Floodplain Management

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued new preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and a flood insurance study of Rockville. These preliminary maps reflect the flood risk based on the latest high-quality data and have been released for public review and comment. 

Rockville participates in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) so that residents are eligible to purchase federally backed flood insurance as financial protection against flood losses. Jurisdictions must adopt FIRMs to participate in the NFIP. This flood insurance may be purchased by anyone within Rockville regardless of whether their property or structure is within a floodplain.

Appeals and Comments

The appeal period for FEMA’s Preliminary Flood Model opened on Jan. 17, 2025 and closed on April 17, 2025. This appeal period provided property owners the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the preliminary flood hazard maps. Following resolution of the appeals and comments, FEMA will notify communities of the final maps and effective dates.

• Appeals address concerns that the modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect and must be accompanied by technical documentation, such as surveys, topographic maps, engineering studies, or data. Appeals should also demonstrate that better methodologies, assumptions, or data exist.
• Comments address a perceived map error, such as an incorrect street name or city limit boundary. A detailed description of the issue should be submitted. Supporting documentation may not be required.

Public Information Sessions

Local government staff, along with Maryland Department of the Environment and FEMA officials, collaborated to provide three information sessions for property owners and residents affected by the proposed map amendments. Topics included the mapping process, appeal process, flood insurance, and potential mitigation opportunities. View the presentation slides from the Feb. 10, 2024 information session.