Flood Zones: Anaheim vs Fullerton
How do flood zones rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Anaheim and Fullerton 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 →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Fullerton Municipal Code Section 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development). The city has adopted FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Orange County, dated December 3, 2009. New construction and substantial improvements within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) - Zones A, AO, AE, AH, A99 - must meet elevation, anchoring, and flood-resistant construction standards.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| Codes | AMC 17.28 / 18.28 | - |
| Flood Source | Santa Ana River | - |
| Insurance | Required in SFHA | - |
| FEMA Maps | FIRM available online | - |
| Local Ordinance | - | FMC 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development) |
| Current FIRMs Effective | - | December 3, 2009 (Orange County FIS) |
| Regulated Zones | - | A, AO, AE, AH, A99 (SFHA) |
| AE Zone Elevation | - | Lowest floor 1 ft above BFE |
| AO Zone Elevation | - | 1 ft above FIRM depth, or 3 ft above grade |
| Floodplain Contact | - | Engineering (714) 738-6845 |
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.
Fullerton FAQ
How do I find out if my Fullerton property is in a flood zone?
Look up your address on FEMA's Map Service Center against the December 3, 2009 Orange County FIRMs, or contact Fullerton's Engineering Division at (714) 738-6845. Per FMC 14.01.015, if any part of your property is in an AO zone, the entire property is treated as AO.
What if I want to build or remodel in a Fullerton flood zone?
You'll need a floodplain development permit. Under FMC 14.01.015, residential lowest floors must be elevated 1 foot above BFE in AE zones, 1 foot above the FIRM depth (or 3 feet above grade) in AO zones, and at or above BFE in A zones. The Building Official reviews AE zone permits to confirm no adverse impact on flood carrying capacity.
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