Pre-FIRM Building
Plain-English definition and practical context.
Definition: Pre-FIRM Building | (Pre-FIRM)
pronunciation: pree-ferm
A Pre-FIRM building is a structure for which the start of construction or substantial improvement occurred on or before December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of the community’s first Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), whichever date is later.
This classification is used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to identify buildings that were constructed before modern floodplain management standards were established. Because these buildings predate mapped flood risk data, they were historically eligible for subsidized flood insurance rates under earlier NFIP rating methodologies.
While flood insurance pricing methods have evolved, including the introduction of Risk Rating 2.0, the distinction between Pre-FIRM and Post-FIRM buildings remains important for understanding a property’s flood risk, regulatory requirements, and insurance considerations.
Sources & Authority
Flood Insurance Manual – Definitions and Rating Guidance
Definition and classification guidance provided by the NFIP and Federal Emergency Management Agency, including historical use of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).