FEMA Flood Zone Designation Definitions

FEMA Flood Zone Designations in York County - definitions as listed in the booklet titled "Answers to Questions About The National Flood Insurance Program," published by the U.S. Government Printing Office, March 1992 for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

• Zone "VE": Special Flood Hazard Areas along coasts subject to inundation by the 100-year flood with additional hazards due to velocity (wave action). Base flood elevations derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown within these zones. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
• Zone "A": Special Flood Hazard Areas subject to inundation by the 100-year flood. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed, no base flood elevation or depths are shown. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
• Zone "AE": Special Flood Hazard Areas subject to inundation by the 100-year flood determined in a Flood Insurance Study by detailed methods. Base flood elevations are shown within these zones. Mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements apply.
• Zone "X": These areas have been identified in the community flood insurance study as areas of moderate or minimal hazard from the principal source of flood in the area. However, buildings in these zones could be flooded by severe, concentrated rainfall coupled with inadequate local drainage systems. Local storm water drainage systems are not normally considered in the community's FIS. The failure of a local drainage system creates areas of high flood risk within these rate zones. Flood insurance is available in participating communities, but is not required by regulation in these zones.
• Zone "X500": The same description as Zone X, however, this area falls between the 100 and 500-year flood zone