Flood Zones: Clovis vs Reedley
How do flood zones rules compare between Clovis, CA and Reedley, CA?
Clovis has fewer restrictions than Reedley.
Clovis, CA
Fresno County
Clovis participates in NFIP. Most of the city is Zone X (minimal risk); areas near Dry Creek and Dog Creek may be in Zone A/AE. Floodplain management per Clovis Municipal Code Title 9, Ch. 9.52.
View full Clovis rules →Reedley, CA
Fresno County
Reedley is bounded by the Kings River to the west, creating significant flood risk in portions of the city that fall within FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones AE and A). The city regulates development in these flood hazard areas under Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 1, which implements the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements administered by FEMA. Properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area must elevate the lowest floor of new construction to or above the base flood elevation (BFE), and floodplain development permits are required before any construction, grading, or fill activity within mapped flood zones. The 2024 Fresno County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies Kings River flooding as a primary hazard for Reedley, noting that low-lying areas including the Reedley Mobile Home Park are particularly flood-prone. High-water events in 2017 and 2023 prompted evacuations along the Kings River corridor through Reedley.
View full Reedley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clovis | Reedley |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP | Participating community | - |
| Code | CMC Ch. 9.52 | - |
| Main Risk | Dry Creek, Dog Creek | - |
| Most of City | Zone X (minimal) | - |
| Elevation | At or above BFE | - |
| Flood Code | - | RMC Title 12, Chapter 1 |
| River | - | Kings River (west boundary) |
| FEMA Zones | - | Zone AE and Zone A |
| Elevation Required | - | Lowest floor at or above BFE |
| Upstream Dam | - | Pine Flat Dam (USACE) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clovis FAQ
Do I need flood insurance in Clovis?
Only if your property is in FEMA Zone A or AE (typically near Dry Creek or Dog Creek). Most of Clovis is Zone X (minimal risk). Check the FEMA Map Service Center or your lender.
Can I build near Dry Creek?
Yes, but structures in the mapped floodway are restricted and new buildings in the SFHA must be elevated to Base Flood Elevation per CMC Ch. 9.52.
Reedley FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Reedley?
Properties along the Kings River corridor and in low-lying areas may be in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones AE or A). Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov with your address, or contact the Community Development Department at (559) 637-4200 for a floodplain determination.
What are the building requirements in Reedley flood zones?
New construction in the Special Flood Hazard Area must elevate the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation. A floodplain development permit is required. Enclosures below the BFE must have flood openings for automatic water entry and exit. Non-residential structures may alternatively be dry floodproofed.
Is flood insurance required in Reedley?
Yes, for structures with federally-backed mortgages in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas. Flood insurance is strongly recommended even outside mapped zones, as Kings River flooding during events like 2017 and 2023 can affect areas beyond the mapped 100-year floodplain.
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