Flood Maps

Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Maps

Kalamazoo County and the City of Portage last adopted Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) in 2010. These maps are used by permit officials, builders and developers, lenders, realtors, insurance agents, and citizens to determine flood risk, develop mitigation measures, and encourage wise and responsible risk management decision-making for development within the 100-year floodplain.

Interactive City of Portage Map 

Click on the interactive city floodplains map HERE to find out if your City of Portage property is within a FEMA-designated floodplain area. Kalamazoo County residents who live and/or own property outside of the City of Portage should contact the jurisdiction that the property is located in or Kalamazoo County Planning Department for information on maps depicting floodplain areas throughout the remainder of the county.


Flood Insurance Study

A flood insurance study for Kalamazoo County was also adopted and became effective on February 17, 2010. For more information please view the study, which was the basis for the floodplain maps and has an effect on flood insurance rates for county property owners. Due to the City of Portage being an accredited partner with the federal National Floodplain Insurance Program, property owners are eligible for lower flood insurance if their property is located in a FEMA designated floodplain area. 


Letters of Map Change, Revisions, & Amendments

Over the years, some Portage property owners may have received a Letter of Map Change (LOMC), Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) providing verification that although their property had been removed from floodplain status by FEMA, the change was not reflected in current maps. 

As part of the process to institute new floodplain maps for Kalamazoo County, FEMA has reaffirmed which local properties are no longer considered to be located in floodplains. If your property is deemed outside of a floodplain, FEMA has sent a new LOMC, LOMA, or LOMR letter to your property shortly after the new maps were approved.


Community Development maintains records of all LOMAs issued within the City of Portage.  Floodplain related questions can be directed to Community Development at (269) 329-4477.