Plumas County property owners are being encouraged to take a closer look at newly released preliminary flood maps that could affect future building requirements and flood insurance costs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps for unincorporated areas of Plumas County. The updated maps identify flood hazards along more than 15 streams and channels and are designed to provide a more accurate picture of flood risk throughout the county.
For residents, the updated maps could have real-world impacts. They may influence future building standards, development plans, and whether flood insurance is required for certain properties.
Before the maps become official, FEMA has opened a 90-day appeal period beginning August 7 and running through November 4, 2026. During that time, property owners, businesses, and other interested parties who have technical or scientific evidence supporting a different flood risk determination may submit an appeal.
FEMA says flood hazards can change over time due to factors such as severe weather, erosion, and new development. The revised maps were developed through a partnership between FEMA and Plumas County to better reflect current flood conditions and help communities prepare for future flooding.
County officials encourage residents to review the preliminary maps, especially if they own property near creeks, rivers, or other waterways. Understanding whether a property is located in a flood hazard area can help homeowners make informed decisions about construction projects, flood insurance, and future property improvements.
The revised preliminary maps are available for public review through FEMA’s online mapping portal. Residents can also find an interactive flood map on the Plumas County website to explore flood hazard information.
Anyone with questions about the updated maps or the appeal process can contact Robert Thorman with the Plumas County Engineering Department at (530) 283-6268 or by email at [email protected].
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces and continuously updates flood hazard data in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are the official maps showing the community’s Special Flood Hazard Areas. Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are areas located within the 100-year floodplain, defined as any area that has a one percent chance of flooding in any given year. These maps are utilized as the basis for local floodplain management regulations and mitigation efforts, to assess flood risk, and to determine if flood insurance is required for structure(s) on a property. The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM) is available to view online through FEMA.
Please Note: FEMA’s flood maps are not property-specific (e.g., parcel or lot boundaries). If there is any doubt in determining whether your property is a flood risk, then the user should consult Plumas County’s Planning Division for assistance, seek certified elevation data, or seek additional assistance from FEMA through their website (FEMA) or by calling 1-877-FEMA.
This Mapping application below is a public service for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash
