New Canaan Announces FEMA Flood Hazard Determinations Appeal Period

Information via the town of New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing revised flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) for the town of New Canaan.

According to a news release provided by the town, the new maps may include additions or modifications of special flood hazard areas, changes in base flood elevations or depths, and flood zone designation changes.

FEMA published notice of the proposed flood hazard determination on Feb. 9 in the Connecticut Post, according to the town. The significance of the publication is to start a 90-day appeal period, beginning Feb. 16 and ending on May 16.

The appeal period is an opportunity for the municipality or any property owners to challenge the Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) and the Federal Insurance Study (FIS), according to the town.

The appeal process is done by filing a formal written appeal to a new or revised base flood elevation (BFE), flood zone, or floodway. Anyone considering an appeal must provide additional scientific or technical data, according to the town.

FEMA prefers appeals to be submitted to the town from property owners, who will send them in one submission to FEMA. FEMA will accept submissions directly from property owners if received during the appeal period, according to the town.

The approximate date for FIRM and FIS to become effective is November of 2025. The exact date will become set further into the map update process, according to the town.

The new proposed maps are available for review at Town Hall-77 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 (Inland Wetlands office) and can be viewed online at www.newcanaan.info, along with other helpful resources, according to the town.