Buena Park, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Lowest floor at/above base flood elevation
- Zones AE/AH/AO
- Plus 2 ft above adjacent grade
- Certification
- Registered engineer or surveyor required
- Governing chapter
- BPMC Chapter 18.220, Flood Hazard Reduction
- Enacted
- Ordinance 1210 § 3 (1987)
Summary
In Buena Park's special flood hazard areas, new construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor elevated to or above the base flood elevation, with the finished elevation certified by a registered engineer or surveyor.
New construction and substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. Nonresidential structures may meet the standards in subsection(C)(3) of Section 18.220.010. Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor including basement shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor. Such certification shall be provided in writing to the city engineer.
2. New construction and substantial improvement of any structure in Zones AE, AH or AO, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified in feet of the on the FIRM, or at least two feet if no depth number is specified. Nonresidential structures may meet the standards in Section 18.220.010(C)(3). Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor including basement shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor. Such certification shall be provided in writing to the floodplain administrator.
3. Nonresidential construction shall either be elevated in conformance with Section 18.220.010(C)(1) or 18.220.010(C)(2), together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities:
a. Be floodproofed so that below the base flood level the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
b.
Full Breakdown
Buena Park Municipal Code § 18.220.010, in the Chapter 18.220 flood-hazard-reduction rules of Title 18's Floodplain Management division, sets the elevation and flood-proofing standards for special flood hazard areas. New construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. In Zones AE, AH, or AO, the lowest floor must sit at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade, or higher if the FIRM specifies a greater depth number. Nonresidential buildings may floodproof instead of elevating, but every finished elevation must be certified in writing to the city engineer by a registered professional engineer or surveyor.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required elevation without an approved floodproofing certification can block permit sign-off, jeopardize National Flood Insurance Program coverage, and expose the owner to code enforcement action under Chapter 18.212's floodplain remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a nonresidential building can't be elevated to the base flood elevation?
Who certifies the flood elevation in Buena Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle flood elevation requirements.