Community Rating System (CRS)

Calvert County’s Participation in the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) Program

Calvert County participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) Program, which requires the County to engage in activities that protect the 100-year floodplain, educate the public and empower the public with 100-year floodplain information and data resources. These resources help county citizens become more knowledgeable about floodplain hazards and the means to protect property against flood damage. Calvert County’s participation in FEMA’s CRS Program allows county residents owning property with structures within the 100-year floodplain to receive a 10% discount on their flood insurance premiums when they initiate or renew their policies (effective May 1, 2015).

Resources

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program

100-Year Floodplain Protection through Zoning

See where in the county the 100-year floodplain is protected by low-density zoning (PDF).

100-Year Floodplain Protection through Preserved Lands

See where in the county the 100-year floodplain is protected by preserved lands (PDF).

2011 Calvert County Flood Mitigation Plan

The Calvert County Flood Mitigation Plan (PDF) identifies the county’s flooding history and flooding issues impacting the county. It also includes a flood vulnerability assessment, preventative and protective measures against flood damage, emergency services available to the county during a flood event, an inventory of structures within the 100-year floodplain, and public outreach for flooding issues in the county.

Floodplain, Stormwater, and Soil and Erosion Control Regulations

The County’s Floodplain Regulations conform to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations, including a two-foot freeboard requirement for the new construction and substantial renovations of existing structures. The County’s Stormwater Management Regulations (PDF) provide additional 100-year floodplain protection compared to other jurisdictions outside of Maryland. Similarly, the Calvert County Soil Conservation District requires sediment and erosion control measures during and after construction, and provides protection from siltation of the 100-year floodplain during development activities.

Flood Data Maintenance

Flood data is provided to the public through the County’s interactive Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping tool. The interactive GIS Floodplain Map discloses current NFIP data including the location of the 100-year floodplain, flood zones, location of the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) and the base flood elevations. Individual properties can be located on the maps by address. Coastal inundation ("sea level rise") information pertaining to the county is available through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Atlas, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Inundation/Sea Level Rise Viewer. The County also makes historical and current Floodplain Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) and Floodplain Insurance Studies (FIS) available to the public. Hard copies may be obtained from or viewed at the Department of Planning & Zoning, County Services Plaza, 3rd Floor, 150 Main Street, Prince Frederick.

Available FIRM maps in hard copy include: 1984, 1988, 1992, 1998, 2013

Available FIS in hard copy include: 1984, 1988, 1992, 1998, 2013

Map Information Services

The County conducts public outreach targeted to residents living in the 100-year floodplain repetitive loss areas (see section below). The targeted audiences include: (1) property owners residing at and/or owning property in repetitive loss areas; and (2) realtors, lenders, and insurance agents.

Repetitive Loss Properties Management

Under the CRS Program, the County is required to designate Repetitive Loss Areas (PDF). These areas are based on county repetitive loss properties for which a property owner has made two or more flood damage claims of $1,000 or more to the NFIP within any rolling 10-year period. For more information regarding the County’s repetitive loss areas, contact John Swartz, Environmental Regulator at Planning & Zoning, 410-535-1600 x2238.

Elevation Certification Management

The County’s Certified Floodplain Manager must certify that the County adheres to the NFIP’s requirement of obtaining elevation certificates throughout the construction process. An elevation certificate certifies that a structure is in compliance with the NFIP’s base flood elevation and freeboard requirements.

Annual Re-Certification Process

As part of the County’s responsibilities under the CRS, the Department of Planning & Zoning is required to re-certify its activities on an annual basis, including the Annual Progress Report on the Calvert County Flood Mitigation Plan (PDF).