Flood Maps, Permits and Flood Protection Information

floodplain map

The Homer coastline contains mapped coastal flood hazard areas. Construction within these mapped areas requires a Flood Development Permit from the City. To find out if your property is in a flood zone, refer to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps linked below or contact the Planning Office. Staff can help determine if your proposed development is in the floodplain, and how the regulations may affect your project.

Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The following coastal flood hazard area maps are produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). These maps designate various levels of flood risk along Homer's coast. For example, the shoreline fronting Kachemak Bay is noted as a Velocity (V) flood zone, with base flood elevations (E) determined. These (VE) zones are subject to wave action in addition to rising flood waters. Some zones, such as the shoreline fronting Beluga Lake, zone AE (18), are not subject to wave action, but still pose significant flood risk. Knowing the risks, based on the floodplain designations, helps you build and protect your property responsibly. All of the current mapping is available at the links below, as well as at the Planning Office. Maps are listed west to east through the community with Spit maps listed last.

National Flood Insurance Program

Most homeowners insurance policies exclude flood coverage. Homer is a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) community so flood insurance is available through the federally backed flood insurance program. Insurance is available for structures and the contents, for renters and condo units, in or out of the mapped floodplain.

Emergency Preparedness

Evacuating the Homer Spit can be a very real scenario during an emergency. More information can be found on the Emergency Preparedness and the Tsunami Danger Zones and Evacuation Routes webpages. Predicted flood areas are described and mapped in the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Tsunami Study.

Resources, Guides and Suggested Readings