Notification of Updates to Flood Hazard Maps
To help residents protect against the loss of life and property , the City of Arlington works closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) to develop and update flood protection plans and participates in the National Flood Insurance Program to provide homeowners , business owners and renters with access to affordable flood insurance .
As part of ongoing efforts to manage the floodplain and protect Arlington citizens from flood risks , the City developed the Stream VC ( A )_ 4 Watershed Study . This study , which was recently reviewed by FEMA , uses comprehensive and up-to-date technical data to more accurately identify and map areas that may be subject to flooding .
FEMA accepted the City ’ s data that will update the floodplain map for the Stream VC ( A )_ 4 on April 1 , 2021 . As a result of the map update , the limits of the floodplain will change along some of the properties that are adjacent to this creek and property owners may be required by their lenders to carry flood insurance . FEMA approved similar updates for the following watersheds : Stream WF ( A )_ 2 on September 25 , 2020 , Stream WF ( A )_ 1 on October 22 , 2020 , Stream VC ( A )_ 5 on March 8 , 2021 , Stream VC ( A )_ 3 on March 22 , 2021 , Stream WFT _ 001 on March 22 , 2021 and Stream WFT _ 002 on March 25 , 2021 . FEMA has reviewed the City ’ s Rush Creek Watershed Study and is currently scheduling it for map updates .
The information below will help you determine if your property is included in a floodplain , also called a Special Flood Hazard Area , and what options are available to you prior to the upcoming Flood Insurance Rate Map update .
Please note that taking action earlier rather than later will help keep your flood insurance rates down , should you be required by your lender to carry a policy . Property owners and tenants whose properties are in a Special Flood Hazard Area can get discounted flood insurance through the FEMA sponsored National Flood Insurance Program by purchasing a Preferred Risk Policy more than 30 days before the updated maps become effective . This policy would be available for the first year and would make less expensive options available to you in the future .
How can I view the updated maps ? Paper copies of the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for viewing by appointment Monday through Friday between 9 a . m . and 4 p . m . at the Public Works and Transportation Department . This department is located on the 2nd floor of Arlington City Hall , 101 W . Abram St . For questions about the updated maps or to make an appointment , contact the Public Works and Transportation Department at 817-459-6550 or email publicworks @ arlingtontx . gov .
Maps can also be downloaded and viewed on the City ’ s website at www . arlingtontx . gov / maprevisions .
How will the updated maps affect you ? Lenders and insurance companies utilize the Flood Insurance Rate Maps to analyze the flood risk to any individual property . If you have a mortgage or secured loan from a federally regulated or insured lender and the principle structure on this parcel is shown to be within the floodplain , then your lender may require you to carry flood insurance .
Typically , Lenders check if a property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area once the updated maps become effective on April 1 , 2021 . Lenders will send a letter to all properties they identify to be in the floodplain to notify them that they must purchase flood insurance within 45 days . If a policy is not purchased within this time period , a lender may purchase a flood insurance policy that may be more expensive for the property owner and / or provide less protection .