Flood Zones: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do flood zones rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim regulates development in flood zones under AMC 17.28 (Flood Hazard Reduction) and AMC 18.28 (Floodplain Overlay Zone). The Santa Ana River and its tributaries create FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas throughout the city.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Title 13 (Planning, Zoning and Development), Chapter V, Article 8 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code. Sections 13-81 through 13-83 govern uses permitted in designated floodway fringe and Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) shown on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, development standards for floodway areas, and exceptions. The Santa Ana River forms Costa Mesa's western boundary and Upper Newport Bay borders the city's eastern edge - both are primary regulated drainages. State authority for floodplain regulation derives from California Water Code Sections 9100 et seq. (Flood Control) and Section 8400 (state floodway designation). FEMA's currently effective Orange County FIRM panels apply to all floodplain determinations within city limits.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Codes | AMC 17.28 / 18.28 | - |
| Flood Source | Santa Ana River | - |
| Insurance | Required in SFHA | - |
| FEMA Maps | FIRM available online | - |
| Local Code | - | Costa Mesa MC Title 13, Chapter V, Article 8 (Sections 13-81 to 13-83) |
| State Law | - | Cal. Water Code Sections 9100, 9620, 9650 |
| Federal Law | - | 44 CFR Parts 59-72 (NFIP) |
| Primary Drainages | - | Santa Ana River (west), Upper Newport Bay (east) |
| Flood Maps | - | FEMA Orange County FIRM (msc.fema.gov) |
| NFIP Status | - | Participating community |
| Permit Authority | - | Costa Mesa Development Services / Building Division |
| Elevation Cert. | - | Required for new/substantially improved structures in SFHA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Is my Anaheim property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or contact the Planning Department at 714-765-5139. The Santa Ana River creates significant flood hazard areas.
Do I need flood insurance in Anaheim?
If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and has a federally insured mortgage, yes. Standard homeowner policies do not cover floods.
Costa Mesa FAQ
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