The primary source of floodplain mapping information in Michigan is the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which are developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Of the 1776 communities (Cities, villages, and townships) in Michigan, currently about 750 communities have floodplain maps that have been developed by FEMA.  A community status book may be obtained from FEMA identifying the communities which have a floodplain map developed under the National Flood Insurance Program.

FEMA is also in the process of developing digital flood insurance rate maps (DFIRM),  Check out FEMA's floodplain mapping website.

For site specific questions, the Land and Water Management Division will provide an estimated 100-year flood elevation.  To make such an estimate, the District floodplain engineer will need a map (preferably with a property description) showing the location of the property, an estimate as to how high the property is above the water level of the river, lake or stream, and how far the building site is away from the water.  There is no charge for this service, however, depending on workload, the determination may take 4 to 8 weeks.