The Mortgagee must determine if Property Improvements are located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Mortgagee must obtain flood zone determination services, independently from any assessment made by the Appraiser, to cover the Life of the Loan Flood Certification.
See Handbook 4000.1 II.A.1.b.iv(1)(a) at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh