LA
LOMA and LOMR-F in Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Orleans Parish, coextensive with the City of New Orleans, is largely surrounded by water—the Mississippi River to the south and Lake Pontchartrain to the north—with most of the city sitting below sea level. The HSDRRS levee and floodwall system provides critical protection, but the city remains dependent on a network of pumping stations to remove rainfall. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused catastrophic flooding when levees failed, and the rebuilt system now provides a higher level of protection but does not eliminate flood risk.
LOMA in Orleans Parish
LOMAs in Orleans Parish are relevant for properties where the FEMA-accredited levee system provides protection that is reflected in updated flood maps. Properties in areas like Algiers Point and the Bywater that sit on higher natural levee ground may qualify for LOMAs.
Read the national LOMA page →LOMR-F in Orleans Parish
LOMR-Fs are limited in Orleans Parish due to the dense urban fabric and limited undeveloped land. They are most applicable for infill development and renovation projects where fill or elevation raises structures above the base flood elevation.
Read the national LOMR-F page →Major cities
- • New Orleans
- • Algiers
- • New Orleans East
- • Gentilly
Common flood zones
- • Zone AE
- • Zone A
- • Zone X
- • Zone VE
Frequently asked questions about Orleans Parish
Can a property in Orleans Parish qualify for a FEMA LOMA?
Yes. Properties in Orleans Parish that sit on natural high ground above the Base Flood Elevation may qualify for a LOMA. LOMAs in Orleans Parish are relevant for properties where the FEMA-accredited levee system provides protection that is reflected in updated flood maps. Properties in areas like Algiers Point and the Bywater that sit on higher natural levee ground may qualify for LOMAs. 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 Orleans Parish?
A LOMR-F applies when earthen fill created the elevation difference at the property. LOMR-Fs are limited in Orleans Parish due to the dense urban fabric and limited undeveloped land. They are most applicable for infill development and renovation projects where fill or elevation raises structures above the base flood elevation. If fill was used, packaging the file as a LOMA usually creates delay.
How long does a LOMA take in Orleans Parish?
Timing depends on document readiness and whether the case qualifies for the faster eLOMA route. Most Orleans Parish 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 Orleans Parish?
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 Louisiana. Most homeowners spend several hundred to low four figures total.
Does a LOMA in Orleans Parish remove flood insurance?
A LOMA can change the federal mandatory-purchase requirement, but Louisiana lenders and carriers still make their own underwriting decisions. Many homeowners keep voluntary coverage at significantly lower Preferred Risk rates.
Which cities in Orleans Parish see the most LOMA activity?
LOMA and LOMR-F activity in Orleans Parish is concentrated around New Orleans, Algiers, New Orleans East and surrounding areas. Common flood zones include Zone AE, Zone A, Zone X.
Can FloodMapReview.com help with a LOMA anywhere in Orleans Parish?
Yes. We review LOMA and LOMR-F files across all of Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Call (281) 870-4492 to talk through an urgent file or start a guided eligibility review online.
What documents should Orleans Parish 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.