Post-FIRM Building
Plain-English definition and practical context.
Definition: Post-FIRM Building | (Post-FIRM)
pronunciation: post-furm
Post-FIRM is an NFIP rating term that helps determine how a building is treated for flood insurance pricing and certain coverage rules.
A building is considered Post-FIRM when either of the following is true:
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The building’s start of construction occurred after December 31, 1974, or
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The building’s start of construction (or substantial improvement) occurred on or after the effective date of the community’s initial FIRM, whichever is later.
Why it matters: Post-FIRM buildings are generally expected to have been built under modern floodplain management rules in place when the first FIRM became effective, and that can affect rating, elevation requirements, and how some parts of the building are treated under NFIP coverage guidelines.
Sources & Authority
Code of Federal Regulations (NFIP / Standard Flood Insurance Policy definitions)
Includes the definition of “Post-FIRM Building” as construction or substantial improvement after 12/31/1974, or on/after the effective date of the initial FIRM, whichever is later.