FEMA has developed a new software program that enables a community to determine a base flood elevation using a simplified shortcut to the backwater program. Use of this program involves a minimum of computer skills and some basic cross section information. Be patient as it takes some time to load. The Maine Model Ordinance that has been adopted by the majority of Maine municipalities requires that half of the unnumbered A Zone shall be considered to be in the floodway. Whatever method you choose to use in the determination of a flood elevation for an unnumbered A Zone, always document on the permit application where the determination came from.
Consistency is extremely important when working with unnumbered A Zones.
The developer must obtain a bfe which reflects the actual field conditions or must obtain the services of a hydrologist or professional engineer to compute the bfe . The project must be designed to the bfe in accordance with the NFIP criteria. If you have any questions regarding the above, contact the staff of the Maine Floodplain Management Program. Code officials should at least be familiar with the procedure for checking elevations in the field. Regional Councils may also have on file copies of previous flood studies.