Floodplain Mapping

FEMA’s interactive Map Service Center can be used to view the currently effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Flood Insurance Study (FIS), and any Letters of Map Change (LOMC). 


Request a change to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

A property owner may request a change by submitting a Letter of Map Change (LOMC) documentation to FEMA. Reasons to submit a LOMC request include:

  • The property is at a higher elevation than the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) on the FIRM.
  • The property has been re-graded or elevated with fill.
  • More accurate information than shown on the FIRM is available.

National Hurricane Center Storm Surge Risk Maps

  • This national depiction of storm surge flooding vulnerability helps people living in hurricane-prone coastal areas. These maps make it clear that storm surge is not just a beachfront problem, with the risk of storm surge extending many miles inland from the immediate coastline i some areas.

The City of Charleston GIS portal includes resources such as:  

  • Currently effective and preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)
  • Tide trends and projected tides ("Tide Eye")
  • Sea Level Rise (SLR) viewer

Stream Gauges and Stream-flow Data:

Local Sea Level Rise (SLR) Projections:

Contact Us

Caroline Schnell

Floodplain Manager
schnellc@charleston-sc.gov
Phone: 843-579-6481

Sarah Mardon

Floodplain Management Technician
mardons@charleston-sc.gov
Phone: 843-579-6471

Kinsey Holton, CFM 

Stormwater Regulatory Practice Leader
holtonk@charleston-sc.gov
Phone: 843-724-3757