Short answer: South Dakota's Department of Public Safety explains that every homeowner, business owner and renter in a participating community may buy NFIP flood insurance. Communities start in an Emergency Program with limited coverage and move to the Regular Program after a flood study and adopted standards. If FEMA's maps aren't adopted locally within six months, federal flood insurance isn't available in either phase.
This guide is general information for South Dakota property owners and renters about flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program. It isn't a coverage determination. FEMA maps, your community's floodplain ordinance and your policy wording control.
Emergency and Regular programs
Per the South Dakota DPS National Flood Insurance Program page:
- Emergency Program — the initial phase when no flood hazard information exists, or the community has only a Flood Hazard Boundary Map. A limited amount of coverage is available.
- Regular Program — after a Flood Insurance Study, a FIRM and adopted floodplain standards; higher amounts of coverage become available.
Communities get six months to adopt FEMA's maps into local zoning and building codes. If the maps aren't adopted, federal flood insurance is not available in either phase.
LOMA vs. LOMR
DPS explains a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) revises the hazard boundary using surveyed elevations—if the home site and lowest floor (including basement or garage) are above the base flood elevation, it can be removed and the mandatory purchase requirement lifted. A Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) covers new studies, drainage changes or channel alterations. Single lots use FEMA's MT-EZ form; multi-lot and major revisions use MT-1 or MT-2. FEMA charges fees for some requests.
Your community's floodplain job
DPS lists what participating communities must do—permit floodplain development, require elevation of new or substantially improved homes above base flood elevation, decide substantial damage, require Elevation Certificates and enforce violations. Your local floodplain administrator is the first call for a permit question.
Coverage
The South Dakota Division of Insurance's flood insurance page notes flood insurance is administered through FEMA's NFIP and that most homeowner or dwelling policies do not cover flood. Quote through FloodSmart; most new policies wait 30 days.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in South Dakota.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a South Dakota community doesn't adopt FEMA's flood maps?
Per DPS, federal flood insurance isn't available in either the Emergency or Regular phase.
How can I get my South Dakota home out of the flood zone?
A LOMA based on surveyed elevations can remove it if the site and lowest floor are above base flood elevation.
Does South Dakota homeowners insurance cover flood?
Most homeowner or dwelling policies don't, per the Division of Insurance.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.