Open House on FEMA’s New Flood Maps, Elevation Requirements Set for Wednesday

Boca Raton’s waterfront portion, Sept. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

An open house focusing on new FEMA flood maps in the southern portion of Palm Beach County will be held this week in Boynton Beach, officials announced.

FEMA’s updated flood zone maps will add thousands of residents to high-risk areas, with changes due to go in effect Dec. 20, 2024.Known as special flood high-hazard areas, the newly-created category will treat areas away from the direct oceanfront the same as those in “V” zones, where building standards are strengthened to account for wave velocity during storms. Construction in these areas are subject to more stringent height requirements as well as, in some cases, the need for helical piling foundations.

Residents can find their flood zone on a county map.

According to county officials, more than 16,000 parcels will have an increase in Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of one foot or more. The increase in BFE may result in non-conforming structures that have the lowest floor below the BFE or minimum elevation required for a “substantial improvement” designation.

The open house, which will feature interaction with officials, will be held Sept. 11, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boynton Beach Police Dept. Community Room, 2100 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach.

Municipalities that will have representatives in attendance include Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Ocean Ridge, and South Palm Beach.