Chautauqua County, N.Y. - FEMA is proposing updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Chautauqua County, New York. Community partners are invited to participate in a 90-day appeal and comment period.

The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and FEMA officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place, but before the maps become final, community partners can identify any corrections or questions about the information provided and submit appeals or comments.

The 90-day appeal period will begin on or around June 30, 2026. Residents, business owners and other community partners are encouraged to review the updated maps to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. They may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.

• An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
• Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
• If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information-such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary-they can submit a written comment.

The next step in the mapping process is the resolution of all comments and appeals. Once they are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps.

Submit appeals and comments by contacting your local floodplain administrator. The preliminary maps may be viewed online at the FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer: http://msc.fema.gov/fmcv.

For more information about the flood maps:

• Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone; toll free, at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at [email protected].

Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flooding. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent and visiting https://www.floodsmart.gov.

Chautauqua County, NY Flood Mapping Milestones

• September 26 and October 17, 2024 - Flood Risk Review Meetings to review draft flood hazard data.
• May 14, 2025 - Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map released.
• July 24, 2025 - Community Coordination and Outreach Meeting to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and discuss updates to local floodplain management ordinance and flood insurance.
• July 24 and 31, 2025 - Open House Meetings with public to review Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map.
• On or Around June 30, 2026 - Appeal Period starts.
• Late 2027* - New Flood Insurance Rate Map becomes effective and flood insurance requirements take effect. (*Timeline subject to change pending completion of the appeal review process.)

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 2 Office of External Affairs at (212) 680-3699 or at [email protected].