National Flood Insurance Technical Bulletins

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Technical Bulletins provide guidance for complying with the NFIP’s building performance requirements contained in Title 44 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at Section 60.3 Floodplain Management Criteria for Flood-prone Areas. The bulletins help state and local officials interpret the NFIP regulations and are also useful resources for homeowners, insurance agents, building professionals, and designers.

Users who need additional guidance concerning the National Flood Insurance Program regulatory requirements should contact their appropriate FEMA Regional Office.

FEMA is committed to its ongoing effort to update all the Technical Bulletins. Keep informed by subscribing to our Building Science newsletter.

Updates to the Technical Bulletins

The Bulletins are changing to update and streamline their content and presentation. These changes are captured in this fact sheet.

Technical Bulletin 0, User's Guide to NFIP Technical Bulletins

This User's Guide is intended to assist those using the Technical Bulletins issued by the FEMA Mitigation Directorate. This Guide contains a Key Word/Subject Index that identifies topics contained in the Technical Bulletins regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Reference sources and information about ordering additional publications are also provided.

Technical Bulletin 1, Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures (2020)

Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the requirement for openings in below-Base Flood Elevation foundation walls and walls of enclosures for buildings located in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH.

Technical Bulletin 2, Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements

Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the required use of flood-damage resistant construction materials for building components located below the Base Flood Elevation in Special Flood Hazard Areas (both A and V zones).

Technical Bulletin 3, Non-Residential Floodproofing Requirements and Certifications

Provides guidance on the NFIP floodplain management requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofing. This guidance applies to new and substantially improved non-residential buildings and mixed-use buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas identified as Zone A, AE, A1-30, AH and AO on Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Technical Bulletin 4, Elevator Installation

Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning the installation of elevators below the Base Flood Elevation in Special Flood Hazard Areas (both A and V zones).

Technical Bulletin 5, Free-of-Obstruction Requirements (2020)

Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning obstructions to flood waters below elevated buildings and on building sites in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zones V, VE, and elevated V1-V30).

Technical Bulletin 6, Below-Grade Parking Requirements

Provides guidance on NFIP floodplain management requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofed below-grade parking areas. This guidance applies to new and substantially improved non-residential buildings and mixed-use buildings in SFHA identified as Zone A, AE, A1-30, AH, and AO on FIRMs.

Technical Bulletin 7, Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations

Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning wet floodproofing of certain types of structures located in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH.

Technical Bulletin 8, Corrosion Protection of Metal Connectors in Coastal Areas

Provides guidance on the need for, selection of, and use of corrosion-resistant metal connectors for the construction of buildings in coastal areas.

Technical Bulletin 9, Design and Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Coastal Buildings

Technical Bulletin 9 provides guidance on NFIP requirements for the design and construction of breakaway walls that are used to create enclosures below the lowest floor of elevated structures in Coastal High Hazard Areas.

Technical Bulletin 10, Reasonably Safe from Flooding Requirement for Building on Filled Land

This technical bulletin discusses building techniques, including the use of fill, that can be used to ensure structures are reasonably safe from flooding.

Technical Bulletin 11, Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas

Provides interim guidance on minimum NFIP requirements as well as best practices for crawlspace construction in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

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