Check Your Flood Zone

To determine whether a property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) — commonly referred to as a floodplain — residents may consult official flood maps. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains national flood hazard mapping products, including flood insurance rate maps that show flood zones and floodway boundaries. The Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) also maintains an interactive Flood Hazard Map. 

If you need assistance interpreting flood maps or determining whether a specific property is in a flood zone, please contact the GIS Department.

Permit Requirements

Local Floodplain Permit

A Local Floodplain Permit is required for certain types of development in regulated floodplain areas within the City of Berea. Examples of activities that often require permits include:

  • Construction or placement of buildings or accessory structures

  • Filling or grading within a designated floodplain

  • Stream crossings or channel alterations

  • Other development that may affect floodplain elevations or flow paths

Note: A Local Floodplain Permit is required only when an Individual Floodplain Permit has first been issued by the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW). Projects that qualify under state General Permits do not require a separate local permit.

State Permits

The Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) administers floodplain permits under state law for development in floodplains, including activities such as structures, stream alterations, and grading. Many minor activities may be eligible under a General Permit, while others require an Individual Permit from KDOW prior to issuance of a local permit.

For detailed requirements and application materials through KDOW, see the Kentucky Division of Water Floodplain Permits (401 KAR 4:060).

Flood Zone Map Change Requests

If you believe your property has been incorrectly shown as being within a Special Flood Hazard Area, you may pursue a formal map change through FEMA:

Types of FEMA Map Change Requests

  • Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA): Confirms that a property or structure is not in the Special Flood Hazard Area based on topography.

  • Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F): Confirms removal from a floodplain based on engineered fill.

  • Letter of Map Revision (LOMR): Revises an effective flood map to show changes in floodplain boundaries or elevations.

These requests are submitted to FEMA using FEMA forms (MT-1 or MT-2) and may require supporting documentation such as an elevation certificate.

Flood Insurance & Risk Awareness

Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes federally backed flood insurance available to property owners, renters, and businesses. Homes and businesses located in high-risk flood zones may be required by lenders to carry flood insurance; however, insurance coverage is available for properties in all flood zones.

Flood maps provide important insight into potential flood risk but do not guarantee that flooding will not occur outside mapped areas. For personalized flood risk information, consult a licensed surveyor or floodplain professional.

Helpful Resources

While the City provides local floodplain services, the following external resources may also be useful: