Flood Zones: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do flood zones rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA flood zones. Structures in Zone A or AE must meet base flood elevation standards; floodplain permits required.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| NFIP Participation | - | Active NFIP community |
| Key Flood Areas | - | Santa Ana River, Warm Creek, City Creek |
| Freeboard Required | - | BFE plus 1 foot |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50% of structure value |
| Regional Agency | - | SB County Flood Control District |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I check if my San Bernardino property is in a flood zone?
Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov and enter your address. San Bernardino Community Development staff can also confirm your zone and any local floodplain overlays at (909) 384-5122.
Do I need flood insurance in San Bernardino?
Properties in Zones A, AE, or AO with federally backed mortgages require flood insurance. Homeowners in Zone X can purchase Preferred Risk Policies at lower cost. Alluvial fan and debris flow areas in the foothills have significant risk even outside mapped zones.
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