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San Rafael, CA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Freeboard
1 foot above base flood elevation
Plus
30-year predicted settlement allowance
Zones covered
AE, AH, V, and VE
Certification
Registered engineer or surveyor required

Summary

New and substantially improved buildings in San Rafael's mapped flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, plus predicted 30-year settlement, before occupancy.

Residential construction, new or substantial improvement, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, ... In an AE or AH zone, elevated to a height equal to or exceeding one (1) foot above the base flood elevation plus predicted thirty (30) years settlement; said base flood elevation shall be determined by one of the methods on Section 18.40.030 B of this ordinance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).

Full Breakdown

SRMC § 18.50.010.C requires new construction and substantial improvements in AE, AH, V, or VE flood zones to elevate the lowest floor, including any basement, at least one foot above the base flood elevation, plus predicted 30-year settlement: a freeboard margin above FEMA's baseline. Upon completion, a registered engineer or surveyor must certify the finished elevation, verified by the city's building inspector, and the certification is filed with the floodplain administrator. Nonresidential buildings may floodproof to the same elevation instead of physically raising the structure.

Violations & Fines

A structure lacking the required elevation certificate is presumed in violation under SRMC § 18.20.010's 'Violation' definition until documentation is provided; noncompliance is a misdemeanor enforceable under § 18.30.030.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as the base flood elevation?
The elevation of the flood having a one percent annual chance of occurring, the '100-year flood', as shown on Marin County's FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map.
Can a nonresidential building floodproof instead of elevating?
Yes. Nonresidential construction may be flood proofed watertight to the required elevation instead of physically raised, per SRMC § 18.50.010.C.2, if certified by a registered engineer or architect.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Rafael

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBoat Dock PermitsSignificant RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSignificant RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All San Rafael rules

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