Floodproofing

Floodproofing is a critical mitigation strategy recognized by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It involves measures designed to protect a building from flood damage by making it watertight or resistant to water intrusion. This strategy applies differently to residential and non-residential buildings under NFIP guidelines.

Important!

To apply floodproofing to an NFIP policy, a completed floodproofing certificate must be submitted by the insured. A floodproofing certificate (see examples at bottom of page) makes use of elevation rating, a core feature of Legacy Rating. Refer to the Elevation Rating page for more details about interpreting a floodproofing certificate.

Residential Floodproofing

Eligibility

Floodproofing discounts for residential buildings are limited to specific conditions:

• The building’s foundation type must be Basement (Non-Elevated).
• It must be located in an NFIP-participating community where FEMA has approved the Residential Basement Floodproofing Discount.
• The building should be in flood zones A1-A30, AE, AR, AR Dual, AO, AH, or A with a Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
• A registered professional engineer or architect must certify that the building is floodproofed to at least one foot above the BFE.

Documentation Requirements

To qualify for a floodproofing discount, the following are required:

• A completed NFIP Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate.
• At least two photographs of the floodproofed building.

Additional Notes

If the building’s flood zone changes (e.g., to a V zone) during a FEMA remapping, the floodproofing discount is revoked at the next renewal​​.

Non-Residential Floodproofing

Eligibility

Non-residential buildings can also qualify for a floodproofing discount under the following conditions:

• Foundation types must be Slab on Grade (Non-Elevated) or Basement (Non-Elevated).
• The building must be located in flood zones A1-A30, AE, AR, AR Dual, AO, AH, A (with BFE), B, C, X, or D.
• Certification from a registered professional engineer or architect that the building is floodproofed:
  • To at least one foot above the BFE for flood zones with a BFE.
  • To at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade for zones B, C, X, or D.

Documentation Requirements

To apply for a floodproofing discount, insurers must submit:

• A completed NFIP Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures.
• A Flood Emergency Plan, including maintenance, personnel duties, and evacuation procedures.
• At least two photographs of the floodproofed building.

Inspection and Maintenance

Annual inspections and maintenance plans must cover all floodproofing systems, such as drainage and pump systems, to ensure ongoing eligibility​​.

Key Considerations for Agents

• Community Requirements: Both residential and non-residential floodproofing are only eligible in NFIP-participating communities.
• Certification: Proper engineering certification is crucial to validate floodproofing measures.
• Renewal: Eligibility for discounts must be validated annually through updated documentation.

Floodproofing is an effective way to reduce flood risk and premiums while ensuring compliance with NFIP standards. Encourage your clients to explore these options to protect their properties and achieve cost savings.

External Resources

For more detailed guidance outside of the FIM, refer to FEMA’s floodproofing resources below

• Technical Bulletin 3: Requirements for the Design and Certification of Dry Floodproofed Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings

Floodproofing Certificates

• Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate
• Dry Floodproofing Certificate for Non-residential Structures

This page contains information about the NFIP. Find more NFIP Resources.