How Levee Owners and Floodplain Managers can Navigate the NFIP Levee Accreditation Process

If you are responsible for a levee system, you already know that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) accreditation is more than paperwork. Accreditation affects real people, their insurance costs, their sense of safety, and how FEMA shows flood risk on updated maps. When a levee is not accredited, entire neighborhoods can suddenly appear as high risk, which means mandatory flood insurance and a lot of frustrated residents.

If you’re a levee owner, a public works team, a floodplain manager, or a local leader and you want a clearer picture of how the accreditation process works, keep reading. The NFIP is a federal program that provides flood insurance, sets floodplain management standards, and encourages communities to adopt regulations that minimize future flood damage.

Below are the questions we hear most often about accreditation, along with straightforward guidance to help you move through the process with confidence.

As a non‑federal sponsor, what are my options with the NFIP accreditation process?

Most communities enter the accreditation process when FEMA updates its maps or begins a watershed review. That notice is what triggers the process, and it’s also the point where you must decide how you want to proceed.

Once FEMA initiates the review, they typically request data to confirm whether your levee meets accreditation criteria. That request kicks off a detailed look at your engineering reports, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) records, and inspection history. As you work through that review, you can choose to pursue full accreditation, update or supplement your documentation, or allow the levee to be shown as non‑accredited.

If FEMA identifies gaps, you still have options: provide additional information, request more time, or work with FEMA on temporary mapping solutions while you plan long‑term improvements. In most cases, you have more flexibility than you might expect.

How can we understand 65.10 requirements in simple terms?

FEMA’s requirements live in 44 CFR 65.10 (the federal regulation that outlines what a levee must demonstrate to be accredited). In plain language, FEMA wants proof that your levee can perform reliably during a 100‑year flood event. That means showing it has enough freeboard, adequate stability, proper seepage control, sufficient interior drainage capacity, and a documented O&M program. These elements collectively demonstrate that the levee is resilient and capable of handling a major flood. 

FEMA also expects the submittal to be well‑organized and supported by stamped engineering analyses, calculations, maps, and current maintenance records. It’s not just about hydraulic modeling. It’s about demonstrating that the levee is structurally sound, properly maintained, and functioning as intended.

Do I already have the data that I need to move forward in the accreditation process?

Many communities have more information than they realize. Old design reports, geotechnical studies, O&M manuals, and inspection reports can all be useful if they reflect current conditions.

You will need up-to-date freeboard checks, stability and seepage evaluations, and interior drainage data that show pumps, outlets, and storage can handle a flood event. Your O&M plan should spell out how you inspect, maintain, and respond to issues. These pieces form the foundation of FEMA’s review.

If our levee records are incomplete or missing, how do we fill the gaps and fund the work?

Missing documentation is common, especially for older systems. When that happens, you may need new studies such as updated geotechnical investigations, seepage and settlement analyses, revised freeboard evaluations, drainage modeling, or refreshed O&M plans.

The cost depends on the size and complexity of your system, but it is often a meaningful investment. Communities typically rely on local budgets, but many also use bonds, state resilience programs, or federal grants like FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs to help cover the work.

What if I know I am not going to meet the requirements in the FEMA accreditation process?

If you know your levee has freeboard issues, documentation gaps, or other challenges, do not panic. Plan. Start by identifying exactly what is missing or out of compliance. Some issues can be fixed with updated analyses or targeted improvements.

It is also smart to talk with FEMA early. You may have options like phased improvements or alternative mapping procedures that give you time to work toward long-term solutions while still protecting your community.

What are the consequences if we cannot get our levee through the NFIP accreditation process?

Losing accreditation has real consequences. FEMA will re-map the area into A or AE zones, which means mandatory flood insurance and higher premiums for residents and businesses. That often leads to community frustration, political pressure, and slower development.

It is not just an engineering issue; it is a community wide challenge. Understanding the stakes helps sponsors make informed decisions before they reach that point.

The NFIP accreditation process can feel complicated, but it becomes much more manageable when you understand what FEMA is looking for and start preparing early. Reviewing your documentation, identifying gaps, and proactively planning improvements gives your community more control and fewer surprises.

Many sponsors find it helpful to work with engineering partners who know FEMA’s process and can guide them through each step. If you are unsure where your levee stands or what your next move should be, reach out. We are always happy to talk through your system, your challenges, and your options.

If you have questions, reach out to Cheyne at caiken@geiconsultants.com or Nikki at nbrennan@geiconsultants.com.