VA
LOMA and LOMR-F in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is an independent city on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, facing flood risk from ocean storm surge, nor'easters, and tidal flooding from Back Bay and the Lynnhaven River. The city's extensive oceanfront and bayside shoreline create widespread coastal flood exposure, while inland neighborhoods experience stormwater flooding during heavy rainfall. Sea level rise is increasing the frequency of tidal flooding events throughout the city.
LOMA in Virginia Beach
LOMAs are pursued in Virginia Beach for properties near Lynnhaven River tributaries, the North Landing River, and inland drainage corridors where ground elevation exceeds the base flood elevation. Properties in interior neighborhoods away from the coast are common LOMA candidates.
Read the national LOMA page →LOMR-F in Virginia Beach
LOMR-Fs are filed in Virginia Beach for developments where fill is placed to raise structures above tidal and riverine floodplains. The city's active growth in inland areas generates consistent LOMR-F activity.
Read the national LOMR-F page →Major cities
- • Virginia Beach
Common flood zones
- • Zone AE
- • Zone VE
- • Zone A
- • Zone X
Frequently asked questions about Virginia Beach
Can a property in Virginia Beach qualify for a FEMA LOMA?
Yes. Properties in Virginia Beach that sit on natural high ground above the Base Flood Elevation may qualify for a LOMA. LOMAs are pursued in Virginia Beach for properties near Lynnhaven River tributaries, the North Landing River, and inland drainage corridors where ground elevation exceeds the base flood elevation. Properties in interior neighborhoods away from the coast are common LOMA 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 Virginia Beach?
A LOMR-F applies when earthen fill created the elevation difference at the property. LOMR-Fs are filed in Virginia Beach for developments where fill is placed to raise structures above tidal and riverine floodplains. The city's active growth in inland areas generates consistent LOMR-F activity. If fill was used, packaging the file as a LOMA usually creates delay.
How long does a LOMA take in Virginia Beach?
Timing depends on document readiness and whether the case qualifies for the faster eLOMA route. Most Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?
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 Virginia. Most homeowners spend several hundred to low four figures total.
Does a LOMA in Virginia Beach remove flood insurance?
A LOMA can change the federal mandatory-purchase requirement, but Virginia lenders and carriers still make their own underwriting decisions. Many homeowners keep voluntary coverage at significantly lower Preferred Risk rates.
Which cities in Virginia Beach see the most LOMA activity?
LOMA and LOMR-F activity in Virginia Beach is concentrated around Virginia Beach. Common flood zones include Zone AE, Zone VE, Zone A.
Can FloodMapReview.com help with a LOMA anywhere in Virginia Beach?
Yes. We review LOMA and LOMR-F files across all of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Call (281) 870-4492 to talk through an urgent file or start a guided eligibility review online.
What documents should Virginia Beach 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.