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LOMA and LOMR-F guidance

Glossary

Letters of Map Change (LOMC)

LOMC is FEMA's umbrella term for all official documents that change or amend a flood map, including LOMAs, LOMRs, and LOMR-Fs.

Letters of Map Change, or LOMC, is the umbrella term FEMA uses to describe any official document that modifies the flood map or a property's status on the map. LOMAs, LOMRs, LOMR-Fs, and their conditional counterparts all fall under the LOMC category. When someone refers to a 'map change,' they are usually talking about one of these LOMC types.

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Key takeaways

LOMC is the general category — LOMA, LOMR, and LOMR-F are specific types within it.
Understanding the LOMC umbrella helps homeowners navigate FEMA's terminology without getting lost in acronyms.
Each LOMC type has different requirements, fees, and processing timelines.
The Online LOMC portal is FEMA's system for submitting all of these request types.

Why it matters

Knowing that LOMC is an umbrella term prevents confusion when reading FEMA documents.
It helps homeowners understand that LOMA, LOMR, and LOMR-F are all part of the same family of processes.
Professionals and FEMA staff use the term LOMC frequently, so understanding it is essential for effective communication.

Frequently asked questions

What types of map changes fall under LOMC?

The LOMC family includes LOMAs (Letter of Map Amendment), LOMRs (Letter of Map Revision), LOMR-Fs (Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill), and their conditional versions (CLOMA, CLOMR, CLOMR-F). Each addresses a different situation, from natural high ground to engineered fill to full map revisions.

Which LOMC type is right for my situation?

If your property is on naturally high ground, you likely need a LOMA. If fill was placed to raise the ground, a LOMR-F is appropriate. If large-scale changes affect the floodplain itself, a LOMR may be needed. A professional review of your property's specifics is the best way to determine the right path.

Where do I submit a LOMC request?

All LOMC types are submitted through FEMA's Online LOMC portal. The portal walks you through the application process and allows you to upload supporting documents, track your case, and receive the determination letter electronically.

How long do LOMC requests take?

Processing times vary by type. LOMAs typically take about 60 days (or as little as one day through the eLOMA pathway). LOMR-Fs take 60 to 90 days. LOMRs can take six months or longer. Conditional requests generally take a similar amount of time as their final counterparts.

Do all LOMC types cost the same?

No. LOMAs have no FEMA review fee. LOMR-Fs, LOMRs, and their conditional versions all have FEMA review fees that vary by type and complexity. In addition to FEMA fees, all types require supporting documentation that may involve surveying and engineering costs.