WA
LOMA and LOMR-F in King County, Washington
King County encompasses the Seattle metropolitan area with flood risk from Puget Sound tidal and storm surge, the Green/Duwamish River valley through the industrial south end of Seattle, and the Snoqualmie River in the county's rural eastern foothills. The Snoqualmie River valley experiences regular flooding during atmospheric river events, with the town of Snoqualmie and surrounding communities frequently affected. The Green River is managed by Howard Hanson Dam, but downstream areas remain in mapped floodplains.
LOMA in King County
LOMAs are pursued in King County for properties near the Green River, Snoqualmie River, and Puget Sound tributary floodplain edges where the county's varied terrain provides elevation above the base flood elevation. Properties in Kent, Auburn, and Renton are common candidates.
Read the national LOMA page →LOMR-F in King County
LOMR-Fs are filed in King County for developments where fill raises structures above riverine and coastal floodplains, particularly in the Green River valley industrial and commercial areas.
Read the national LOMR-F page →Major cities
- • Seattle
- • Bellevue
- • Kent
- • Renton
- • Auburn
- • Federal Way
Common flood zones
- • Zone AE
- • Zone A
- • Zone X
Frequently asked questions about King County
Can a property in King County qualify for a FEMA LOMA?
Yes. Properties in King County that sit on natural high ground above the Base Flood Elevation may qualify for a LOMA. LOMAs are pursued in King County for properties near the Green River, Snoqualmie River, and Puget Sound tributary floodplain edges where the county's varied terrain provides elevation above the base flood elevation. Properties in Kent, Auburn, and Renton 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 King County?
A LOMR-F applies when earthen fill created the elevation difference at the property. LOMR-Fs are filed in King County for developments where fill raises structures above riverine and coastal floodplains, particularly in the Green River valley industrial and commercial areas. If fill was used, packaging the file as a LOMA usually creates delay.
How long does a LOMA take in King County?
Timing depends on document readiness and whether the case qualifies for the faster eLOMA route. Most King 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 King 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 Washington. Most homeowners spend several hundred to low four figures total.
Does a LOMA in King County remove flood insurance?
A LOMA can change the federal mandatory-purchase requirement, but Washington lenders and carriers still make their own underwriting decisions. Many homeowners keep voluntary coverage at significantly lower Preferred Risk rates.
Which cities in King County see the most LOMA activity?
LOMA and LOMR-F activity in King County is concentrated around Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and surrounding areas. Common flood zones include Zone AE, Zone A, Zone X.
Can FloodMapReview.com help with a LOMA anywhere in King County?
Yes. We review LOMA and LOMR-F files across all of King County, Washington. Call (281) 870-4492 to talk through an urgent file or start a guided eligibility review online.
What documents should King 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.