Ceres, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ceres Municipal Code Ch. 18.40
- Freeboard outside A zones
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- A-zone state recommendation
- 2 feet above base flood elevation
- Permit authority
- City Engineer as Floodplain Administrator
- Violation classification
- Misdemeanor
Summary
New homes in Ceres flood hazard areas must have their lowest floor built at or above the base flood elevation, with at least one extra foot of freeboard outside A zones.
Residential construction, new or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement: (1) In an A zone, elevated to or above the base flood elevation...The State of California recommends the lowest floor be elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation, as determined by the community...(3) In all other zones, elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Ceres Municipal Code Chapter 18.40 sets floodplain construction standards for special flood hazard areas mapped on FEMA's flood insurance rate maps. Residential construction must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation in an A zone, and the state recommends two feet of freeboard above that. Outside A zones, the code sets a flat one-foot freeboard minimum above base flood elevation. A development permit from the Floodplain Administrator (the City Engineer or designee) is required before any construction in these areas, and the finished elevation must be certified by a registered engineer or surveyor.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required development permit, or below the mandated elevation, is a misdemeanor and leaves the structure presumed noncompliant until elevation certification is filed with the Floodplain Administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above base flood elevation must a new Ceres home be built?
Who administers Ceres' floodplain rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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