Shasta County, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (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.
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.
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?
Can a commercial building be built below the base flood level?
Who verifies compliance with the freeboard rule before a permit is issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shasta County
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