The Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval of new flood insurance rate maps, which are developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Several citizens spoke in a public hearing regarding the new maps. Some were concerned that their properties are affected, even though they are relatively high up and not near a substantial source of water.

Lou Heffington, who lives on Nansemond Parkway, said her home is near a 30-foot ravine that has a tiny, 12-inch creek in it.

“People that need flood insurance need to have it, but people that have something 30 feet deep don’t,” she said.

Suffolk must approve the new flood maps by Aug. 3, or the city — and therefore all of its residents — will be suspended from participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Structures in a floodplain generally are required to have flood insurance by financial lenders.

The City Council also will have to approve the maps.

To find out if your property is affected, visit msc.fema.gov. You can also call the Suffolk Planning and Community Development Department at 514-4060.

To check our your level of risk of being affected by storm surge during a hurricane, visit www.vaemergency.gov.