ParcelSheet

TMK guide · Land rules

FEMA flood zones and what X shaded means

The letters on the flood map: A and V zones are the 1 percent flood; X is lower risk.

FEMA maps flood risk in zones named by letters. Zones that start with A or V are the special flood hazard area: land with at least a 1 percent chance of flooding in any year. AE and VE zones have a base flood elevation; A zones do not. AO and AH are shallow flooding. V and VE are coastal zones where waves add force.

X shaded, sometimes written as X with a 0.2 percent note, is the area with a 0.2 percent yearly chance of flooding, or the 1 percent flood at depths under a foot. X unshaded is outside both. D means the risk has not been studied.

A mortgage from a federally regulated lender on a building in an A or V zone needs flood insurance. Building in those zones follows the County floodplain rules, which usually set how high the lowest floor must be.

What the law says, and who keeps it

What the ParcelSheet card shows

The flood zone letter for the lot, and whether any part of it is in a mapped flood zone. Base flood elevation, the map panel and the share of the lot in each zone are in the detail.

Who to ask

The County floodplain manager in the permitting office for building rules. A lender or insurance agent for flood insurance. A licensed surveyor for an elevation certificate.

See it on a real lot

Checked 2026-10-17. This page explains a term in plain words. It is not legal advice; the County or State office named above decides.

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