Hemet, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- AO zone standard
- FIRM depth number, or 2 ft minimum
- A zone / other zones
- At or above base flood elevation
- Who certifies
- Registered engineer or surveyor
- Administrator
- City engineer (floodplain administrator)
- Violation
- Misdemeanor, § 14-238
Summary
Hemet requires new and substantially improved buildings in mapped flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation, verified by a registered engineer or surveyor.
Residential construction, new or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement: a.In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. b.In an A zone, elevated to or above the base flood elevation, as determined by this community. c.In all other zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
In the city's special flood hazard areas, Hemet City Code § 14-276(c)(1) sets the elevation standard for new residential construction: in an AO zone, the lowest floor must clear the highest adjacent grade by the FIRM-specified depth number (or two feet if none is specified); in an A zone and all other zones, the lowest floor must sit at or above the base flood elevation. A registered engineer or surveyor must certify the finished elevation to the floodplain administrator (the city engineer) before the building is occupied.
Violations & Fines
Building without required elevation or certification is a misdemeanor under § 14-238; the city council may also take direct legal action to stop or remedy the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a new house be built in a Hemet flood zone?
Who verifies the elevation is correct?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hemet
California rules heatmap·Compare Hemet to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle flood elevation requirements.