Flood Zones: Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do flood zones rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Garden Grove has fewer restrictions than Costa Mesa.
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 →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove has some FEMA-designated flood zones. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Properties near channels may require flood insurance.
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Program | - | NFIP participant |
| Risk Areas | - | Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel |
| Insurance | - | Required in flood zones |
| Flood Control | - | OC Flood Control District |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Garden Grove FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA maps. Areas near the Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel are most likely in flood zones.
Do I need flood insurance?
Required in Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally-backed mortgages.
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