Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Plain-English definition and practical context.
Definition: Base Flood Elevation (BFE) | (BFE)
pronunciation: bee-eff-ee
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the calculated height, expressed in feet above mean sea level, that floodwaters are expected to reach during a base flood, also known as the 1 percent annual chance flood.
The BFE is determined by engineering studies conducted or adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports.
BFE plays a critical role in flood insurance and floodplain management because it is used to:
- Determine flood insurance risk and premium rates
- Establish minimum building and elevation requirements
- Assess compliance with local floodplain management regulations
In many areas, buildings must have their lowest floor elevated at or above the BFE to reduce flood risk and qualify for more favorable insurance rates.