PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of updating floodplain maps in Prince William County. On September 30, 2020, FEMA released the preliminary floodplain maps for the County. These maps are referred to as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and show the projected flood risk of properties, as well as areas that are subject to flooding.
FEMA is revising the maps to incorporate newer topographic information and more current data affecting flood risk. The FIRMs for most of the County were last updated in 1995 for the riverine areas, and for a limited portion of the County along coastal areas in 2015. Changes in the FIRMs could impact which property owners need to obtain flood insurance or may trigger the need to alter existing policies.
Property owners can find detailed information regarding FEMA’s study, as well as view the preliminary FIRMs using an interactive map tool on the County’s website by clicking here. Property owners can also view a hard copy of the preliminary FIRMs in person at 5 County Complex Ct., Suite 170, Prince William, VA 22192 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FEMA will conduct a 90-day public review and comment period beginning sometime this summer. Once FEMA initiates the 90-day comment period, property owners can submit appeals to FEMA through Prince William County, along with engineering data to contest the overall accuracy of the published preliminary FIRM maps. After the appeal period, FEMA will resolve the comments and finalize the map updates. It is anticipated that the new maps will go into effect sometime in the fall of 2022.
The County will update the webpage to provide key dates and procedures for adopting preliminary FIRMs as soon as FEMA finalizes the details. Affected property owners will also receive letters notifying them of the proposed floodplain map changes on their property and providing details on how to file an appeal. For questions, call the Prince William County Environmental Services Division at 703-792-7070.
Prince William County is the second-largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a population of nearly 467,000. A highly-educated, racially and ethnically diverse population makes the county one of the most globally represented communities in the region. AAA Bond Ratings, awarded annually from all three ratings agencies, confirms a commitment to a thriving and robust economy. Prince William County encompasses a total area of 348 square miles and includes independent cities and towns, state and federal park properties, and Quantico Marine Corps Base. Steeped in rich history, surrounded by beautiful parks and open space, Prince William County is a community of choice where individuals, families and businesses choose to live, work and play.