​​Local Government Flood Resources

​Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants 

FEMA provides general information on hazard mitigation and the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. Visit the FEMA HMA web page for more information.

Substantial Damage

Following any type of flood event, municipalities are required to conduct inspections of affected structures.  The purpose is to determine if the damages are 50 percent or more of the structure’s fair market value. If the 50 percent threshold is met or exceeded, the entire structure is required to come into full compliance with the floodplain ordinance.

This is not to be confused with an emergency management related assessment.  While they may occur concurrently, this is specific assessment unique to floodplain management.

Helpful resources for municipalities:

• FEMA NFIP Fact Sheet: Risk Rating 2.0 is Equity in Action
• Risk Rating 2.0 Changes and Updated Guidance Effective October 1, 2021 (PDF)
• Floodplain Managers Orientation Guide (PDF)
• Floodplain Management Checklist (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Administrative Procedures Template (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Process and Methodology (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Community Checklist (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Guided Community Self-Assessment (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Fundamentals (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Damage Overview (PDF)
• FEMA Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage Facilitator's Guide (PDF)
  
  

Flood-Related Documents

• Damages-Improvements-Toolkit (PDF)
  
• Floodplain Management Act (PDF)
  
• Floodplain Management Activities Annual Report Form (PDF) (*This form can be filled out and mailed to PEMA as a back-up option to the online form.)
• Elevation Certificate (PDF)
• Non-Residential Floodproofing Certificate (PDF)
• Meeting the Minimum Requirements of NFIP and the PA Flood Plain Management Act -- D Level Provisions (PDF)
• Floodplain Management Activities Reimbursement Application (PDF)
• Floodplain Management Regulations 2010 (PDF)