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Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program

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1. Who do I have to have insurance through?

Any Flood insurance backed by the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) program will be eligible for to apply for the FMA program.

For more information about what’s covered and to find a policy visit FloodSmart.gov.

2. How high do I need to elevate my structure?

The grant will cover elevation of structure to 2 feet above the BFE (Base Flood Elevation). Be sure that when contractor’s quote your elevation, that they are raising the house at least 2 feet above BFE.

3. Are contractor quotes only elevate the house, or should they also cover other construction tasks?

Quotes should be reflective of a turnkey process. This means the quote should include the cost to elevate the structure and to finish the job as well (disconnect reconnect utilities, wood landings at entrances, finalization of piers, pilings, or block wall, etc.).

4. I had NFIP insurance but then switched to a private carrier, does the program care if I switched to a private carrier?

Yes, the grant is funded by those with The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance. So, you will need NFIP insurance. If you do not currently have flood insurance (NFIP), you won’t be able to participate this year, but the next year you can participate with an NFIP flood insurance policy on the structure. 

5. Explain the flood insurance 2.0

Flood Insurance 2.0 is a new way of rating insurance rates and FEMA has info on web about it. It will be determined by your property location specifically. 

Please visit: https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating for more information. 

6. How long do you have to switch to NFIP insurance?

To apply for the 2022 FMA Grant program, you would have to currently be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you currently do not have insurance through NFIP you would not be able to apply until switching. Once you have insurance through NFIP, you would be eligible for the next FMA program cycle.

7. Will I be obligated to follow through with the grant once I submit my homeowner packet and other documents?

No, you are not obligated to follow through with the grant and can back out anytime. This program is voluntary. However, once your application is approved by FEMA, certain costs start to incur. There could be an out-of-pocket expense if preliminary work begins and you back out. 

8. Is this mitigation grant specifically for raising the property?

The grant will cover raising structures above base flood elevation or demolition/reconstruction of properties 

9. Would the city or council have documentation like the EC (elevation certificate) of the property?

If it’s a new house after 2018 the city will have it. You can reach out to the City's Building Official, Richard “Buddy” Schauland:

Email: rschauland@citystaug.com 
Phone: 904-495-6701 

10. Where can I find the FMA Program Homeowner Presentation?

The presentation can be found at:

www.CityStAug.com/FMA

And at the link below:

11. What historic zones need approval by historic preservation before elevation?

• Zones 1-5
• Houses older than 48 years old o Quotes from Contractors should include an cost for EHP approval in their quote. 
• Contractors will need do have an EHP approval letter for properties within historic zones before they begin construction. 
• If you plan for demolition/ reconstruction in historic zone you need approval letter, and you should consider 30 days for approval time. 
• You can contact Julie or Kelley with the Historic Preservation group. There are documents specific to certain types of properties with Historic Preservation. 
• Julie Courtney: jcourtney@citystaug.com 904-209-4283 (office)
• If you plan to have property lifted or demolished, you need to have approval of archaeology in an archaeology zone. Application needs to be in 1 month prior before trying to apply for the grant. 

12. If we want to be in the grant program, must we have flood insurance?

Yes, with NFIP flood insurance. If you can’t make the time, we will offer the grant every year, and you may apply then. 

13. To apply what do I need to send in?

• Send in the whole homeowner packet with signatures 
• 3 contractor quotes 
• 4 pictures of all sides of the property I Jpeg format 
• Updated flood insurance declaration page 
• Elevation Certificate - contact Planning & Building for more information.
  • FMA@citystaug.com
• Total NFIP flood claim history 

14. Requirements for mitigation reconstruction

• $150,00 max for construction costs 
• No more than 10% greater than the original footprint of the structure 
• Conceptual Design 

15. To whom can I communicate documentation towards my application?

Quality Engineering and Surveying will be developing the application. All call and emails can be directed to: 

• Andy Daray: Adaray@qesla.com: 225-271-4032 (main point of contact to direct to project manager) 
• Zachary Gibbons: zgibbons@qesla.com: 225-698-1600 (Project Manager) 

16. What homes need historic preservation review before elevation, demolition, or reconstruction?

1. All buildings in Historic Preservation Zoning Districts 1-5

AND/OR

Structures requiring demolition within the city limits 48 years of age or older 

• Quotes from Contractors should include a cost for Environmental Historic Property (EHP) approval in their quote. 
• Contractors will need to have an EHP approval letter for properties within historic zoning districts before they begin demolition, elevation, or construction.
• If you plan for demolition/reconstruction in Historic Preservation (HP) Zoning Districts 1-5 or for buildings 48 years or older, an EHP approval letter and a Certificate of Demolition will be required and a Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction in HP zones. A minimum of 45 days should be allotted to obtain these approvals and documents.
• Historic Preservation related applications need to be submitted at least 1 month prior to the meeting date for Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) or other review.  Approval is needed before demolition or building permits can be applied for.  
• (Please see https://www.citystaug.com/195/Historic-Architectural-Review-Board-Appl for more information on how to submit an application for historic preservation related review.)
• If you plan to have a structure lifted or demolished in an archaeology zone, archaeological review is required. Visit https://www.citystaug.com/169/Archaeology-Review-Process for more information on archaeological review.

Contact the Historic Preservation Division by emailing harb@citystaug.com for more information regarding historic property requirements or call:

• Julie Courtney, Historic Preservation Officer
  • Phone: 904-209-4283
• Candice Seymour, Historic Preservation Planner
  • Phone: 904-209-4326 

17. Should I get the grant money to elevate my home, then does the government have a lien on my home?

The government will not have a lien on the home under normal circumstances. The only requirement is NFIP Flood Insurance is kept on the home moving forward.

 If the Homeowner did not keep the Insurance on the home, FEMA would want to be reimbursed for the elevation, and if ignored FEMA could in theory put a lien on the home at that point.

 But accepting the grant does not add an liens to your home or property.