The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. FEMA provides the flood hazard data to support the National Flood Insurance Program. You can use the information to better understand your level of flood risk and type of flooding.The NFHL is made from effective flood maps and Letters of Map Change (LOMC) delivered to communities. NFHL digital data covers over 90 percent of the U.S. population. New and revised data is being added continuously. If you need information for areas not covered by the NFHL data, there may be other FEMA products which provide coverage for those areas.In the NFHL Viewer, you can use the address search or map navigation to locate an area of interest and the NFHL Print Tool to download and print a full Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or FIRMette (a smaller, printable version of a FIRM) where modernized data exists. Technical GIS users can also utilize a series of dedicated GIS web services that allow the NFHL database to be incorporated into websites and GIS applications. For more information on available services, go to the NFHL GIS Services User Guide.You can also use the address search on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) to view the NFHL data or download a FIRMette. Using the “Search All Products” on the MSC, you can download the NFHL data for a County or State in a GIS file format. This data can be used in most GIS applications to perform spatial analyses and for integration into custom maps and reports. To do so, you will need GIS or mapping software that can read data in shapefile format.FEMA also offers a download of a KMZ (keyhole markup file zipped) file, which overlays the data in Google Earth™. For more information on using the data in Google Earth™, please see Using the National Flood Hazard Layer Web Map Service (WMS) in Google Earth™.

FEMA provides access to the National Flood Hazards Layer (NFHL) through web mapping services. The maps depict effective flood hazard information and supporting data. The primary flood hazard classification is indicated in the Flood Hazard Zones layer.The NFHL layers include:Flood hazard zones and labelsRiver Miles MarkersCross-sections and coastal transects and their labelsLetter of Map Revision (LOMR) boundaries and case numbersFlood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) boundaries, labels and effective datesCoastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and Otherwise Protected Area (OPA) unitsCommunity boundaries and namesLeveesHydraulic and flood control structuresProfile and coastal transect baselinesLimit of Moderate Wave Action(LiMWA)Not all effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) have GIS data available. To view a list of available county and single-jurisdiction flood study data in GIS format and check the status of the NFHL GIS services, please visit the NFHL Status Page.Preliminary & Pending National Flood Hazard LayersThe Preliminary and Pending NFHL dataset represents the current pre-effective flood data for the country. These layers are updated as new preliminary and pending data becomes available, and data is removed from these layers as it becomes effective.For more information, please visit FEMA's website.To download map panels or GIS Data, go to: NFHL on FEMA GeoPlatform.Preliminary & Pending DataPreliminary data are for review and guidance purposes only. By viewing preliminary data and maps, the user acknowledges that the information provided is preliminary and subject to change. Preliminary data are not final and are presented in this national layer as the best information available at this time. Additionally, preliminary data cannot be used to rate flood insurance policies or enforce the Federal mandatory purchase requirement. FEMA will remove preliminary data once pending data are available.Pending data are for early awareness of upcoming changes to regulatory flood map information. Until the data becomes effective, when it will appear in FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), the data should not be used to rate flood insurance policies or enforce the Federal mandatory purchase requirement. FEMA will remove pending data once effective data are available.To better understand Preliminary data please see the View Your Community's Preliminary Flood Hazard Data webpage.FEMA GeoPlatformFEMA's GIS flood map services are available through FEMAs GeoPlatform, an ArcGIS Online portal containing a variety of FEMA-related data.To view the NFHL on the FEMA GeoPlatform go to NFHL on FEMA GeoPlatform.To view the Preliminary and Pending national layers on the FEMA Geoplatform go to FEMA's Preliminary & Pending National Flood Hazard Layer.Technical InformationFlood hazard and supporting data are developed using specifications for horizontal control consistent with 1:12,000–scale mapping. If you plan to display maps from the NFHL with other map data for official purposes, ensure that the other information meets FEMA’s standards for map accuracy.The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. United States Geological Survey (USGS) imagery and map services that meet this standard can be found by visiting the Knowledge Sharing Site (KSS) for Base Map Standards (420). Other base map standards can be found at https://riskmapportal.msc.fema.gov/kss/MapChanges/default.aspx. You will need a username and password to access this information.The NFHL data are from FEMA’s FIRM databases. New data are added continually. The NFHL also contains map changes to FIRM data made by LOMRs.The NFHL is stored in North American Datum of 1983, Geodetic Reference System 80 coordinate system, though many of the NFHL GIS web services support the Web Mercator Sphere projection commonly used in web mapping applications.Organization & DisplayThe NFHL is organized into many data layers. The layers display information at map scales appropriate for the data. A layer indicating the availability of NFHL data is displayed at map scales smaller than 1:250,000, regional overviews at map scales between 1:250,000 and 1:50,000, and detailed flood hazard maps at map scales of 1:50,000 and larger. The "Scalehint" item in the Capabilities file for the Web Map Service encodes the scale range for a layer.In addition, there are non-NFHL datasets provided in the GIS web services, such as information about the availability of flood data and maps, the national map panel scheme, and point locations for LOMA and LOMR-Fs. The LOMA are positioned less accurately than are the NFHL data.Layers in the public NFHL GIS services:Use the numbers shown below when referencing layers by number.0. NFHL Availability1. LOMRs2. LOMAs3. FIRM Panels4. Base Index5. PLSS6. Toplogical Low Confidence Areas7. River Mile Markers8. Datum Conversion Points9. Coastal Gages10. Gages11. Nodes12. High Water Marks13. Station Start Points14. Cross-Sections15. Coastal Transects16. Base Flood Elevations17. Profile Baselines18. Transect Baselines19. Limit of Moderate Wave Action20. Water Lines21. Coastal Barrier Resources System Area22. Political Jurisdictions23. Levees24. General Structures25. Primary Frontal Dunes26. Hydrologic Reaches27. Flood Hazard Boundaries28. Flood Hazard Zones29. Submittal Information30. Alluvial Fans31. Subbasins32. Water Areas

This dataset comes from the FEMA S_Fld_Haz_Ar table. The S_Fld_Haz_Ar table contains information about the flood hazards within the flood risk project area. A spatial file with location information also corresponds with this data table. These zones are used by FEMA to designate the SFHA and for insurance rating purposes. These data are the regulatory flood zones designated by FEMA. A spatial file with location information also corresponds with this data table.This information is needed for the following tables in the FIS report: Flooding Sources Included in this FIS report, and Summary of Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses.The spatial elements representing the flood zones are polygons. The entire area of the jurisdiction(s) mapped by the FIRM should have a corresponding flood zone polygon. There is one polygon for each contiguous flood zone designated.FEMA Regulatory Floodway are flood zone polygons marked as a regulatory floodway.FEMA 100 year are flood zone polygons where there is a 1% Annual Chance, also known as the 100 year.FEMA 500 year are flood zone polygons where there is a 0.2% Annual Chance, also known as the 500 year.FEMA minimal flood hazard zone polygons.This map is not intended for insurance rating purposes and is for information only. This map is a representation and approximation of the relative location of geographic information, land marks and physical addresses. The map may not be 100% accurate in locating your address. The floodplains shown on this mapping tool are those delineated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM or floodplain map) for Montgomery County. This map is not an official FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. The effective DFIRMs are produced, maintained, and published by FEMA and not by Montgomery County. Official determinations are provided by FEMA.

The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) is the official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.FEMA flood maps are continually updated through a variety of processes. Effective information that you download or print from this site may change or become superseded by new maps over time. For additional information, please see the Flood Hazard Mapping Updates Overview Fact Sheet

According to FEMA the definition of a flood zone is a "geographic areas that FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk and type of flooding. These zones are depicted on the published Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM)."

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The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) data incorporates all Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map(DFIRM) databases published by FEMA, and any Letters Of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRMs). The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The NFHL data are derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000. The NFHL data contain layers in the Standard DFIRM datasets except for S_Label_Pt and S_Label_Ld. The NFHL is available as State or US Territory data sets. Each State or Territory data set consists of all DFIRMs and corresponding LOMRs available on the publication date of the data set.

The Federal Emergency Managment Agency and the MNDNR produce Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRM) for selected counties in the state. These maps are often referred to as FEMA Floodplain maps.

A DFIRM is the offical digital map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the special flood hazard areas, i.e., the floodplain areas where flood insurance is required for loans and where communities will administer floodplain regulations. (Note: Communities may regulate additional flood prone areas that are not on the FIRM).

Here are some of the feature classes included in the MNDNR's publication of the DFIRM Dataset:

FEMA DFIRM Base Flood Elevations
The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) table is required for any digital data where BFE lines will be shown on the corresponding Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Normally, if there are any riverine AE zones, BFE lines are required. The BFE table contains information about the BFEs within a study area. A spatial file with locational information also corresponds with this data table. BFE lines indicate the rounded whole-foot water-surface elevation of the 1-percent-annual-chance flood. The spatial elements representing BFE features are lines extending from Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary to SFHA boundary. The BFE lines will have no visible gaps or overshoots between the SFHA boundary and the end of the BFE line at the publication scale of the DFIRM. However, the ends of the BFE lines are not necessarily snapped precisely to the SFHA boundary. Each BFE is represented by a single line. While BFE lines are depicted as wavy lines on the hardcopy FIRM, they should be primarily straight lines in the spatial data, although they may bend consistent with procedures described in Volume 1 of these Guidelines.

FEMA DFIRM Flood Hazard Zones
FEMA flood hazard delineations are used by FEMA to designate the SFHA and for insurance rating purposes. These data are the flood hazard areas that are or will be depicted on the FIRM.

FEMA DFIRM Panel Scheme Polygons
This layer contains information about the FIRM panel areas. The spatial entities representing FIRM panels are polygons. The polygon for the FIRM panel corresponds to the panel neatlines. As a result, the panels are generally rectangular. In situations where a portion of a panel lies outside of the jurisdiction being mapped, the user must refer to the S_POL_AR table to determine the portion of the panel area where the DFIRM database shows the effective flood hazard data for the mapped jurisdiction.

FEMA DFIRM Cross Sections
FEMA Cross Sections are required for any Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map database where cross sections are shown on the FIRM. Normally any FIRM that has associated flood profiles has cross sections. The corresponding attribute table contains information about cross section lines. A spatial file with locational information also corresponds with this data table. These lines represent the locations of channel surveys performed for input into the hydraulic model used to calculate flood elevations. These locations are also shown on the Flood Profiles in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and can be used to cross reference the Flood Profiles to the planimetric depiction of the flood hazards. All cross sections for which a spatial location is available should be included in this table. The spatial elements representing cross sections are lines generally extending from outside the floodplain, across the entire floodplain and out the other side. Each cross section should be represented by a single line feature without the hexagons shown on each end on the hardcopy map. The location and shape of the lines should depict as accurately as possible the position of the cross section used. This is a modified Standard DFIRM Database table that includes Standard DFIRM Database items and Enhanced Database items. All items after SOURCE_CIT are Enhanced. The Enhanced DFIRM Database must contain all modeled cross sections, whether they are printed on the FIRM or not.

Extensive information regarding the source data can be found in these two documents:
FEMA DFIRM Doc Appendix L Part A.pdf
FEMA DFIRM Doc Appendix L Part B.pdf

Updated FEMA Flood Mapping for Broward County, FL. This is a preliminary assessment of updates to Flood Zones from December 2019.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain for Deschutes County, Oregon. Updated by FEMA nationwide in 2007, the FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which "requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally supervised, regulated, or insured agencies or institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land facilities located or to be located in identified areas having special flood hazards" (Section 2 (b) (4) of the 1973 Flood Disaster Protection Act). In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood insurance coverage offered through the NFIP. Q3 Flood Data files convey certain key features from the existing hard copy FIRM. Edge-matching errors, overlaps and deficiencies in coverage, and similar problems are not corrected during digitizing or post-processing. The Q3 Flood Data files are intended to provide users with automated flood risk data that may be used to locate SFHAs. More detailed information may be obtained from the paper FIRM.

This dataset contains data from the National Flood Hazard Layer, a GIS database of flood risks and regulatory flood determination data. Flood hazard and supporting data are developed using specifications for horizontal control consistent with 1:12,000–scale mapping. If you plan to display maps from the National Flood Hazard Layer with other map data for official purposes, ensure that the other information meets FEMA’s standards for map accuracy. The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. USGS imagery and map services that meet this standard can be found by visiting the Knowledge Sharing Site (KSS) for Base Map Standards (420). Other base map standards can be found at http://pm.riskmapcds.com/kss/MapChanges/default.aspx. You will need a username and password to access this information. The NFHL data are from FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases. New data are added continually. The NFHL also contains map changes to FIRM data made by Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). The NFHL is stored in North American Datum of 1983, Geodetic Reference System 80 coordinate system, though many of the NFHL GIS web services support the Web Mercator Sphere projection commonly used in web mapping applications. This dataset displays FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels. The spatial entities representing FIRM panels are polygons. The polygon for the FIRM panel corresponds to the panel neatlines. Panel boundaries are generally derived from USGS DOQQ boundaries. As a result, the panels are generally rectangular. FIRM panels must not overlap or have gaps within a study. In situations where a portion of a panel lies outside the jurisdiction being mapped, the user must refer to the S_Pol_Ar table to determine the portion of the panel area where the FIRM Database shows the effective flood hazard data for the mapped jurisdiction. This information is needed for the FIRM Panel Index and the following tables in the FIS report: Listing of NFIP Jurisdictions, Levees, Incorporated Letters of Map Change, and Coastal Barrier Resources System Information.View Dataset on the Gateway

Flood hazard areas for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within Stark County, Ohio. These flood hazard areas are part of the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL). Flood hazard areas in this layer were merged into single records for each class to improve web map performance and symbolization. Flood hazard areas are sometimes referred to as flood hazard zones or flood plains. They depict the floodway (areas that are frequently flood), as well as the 100 and 500-year flood plains. The FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which requires the purchase of flood insurance by the owners of properties within areas identified as having flood hazards. This layer was downloaded from https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch in September, 2021. It was last updated and published on September14, 2018.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates and provides authoritative data related to flood insurance. Using that data, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has developed a public-facing web viewer for accessing flood zone information in the County of Los Angeles (Flood Zone Determination Website). Flood Zones are represented by letters for special flood hazard areas by FEMA. For example, Zone A areas have a 1 percent annual chance of flooding. This flood is also called the 100-year flood. Property owners with structures in Flood Zone A, which have a federally backed mortgage are required to obtain flood insurance.

Looking for more than just a current flood map? Visit Search All Products to access the FEMA website and obtain a full range of flood risk products for your community.

Purpose:

To provide flood zone information to the public.

Supplemental Information:

Data from Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), where available digitally, can be found on the official FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer. The DFIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) FEMA Flood Maps can be obtained from the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) is a digital database that contains flood hazard mapping data from FEMAs National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This map data is derived from Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases and Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs). The NFHL is for community officials and members looking to view effective regulatory flood hazard information in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application.

FEMA has additional information on the National Flood Insurance Program and Flood Hazard Mapping.

The FEMA Flood Hazard Layer represents the location and attributes of flood insurance risk zones from the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and any Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs) that have been issued against those databases since their publication date. It is updated on a monthly basis.

The FIRM Database is the digital, geospatial version of the flood hazard information shown on the published paper FIRMs. The FIRM Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk.

The floodway, 100-year floodplain/SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area), and the 500-year floodplain are all derived from this dataset.--Additional Information: Category: Hazard Purpose: The FIRM is the basis for floodplain management, mitigation, and insurance activities for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance applications include enforcement of the mandatory purchase requirement of the Flood Disaster Protection Act, which "... requires the purchase of flood insurance by property owners who are being assisted by Federal programs or by Federally supervised, regulated or insured agencies or institutions in the acquisition or improvement of land facilities located or to be located in identified areas having special flood hazards, " Section 2 (b) (4) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. In addition to the identification of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), the risk zones shown on the FIRMs are the basis for the establishment of premium rates for flood coverage offered through the NFIP. The FIRM Database presents the flood risk information depicted on the FIRM in a digital format suitable for use in electronic mapping applications. The FIRM Database serves to archive the information collected during the Flood Risk Project. Update Frequency: As needed-- Metadata Link: https://www.portlandmaps.com/metadata/index.cfm?&action=DisplayLayer&LayerID=54347

The Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Database depicts flood risk information and supporting data used to develop the risk data. The primary risk classifications used are the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood event, and areas of minimal flood risk. The DFIRM Database is derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMs, and new mapping data, where available. The FISs and FIRMs are published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The file is georeferenced to earth's surface using the UTM projection and coordinate system. The specifications for the horizontal control of DFIRM data files are consistent with those required for mapping at a scale of 1:12,000.

Flood risk can also change over time because of new building and development, weather patterns and other factors. Although the frequency or severity of impacts cannot be changed, FEMA is working with federal, state, tribal and local partners across the nation to identify flood risk and promote informed planning and development practices to help reduce that risk through the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program.

Normally, any FIRM that has associated flood profiles has cross sections. The S_XS table contains information about cross section lines. These lines usually represent the locations of channel surveys performed for input into the hydraulic model used to calculate flood elevations. Sometimes cross sections are interpolated between surveyed cross sections using high accuracy elevation data. Depending on the zone designation (Zone AE, Zone A, etc.), these locations may be shown on Flood Profiles in the FIS report and can be used to cross reference the Flood Profiles to the planimetric depiction of the flood hazards. This information is used in the Floodway Data Tables in the FIS report, as well as on the FIRM panels.Flood hazard and supporting data are developed using specifications for horizontal control consistent with 1:12,000–scale mapping. If you plan to display maps from the National Flood Hazard Layer with other map data for official purposes, ensure that the other information meets FEMA’s standards for map accuracy.The minimum horizontal positional accuracy for base map hydrographic and transportation features used with the NFHL is the NSSDA radial accuracy of 38 feet. USGS imagery and map services that meet this standard can be found by visiting the Knowledge Sharing Site (KSS) for Base Map Standards (420). Other base map standards can be found athttps://riskmapportal.msc.fema.gov/kss/MapChanges/default.aspx. You will need a username and password to access this information.The NFHL data are from FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) databases. New data are added continually. The NFHL also contains map changes to FIRM data made by Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs).The NFHL is stored in North American Datum of 1983, Geodetic Reference System 80 coordinate system, though many of the NFHL GIS web services support the Web Mercator Sphere projection commonly used in web mapping applications.

The entire Vermont extent of the National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) as acquired 12/15/15 from the FEMA Map Service Center msc.fema.gov upon publication 12/2/2015 and converted to VSP.The FEMA DFIRM NFHL database compiles all available officially-digitized Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps. This extract from the FEMA Map Service Center includes all of such data in Vermont including counties and a few municipalities. This data includes the most recent map update for Bennington County effective 12/2/2015.DFIRM - Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) DFIRM X-Sections DFIRM Floodways Special Flood Hazard Areas (All Available)

A) This data describes the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA's) pursuant to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City and County of San Francisco. B) These map products were created by FEMA and you can find more information on their creation on the following page: https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools/products C) These maps are updated periodically in light of new information if flooding conditions change for a jurisdiction. This occurs on an as needed basis and is coordinated through the D) In order to use this dataset it is important to know what each zone designation means. You can find these designations below -- Zone AE, AO, and VE (AREAS WITH HIGH FLOOD RISK (SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS; REGULATIONS APPLY): Properties within SFHAs are subject to flooding during the 1-percent-chance flood, a flood with a 1 percent chance of occurrence in any given year (also referred to as the Base Flood or 100-year flood). Zone D (AREA OF UNDETERMINED FLOOD RISK): In San Francisco, Zone D is an area of possible, but undefined, flood risk for waterfront piers operated by the Port of San Francisco. Zone X Shaded or Unshaded (AREA OF LOW OR MINIMAL FLOOD RISK): "Shaded" Zone X represents areas of moderate or low flood risk – these areas are subject to inundation during a flood having a 0.2-percent-annual-chance of occurrence, or during the 1-percent-annual-chance flood with depth less than 1 foot. "Unshaded" Zone X represents areas of minimal flood risk or areas that FEMA did not study or map. E) For regulatory implications of map, see: https://onesanfrancisco.org/San-Francisco-Floodplain-Management-Program For more detailed information on specific properties impacted by FIRM Map, see: https://sfplanninggis.org/PIM/