Flood Zones: Herald vs Rancho Cordova
How do flood zones rules compare between Herald, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Herald and Rancho Cordova have similar restriction levels.
Herald, CA
Sacramento County
Large portions of Sacramento County lie within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas including Natomas, the Pocket, Delta communities, and areas along the American and Sacramento Rivers. SAFCA manages regional levee improvements. CA SB 5 requires 200-year flood protection for urban development in Central Valley. County Code Chapter 27.10 is the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
View full Herald 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 | Herald | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| SFHAs | Natomas, Pocket, Delta, riverfront | - |
| Code | Chapter 27.10 | - |
| Freeboard | BFE + 1 ft | Typically 1 to 2 feet above BFE |
| State Law | SB 5 200-year standard | - |
| Agency | SAFCA regional levees | - |
| Rivers | - | American River, Morrison Creek |
| Certificate | - | Elevation cert required |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50 percent triggers compliance |
| Insurance | - | Mandatory in SFHA with mortgage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Herald FAQ
Is my home in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center by address or the Sacramento County Floodplain Management viewer. Much of Natomas, the Pocket, and Delta areas are in Zone AE.
Do I need flood insurance?
If you have a federally-backed mortgage and your home is in an SFHA, flood insurance is federally required. Even outside SFHAs, flood insurance is often recommended given regional risk.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Herald and Rancho Cordova 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