Land records · Parcel maps · October 5, 2026
What Is a LOMA? Letter of Map Amendment
A LOMA is a FEMA letter stating a property or building is not in the mapped high-risk flood area because it sits above the base flood elevation.
What is a LOMA? A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is an official FEMA determination that a specific property or structure is not in the Special Flood Hazard Area, even though the flood map seems to show it inside. It is issued when the natural ground at the structure, or the lot itself, is at or above the base flood elevation. Flood maps are drawn at a broad scale, so a house on a small rise can be shown in the floodplain by mistake. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Why LOMAs matter
- Mandatory insurance: lenders must require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages on buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area. A LOMA removing the building can end that federal requirement, though lenders may still require coverage.
- Accuracy: it corrects how a specific property is treated on the effective map.
- Resale: buyers and lenders can see the official determination.
LOMA vs similar FEMA letters
| Letter | Used when |
|---|---|
| LOMA | Natural ground is at or above the base flood elevation |
| LOMR-F | Fill was placed to raise the ground above the base flood elevation |
| LOMR | A physical change, such as a new levee or channel, revises the map for an area |
| CLOMA / CLOMR-F / CLOMR | Conditional review before a project is built |
Who qualifies
Usually the lowest adjacent grade, the lowest ground touching the structure, must be at or above the base flood elevation. For a whole lot, the lowest point of the lot is compared. Elevation of the house floor alone is not enough if the ground around it is lower.
How to request one
- Confirm the flood zone and BFE on the effective map. See how to read a FEMA flood map.
- Get elevation data, usually an elevation certificate or a surveyor’s form showing the lowest adjacent grade.
- Gather documents such as a copy of the recorded deed or plat showing the property’s legal description, and a map showing its location.
- Submit through FEMA’s online Letter of Map Change system or by mail.
- Wait for the determination; FEMA generally reviews complete requests within about 60 days.
FEMA does not charge a review fee for a LOMA, though you pay for surveying.
After you receive it
- Send a copy to your lender and insurance agent.
- Keep it with your property records.
- Remember a LOMA can be superseded when new flood maps are issued, so check whether it was revalidated or needs resubmission.
Being out of the mapped zone is not zero risk
A large share of flood claims come from outside high-risk zones. Many owners keep lower-cost coverage even after a LOMA. See flood zone AE vs X.
On parcel maps
Parcel viewers overlay flood zones on lot lines, but a LOMA usually does not redraw those lines. See floodplain line vs lot line and how to find flood zone by address.
Bottom line
A LOMA is a FEMA letter confirming a property or structure is above the base flood elevation and outside the high-risk flood zone. It requires surveyed elevations, costs nothing to file beyond the survey, and can remove the federal insurance requirement. Check flood layers on the Platbookmapper map.
What is a loma FAQ
What does LOMA stand for?
Letter of Map Amendment.
Does a LOMA remove the flood insurance requirement?
It removes the federal requirement for the structure, though a lender may still require coverage.
How much does a LOMA cost?
FEMA charges no review fee; you pay for surveying.
How long does a LOMA take?
FEMA generally reviews complete requests within about 60 days.
What is the difference between a LOMA and a LOMR-F?
A LOMA uses natural ground; a LOMR-F applies when fill raised the ground.