Flooding in Fairfield is a well-documented natural hazard that can threaten life and property in our community. This web page provides links and information on flooding-related issues for residents and prospective property owners.MetroCOG Resources
MetroCOG, the Town of Fairfield's regional planning agency, provides comprehensive information on its website regarding flood protection. Click here to access information regarding flood risks, flood insurance and other online resources related to reducing exposure to flooding.
FEMA Flood Insurance
The Town Plan and Zoning Department can provide information for residents on FEMA flood insurance including flood map determinations. This information is available during regular office hours or by phone (203) 256-3050. This information can also be searched online by choosing the Town of Fairfield web-viewer option in the "Info + Links" box on MetroCOG's Flood Protection home page. The page also has links to other important flood protection information.
Flood Control Measures
The Town of Fairfield's Flood & Erosion Control Board (FECB) plans, constructs, reconstructs and manages the Town's flood and erosion control system. Click here for information on the Town's flood control measures. Visit the Board's home page at www.fairfieldct.org/fecb for more information about the Board.
Hazard Mitigation Grants
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provided funding assistance to homeowners to help with the cost of elevating their homes. All funding has been awarded.
FEMA Flood Map Changes
FEMA Flood Map Changes (Updated with Appeal Process Information)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) generates flood maps as a tool for local communities to identify which areas have the highest risk of flooding. In 2019, FEMA began a Flood Risk Study of the Saugatuck River Watershed, which includes the Town of Fairfield and other Fairfield County communities, in order to update as necessary, the current flood maps. The study utilized improved hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, new topographic and aerial imagery and revised modeling. From this information, new floodplain characteristics were generated and preliminary flood maps were created. They are now available for public review. For Fairfield, these maps are numbered 0404, 0406, 0407, 0408, 0409, 0412, 0416, 0417, 0418, 0419, 0426, 0428, 0436, 0437, and 0438.
If your property is located in or is in proximity to a flood zone, the revised maps are important to review as they may impact your property. Property owners may appeal map revisions to FEMA during the 90-day appeal period. The appeal period began on February 16, 2024 and will end on May 16, 2024. The appeal period is an opportunity for the municipality or any property owners to challenge the FIRMS and the Federal Insurance Study (FIS). The appeal process is done by filing a formal written appeal to a new or revised BFE, flood zone, or floodway. Anyone considering an appeal must provide additional scientific or technical data. An appeal is not such statements as: “FEMA’s map is wrong”, “It has not flooded as long as I have lived here”, or “I don’t want my house in the floodplain or to pay flood insurance”.
During this appeal period, FEMA will also accept any comments on the preliminary maps and studies. A comment is a minor correction to the map, such as a spelling error to a street name or correction to a jurisdictional boundary.
FEMA prefers appeals to be submitted to the Town of Fairfield from property owners, who will send them in one submission to FEMA. However, FEMA will accept submissions directly from property owners if received during the appeal period. Appeal data can be sent or emailed to FEMA or USGS (FEMA’s mapping contractor) at the contacts below:
During this appeal period, FEMA will also accept any comments on the preliminary maps and studies. A comment is a minor correction to the map, such as a spelling error to a street name or correction to a jurisdictional boundary.
FEMA prefers appeals to be submitted to the Town of Fairfield from property owners, who will send them in one submission to FEMA. However, FEMA will accept submissions directly from property owners if received during the appeal period. Appeal data can be sent or emailed to FEMA or USGS (FEMA’s mapping contractor) at the contacts below:
Colleen Bailey
Community Coordination Officer
FEMA Region I
220 Binney Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Email: colleen.bailey@fema.dhs.gov
Liz Ahearn
Project Manager
U.S. Geological Survey
339 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06118
Email: eaahearn@usgs.gov
Below are some resources for property owners on the appeal process.
Appeals and Comments, Information for Property Owners:
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_appeals-comments-info-property-owners.pdf
Appeals and Comments, Required Support Data and Documentation for Community Officials:
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_appeals-comments-data-required-community-officials_2017.pdf
Quick Links and Helpful Hints to Access the FEMA Flood Maps
- To view the preliminary flood map changes for your property, please follow the link found here. Input your address in the "Find address or place" search bar (include "Fairfield, CT" when inputting your address such as, "123 Main Street, Fairfield, CT").
- The map will take you to the property with the flood change layers turned on. You can view the names of each layer by clicking on the "layers list" button in the upper right-hand corner. The first option, "Preliminary Changes Since Last FIRM Layer" will display the areas where the flood zone was deleted or added. The third layer option, "Preliminary National Flood Hazard Layer" will show you the entire preliminary flood map for the property.
- There is also a legend button next to the layers icon. The legend provides information on what each color is on the map.
- If you are having trouble navigating the site or have questions about flood zones on your property, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Planning Office at (203) 256-3050 or email eharrigan@fairfieldct.org.