The adoption of the new floodplain boundaries for properties within Sioux Falls, as well as Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties, is coordinated through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) process.

The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels (FIRM) will be acted on by City Council once they are determined to be final by FEMA. Preceding that time, the maps have been available for viewing as preliminary and have undergone a 30-day comment period, and a 90-day appeal period. The City of Sioux Falls has received an official Letter of Final Flood Elevation Determinations dated March 2, 2009; and now has a six-month schedule to follow and adopt the FIRM maps and new flood insurance ordinance by September 2, 2009.

In the meantime, a property owner should determine the flooding risk to their property. Flood insurance should be purchased one month prior to the maps becoming effective. They can do this by inputting their property address at www.floodsmart.gov.