Flood Zones: Petaluma vs Santa Rosa
How do flood zones rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Santa Rosa, CA?
Petaluma and Santa Rosa have similar restriction levels.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Petaluma IZO Ch. 6 (Floodplain Management) regulates development in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Petaluma River corridor and downtown lowlands include extensive 100-year floodplain.
View full Petaluma rules →Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa has FEMA-designated flood zones primarily along Santa Rosa Creek and its tributaries. Development in flood zones requires elevation certificates, flood insurance, and compliance with local floodplain management regulations.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Freeboard | +1 ft above BFE | - |
| Floodway | Most development prohibited | - |
| Code | Petaluma IZO §6.050 | - |
| Program | - | National Flood Insurance Program |
| Primary Risk | - | Santa Rosa Creek and tributaries |
| Requirement | - | Elevation above Base Flood Elevation |
| Insurance | - | Required in Special Flood Hazard Areas |
| Administrator | - | City Floodplain Administrator |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Is downtown Petaluma in the floodplain?
Yes — significant portions of the historic downtown and Petaluma Boulevard are within the 100-year floodplain along the Petaluma River.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Santa Rosa?
Check FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps or contact the city's Floodplain Administrator. Properties near Santa Rosa Creek and its tributaries are most likely in flood zones.
Do I need flood insurance in Santa Rosa?
If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone A or AE) and you have a federally-backed mortgage, flood insurance is required.
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