CA
LOMA and LOMR-F in San Mateo County, California
San Mateo County is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, with flood risk from San Francisco Bay tidal flooding along its eastern shoreline, Pacific Ocean coastal hazards on its western coast, and creek flooding from numerous streams that flow down the Santa Cruz Mountains. Bayside communities like Redwood City, Foster City, and East Palo Alto are built on filled marshland and face increasing tidal flood risk as sea levels rise. Atmospheric river events can produce intense rainfall that overwhelms creek channels.
LOMA in San Mateo County
LOMAs are pursued in San Mateo County for properties near creek floodplain edges and San Francisco Bay shoreline areas where ground elevation exceeds the base flood elevation. Properties on slightly higher terrain in Redwood City and San Carlos are common candidates.
Read the national LOMA page →LOMR-F in San Mateo County
LOMR-Fs are filed in San Mateo County for developments where fill raises structures above creek and bayside floodplains. Foster City, built on filled bay land, has specific LOMR-F requirements related to its levee-protected perimeter.
Read the national LOMR-F page →Major cities
- • San Mateo
- • Redwood City
- • Daly City
- • South San Francisco
- • Foster City
- • Pacifica
Common flood zones
- • Zone AE
- • Zone VE
- • Zone A
- • Zone X
Frequently asked questions about San Mateo County
Can a property in San Mateo County qualify for a FEMA LOMA?
Yes. Properties in San Mateo County that sit on natural high ground above the Base Flood Elevation may qualify for a LOMA. LOMAs are pursued in San Mateo County for properties near creek floodplain edges and San Francisco Bay shoreline areas where ground elevation exceeds the base flood elevation. Properties on slightly higher terrain in Redwood City and San Carlos are common candidates. A specialist review can confirm whether the property matches the LOMA pattern before you order new survey work.
When is a LOMR-F the right path in San Mateo County?
A LOMR-F applies when earthen fill created the elevation difference at the property. LOMR-Fs are filed in San Mateo County for developments where fill raises structures above creek and bayside floodplains. Foster City, built on filled bay land, has specific LOMR-F requirements related to its levee-protected perimeter. If fill was used, packaging the file as a LOMA usually creates delay.
How long does a LOMA take in San Mateo County?
Timing depends on document readiness and whether the case qualifies for the faster eLOMA route. Most San Mateo County files move faster when the Elevation Certificate and FEMA correspondence are gathered before submission. A typical LOMA runs 6 to 12 weeks from document gathering through determination.
What does a LOMA cost in San Mateo County?
FEMA does not charge a filing fee for a LOMA. The primary costs are the Elevation Certificate and any professional preparation, which vary by surveyor rates in California. Most homeowners spend several hundred to low four figures total.
Does a LOMA in San Mateo County remove flood insurance?
A LOMA can change the federal mandatory-purchase requirement, but California lenders and carriers still make their own underwriting decisions. Many homeowners keep voluntary coverage at significantly lower Preferred Risk rates.
Which cities in San Mateo County see the most LOMA activity?
LOMA and LOMR-F activity in San Mateo County is concentrated around San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City and surrounding areas. Common flood zones include Zone AE, Zone VE, Zone A.
Can FloodMapReview.com help with a LOMA anywhere in San Mateo County?
Yes. We review LOMA and LOMR-F files across all of San Mateo County, California. Call (281) 870-4492 to talk through an urgent file or start a guided eligibility review online.
What documents should San Mateo County homeowners gather first?
Start with the property address, current flood zone or lender determination, any existing Elevation Certificate or survey, prior FEMA correspondence, and a lender or insurance notice if one triggered the review. Upload what you have and a specialist will identify the next step.
Reviewed by
FloodMapReview Engineering
Licensed P.E. and CFM team, FloodMapReview.com
FloodMapReview Engineering is a team of licensed Professional Engineers and Certified Floodplain Managers who have reviewed hundreds of LOMA, LOMR-F, eLOMA, and Online LOMC files across the United States. The team specializes in helping homeowners, buyers, lenders, and surveyors navigate the FEMA flood map amendment process. FloodMapReview engineers personally review every case for eligibility, ensure Elevation Certificates and supporting documents meet FEMA standards, and guide clients from initial assessment through final determination.