FEMA Flood Hazard Map and Regulation Updates

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requiring Hood River County to adopt updated flood hazard regulations and revised flood maps in order to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

In 2025, Hood River County amended its Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance by adopting FEMA’s Model Code regulations and Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM). These updates included new “no net loss” requirements intended to help protect flood-prone areas and fish habitat.

The County is now working to adopt FEMA’s revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), which have not been updated since 1984. FEMA has given Hood River County until November 13, 2026, to adopt the revised maps and related Flood Insurance Study.

Additional updates to the County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance may also be needed to properly implement the revised maps. Together, the updated maps and flood regulations are intended to help protect properties located in flood-prone areas while also supporting threatened and endangered fish habitat in Hood River County.

FEMA Flood Comparison WebMap

Hood River County has created a WebMap to compare the current (1984) and the updated (2024) flood risk layers side-by-side. The WebMap shows the current flood risk layers (1984) on the LEFT, and the updated (2024) map on the RIGHT. Use the black toggle in the center of the map to swipe between the 1984 and 2024 flood risk layers.

To view the proposed map changes and learn how the updated maps may affect your property, please visit https://webmap.hoodrivercounty.gov/flood/.

Community members may also review all related documents at the Hood River County Community Development Department, located at 601 State Street, Hood River.