FEMA Flood Risk Mapping Project
FEMA Project Timeline
PHASE 1: FEMA Discovery
FEMA collects local flood mapping data from the City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma Water, and County of Sonoma.
STATUS: COMPLETED
PHASE 2: FEMA Analysis and Mapping
FEMA begins preparing preliminary flood maps. FEMA will utilize both local data collected during discovery and their own information to prepare the preliminary flood maps.
STATUS: COMPLETED
PHASE 3: FEMA Preliminary Flood Map Release
FEMA releases preliminary flood maps. The preliminary flood maps will be shared with the community and are followed by a 90-day public appeal and comment period.
STATUS: COMPLETED
PHASE 4: 90-Day Appeal and Comment Period
Property owners with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary map and study during the 90-day public appeal and comment period.
STATUS: The 90-Day Appeal and Comment Period will be Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 through Monday, Apr. 20, 2026
PHASE 5: FEMA Flood Maps Effective
FEMA's final flood maps are released with an effective date.
STATUS: Estimated Spring 2027
View FEMA’s Preliminary Flood Maps for Santa Rosa
FEMA has released preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Santa Rosa, providing updated information on local flood zones. These maps reflect the latest data and modeling to more accurately assess flood risk across the city.
To help residents and property owners easily explore these updates, the City of Santa Rosa has launched a user-friendly map viewer. The City’s tool allows users to search by address and view localized flood zone data in a more accessible format than FEMA’s standard mapping platform.
We encourage community members to check their property’s flood zone status using the City’s viewer and learn how proposed changes may affect them. For additional verification or to explore FEMA’s official map platform, visit: fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools#preliminary
Disclaimer: This map is provided for informational purposes only and includes select layers from the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) data. The floodplain boundaries depicted are preliminary and produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The City does not have authority over the delineation, interpretation, or modification of these FEMA floodplains.
To see the City's viewer in full screen, visit: City of Santa Rosa Preliminary FEMA FIRM Maps
To view FEMA’s official preliminary flood maps, visit fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools#preliminary.
90-Day Appeal & Comment Period: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 through April 20, 2026
If your property has been newly mapped into a flood zone, here is what you need to know about the 90-day appeal and comment period.
FEMA provides communities with Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to identify flood zones and areas at higher risk of flooding. FEMA uses a combination of local and federal flood data to develop preliminary FIRMs and the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS). As a result, a property’s flood zone designation may change. Some properties may be newly classified within a high-risk area, known as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
If a property is located in an SFHA and has a federally backed mortgage, the lender will require the purchase of flood insurance once the maps are finalized. All properties in a SFHA must also comply with local flood hazard area ordinances for new development.
As part of FEMA’s FIRMs update process, the preliminary maps release includes a 90-day public appeal and comment period from Tuesday, January 20, 2026 through Monday, April 20, 2026. During this time you can appeal changes to a property’s flood risk designation, provide comments on the maps, and ask questions about the updates.
Appeals vs. Comments
- Appeals are a formal written objection to the flood risk data, such as an addition/modification of Base Flood Elevations/Flood Depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, Zone designations, or regulatory floodway boundaries depicted on the preliminary FIRMs. An appeal must be accompanied by data and documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or licensed land surveyor, indicating how the proposed new or modified flood hazard information shown on the preliminary FIRMs is scientifically or technically incorrect.
- Comments are for changes to items such as road locations and names, place names, or other base map features.
- LEARN MORE
How to Submit Your Appeal or Comment (Santa Rosa properties)
The 90-day public appeal and comment period begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026 and will remain open through Monday, April 20, 2026. All comments and appeals for Santa Rosa properties must be submitted to the City of Santa Rosa and will be shared directly with FEMA for review. Please note that City staff collecting appeals and comments cannot assist with preparation or provide advice. There are two ways you can submit your appeals and comments:
- Email files to City of Santa Rosa at [email protected]
- Mail hard copies to:
City of Santa Rosa
Planning & Economic Development, Attn: Sheila Wolski
100 Santa Rosa Ave, Room 3
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
- Drop off hard copies, Attn: Sheila Wolski, at the Planning & Economic Development Counter located at Santa Rosa City Hall in Room 3, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Note: City offices will be closed Feb. 16 and Mar. 31 for holidays and will not be available to accept hard copies on these two holidays.
If your property is located in unincorporated portions of Sonoma County
Submit comments and appeals to the County of Sonoma.
- Call 707-565-1900
- Email [email protected]
Need Help?
For questions about your appeal or comment, contact FEMA:
- Call 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or
- Email [email protected]
FEMA Resources for the Appeal and Comment Process:
- Appeals and Comments for Property Owners| Spanish (PDF)
- Flood Map Appeal and Adoption Process (Recording)
- Required Data and Documentation for an Appeal Video (Recording)
- Required Support Data and Documentation for Property Owners (PDF)
- Letter of Map Amendment & Letter of Map Revision-Based on Fill Process (Web page)
- Community Members' Guide to Initiating Map Revisions (Web page)
Adoption of Flood Maps
After the formal 90-day public appeal and comment period ends, FEMA will review and address all submissions. Afterward, FEMA will issue a Letter of Final Determination. The Letter of Final Determination starts a 6-month compliance period before the FIRMs will become effective. The final FIRMs will be shared with the community, and the City will update the local floodplain regulations. Property owners with a federally backed loan or mortgage located in the Special Flood Hazard Area will need to obtain flood insurance, as required by their lender, and should familiarize themselves with local flood hazard area ordinances. At the end of the 6-month compliance period, the FIRMs become effective, along with all regulatory and flood insurance requirements.
Letter of Map Amendment and Letter of Map Revision
Property owners unable to submit an appeal during the 90-day appeal process, residents can work with FEMA to potentially change their designation at any time after the FIRMs become effective through processes called Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR). While the LOMA/LOMR is being reviewed, the current FIRM designation by FEMA will be effective.
Flood Insurance Requirements Following FEMA Map Adoption
Most homeowners and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Following FEMA’s updated flood maps, some properties will fall within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), where flood insurance will be required by mortgage lenders.
The City of Santa Rosa participates in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes flood insurance available to property owners, renters, and businesses.
Santa Rosa is also exploring participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program that could provide premium discounts in the future based on local efforts to reduce flood risk. The City’s rating and any related discounts are not yet determined -we will share updates as they become available.
Know Your Requirements: If your property is located in the SFHA, your mortgage company may notify you if flood insurance is required. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and and private insurance companies, is highly recommended even if not required.
Cost and Coverage: Flood insurance premiums vary based on several factors, including the property's flood risk, structure age and design, and desired coverage. For quotes and more information, visit FloodSmart.gov or contact your insurance provider.
No Structures in the SFHA? If no buildings on your property are in the SFHA, but your lender has contacted you requiring flood insurance, you may qualify for a Letter of Map Amendment – Out as Shown (LOMA-OAS) to remove the requirement. Learn more at FEMA.gov or contact the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange at 877-336-2627 or [email protected].
Renters: Standard renters’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Renters can purchase separate flood insurance and are encouraged to check their coverage. Property owners in SFHAs may be required to inform tenants about flood risks.
Get Covered: To purchase flood insurance, contact your insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider. There is typically a 30-day waiting period for coverage to take effect, so plan ahead.
Flood Insurance Resources:
- NFIP Policy Quoting Tool
- Flood Insurance Mitigation Discount Tool
- Find a Flood Insurance Provider
- Flood Insurance FAQs
Have Insurance Questions? Visit FloodSmart.gov or call the NFIP at 877-336-2627 for more information and resources.
What Actions Can You Take?
Carefully examine the preliminary flood map to understand if and how your property is affected.
- WATCH the recorded virtual community meeting with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on to learn more about the preliminary map revisions and ask questions.
- If you believe the new flood hazard determinations are technically incorrect, submit appeals or comments during the 90-day appeal period. Instructions on how to complete an appeal are listed above.
- Now is a good time to re-evaluate what financial protections you have in place for your home and business. In addition to taking steps to make your property more flood resistant, talk to your insurance agent about your flood insurance options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact Information
- Flood Mapping, Letters of Map Amendment/Revision, and Insurance, contact the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) Customer Care Center:
- Contact FEMA at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or [email protected]
- Santa Rosa Creek Flood Study, New Construction, Remodels, and/or Development Proposals:
- Contact the City of Santa Rosa at 707-543-3200 or [email protected]
- Property-related questions for unincorporated portions of Sonoma County:
- Contact the County of Sonoma, Permit Sonoma, at 707-565-1900 or Steve[email protected]
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