Local Flood Area Maps

Maps showing the Special Flood Hazard Areas as identified on the Federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) can be viewed in the Engineering Division of Village Hall, the reference desk at the Palatine Public Library or by going on the FEMA Map Service Center website. The floodplain areas on these maps are based on a design rain storm having a theoretical return frequency of 1% in a year (The 100-year rain). However rain events can exceed this amount or other conditions may cause higher flood levels. These are the maps used by lending institutions to determine if a home is within the floodplain and the homeowner will need to carry flood insurance when they obtain a mortgage or refinance their home. This flood insurance is required by law and cannot be waived unless the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issues a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) stating that the structure is not located in the floodplain. To obtain a LOMA the homeowner must submit to FEMA elevation information certifying that the lowest adjacent ground elevation next to the home as well as the lowest floor elevation (this includes the basement floor or the elevation of the crawl space if there is no basement) are both above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The FIRM’s for the Palatine area only depicts the floodplain adjacent to Salt and Buffalo Creeks.

The Engineering Division can assist you in determining whether your property is located in a flood hazard area. They can also be able to help you in determining whether an elevation certificate is available for your property or can assist you in preparing one if your flood insurance carrier requests one. To obtain flood hazard (floodplain) information, call 847-705-5200.