Flood Zones: Altadena vs Burbank
How do flood zones rules compare between Altadena, CA and Burbank, CA?
Altadena and Burbank have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Most of Altadena is in FEMA Flood Zone X (minimal hazard), but the area along Eaton Wash, the Arroyo Seco tributaries, and post-Eaton Fire burn-scar areas have heightened flood and debris-flow risk. LA County Code Ch. 22.142 (Floodplain Management) applies in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas.
View full Altadena rules →Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Portions of Burbank near the Los Angeles River and Tujunga Wash are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties in Zone A or AE may require flood insurance and elevated construction. Contact Public Works at (818) 238-3915 or check FEMA maps at msc.fema.gov.
View full Burbank rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Most of Altadena | Zone X (minimal hazard) | - |
| Eaton Wash Adjacent | Zone A / AE possible | - |
| Code Section | LA County Code Ch. 22.142 | - |
| BFE+1 Required | In SFHA | - |
| Post-Eaton Fire | Elevated debris-flow risk | - |
| Flood Areas | - | Near LA River and Tujunga Wash |
| FEMA Maps | - | msc.fema.gov |
| SFHA Requirement | - | Flood insurance may be required |
| Contact | - | Public Works (818) 238-3915 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Is Altadena in a flood zone?
Most of Altadena is in FEMA Zone X (minimal hazard), but areas along Eaton Wash and the foothill channels can be in Zone A/AE. Check the FEMA Map Service Center for your specific parcel.
Did the Eaton Fire affect flood risk?
Yes — post-fire burn scar areas above Altadena have elevated debris-flow and flash-flood risk during winter storms. USGS and NWS issue post-fire debris-flow advisories.
Burbank FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Burbank?
Portions of Burbank near the Los Angeles River and Tujunga Wash are in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Properties in Zone A or AE may require flood insurance and elevated construction. Contact Public Works at (818) 238-3915 or check FEMA maps at msc.fema.gov.
Do I need flood insurance in Burbank?
Flood Areas: Near LA River and Tujunga Wash. FEMA Maps: msc.fema.gov. SFHA Requirement: Flood insurance may be required. Contact: Public Works (818) 238-3915.
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