Flood Zones: Folsom vs Rancho Cordova
How do flood zones rules compare between Folsom, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Folsom and Rancho Cordova have similar restriction levels.
Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Folsom has FEMA-designated flood zones along the American River, Willow Creek, Humbug Creek, and the Folsom Dam spillway inundation area. Folsom participates in the NFIP. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas must be elevated per FMC Title 16.
View full Folsom rules →Rancho Cordova, CA
Sacramento County
Rancho Cordova participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Areas near the American River and Morrison Creek fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas.
View full Rancho Cordova rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Folsom | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Program | NFIP participant | - |
| Ordinance | FMC Title 16 | - |
| Key waterways | American River, Willow/Alder/Humbug Creeks | - |
| Dam spillway | Auxiliary inundation mapped | - |
| Insurance | Required in Zone AE | Mandatory in SFHA with mortgage |
| Rivers | - | American River, Morrison Creek |
| Freeboard | - | Typically 1 to 2 feet above BFE |
| Certificate | - | Elevation cert required |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50 percent triggers compliance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Folsom FAQ
Is my Folsom home in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov using your address. Properties near the American River, the three named creeks, and within the Folsom Dam spillway inundation boundary are most likely to be in Zone A or AE.
Does Folsom Dam make my home safer?
The 2017 auxiliary spillway and raised main dam increased flood capacity. However, FEMA still maps downstream Zone AE for extreme events. Flood insurance and elevation rules still apply in mapped zones.
Rancho Cordova FAQ
How do I know if my property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov by address, or contact Rancho Cordova Building Division for a determination.
Do I need flood insurance?
Federally backed mortgages on property in SFHA (Zones A and AE) require flood insurance. It is optional but recommended outside SFHAs.
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