Flood Zones: Fullerton vs Santa Ana
How do flood zones rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Fullerton and Santa Ana 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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations for properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. The city's floodplain management ordinance requires structures in flood zones to be elevated above base flood elevation. The Santa Ana River corridor and Santiago Creek present the primary flood risks within city limits.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes — National Flood Insurance Program |
| Primary Flood Sources | - | Santa Ana River and Santiago Creek |
| Elevation Required | - | Above Base Flood Elevation in SFHA |
| FEMA Maps | - | Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) |
| Permit Required | - | Floodplain development permit for SFHA work |
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
How do I find out if my Santa Ana property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or contact the city's Public Works department. The Santa Ana River corridor and Santiago Creek areas are the primary flood risk zones.
What building requirements apply in Santa Ana flood zones?
Structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas must be elevated above Base Flood Elevation and comply with the city's floodplain management ordinance. A floodplain development permit is required.
Compare other topics
See how Fullerton and Santa Ana 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