Is Flood Zone B Better or Flood Zone C?

Flood-zone maps produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency show areas most prone to flooding and how often floods can be expected. Each letter designation has a meaning.

Flood Zone B

According to FEMA, flood zones designated B have a moderate flood risk, usually between 100 and 500 years. Zone B areas also designate floodplains, including areas with levees that help protect them.

Flood Zone C

FEMA considers flood zone C a minimal flood-risk area, usually above the 500-year flood level. Zone C may have ponding or small-drainage problems that do not warrant detailed study or designation as a base floodplain.

Risk

Zones B and C are considered moderate to low risk. If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, all area property owners and renters have flood coverage available.

Year Definitions

According to FEMA, a 100-year flood means that the flood elevation has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded annually. This means that a 100-year flood could happen more than once during a short time period. A 500-year flood only has a .02 percent chance of being equaled each year.

Bottom Line

Flood zone C is better for building as it has a lower risk of flooding. Know current flood designations before purchasing property or building any kind of structure as FEMA is always updating its maps.

References

• FEMA: Definitions of FEMA Flood Zone Designations