Richmond City Council adopted the final Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for City of Richmond, VA at its meeting on June 2, 2025, which go into effect July 8. These maps were preliminarily introduced by FEMA in 2023 and were created to reflect the changing weather patterns and increased flood risks. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding.

In 2023, the City provided details to impacted property owners and hosted open houses to provide an opportunity to view the map and identify any corrections or ask questions about the information provided as well as submit appeals or comments.

The City is hosting a final public open house on Thursday, June 12 to provide City of Richmond property owners the opportunity to see the final maps, learn about their risk of flooding and hazard mitigation, as well as ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. The maps go into effect July 8, 2025.

Public Open House
Thursday, June 12                                       
Thomas B. Smith Community Center                     
2015 Ruffin Road                                  
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm                                         

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States; it is vital for property owners to understand their risk and take advantage of the tools and programs available to them, including flood insurance, to help reduce flooding impacts. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when they become effective, updated maps will be used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

As a result of these maps, some buildings in Richmond may, for the first time, be included in a high-risk flood zone, known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This may result in the mandatory purchase of flood insurance for those property owners who are affected.

Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes. Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 877-336-2627 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. The City of Richmond is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, which provides Richmond residents with a discount on flood insurance.

The maps may be viewed here.