Preliminary FIRM Update

​Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are used to determine the minimum elevation needed for construction to reduce the chances of flooding, as well as construction methods required in certain zones.

Local, state and federal officials are working to reduce the effects of severe weather and natural disasters that affect our community.
In January 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released new PRELIMINARY FIRMs for Tompkins County and the Town of Ulysses. After an extensive vetting process, these maps will replace the current flood maps which date back to 1987. The new maps give updated information about flood risk within the community and are used to identify areas that may require flood insurance coverage.

The Town of Ulysses wants to ensure all residents and business owners are aware of the potential for a change in flood risk for their property so that they can be more proactive in reducing their flood risk.

The Preliminary FIRMs are NOT FINAL and have not been adopted. These maps may indicate a future change to required elevation for future construction; however, until such time as FEMA issues a Letter of Final Determination and the Town of Ulysses adopts the FIRMs, all information in the Preliminary FIRMs are subject to change. Property owners/applicants are being informed about the upcoming release of the new flood maps and that the permitting requirements may change based on the final flood maps. Please note, the Preliminary Flood Maps are preliminary and subject to appeal. The final outcome will not be known until the appeal(s) are resolved and an Applicant’s/Owner’s use of this preliminary data is at their own discretion.

FEMA issued a public notice in the Ithaca Journal January 31 regarding their issuance of preliminary FIRM and FIS reports. 
Before these determinations are effective, there is a 90-day appeal period starting January 31.  For information on the statutory 90-day appeal period, please visit FEMA's website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp


FEMA 01.31.2024 Public Notice 

FEMA Open House Dates & Info

Prelimiary FIRM Mapping Tool