Flood Zones: Chino vs Fontana
How do flood zones rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
The City of Chino participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and adopts the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for San Bernardino County. Most of Chino is mapped Zone X (minimal flood hazard), but Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA — Zones A/AE) follow Chino Creek, Mill Creek, San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel and the Prado Flood Control Basin. The southern edge of the city below elevation 566 ft is within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Prado Dam inundation/flowage easement.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana participates in the National Flood Insurance Program using FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Areas near San Sevaine and Etiwanda Creek channels fall within Zone A and Zone AE.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP status | Chino participates; FEMA FIRMs for San Bernardino County apply | - |
| State floor | CCR Title 23 Div. 5 §2900 et seq. | - |
| BFE freeboard | Lowest floor ≥ 1 ft above BFE in SFHAs | - |
| Substantial improvement | 50% of pre-improvement market value | - |
| Prado Dam pool | Up to 566 ft elevation (USACE flowage easement in southern Chino) | - |
| Look up your zone | FEMA Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) | - |
| Program | - | NFIP (FEMA) |
| Key Zones | - | A, AE near channels |
| Freeboard | - | 1 ft above BFE typical |
| Rule Threshold | - | 50% substantial improvement |
| Insurance | - | Required in SFHA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Is my Chino home in a flood zone?
Most of Chino is in Zone X (minimal hazard), but properties along Chino Creek, Mill Creek, San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, and parcels in the southern Prado Basin area can be in Zone A or AE. Enter your address at msc.fema.gov to see the official FIRM panel.
Do I need flood insurance in Chino?
Federally backed mortgages require flood insurance for structures in any Special Flood Hazard Area (A, AE, AO, AH, VE zones). Outside the SFHA it is optional but recommended — homeowner policies do not cover flood damage.
Can I build below the Prado Dam 566-foot line?
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flowage easements limit habitable structures and certain improvements below elevation 566 ft. Chino zoned much of the affected area for passive recreation / open space after the 2003 dam modification. Contact USACE Los Angeles District and Chino Planning before any work.
What is the BFE+1 rule?
California's NFIP-implementing regulation (CCR Title 23 §2900 et seq.) requires the lowest floor of new residential construction in an SFHA to be at least 1 foot above the Base Flood Elevation shown on the FIRM. This 1-foot 'freeboard' exceeds the federal NFIP minimum.
Fontana FAQ
Is my Fontana home in a FEMA flood zone?
Check the FEMA Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) with your address. Properties near San Sevaine Creek, Etiwanda Creek, or Lytle Creek are most likely to be in Zone A or AE.
Do I need flood insurance in Fontana?
Federally backed mortgage lenders require NFIP flood insurance in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Elsewhere in Fontana flood insurance is optional.
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