Which areas are classified as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA)?

The classification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) is based on the likelihood of experiencing flooding, particularly from a 100-year flood event, which has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. SFHAs are specifically designated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and include areas that are at higher risk for flooding rather than simply just low-lying urban areas or areas with erosion problems.

Areas with erosion problems may be indirectly susceptible to flooding, but this designation does not encompass the critical criteria that define SFHAs. The core of the SFHA classification involves proximity to flood zones, often delineated by comprehensive hydrological studies, thus incorporating various factors like rainfall patterns, topography, and surface flows, rather than focusing on erosion alone.

In contrast, areas that may be in close proximity to water bodies typically include those at greater risk, as flood zones often extend outwards from rivers, lakes, and other significant water sources. However, not every area near water is considered an SFHA without specific flood risk assessments in place implying that just being near water doesn’t automatically classify an area as a SFHA. Factors such as elevation, drainage, and historical flood data play a vital role.

Understanding the intricacies of flood risk