9 Lawn Avenue - Suite 200
Norristown, PA 19403
(800) 829-1779 - Fax (610)
630-8460
A flood determination, performed in our mapping department, using a flat map with no topographical information other than flood plains and their respective elevations, will not reveal the location of a structure on a parcel of property in relation to the flood plain. An improvement on a property in relation to the flood plain on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), when in reality, the improvement may be hundreds of feet from the flood plain. This deviation is not due to the fault of the cartographer or a misprint on the maps being used. The difference in feet may be due to a rise or fall in the topography, which can not be seen on the FIRM. However, the actual lay of the land can be determined by physically visiting the property and inspecting the parcel for its topographical information.
Physical inspection are used to determine the position of an improvement on a parcel of property in relation to a flood plain. This process consists of a series of measurements, taken by an individual of the actual property and all of the property's improvements. These measurements are then correlated with the dimensions of the existing, nearby flood plain to determine if the actual improvement is impacted totally, partially or not at all by the flood plain.
A Physical Inspection may also reveal deviations in the FIRM. These deviations may be corrected through the issuance of a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). This does not mean that with the ordering of a Physical Inspection an individual's property or home will always be removed from a Special Flood Hazard Area.
A private survey of one's land, by a professional engineer, may uncover the same results that a Physical Inspection would, but at three times the cost. The average cost of a private survey is approximately $350, or higher. A private survey is only done on the parcel of property upon which the improvement lies. A Physical Inspection may require measurements of the surrounding parcels and flood zones in order to determine the actual flood plain of the requested parcel.
To order a Physical Inspection or request further information, please contact our Flood Services Manager at 1-800-829-1779.
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