Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Shasta County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Freeboard height
1 foot above base flood level
Applies to
Residential structures, F-2 district
Nonresidential alternative
Certified floodproofing to same height
Enforcing office
Floodplain administrator, Resource Management
Mobile homes
Lowest floor at or above BFE, anchored
RV stay limit in flood zones
Under 180 consecutive days

Summary

In Shasta County's F-2 floodplain combining district, new residential structures and substantial improvements must sit at least one foot above the base flood level. The Resource Management Department's floodplain administrator enforces the standard through building permit review and elevation certificates.

City-specific rules exist: Redding has its own flood elevation requirements rules that differ from Shasta County's county-level regulations. If you live in Redding, check the city-specific page instead.

D.The lowest floor, including the basement, of all residential structures or substantial improvements to existing residential structures shall be constructed at least one foot above the base flood level.E.The lowest floor, including the basement, of all nonresidential structures, or substantial improvements to existing nonresidential structures may be below the base flood level, provided the structure, utilities and water and sewage disposal facilities are floodproofed to a point at least one foot above the base flood level.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code: Supplement 22).

Full Breakdown

050 sets the site development standards that apply to all uses in the F-2 (floodplain) combining district. " Nonresidential structures get an alternative path under subsection E: they may sit below base flood level only if the structure and its utilities, water supply and sewage disposal facilities are floodproofed to at least one foot above the base flood level, certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed architect as adequate to withstand flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces. 040), and the building official cannot issue the permit until the floodplain administrator confirms the design minimizes flood damage.

050 was met. 050(I) requires they be elevated on a permanent foundation so the lowest floor sits at or above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored. Recreational vehicles in flood zones A, A1-A30, AH and AE may only remain on a site fewer than 180 consecutive days unless they meet the full elevation and anchoring standards. 060 but the code itself calls them rare given the insurance and safety stakes, and requires written notice that a variance can raise flood insurance premiums to as much as $25 per $100 of coverage.

Violations & Fines

Building without the elevation certificate or other required proof of compliance is defined as a "violation" under Section 17.70.010(T). The floodplain administrator and building official withhold permit approval and can require corrective floodproofing or elevation work before final inspection or certificate of occupancy. Any variance granted below the flood level must be recorded with the county recorder against the property's chain of title, permanently disclosing the increased flood insurance cost and risk to future owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high above base flood level must a new house be built in Shasta County?
At least one foot above the base flood level for the lowest floor, including any basement, under Shasta County Code Section 17.70.050(D). This applies to new residential construction and substantial improvements to existing residential structures in the F-2 floodplain combining district.
Can a commercial building be built below the base flood level?
Yes, but only if it is floodproofed. Section 17.70.050(E) allows nonresidential structures below base flood level if the building, utilities and water and sewage systems are floodproofed to at least one foot above that level, with a registered civil engineer or licensed architect certifying the design can withstand flood forces.
Who verifies compliance with the freeboard rule before a permit is issued?
The floodplain administrator reviews base flood elevation data and the building official must find the elevation requirements of Section 17.70.050 satisfied and obtain elevation certificates before issuing a building permit, per Section 17.70.040.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shasta County

All Shasta County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Shasta County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview

Get notified when Flood Elevation Requirements in Shasta County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Flood Elevation Requirements in Cities Across Shasta County