviewed and accepted by the community. The ISO/CRS Specialist will ask for samples 

of the plans for review.

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed documentation, 

available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 
Levees

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-19 Edition: 2017 

(2) With the annual CRS recertification,

(a) A page from the latest list of the critical facilities provided for LCF1, which must be 

updated at least annually. 

(b) A copy of the annual exercise of the plan and a lessons-learned report.

623 Impact Adjustment 

There is no impact adjustment for LCF. The community must include all critical facilities 

affected by a levee failure on its list. 

The credit points for LM, LFR, LFW, and LFO are adjusted based on the number of buildings 

affected by the element. Determining these adjustments requires identifying the area affected 

and then counting the buildings within that area. Identifying the affected area is described in 

Section 621.c, Map of the Affected Area.

Counting buildings for an impact adjustment is discussed in Section 302.

(1) rLM = bLM 

 bLF 

(2) rLFR = bLFR 

 bLF 

(3) rLFW = bLFW 

 bLF 

(4) rLFO = bLFO , where

 bLF 

bLM = the number of buildings in the area affected by a flood 

resulting from a failure of the levee being maintained, 

 bLFR = the number of buildings that benefit from the levee 

failure threat recognition system, 

 bLFW = the number of buildings that benefit from the levee 

failure flood warnings, 

 bLFO = the number of buildings in the area covered by the 

levee failure response operations actions, and

bLF = the total number of buildings in the community 

affected by levee failure as shown on the affected-area map 

(Section 621.c)

 bLFO cannot be greater than bLFW 

 bLFW cannot be greater than bLFR
Levees

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-20 Edition: 2017 

 bLFR cannot be greater than bLM

rLM cannot be greater than 1.0

624 Credit Calculation 

c620 = (LM x rLM) + (LFR x rLFR) + (LFW x rLFW) 

 + (LFO x rLFO) + LCF1 + LCF2 

625 For More Information

a. Additional information, documentation checklists, reference materials, and examples can be 

found at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

b. Levee mapping and public information materials are available on FEMA’s website, 

http://www.fema.gov/living-levees-its-shared-responsibility. 

c. Each district of the Corps of Engineers has expertise in levee construction, maintenance, and 

flood fighting. See www.usace.army.mil/Locations.aspx. 

d. The California Department of Water Resources has special programs for leveed areas in the 

Central Valley, including an outreach project. www.water.ca.gov/myfloodrisk. 

e. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has a booklet for residents in leveed areas, “So, 

You Live Behind a Levee!” it is available at 

http://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784410837. 

626 Related Activities under the Community Rating System

• A community that develops an appropriate approach to the outreach to residents 

required in Section 621.b(5) as part of a Program for Public Information can be credited 

under Activity 330.

• LFR is similar to element FTR under Activity 610 and to element DFR under Activity 

630. It credits a system that provides the community with the earliest possible 

notification that a flood is imminent. The three threat recognition systems should be 

closely coordinated.

• LFW is similar to element EWD under Activity 610 and element DFW under Activity 

630. It credits a flood warning dissemination system that provides a critical linkage 

between the recognition of an impending flood and the community’s response to the 

emergency. The three warning dissemination systems should be closely coordinated.
Levees

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 620-21 Edition: 2017

• LFO is similar to element FRO under Activity 610 and element DFO under Activity 

630. It identifies opportunities to prevent loss of life and property damage during a 

flood. The three response operations plans should be closely coordinated.

• LCF is similar to credits under Activity 610 and 630 because it requires the 

maintenance of a current list of critical facilities in potential levee inundation areas, the 

maintenance of up-to-date contact information for each critical facility, and having

plans for warning each critical facility in a timely manner.

• Documentation of the annual exercise is a prerequisite for Activities 610, 620, and 630. 

One exercise can meet the requirements for all three activities.
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-1 Edition: 2017 

630 DAMS—Summary 

Maximum credit: 160 points

632 Elements

a. State dam safety program (SDS): Up to 45 points based on the credit for 

the state’s program. 

b. Dam failure threat recognition system (DFR): Up to 30 points for having 

a system to advise the emergency manager when there is a threat of a 

dam failure. 

c. Dam failure warning (DFW): Up to 35 points for disseminating the 

warning to the public. 

d. Dam failure response operations (DFO): Up to 30 points for planning 

and practicing specific tasks to be undertaken to reduce or prevent 

threats to health, safety, and property. 

e. Dam failure critical facilities planning (DCF): Up to 20 points for 

coordination of dam failure warning and response activities with 

operators of critical facilities. 

Credit Criteria 

Overall criteria for this activity are described in Section 631.b. 

a. There must be at least one insurable building within the community that 

is subject to inundation from the failure of a high-hazard-potential dam

for SDS and other credit under this Activity. 

b. The community must have a description of the dam failure threat and a 

dam failure inundation map.

c. To receive any Activity 630 credit other than SDS, the community must 

receive some credit in each of the elements DFR, DFW, DFO, and DCF.

d. There must be an adopted dam failure warning and response plan.

e. There must be one or more annual outreach projects on the warning and 

safety precautions.

f. There must be an annual exercise of the plan with a lessons-learned report.

Each element has additional criteria specific to that element.

Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for the state dam safety program (SDS). The 

credit for DFR, DFW, and DFO is adjusted based on the number of buildings in

the community that would be affected by the failure of a high-hazard-potential 

dam. There is no impact adjustment for DCF.

Documentation Provided by the Community

Each element has a separate section describing needed documentation.
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-2 Edition: 2017 

630 DAMS

The OBJECTIVES of this activity are to encourage states to provide dam safety information to 

communities and to encourage communities, in turn, to provide timely identification of an 

impending dam failure, disseminate warnings to those who may be affected, and coordinate 

emergency response activities to reduce the threat to life and property. 

This activity focuses on public safety and the community’s emergency management actions 

and plans. Therefore, the local emergency manager must be the point of contact and he or 

she should coordinate with the dam owner(s).

Every dam has an inherent risk of failure, a fact not generally recognized by the public. The 

risk associated with dams tends to change along with the evolving environment that 

surrounds them.

631 Background 

The legal definition of a “dam” for regulatory purposes varies from state to state. A dam 

may be as low as 5 feet, with an impoundment of no more than 5 acre-feet of water, or it 

may be 100 feet high, creating a recreational reservoir. For the purposes of this activity, a 

“dam” is a structure regulated by the state’s dam safety office. 

This activity focuses less on the dam structure itself and more on the impact of a flood that 

would result from a breach or failure of that structure. 

Unlike levees, dams do not need flood conditions to fail. They can be breached with little or 

no warning and send a wall of water downstream. The combination of high velocity, great 

depth, and short notice has proven particularly deadly and destructive. The most-recognized

way to minimize the dam failure hazard is to enforce dam construction and maintenance 

standards, usually through a state dam safety program.

In addition to dam failures, normal operations of dams may cause unusual flooding 

situations downstream. Dams normally have operations plans to deal with unusual 

circumstances, including excessive runoff into the dam and the occasional need to lower the 

reservoir level. 

Because of the threat of flooding from dam failure or dam operations, the Community 

Rating System (CRS) credits cooperation among state dam safety officials, dam owners and 

operators, and local emergency managers. Credit is for state and local dam safety programs 

that

• Help make the needed information available,

• Improve communications among operators of the dams and downstream communities, 

and

• Develop warning and response plans for dam failures.
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-3 Edition: 2017 

The credit is keyed to addressing the areas at risk from the failure of a high-hazardpotential dam. A “high-hazard-potential dam” is one for which failure or operational errors

will probably cause loss of human life downstream. Communities must contact their state 

dam safety office to determine if they are affected by such a dam. 

Communities are encouraged to address other dams whose failure could cause loss of life or

property damage. 

This activity is not intended to be a model for developing a dam failure warning and 

response plan program. As with the rest of the CRS activities, its objective is to provide a 

simple way to measure a local program’s potential impact on life safety, health, and 

property damage. An effective program needs to be carefully prepared and tailored to the 

local hazards and the specific needs of the community.

631.a. Activity Description 

The maximum credit for Activity 630 is 160 points. 

This activity provides credit to communities that would be affected by the failure of an 

upstream high-hazard-potential dam. State definitions of 

a high-hazard-potential dam vary, and may include 

potential damage to buildings or property. However, all 

state definitions of high-hazard-potential dams include 

or refer to probably loss of life if there is a failure of the 

dam.

Credit is provided under five elements: 

High-hazard-potential Dams 

“Dams assigned the high hazard 

potential classification are those where 

failure or mis-operation will probably 

cause loss of human life.”

—Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: 

Hazard Potential Classification System for 

Dams, 2004, by the Interagency 

Committee on Dam Safety

• The state’s dam safety program that sets 

construction, maintenance, and data provision

standards for dams (credited under SDS),

• A system to advise local emergency managers of 

a potential dam failure (credited under DFR),

• A warning system for the areas downstream of the dam (credited under DFW),

• A plan of action to minimize the threat to life and property during the flood (credited 

under DFO), and

• Coordination with critical facility operators (credited under DCF).

631.b. Activity Credit Criteria 

These activity credit criteria apply to all Activity 630 elements except SDS (Section 632.a).

(1) There must be at least one insurable building within the community subject to 

inundation due to the failure of a high-hazard-potential dam. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-4 Edition: 2017

(2) The community must submit a description of the dam failure threat, including the 

following for each high-hazard-potential dam that affects the community. The first three 

items should be available from the state’s dam safety office. If they are not available 

from the state or the owner of the dam, the community may have to develop the 

information and document it.

(a) A general description of the dam, including its distance upstream from the 

community;

(b) A dam failure inundation or evacuation map;

(c) Dam failure flood hazard data, including the arrival time of flood waters at different 

locations and peak elevations of the dam failure flood;

(d) An inventory of the types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc.) exposed to dam

failure flooding with an approximate count of the number of buildings and an 

inventory of the land use (residential, agricultural, open space, etc.) of developed 

and undeveloped areas within the dam failure inundation or evacuation area for each 

high-hazard-potential dam;

(e) A list of the critical facilities that would be flooded or otherwise affected by a failure 

of the dam; and

(f) The expected impacts of dam failure flooding on health and safety; community 

functions, such as police and utility services; and the potential for secondary 

hazards.

Local governments may have completed a risk assessment that meets this criterion as 

part of their floodplain management or hazard mitigation plan credited under 

Activity 510. If not, the community can complete the CRS Community Self

Assessment described in Section 240 of the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. The 

products from either of these efforts should provide the basis for the dam failure 

flood hazard description.

This credit criterion is a prerequisite for Class 4 communities.

(3) The community must obtain some credit in all four dam failure warning and response 

elements (DFR, DFW, DFO, and DCF) in order to receive any credit for its local dam 

failure warning and response planning.

(4) To receive DFR, DFW, DFO, and DCF credit, the community must have a dam failure 

warning and response plan that has been adopted by the community’s governing body. 

The plan should be part of, and must meet the same criteria as, the community’s flood 

warning and response plan described in Section 611.b(4).

(5) To receive DFR, DFW, DFO, and DCF credit, the community must implement one or 

more annual outreach projects to the residents and businesses in the area(s) expected to 

be inundated by a dam failure of an identified high-hazard-potential dam. The project(s)

must tell people of their risk of flooding, how they will be warned of a dam failure 

flood, and the safety measures they should take during a flood (e.g., evacuation 
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-5 Edition: 2017 

procedures and routes). This can be done by using 

one or more of the following approaches: 

(a) Sending an outreach project (e.g., a brochure, 

letter, or newsletter) each year to all residents 

and businesses in the community;

(b) Sending an outreach project each year to all 

residents and businesses in the area(s) subject 

to dam failure flooding; or

(c) Developing an appropriate approach as part of 

a Program for Public Information credited 

under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects). 

(6) To receive DFR, DFW, DFO, and DCF credit, 

there must be at least one exercise or drill of the 

dam failure warning and response plan each year. 

This can be an exercise for a flood, levee failure, 

dam failure, or hurricane. This criterion would be

met if the plan is implemented in response to an 

actual flood or actual threat of a dam failure. In 

either case, there must be an evaluation of the 

performance of the plan and recommended 

changes that may be needed, as is usually done in 

an after-action report.

Annual Warning and 

Response Exercise

Activities 610 (Flood Warning and 

Response), 620 (Levees), and 630 (Dams) 

require an annual exercise or drill of the 

warning and response plan. A flood, levee 

failure, dam failure, or hurricane exercise 

qualifies as an exercise for all three 

activities. 

An evaluation of the performance of the 

warning and response plan must include

• A description of the exercise, 

• An evaluation of the

 ○ Threat recognition procedures,

 ○ Warning dissemination, 

 ○ Response operations, and

• Recommended changes to the plan.

The exercise requirement can also be 

met if the community responds to an actual 

flood or actual threat of a levee or dam 

failure, provided that the items listed above 

are discussed in an after-action (or similar) 

report. 

632 Elements

632.a. State dam safety program (SDS) 

The maximum credit for this element is 45 points.

SDS credit is provided for the state’s dam safety program to a community that would be 

affected by the failure of an upstream high-hazard-potential dam. Credit is based on 

• The assessment of the condition of dams in the state, 

• Risk communication and public awareness, and 

• Promotion of emergency action plans by operators of the dams.

All of these are designed to encourage states to provide needed flood threat data to 

communities and to encourage operators of the dams to cooperate with local emergency 

management planning.
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-6 Edition: 2017

Credit Criteria for SDS

(1) The SDS credit earned by the state dam safety office is provided to all communities that 

would be affected by a flood from the failure of a high-hazard-potential dam. This must 

be documented with a description and a map.

(2) The community must meet state dam safety standards to receive credit for this element. 

If the community owns or regulates the construction, operation, or maintenance of any 

dams, the community’s dams and/or its dam safety program must meet the state 

standards for dam safety.

(3) If the state’s SDS credit changes, the community’s credit for SDS will be updated at the 

next verification visit or modification.

Credit Points for SDS

SDS = up to 45 points for communities affected by high-hazardpotential dams

Impact Adjustment for SDS

There is no impact adjustment for SDS. 

Documentation for SDS Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The needed documentation is assembled by the ISO/CRS Specialist and provided to 

the technical reviewer for this activity. There is a checklist to help the emergency 

manager identify all needed documentation, available at

www.CRSresources.org/600.

(b) A map and description of the threat from failure of high-hazard-potential dams

(credit criterion (2) in Section 631.b). 

632.b. Dam failure threat recognition system (DFR)

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points. 

DFR credit is provided for primary and secondary threat recognition procedures. This credit 

is separate from flood threat recognition credit in Activity 610 (FTR), but the dam failure 

threat recognition system should be closely coordinated with the FTR system.

The more lead time that a community has, the more that can be done to protect people from 

a flood. Although a dam may be breached suddenly, the flood waters may not reach the 

community for some time. This credit is for a system that advises the community if a breach 

is likely or is occurring, giving the community and residents time to respond. 

(1) Primary dam failure threat recognition (DFR1): Credit is provided for primary threat 

recognition procedures in which the operator of the dam notifies local emergency 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-7 Edition: 2017

managers of a potential or actual dam breach. This could be based on a predetermined 

reservoir level, water flowing over the spillway, structural problems discovered in the 

dam, or other cause for alarm.

(2) Secondary dam failure threat recognition (DFR2): Additional credit is provided for a 

backup system that includes sensors or cameras on the dam and/or a gage, camera, or 

other river-level monitoring system located between the dam and the community. This 

information must be directly available to the emergency manager.

Credit Criteria for DFR

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 631.b must be met.

(2) For DFR1 and DFR2:

(a) The threat recognition procedures must be in the dam failure warning and response 

plan or a related document (credit criterion (4) in Section 631.b).

(b) The threat recognition system must be monitored by the operator and/or the local 

emergency manager (or office on behalf of the emergency manager) 24 hours a day, 

seven days a week. 

(c) The equipment used must be tested at least quarterly. Equipment that is used 

routinely throughout the year, such as a telephone, does not need testing records for 

CRS credit.

(3) DFR1 credit is a prerequisite for DFR2 credit.

(4) For DFR1 credit, the primary dam failure threat recognition procedures must include 

(a) Procedures and predetermined conditions for when the operator of the dam notifies 

local emergency managers of a potential or actual dam breach; and

(b) At least quarterly communication checks between the operator of the dam and 

emergency services officials. 

(5) For DFR2 credit, the secondary dam failure threat recognition backup system must be 

directly available to the emergency manager.

Credit Points for DFR

DFR = the total of the following, up to the maximum of 30 points

DFR1 = up to 20 points, for the primary dam failure threat 

recognition system

DFR2 = up to 10 points, for the secondary dam failure threat 

recognition system

Impact Adjustment for DFR
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-8 Edition: 2017 

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 633. 

Documentation for DFR Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The dam failure warning and response plan or related document that describes the 

threat recognition procedures (credit criterion (2)(a) in Section 632.b and credit 

criterion (4) in Section 631.b). The plan must be marked to show where the credited 

items appear. 

(b) An impact adjustment map showing the area(s) affected by each element and 

documentation showing how the numbers of buildings used in the calculations were 

determined (credit criteria (2)(b) and (2)(d) in Section 631.b and Section 633 impact 

adjustment). 

(2) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) Records of the quarterly test of all equipment and material needed for the system 

(credit criterion (2)(c) in Section 632.b) and the quarterly communication checks 

between the operator of the dam and emergency services officials (credit criterion 

(3)(b) in Section 632.b). 

(b) A copy of the outreach material used to advise people of the dam failure hazard and 

of ways to protect themselves from flooding (credit criterion (5) in Section 631.b). If 

the outreach material is also credited under Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), a 

separate submittal is not needed provided the other document (including a PPI, if 

used) is annotated to show where the 630 outreach topics are covered.

(c) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (6) in Section 631.b). The 

exercise must include the dam failure threat recognition procedures. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

632.c. Dam failure warning (DFW) 

The maximum credit for this element is 35 points. 

DFW credit is provided for disseminating the warning of a potential dam failure to the 

public through messages and other notification systems. This warning program for DFW 

credit should be closely coordinated with the flood warning dissemination activities 

credited in Section 612.b (EWD).

The inability of dams to fully protect any downstream development and population often is 

not known by those at risk, nor is it publicized by the community. The emergency 

management staff faces the task of convincing citizens that very real residual risks exist, 

which can greatly affect their lives and property. Risk awareness within the community can 

be limited by political constraints or by the security concerns of dam-owing agencies—both 

of which seriously limit lifesaving opportunities.
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-9 Edition: 2017

Once the dam failure flood threat recognition system tells local emergency managers what 

will be flooded and when, warnings should be issued to the affected populations. The 

messages that need to be conveyed and the time at which they should be delivered should 

be thought out in advance, as part of the dam failure warning and response plan. 

The messages should state when flooding is predicted to occur, its expected severity, and 

appropriate response actions (e.g., evacuation routes, safe shelters, or protective actions). 

Special warning arrangements for schools, nursing homes, and other critical facilities are 

credited under DCF.

Credit Criteria for DFW

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 631.b must be met.

(2) The warning procedures must be included in the dam failure warning and response plan 

or a related document (credit criterion (4) in Section 631.b).

(3) The warning must reach people in a timely manner, especially because there may not be 

much time between a sudden dam failure and the point at which the water reaches 

homes and businesses. For example, television or radio announcements are not credited 

if they are the only approach used because the failure may occur during the night. The 

messages should be drafted in coordination with the messages and projects credited 

under flood response preparations (FRP) in Activity 330 (Outreach Projects).

(4) For those warning systems requiring specialized equipment, the equipment and 

procedures must be tested at least annually. Equipment that is used routinely throughout 

the year, such as television notices and message boards, do not need testing records for 

CRS credit.

Credit Points for DFW

DFW = the total of the following, up to the maximum of 35 points:

DFW1 = 5 points, if the plan includes pre-scripted messages 

and guidance for staff to quickly issue appropriate warnings

DFW2 = 5 points, if the public messages include information 

on the expected elevation of the flood waters, and instructions 

on when to evacuate

DFW3 = 10 points, if an outdoor voice-sound system or fixed 

siren system is used

DFW4 = EITHER:

(a) 2 points, if the plan identifies the primary and support 

agencies responsible for door-to-door or mobile public 

address warning; OR
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-10 Edition: 2017

(b) 10 points, if the plan identifies the routes, procedures, 

responsible staff, and equipment necessary for door-todoor or mobile public address warning

DFW5 = 10 points, if the Emergency Alert System through all 

channels/stations with pre-scripted draft messages is used

DFW6 = 10 points, if telephone warnings to residents and 

businesses are used

DFW7= Up to 10 points, if schools, hospitals, nursing homes, 

prisons, and similar facilities that need flood warning have 

NOAA Weather Radio receivers and at least one other 

automated backup system for receiving flood warnings, 

provided that the community has coordinated with the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 

there are arrangements for issuing warnings about dam

failures

Impact Adjustment for DFW

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 633.

Documentation for DFW Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The dam failure warning and response plan or related document that describes the 

emergency warning procedures (credit criterion (2) in Section 632.c and credit 

criterion (4) in Section 631.b). The plan or related document must be marked to 

show where the credited items appear.

(2) At each verification visit and with the annual CRS recertification,

(a) Records showing the annual test of all equipment and material needed for the system 

(credit criterion (4) in Section 632.c).

(b) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (6) in Section 631.b). The 

exercise must include the procedures for warning people credited under this element.

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-11 Edition: 2017 

632.d. Dam failure response operations (DFO) 

The maximum credit for this element is 30 points. 

DFO credit is provided for the development of dam failure response operations that identify 

flood response scenarios, responsibilities, special need populations, and necessary 

resources. The actions undertaken that receive DFO credit should be closely coordinated 

with the flood response operations credited in Section 612.c (FRO).

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) requires local governments to validate 

the inventory of response assets using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 

Resources Typing Standards. Department heads and other emergency response team 

members should know what kinds of resources they have available. This should be 

compared with the resources needed. Shortfalls may require negotiating agreements with 

private suppliers or other jurisdictions.

Dam failure response operations need to be spelled out in the dam failure warning and 

response plan. They must include appropriate actions to be implemented when the dam 

failure flood threatens or occurs. The actions are conducted by the community and other 

cooperating agencies and organizations. 

Credit Criteria for DFO

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 631.b must be met.

(2) The dam failure operations actions must be included in the dam failure warning and 

response plan or a related document (credit criterion (4) in Section 631.b).

(3) Credit is based on the extent and level of detail the dam failure warning and response 

plan provides for the response operations. General statements or an assignment of 

responsibilities with no specifics about what is to be done are not credited. For full 

credit for DFO, the plan needs to 

(a) Describe the actions to be taken, 

(b) Identify the office or official responsible for the action,

(c) Define the time needed to carry out the activity, and

(d) Contain other critical information that specified agencies and organizations need in 

order to perform their assigned responsibilities.

(4) DFO4 credit is provided if there is a list of the personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, 

and other resources needed to complete each task. For full credit, the list must identify 

what is available within the community and what is needed from private suppliers or 

other jurisdictions. 
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CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-12 Edition: 2017

Credit Points for DFO

DFO = the sum of the following, up to the maximum of 30 points:

DFO1 = 10 points, if the community has developed scenarios 

that explain what could happen if a dam failed

DFO2 = 10 points, if the plan identifies response tasks and 

responsible community staff and other public and private 

organizations with responsibilities related to the response 

tasks in the plan

DFO3 = 5 points, for maintaining a data base of people with 

special needs who require evacuation assistance when a

dam failure warning is issued, and for having a plan to 

provide transportation to secure locations

DFO4 = up to 10 points, if the plan includes a summary of 

estimated staff, equipment, supplies, and time required for each 

response task and the sources of necessary resources

Impact Adjustment for DFO

The impact adjustment for the activity is described in Section 633.

Documentation for DFO Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit,

(a) The dam failure warning and response plan or related document that describes the 

operations and actions credited above (credit criterion (2) in Section 632.d and credit 

criterion (4) in Section 631.b). The plan or related document must be marked to 

show where the credited items appear.

(2) At each verification visit and with the annual recertification,

(a) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year (credit criterion (6) in Section 631.b). The 

exercise must include the actions credited under this element.

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

632.e. Dam failure critical facilities planning (DCF)

The maximum credit for this element is 20 points.

DCF credit should be closely tied to the critical facilities coordination done under Section 

612.d (CFP). 
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-13 Edition: 2017

DCF1 credit is provided for having information about all critical facilities that could be 

affected by a dam failure included in the community’s dam failure response plan. In 

general, facilities not subject to flooding during a dam failure do not need to be addressed, 

although in some cases loss of access can cause a critical situation. There may also be 

facilities in flood-free sites that will be needed to support the flood response effort.

Additional credit is provided in DCF2 if dam failure warning and response plans for 

individual critical facilities have been developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community.

Credit Criteria for DCF

(1) The activity credit criteria in Section 631.b must be met.

(2) DCF1 is a prerequisite for any DCF credit.

(3) For DCF1 credit, the community’s dam failure response plan must list the facilities 

considered critical in a dam failure emergency. The community must contact the 

facilities to determine if they need special warning arrangements. The community does 

not need to provide a special warning to all critical facilities, only those that need one.

There is no impact adjustment for DCF1. The community must include all critical 

facilities affected by a dam failure on its list.

(4) For DCF2 credit, dam failure warning and response plans must have been developed, 

reviewed, or accepted by the community for individual critical facilities.

Credit Points for DCF

DCF = the sum of the following

DCF1 = up to 10 points, if the adopted plan includes 

(a) contact information, including the names and phone 

numbers of the operators of all public and private critical

facilities affected by dam failure, and

b) arrangements for special warnings or early notifications 

directly to those critical facilities that need advance 

warning

DCF2 = up to 10 points, if critical facilities listed under DCF1 

have their own dam failure response plans that have been 

developed, reviewed, or accepted by the community. The credit 

is prorated based on the percentage of affected critical facilities 

that have creditable plans
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-14 Edition: 2017 

Impact Adjustment for DCF

There is no impact adjustment for DCF.

Documentation for DCF Provided by the Community

(1) At each verification visit, 

(a) A list of all public and private critical facilities affected by dam failure or needed to 

be operational during a dam failure flood, with the contact and warning needs 

information. 

(b) [For DCF2] The above ((1)(a)) list of critical facilities marked to identify those that 

have developed their own flood warning and response plans that have been reviewed 

and accepted by the community. The ISO/CRS Specialist will ask for samples of the 

plans for review.

(2) With the annual CRS recertification,

(a) A page from the latest list of the critical facilities provided for DCF1, which must be 

updated at least annually. 

(b) A description of the exercise, drill, or response to an actual emergency or disaster 

conducted during the previous year and a copy of the after-action report or lessonslearned report. 

NOTE: There is a checklist to help the emergency manager identify all needed 

documentation, available at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

633 Impact Adjustment

There is no impact adjustment for the state dam safety program (SDS). All communities 

that benefit from the program receive the same credit. There is no impact adjustment 

for DCF.

The credit points for DFR, DFW, and DFO are adjusted based on the number of buildings 

affected by the element. Determining these adjustments requires identifying the area 

affected and then counting the buildings within that area. 

(1) The area affected by a dam failure flood is shown on the map required under credit 

criterion (2)(b) in Section 631.b. This area may be larger or smaller than the 

community’s Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), depending on the size of the dam’s 

reservoir and its distance upstream from the community.

(2) Counting buildings for an impact adjustment is discussed in Section 302. In most cases, 

the number of buildings affected by an element will be the same as the number of 

buildings in the area expected to be inundated by a dam failure flood. 

(1) rDFR = bDFR 

 bDF 
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-15 Edition: 2017 

(2) rDFW = bDFW 

 bDF 

(3) rDFO = bDFO , where

 bDF 

bDFR = the number of buildings that benefit from the dam 

failure threat recognition system, 

bDFW = the number of buildings that benefit from the dam 

failure flood warnings, 

bDFO = the number of buildings in the area covered by the 

dam failure operations actions, and

 bDF = the number of buildings in the community expected to 

be inundated by a failure of all the high-hazard-potential 

dams that affect the community

bDFO cannot be greater than bDFW

bDFW cannot be greater than bDFR 

 rDFR cannot be greater than 1.0

634 Credit Calculation 

c630 = SDS + (DFR x rDFR) + (DFW x rDFW)

 + (DFO x rDFO) + DCF1 + DCF2 

635 For More Information

a. Additional information, documentation checklists, reference materials, and examples can be 

found at www.CRSresources.org/600. 

b. Information on state definitions for high-hazard-potential dams was prepared in 2010 by the 

Association of State Dam Safety Officials and is available at 

http://www.damsafety.org/media/Documents/Surveys/HazardPotentialClassifications_2010sep

t.pdf. 

c. More information on dam safety activities and state programs can be found on the website for 

the Association of State Dam Safety Officials at www.damsafety.org. 

d. The following can be obtained from FEMA’s Dam Safety Office website at 

www.fema.gov/protecting-our-communities/plan-ahead-dam-failure/dam-failure-information. 
Dams

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 630-16 Edition: 2017 

Model State Dam Safety Program, Association of State Dam Safety Officials, FEMA316CD. (2007). 

Catalog of FEMA Dam Safety Resources, FEMA. (2008).

Emergency Action Planning for Dam Owners, FEMA-64. (2007).

636 Related Activities under the Community Rating System

• The outreach to residents required in Section 631.b (5) and developing an appropriate 

approach as part of a Program for Public Information can be credited under Activity 

330.

• DFR is similar to element FTR under Activity 610 and element LFR under Activity 

620. It credits a system that provides the community with the earliest possible 

notification that a flood is imminent. The three threat recognition systems should be 

closely coordinated.

• DFW is similar to element EWD under Activity 610 and element LFW under Activity 

620. It credits a flood warning dissemination system that provides a critical linkage 

between the recognition of an impending flood and the community’s response to the 

emergency. The three warning dissemination systems should be closely coordinated.

• DFO is similar to element FRO under Activity 610 and element LFO under Activity 

620. It identifies opportunities to prevent loss of life and property damage during a 

flood. The three response operations plans should be closely coordinated.

• DCF is similar to Activity 610 and 620 credits because it requires the maintenance of 

a current list of critical facilities in potential levee inundation areas, the maintenance 

of up-to-date contact information for each critical facility, and having plans for 

warning each critical facility in a timely manner.

• Documentation of the annual exercise is a prerequisite for Activities 610, 620, and 

630. One exercise can meet all three activities’ requirements. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 700-1 Edition: 2017

700 COMMUNITY CLASSIFICATION CALCULATIONS

In this series, the credit points calculated for each of the Community Rating System (CRS) 

activities undergo final adjustment. In Section 710, the scores for Series 400 (Mapping and 

Regulations) activities are adjusted to reflect the county’s rate of growth. The points for all 

the activities are then totaled in Section 720. 

Contents of Series 700 

Section Page

710 County Growth Adjustment ..................................................................... 710-1 

 711 Growth Data ..................................................................................... 710-1 

 712 Growth Adjustment Calculation ...................................................... 710-1 

 713 Credit Documentation ...................................................................... 710-3 

720 Community Total Points ......................................................................... 720-1 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 710-1 Edition: 2017 

710 COUNTY GROWTH ADJUSTMENT

The OBJECTIVE of this credit calculation step is to increase the credit for activities related to 

managing new development in areas that are growing. 

Background 

Flood loss prevention activities have a greater impact in growing areas than in communities 

with little or no pressure for future development in their floodplains. Therefore, the credit 

points provided for activities in the 400 series (Mapping and Regulations) are adjusted to 

reflect the growth rate of the county in which a community is located. The county growth 

adjustment (CGA) is applied by multiplying the number of points for the activity by the 

growth rate (see Section 720).

Community Rating System (CRS) communities should be aware that if they have a 

significant amount of credit for the activities in the 400 series, and if their county has a high 

growth rate, then the growth rate is providing a significant proportion of their total credit. If 

the growth rate drops in the future, a community will lose credit points, and may lose its 

CRS class if it cannot make up those points.

711 Growth Data 

The county growth adjustment used to adjust credit for the 400 series activities is calculated 

by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) for the county in which the community is located. 

If a community’s corporate limits are in two or more counties, the county growth rates are 

averaged. 

The annual growth rate for a county is calculated from the growth in dwelling units over a 

10-year period beginning five years before and ending five years after the year of the 

verification visit. These numbers are updated every year.

The data used are 

(1) DU–5: The estimated number of dwelling units in the county five years ago, as reported 

by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, and 

(2) DU+5: The estimated number of dwelling units in the county five years from now, as 

projected by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demographic 

contractor, Applied Geographic Solutions, Inc. 

712 Growth Adjustment Calculation 

There are three steps to calculating the county growth adjustment. The first is to establish a 

county 10-year growth rate. Then the growth rates are converted to an annual county growth 

rate. Finally, the CGA is determined. 
County Growth Adjustment 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 710-2 Edition: 2017 

NOTE: The county growth adjustment is calculated by ISO and provided to the community. 

There is no need for additional calculations. The formulae are shown here to explain how 

the number that ISO provides is generated. 

712.a. County 10-year growth rate (CGR) 

A county’s 10-year growth rate in dwelling units is calculated as

CGR = 1+ DU+5 – DU–5 , where

 DU–5 

 DU+5 = the number of dwelling units projected 5 years 

from now, and 

 DU–5 = the number of dwelling units estimated by the 

 U.S. Census five years ago 

Example 712.a-1. 

The estimated number of dwelling units in a county five years ago was 

100,000, and the projected number of dwelling units five years from 

now is 130,000. 

DU–5 = 100,000

DU+5 = 130,000

CGR = 1 + (130,000 – 100,000) = 1 + 30,000 = 1+ 0.30 = 1.30

 100,000 100,000

The number of dwelling units in the county is predicted to grow by 30% 

over the 10-year period.

712.b. Annual growth adjustment (AGA)

The county 10-year growth rate is a product of 10 years of growth. This is converted to an 

annual growth rate. The annual growth rate accounts for the total increase in dwelling units

each year, which changes every year. Therefore, dividing the 10-year growth rate by 10 

does not produce a correct annual growth rate. A different formula must be used: 

AGA = CGR(1÷10)
County Growth Adjustment 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 710-3 Edition: 2017 

Example 712.b-1. 

Using the data in the previous example, CGR = 1.30. 

AGA = 1.30(1÷10) = 1.30(0.1) = 1.0266

The number of dwelling units in the county is predicted to grow at a 

rate of 2.66% each year. 

712.c. County growth adjustment (CGA)

The CGA is 10 times the annual growth adjustment, rounded to two decimal points.

CGA = (AGA x 10) – 9, where

CGA cannot be less than 1.00 or greater than 1.50 

Example 712.c-1. 

Using the data in the previous examples, AGA = 1.0266. 

CGA = (1.0266 x 10) – 9 = 10.266 – 9 = 1.266, rounded to 1.27

The maximum value for CGA is 1.5. Counties with growth rates exceeding the maximum

use 1.5 for CGA. Counties that are losing population are not affected because CGA must be 

greater than or equal to 1.0. If a community’s corporate limits are in two or more counties, 

the county growth rates are averaged.

713 Credit Documentation

No documentation is required. The ISO/CRS Specialist has the growth rate data and the 

value for CGA for all counties. The data are also posted at www.CRSresources.org/700. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual 720-1 Edition: 2017 

720 COMMUNITY TOTAL POINTS

At this step the points for all of the community’s activities are totaled. The resulting total 

decides the community’s Community Rating System (CRS) classification, provided that all 

the class prerequisites have been met.

Step 1. The credit for the 400 series activities are multiplied by the current value for CGA 

(from Section 710).

Step 2. The results are added to the credits for the other activities to arrive at the 

community’s total points (cT).

The result is the community’s total credit points (cT), which determines the community’s 

CRS classification, assuming that all class prerequisites have been met. Table 110-1 relates 

the total points to the CRS classification and the flood insurance premium discount. 

If the community does not have enough total points to attain a better class than it currently 

has, then it should request credit for additional activities or elements. A request for a 

modification with fewer points than are needed for an improved class will be returned.

The community’s total points are verified by the ISO/CRS Specialist at the verification 

visit. The ISO/CRS Specialist submits a verification report to the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA) and FEMA determines the community’s CRS classification. 

The classes and the resulting flood insurance premium credits may be revised from year to 

year by FEMA, based on experience gained in measuring the impacts of the activities. 

Example 720-1.

The verified credits for a community are computed below. The county

growth adjustment (CGA) is from the example in Section 710. 

 c310 = 58

 c320 = 90 

 c330 = 175

 c340 = 28

 c350 = 56

 c360 = 65

 c370 = 0 

 c410 = 0 x CGA 1.27 = 0 

 c420 = 203 x CGA 1.27 = 258 
Community Total Points

CRS Coordinator’s Manual 720-2 Edition: 2017

c430 = 117 x CGA 1.27 = 149

c440 = 68 x CGA 1.27 = 86

c450 = 60 x CGA 1.27 = 76

c510 = 158

c520 = 324

c530 = 60

c540 = 470

c610 = 105

c620 = 0

c630 = 0

cT = total of above 2,158

As seen in Table 110-1, the community has enough points to become 

a CRS Class 6. If it meets the Class 9 and Class 6 prerequisites

discussed in Sections 211.a and 211.b, it can be verified as a Class 6. 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual A-1 Edition: 2017 

Appendix A

ACRONYMS

The acronyms used in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual are listed below. The section number 

tells where the first detailed description of the acronym appears. 

Most of the acronyms are elements of the credited activities in the 300 through 600 series. 

All elements are in capital letters. Attributes of an element are in lower-case letters. The 

lower-case letters, “a,” “b,” “c,” and “r,” are prefixes. The letters “i,” “n,” and “s” are 

suffixes to the elements. For example, “bAR” represents the number of buildings acquired 

or relocated. The “b” is described in Section 302 and the “AR” is described in Section 522. 

Acronym Section Description

aC 542 area of the community

aCIP 542 area covered by the watershed-based analysis

AGA 712 annual growth adjustment 

AMD 442 additional map data 

aSFHA 402 area of the Special Flood Hazard Area

ASFPM 431 Association of State Floodplain Managers 

aSFT 413 the area of the Special Flood Hazard Area for the community at the time 

of adoption of a study 

aW 452 area of a community’s watersheds

AW-nnn 230 Activity Worksheet number nnn 

aXXX 402 area affected by element XXX

bAR 522 number of buildings acquired or relocated 

bARSF 523 buildings acquired or relocated in the Special Flood Hazard Area 

BC 432 building code 

BCEGS 211 Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule 

bCF 522 number of critical facilities acquired or relocated

BFE 120 base flood elevation

bLF 623 number of buildings affected by levee failure

BMM 442 benchmark maintenance

BMP 452 best management practices (for stormwater quality)

bPO 302 number of post-FIRM buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area

bPR 302 number of pre-FIRM buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area

bRL 522 number of buildings on the repetitive loss list acquired or relocated 

bSF 302 number of buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area

bSRL 522 number of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties acquired or relocated

bVZ 522 number of buildings acquired or relocated within V or coastal A Zones

bXXX 302 number of buildings affected by element XXX 

CAZ 432 coastal A Zone regulations

CBRA 320 Coastal Barrier Resources Act

CBRS 320 Coastal Barrier Resources System areas

CC-nnn 230 Community Certification number nnn 
Appendix A

Acronym Section Description 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual A-2 Edition: 2017

CC-nnnEHP 507 Community Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic 

Preservation Requirements number nnn

CDR 542 channel and basin debris removal

CEO 212 Chief Executive Officer of a community

CFM® 432 Certified Floodplain Manager

CFP 612 critical facilities planning

CFR Code of Federal Regulations (in the Federal Register)

CER 432 coastal erosion regulations

CGA 712 county growth adjustment

CGR 712 county 10-year growth rate

CIP 542 capital improvement plan

CORS 442 Continuously Operating Reference Stations

CP 372 coverage improvement plan

CPI 372 coverage improvement plan implementation

CRS p. v Community Rating System

CSI 432 cumulative substantial improvement regulations

cT 720 community’s total credit points under the Community Rating System

cXXX 223 credit points for element or Activity XXX

DCF 632 dam failure critical facilities planning

DFH 342 disclosure of the flood hazard by real estate agents

DFIRM 411 digital Flood Insurance Rate Map

DFO 632 dam failure response operations 

DFR 632 dam failure threat recognition system

DFW 632 dam failure warning

DL 432 development limitations

DOH 342 disclosure of other hazards, such as subsidence

DR 422 deed restrictions placed on open space properties

DS 452 design storms used in stormwater management regulations

DU 711 dwelling units counted toward the county growth rate

EC 312 maintaining FEMA Elevation Certificates

ECPO 312 maintaining post-FIRM elevation certificates

ECPR 312 maintaining pre-FIRM elevation certificates

EDM 442 erosion data maintenance

EMI 362 the Emergency Management Institute of the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency

ENL 432 regulations limiting enclosures below elevated floors

ENLCAZ 432 enforcing enclosure regulations within CAZ-credited areas (bonus credit)

ESC 452 erosion and sedimentation control regulations

EWD 612 emergency warning dissemination

FAA 362 financial assistance advice

FDN 432 foundation protection regulations
Appendix A

Acronym Section Description 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual A-3 Edition: 2017

FEMA p. v Federal Emergency Management Agency

FIA 372 flood insurance coverage assessment

FIRM p. v Flood Insurance Rate Map

FM 442 Flood Insurance Rate Map maintenance

FMP 511 floodplain management planning

FPB 532 flood protection level before the project was constructed

FPI 532 flood protection improvement

FPP 532 flood protection provided by the project

FRB 432 freeboard 

FRO 612 flood response operations

FRP 332 flood response preparations

FTR 612 flood threat recognition system

FWS 412 more restrictive floodway standard

GIS 442 geographic information system

HSS 412 higher study standard

ICC 432 Increased Cost of Compliance (a claim provision of a National Flood 

Insurance Program policy)

ISO 114 Insurance Services Office, Inc.

LCF 622 levee failure critical facilities planning

LDP 432 local drainage protection

LEV 412 leverage

LFO 622 levee failure response operations 

LFR 622 levee failure threat recognition system

LFW 622 levee failure warning

LIB 352 flood protection library

LID 452 low-impact development

LiMWA 432 limit of moderate wave action

LM 622 levee maintenance

LOMA 321 Letter of Map Amendment

LOMR 321 Letter of Map Revision

LPD 352 locally pertinent documents for a library

LSI 432 lower substantial improvement threshold

LZ 422 low-density zoning

MAP 412 mapping credit (the sum of all 410 elements)

MAPSH 412 mapping credit for special flood-related hazards

MHP 432 manufactured home park regulations

MI 322 providing map information and Flood Insurance Rate Map data 

MLS 342 Multiple Listing Service
Appendix A

Acronym Section Description 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual A-4 Edition: 2017

NAVD 120 North American Vertical Datum

nCDC 542 total number of conveyance system components in the community 

nCDR 542 number of inspected and maintained conveyance system components

NFIP p. v National Flood Insurance Program

NFOS 422 natural functions open space

NFP 512 natural floodplain functions plan

NGS 442 National Geodetic Survey

NGVD 120 National Geodetic Vertical Datum

NIMS 620 National Incident Management System 

NOAA 612 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NS 412 new flood study 

nSBC 542 total number of public and private storage basins in the community

nSBM 542 number of storage basins inspected and maintained by the community

NSP 422 natural shoreline protection

NSRS 442 National Spatial Reference System

ODR 342 other disclosure requirements

OHS 432 other higher regulatory standards

OP 332 outreach projects

OSI 422 open space incentives

OSP 422 open space preservation

PB 532 protected buildings

PBi 532 protection credit for building “i”

PCF 432 regulations that protect critical facilities

PPA 362 property protection advice

PPI 332 program for public information

PPV 362 flood protection site visit

PSM 542 problem site maintenance

PUB 452 stormwater facilities subject to public maintenance

RA 432 regulations administration

REB 342 real estate agent brochure (explains flood hazards)

RLAA 512 repetitive loss area analysis

rXXX 222 ratio of the buildings or area affected by XXX

SBC 542 storage basins in the community 

SBM 542 storage basin maintenance

SDR 542 stream dumping regulations

SDS 632 state dam safety program

SFHA p. v Special Flood Hazard Area

SHOS 422 open space preservation in areas subject to special flood-related hazards

SHR 432 special flood-related hazards regulations

SMR 452 stormwater management regulations
Appendix A

Acronym Section Description 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual A-5 Edition: 2017

SMS 432 state-mandated regulatory standards

SR 412 state review of a new flood study

SRC 612 StormReady community

STK 332 stakeholder delivery of outreach projects

SZ 452 size of development subject to stormwater management

TA 372 technical assistance

TNG 362 training credit

TRC 612 TsunamiReady community

TUB 532 barrier, levee, or floodwall technique used to protect a single building

TUC 532 channel modification or other techniques used to protect buildings

TUD 532 dry floodproofing technique used to protect a building

TUE 532 elevation technique used to protect a building

TUF 532 storage facility technique used to protect buildings

TUi 532 technique used to protect building “i”

TUS 532 sewer backup prevention technique used to protect buildings

TUW 532 wet floodproofing technique used to protect a building

URL 352 universal resource locator

WEB 352 flood protection website

WMP 452 watershed master plan

WQ 452 stormwater management regulations for water quality

XXX element acronym or variable number
CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-1 Edition: 2017 

Appendix B

A Comparison of the Minimum NFIP Requirements 

and the CRS

The Community Rating System provides credits for exceeding the minimum requirements 

of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Many local officials are not sure whether 

their regulations exceed the NFIP requirements or just meet them. The minimum NFIP

requirements for communities are spelled out in 44 CFR Part 59–General Provisions and

Part 60–Criteria for Land Management and Use. This Appendix compares these minimum 

requirements with specific CRS credits.

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

Part 59 General Provisions

Subpart A—General

59.1 Definitions “Exceeding” the definitions for substantial 

improvement and substantial damage is 

recognized in Sections 432.d and e, which 

credit cumulative substantial improvements 

(CSI) and lower substantial improvement 

thresholds (LSI).

59.2 Description of program N/A

59.3 Emergency program N/A

59.4 References N/A

Subpart B—Eligibility Requirements N/A 

Part 60—Criteria for Land Management and Use

Subpart A—Requirements for Flood Plain 

Management Regulations

60.1 Purpose of subpart

(c) “Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as 

modifying or replacing the general requirement 

that all eligible communities must take into 

account flood, mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and 

flood-related erosion hazards, to the extent that 

they are known, in all official actions...”

In other words, the NFIP expects communities to exceed the minimum requirements.
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-2 Edition: 2017

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

(d) “The criteria set forth in this subpart are 

minimum standards...”

N/A

60.2 Minimum compliance with flood plain 

management criteria: describes the procedures for getting the local regulations 

approved.

N/A

60.3 Flood plain management criteria for floodprone areas: the requirements in sections 

(a)—(e) are based on the type of flood data 

provided by FEMA. 

(a) When no flood data are provided by FEMA, 

the community shall:

1. Require permits for development everywhere to determine if the development is 

in a flood-prone area.

Section 412.a, new study (NS) credits 

identifying and regulating additional floodprone areas

2. Make sure proposed developments have 

permits from other agencies.

N/A

3. Make sure building sites will be reasonably 

safe from flooding. If in a flood-prone area, 

new buildings and substantial 

improvements must be anchored, 

constructed with materials and methods 

resistant to flood damage, and have their 

utilities protected.

This NFIP requirement should not be 

confused with the credit for engineered 

foundations under Section 432.c (FDN).

4. New subdivisions must meet similar 

requirements.

There is credit for higher standards for 

subdivisions in Section 422.e (OSI).

5. New and replacement water systems must 

be protected.

N/A

6. New and replacement sanitary and septic 

systems must be protected.

There is credit for adopting the International 

Private Sewage Disposal Code in Section 

432.h (BC).

(b) When FEMA provides a flood map but no 

flood elevations, the community shall:
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-3 Edition: 2017

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

1. Require permits for development in the 

A Zone.

Section 412.a credits providing regulatory 

flood elevations where not available (NS). 

2. Require development to meet the 

requirements in 60.3(a). 2–6.

N/A

3. Require larger subdivisions and developments to produce flood elevations.Section 412.a (NS) credits providing 

regulatory flood elevations for all new 

developments, not just large ones.

4. “Obtain, review and reasonably utilize” 

available flood elevations.

Section 412.a (NS) credits providing 

regulatory flood elevations for all new 

developments, not just those where data are 

readily available.

5. Obtain and maintain records of the 

elevations and floodproofing protection 

levels of new buildings. 

Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) credits 

keeping the records on the FEMA Elevation 

and Floodproofing Certificates.

6. Tell the State and other communities if a 

watercourse will be altered.

There is credit for keeping watercourses in 

their natural state in Section 422.g (NSP). 

7. Assure that the flood carrying capacity of 

an altered watercourse is maintained.

There is credit for keeping watercourses in 

their natural state in Section 422.g (NSP). 

There is credit for maintaining watercourses 

in Activity 540 (Drainage System 

Maintenance), which includes an 

environmental review requirement if maintenance activities or capital improvement 

programs alter a watercourse.

8. Require that manufactured homes be 

elevated and anchored.

N/A

(c) When FEMA provides a Flood Insurance Rate 

Map (FIRM) with flood elevations, the 

community shall:

1. Meet all the requirements of 60.3(b) in all 

types of A Zones.

N/A
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-4 Edition: 2017

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

2. Make sure that residential buildings and 

substantial improvements are elevated to or 

above the base flood elevation in those 

A Zones with flood elevations or depths. 

Section 412.a credits providing regulatory 

flood elevations where not available (NS). 

Section 432.b, Freeboard, credits going 

higher than the base flood elevation.

3. Make sure that non-residential buildings 

and substantial improvements are elevated 

or floodproofed in those A Zones with 

flood elevations or depths.

See (c)2, above.

4. Obtain an architect’s or engineer’s 

certification for floodproofing nonresidential buildings.

Activity 310 credits certifications on FEMA 

forms. This language does not receive credit 

for engineered foundations (FDN) under 

Section 432.c.

5. Make sure that the areas below elevated 

buildings allow for the entry of water.

This is often confused with the credit for 

engineered foundations under Section 432.c

(FDN), but it is a minimum NFIP requirement. Prohibiting enclosing the lower area is 

credited under Section 432.g (ENL).

6. Make sure that mobile homes outside of 

existing mobile home parks are elevated.

N/A

7. Require new and substantially improved 

residential buildings in AO Zones to be 

elevated above the specified depth or, 

where none is specified, two feet.

Section 432.b, Freeboard, credits going 

higher than the base flood depth. Freeboard 

(FRB) credit criterion (2)(c) notes that the 

two feet language is not eligible for 

freeboard credit.

8. Require new and substantially improved 

non-residential buildings in AO Zones to be 

elevated or floodproofed above the 

specified depth or, where none is specified, 

two feet.

See (c)7, above.

9. Require the standards of (a)1–4 and (b)5–9 

in A99 Zones.

N/A

10. Make sure there is no cumulative increase 

in flood heights in areas with no floodway 

designated.

Section 412.a credits new floodway mapping 

as additional data (NS).
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-5 Edition: 2017

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

11. Require drainage paths around buildings in 

AH and AO Zones, areas of shallow 

flooding without defined channels.

N/A

12. Require mobile homes in existing mobile 

home parks to be elevated above the base 

flood elevation or at least three feet above 

grade.

Section 432.j credits higher regulatory 

standards for existing manufactured home 

parks (MHP).

13. Apply for a conditional FIRM revision if a 

development will increase the base flood 

elevation by more than one foot.

Section 412.e credits a floodway standard 

more restrictive than one foot (FWS).

14. Require that recreational vehicles on a site 

for more than 180 days be treated as a 

manufactured home.

N/A

(d) When FEMA provides a floodway map, the 

community shall:

1. Meet all the requirements of 60.3(c).1–14. N/A

2. Adopt a regulatory floodway that does not 

result in increasing the base flood by more 

than one foot.

Section 412.e credits a floodway standard 

more restrictive than one foot (FWS).

3. Prohibit encroachments in the floodway 

from causing any increase in the base flood.

This should not be confused with Section 

432.a, which credits preserving floodplain 

storage capacity (DL1b).

4. Apply for a conditional FIRM revision if a 

development in the floodway will increase 

the base flood elevation.

N/A

(e) When FEMA provides a FIRM that shows the 

coastal high hazard area (V Zone), the 

community shall:

1. Meet all the requirements of 60.3(c).1–14 N/A

2. Keep records of the lowest structural 

member of new buildings.

Activity 310 (Elevation Certificates) credits 

keeping the records on the FEMA Elevation 

Certificate.
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-6 Edition: 2017

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

3. Make sure all new buildings are landward 

of mean high tide.

Section 432.k (CAZ) credits requiring 

structures outside of V Zones to be landward 

of mean high tide.

4. In V Zones with base flood elevations, 

require all new buildings to be elevated on 

pilings and columns so (i) the lowest 

horizontal structural member is elevated 

above the base flood level and (ii) an 

engineer or architect certifies the 

foundation anchoring.

Credit criterion (2)(a) in Section 432.b

provides freeboard credit for requiring 

buildings outside of V Zones to have the 

lowest horizontal member elevated above 

the base flood. Credit under Section 432.c

for engineered foundations (FDN) is not 

available in V Zones because they are 

required there. Section 432.k (CAZ) credits 

extending the V-Zone standards to coastal A 

Zones.

5. Make sure that the areas below elevated 

buildings are open or enclosed with 

breakaway walls.

Section 432.g (ENL) credits prohibiting all 

enclosures of the lower area.

6. Prohibit fill for structural support in 

V Zones.

Section 432.a credits prohibition of all fill in 

the floodplain (DL1), including CLOMR-Fs 

and filling in V Zones.

7. Prohibit man-made alteration of sand dunes 

and mangrove stands in V Zones.

Section 432.n credits prohibiting alteration 

of dunes outside of V Zones and regulations 

that restrict traffic on dunes (CER2).

8. Require mobile homes outside of existing 

mobile home parks to meet the 

requirements of (e)2–7 and mobile homes 

in existing parks to meet the requirements 

of (c)12.

N/A

9. Require that recreational vehicles on a site 

for more than 180 days meet the 

requirements of (b)1 and (e)2–7.

N/A

60.4 Flood plain management criteria for 

mudslide (i.e., mudflow) -prone areas. 

Section 432.l(2) credits regulations that 

manage building in areas susceptible to 

mudflows (MFR) and Section 412.b (NS) 

credits mapping or providing new mapping 

data for areas subject to mudflows.
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-7 Edition: 2017

NFIP Requirement Related CRS Credit

60.5 Flood plain management criteria for floodrelated erosion-prone areas. Section 432.l (SHDL2) credits prohibitions 

on development in erosion-prone riverine 

areas. Section 432.l (UFR2) credits 

regulations for development in areas prone 

to riverine erosion hazards.

60.6 Variances and exceptions. N/A

60.7 Revisions of criteria for flood plain 

management regulations.

N/A

60.8 Definitions (references the definitions in Part 

59).

N/A

Subpart B - Requirements for State Flood Plain 

Management Regulations

N/A

Subpart C - Additional Considerations in 

Managing Flood-Prone, Mudslide (i.e., Mudflow)-

Prone, and Flood-Related Erosion-Prone Areas

N/A: These are planning considerations, not 

requirements. Implementing them would 

exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

Part 65 has criteria for development and adoption

of flood elevation data and floodplain maps. 

Section 65.3 requires communities to submit data 

on changes in data and maps to FEMA. 

Credit criterion (2) for new flood study (NS) 

in Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping) 

states that NS credit is contingent on 

submitting the data and map(s) to FEMA. 
Appendix B 

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-8 Edition: 2017 

Regulations Credited by the CRS 

not Related to Minimum NFIP Requirements

Regulations Credited under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)

Section 432.c: Requiring that fill and building foundations be designed to protect them 

from damage due to erosion, scour and settling (FDN).

Section 432.f: Requiring that critical facilities, such as hospitals and hazardous materials 

storage sites, be protected from higher flood levels (PCF).

Section 432.a: Maintaining floodplain storage by prohibiting fill or by requiring compensatory storage (DL1). Although floodway regulations preserve flood conveyance, they allow 

the flood fringe to be filled in, which can have a significant effect on downstream flood 

heights.

Section 432.a: Prohibiting new buildings in the floodplain (DL2). Credit is prorated for 

prohibiting certain kinds of buildings.

Section 432.a: Prohibiting storage of materials or storage of hazardous materials in the 

floodplain (DL3).

Section 432.m: Implementing other regulations that exceed the minimum requirements of 

the NFIP Regulations (OHS).

The NFIP regulations are oriented toward the more common overbank and coastal flooding. 

Special flood-related hazards regulations (“SH”) are requirements tailored to different 

conditions. 

Regulations Credited under other Activities

Section 342.b: Requiring developers or sellers to publicize or disclose the flood hazard on 

their properties (ODR).

Section 422.a: Prohibiting new buildings and filling in the floodway, V Zone, or other part 

of the floodplain to preserve open space (OSP).

Section 422.e: Regulations that encourage preserving floodplain lands as open space.

Section 422.f: Zoning to minimize the number of buildings in the floodplain to reduce the 

damage potential and help maintain flood storage capacity (LZ).

Section 422.g: Programs that protect natural channels and shorelines.

Section 452.a: Requiring new developments to provide retention or detention of their 

stormwater runoff to minimize the increase in flood flows due to watershed urbanization 

(SMR).
Appendix B

CRS Coordinator’s Manual B-9 Edition: 2017

Section 452.c: Requiring erosion and sedimentation control during construction projects to 

reduce siltation and the resulting loss of channel carrying capacity (ESC).

Section 452.d: Requiring developers to implement appropriate “best management 

practices” that will improve the quality of stormwater runoff (WQ).

Section 452.e: Prohibiting dumping or placing debris in stream channels (SDR).
CRS Coordinator’s Manual C-1 Edition: 2017 

 Appendix C 

COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM PUBLICATIONS

The Community Rating System (CRS) materials referred to throughout the Coordinator’s 

Manual are available for free downloading at www.CRSresources.org. 

Also on the www.CRSresources.org website are many additional resources, including

• The CRS Coordinator’s Manual (2017), in pdf format

• The CRS Application and Quick Check (2017), including a sample letter of interest 

for communities that want to join the CRS, and a tool—with instructions—for 

documenting current activities and calculating possible credit points

• An assortment of short (2–4 page) handouts giving concise overviews and additional 

information about selected CRS-related topics

• Checklists and worksheets to help work through the activities, assemble needed 

documentation, score outreach projects, complete certificates, and similar tasks 

• The CRS Self-Assessment online tool

• Examples of logs, Program for Public Information documents, and letters. 

Available by sending a fax request to (201) 748-1936 or emailing NFIPCRS@ISO.com are 

• Printed copies of the color brochure, The National Flood Insurance Program’s 

Community Rating System 

Many more publications are available online through the websites of the publishing 

agencies and organizations. FEMA’s online library of publications can be found at 

www.fema.gov/library. 

The next page of this appendix is a form that may be used to request printed copies from 

FEMA of the FEMA publications credited under Activity 350. 
 Publications for a Community’s Library

A community needs the following publications to obtain credit for the flood protection library 

(LIB) under Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information). 

Free copies can be obtained by faxing this form to (240) 699-0525. 

For more than one copy, call (800) 480-2520. These publications also can be downloaded from 

www.fema.gov/library.

 Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA P347 (2000) 

 Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011) 

 Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA P-55 (2011) 

 Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984) 

 Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009) 

 Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, 

FEMA-257 (1994) 

 Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage, FEMA P-348 (1999) 

 Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996) 

 Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA-511 (2005) 

Please send these publications to: 

Name: ____________________________________________________________________ 

Address: ____________________________________________________________________ 

 ____________________________________________________________________ 

City: State: Zip: ______________ 

Community name: NFIP number: _______________ 

(if applicable) (if applicable) 
CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-1 Edition: 2017 

Appendix D

A HISTORY OF CHANGES TO CRS CREDITS

This appendix notes the major changes in the scoring for CRS activities that have been 

made since the CRS was initiated in 1990. The changes were introduced in the year noted. 

Other changes, such as added examples, minor revisions to documentation requirements, 

and alterations to format, are not discussed.

1994: Each section and activity in the 200 through 700 series was summarized in an outline 

on the first page of the section.

2013: Pursuant to the CRS Strategic Plan and after the first full weighting forum since the 

program began, the credit points for all the activities were re-weighted, resulting in a 

redistribution of credit points while maintaining the same overall level of premium 

discount.

2017: The credit criteria, credit points, scoring, and documentation information for specialflood related hazards were incorporated into appropriate sections of the CRS Coordinator’s 

Manual. The Special Hazards Supplements were discontinued. 

Application Procedures

In each year, one or more activities had additional documentation required with the initial 

application instead of being reviewed at the verification visit. This approach has helped to 

prevent communities from losing credit points after the verification visit.

1992: The application worksheets were revised to reduce the amount of work needed to 

complete them.

1993 and 1994: The procedures for submitting modifications were revised. A modification 

of one element in an activity required an application worksheet and documentation for all 

the elements of the activity. A modification that resulted in a two-class improvement 

required a reverification that included the application worksheets and documentation for all 

activities.

1994: A new Section 234 was added to explain the criteria for reverifying a community’s 

credit points every few years. 

1994: A new Short Form Application was introduced as a separate publication to provide a 

simpler way to submit an initial application. 

1996: The Short Form Application was expanded to include all activities and elements and 

was named the CRS Application. New applicants for CRS credit were required to use the 

CRS Application. 
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-2 Edition: 2017 

1999: A new requirement was added for a community to attain a Class 7 or better 

classification: a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) of Class 6 or 

better. To attain a Class 4 or better, a community must demonstrate that it has taken 

appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize future flood losses.

2013: The formal application process was replaced with a letter of intent plus 

documentation showing that the community can obtain at least 500 points for its floodplain 

management activities. The full processing of the community’s program is set to take place

at the verification visit conducted in response to the letter of intent.

2017: The term “uniform minimum credit” was changed to “state-based credit” to 

emphasize the importance of state confirmation of the implementation of CRS-creditable 

activities by the state or regional agency.

Activity 240 (Floodplain Management Plan) 

1992: Credits for planned activities were changed to modify the activities rather than the 

elements. The “p” credit for an element was changed to a “p” credit for that activity’s total 

credit. 

Calculating the credits for the plan was moved from the activity’s application worksheet to 

AW-720. As a result of this scoring change, the total credit points for a given activity either 

remained the same or increased. 

1994: The planning process was revised to be more explicit and to include reviewing 

activities that protect natural and beneficial functions. Credit for five activities could be 

increased by 15% if natural and beneficial functions are protected. 

1996: Credit for the floodplain management plan was moved to Section 510 and revised to 

provide credit for the planning process rather than the content of the plan.

2013: A new Section 240 was initiated to describe the CRS Community Self Assessment. 

300 Series (Public Information)

Activity 310 (Elevation Certificate) 

1992: To simplify the formulae, ECCF—Elevation certificates in computer format, was 

changed from being a multiplier worth up to 12.7 points to a separate variable worth up to 

15 points. The total possible points increased from 140 to 142. However, few if any 

communities had enough points for the multiplier to be worth more than 10 points. 

Therefore, for most communities, the total credit for this activity either stayed the same or 

increased slightly.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-3 Edition: 2017

1994: A default impact adjustment was added for communities holding elevation 

certificates for at least 25% of their post- or pre-FIRM buildings or at least 25% in 

computer format.

2002: A new element, ECWS—Elevation certificate data on a website, was added.

2013: Three elements were moved to other activities. ECCF—Elevation certificates in a 

computer format, became a new, similar credit termed AMD—Additional Map Data, under

Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance). ECWS—Elevation certificates on the community’s 

website, was moved to Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information), with the rest of the 

CRS website credits. ORS—Off-site record storage was moved to a new element, 

Regulation administration (RA), under Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards). 

Activity 320 (Map Information Service)

1994: More guidance was provided about telling inquirers of the flood insurance purchase 

requirement.

1999: More explicit guidance was given on providing information about areas designated 

as part of the Coastal Barrier Resources System.

2006: Partial credit was allowed for providing the service through a website or remote 

computer terminal.

2013: Having all the credit dependent on reading the Flood Insurance Rate Map for 

inquirers was replaced with a menu of map information from which a community can 

choose topics to provide for credit. Reading the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) is a 

prerequisite for the other credits.

Activity 330 (Outreach Projects)

1994: Three new topics were added, bringing the total possible points up from 175 to 250: 

a map of the local flood hazard, the substantial improvement requirements, and natural and 

beneficial functions. A fourth element, FML—Floodplain mailing list, was added.

1996: FML was dropped.

2006: A new element was added to credit outreach projects that encourage the purchase or 

retention of a flood insurance policy.

1999: A new element was added to allow a community to receive more points by 

implementing outreach projects pursuant to an adopted public information program strategy 

(OPS).

2013: The emphasis on nation-wide, standard project formats was replaced with an 

emphasis on locally selected messages and more credit for more repetition of the messages. 

The public information program strategy (OPS) was replaced with a Program for Public 
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-4 Edition: 2017

Information (PPI) and two new credits were introduced: Flood response preparations—

FRP, and credit for projects delivered by stakeholders—STK.

Activity 340 (Hazard Disclosure) 

1992: To simplify the formulae, REB—Real estate agents’ brochure, and DOH—Disclosure 

of other hazards, were changed from being multipliers worth 9.2 points to separate variables 

worth 10 points. The total credit for this activity either stayed the same or increased 

slightly.

1999: An alternative approach was initiated for crediting DFH—Disclosure of the flood 

hazard by real estate agents.

Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information)

1994: Credit was increased for having documents related to protecting natural and 

beneficial functions and the Floodplain Management Resource Center. The requirement for 

publicity and related documentation was dropped, but documents were still required to be 

kept in the card catalog or equivalent retrieval system.

2002: New credit was provided for reference material available on or through a 

community’s website. The points were increased and the title of the activity was changed 

from “Flood Protection Library” to “Flood Protection Information.”

2013: The relative credit for the website was increased and the prerequisites were revised.

Activity 360 (Flood Protection Assistance)

1994: The credit criteria were substantially revised, although the total possible points 

remained the same.

1996: Points were added if the person providing the assistance graduated from the 

Emergency Management Institute’s retrofitting course. 

2013: The activity was reorganized to focus on providing one-on-one property protection 

advice to an inquirer (PPA), with more credit for providing it on the inquirer’s property 

during a site visit (PPV). New credits were introduced for providing advice on financial 

assistance programs (FAA) and for attending training on those programs (TNG).

Activity 370 (Flood Insurance Promotion)

2013: This new activity was added to credits communities that take an active role in 

encouraging residents and businesses to purchase and maintain adequate flood insurance 

coverage. A three-step planning and implementation process is credited, along with credit 

for providing technical assistance.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-5 Edition: 2017 

400 Series (Mapping and Regulations) 

1994: More references to the special flood-related hazards were added. Coastal erosion was 

added as a creditable special hazard. More information was provided in CRS Commentary 

Supplement for Special Hazards Credit, which can be ordered as explained in Appendix C. 

2017: The credit criteria, credit points, scoring, and documentation information for specialflood related hazards were incorporated into appropriate sections of the CRS Coordinator’s 

Manual. The Special Hazards Supplements were discontinued.

Activity 410 (Flood Hazard Mapping) 

1992: The approach to identifying and measuring the elements in this activity was 

significantly revised and simplified. The scoring was also changed, so a direct conversion 

was not possible. The three elements NDS—New detailed study, SSA—Site-specific 

analysis, and HED—Higher standards for existing data, were replaced by one, AFD—

Additional flood data.

The relative scores for the NDS and SSA approaches were incorporated into a new variable, 

RFE—Regulatory flood elevation. If a community received credit for NDS (a detailed study 

on a relatively long reach), then RFE = 50. An SSA approach (a study of only the 

development site before a permit is issued) resulted in RFE = 25.

Credit for additional data in areas studied in detail on the FIRM was formerly credited by 

HED. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided a base flood 

elevation, then RFE = 0, similar to the credit for HED. However, a new credit was added 

for a new study of an area that was already studied in detail on the FIRM. While previously 

there was no credit for such a restudy, RFE became = 20.

To simplify the formulae, the old variables of AD—Additional delineations, HHS—Higher 

hydrology standard, and SRAD—State review of additional data, were changed from 

multipliers. They were combined into one element, ADS—Additional data standards. 

FWS—More restrictive floodway standard, was still worth approximately the same, but the 

basis of its credit points was shifted from a formula to discrete value ranges. A similar 

simplification was done to calculate the local cost sharing. The former variable, LCS—

Local cost sharing, was replaced by NFS—Non-FEMA share. Applicants no longer needed

to research the original study costs because credit was based simply on whether there was 

any non-FEMA cost sharing.

Three options were introduced for the impact adjustment. The inclusion of a default value 

was expected to make using the impact adjustment easier.

The denominator in the impact adjustment has been changed from aRF—area of the 

regulatory floodplain, to aSFHA—area of the Special Flood Hazard Area. The maximum 
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-6 Edition: 2017

value for the impact adjustment changed from 1.0 to 2.0. These changes resulted in higher 

scores, especially where the activity covered large areas not mapped as SFHA on the FIRM.

The maximum points for Activity 410 increased from 247 to 360. The maximum was 

attainable only if the impact adjustment was 2.0. If a more common impact adjustment of 

1.0 was used, the maximum would decrease from 247 to 180.

1996: The Coordinator’s Manual clarified the credit for providing additional flood data in 

areas affected by one of the special hazards that covered in the CRS Commentary 

Supplement for Special Hazards Credit.

1999: Credit points for most of the elements were increased and the credit criteria revised.

2002: A new element, CTP, was added to credit studies and mapping done under a 

Cooperating Technical Partner agreement with FEMA. 

2006: The activity was substantially revised to better support FEMA’s Map Modernization 

effort and to increase the credit points for new maps and those done to higher standards.

2013: The credit for state review of new studies was made a separate element—SR. 

2017: Credit criteria, points, and discussion for mapping coastal erosion hazard areas and 

mapping tsunami areas were inserted from the Coastal Erosion Hazards supplement and the 

Tsunami Hazards supplement, and both supplements were discontinued.

Credit for Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) was discontinued. The element’s 180 

points were distributed among other elements of Activity 410, to raise the available credit 

for HSS, Using higher flood study standards; FWS, More restrictive floodway standard; and 

MAPSH, Mapping special flood-hazard areas. 

Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation) 

1992: To simplify the formulae, DR—Deed restrictions, was changed from being a 

multiplier worth up to 75 points to a separate variable worth 75 points. There was no 

change in the total credit for DR when combined with the impact adjustment.

The impact adjustment then had three options, including a default value for those who do 

not want to calculate the affected areas.

1994: A new element was added: NB—Natural and beneficial functions, worth up to 100 

points for open space preserved or restored to its natural state.

1999: The credit points for Preserving open space—OS, were significantly increased.

2013: NB—Natural and beneficial functions, was replaced with NFOS—Natural functions 

open space, with more points and more options for credit. Two elements, OSI—Open space 

incentives, and LZ—Low-density zoning, were transferred from Section 430LD (Land 
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-7 Edition: 2017

Development Criteria), which was eliminated. A new credit was introduced for keeping 

shorelines in their natural state—NSP. 

2017: Credit criteria, points, and discussion for CEOS—coastal erosion open space were

inserted from the Coastal Erosion Hazards supplement and the supplement was 

discontinued.

Credit for LZSH—low density zoning in special flood-related hazard areas was 

discontinued.

Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards) 

Most of the changes to Activity 430 have been aimed at simplifying the formulae and 

crediting partial approaches to an element. Maximum points increased from 35 to 100 for 

five special hazards. Incorporating low-density zoning from Activity 420 increased the total 

possible points.

1992: Another partial credit was made possible for tracking improvements over 5–10 years. 

The changes did not alter existing applications; they only made it easier to credit alternative 

approaches to CSI.

The formula for the LSI—Lower substantial improvement threshold, was replaced with 

discrete value ranges.

The impact adjustment had three options, including a default value for those who do not 

want to calculate areas.

1994: Credit was provided under foundation protection for adopting the soil testing and 

compaction language of one of the three national building codes. The credit for regulating 

additions was no longer mutually exclusive from other cumulative substantial improvement 

credit. Prohibiting fill under PSC—Protection of storage capacity, increased from 50 to 80 

points while compensatory storage decreased from 80 to 70.

Three new elements were added, bringing the total possible points up to 905 (including 

low-density zoning): 

NBR—Natural and beneficial functions regulations: Up to 25 points for prohibiting 

development in the floodplain that is hazardous to public health or water quality.

ENL—Enclosure limits: 50 points for prohibiting first floor enclosures.

OHS—Other higher standards: Up to 25 points for other regulations that will be 

reviewed and scored by FEMA.

1996: Points were added if the person responsible for floodplain permitting graduated from 

the Emergency Management Institute’s course on managing floodplain development.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-8 Edition: 2017

1999: The credit points were significantly increased for FRB—Freeboard, PCF—Protection 

of critical facilities, and ENL—Enclosure limits. Credit for CSI—Tracking cumulative 

substantial improvements, was revised. Two new elements, credit for SMS—Statemandated regulatory standards, and BCS—Building code and staffing, were introduced.

2002: The Building Code and Staffing element was split into two new elements, BC—

Building code, and STF—Staffing. More points were provided under each new element. 

Two other new elements were added: MHP—Manufactured home parks, to credit 

protection of manufactured homes in existing parks, and CAZ—Coastal A Zones, to credit 

higher regulatory standards in these hazardous coastal areas.

2002: Section 430LZ, Low-density Zoning, was renamed 430LD, Land Development 

Criteria. Points were added under an new element, LDC—Land development criteria, to 

recognize local regulations that encourage preserving floodplain lands as open space.

2013: Various credits for discouraging floodplain development were consolidated into a 

new element, DL—Development limitations, for credit for prohibiting fill, buildings, and/or 

storage of materials in the floodplain. FRB—Freeboard, and FDN—Foundation protection,

credits were increased, with the higher credits tied to prohibiting fill or requiring 

compensatory storage. LDP—Local drainage protection, was revised and transferred from 

Activity 450 (Stormwater Management). A new element, RA—Regulations administration, 

was added to encourage better management of local floodplain management regulations.

Credits for natural and beneficial functions regulations (NBR) were transferred to NFOS 

and NSP under Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation).

2017: Credit points for limiting enclosures below the base flood elevation were transferred

from CAZ—enforcing V-Zone rules in coastal A Zones to element ENL—Limiting 

enclosures below the base flood elevation. Bonus credit under a new element ENLCAZ was 

made available for communities that enforce creditable enclosure regulations within their 

CAZ-credited areas.

Credit criteria, points, and discussion for TSR—Tsunami hazard regulations and for CER—

Coastal erosion hazard regulations were inserted from the Coastal Erosion Hazards

supplement and the Tsunami Hazards supplement, and both supplements were discontinued.

The element DR2—Prohibition of buildings in the floodplain was modified to require 

prorating of credit if the community allows Conditional Letters of Map Amendment based 

on Fill (CLOMR-Fs) or Letters of Map Amendment based on Fill (LOMR-Fs).

Activity 440 (Flood Data Maintenance)

1992: DMD—Digitized map data, was split into two elements, GIS—Geographic 

information system, and DPD—Digitized parcel data. More credit was provided for GIS 

mapping. MAM—More accurate base map, and OM—Overlay map, were combined so that 

more credit is provided for OM.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-9 Edition: 2017

GIS, DPD, and OM were made no longer mutually exclusive, which allowed more credit 

where new systems are being installed gradually or where one system does not receive 

maximum credit. Due to the elimination of MAM as a separate element, the maximum 

points decreased slightly, from 125 to 120.

The impact adjustment had three options, including a default value for those who do not 

want to calculate areas.

1994: The element GIS was renamed DMS—Digital mapping system to avoid confusion 

with real geographic information systems. Full credit was only possible if the community 

had a real GIS that works on FEMA’s systems.

Ten more points became available for DMS, DPD, and OM for showing special hazard 

areas, including coastal erosion. A new element was added: EDM—Erosion data 

maintenance, for keeping track of coastal erosion. It was described in CRS Commentary 

Supplement for Special Hazards Credit.

1996: Credit for DMS, DPD, and OM were modified slightly for clarification and 

consistency.

1999: Three approaches to maintaining flood data were combined under one element, 

AMD—Additional map data. A new element was added to provide credit for maintaining 

copies of all FIRMs that have been issued for the community—FM.

2013: New credit for supporting GPS surveying was added to the benchmark maintenance 

element—BMM.

Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)

1992: A review of this activity resulted in several credit point revisions. SZ—Size of 

development, dropped from a maximum of 64 to 40 points, and PUB (Public Maintenance) 

was reduced from 32 to 30 points. These reductions were offset by an increase in DS—

Design storm, from 130 to 155 maximum points.

To simplify the calculation, the formulae for SZ and PUB were replaced by discrete range 

values. This changed the credit for SMR—Stormwater regulations, for many communities. 

Total credit for communities with 100-year design storms increased, while the scores for 

communities that regulate to 10-year or smaller storms generally decreased.

SMP—Stormwater management master plan, and SRSM—State review of stormwater 

management plans, were changed from 10% multipliers to discrete values of 25 points. 

ESC—Erosion and sediment control, was moved from Activity 540 to this activity. The 45 

points for ESC accounted for most of the increase in the maximum points, from 331 to 380.

1994: There was some reorganization to clarify the importance of the stormwater 

management regulation language. No credit was to be provided under this activity if only 

very large developments are regulated.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-10 Edition: 2017 

A new element was added: WQ—Water quality, for stormwater management regulations 

that require use of best management practices to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff 

from new development. 

1999: The points for the various sub-elements in SMR—Stormwater management 

regulations, were revised to provide relatively more credit for PUB—Public maintenance of 

stormwater facilities. The maximum for SMP—Stormwater management master plan, was 

greatly increased and the points for partial credit were clarified.

2013: Credits were increased for management of volume and LID—Requiring low-impact 

development techniques that improve downstream natural floodplain functions. Most of the 

credits for PUB—Public maintenance of new storage basins, were moved to Activity 540 

(Drainage System Maintenance).

500 Series (Flood Damage Reduction)

1994: The description of the repetitive loss list and application requirements was clarified. 

A new Section 503 discussed why the CRS does not credit structural projects. 

1996: The repetitive loss requirements were moved from Section 510.

2017: The definition of a Category B repetitive loss community was changed from a 

community with from 1-10 repetitive loss properties to one with 1-50 such properties. The 

definition of a Category C repetitive loss community was changed to mean a community 

with 50 or more such properties.

Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning) 

1992: The formula for the credits from Activity 330 was corrected to account for the 

number of years between projects. Because Activity 610 was revised, the credits for the 

contributing elements from 610 were revised. As a result, the maximum points decreased 

from 444 to 441.

1996: This section was changed to 510 (Floodplain Management Planning). Credit for 

floodplain management planning was moved from Section 240. Repetitive loss 

requirements were moved to Section 500. Credit for floodplain management planning and 

repetitive loss planning were combined and revised to provide credit for the planning 

process rather than the content of the plan.

2002: The credit criteria were revised and expanded to be consistent with the mitigation 

planning requirements for other FEMA programs. Additional points were provided to 

encourage preparing multi-hazard plans and involving more stakeholders in the planning 

process. 
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-11 Edition: 2017

2006: A new element was added to credit a detailed analysis of the community’s repetitive 

loss areas and identify ways to mitigate flood damage to each building.

2013: The credit criteria for FMP—Floodplain management planning, were revised to 

improve implementation of plans. The habitat conservation plan element was replaced with 

a new element that credits more types of natural floodplain functions plans—NFP.

Activity 520 (Acquisition and Relocation)

1994: A default impact adjustment was added. If the community has acquired or relocated 

at least 5 buildings, it can receive 16 points.

1999: The credit points were significantly increased. Additional credit was provided for 

acquiring or relocating buildings on FEMA’s repetitive loss list. A new default impact 

adjustment formula was instituted.

2006: Bonus points were added to encourage acquiring or relocating buildings from among 

the Severe Repetitive Loss Properties.

2013: Bonus points were added to encourage acquiring or relocating buildings in V Zones 

and critical facilities. A new bonus was introduced for clearing out more than 30% of the 

buildings in the community’s SFHA.

Activity 530 (Flood Protection) 

1994: The retrofitting credits were substantially revised to provide less credit for projects 

that were not engineered or otherwise have a higher possibility of failure. A default impact 

adjustment was added. If the community has at least 5 buildings that have been retrofitted, 

it can receive 14 points. A new five-page supplement explained retrofitting techniques.

1999: The credit points were significantly increased. Additional credit was provided for 

acquiring or relocating buildings on FEMA’s repetitive loss list.

2002: CRS credit for protecting buildings with structural flood control projects was 

incorporated into this activity. The name was changed from “Retrofitting” to “Flood 

Protection.”

2006: Bonus points were added to encourage protecting buildings from among the Severe 

Repetitive Loss Properties.

2013: New environmental compliance review criteria were introduced.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-12 Edition: 2017

Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance)

1992: Because it is a stormwater management regulation, ESC was moved to Activity 450 

(Stormwater Management). This resulted in a lowering of the total possible points from 375 

to 330. However, the maximum points for Activity 450 were increased accordingly.

To simplify the formulae, SDR—Stream dumping regulations, was changed from being a 

multiplier worth up to 30 points to a separate variable worth up to 30 points. The impact 

adjustment had three options, including a default value for those who do not want to 

calculate areas.

The requirements for the documentation for CDR—Channel and basin debris removal, were 

changed. Most communities would need to prepare new program explanations when 

resubmitting their application for this activity.

1994: In most cases, the application documentation was required to include a map of the 

drainage system. A new prerequisite was introduced for stream dumping regulations: the 

community must publicize the regulations through an annual outreach project. A new 

element was added: EPM—Coastal erosion protection maintenance, as described in CRS 

Commentary Supplement for Special Hazards Credit.

1999: The approach to crediting CDR—Channel and basin debris removal, and SDR—

Stream dumping regulations, was revised to allow more flexibility in recognizing local 

programs.

2013: Credits for problem site maintenance and capital improvement programs were 

created as separate elements (PSM and CIP). Storage basin maintenance was separated from 

CDR—Channel and basin debris removal, and incorporated credits from Activity 450 

(Stormwater Management). New environmental compliance review criteria were introduced.

2017: The element EPM—Coastal erosion protection maintenance was eliminated.

The credit criteria for CDR—Channel debris removal was revised to clarify that credit is 

provided for removing debris from natural channels only, not from manmade portions of the 

drainage system.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-13 Edition: 2017 

600 Series (Warning and Response) 

2013: The three activities’ elements were aligned to follow a standard flood preparedness 

process. 

Activity 610 (Flood Warning and Response) 

1992: This activity was completely revised. Credit was no longer given for LSDS—Local 

data sharing. The same basic documentation was required: a description of the flood threat 

recognition system and excerpts from the flood response plan. However, all the elements 

and the scoring were changed.

The impact adjustment had three options, including a default value for those who do not 

want to calculate the affected areas. The maximum points decreased slightly from 205 to 

200.

2002: A new element was added: SRC—StormReady Community, to credit communities 

that participate in the National Weather Service’s StormReady Community Program.

2013: The credit criteria were revised to encourage more attention to planning response 

actions at different predicted flood levels. 

Activity 620 (Levees) 

1994: A default impact adjustment was added. If the levee protects at least five buildings, 

the community can receive 9 points. The requirements for levee certification were revised 

to allow determinations made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

2013: This activity was reorganized and renamed. Credit prerequisites include an inventory 

of all areas protected by levees, a documented maintenance program (LM), and an outreach 

project to protected areas. Four new elements more closely coordinate a levee failure 

warning and response program with the community’s emergency management program: 

LFR—Levee failure threat recognition system, 

LFW—Levee failure warning, 

LFO—Levee failure response operations, and

LCF—Levee failure critical facilities planning. 

2017: The credit criteria were revised to require an inventory of buildings and critical 

facilities within the expected inundation area.
Appendix D

CRS Coordinator’s Manual D-14 Edition: 2017

Activity 630 (Dams) 

1992: The impact adjustment had three options, including a default value for those who do 

not want to calculate the affected areas.

2002: Credit for dam failure regulations was deleted. The credit for DFP—Dam failure 

emergency action plans, was expanded, with a net increase in points. 

2013: This activity was reorganized and renamed. SDS—State dam safety program, credit 

criteria were revised to reflect FEMA’s new directions to have state programs more active 

with local emergency preparedness programs. Credit prerequisites for local programs 

included an inventory of all areas subject to flooding from the failure of a high hazard dam

and an outreach project to affected areas. Four new elements more closely coordinate a dam 

failure warning and response program with the community’s emergency management

program: 

DFR—Dam failure threat recognition system,

DFW—Dam failure warning,

DFO—Dam failure response operations, and

DCF—Dam failure critical facilities planning.

2017: The credit criteria were revised to require an inventory of buildings and critical 

facilities within the expected inundation area.

Activity 710 (Community Growth Adjustment)

1994: The Donnelley Report Growth Rate was dropped from the calculations for average 

growth rate.

2013: A new approach was initiated that uses a 10-year average growth in dwelling units 

for the county. Averaging city growth rates that may be higher than the overall growth 

pressure in the whole county was eliminated.
E-1 Edition: 2017 

Appendix E

CRS COMMUNITY CERTIFICATIONS

This appendix contains forms for the community certifications that are part of the documentation needed to obtain credit for certain activities under the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). The certification forms are designed to be used in 

conjunction with the 2013 CRS Coordinator’s Manual. 

Two required certifications are not included here. The AW-501 (Repetitive Loss Update Certification) and the AW-501 Transmittal Sheet are generated separately by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and provided to the community when needed. 

The certifications of compliance with environmental and historic preservation requirements 

can be found in Appendix F.

Instructions for completing the forms can be found on page CC-ii.

The forms included here can be photocopied and completed and submitted as needed, or the 

community can access fillable-pdf versions of the forms at www.CRSresources.org/200. 

Contents

• CC-213 Recertification 

• CC-230 Verification 

• CC-RL The Repetitive Loss List 

• CC-530 Retrofitted Buildings 













CRS Coordinator’s Manual F-1 Edition: 2017

Appendix F

CRS COMMUNITY CERTIFICATIONS

FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

This appendix contains forms for a community’s certification of its compliance with environmental and historic preservation requirements. These certifications are part of the documentation needed to obtain credit for certain activities under the National Flood Insurance 

Program’s Community Rating System (CRS). The certification forms are designed to be used 

in conjunction with the CRS Coordinator’s Manual. 

Community certification forms for non-environmental aspects of the CRS can be found in 

Appendix E.

Instructions for completing the certification forms can be found on each page.

The forms included here can be photocopied and completed and submitted as needed, or the 

community can access fillable-pdf versions of the forms at www.CRSresources.org/200. 

 Contents 

• CC-520EHP Acquisition and Relocation—Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements

• CC-530EHP Flood Protection—Certification of Compliance with Environmental 

and Historic Preservation Requirements

• CC-540EHP Drainage System Maintenance—Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements 

• CC-620EHP Levees—Certification of Compliance with Environmental and Historic 

Preservation Requirements 

















CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-1 Edition: 2017

INDEX

Activity/Element/Term Section

-AAcquisition and Relocation ........................................................................................................ 520 

 buildings acquired or relocated (bAR) .............................................................................. 522.a 

buildings on the repetitive loss list (bRL) ......................................................................... 522.b 

 buildings on the Severe Repetitive Loss list (bSRL) ........................................................ 522.c 

 buildings located in the V Zone or coastal A Zone (bVZ) ............................................... 522.e 

critical facilities (bCF) ...................................................................................................... 522.d 

Activity credit points ............................................................................................................... 113.c 

Advice, technical assistance ....................................................................... 330, 350, 360, 370, 510 

All-hazard mitigation ...................................................................................................... 116.b, 510 

Alluvial fans ............................................................................ 116.b, 120, 320, 401, 410, 420, 430 

Application procedures .............................................................................................................. 212 

 application documentation ................................................................................................ 212.b 

 application request ............................................................................................................ 212.a 

reinstating previous CRS communities ............................................................................. 212.d 

verification processing ...................................................................................................... 212.c 

Area analysis ........................................................................................................................... 512.b 

 repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA) ................................................................................ 512.b 

Area calculations ..................................................................................................................... 403.e 

Assistance [See: Advice] 

Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) ................................................................ 635 

Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) ............................ 211.b, 371, 375, 432, 434 

-BBarriers .................................................................................................................................... 532.c 

coastal barriers .................................................... 322, 326, 342, 432.n, 500, 510, Appendix E 

 floodwalls .......................................................... 340, 500, 510, 532.a, 532.c, 620, Appendix E 

levees ................................ 322.c, 331.a, 342.d, 422.a, 400, 510, 531.a, 610, 620, Appendix E 

Base flood .......................................................................................................................... 111, 120 

Base flood elevation (BFE), new elevation data ............................................................. 120, 412.a 

Base map ......................................................................................................................... 400, 403.a 

Benchmark maintenance (BMM) ........................................................................................... 442.c 

Best management practices (BMPs) ....................................................................................... 452.d 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-2 Edition: 2017

Building, definition of ............................................................................................................. 301.a 

Building code ................................................................. 110, 120, 210, 340, 430, .450, 510, 532.a 

 credit for building codes (BC) .......................................................................................... 432.h 

Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) ................... 211.b, 211.c, 432.h, 432.q 

Buildings ......................................................................................................................... 120, 301.a 

 acquisition and/or relocation of ........................................................................................... 520 

counting for impact adjustment ................................................................................ 222, 302.a 

dams, inundated by failure of ............................................................................................... 630 

in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) ....................................................................... 302.b 

levees, inundated by failure or overtopping of .................................................................... 620 

 post-FIRM ................................................................................................................. 120, 301.b 

pre-FIRM .................................................................................................................. 120, 301.b 

repetitive loss ....................................................................................... 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 

retrofitting of ........................................................................................................................ 530 

 substantial improvement of .................................................... 120, 213, 310, 330, 432.d, 432.e 

-CCalculating areas ..................................................................................................................... 403.e 

Capital improvements program (CIP) ..................................................................................... 542.c 

Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM®) ........................................................................ 431.a, 432.q 

Changes in CRS Credit .............................................................................................................. 215 

changes initiated by the community ................................................................................. 215.a 

 changes in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual ...................................................................... 215.b 

 changes in CRS credits over time .......................................................................... Appendix D 

 changes in the floodplain map .......................................................................................... 215.c 

new development .............................................................................................................. 215.d 

Channel debris removal (CDR) .............................................................................................. 542.a 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 120, 211, 212, 213, 214.a, 231.c, 232.c, 432.m, 

 432.n, Appendix A, Appendix E, Appendix F 

Climate change ................................... 116.c, 322.c, 342.d, 404, 412.d, 422.e, 432.k, 452.b, 512.a 

Closed basin lakes ............................... 116.b, 322.e, 401, 422.e, 432.k, 432.l, 452.b, 452.k, 512.a 

Coastal A Zones (CAZ) ......................................................................... 432.k, 512.a, 522.e, 531.b 

Coastal Barrier Resources System ............................................................... 120, 311.b, 322.b, 500

Coastal dunes/beaches 120, 352.b, 412.f, 422.a, 422.c, 422.e, 422.h, 430.a, 

432.k, 432.n, 531, Appendix B 

Coastal erosion (CE) ....................................................................................................... 401, 432.n 

Coastal erosion data (EDM) .................................................................................................... 422.d 
Index

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-3 Edition: 2017

Coastal velocity zone mapping ............................................................................... 412.a

Community, definition of ........................................................................................................... 120

Community (CRS) classification ............................................................................ 113.a, 225, 700

county growth adjustment .................................................................................................... 710

community total points ........................................................................................................ 720

Community’s role in the CRS .................................................................................................... 114

Community Self Assessment [See: CRS Community Self Assessment]

Community total points .............................................................................................................. 720 

Compensatory storage regulations .................................................................... 431.a, 432.a, 432.b

Contractors

assistance with .................................................................................................................. 362.b

as stakeholders .................................................................................................................. 512.a

outreach to ......................................................................................................................... 331.a

Conveyance system ......................................................................................................... 120, 541.a

CORS ...................................................................................................................................... 442.c

Costs and benefits of the CRS ................................................................................................... 115

County growth adjustment (CGA) ............................................................................. 224, 710, 720 

annual growth adjustment (AGA) ..................................................................................... 712.b

county 10-year growth rate (CGR) ................................................................................... 712.a

growth adjustment calculation ............................................................................................. 712

growth data ........................................................................................................................... 711

Credit calculation .............................. 220, 223, 313, 324, 334, 344, 354, 364, 374, 414, 423, 433,

443, 453, 513, 523, 533, 542, 614, 624, 634

Credit points and credited activities ........................................................................................... 113

activities not listed ............................................................................................................ 113.d

activity credit points .......................................................................................................... 113.c

credited activities .............................................................................................................. 113.b

credit points and classification .......................................................................................... 113.a

Critical facilities ......................................................................................................................... 632

definition of .......................................................................................................................... 120

planning for (CFP) ............................................................................................................ 612.d

protection for (PCF) ............................................................................................... 432.f, 632.e

CRS application process .................................................................................................... 212, 230

CRS classification [See: Community (CRS) classification]

CRS Community Self Assessment ............................................................................................. 240

CRS Coordinator ................................................................................................................ 110, 120
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-4 Edition: 2017

CRS credit points .............................................................................................. Table 120-1, 113.c 

 Quick Check ................................................................................ 110, 212.a, 220, Appendix C

 recertification ....................................................................................................... 110, 213, 231 

verification ........................................................................................................................... 230 

CRS program priorities .............................................................................................................. 116 

all-hazards mitigation ........................................................................................................ 116.b 

 future conditions and impacts of climate change .............................................................. 116.c 

 natural floodplain functions .............................................................................................. 116.a 

CRS Quick Check ............................................................................. 110, 212.a, 220, Appendix C

Cumulative substantial improvement (CSI) regulations ......................................................... 432.d 

Cycle ................................................................................................. 113.c, 120, 211, 232.a, 232.b 

 See also: Application, Verification

-DDams ......................................................................................................................................... 630 

critical facilities planning for failure of (DCF) ................................................................. 632.e 

exercise and evaluation .................................................................................................... 631.b. 

 failure inundation area of ................................................................................................... 631.b 

failure threat recognition system (DFR) for ...................................................................... 632.b 

failure warning (DFW) ..................................................................................................... 632.c 

failure warning and response plan .................................................................................... 631.b 

failure response operations (DFO) .................................................................................... 632.d 

 public outreach .................................................................................................................. 631.b 

state dam safety program (SDS) ....................................................................................... 632.a 

Datum ..........................................................................................................................................120 

Deed restrictions (DR) ............................................................................................................ 422.b 

Design storm (DS) .................................................................................................................. 452.a 

Detention/retention basins ................................................................................................. 530, 540 

Detention/retention regulations ............................................................................................... 452.a 

 public maintenance of facilities (PUB) ............................................................................. 452.a 

Digitized mapping ................................................................................................................... 442.a 

Disclosure of flood hazard (DFH) .......................................................................................... 342.a 

 other disclosure requirements (ODR) ............................................................................... 342.b 

real estate agents brochure (REB) ..................................................................................... 342.c 

Disclosure of other hazards (DOH) ........................................................................................ 342.d 

Disclosure regulations ................................................................................................................ 342 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-5 Edition: 2017

Documentation provided by the community ............. 231, 312, 322, 332, 342, 352, 362, 372, 412, 

 422, 432, 442, 452, 522, 524, 534, 542, 612, 622, 632 

certifications and checklists .............................................................................................. 231.a 

digital documentation ........................................................................................................ 231.b 

maps .................................................................................................................................. 231.e 

 ordinances ......................................................................................................................... 231.c 

state-based credit ............................................................................................................... 231.d 

Drainage ............................................................................................................. 331, 361, 452, 542 

advice, technical assistance ............................................................................................... 361.d 

 drainage requirements for new construction ..................................................................... 452.c 

 erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) ...................................................... 452.d 

 public information/outreach projects ................................................................................... 331 

 retention/detention regulations .......................................................................................... 452.a 

 stream dumping regulations (SDR) .................................................................................. 542.b 

Drainage system maintenance .................................................................................................... 540 

capital improvement program ........................................................................................... 542.c 

 channel and basin debris removal (CDR) ......................................................................... 542.a 

conveyance system ............................................................................................................ 541.a 

problem site maintenance (PSM) ...................................................................................... 542.b 

storage basin maintenance (SBM) .................................................................................... 542.e 

 stream dumping regulations (SDR) .................................................................................. 542.d 

-EElevation certificates (EC) .............................................................................................. 310, 311.a 

elevation certificates, post-FIRM (ECPO) ........................................................................ 312.b 

elevation certificates, pre-FIRM (ECPR) ......................................................................... 312.c 

maintaining (EC) ............................................................................................................... 312.a 

Elevation reference marks

 [See: Benchmarks]

Emergency management ............................................................................................ 612, 622, 632 

for dams ............................................................................................................................... 630 

for flood warning and response ............................................................................................ 610 

for levees .............................................................................................................................. 620 

Emergency Management Institute (EMI) ................................... 114, 333, 362.d, 375, 432.q, 434, 

453.d, 445.d, 510, 535.d 

Emergency warning dissemination (EWD) ............................................................................ 612.b 

Enclosure limits (ENL) ........................................................................................................... 432.g 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-6 Edition: 2017

Environmental compliance ........................................................................ 507, 520, 530, 540, 620 

community certifications for ................................................ 524, 534, 542, 622.a, Appendix F 

 environmental and historic preservation .............................................................................. 507 

Erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) ............................................................ 452.c 

Erosion data maintenance (EDM) ........................................................................................... 442.d 

-FFEMA ................................................................................................... Foreword, 114, 120, 211.a 

Federal lands ................................................................................................................... 403, 422.a 

Flood control projects [See: Structural flood control projects] 

Flood damage reduction activities ............................................................................................. 500 

 acquisition and relocation .................................................................................................... 520 

drainage system maintenance .............................................................................................. 540 

 environmental compliance ................................................................................................... 507 

 flood protection .................................................................................................................... 530 

 floodplain management planning ......................................................................................... 510 

Flood data maintenance ............................................................................................................. 440 

 additional map data (AMD) .............................................................................................. 442.a 

 benchmark maintenance (BMM) ...................................................................................... 442.c 

 erosion data maintenance (EDM) ..................................................................................... 442.d 

FIRM maintenance (FM) .................................................................................................. 442.b 

Flood Hazard Boundary Map .................................................................................................. 442.b 

Flood hazard mapping ................................................................................................................ 410 

 flood hazard mapping area (MAP) ................................................................................... 411.a

for special flood-related hazards (MAPSH) ............................................................. 401, 412.f 

future-conditions hydrology .............................................................................................. 412.d 

 higher study standards (HSS) ............................................................................................ 412.d

leverage (LEV) .................................................................................................................. 412.b 

more restrictive floodway standard (FWS) ....................................................................... 412.e 

new study (NS) ................................................................................................................. 412.a

 non-FEMA share ............................................................................................................... 412.c 

 regulatory flood elevation credit ....................................................................................... 412.a 

state review (SR) ............................................................................................................... 412.c 

Flood insurance .......................................................................................... 310, 320, 330, 350, 370 

library references .............................................................................................................. 351.a 

mandatory purchase requirement ......................................................................................... 321

Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) ....................................................................... 113.a, Table 110-1 
Index

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-7 Edition: 2017

promotion.............................................................................................................................. 370

public information/outreach projects ................................................................................... 330

zones .................................................................................................................................... 120

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) .............................................. 113.a, 120, 301.b, 310, 320, 410

copies in library ................................................................................................................. 352.b

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program ............................................................................ 506, 532.c

Flood protection ......................................................................................................................... 530

flood protection improvement (FPI).................................................................................. 532.b

flood protection project technique used (TU_) ................................................................. 532.a

protected building (PB) ..................................................................................................... 532.c

retrofitting technique

dry floodproofing (TUD) ............................................................................................ 532.a

elevation (TUE) .......................................................................................................... 532.a

sewer backup (TUS) ................................................................................................... 532.a

wet floodproofing (TUW) ........................................................................................... 532.a

structural flood control technique

barriers (TUB) ............................................................................................................. 532.a

channel modifications (TUB) ..................................................................................... 532.a

storage facilities (TUF)................................................................................................ 532.a

Flood protection assistance (FPA) ............................................................................................. 360

Flood protection improvement (FPI) ...................................................................................... 532.b

Flood protection information ..................................................................................................... 350

Flood protection level before the project was constructed (FPB) ........................................... 532.b

Flood protection provided by the project (FPP) ..................................................................... 532.b

Flood protection website (WEB) ............................................................................................ 352.c

Flood studies/delineation ........................................................................................................... 412

floodway mapping ............................................................................................................... 412

hydrology standards ............................................................................................................. 412

state review of floodplain studies ..................................................................................... 412.c

Flood threat recognition system (FTR) ................................................................................... 612.a

See also: Flood warning program

Flood warning and response ...................................................................................................... 610

critical facilities planning (CFP) ....................................................................................... 612.d

emergency warning dissemination (EWD) ....................................................................... 612.b

exercise and evaluation ..................................................................................................... 611.b

flood inundation maps ....................................................................................................... 611.b

flood response operations (FRO) ...................................................................................... 612.c

flood threat recognition system (FTR) .............................................................................. 612.a

flood warning and response plan ...................................................................................... 611.b

public information/outreach projects ................................................................................ 611.b
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-8 Edition: 2017

StormReady community (SRC) ........................................................................................ 612.e 

TsunamiReady community (TRC) .................................................................................... 612.e 

Floodplain .................................................................................................................................. 120 

flood fringe ........................................................................................................................... 120 

 floodway .............................................................................................................................. 120 

Floodplain management planning (FMP) ....................................................................... 510, 512.a 

repetitive loss area analysis (RLAA) ................................................................................ 512.b 

 natural floodplain functions plan (NFP) ........................................................................... 512.c 

Floodplain storage capacity .................................................................................................... 432.a 

Floodproofing [See: Flood protection] 

Floodproofing certificates .......................................................................................................... 310 

residential basement floodproofing certificate ..................................................................... 310 

Floodwalls .......................................................................................................................... 530, 620 

Floodway mapping ..................................................................................................................... 412 

Floodway standard (FWS) ...................................................................................................... 412.e 

 See also: Additional flood data 

Foundation protection (FDN) regulations ............................................................................... 432.c 

Freeboard

 feet above base flood elevation (FRB) .............................................................................. 432.b 

for levees .......................................................................................................................... 621.b.

for new buildings in B, C, D, and X Zones (local drainage protection) ........................... 432.i 

-GGeographic information system (GIS) ................................................. 302.a, 321.a, 403, 440, 510 

Glossary ......................................................................................................................................120 

Goals of the CRS ........................................................................................................................112 

Growth rate [See: County growth adjustment] 

-HHabitat Conservation Plans ......................................................................................... 422.c, 512.c, 

Habitat protection, preservation, restoration ...................... 112, 116.a, 332.g, 352.b, 422.a, 442.a, 

 451, 500, 512.a, 512.c, 542.a, Appendix F 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-9 Edition: 2017

Hazard disclosure ....................................................................................................................... 340 

 disclosure of flood hazards (DFH) .................................................................................... 342.a 

 disclosure of other hazards (DOH) ................................................................................... 342.d 

 other disclosure requirements (ODR) ............................................................................... 342.b 

real estate agents brochure (REB) ..................................................................................... 342.c 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program .................................................................................. 362.c, 510 

Hazus-MH ........................................................................................... 370, 440, 510, Figure 510-2

Higher regulatory standards ....................................................................................................... 430 

building codes (BC) .......................................................................................................... 432.h 

Coastal A Zones (CAZ) .................................................................................................... 432.k 

 coastal erosion hazard regulations (CER) ......................................................................... 432.n 

cumulative substantial improvement (CSI) ...................................................................... 432.d 

development limitations (DL) ........................................................................................... 432.a 

enclosure limits (ENL) ...................................................................................................... 432.g 

 foundation protection (FDN) ............................................................................................ 432.c 

freeboard (FRB) ................................................................................................................ 432.b 

local drainage protection (LDP) ........................................................................................ 432.i 

lower substantial improvement (LSI) ............................................................................... 432.e 

 manufactured home parks (MHP) ..................................................................................... 432.j 

 other higher standard (OHS) ............................................................................................. 432.o 

protection of critical facilities (PCF) ................................................................................ 432.f 

 regulation administration (RA) ......................................................................................... 432.q 

 special hazards regulations (SHR) .................................................................................... 432.l

state-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) ..................................................................... 432.p 

 tsunami hazard regulations (TSR) .................................................................................. 432.m 

Home study courses [See: Independent study courses] 

Hydrology .................................................................................................... 120, 410, 412.d, 452.a 

-IIce Jams ........................................................................ 116.b, 120, 322.e, 401, 422.d, 432.l, 542.b

Impact adjustment ........................................................................... 113.c, 222, 301, 302, 402, 403 

Impact adjustment for areas ....................................................................................................... 402 

Impact adjustment for buildings ................................................................................................ 301 

 See also: Buildings, counting for impact adjustment; definition of)

Impact adjustment map .............................................................................................................. 403 

 selecting a base map .......................................................................................................... 403.a 

 watershed impact adjustment map .................................................................................... 403.d 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-10 Edition: 2017

Impact adjustment ratio ................................................................................................... 302, 402.a 

Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) ...................................................... 120, 310, 330, 360, 432.d 

Independent study courses ................................................................................... 362.d, 434.d, 535 

Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) ............................................................................. 114.a, 120 

International Building Code Series (I-Codes) ................................................................. 120, 432.h 

ISO/CRS Specialist .................................................................................................. 113c, 114, 120 

ISO/CRS Technical Reviewer ........................................................................................... 120, 233 

-LLand subsidence .............................................................. 116.b, 120, 322.e, 401, 410, 422.d, 432.l

Letter of Map Change (LOMC) ................................................................................................ 321 

Letter of Determination Review (LODR) ............................................................................ 320 

 Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) ................................................................................... 320 

 Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) ......................................................................................... 320 

Levees and levee systems ....................................................................................... 120, 532.a, 620 

critical facilities planning for failure of (LCF) ................................................................. 622.e 

exercise and evaluation ..................................................................................................... 621.b 

failure warning for (LFW) ................................................................................................ 622.c 

failure warning and response plan for ............................................................................... 621.b 

maintenance of (LM) ........................................................................................................ 622.a 

 protection level for (LPL) ............................................................................. 622, Figure 620-1 

 public outreach .................................................................................................................. 621.b 

 response operations for failure of (LFO) .......................................................................... 622.d 

threat recognition system for failure of (LFR) .................................................................. 622.b 

Library .......................................................................................................................... 352.a, 352.b 

Local drainage protection (LDP) ............................................................................................ 432.i 

Logs ......................................................................................................................... 230, 320, 362 

Low-density zoning (LZ) ........................................................................................................ 422.g 

minimum lot size ............................................................................................................... 422.g 

Low impact development (LID) ............................................................................................. 452.a 

Lower substantial improvement threshold (LSI) .................................................................... 432.e 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-11 Edition: 2017

-MMaintenance

 of benchmarks (BMM) ..................................................................................................... 442.c 

 of drainage system ............................................................................................ 331, 452.a, 540 

 of erosion data (EDM) .......................................................................................................442.d 

of FIRMS (FM) ................................................................................................................. 442.b 

 of flood data ......................................................................................................................... 440 

 of flood warning system .................................................................................................... 512.a 

of levees ............................................................................................................................... 622 

 of problem flooding sites (PSM) ....................................................................................... 542.b 

 of storage basins (SBM) .................................................................................................... 542.e 

of stormwater facilities ............................................................................... 452.a, 542.a, 542.b 

 of structural flood control techniques ............................................................................... 532.a 

of water quality .................................................................................................................... 116 

 public information/outreach projects on .............................................................................. 331 

Mandatory purchase requirement ............................................ 321, 322, 324.a, Figure 320-3, 441 

Manufactured home parks (MHP) .......................................................................................... 432.j 

Map information service (MI) ................................................................................................... 320 

Mapping and regulations ............................................................................................................ 400 

flood data maintenance ........................................................................................................ 440 

 flood hazard mapping .......................................................................................................... 410 

 higher regulatory standards .................................................................................................. 430 

open space preservation ....................................................................................................... 420 

special flood-related hazard areas ........................................................................................ 401 

stormwater management ...................................................................................................... 450 

Maps [See: Base map, Flood Insurance Rate Map; Impact adjustment map]

Modifications for CRS classifications ....................................................................................... 214 

courtesy reviews ................................................................................................................ 214.b 

modification criteria .......................................................................................................... 214.a 

Moveable bed streams ................................................................................... 120, 322.e, 401, 432.l 

Mudflows ................................................................................... 120, 322.e, 401, 410, 422.d, 431.l 

 mudflow hazard regulations (MFR) .................................................................................. 431.l 

Multi-hazard mitigation [See: All-hazard mitigation]

Multiple listing service (MLS) ................................................................................................ 342.e 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

-NCRS Coordinator’s Manual i-12 Edition: 2017

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) .............. Foreword, 111, 120, 311, 352.a, Appendix B 

compliance with ................................................................................................................... 211 

 Reform Act of 1994 ............................................................................................................. 506 

National Geodetic Survey (NGS) ................................................................................... 120, 442.c 

National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) .................................................................. 120, 332.g 

National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) .......................................................................... 442.c. 

Natural floodplain functions ..................................................... 116, 120, 211, 331.a, 422.c, 432.a 

 mapping of ........................................................................................................................ 322.g 

open space for (NFOS) ..................................................................................................... 422.c 

 plan (NFP) ......................................................................................................................... 512.c 

 public information/outreach for ................................................................................ 330, 352.b 

references in library on ..................................................................................................... 352.b 

sensitive areas ........................................................................... 120, 422.c, 422.f, 441.a, 512.a 

Natural shoreline protection (NSP) ......................................................................................... 422.h 

Newsletters ........................................................................................................ 321.b, 362.a, 372.d 

Newspapers, as outreach .................................................................................................... 330, 510 

Nonconversion agreement ...................................................................................................... 432.g 

Non-FEMA share of Flood Insurance Study costs/leverage (LEV) ....................................... 412.b 

-OOpen space 

 coastal erosion and (CEOS) .............................................................................................. 422.e 

 deed restriction for (DR) ................................................................................................... 422.b 

 incentives for (OSI) ........................................................................................................... 422.f 

 low-density zoning for (LZ) .............................................................................................. 422.g 

 natural functions and (NFOS) ........................................................................................... 422.c 

 natural shoreline protection with (NSP) ........................................................................... 422.h 

preservation of (OSP) ........................................................................ 420, Figure 420-1, 422.a 

regulating areas preserved as ............................................................................................ 402.c 

special flood-related hazards and ......................................................................................... 401 

special hazard areas preserved as (SHOS) ........................................................................ 422.d 

Outreach projects ....................................................... 330, 360, 370, 420, 510, 540, 610, 620, 630 

 flood response preparations (FRP) .................................................................................... 332.b 

general outreach projects ..................................................................................................... 331 

informational materials ........................................................................................................ 331 

outreach projects (OP) .............................................................................................. 330, 332.a 

 Program for Public Information (PPI) .............................. 320, 331, 332.c, 340, 350, 360, 370 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-13 Edition: 2017

 stakeholder delivery (STK) ............................................................................................... 332.d 

targeted outreach project ...................................................................................................... 331 

 topics and example messages ................................................................................. Table 330-1 

-PPlans, planning ........................................................................................... 450, 510, 610, 620, 630 

critical facilities planning (CFP) ....................................................................................... 612.d 

dam failure response plan ................................................................................................. 632.d 

emergency response plan ..................................................................................................... 610 

 flood response plan .............................................................................................................. 610 

 floodplain management planning (FMP) ............................................................................. 510 

 habitat conservation plan .......................................................................................... 420, 512.c 

levee emergency response plan ......................................................................................... 622.c 

repetitive loss plans ..................................................................... 502, 510, 512.b, 512.b, 512.c 

watershed master plan (WMP) .......................................................................................... 452.b 

Post-FIRM buildings [See: Buildings, post-FIRM]

Post-visit actions ........................................................................................................................ 233 

Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) [See: Flood insurance, Preferred Risk Policy]

Pre-FIRM buildings [See: Buildings, pre-FIRM]

Prerequisites [See: Procedures, prerequisites] 

Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 200 

activity credit points .......................................................................................................... 113.c 

 application documentation ................................................................................................ 212.b 

 application procedures ......................................................................................................... 212 

 application request ............................................................................................................ 212.a 

changes in CRS credit .................................................................................... 215, Appendix D 

changes in the CRS Coordinator’s Manual ...................................................................... 215.b 

 changes in the floodplain map .......................................................................................... 215.c 

changes initiated by the community ................................................................................. 215.a 

 community’s role in the CRS ............................................................................................... 114 

courtesy reviews ................................................................................................................ 214.b 

credit calculations ................................................................................................................ 220 

prerequisites, for the CRS .................................................................................................... 211 

prerequisites, for Class 1 ................................................................................................... 211.d 

prerequisites, for Class 4 ................................................................................................... 211.c 

prerequisites, for Class 6 ................................................................................................... 211.b 

prerequisites, for Class 9 ................................................................................................... 211.a 

Program Data Table .......................................................................................................... 213.a 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-14 Edition: 2017

 recertification ....................................................................................................................... 213 

reinstating previous CRS communities ............................................................................. 212.d 

requesting CRS credit .......................................................................................................... 210 

verification ................................................................................................................ 212.c, 230 

Program for Public Information (PPI) ............................................................ 331, 332.c, 370, 540 

PPI committee ................................................................................................................... 332.c 

Property protection [See: Acquisition and relocation; Retrofitting]

Protected buildings (PB) ......................................................................................................... 532.c 

Protection of critical facilities (PCF) ...................................................................................... 432.f 

Public information [See: Outreach Projects]

Public information activities ...................................................................................................... 300 

elevation certificates ............................................................................................................ 310 

 flood insurance promotion ................................................................................................... 370 

 flood protection assistance ................................................................................................... 360 

 flood protection information ................................................................................................ 350 

 hazard disclosure .................................................................................................................. 340 

 map information service ...................................................................................................... 320 

outreach projects .................................................................................................................. 330 

Public meetings ....................................................................................................................... 512.a 

Public maintenance of stormwater facilities (PUB) ................................................................ 452.a 

Purpose and scope of the CRS ................................................................................................... 110 

-QQuick Check of a Community’s Potential CRS Credit ........................................................... 212.a 

-RReal estate agents brochure (REB) ......................................................................................... 342.c 

Real estate agents’ disclosure of flood hazard (DFH) ............................................................ 342.a 

Recertification ............................................................................................................ 110, 120, 213 

Program Data Table ................................................................................... 213.a, Figure 210-2 

Recertification Form (CC-213) ...................................................................... 212, Appendix E 

Registered design professional ................................... 120, 310, 432.c, 432.k, 531.a, 532.a, 542.e 

Regular program/phase of the NFIP ....................................................................... 120, 211, 312.c 

Regulations administration (RA) ............................................................................................ 432.o 

Regulation of new construction ......................................................... 310, 410, 430, 440, 510, 610 
Index

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-15 Edition: 2017

Regulatory flood elevation (RFE) ................................ 110, 210, 411.a, 432.b, 432.l, Appendix B

Regulatory floodplain (RF) ............................................. 110, 120, 403.c, 412, 422, 432, 520, 531

Reinstating previous CRS communities ................................................................................. 212.d

Relocation of buildings .............................................................................................................. 520

See also: Acquisition and Relocation

Repetitive loss ................................................................... 120, 210, 430, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505,

510, 512, 522.b, 532.c, 532.f

acquisition and relocation credit for ................................................................................. 522.b

area analysis of (RLAA) ................................................................................................... 512.b

areas ..................................................................................................................................... 503

categories of ......................................................................................................................... 502

definition of .................................................................................................................. 120, 501

mitigation activities for ........................................................................................................ 505

outreach projects for ..................................................................... 330, 350, Figure 500-3, 504

repetitive loss list ................................................................................................................. 501

repetitive loss plans .............................................................................................. 502, 510, 512

Severe Repetitive Loss Properties ............................................................... 120, 501, 522, 532

Requesting CRS Credit .............................................................................................................. 210

application procedures ......................................................................................................... 212

prerequisites for joining the CRS ......................................................................................... 211

Class 1 prerequisites ................................................................................................... 211.d

Class 4 prerequisites ................................................................................................... 211.c

Class 6 prerequisites ................................................................................................... 211.b

Class 9 prerequisites ................................................................................................... 211.a

Required activities for CRS participation .......................................................................... 211, 231

Reservoirs ............................................................................................................... 510, 532.a, 631

as flood control projects ....................................................................................................... 530

See also: Retention/detention basins

Retention/detention basins ......................................................................................... 452, 530, 540

Retrofitting .................................................................................................. 120, 530, Figure 530-1

credit for retrofitted buildings .............................................................................................. 532

public information/outreach projects for ..................................................................... 331, 361

technical assistance ........................................................................................................... 362.a

technique used (TU_) ........................................................................................................ 532.a

dry floodproofing (TUD) ............................................................................................ 532.a

elevation (TUE) .......................................................................................................... 532.a

wet floodproofing (TUW) ........................................................................................... 532.a

sewer backup (TUS) ................................................................................................... 532.a

training for ................................................................................................................ 362.d. 535

Riparian ecosystems, riparian habitat ...................... 120, 352.b, 422.c, 422.h, 442.a, 512.a, 512.c
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-16 Edition: 2017

-SSand dunes ...................................................... 120, 412.f, 422.e, 431.a, 432.k, 432.n, Appendix B 

Sea level rise ...................................................................................................... 404, 410, 430, 450 

Self Assessment [See: CRS Community Self Assessment]

Sensitive areas ............................................................................................................................ 120 

 See also: Natural floodplain functions 

Severe Repetitive Loss Properties ...................................................................... 120, 501, 522, 532 

Sheet flow .................................................................................................................................. 120 

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) .................................................................................. 110, 120 

 See also: Floodplain 

Special flood-related hazards 110, 120, 220, 322.e, 331, 342.d, 401, 412.f,

422.d, 432.l, 432.m, 531.b 

 erosion data maintenance (EDM) ..................................................................................... 442.d 

 mapping .................................................................................................................. 412.f, 442.a 

real estate disclosure ......................................................................................................... 342.b 

 regulations for ................................................................................................ 401, 422.d, 432.l 

Stakeholder delivery (STK) .................................................................................................... 332.d 

Stakeholders ............................................................................................................................... 120 

State activities 

Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) .......................................................... 635 

state-based credit ............................................................................................................... 231.d

state dam safety program (SDS) ....................................................................................... 632.a 

state-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) ..................................................................... 432.p 

 state review of floodplain studies (SR) ............................................................................. 412.c 

State-based credit .................................................................................................................... 231.d 

State-mandated regulatory standards (SMS) .......................................................................... 432.p 

Storage basin maintenance (SBM) .......................................................................................... 542.e 

Storage basins ............................................................................................................ 120, 500, 540 

Storm drain improvements ...................................................................................................... 532.a 

StormReady, StormReady community (SRC) ........................................................................ 612.e 

Stormwater management ........................................................................................................... 450 

 design storms used in regulations (DS) ............................................................................ 452.a 

 erosion and sedimentation control regulations (ESC) ...................................................... 452.c 

 low impact development (LID) ......................................................................................... 452.a 

public maintenance of facilities (PUB) ............................................................................. 452.a 

 size of development regulated (SZ) .................................................................................. 452.a 

stormwater management regulations (SMR) .................................................................... 452.a 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-17 Edition: 2017

 watershed impact adjustment map .................................................................................... 452.b 

 watershed master plan ....................................................................................................... 452.b 

water quality regulations (WQ) ........................................................................................ 452.d 

Stream dumping regulations (SDR) ........................................................................................ 542.d 

Stream maintenance, channel clearing [See: Channel debris removal] 

Structural flood control projects ..................................................................................... 113.d, 530 

barriers (TUB) ................................................................................................................... 532.a 

 channel modifications (TUB) ........................................................................................... 532.a 

storage facilities (TUF) ..................................................................................................... 532.a 

Studies [See: Flood studies/delineation] 

Subdivisions ........................................................................... 321.b, 342.b, 411.a, 422.f, 432, 442 

 regulations [See: Regulation of new construction, Open space] 

Subsidence [See: Land subsidence] 

Substantial improvement ......................... 120, 310, 331, 342.b, 432.b, 432.c, 432.d, 432.e, 442.b

 regulations .............................................................................................................. 432.d, 432.e 

 public information/outreach projects ................................................................................... 330 

Surcharge ........................................................................................................................ 120, 412.e 

Surveys, surveying .......................................................................................................... 310, 442.b 

 benchmarks ....................................................................................................................... 442.c 

elevation certificates ............................................................................................................ 310 

 lot surveys ......................................................................................................................... 342.b 

-TTechnical assistance [See: Advice] 

Technical assistance (TA) .......................................................................................................... 372 

Technique used for retrofitting (TU_) .................................................................................... 532.a 

 See also: Retrofitting

Topographic data, topographic maps ................................................................ 332.d, 412.b, 442.a 

Training ..................................................................... 114, 331.a, 335, 362.d, 375, 432.q, 434, 510 

Tsunamis ............................................................................. 110, 120, 322.e, 401, 410, 432.m, 612 

TsunamiReady community (TRC) .................................................................................... 612.f 
Index 

Activity/Element/Term Section

CRS Coordinator’s Manual i-18 Edition: 2017

-UUncertain flow paths ....................................................................... 110, 120, 320, 401, 420, 432.l 

Undeveloped coastal barrier ................................................................................................... 322.b 

-VV-Zone Design Certificate ......................................................................................................... 310 

Variable ...................................................................................................................................... 120 

Velocity Zones [See: Coastal velocity zone mapping] 

Verification ................................................................................................................................ 230 

 documentation provided by the community for ................................................................... 231 

verification visit ................................................................................................................... 232 

 post-visit actions ............................................................................................................ 233 

-WWarning and response ................................................................................................................ 600 

for dams ............................................................................................................................... 630 

 for floods .............................................................................................................................. 610 

for levees .............................................................................................................................. 620 

Water quality regulations (WQ) .............................................................................................. 452.d 

Watersheds 

 impact adjustment map for ................................................................................................ 403.d 

 master plan for (WMP) ..................................................................................................... 452.b 

Websites ..................................................................................................................................... 350 

CRS credit for a community website (WEB) ................................................................... 352.c 

Wetland preservation, wetlands protection ....................................... 422.a, 422.c, 422.g, 500, 510 

 See also: Natural floodplain functions 

-YYears between checks of elevation reference marks .............................................................. 442.c 

-ZZones [See: Flood insurance, zones] 

Zoning ...................................................................................................................... 342.b, 420, 510