Residents and business owners are highly encouraged to learn how their property’s flood risk is changing.
While these maps are still in the preliminary phase, they will soon become effective, replacing the current FEMA flood maps. The City of Keene participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and uses these maps in our floodplain development regulations.
>> Use FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer (msc.fema.gov/fmcv) to find out what flood zone your property is in on the preliminary maps.
(High-risk flood zones start with the letter ‘A’ or ‘V’.) This is a FEMA website where you can zoom in or enter an address and place a pin to create a map that will show the current 2006 map compared to the 2025 preliminary map for that location. (This is not hosted by the City of Keene - please read the instructions on the map website carefully.)
>> The maps affect flood insurance requirements in some areas.
For buildings in high-risk flood zones, flood insurance is required as a condition of a Federally-backed mortgage. Even if you do not have a mortgage, or if you are a renter, the purchase of flood insurance is still highly recommended. Be advised that most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not include coverage for damage due to flooding. Visit floodsmart.gov or contact your insurance agent to learn more.
Read FEMA’s Map Changes and Flood Insurance brochure or contact FEMA’s Mapping & Insurance eXchange helpline at (877) 336-2627 for general mapping or insurance-related questions.
The City of Keene participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and has floodplain development regulations that help to protect lives and property from future flooding. Proposed development in high-risk areas, as shown on the flood maps, must meet applicable requirements. To learn more, contact Mike Hagan, City of Keene Floodplain Administrator, (603) 352-5440, mhagan@keenenh.gov.
>> View FEMA's Mapping Update Process FAQs for detailed information, including:
- Why are the FEMA flood maps being updated?
- What does the updated FEMA maps mean for my community?
- What does the updated FEMA maps mean for residents, businesses, and property owners?
- How are the new maps changing?
- Does my community need to update/amend our floodplain ordinance/regulations?
- When do the new maps need to be adopted into our floodplain regulations?
- When should my community start to utilize the new maps in our floodplain management (permitting, planning, etc.)
- What if I previously received a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) for my property?
- What if I believe my property was incorrectly identified as in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
- Who notifies residents of potential changes in their area?
- Will FEMA hold a public hearing or meeting so residents can be made aware of the changes?
- How do I know the status of a mapping project in my community?
- What are the steps involved in updating the flood maps?
- Preliminary maps have been released for my community. Where can I view and download them?
Additional Information
There will be a 90-day appeal period. The appeal will likely be in the late summer or fall of 2025. The City will share information about when the appeal process begins when that information is received. Public meetings will also occur after the Letter of Final Determination is sent, which will likely be in 2026.
There is an opportunity for property owners to submit technical information regarding map revisions, including appeals. Formal appeals must be based on data that show the mapping is scientifically or technically incorrect and generally include engineering information, elevation information, and updated floodplain boundaries. Once the process starts, information about where to send appeals will be shared.
City Contact
Mike Hagan
City of Keene Floodplain Administrator
(603) 352-5440, mhagan@keenenh.gov