Officials in northern Los Angeles County, including Santa Clarita, are set to update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for 2020, officials said Wednesday. 

Flood risk changes over time due to new building and development, weather patterns, levee classifications and more. New maps provide up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local mitigation plans, and help Santa Clarita residents make informed decisions about reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance, according to officials. 

When new Flood Insurance Rate Maps are issued, changes in flood risk may require the mandatory purchase of flood insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Before the new maps become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period, from Sept. 26 to Dec. 24, 2019, when Santa Clarita residents and business owners can provide additional data for consideration before the maps are finalized. 

LA County officials encourage residents and business owners to review the proposed maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided. 

If residents have technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, they may be able to appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps during this period.

The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures, according to officials.

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