Flood Zones: Fullerton vs Midway City
How do flood zones rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Midway City, CA?
Fullerton and Midway City have similar restriction levels.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Fullerton Municipal Code Section 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development). The city has adopted FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Orange County, dated December 3, 2009. New construction and substantial improvements within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) - Zones A, AO, AE, AH, A99 - must meet elevation, anchoring, and flood-resistant construction standards.
View full Fullerton rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Orange County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain construction standards in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas across unincorporated communities and county-administered watersheds.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ordinance | FMC 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development) | - |
| Current FIRMs Effective | December 3, 2009 (Orange County FIS) | - |
| Regulated Zones | A, AO, AE, AH, A99 (SFHA) | - |
| AE Zone Elevation | Lowest floor 1 ft above BFE | - |
| AO Zone Elevation | 1 ft above FIRM depth, or 3 ft above grade | - |
| Floodplain Contact | Engineering (714) 738-6845 | - |
| Program | - | FEMA NFIP |
| Trigger | - | 50% substantial improvement |
| Coastal zones | - | VE (wave hazard) |
| Department | - | OC Public Works |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
How do I find out if my Fullerton property is in a flood zone?
Look up your address on FEMA's Map Service Center against the December 3, 2009 Orange County FIRMs, or contact Fullerton's Engineering Division at (714) 738-6845. Per FMC 14.01.015, if any part of your property is in an AO zone, the entire property is treated as AO.
What if I want to build or remodel in a Fullerton flood zone?
You'll need a floodplain development permit. Under FMC 14.01.015, residential lowest floors must be elevated 1 foot above BFE in AE zones, 1 foot above the FIRM depth (or 3 feet above grade) in AO zones, and at or above BFE in A zones. The Building Official reviews AE zone permits to confirm no adverse impact on flood carrying capacity.
Midway City FAQ
How do I know if my property is in a flood zone?
Check FEMA Flood Map Service Center or OC Public Works floodplain viewer using your address. Zone designations determine insurance and building requirements.
Do I need flood insurance?
Federally backed mortgages in Zone A or VE require flood insurance. Other property owners may purchase voluntarily through the NFIP.
Compare other topics
See how Fullerton and Midway City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool